5.13

Friday.  Preston was excited to finally finish and turn in his diorama today.  It is part of a project that he has been working on for a few weeks.  5th grade is wrapping up and it is hard to imagine my Preston will be in MIDDLE SCHOOL next year!  Yikes!  5th grade is a big year.  Lots of changes!  I remember with Riley this being a pivotal year, and it has proven again to be the year of change.  Preston is such a kind friend to everyone he meets and encourages those around him.  2 teachers just told me last week how they depend on Preston to be a calming effect for a couple of students who struggle in class.  Preston works VERY hard at school and puts forth so much effort!  I am very proud of how diligently he works and what a good kid he is!!  Great job Preston!

5.11

Wednesday.  Wyatt's very fun teacher, Mrs. Egan, asked if I could come to school to help with a special surprise for the kids.  She found strawberries on a great sale and wanted to surprise her kids with dipping them in chocolate.  What a fun and BRAVE teacher Wyatt has!  It was fun to hang out with them for a little while and watch the excitement!!   

5.9

Monday.  Bryant has been working on writing his name lately.  He doesn't love to do it.  I have to bribe him (see chocolate? :).  I'm excited to help Bryant learn this and many other fun things to get him ready for school someday.  I can't believe how big he is getting and know that before long he will be old and busy.  I want to remember this treasured time with my baby! (Yes, I know he really isn't a baby any more... but he will always be MY baby!)

5.8

Sunday.  Mothers Day!  I felt very pampered waking up to a pancake breakfast made by Riley!!  How sweet!!  I enjoyed all the nice cards my children made for me at school!  Vince made it back from work in time to go to church (which is a gift in itself, considering his new schedule:).  I enjoyed the candy bar given out to all the mothers after sacrament meeting.  I really enjoyed the 2nd candy bar given to me later in the hall because my children all downed the first one!  :)  I relaxed while Vince made dinner and the boys cleaned up after dinner.  What a wonderful Mothers Day!  I am very blessed to be surrounded by such a sweet family!  I am so thankful to be their mom!

2.21

Monday.  Brenna made me this sweet "welcome home sign".  My girl... so sweet!  I missed her too! :)

2.20

Sunday.  Dad brought me to the airport very early this morning.  (What a good dad!)   As I sat and waited for my flight, I pondered the great time that I had with my parents.  The pearls of wisdom that I gleaned from them.  The calming spirit that they have.  The great example of service and the love that they share for each other.  I will wrap that all up in a little bow and take it with me as a gift.  I will take that gift back home with me to share with my family.  To help me through when times feel difficult.  To be that encouraging voice in my head.  Thank you mom and dad for the wonderful trip, and for just being who you are! 

(pics from their bathroom mirrors -- little reminders of why they are there  :)

(their apartment)



2.19

  Saturday.  Mom made fudge last night to teach me and Becky how it is done.  I just don't have confidence in myself with fudge.  Ohhhh, but I love it!!  It is divine!! 

We then went to a plantation.  It was cool!!  It is a working plantation.  They still grow many things and give a wonderful tour!  We learned all about slaves on plantations and how their life was back then.  Saw the beautiful grounds and marveled at the size and production that this plantation had.  We saw many other wonderful sights, including where George Washington did, well just about anything in Charleston... went to church, slept, went to a ball, and saved a tree! :)  It was cool! 

We went to Fort Moultrie and walked on the beach for a little while.  It was beautiful and relaxing. Mom and Dad are very happy.  It was so nice to visit with them.  Feel of their spirit.  They are in the service of our Lord and that obviously agrees with them!  Charleston South Carolina is a lucky place to have these 2!