Lions, Tigers and Bears...Oh My!

Last night we took the kids to the "Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Baily Circus." The first thing Jeff said as we entered the arena was, "No one's getting cotton candy! It's $10!" Seriously...the concessions were double what you'd pay at Disneyland...but the kids had such a blast...it really was a spectacular show. I was skeptical at first because I'm not a fan of clowns or watching tamed animals parade in a circle. But some of the acts were amazing...the sequined acrobats were stunning...my palms were sweaty watching them fly...My favorite stunt was the motorcyclists locked in a globe and spinning around with perfect rhythm so they didn't ram into each other. Amazing!

The most fun part of the show was turning around to see the kids' awed expressions over the animals and acts...Max loved the contortionists and elephants and tigers...Laney asked how someone is able to get a job at the circus! She thinks it would be fun. I wondered that, too...

Gifts of the Spirit

Every so often I fall in love with my husband all over again. Tonight was one of those nights. It didn't happen over a candlelight dinner, a walk on the beach or intimate talking: It happened in our Bible study small group! We were asked to lead small group but I was so exhausted from the week, I asked Jeff to take the reigns on this one. He did such a fabulous job. As he facilitated the conversation and asked thought-provoking questions, I found myself so enamored by this wise (and often wise-cracking), tender-hearted man...As our time together was brought to a close, Jeff led a beautiful prayer of blessing, sending two of our small group members out to lead another group. Sometimes I wish I could record the words he so beautifully strings together when he's talking to the Lord. I love hearing my husband pray. I love hearing him tell jokes and getting other people to laugh. I love that my husband is dirty and imperfect but so darn cute, I just want to squeeze him.
As I looked over at Jeff this evening, my thoughts scrolled through the year and half we've been married. I always thought achievement was measured by goals met and awards earned...But if someone asked what my greatest achievement was to date, I would have to say MY MARRIAGE. We've both worked incredibly hard to talk things out, stay emotionally connected, to love each other fiercely when we're being unlovable, and to create a home that offers stability and love to two children who deeply need it.
Sometimes I go through set-backs and I let the enemy infiltrate my thoughts with a negative spirit...and I'm disheartened by the statistics that show 70% of marriages that involve stepchildren fail...But I'm banking on beating those odds. Tonight I feel lucky to have a husband who blesses me with his many gifts of the spirit...and his heart.

Max the Catcher

Max is having a lot of fun playing baseball this spring. He just discovered he's a leftie, like his Daddy. For the longest time he was batting with his right hand until Jeff suggested he switch. This picture was taken a week ago...Max was the catcher for the game...They don't keep score so I have no idea how many games his team has won...But the important thing is that he's having a blast, learning teamwork, and getting some great exercise...I should be exercising more myself, especially given the deep fried foods I ate last night at the Washington Cherry Festival!

The Great Camp Adventure '09

My mom says I remind her of the star of the old TV show "Green Acres"--her husband plucks her out of living a glamorous life in the city to re-locate in the country. She sings:
New York is where I'd rather stay.
I get allergic to the smelling hay.
I just adore a penthouse view.
Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue.
Ah...now, relaxing in a penthouse in NYC is my idea of heaven on earth. Jeff's idea of lovin' life is being at one with nature. So, despite my protests, we took the kids camping--actual stake-your-tent-in-the-ground camping--this Memorial Day weekend.
Do you see how teeny this tent is in relation to our family? You can click on the video at the bottom of this post and Max and Laney will give you a tour.

I still fail to see the beauty of vacationing in dirt and grime, but the kids had a BLAST camping this weekend. We were packed like sardines in a tent designed for 2-3 people! Jeff and I shared a twin air mattress! Did I mention he's six feet tall and not exactly rail thin? I barely got a wink of sleep and had to walk five minutes to the nearest restroom at 3am! But earlier in the day we took the kids swimming, Jeff enjoyed the hot tub, and we went mini-golfing!

It wouldn't have been nearly as much fun without our friends, Jennifer and Jason, who were staying in an RV on the campgrounds this weekend. We roasted hot dogs and s'mores for dinner and played games into the night. Despite the rigors of getting back to nature, it was a neat bonding experience. The kids are already asking if we're going camping again next year...Uh, can I take a rain check?

Baby Ali

I've got two of the sweetest nieces in the world. But I only get to see my niece, Ali (from Indy), once a month at most, so it was fun to spend time with her. We fed some teddy bears tea, we strolled around Jeff's parents' neighborhood with Delaney (and got lost), and maybe I got a little too excited about pushing her around in her toy car and she fell off. (She's such a great baby--she didn't even flinch!)
She has a love/hate relationship with Jeff, though...Well, he would say it's mostly love but he had some making up to do after scaring her half to death! He's talking in his best "high" voice. I think they're both pretty cute.

Ice Show

The Owens Center Ice Show this year starred Delaney the Ice Show Princess! Isn't she darling in her costume? Tonight Jeff & I attended Laney's program. (Hey, Scott...you missed quite the treat. Next year I'm getting you and Susie tickets so you can remember those tender days of young parenthood...enjoying recital after recital!)
Delaney skated to "Jail House Rock." We got to present our princess with a dozen red roses to commemorate her achievement. She graduated to Level 6 in her ice skating program and she finally gets to learn how to jump! For those of you who missed the ice show spectacular, here's a clip of Laney's routine for your viewing pleasure:

Violin performance

My head is spinning with the kids' gazillion activities this week. With school recitals and end of the year performances, May is a CRAZY MONTH! Tonight Delaney had a violin performance. She's only in the fourth grade, but she plays in the 6th grade orchestra, which is a pretty great accomplishment for her. She played a few songs called "Fiddles on Fire," "Pluck and Stomp," and "Fancy Fiddles." For those of you who weren't able to make it, I tried to record a brief portion of her performance: