The coach has been putting Marian at 1st for the practices-she likes it because there is a lot of action! Of course, it’s my position, so I think it’s cool too;) 
Meanwhile the boys get to play at the park (Tobin’s 2nd trip to a park that day!)
Tobin had me taking pictures of him swinging and jumping off . . .
Preparing for take-off
The tuck jump
The leap forward
and he sticks the landing
We had our first MOPS park day Tuesday and what a great turnout we had! If you’re local and want to join us, call or comment and I’ll send you the rotating park schedule (every Tuesday through August)
My favorite . . .
Tobin and his friend Charlie-I’m sure they are either talking about Mario or Angry Birds!
In our quest to eat less dry cereal, this Blueberry breakfast cake is on our once/week rotation (usually on Wednesdays).
Adapted from Annie’s eats and from my friend Amy who is also avoiding wheat & dairy:
Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish (I use grapeseed oil). In my 1 cup glass measuring cup mix oats, half of nuts, baking powder, cinnamon & salt. In my 2 cup glass measuring cup, beat egg, add milk, maple syrup, oil & vanilla. Spread the bananas in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the berries. Sprinkle the dry mixture over the fruit in an even layer. Pour the liquid ingredients evenly over the oats. Sprinkle remaining nuts & berries over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is browned and the oats have set. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
We have added fresh or frozen strawberries recently to the top and the kids like it. Annie suggests trying with peaches, apricots or nectarines-all sound yummy to me but haven’t tried yet.
And, for the record, they fell for the “cake” idea the first time but now they know it is just fancy oatmeal. I LOVE it, they like it ok:)
I came across a bunch of “mommy” things on pinterest-i would link you there but I have no idea how to do that, by all means, go check it out and become a follower or whatever that is, anyway, found this quote . . .
“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own.to teach the hard lessons.to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is . . . and to forgive yourself over and over again for doing everything wrong.” Donna Bell
I think that about sums me up, I am so grateful for kids who adore me even though I’m getting things wrong all the time:)
I had a great day yesterday. We had a nice breakfast with the Sunday School kids that some of the dads prepared for us. We went to our usual Mother’s Day spot, a chinese buffet for lunch-they take really good care of us there. The kids all got their own plates this year, a nice change of pace for us;)
Then, Marian & I went to my favorite scrapbook store and did a little cropping and picture organizing.
I got some sweet homemade gifts from the kids, in fact, I had to open Tobin’s on Saturday because he just couldn’t stand to wait!
It is a note pad with a picture of our family that he drew . . .
from Marian . . .
from Ezra . . .
and, have to include his colorful envelope, Uncle Rob always has super fun, creative envelope designs . . .
I was lucky enough to have an amazing mama, which is what I called her until Middle School when I decided Mom was less embarrassing in front of my friends. Not sure when she was at her best . . . When I was really young and she played games, baked cookies (like quadruple batches of 6 different varieties, I feel good when I manage to make 3 dozen cookies!), & taught me to pump on the swing & do cartwheels? When I was in middle & high school when she came to EVERY softball game and EVERY game I cheered at, and was seriously my biggest fan? When I was in my twenties and in a terrible relationship that she knew was making me miserable but just loved me through it? When I found Jesus and turned my life around and she was overjoyed with having her daughter back? Or, now when I’m the mama and she supports & encourages me-even when we disagree? I’m not sure but I have always been able to trust that my Mama loved me!
And, I don’t like posting without a picture, so here is an old one from Tobin’s birthday last year. (makes me want to get a picture of her & I next week on our visit!)
