Eloisa turned 7 in June!

It wasn't long into the school year when Ella came home and announced she told all her friends she was having a birthday party and everyone was invited!  So... after patiently waiting over 9 months, the pressure was on to not let Ella down on her special day of celebration.  However, what do you plan for a shy girl that can be outgoing when she warms up to the routines and expectations of her surroundings, but without opportunity to warm up, the true Ella never has time to shine?

Finally, one night in May, it came to me - why not her favorite tranquil place to visit - Brunty Farms.  She loves animals and is relaxed and peaceful when near them.  Plus, how many city kids have the abundance of opportunities like our children have with nature, farming, wildlife, livestock?  I made contact with Farmer Mel and the party was up and running!  

I have to admit this might have been the best Kindergarten party of the year!  (Not that I am biased or anything. lol) We invited the girls from the room and some other close friends!  

Children held and pet week old chicks, walked through the mud pit where the pigs frolic and lounge.  (Some brave souls even pet the pigs and rubbed behind their ears!) We then helped herd the lambs the feed troughs and watched them dine. The smiles and giggles were absolutely priceless! Finally we enjoyed each other's company on blankets in the shade, where we shared cupcakes, cool water, and even did some gift opening.

So, our lofty expectations were met - and Ella was one thrilled 7 year old!

Lincoln Graduated Preschool

Lincoln's preschool time has come to an end. I could not have asked for a more wonderful experience this past year.  He was loved, encouraged, and able to grow so much under the guidance of the staff at the YMCA.

Receiving his diploma

Posing for one last photo with Mrs. Gambosi (left) and Miss Scott (right)

He love his morning jobs so much, he insisted we take a photo by bulletin boards where he checked in daily.

However, with every ending, a new door opens --Kindergarten awaits!  Linc couldn't be any more excited about attending school with his sisters!  So, we begin a  new chapter in the Adam's Family Book!

Time for some updating

Okay, so it is now July and I am beyond light years behind in updating this.  However, I am so thrilled to report that we have less than a month to go before Mike's program ends!  Could it be?  The light at the end of the tunnel?   Certainly we have plenty more on our plate than just Mike's schooling, but when it comes to prioritizing, I think we can all agree that a career change takes center stage!  =)  We are all so proud of his hard work, sleepless nights, long work days, and dedication to creating a better future for himself, and for our family! Lincoln informed me at the dinner table this week that he wants to be an allergy doctor when he grows up to work with his Daddy, the nurse.  (He then chuckled to himself and said, "Actually, I think it would be cool to be Dad's boss!"  Haha - gotta love this kid!)


So, the next few posts will cover the missed photos throughout the year... in no particular order, unfortunately!  Buckle your seat belt and enjoy the trip down memory lane!

The end is in sight

Happy Spring... I am feeling horrible that it has been since January that I have last posted.  Mike's schooling and my forced single parenting lifestyle apparently allows no time to blog.  LOL  It has been great having him home for 2 weeks in the evening.  I feel so caught up on life, it is heavenly!

The gardens are 90% completed... we will fine tune them this weekend.  They are tilled, and planted... just need to get some cuke trellises up, and see if that helps yield a better crop for us this year!

The chickens are doing well... even broody Vanilla. She is keeping us busy as we try to break her broodiness, but so far, we are 2 weeks in and no luck!  She is bound and determined to hatch an egg, even though we don't have a rooster to help her out!  Fun times.

The kids and I have created a fairy / gnome garden this week.  This will be our ongoing summer project ... in the mean time, if you find any fairies or gnomes (mini sized) we are taking donations!  I have used this garden as a behavior reward, so the best listeners get to water and maintain this cool space.  Pics will post soon of this adventure.

I am off to bed.... it is past 1am, and I think I will need at least 5 hours of sleep to get through the day tomorrow.  LOL

I have a Dream....

The kids were full of questions regarding Martin Luther King Jr. on his holiday.  We spoke of how unfair it was for people to be treated differently just because they were born with different color skin.  We discussed how it must have felt to not have access to the same rights and opportunities. We talked of the importance of treating everyone how we wish to be treated.  What a feel good moment to share with the kids - sure, they weren't at school today, but they were still learning!  (Such is the life of having a Mom that is a teacher! lol)

Then I asked them:

"What is your dream for the future? What is it that you hope no one takes away from you as you grow older?"

Lincoln answered first.  He dreams to "be a digger man" and drive big trucks.  "I want to be the BOSS!"  (Apparently 5 years of older sisters is already getting the best of him, and he secretly longs to be the one calling all his own shots! lol)

Next, Ella shared that she dreams to be a fashion designer.  "When people want new clothes, I will put designs and colors on them.  I will make them feel happy and they will like what I make." (Ella is a peace keeper, and even in preschool was known for making others happy before herself.  Channeled correctly, this ability to empathize will take her amazing places in life!) 

And last, but not least, Lexi shared that she would like to work with animals.  "I want to be a vet and help animals.  I want to train horses and have a farm with animals."  Lexi is a caregiver for God's creatures and I am ever so curious to see how long this dream lasts.... it is certainly a talent of hers, but will it be her destiny... only time will tell!

Dreams are powerful and grand, but I am quite content with keeping them little as long as possible!  =)

Farewell December.... Hello January!

Welcome 2012!  We are eager to see what you have in store for us this year.  We trust that as doors close, new ones will open.   As always, we will strive to find the positives in our adventures and focus on our family! 


Before we sail to the end of January, I wanted to share some December fun.  (Yes, I still need to post November events - like Lexi's way cool birthday bash... maybe tomorrow I can load those photos.)  But for tonight... let us capture the magic of December.


I enjoyed my day in Lexi's classroom, helping create a gingerbread house from graham crackers and loads of special sugary treats!  Lexi's creation was our dinner table center piece for the entire month!  (We are all so proud of her grand work!)

Lexi enjoying some smiles with her table mates

Before...

Artist at work

Then it was off to Linc's preschool holiday concert and play.  What a fun, adorable presentation to enjoy.  I will have to see if I can load the videos on too... (a new blog goal to learn!)

Putting in a last minute request to Santa, while he made a surprise visit to the preschoolers!

Mom and Linc after the big show!

Christmas day arrived and so here are a few great shots that helped capture the excitement in the air.

Santa delivered a Happy Napper to Linc - "What I always wanted," exclaimed Linc before giving a giant squeeze!

Ella happy with anything she gets!

The Sunshine Ranch - toy horse training set

Mr. Technology

Chatting up a storm with Grandma and Grandpa

Face Timing with Grandpa