Well, as I sit here in front of the computer, many thoughts come to mind... some are happy, some are sad, and some are somewhere in-between... First, the sad ones are for two young women who have passed away; they were both less than 48 years old. One is Su, a friend of our friend's Julie and Dave Landman. She and her husband and two boys were living in Germany while her hubby was on assignment for the Dept of Defense. Unfortunately, she is not coming home. The other is a friend of our friend's Wendy and Bill Barrett. Her name was Michelle Schreibman. She and her hubby have two children also (though much older than Su's are). She was a wonderful woman who always smiled and had a contagious laugh. She was a kind and gentle soul who would not hurt a fly. RIP Su and Michelle. It brings to mind my own mortality, as I am now 40 years old. Life is just precious and we never know from day to day what will happen. It sounds cliche, but I really do try to live in the moment and enjoy the blessings I have been given. At least if I die tomorrow, I will know that I have lived life to the fullest.
On the happier side, I watch our children grow, learn, experience, develop, test the limits, thrive, etc. Noone could have ever imparted to me of the joys in being a parent before I experienced them for myself. Little Zachary (18 months now) continues to say words out of the blue that just amaze me. Today he said, "pillow", "broccoli", and "outside". Yesterday it was "balloon", "flower", and "pocketbook". Before you know it, he'll be saying "Maserati" and "keys"! He is just a delight to be around. Whenever you catch his eye, he smiles. It's like an automatic reaction that gets triggered when someone gives him attention... He seems to be very bright, as he understands EVERYTHING that is spoken to him (or even what is not spoken to him, but to someone else). He has been known to go directly to the front door and grab his shoes and jacket, when he hears me say that it's time to go. He also is very accomplished at putting things in the garbage or missing the mark then saying, "ah oh"...
Little Samantha is loving Preschool at Cole-Harrington. She lights up the room when she walks in. One little boy in particular, Jacob, runs over to greet her. Ya know, she is a novelty, since she only attends two days per week and many of the other children attending every day. She usually comes home from school in different clothes than she left the house wearing. Already, she is a clothes hog! Actually, it's because she is constantly getting her long sleeves wet from washing her hands, so the teachers change her shirt. Hopefully, now that the warm weather is here, we won't have this issue. She is definitely 3 years old, no question about it! She is defiant, uncooperative, and uses the word "no" alot. At the same time, she can be sweet, loving, and helpful. Welcome us to the Terrible Threes!
Big Joshua is doing his thing. He loves Cub Scouts and Hebrew School. He is such a loving spirit and has alot of energy. Today he gave me a poem that he wrote for me for Mother's Day. It goes like this, "To Mommy, 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 to 6, you have been the Best mom!!!!!!!!!!!!" Signed with a heart, the date, and his name. I almost plotzed, it was so sweet. He really craves attention and is trying to find his place in the family. I realize that he is the only one without a real placeholder. Benjamin is the first born, Samantha is the only girl, and Zachary is the baby. Joshua is a special child and challenges me to be my very best, most patient self. I love him for helping me grow as a mother and woman.
Big Benjamin is actively involved in many things. He is taking Guitar lessons, Cub Scouts, Hebrew, Minor League Baseball, and has PACE (gifted program) and is learning the Recorder at school. He has a few good friends that he loves to have Playdates with too, Aidas and Troy. Ah, and the Bakugan obsession, how could I forget to mention this above with Joshua?! Benjamin and Joshua are fascinated by it. They play it at recess, they play it at home, they talk about it constantly. Joshua even sometimes sleeps with his Bakugan collection! Ben has a scoresheet that he made up for the group of kids that play at school. Benjamin is very smart and excels at most everything he does. He is considerate, compliant, and cooperative. Not to mention handsome! He is usually a fabulous Big brother to Samantha, especially. It's hard to believe that he is entering 4th grade next September.
Well, that's all for now. I know that there is more, but I am too tired to continue, so for now, adios!
