Friends are the family you choose

I'm extremely blessed in my life to have wonderful friends. They give me strength and keep my humor alive. We laugh and cry. At times it's both, which is fine because we are safe with each other. They protect me and I don't hesitate to fight for them. We share secrets, sadness and joy, just as it should be. Though I don't see my friends as often as I like, when we do get together it's as if no time has passed. Today I had a long lunch with one of my dearest friends. She presented me with a gift that said, "Friends are the family that you choose". Rene' is part of my chosen family and I love her with all my heart.

Thank you Rene'... you are a cherished member of my family!

Samantha's first day at zoo camp

Daddy and I asked Samantha if she would want to try a camp at the local zoo and of course, she was excited about the opportunity. Last night she asked if she was sure that I wasn't supposed to go too, but I assured her she would be on her own. I checked to make sure that she was okay with that and she was. Samantha was singing, "Zoo camp, zoo camp" on the way there, but I felt like I did the first day I dropped her off at preschool. I'm amazed by that kid... so confident, sweet and kind. Samantha is growing up so fast that there are times I can't believe she was a baby. I do my best to heed the advice of others and live in the moment. I appreciate that Samantha is gaining independence and I'm extremely proud of her for embracing it, but I love that sometimes she just wants to snuggle with her mom (and dad). We are extremely blessed to have her.

Island swimming

Last night we headed over to see our friends. Johanna and Sofie played well together, as did Ella and Sam. All the parents got to relax for a bit. We all took their boat to a nearby island for some swimming before dinner. I wasn't expecting to go into the water due to a spinal injection I had, but I ended up wading in the water anyway when Sofie gave us a scare. (Luckily my back wasn't submerged, but I wasn't wearing a swimming suit and ended up with wet shorts the rest of the night. I guess you could say it was an instant cooling system for me!) All the girls did really well in the water. We had a great dinner and we really enjoy hanging with them!

Girls day, yard work and a festival

Since Daddy was golfing with Papa yesterday, Grammy came by to help me with a few projects. I wanted to surprise Daddy with some yard work for Father's Day, so I mowed the lawn. As a bonus, Grammy and I transplanted a couple of bushes that Daddy wanted moved. We giggled and the girls were awesome! Izzy came over to play and we all had fun!

We then headed to a local International festival with some friends. All the kids get along wonderfully as demonstrated by the silly pictures below.

Happy Father's Day!

Yay for Daddy! It's his day!


We went to Nana and Papa's for lunch, returned home for some quiet time and played together the rest of the day. Daddy loves his presents (an iPhone and a Minnesota Vikings grill cover), but I think the time with the kids was his favorite part.


Our girls are blessed to have their daddy. He loves them and is showing them the world in all it's splendor. Daddy teaches respect, how to face your fears and enjoys lots and lots of silly time. His stories are extensive, including "Jim-Jam-Rubberband" and the one with "Dave the Monkey" and "Shenanigans the Banana". He loves his daughters fiercely and it's beautiful to watch how our girls gravitate to him. Our family is as it should be.

These girls are truly the apple of their Daddy's eye...

Again, it's as it should be.

Samantha starts piano lessons

Samantha has started piano lessons. They're held at the preschool she recently graduated from and her teacher is impressed with her. Sam has been asking and we're doing it on a trial basis for now. Of course she loves it, but doesn't want to read the music. It's normal, but an important skill. Still, we will see how it goes since now may not be the right time.

Watching her has awoken my musical abilities. I don't remember enjoying lessons as a kid, but I do enjoy being able to read the notes and produce a sound with my own hands. I love the piano (I don't know any other instruments other than percussion) and I hope that my kids will learn the skills as well.

International Children's Festival 2010

We had a great time last year and this year did not disappoint! We watched some Indian dancing, break dancing, listened to a jazz choir and caught the Circus Jevantas (acrobatics) performance. The butterfly house and numerous craft projects kept the girls entertained. The only downside of today was Daddy didn't feel well. He kept us with us though! One of the things that Samantha was really excited about was trying to blow a French horn. Yes, the germs grossed Daddy and I out, but I'm not about to have her miss an experience because of that (at times irrational fear). She hit a couple of notes and her facial expression was amazed, proud and curious all at the same time.

I love experiencing these festivals with our family. It opens up the world to them and it's a wonderful thing to witness!

After some quiet time for the family, we went to the grocery store and Sofia fell asleep in my arms. The beautiful feeling of my child sleeping in my arms gave me the strength to carry her throughout the store. I love the fact that my girls love to snuggle!

Samantha's last day of preschool

What a whirlwind of a day!

Our first baby is done with preschool now! I know that Samantha will be missed as much as she will miss the environment. She got a certificate today that says, "Samantha has earned this certificate for OUTSTANDING CONFIDENCE". Her teachers all tell me that she is one of the most self-assured kids in her class. I cannot imagine a better feeling than to hear my daughter is sure of herself. Samantha is kind, compassionate, loving and a feisty fireball who stands up for herself. I don't think we could be more proud of her.

It's hard to believe that Samantha will be in kindergarten already this fall. She has a hunger for learning. Languages, science, reading and math all excite her. Swimming and dance have been full of joy for Sam and I'm seeing an eagerness for music lately too. She is a leader, but listens. I'm amazed by her every day.

Here she is with Ms. Schulz, who is a fabulous teacher who loves the kids and the one who taught Samantha chess. She is wonderful!


This is Mrs. Gainor, who was Samantha's primary teacher. She will be missed as well!

As a "graduation" party of sorts, we had the Ficenecs over for dinner. Daddy got both Samantha and Ella balloons to commemorate their last day at preschool and balloons for Sofie and Johanna as well. Both of the younger girl's balloons popped before long, which was entertaining too!

Bye STL and Sam's Spring program

Leaving St. Louis is always hard. We miss Antie and Uncie so much! Traveling home went well overall. We were delayed about half a hour which worked out fine because both kids fell asleep.

We did stop by Faust Park for a quick ride... I love this picture of my family and just had to share it.

After we got home, we unpacked quickly and got ready for Samantha's spring (and final) preschool program. Grammy, Nana and Papa all joined us which we greatly appreciated!

Johanna saw us and immediately wanted to sit with Sofia. I got this picture of them. Soon she went back to her own family, but it was very cute! Both girls are adorable!

Samantha was excited to see her friends! I do think she missed them and they seemed to miss her too! Samantha gave a great performance and we'll show it the next time we see Uncie so he can sing the songs he learned during our trip! Here's a sample of one of her parts:

The Magic House and getting ready to come home

Today we made it to the Magic House. It's one of the best children's museums that I have ever seen with something for every kid and adult. Both girls enjoyed the market, fishing for magnets, the water tables, the Lego's, etc.

We squeezed another tradition in as well... Ted Drewes is a must for us. Sofia missed it due to a much-deserved nap, but the rest of us got it!

During our downtime, Uncie and Samantha have been teaching each other songs and they have been singing them constantly. It is precious to see our girls bond with Uncie and Antie... just as precious as getting our own time with them. We love them so much!

It's tough to think of coming home, but I feel like I have finally recharged. I have personally been too stressed and have been struggling. Now I have nothing but gratitude and pure joy for my family. They are what is important to me and while they are not my entire life, they are my motivation and focus. Life is too short to not have a good attitude and I'm grateful for the reminder!