Teacher Apprciation and Goals.......

Yesterday was teacher appreciation day for the teachers. We were treated to lunch at Lone Star (yum). We shared cheese fries, spinach dip (which was sooo good) and a bloomin onion, plus we each got our own lunch. This cake was made for us. Some others made a picture of us, and gave us flowers, and made us these beautiful earrings.

The kids also made us this cute plate (hmmm another children's church idea) and the famous "why we love Miss Jennifer..."

The paper was done by my friend Amy (thanks Amy) and she made those cute popsicle/thank you cards at the top too!!!

Ok, so now down to business. How are your goals going? I am still at a 6 lb weigh loss, which is good since I ATE so much in the month of April. Seems like I had a ton of celebrations!!! I also kinda lost my accountablity partner, so I haven't exercised as much, although I'm still walking 2-3 times a week. We did get the deck stained, so that is project number 2 done. I have a little bit of touchup on that, and then I think I'll start paiting the front porch. We did invite a family over for April, but they had to cancel at the last minute because of a sick child (hm, I did that to someone last month too) but we tried, and will continue to try. How about you?

Strawberry Field Trip

Today was the 3 year old field trip to the Strawberry patch and tomorrow we go again with the 4's. I LOVE this field trip. Teachers get free strawberries, so I will have two buckets of them. Everyone but Joshua in the house loves strawberries. The kids also learn about bees, feed the fish in the pond and see the goats. On top of that, our "work day" is much easier!!! Jenna enjoyed being with Laura and tomorrow she will go with her class.

"My" Cousin Angie.....

Saturday night we drove somewhere....(it seemed like the middle of no where, but it was somewhere near Greenville, NC) to help celebrate Stacey (Jack's cousin) and Shannon's recent marriage. They had a nice pig picking. Jack and I had "quality" time together because the kids fell asleep on the way there and back. Anyway, we were excited to see Stacey's sister, Angie. I call Angie "my" cousin even though it's only by marriage. I don't have any cousins that live close by and I don't have many girl cousins that are anywhere close in age (Angie still is MUCH younger) but I have claimed her as "my" cousin! Her family has always been very accepting of me and have treated me as part of their family. I don't feel like the cousin by marriage around her or her brother, and my kids LOVE Angie and her adorable children. We love you Angie and can't wait to see you again!!

Yard Sale Treasure

I only had 1 hour to go to yard sales today, but I found this CUTE purse today at my first sale for only $3. I had to hurry because I had a baby shower to go to and other things to get done. I also found Jacob a pair of pants and a video!

Joshua's field trip

Wednesday I was able to go with Joshua on a field trip. We went to Fremont NC to the Aycock "plantation". Some of it was nice, but other things were a little boring (Joshua's words) but I was glad I was able to go with him on a field trip. His teacher, Mrs. Harris, is absolutely the best. I am glad he has such a loving teacher after a not so good year last year.

Surprises

My two five year olds are constantly surprising me. Jacob has quickly learned to ride his bike without training wheels (although I do think he just needs some confidence to be out by himself) and both Jacob and Jenna scored two goals last night at the game. I was so happy Jacob finally scored. Sometimes I think it is hard to be the middle child.

Hobbies

As many of you know, one of my many hobbies is deal seeking. I do a lot of yard sales to find clothes for the kids and toys for resale. I also shop the best deals at whatever grocery store has the best, and if none of them have great deals, or I have no coupons, I go to Walmart. I also LOVE CVS!!! They give me free things every week. This is what I got this morning. (I had to go and get Jacob some Motrin...no fever, but he is just dragging and not 100%). Today I also bought this Bayer....free, plus on the shelf was a stack of $1.00 coupons, so I made a buck!!! I'm probably crazy, but I love finding out every week what I will get for free (although there are some weeks that I just hold them)

My next hobby that I just started is freezer cooking. When I make certain things, I make two batches...one for that day and one to stay in the freezer for later use. I have done casseroles, meatloaf, pizza's and pancakes. Pancakes are my favorite because I make them from scratch and then freeze them. When we need a breakfast and I don't have anything, I can just warm them in the microwave and they are ready!!! I'm still learning about what I can freeze etc, so I haven't made too much. I'm afraid to branch out yet until I know more about what I am doing, but I do like this new concept....especially on days when I have nothing to cook. I think it is also saving us a little bit of money. If any of you have any freezer cooking recipes, I'd love to have them.

Pullen Park

The weather for our spring break has been pretty bad, so since this was our first nice day and our last day, I wanted to do something with the kids, so I took them to Pullen Park. It was gorgeous out there and we enjoyed getting out!!

The family that plays wii together, stays together!!

Too funny! I couldn't help but snap these last month!

Birthday and Easter Pictures

Jenna had a great b-day with her friends. Last night we took her to Red Robin for her special day. I think my baby girl had a great 5th b-day. She even told me she is ready for kindergarten!

Happy Birthday, Jenna-Bean!!

Today my baby turns 5. My baby turns 5. Oh, how I hate that. She is growing so fast!! I remember finding out I was pregnant so soon and thinking "God, what are you doing". God was blessing me beyond my wildest dreams....I was blessed with a little girl who has really changed my life. Things about Jenna:

• Jenna loves to flip on the bars
• Jenna loves to play soccer
• Jenna loves to do anything her brothers do
• Jenna loves to shop with me
• Jenna loves to color
• Jenna loves to do crafts
• Jenna loves to go to school
• Jenna loves to play with her Barbies, her dolls, and all the "girlie" stuff
• She loves clothes and shoes
  And there is so much more about Jenna. Jenna, you are such a gift to this family and we love you very much. Happy Birthday, Jenna! (And now I have two 5 year olds who are not twins....how many people can say that?)

Soccer, Soccer, and More Soccer

I never dreamed I would be a soccer mom, or how into my kids games I would get. I always warn the people I am beside that I get into the game! I think I embarrass my husband, but the kids say they don't mind. Anyway, Joshua finally had a game Thursday and scored 6 goals. He was happy, especially since Jenna has scored 3. Now I just hope Jacob will score one so he doesn't feel bad.