May Moments

1. Elena swinging herself to sleep.

2. The girls spending hours and hours outside.

3.  Mothers' Day.  I had to work.  Mike and the girls surprised me by showing up at work with flowers, cards, cheese cake, and chocolate for the whole staff.  They were all dolled up since they were on their way home from church and couldn't have looked more adorable.  One of the doctors, upon seeing them all dressed up, asked Raquel why they looked so fancy.  She explained that they had gone to church and without missing a beat asked,

Do you go to church? 

Lucky for the doctor she said yes because Raquel was ready to tell her all about it. (Or maybe not so lucky).  I wish I still had that no-fear attitude about sharing the gospel. 

4.  Speaking of Lucky...and Raquel. 

We take Lucky outside in his cage almost daily so that he can get some fresh air.  Last week, after we had done this, Gracie wondered out there, opened the cage, put her finger out for him, he hopped on, she brought her finger out, and yup...Lucky was gone.  This completely devastated Raquel.  She spend the rest of the day looking and calling out for him.  There was crying, sobbing, praying, weeping, and complete despair from Raquel's part.  I told Mike it would have been better if she had found Lucky dead because at least that way she would have known what happened to him.  But having him fly away like that only tormented her.  She was worried he wouldn't have food/water, or worse--that the neighborhood cats, dogs, or owls would get to him.  She is doing better now, but she had a couple rough days.  There was really nothing I could do to make it better, and that, I hated.

5. Grandma's Birthday.  My girls love this lady. I am so glad for this past year and the opportunity that they've had to get to know her.  There is a definite and unique friendship that they will forever share.  That. I love.

More May moments to come given Mike's graduation tomorrow.  Post and pictures to follow. 

If you are bored and have nothing better to do Thursday morning at 9:30am you can watch commencement ceremonies live here.  

Strength in Numbers

"How is it really going?"  Is the question that is often asked after I respond positively to having my in-laws living with us.  I can see the skeptical look in their eyes as they stare back at mine as if trying to uncover the actual truth.

The truth is--it really has been great.  Really.  I've come to understand first hand that there is strength in numbers.  Having them here has maintained balance and normalcy in our family's life that, with the craziness of PA school and my working schedule, would otherwise be pretty chaotic.

Not to mention the fact that my girls adore them, they are learning a ton from them,

and

they are having a blast.