Caring...

The last day of term was this past Friday. We were all excited to pick up Jacob and start our two week holiday. Jacob came out of class beaming and held up a little plastic plaque. It was the "Caring Award." It must be something new the school is doing and Jacob received the first award. He said his teacher picked him because he always brings children in for help when they are hurt. I'm more than proud of him, but not entirely surprised. I see his caring side daily. Well done Jacob!

Jeb FINALLY takes some steps!

Tonight you could probably hear our family screaming with excitement for miles! Jeb finally took his first steps at 18 months and 1 week old! We knew he could do it, but it seemed he needed all four of us paying full attention to him (doesn't happen too often) and he would perform. He was so proud of himself. His first steps weren't actually recorded - he was naked...too inappropriate! So, we quickly dressed him; check out his chunky legs. He's getting there.

It's been a pretty stressful couple of months here. Funny how something so simple can wipe every stress away. I went for a run tonight feeling like a hundred pound weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I think I had a huge smile the whole time. Simple, ordinary things. Yep, this is what really matters. Thanks for this lesson Jeb.

p.s. Little video at the end. Jeb seems to be a little bit of a joker. Hmmm...again, performing when we all were paying attention. Maybe we should do this more often??

Mothering Sunday

One thing about moving to England is that it has brought me luck with Mother's Day. Why? England celebrates Mother's Day in March, so I think I'm allowed to celebrate both the English version and American version. After all, don't I deserve it?! Alas, Tom said I had to make a choice (sniff, sniff) and since the kids were making stuff in school, I chose this one.

On Saturday, Jacob walked to town with Tom and came back with a huge bouquet of roses and lilies for me. The next morning brought my annual (well, kind of - it was missed last year, twice!) breakfast in bed. Not so easy with kids bouncing next to me asking if they could have a bite!

The trip to church brought about the statement: "You know, Daddy really deserves a mother's day - he just works, and works, and works." True, but what a blow to me! So I simply asked the question, "Who makes breakfast in the morning? (answer: Mommy), Who gets the food to make breakfast? (again, mommy), Who drives you to school?" Well, you get the point and so did they. Thank goodness. Their wives can thank me later!

With the weather being so nice we decided to take our second walk of the weekend. This time in the woods by Cliveden manor, a house built in the 1800s with a huge estate. There is nothing better than being surrounded by nature and all the boys in my life. With all the struggles that we face on a daily basis, from breaking up fights to hugging away an injury, this is the day that puts it all into perspective. I never thought I'd love staying at home as much as I do. And I don't know if I would've chosen this had we stayed in the states. It's truly God's gift to me.

Breakfast in Bed...thanks Tom!

Jeb in the Daffies!

The Science Museum

Last weekend we headed into London for a busy day. The plan was to make it to Hillsong Church then on to the Science Museum. Church was great - unbelievable music! But, a church in a theater in London's West End poses major problems with where to put children! All three kids were on different levels and I missed a good portion of the service just trying to get them where they needed to be! After was even worse, but what a workout I got on all those stairs!

Tom had wanted to drive in. We got back to the car all excited for the museum and were greeted by a parking ticket. A quite expensive ticket. Our spirits were down and we debated going on with our plans for the day. Especially as we sat in the St. Patty's Day Parade traffic!

Good thing all London museums are free!! We decided to go on with our plans and it was probably the best part of our day. The museum was so hands on. Water play for Jeb and Aiden (which Jacob loved too). Then on to the energy lab that had Jacob figuring out how a light bulb works and Aiden turning a huge wheel for a good 15 minutes. The kids begged us to stay longer, but our time was up at the parking garage. (I added this just to show Tom how great the train is!!) So, we made a deal to go again since we only hit 2 floors of the 6. Next time we will take the train!

Boy, was he upset when it was time to go!

Jacob figuring out electricity

Aiden's wheel energy

Just Say "I Don't Know."

Someone once told me that when a child asks a hard question to give a simple answer. I should have done that this morning.

Jacob asked me on the way to school, "Mommy, who was the first person to die?" I thought about this and in the back of my mind I really thought I could teach them a lesson about love. My answer: Abel. The next question: Who was he and how did he die. My answer: He was Adam and Eve's son and his brother killed him. Silence. Uh-oh, should I have said that?! Jacob said, "Why would he do that?!" My answer: "Because they got in a big fight and it sure wasn't good. Brothers should love each other." And that was that. So I thought.

After Jacob was dropped off. Aiden said to me (very proudly), "Jacob and I got in a fight and I didn't kill him, Mommy." Oh, no. He didn't stop. "You know, Abel was eating Cain's cracker and Cain got mad and push him off the chair and killed him. I'm not going to kill Jacob." And this continued all the way to school with me thinking, 'what will he say at school!!!'

So, next time, I think I will just say I don't know, followed by "just ask daddy.''

Trip to Disneyland Paris

We finally took a trip that was all about the kids - Disneyland Paris! They were so excited to go that they were up at 6:00 am the day we left. Good thing because we were driving and needed to leave early.

We got to Disneyland early afternoon on Saturday. Checked in and went to the park just in time for the parade. How exciting to see Mickey (Aiden's favorite!) and all his friends. Pooh, Tigger, Buzz, Woody - they were all there. We did a few rides and went through the castle before going to dinner. Woah, Disney knows how to get your money! I guess it was worth it to have some real Tex-mex. They don't serve that in England!

Sunday was sunny and a perfect day to go to the park. We hit "It's a small world" ride first and the kids came out saying, "Yes! We are in Disney! Thank you so much!" Must be something magical about that ride! The day was so nice with rides that we could all go on, including Jeb when he was awake. But, the end of the day brought Thunder Falls - a roller coaster ride. Tom took both boys and I was so nervous! But, they all came out laughing and wanting to do it again. So, I went the next time - they were right, it was a blast!

We left the park and went to Walt Disney Studios and lucky us, there was Mickey. Aiden was so excited. I've never seen him like it before. He hugged Mickey and even went back to give him five. Laughing the whole time.

Monday we went to Paris. A 45 minute ride on the train and we were at the Eifel Tower. It was great to watch the boys chase the birds under this massive structure. If they only knew how rare an event this is! We went to the second level and looked out over Paris. I am always in awe when I see how widespread the city is. I love it. Lunch in the park after and then Tom left with Aiden and Jeb. The rest of the day was spent with just mommy and Jacob, at his request. We had a special time eating crepes by the Sienne, taking a river cruise, and going to the Louvre. Jacob just couldn't understand why they would name the museum after a toilet, but it's not a LOO! Sometimes he is so British! After the Louvre he was ready to go back to the pool, so we cut our day short and walked along the river until we reached NotreDame, buying a Eifel Tower along the way (after saying no to requests for french books, coasters, and paintings). Dinner at a cafe with a baguette sandwich and chocolate eclair made my day and his. We don't often get to go on "dates." It was a day I will cherish and remember forever.

Tuesday was our last day and we went back for a few more rides. Buzz Lightyear, the teacups, and of course the rollercoaster!!! My boys are adreneline junkies. They come by that naturally!

I can honestly say I am all Disneyed out for awhile, but I'm sure they will request DisneyWorld at some point. Hopefully this will keep them happy for a few more years!

Snow Day!

Today was the second day of no school due to too much snow. We got 6 inches on Sunday night. I know, it sounds like nothing to those who live in the mid-west where snow is up to 80 inches this year, but to the Brits, this is a huge deal! So, school was off and today it was too, although half the snow had melted, but apparently the rodes where too icy. I think it was an excuse to play - even companies in London had closed down, so the dads were home too.

So, the boys and I had fun with snowball fights and making snow angels yesterday. We even went out and bought the most expensive sled ever. Talk about price gouging!! Well worth it though! Tom came home early, so we even got a snowman in the yard. Melted by this morning, but it was cute while it lasted.