Youngest 8th Birthday

Youngest had a great time at her party along with 10 other kiddos and their parents. The kids spent the afternoon in the pool for 2 hours plus then we broke a homemade pinata. What wonderful fun two large paper bags, stickers, staples, rope, bat and toys with some candy can be for a bunch of kiddos! After the pinata was finally broken with the last child hitting it, there was carrot cake or cheesecake for an option. OOOPPPSSS, almost forgot to sing Happy Birthday before eating the cake. After the cake was eaten then presents were open and tired kiddos went home. I was very tired running with 11 kids for 4 and a half hours. The family went to Denny's for dinner and youngest's free birthday dinner. Oh I forgot, the roller skates were a hit for the big birthday present. It was also special that all of youngest's friends were able to come for her big day. It's hard to believe that I'm a Mommy to an eight year old. How time flies!!

Hard to Believe-Only 70+ Years Ago

Tonight I just finished reading "The Cage." It was a book about the Holocaust and it is hard to believe that it has only been a little over 70 years ago that this terrible, terrible thing happened. I want to share this sad history with my kiddos but I need to wait till the time is right. Eldest will have problems listening and Youngest will be crying before only a couple sentences are out of my mouth. I want to make sure that our learning of this history will be forever in their memories as I think all generations need to know about this to ensure that it never, ever happens again!!! For now, I read the books, save them for future reading to my kiddos and cry at the end of each book every time!

Fourth of July 2010

Yesterday was a fun day of family and friends. The kiddos and hubby did a marital arts demo at the park then we looked at all the booths. Before the demo, we were in time for the parade. We watched a girl about Oldest's age who fell off her horse. Luckily she wasn't hurt, just scared. We saw one of the friendly homeschooling families at their booth. Planning to do a visit to their Alpaca Farm beginning of August to see some baby alpacas. We then went home and got ready for a picnic at the marital arts instructor's ranch. Lots of friends there and the kiddos did really great. Oldest made muffins and Youngest made Angel Food cake for the picnic. Hubby and I of course enjoyed all the people watching. Afterwards went back to the house and hit the pool to cool off. We made some popcorn and headed for a friend's house to see the fireworks. There were tons of people there. We talked, enjoyed each others' company, watched fireworks and did some star gazing. Planning to get together again this summer for a star gazing party. What a great way to celebrate our day of freedom!