Suggestions .... Pronto!

Quick! I need some book suggestions. I am leaving out of town on Monday and don't have a thing to read! I need a book I can get at the library, something that Oprah has not recommended (I can't do extremely depressing right now) and not something real popular -- I don't have time to be on the waiting list. I need it in my hot little hands by Saturday. Have I narrowed the options too much? What book do you love ... or liked ok? Any suggestions? Please????

If Your Happy and You Know It

Today, I'm happy. I'm happy other days too, but today is simple, clean, fresh happiness. My farmer tan has made it's yearly appearance. My windows are open. We have been outside non-stop for a week. My kids are filthy, smell like sunscreen and have slept delightfully well. I realized this winter that I'm a SAD sufferer (seasonal affective disorder). I haven't been properly diagnosed but anyone who saw, met or spoke to me this winter would probably back up my statement. I had a long, hard couple of months. This last week has been an absolute blessing. The temps are supposed to plummet this weekend but today, I'm thankful.

I love how running makes me feel and I love how it starts my day. I don't love running itself -- I used to, but I've lost it. This week has been hard. Pep talks occur nightly. Morning seems especially early. My legs are tired and my back has been hurting. However, after dragging my butt out of bed and getting my tired body outside, I'm usually glad I did. Over the last three days my morning jogs have been enjoyable. New music, good weather -- makes a difference!

This morning I didn't go running. It was such a great feeling to shut off my alarm last night! My kids slept through the night. I woke up all by myself. No alarm, no kid voices. They slept until 7:30. It was amazing!

I am starting a swimming class tonight. 5 weeks of rediscovering my stroke. Weird, I know, but I'm excited! I love swimming, I miss swimming, and there's nothing better than looking like an idiot with some friends!

We had Standards Night for YW last night. The speaker was a Principal from a local Jr. High who's a bishop (or was?) who also is fighting cancer. I totally could have ditched out but I'm glad I went. It was so nice to hear talk of respecting adults, being honest, acting your age and teenage cell phone abuse. Not sure if the youth heard a word of it (too busy texting!) but as an adult, it made me happy.

Dance is almost over! Ella is a darling dancer. She's good at it and she likes to do it. This year dance class has been a struggle. I think both of us need this year to be over and have a little time to regroup. I'll be glad when the recital is done and Ella (and me) get a break. Hopefully through the summer she remembers why she loves it. Today is just one more dance class down -- horrible, I know but it makes me happy.

Happy Thursday!

Gluttony

We have a problem at our house. One at a time doesn't register with this fella. Suggestions?

Something missing?

A picture Ella brought home to me. It says - I like to play with - with a picture of Gator, Ella and Jack. Oh, and Ariel. After praising her for good spelling and drawing skills, I noticed someone was missing. Ella, I said. Don't you like to play with Mom? Mama, she said. You need to do your jobs, silly goose.

Huh. I guess she doesn't remember the other 9 hours of the day that she needs to be entertained.

It proudly hangs on our fridge .... where I can be reminded 800 times a day of all the time I don't spend with her. Nice.

Easter

This year we decided to attempt the Barnes Park egg hunt. We've avoided it in years past -- mostly because we forget ... and are a little lazy ... and let's face it, the Gatherum Fam doesn't like crowds. But the weather turned out somewhat crummy, we felt guilty for our laziness and we ventured out. We were not disappointed! The weather kept the crowds down and Ella had a fabulous time!

Ella waiting for the race to begin. I tried to explain to her the best strategy for getting the most eggs but she wasn't interested. Her goal was to get only pink eggs. I watched her run out to the middle of the field (part of my strategy. I was hopeful!), pick up an egg, then run clear across the field to the next pink egg she had spotted. Then, run back to where she began and pick up another pink egg. She ran three times as far as any other kid there, but she did end up with a bag full of pink eggs. She was pleased.


We didn't let Jack participate this year. Anyone who knows Jack probably isn't surprised.


Coloring eggs. I love coloring eggs. I found myself cheating Ella out of them just for my own pleasure. Next year I'll cook a couple extra dozen just for me! Very therapeutic!


Easter morn. I love this picture because it's exactly what Ella looks like every morning -- sleepy and rumpled with hair standing on end! Oh, I love this girl!


And my Jack. In his pink jammies. Yes, I still put him in pink jammies because he's too dang cute n them. Pink really is a good color on him!


Later, we went to Gator's parents for dinner and more egg hunting. The food was great and the kids were in heaven. Especially Jack. He's never been surrounded by so much candy! He's never been allowed to eat so much candy! I was sick watching him.


Ella and her loot.


We had a great day and had so much fun with family!

Happiness

Have you guys seen this before? Yes? What? You mean I've posted this on my blog 17 times before? Well, I don't care how many times I've forced you to watch it. If it doesn't make you smile, there's something wrong with you! Until I can come up with something to blog about, enjoy!