busy, busy bees......

We have been blessed w/some pretty amazing weather around here lately (nothing like what the Midwest and east coasters are going thru). It has been in the high 50's to low 60's and with it comes lots of fun time outside for the kids and I. I have been weeding out flower beds (as best as I can because I just don't bend at the waist anymore) and even saw a bee buzzing around the yard. The daffodils are up and just getting ready to start blooming, and the tulips are not far behind. I've already mowed the yard a few times, and it's only the first week of February. LOVE THIS WEATHER!!!

The boys have been reacquainting themselves w/their various dirt piles and spending hours digging for bugs, worms, and other creepy crawlies. Miss M' is happy racing Chloe, our beautiful Golden Retriever around the yard, or jumping feverishly on the trampoline. Although Miss A' has been walking around like crazy the outdoor terrain is a little challenging for her, and she can't quite maintain balance on the uneven ground. She is, however quite happy to swing, go down the slide, and sit in the grass enjoying the new texture on her hands.

We've also had a lot of celebrations around here. The end of January and February are busy birthday months. My little nephew, Kyle turned 1. My own momma turned 60 (ahem...I mean 40) on January 26. Miss M' turned 11 on the 30th of January. My brother-in-law celebrated his 21st birthday a few days ago while finishing up basic training in California. Poor guy.....he can't even get a phone call from loved ones b/c of Marine Corp rules. My niece turned 5 and had a fantastic birthday party on Saturday at a children's museum. My father-in-law will also be 60 on Thursday. And, last but not least.....two of my nephews will celebrate their birthdays in February....Benjamin (Feb. 9 and a big 17 years old!) and Kyle (Feb. 27 and 14 years old!). So......happy birthday to all of our loved ones!!! If I forgot anyone, sorry. There are a lot of you. :)

Today, I had the supreme privilege of accompanying my handsome son and his class to a ballet performance in a nearby city (a HUGE thank you to my awesome mother-in-law for watching the two young ones while I went....much appreciated, and we love you!). I had a great time spending some alone time with J-man, and I even caught him smiling on the bus ride down. He reached over and hugged me and told me, "thanks mom. I love you." My little J-man isn't super affectionate, so it brought tears to this momma's eyes. We had a great time together, even if ballet is not my boys "cup of tea." He leaned over to me about 5 minutes into the show and said in a most annoyed voice, "is this for REAL? Can we go now?" Later, I looked over to find him snoozing right thru all of the dancing. It really was beautiful to watch, but I can't apologize for my boy.....he is who he is. :) Alas......maybe my girls will appreciate culture and the arts. I can only be so hopeful.

Tomorrow, we will head off to Children's for another neurology appt. for Miss A. Please keep her in your prayers. It should be rather routine, but the appts. are usually pretty exhausting for her and for her momma. :) A' will have her last home therapy sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, and then she will begin preschool next week. My little lady is going to school!

Anyhoo, that is what's what around here. :)