What I learned from my daughter this morning.

The house was quiet.  The morning rush was over and the boys were away at school.  I was changing Isla and getting her dressed for the day.  The messy part was over and as I reached for an outfit to put on I noticed her tickling her fingertips up and down her torso.  A little smile danced on her lips and goosebumps rose on her skin.  She was delighted by the feeling.  She was discovering how good her skin felt.  I realised how wonderful a gift our bodies are.  The simple joy of feeling and discovering our senses.  Our bodies are divine and are gifts.  We, especially as women, need to LOVE our bodies.  This is not an excuse to shove gross amounts of sweets or colas into them, but we need to appreciate and love what God has given us.  Love our skinniness or our curves.  Love our flatness or our faluptuous front sides.  We are beautiful because we exist.

Dear Shannon

You know I'm only writing this for you.  That's how much I love you.  Instead of watching the latest episode of Emily Owens M.D. (which I absolutely love by the way, even more than Greys!) I am figuring out how to blog again.  I even changed it up a bit, did you notice?

The move has been good.  Great weather, good location, amazing ward.  I don't mind the stairs, there are 2 sets, and I don't mind not having a backyard which I thought I would.  There's a large field out our front door and a park next door so the kids get outside plenty.  There's also a small sitting area on the first floor where we put toys so I can still say, "go play toys in the basement" a.k.a. get out of my face!!

I can feel the settling factor coming though.  It's the let down after all the excitement of change.  It's the, ok, I'm here. Now what?  I called about applying to be a substitute today in anticipation of me needing something to do.  I still don't know what I'll do with Isla though.  It pays so little that paying for daycare would be silly.  I'll have to look into that.  

I joined the gym.  It's like the rec center at home but has free daycare and classes for the kids.  I love it.  I've been going every day for 2 weeks, but get this, I have gained 5 pounds.  And don't tell me muscle weighs more than fat.  I would like to get slim but haven't fully committed giving up eating everything I want.  Have I told you how inspirational you are?  You really are incredible with what you have accomplished and I'm so proud of you.  

I found a "transitional kindergarten" program for Will.  He will start next Monday.  I was totally content with him being home until September, when kindergarten started. But then we started going to play groups and mother's gatherings and he was the oldest kid around, by far.  A mom told me about this program and he is super excited about it.  It's just like kinder but for the kids who turn 5 by Christmas.  He'll still do regular kindergarten next year.  I'm happy for him, he has needed something.

Jake is really liking his job and seems to be good at it.  I'm happy for him.  

How are you?  I feel like I've done all the talking here.  hee hee.  Give me an update on the kids and Chris and the new ward.  Miss you.

Meliss

Easter

Jake had Good Friday off so we decided to head to the city on the ferry to enjoy the nice weather and the water.

Gorgeous sunset on the way home.

Easter morning.

Ready for church. Thanks for the cute ties Grandma Henrich!

Joel is 6!

Haven't I always said this child gets better with age?? He is such a nice, responsible, caring little boy who really tries his best at everything he does. He also loves a good party and so we decided to celebrate!

Lili & Parker, Joel's best school mates.

Movies are a big deal here so we centered our celebration around the movie 'Hop'. After the movies we went to the park for a rabbit's picnic, an egg hunt and some bunny hop games.

Then we went back to the house for cake & ice cream and some more games. Perfect party!

Joel is loving school & the uniform, he loves legos, having friends over and wrestling with his brother. He is very interested in Master Chef and learning the guitar. We love you Joel!

Stanwell

A few weeks ago we found a new beach, Stanwell Park. I think it's my new favourite.

William had his first swim lessons. He loved them despite his teacher repeatedly saying, "William, back to the wall." or "William, put that back." or "William, not your turn."

Toyota Swagger Wagon - 2011 Toyota Sienna

Roosters vs. Rabbits

4:00 Jake calls to let me know we had tickets to the Rugby game.

5:00 The boys and I leave the house armed with stroller, backpack & every coin in the house to take buses to the stadium.

7:15 We arrive at the stadium a little haggard, tired and cranky from dealing with the bus system and drivers.

7:30 Game starts! Great rugby, fast action and lots of new 4 letter words learned.

8:30 Start the journey home, taxis & buses and tired boys.

10:00 We stumble home and put the kids to bed.

Exhausting! But a good family memory.