Zoo & Kungfu

Happy Memorial Day!

We thank all of those who have fought and died for our freedom. . .

Thank you to those who have provided their service to our country.

I couldn't go without talking about the importance of the holiday yesterday.

It was also quite apparent that something was going on when we drove by the cemetery and it was filled with families and flags. I tried to take a picture, but it just didn't grasp the view that I saw; remembering, honoring, and patriotism.

We had the day to ourselves; no time limits or rushing. A blank slate that I wanted to paint with a nice memory. So we decided to go to the zoo.

Little did we know that everyone and their dog was thinking the same thing! We had to park in Timbuktu (additional parking. . .I didn't know there was suchathing!).

The kids' favorite was looking at the jellyfish, fish, and coral.

I got such an education from Connor; he taught me about brain coral, butterfly houses, and the differences between one hump and two hump camels!

My favorite was getting an up-close-and-personal view of the giraffe. I think they are so exotic and intriguing!

It was a hot, hot day out and the kids cooled down with some slush puppies.

We finished our day off with a last minute decision to go see "Kungfu Panda 2" and then visit Grandma & Grandpa Roberts.

So, I was reading my book last night when I came across something that I am processing and cherishing: ". . . in our fast-moving, noisy world, less can be more, silence is precious, and in our daily rush through life, we often sacrifice the very things we need the most--quiet, awareness, patience, joy" (Kenison, 2009).

I don't need to fill my kids' days with routines, schedules, camps, and activities. We need to cherish our ordinary days or just being because this is when we look inside ourselves and learn to develop our true being. We are not defined by what we do, wear, or what we have and "good things in life are created, not bought" (Kenison, 2009). We are defined by our inner core and I SO want to make sure my kids' inner cores are true, sincere, and genuine.

Then I came across this passage: "If motherhood has taught me anything, it is that I cannot change my children, I can only change myself. . .I can choose moment by moment and day by day, my own reaction to who they are" (Kenison, 2009).

Mmmmm, good stuff.

Kenison, K. (2009). The gift of an ordinary day: A mother's memoir. New York, NY: Grand Central Publishing.

Birthday.Wishes.Cake.Candle.Fun.Surprises.

We had so much fun celebrating Evan's first birthday.

He knew it was his special day and he made sure it went his way.

What to do: smile, open presents, dip into the cake.

What not to do: wear a hat, it was cramping his style and his new haircut!

Cousins, Cousins, and more Cousins. . .
Connor, Evie, Ada, Olivia, & Marin

It was entertaining to watch all the kids play and interact.
It was a delight to see Evie and Ada flash their smiles!
Olivia and Marin were in their own little world,
and Connor was thrilled to play some football with his Daddy, Uncle John, and the girls.


G&G Roberts with their grandkiddos in action!

School's out for the Summer!

Can it really be? The end of the school year. . . it is here and that means summer is here (even though it is officially summer in June). The kids have been so blessed with wonderful teachers this year and have gained knowledge and great memories.

We now have a 3rd grader and a pre-k'er.

Rhonda, Olivia, and Diane

Olivia has known Rhonda for the last 1.5 years and Diane for the last year.

We love them so much! They are so loving and really care and are excited for Olivia.

Olivia is now fluent in her ABCs, can write capital letters, identify most lower case letters, and count to 30. She is starting to read and write and use phonetics. She is a good friend and is coming out of her shy "shell."

Connor lost a buddy in December (he said to Tristan that he was "unreplaceable").

He is now good buddies with Caden and the bounce off each other with their stories like they've known each other forever.

Camrey, Caden, Connor, Mrs. Muehlenthaler-Holmes (Mrs. MH for short).

Connor has read over 3,000 minutes (and recieved new books and Famous Dave coupons).
He had 19 100%s on his fast addition (and received a coconut!)
He ran over 40 miles in recess (and is now a member of the Roadrunners Club).
and according to his yearbook, has many BFFs!

Connor and Mrs. MH

Mrs. MH is a very laid back teacher and has helped Connor to be comfortable with himself and not put a lot of pressure on himself to be perfect. Even though he won't admit it, he's going to miss her (it's a mother's intuition).

So Congrats, Kids!
Mom and Dad are so proud of you.
Here's to a nice summer break.
and if Connor could vote on it he would vote for no summer break and continual school!

Best Hawkeye Wedding EVER!

Do you know what I love about weddings? Of course the celebration of love. . .but I also love being with good friends, meeting their friends, and seeing people from your past you haven't thought of in a long time. That's what happened this weekend when my friend Kristi got married.




Match.com is the way to go! She met a great guy who ended up living in a neighboring town. So far, I've met four people who are happily married so I guess Match.com has pretty good success rate! Kristi and I know each other from my Sophomore year and her Freshman year in college. We were dorm neighbors. Little did I know that bringing up my cousin Michelle would be the link that brought us together...I dropped her name and Kristi was thinking why is this beautiful, tall blonde talking to me? (Seriously, this is how she recaps our story) and I was just thinking oh, cool what a small world!
Kristi's roommate flunked out of school the first 8 weeks of school (she, uh, partied a bit too hard and forgot to study...hmmmm) and so she had a single room! We watched a lot of "Grease" and ate a lot of chips and salsa in that room.

So, the coolest thing about Kristi and her new hubby, Eric is that they were major athletes in high school, he also played football for Buena Vista, and they both passionately love the Hawks! So what better way to celebrate their marriage, but with a Hawkeye one!

She surprised her hubby by having a bagpipe player play right when they recessed from the alter. . .and then the Iowa Fight Song played while her friends and family recessed out of the church!

Paul and I had a good time with old friends and we enjoyed having time to just ourselves. Can I count a wedding as a date?

Kristi's mom (also pictured above) is so talented in making all the decorations, flower arrangements and the cakes. Let me tell you, the cake was delicious! My friend Jeanne and I didn't know which piece to take so we sampled them all: white, white with raspberry filling, chocolate with raspberry filling, white with peach filling, and chocolate with peanut butter filling. Do you see what I mean? It was a must to try them all! I ended up indulging fully into the peanut butter one, yum!

So, the wedding was wrapped up with lots of dancing (both parents of the bride and groom danced until the last song!) and a nice brunch in the morning. Lot of good people and good times!

A Nice Day for a Picnic

Olivia insisted on us going on a picnic, and I decided to go along with it and I'm glad I did. . .
we packed up the picnic basket and drove to a nearby park and enjoyed our picnic lunch. She played on the playground and I finished "Something Blue" (a sequel to "Something Borrowed"). What a beautiful day, hot in the sun and cold in the shade. I sure hope the humidity will wait it's turn. . .this is the type of weather we love!

When we came home, Olivia already had plans for crafts! Glitter, glue, tape, and paper! A lot of residual glitter on the table and floor; so we may be transplanting it to other rooms in the house with our feet. . but a beautiful masterpiece was made!

Batter's Up!

Connor has been busy at it playing ball. . .

he is playing for the Cardinals this year and

he absolutely loves it!

Connor up at bat. . .

swing batta, batta, batta, swing!

SAFE!

We're number one!
Connor and his buddies: Sam & Caden.

He loved playing Catcher.

His buddy Caden!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the great women in my life. . .

Mom, I appreciate your persistent love and unconditional support. You raised me with great values and taught me to gaze on our Lord. I love you and love all that you do for me.

Michelle, I'm so blessed to have a fantastic MIL. I'm grateful for our friendship and your guidance. Thanks for raising Paul to be the wonderful man that he is.

Paula, Jolyn, Brooke, Angie, & Sarah, You ladies are my inspiration, your devotion and dedication to motherhood is admirable and you all have the most beautiful babes in the world.

Friends & Family, I wish that you have the best mother's day, soak in your kiddos and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

Marin, Jana, Olivia, Evan, Connor, & Angie

A Natural Star

ABCDEFG

This tumbling tot is cute as can be. . .

Olivia had her dance recital last night and she

loved the stage and the crowd loved her!

After her rehearsal performance,

Olivia said she felt like a super-star!
TA-DA!
(on cue and gave the crowd a giggle)

Frog Hops!

She stole the show by speedily hopping past

two other girls on the mat. . .

That's a look of pure determination

touching her head to her feet.

At the end of the show she bowed and blew kisses!

She knew her routine and executed it well.

Before the show, G&G Mehmen gave Olivia tulips from Grandma's garden!

After the program, she accepted her flowers from her fans with grace!

Thank you, G&G Mehmen, G&G Roberts, Angie, & Marin

That's a wrap until next year!

p.s. I passed on the message to Olivia to break a leg from Aunt Paula and she replied, "HUH?"

Then, I explained not to really break a leg and that it meant good luck and do well and that all stars are told this before they go on stage, then she accepted with a little confusion.

BFFs

M & O

These two girls are inseparable,

they truly are best friends forever.

They know how to handle the other,

firm but gentle. . .

They embrace life with enthusiasm,
complete faith, and eagerness.


They will always have an understanding that we may never comprehend,
the cousin code~the sister-like connection~and may they
nurture their relationship with tenderness and love.

If I Were in Charge of the World

By Connor Roberts (future Humanitarian)

If I were in charge of the world, I'd cancel Lumber jacks because trees give us oxygen, and also I'd cancel powerful Nuclear powerplants. If I were in charge of the world, there'd be fresher lakes that are not polluted, much more shelter for poor people, and water so we can drink it.

If I were in charge of the world, You wouldn't have wars. You wouldn't have lying. You wouldn't have dangerous weapons. Or sickness. You wouldn't even have endangered species.

If I were in charge of the world, I'd buy homes for the poor and needy. And a person who sometimes forgot to plant a tree, and sometimes forgot turning off the sink, would still be allowed to be in charge of the world.

Communion Reception

The Tribolet Tribe posing with the man of the hour.

G&G M with Connor

Aunt Terri and Uncle John with C-man

Great Aunt Bess with Connor

Great Grandma Donna with the little man.

G&G R with Connor

Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate Connor's special day (including thoughts and prayers).

Connor's First Communion

Yesterday, we celebrated Connor's First Communion.
It was a beautiful day to spend with family.

Father Greg and Connor

Connor and Aunt Paula (one of his Godparents)

Connor praying before the service

(okay, not really...I made him pose this way)

When did my little guy grow into such a nice little man?