Saturday in the Park (no it's not the 4th of July)

Air Bear tackling the kiddie slide.

Getting all the girls to look the same way at once these days is next to impossible. 

Aris running through the rose garden. No roses yet. The girls still enjoyed looking at all the different kinds of roses that will be there in the spring.

Sloanie

Zoe striking a pose. Seriously she was trying to pose, it was funny.

The girls by the Truckee River.

Do you see her sly little grin? Yes that would be in regards to me telling the girls repeatedly not to go too close to the water. I'm not "that" mom, but I was going it alone and holding Aris. So if I HAD to jump in to rescue someone it would have been a family affair.

So every once in a while I wake up, look outside and can hardly stand the thought of spending my whole day inside. Today was one of those days. I had the hugest case of cabin fever. The clear blue skies were calling my name. Promises of a park visit were made and the deal was sealed. You can't throw around the P-A-R-K word lightly around here. If you do you end up being the worlds worst parent when you don't make good on your promise. Sloan was a little panicky when I decided to take a nap with the little ones. She must have asked me 20 times if we were still going to the park. I assured her we were. I did however inform her if she interrupted my nap one more time there would most definitely be no park today. 

When we all were rested we headed to one of our favorite spots and the kids played and ran and played some more. It was a little chilly today, but in the sun it felt just warm enough to help you forget it's still winter here. The fresh air was just what I needed. I felt so refreshed. On our way home I took a quick detour to the riverside area in Downtown Reno. It's one of my favorite parts of  downtown. The girls love it too. During the summer months there are more activities centered around this area than you could shake a stick at (what does that really mean anyway? I can shake a stick pretty fast) So we walked along the sidewalks and bridges. We all can't wait to go play in the water and on the rocks when it's a little warmer.

On our way home the girls decided they wanted breakfast for dinner. This is a fun meal for them because they get to help. I let them add the different ingredients and mix and stir. They always put on their little aprons that Grandma Swanson sent them for Christmas. Our favorite breakfast for dinner menu is::

chocolate chip pancakes

bacon

scrambled eggs with cheese

It was a delicious meal. I think mostly because my little ones helped. Don't get me wrong, there were moments of grumpiness today. I still feel like it was one of those magical days with my girls. The only thing that would have made it even more amazing is if Dean could have been here. We talked on the phone tonight and already have plans to take the girls sledding next weekend (if weather permits). Sometimes I just need days like today. As a mom I sometimes feel like I have more failures than successes when it comes to spending time with my precious little ones. Today was not one of those days. Nope. Today was a good day. Hope yours was too.

Tired

I am so tired. So I figure that I should head to bed. Problem being...... I have to many ideas floating around in my head. It's hard to go to sleep when I have so much that I need to do. Thank goodness it's the weekend starting tomorrow. I am going to fill my weekend with kids, art and maybe a little nap once or twice, we will see. Photo's and projects to come. I have a really neat project I'm working on for a unique website. Can't wait to share. Three art pieces prepped and ready to paint, and some hands (for JDRF) that I need to wrap up. I am trying to have a little contest with myself. 

The contest goes like this:: Finish as much artwork and creative projects before next Thursday. 

Prize:: Satisfaction of a job well done!

So come on guys, who is going to join me in all this silliness? It could be fun....you know all of us could post photo's of the stuff we finished. Let me know if you want to join in the madness. Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!

Raffle For Kayleigh

You can go here to purchase a raffle ticket to win one of the wonderful packages up for raffle!

Kayleigh when she was first born! Oh so tiny!

Kayleigh now at 7 pounds, almost ready to go home. See here is the thing, they are going to loose their home. Due to all the growing medical expenses, a downturn in the market, (both parents are real estate agents) things are pretty tight these days for the Freeman family. I really hope everyone will go and take a peak. If you feel good about what we are doing here with this auction....PLEASE BLOG ABOUT IT! Pass the word along, pay it forward to help this sweet little family out.

Here she is with her Mom & Dad. Kayleigh is the youngest of the three Freeman kids. She has a darling older brother and sister.

My Birdie Sisters painting is just one of the many things you can win in this amazing raffle!

Please go and check it out!

Names & A Shop Update

I would like to introduce you to "Little Miss Red Bird"

She is the sister of the cute but shy "Valentine Birdie" (her close friends call her Val)

Their sister "Little Miss Sprinkles" is the queen of ice cream parties

"Benny & June" just tied the knot. I hear they are having a fabulous time setting up the new nest

Benny was a little sad to leave his best friend and brother "Buddy Bird" but it was time for both of them to follow different paths. They still talk at least once a week. SOLD!

Birds of a feather flock together. I think they are a lovely little bunch of birds. If you are interested in giving any of them a home, you can find them here. 

A Weary Day

Little Zoe working on art. She takes it pretty seriously. This is sort of how I feel. Serious (but hopeful)

I had grand intentions for this day. However grand those intentions may be, family comes first. Today my little Sloan had two Dr. appointments, blood drawn twice, A1C test, and two immunizations. We found that her A1C levels only went up 1/2 a point. I was grateful it wasn't more. Her blood sugars have been running a little higher lately. We will have to hold off on a pump for a few more months, but a pump is the next step. I think most of the tests given and the upcoming tests to be done are for preventative measures. Her pediatrician also found a heart murmur. I have to set up an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist, oh and did I mention she also has to have an MRI to rule out any problems she has been having with her eyes? It's been a little stressful for me lately. I know Sloan is fine, and will be safe and OK. I just need to relax and breath, just for a day or two.

So I will have the shop update by this weekend. I will let everyone know as soon as I do. I also have a really exciting project that I am going to be working on for a fellow blogger. Oh and one last thing, an upcoming auction that I am participating in for a sweet little lady that I think everyone will enjoy meeting. The profits will all go straight to the family to help with their overwhelming medical costs and living expenses. You can follow her story here. If you are interested in donating something to help out with this auction, please email me and I will forward the organizers info to you.

Last but not least, this post was not meant to be a pity party. I just need to keep it real and I need to take a few days to get back in gear. Hope you all have a great Friday. Look forward to posting again this weekend. Hugs to all!