Hurray for Thursday!

I love Thursday! It is my favorite day of the week! I take the kids to school, go to them gym and home! I don't have to grocery shop, volunteer or be anywhere but home! Yes, I may have to do laundry, sort things out around the house, and clean but it is so nice to be able to rejuvenate! I don't even have to put makeup on and on occasion have been known to stay in my gym clothes all day long!(Not a high sweat day at the gym just weights.) The day continues like this after school too! Usually we have karate, soccer and sometimes both in one day! But Thursdays are our free day! A & A get to come home, play outside, watch a show etc...we don't have to be off and running the second their feet hit the pavement off the bus! Once the kids are snug in their beds I venture downstairs to continue my favorite day with my favorite shows! Everyone needs a day to rest from going a million miles an hour. relax and not have to rush, rush rush and rejuvenate by hanging out and staying put! Thankfully Thursday is our day!

Amazing things in the Trueman house

A couple of amazing things have been seen in the Trueman household today. One by chance and the other on purpose. First the really amazing one! I looked out the window around 12 or so and saw part of a rainbow so I ventured outside to see the entire thing and much to my amazement it went in a full circle all the way around the sun! I have seen double rainbow, vibrant rainbows, etc... but never one in a full circle and around the sun. It was quite blinding. Paul had trouble taking the pictures, but they came out and you can see how cool it was. I called a friend about 20 minutes away and she could see it. I wonder how far away from us it could be seen?
Okay so the other event was not quite as amazing but my children were ecstatic! I made huge cinnamon rolls! This was the first time I have actually made them myself. I was supposed to cut them into 64 and fell way short of that goal with 37 hence the big fat mamas! The kids said that they tasted even better than IKEA's. (Thanks for the recipe Leslie G.) Although the ones on the lower shelf got a bit burned on the bottom. Now please tell me why they put a lower shelf in the oven if it won't cook food properly?! I am sooo full of rolls I don't think I will eat one for a long while! At least not until tomorrow!

Happy Sandy Nowlin day!

(Leslie, Mom and I 2004)

For years and years and years I was so sad on my birthday and Mother's day! My birthday usually falls just before or after Mother's day and sometimes, like this year, on the same day. My sister and I even started calling Mother's day Sandy Nowlin's day (our mom) instead because it was such a difficult day without the children who we so desperately wanted. I am so grateful that those days are long behind me and my sister now. It was so nice to wake up to my two bright, smiling children yesterday morning with pleas to open their card and gift first! I love being a mother, not just on this day (especially due to commercialization)but every single day! Some days are not the best and I know that I will try harder the next day to be more PATIENT, more KIND, more the kind of mom that I want to be! My favorite time is when I tuck the kids in long after they have gone to sleep. The overwhelming sense of pride I have in my heart for these two amazing spirits just about brings me to tears. I love to look at them while sleeping and think about how blessed I am to be their mother.

On Saturday I got to spend an awesome day with my sister, mom and a friend. What great day we had first going to an all town garage sale (okay TAG sale for all of you New Englanders) I got a couple of little things and a purse (aka pocket book in new englandese.) Yes, much to my dismay my kids are speaking it. I digress...Then we went out to lunch and shopping. To top it off we had dinner prepared by the men and an ice cream cake to celebate Mom's day and my birthday. I couldn't have wished for a better day. I love to be in the company of great women who inspire, uplift and encourage me!

Alyssa has FINALLY lost her first tooth! She actually let Aunt Leslie attach it to a string and slam the front door! I was amazed that she let her do this since she would barely let me touch it!
I am so happy for her. Xander lost his first tooth well over a year ago and she was SO sad thinking she would NEVER EVER loose a tooth. I would tease her and say she is going to go to college with her baby teeth. I guess those days are over! The look on her beautiful beaming face says it all! That's my GIRL!

It truly is the little things in life that bring us so much joy!

I am so grateful to be able to volunteer at the kids school. Yesterday I was outside for the mileage club for an hour and a half. The kids go around a designated area (walking, running skipping and sometimes rolling) whichever way they are so inspired to go. Each lap I give them a hole punch in their card. After 20 punches they have gone one mile and receive a toe token (really a foot) to put on their necklaces. They really love it and I do too! Not only are the kids getting exercise, but I have the excuse to be outside for 1 and 1/2 hours and not feel guilty about not getting anything done! As I sat outside in between recesses I was able to sit an think about how beautiful Spring is. I just love this time of year (despite all of my allergies). It is so alive outside even when you are sitting quietly. The bugs roaming, the birds chirping and then when the kids come running out the dull roar of sweet little voices. I love it when A & A run up to me and are so happy for me to be there with them. I really treasure this time! It truly is the little things in life that bring us so much joy!

I was telling a friend this morning about all of the dandelions along my driveway. I said at least they are yellow and pretty especially when you have so many clumped together. She said that her girls would be so jealous! They go for walks and pick them along the way. Just another example of little things...

Paul's 40th birthday

We had a wonderful day on April 24th celebrating Paul's 40th birthday and spending time together. Paul said it was a great day as long as I didn't bring up the birthday part! We gave him presents in the morning and spent the rest of the day outside enjoying the beautiful weather. My favorite present to him was 40 reasons why we love him. I did 20 and the kids each did 10. It was interesting since I asked them separately and they came up with duplicate answers. I guess that is what really stands out to them and makes him such a great dad! Here is the list:

1.He's funny 2.He's helpful-If I need to get a golf ball in the woods he'll get it for me. 3.He makes us ice cream sundaes. 4.He loves me and I love him. 5.He takes me to fun places. 6.He buys me stuff. 7.He makes us special lunches on Sunday. 8.He plays basketball and soccer with us. 9.He always swims with us even if he doesn't want to! 10.He plays Wii and Sorry with us.11.He's always willing to go and get something from the store no matter what hour. 12. He's an awesome father who truly loves his children. 13.He has chubby cheekers and beautiful blues. 14.He takes pride in his work and is always striving to do better. 15.He drives an Altima even though he would love a corvette. 16.He willingly works on all the projects I deem very important ! 17.He supports me in my church callings and volunteering. 18. He speaks his mind!19. He is honest. 20.He has a big heart for me, his children and animals. 21.He works hard on keeping the cars & yard clean and looking nice. . 22. He indulges my whims- travel, painting, new furniture, rugs etc... 23.He loves his job and truly enjoys what he does. 24.He is funny and is always coming up with a witty remark. 25.He shares the remote. 26.He mostly knows when to accept defeat. 27.He's always up for dinner out. 28.He tries his best to balance work and family. 29.He is always there for important events in all of our lives! 30.He's funny. 31.He's nice. 32.He takes us to school and karate. 33.He plays in the pool when we are on vacation. 34.He cuddles with us. 35.He plays baseball with us. 36.He builds Legos with me. 37.He makes us sundaes. 38.He plays Wii with us. 39.He tells good jokes.! 40.And most of all he really loves us!