Some kind of cool

This is Sarah's version of getting ready to go out and help Big Ben work on cars.

I love it!

Buddy Poppy

Normally, I am quite irritated by people standing outside of grocery stores asking for donations or hand-outs. Yesterday, I came home from a trip to Walmart and told Big Ben that I'm considering writing a letter concerning the "beggars" outside of the store. Then today... I ran to the store to pick up a few things. As I exited the store, I noticed two older gentleman dressed nicely and asking for money. I stopped and inquired and they indicated that it was money for Veterans. I NEVER give money to people, but I was overcome today and immediately fished around in my purse for cash. The man handed me a little red paper poppy with a note attached. The note said "Buddy Poppy wear it proudly."

Driving away from the store I thought about the course of events. I analyzed why I hadn't hesitated and gave the money, then my mind turned to the amazing amount of men in my life who are Military Veterans and I felt proud. There is a whole spectrum of reasons these men joined the military, some of them felt a duty to serve their country, other's weren't quite sure what else to do with their lives and some, like my dad, were drafted. Whatever the reason, I'm quite sure that none of them were prepared for the conditions, challenges or tragedy they would encounter in their military careers.

I am glad that I didn't allow this Memorial Day weekend to pass without giving pause for gratitude. I am grateful for my family and friends that have honorably served as well as every soldier I have not known. I am a proud American and I am incredibly proud to be a part of the legacy that generations of American soldiers have created!

Running

I've always wanted to be able to run. However, I have NEVER been able to run. I wasn't able to run as a kid, when the other kids seemed to be able to run forever, I was walking behind them. Somehow, I managed to never have to run a mile in school. I managed to skip out of PE every time there was a physical abilities test that required running. A few years ago I became a fierce walker and was proud of myself for jogging down a steep hill some of the time. But we've discussed my tendency to not stick with things I start, and the walking/running came to an end.

About 5 1/2 weeks ago, Big Ben and I decided to really challenge ourselves. I found a training program for "couch potato to 5k" on line. Yep... couch potato, that pretty well described my fitness level. And we assessed that it would be pretty appropriate timing to be ready to run a 5k (3.2 miles) by the 4th of July. That is, if the training program worked. If it could really take a complete non runner like myself to the point of being ready to run over 3 miles. The plan was reasonable, we only have to run for 20-30 minutes 3 times a week, we found a park in town where the kids are able to play while we run around.

We have been doing this program for 5 1/2 weeks now. On Saturday we accomplished quite a milestone. Big Ben and I ran for 20 minutes without stopping. In that amount of time I was able to run 1.25 miles and Big Ben ran almost 1.5. When I hit that 1 mile mark, I was so proud of myself... I have never in my life run a whole mile without stopping!

Even though I don't run very fast... in fact, I run quite slow, I'm proud to say that I am a RUNNER! Big Ben and I will be running a 5 k on July 4th! And I plan to keep improving from there.

Brotherly Love

Sarah's birthday was yesterday.

Ben came rushing home with a bag full of stuff and called me into the bedroom to take a look and tell me a secret. He told me that he bought a pencil at school for Sarah, had a Starburst candy for her and had made her a card. He was looking in his piggy bank to find a dollar to put in her card.
It was so cute and sweet!
By The Way... Sarah reported that yesterday was the "BEST BIRTHDAY IN HISTORY!"

We ALL scream for Sarah!

We celebrated Sarah's birthday on Sunday... a couple days early. Sarah's request, an ice cream party.Ice cream cone cupcakes!



I love Sarah's birthday theme requests. I hope she keeps them coming. Like her snow party last year, this theme was also simple and inexpensive. A great idea for any little girl.

Sarah's birthday is coming

Handsome

Ben picked out what he wanted to wear to school today. He told me that if he wore it he'd, "look handsome!"

I couldn't agree more!

I LOVE that KID!!!

Community Helpers

Sarah's old preschool invited us back today for Community Helpers day. The kids were able to tour emergency vehicles and meet with our community heroes.

Knock, Knock...

Happy May Day!

Find instructions for this bouquet at My Sweet Savannah.

May Day is one of my very favorite childhood memories. I vividly remember putting bouquets on neighbors doorsteps, ringing the door bell and hiding. Ahhhh, the memories...

Student of the Month

Ben never questioned why I was walking him all the way to school this morning, or why his dad met us right outside the school gates this morning. He didn't suspect a thing... he was busy being preoccupied by the fact that I didn't pack him a lunch this morning.

Made it very easy to surprise him with the awards assembly and surprise him with the fact that his dad checked him out of school first thing in the day to take him for a weekend of fun.
I'm proud of you my little Student of the Month!