Mom's Book

Here it is...Annie's Creek by Sandra Park (aka Mom).  Go read it!  You'll like it!!!!  So proud of you, Mom!

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Annies-Creek/Sandra-Michael-Park/e/9781615799138/?itm=1&USRI=annie%27s+creek+by+sandra+park

Ahhwwww, Mom....

Here they are, the Easter Pics. Yes, they are forced (and I did have to hear my fair share of "Ahhhwww, moms" and get the look of "seriously" from Alan) but they actually turned out pretty good this year. We even got a decent family picture out of the bunch. We had a great Easter in San Antonio with Alan's family and Marisa. Lesson of the Day: Keep taking pictures...you might have 5,000,000 bad ones but it's all worth it if you get 1 great one. Memories should be preserved, because the memory fades.

Orange Julius-Yummy!

Drink Orange Julius

Here's the recipe to this Ater Family Favorite:

1 can frozen orange juice
1 c milk
1 c water
1/2 c powdered sugar (you can use less and it still comes out yummy)
1 tsp vanilla
6-8 ice cubes

Put it in the blender until smooth. Enjoy!!!!!

I half this recipe for the kids and I and it makes plenty.

Does God decide who gets to be a Garden Fairy?

Just before dinner, the kids finished watching The Princess and the Frog. As any good teacher/mom would do, at dinner, I was quizzing J on the main idea of the movie. This got us into a conversation about how we can't just wish on a star or pray for something to happen and expect God to just "poof" and it happens. We have to do our share and work towards our goals. I used several examples of how God has given people certain gifts, interests, and talents to help them achieve those goals. For example, I believe I was suppose to be a teacher because I've always had a love for children, a desire to help them succeed, and the ability to help kids understand various topics. I believe God game me those abilities but I still had to go to school and put forth a lot of work to become a teacher. We used several other examples of doctors, preachers, astronaunts, etc. J was in the midst of pondering what it was that God might want him to do when he grows up, when Z (who had been silent this entire time) piped in with a huge grin on her face and said, "I think God wants me to be a Garden Fairy!" Lesson of the Day: Let a little girl be a little girl. They grow up way too fast. Let them enjoy the fairy tale while it's so "real"!

8 yrs ago today

Eight years ago today, I was given the best gift I could ever be given and began an adventure full of love, joy, tears, excitement, fear, laughter, uncertainty, and insanity. Eight years ago today, I became a mom. My sweet boy was born. As I look back, I'm astounded that it's already been eight years. We've had so much fun together. He's such a great kid. He's funny and smart and has such a zest for life. J brings joy to everyone he knows. I guess that's why I wasn't surprised when I found out years after he was born that his name means "Deliver of Joy." He definately is a joy to me and his father. J is a true gift from God. So, Happy 8th Birthday to my favorite little boy! Lesson of the Day: There's too many this adventure has taught me to list. :)

Insanity

I have no words for this picture but I can't stop laughing everytime I see it. Happy #8 Birthday Party day to the J-man!!! More party pictures to come but too I'm pooped tonight. I want nothing more than to snuggle up next to my hubby and watch a little tv until I pass out.

Satisfied Even with My Bag of Peas

Bea-u-ti-ful day today!!! Low sixties and sunny (absolutely no rain clouds...it's been awhile). Great day for working on a project outdoors. So, after a trip to the pool for the future scientist's swim test, a trip to the park for some outdoor fun, and a weekly trip to Walmart, it was into the backyard to build my garden box. I've been wanting to do this for quite awhile but it's just been too cold. But not today, you can feel that spring might actually be on it's way. So after an hour of digging and hoeing, pushing and lifting, my box is ready...just add miracle grow, mix in some good garden soil, and plant. Although my little garden won't yeld enough to save on groceries, I look forward to getting my hand dirty with the kids and watching their excitement as they finally taste something they planted into the ground. Lesson of the Day: Even though my poor messed up shoulder is already aching, I never knew needing a frozen bag of peas could feel so satisfying.