What a fun evening!

Tonight (after long naps) we had our friend/neighbor Stone's birthday party (check out the card with Gavin's writing - so good isn't it?). He turned 5 and loves firetrucks. So his parents had cake and ice cream for him and then asked the local fire station to send a truck out if possible. There were tons of kids between his relatives and all the neighborhood kids and surprising, everyone got along great! Cory brought the kite back with authority and got it in the air quickly and had no issues during flight...so the kids liked that too.

But the best part was when the fire truck came and all the kids got to go inside, try on gear and talk to the REAL firemen. The guys were great and all the kids loved it!!! The best part for Gavin was that they parked in front of our house - so Gavin was like "There is a firetruck at MY house". Too cute! They stayed for a pretty long time and all the kids got a turn going inside and pretending to drive it.

Go Fly A Kite!

Yesterday, Julie and her kids came over and Angie and her kids (plus some other neighborhood friends). So to occupy some time I got out Gavin's Thomas Kite. The $5 kite provided hours of entertainment and all the kids got to use it and were able to fly it. The wind was not too strong - but strong enough to keep the kite up. Once, I looked over and saw McKenna laying on the ground, holding the kite. Then the other kids joined her and we had all the kids laying on the ground, staring up into the sky at a flying kite. It was picture perfect.

So, today I decided to try this again in the morning. But the wind was much different today. It was very strong, and going every which way. I couldn't even get the kite in the air. So Angie's hubby (Cory) came over with the girls and tried (for almost a 1/2 hour or more) and FINALLY got the kite in the air. But, the wind was pretty fierce - so I wouldn't let Gavin hold it himself, but otherwise the kids played. Somehow, it got to close to a tree and the line whipped out of our friend's hands. The wind took it immediately but luckily the handle got snagged in a tree. This send most of the kids into a crying frenzy, so Superhero Cory (with the help of our other neighbor, Kevin) climbed an unclimbable tree (if you look closely - you can see him in the picture of the tree) to rescue this $5 kite. Seeing her Dad climb a tree sent an already crying McKenna into an uncontrollable sob. But eventually Cory rolled the string in enough so we could grab the kite and safely detach the string from it. The kite was saved, the kids all clapped - but I think we will reserve kite flying for a more open space - or a less windy day :-)

After that, my kids went in a watched a DVD while I planted some much needed floral decoration at our house. Look how pretty. Now the polls can begin on how quick I kill them.

Belated Mother's Day Thoughts...Part 2...Tear Jerker Alert

On the day of my last post (which I have been told has made people misty eyed)...I had to search for a baby picture of me (since I totally forgot to get one when I was in PA). Anyway, one of the first places I looked is this private "Kelly" folder I have, which contains special cards, my best friend's wedding invitation, nursery school pictures, etc. Well there was this folder in there with my name (in my mom's hand writing) on it. A big folder with lots of cards and letters inside. Turns out it was from a sorority retreat I had in college where they secretly had your loved ones write things to you (as a special treat/confidence booster about who you are and where you came from).

I am so glad a "re-found" these because reading them now has taken on a whole new meaning for me. They are very dear and private for me so I am not going to share all of it - but a few sentences make me truly believe in the circle of life - as my parents words seem to emulate my thoughts I have about my own children.

Here are a few:

MOM
"I remember moments that you will only know through pictures...you were so independent, so lovely, so very Kelly. I've always felt that it was you leading me through life. You showing me how to be a good mother."
"Do not live your life for me, or for anyone else. Just let them be lucky enough to share in it. And one day, you should pass along this wisdom you were born with to that lucky child(ren) who has a mother such as you."

DAD
"I hope you know that I love you very much!! But if you don't know it or don't hear it enough, I'll tell you again..."I LOVE YOU!!!"...What you might not know as well is how proud I am of you."
"I wanted to be part of your life in any way I could (and still do). I loved coaching your basketball team and being involved with your prom committee and Black and White night because I knew there were not going to be a lot of time for a father to bond like that with his daughter. I do cherish those times that I was involved in your life experiences, not only for what I got out of it, but to see how glad you were that I was doing it too".

ANNA
"Even though we used to fight a lot, I love you with all my heart" ***(she was 16 or 17) - too funny!!

KAITLIN
She just signed her name but printed out a beautiful picture of some Barbie she colored on the computer. :-)

I know I spend a lot of time bragging about my kids here - but it was time I shared some of the brag-time with other people who matter so much to me and let them know I love them too. I am so blessed to have a family who loved me (and told me they did), who believed in me and who was proud of me. I can only hope that I make me kids feel this loved one day.

The pic that I posted is one my sister Anna uploaded for me since I couldn't find one after all my searching!

Belated Mother's Day thoughts...

My mother's day went great. I got to sleep in a bit, Patrick made breakfast for my whole family and then took the kids so I could go to the race tracks/casino with my mom and sisters for an adult day. And, while we were there my mom gave us this speech about her present SHE got all of us. She got my sisters and I this gorgeous necklace with a dazzling jewel (topaz) in it. Her speech, however, made us all cry. She talked about how her mother is no longer with us, and one day she won't be either. It made me realize I am in that awkward zone of my life where I am being sandwiched...between worrying about my own children and my (and Patrick's) parents. Mind you - our parents are not considered old. They are in their early 60's, but we still manage to treat every arm pain as it could be a heart attack, or we hold their hands when there is a large step to go down. We realize that life is short and we need to appreciate every moment we get to spend with them. I would love another lifetime of time to spend together.

I also started thinking of how they (our parents) must feel about us. I wonder if my mom looks at me and remembers a time when she used to carry me on her hip - only to realize that my legs started dangling a little bit longer than they used to, and that I started to outgrow her WAY faster than she would ever outgrow me. This is how I feel now about Gavin and Evelyn. Gavin, my big boy, can do puzzles without my help. He can reach lights, go to the potty by himself, and knows what channels his favorite shows are on. He doesn't need me for those things any more. And I don't carry him as much as I used to because he loves walking by himself. Evelyn is in a major growth spurt. She has gotten so big and is our fearless one. She climbs ladders, throws tantrums, and picks herself up after her brother shoves her to the ground when playing. I love seeing them develop into their own beings - but sometimes I wish they were like goldfish (ok, not OUR goldfish that we killed). I wish that they would only grow big enough for the bowl they are in. I wish I could keep them little forever.

But I know (God willing) one day, I will be taking my kids to brunch with their kids. Watching them realize just how strong love can really be. I understand now how much my mom loves me. I only wish I could show her somehow that the feeling is mutual.