Great quote

Joseph asked to watch LOTR today and chose FotR. Therefore I was able to hear one of my most favorite quotes of all time.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo."So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

20130425 - Mama squirrel is hungry

Last year we had ducklings. I still miss them so.  This year I have become quite fond of a little girl squirrel. I can't tell if she's just had babies or is getting ready to, but she is the cutest thing ever!  She has gotten quite brave around us and I have even hand fed her once.  This morning I snapped a few photos and videos of her.




20130413 - Joseph's Postponed Birthday Party


 Chuck E. Cheese crowning Joseph
 It's official - Joseph is finally 7!!!!
 The receiving line begins...
SQQQQQUUUUEEEEAAALLLLL!
That loud noise was the belts kicking into overdrive, as Jaime pushed her horse to WIN the Derby.  Her horse was also immediately retired, following the race.  Poor thing.








It wasn't enough to put a horse out to pasture, Jaime had to wreck a few cars too.











Chuck E.'s sign says "Follow me for tickets"












Joseph and Nicholas are leading the followers












Nicole was somewhat demonic in her demands to stay at Chuck E Cheese forever











And, in the end, Nicholas and Joseph went Turbo - taking over the Extreme Eagles video game.




I made that last part up.  They just created a picture card, but going Turbo just seems so much cooler!

I've just realized how old I am

Niki's 3rd birthday was the 12th and her party was the same day.  (I'll have to insert a post for that, come to think of it.)  Among her many presents was a Toys r Us gift card, from her aunts Lori and Anita.  We took her shopping on Saturday and she bought a few things, including an umbrella and a little yellow buddy.

None of that left me missing my youth.  Even putting her to bed and sensing the photo op had me feeling the warm and fuzzy of a proud mama.

When I reviewed the photos though, while walking into my room and sitting on the edge of my bed, it became so clear.  I don't take anything to bed with me anymore.  When you're young that is the most obvious choice.  If you love it, sleep with it.  And with only 25 more shopping days until my birthday, I have resolved to pick my favorite gift, and tuck it in with me for the night.  And I'm really hoping it's a new camera.  =)

God bless!


Happy New Year!

And Merry Christmas!  Happy Thanksgiving!  Happy Halloween!  Happy Labor Day and every other holiday I missed in between.

We had a wonderful 2012.  Well, it seems that way since I was on vacation for almost two weeks there at the end, which was awesome!  Love being off with the children, especially when Christmas and New Years are in the mix.