Mothers' Day

It has been way too long since I have posted- and it is certainly not because life has been too dull to write about! Spring is sort of here: It was 84 on Friday and snowed on Monday. Very odd weather but I have been able to have the top down on the car several times and finally put away my winter clothes and swapped them out for my shorts and tank tops.

Auntie Sue and Grandma Mary came to visit a few weeks ago so they could watch the boys play baseball/tball. It was a great visit and my only complaint is that it was TOO SHORT. The kids and I picked them up on Saturday afternoon and the rest of the day was consumed with Old Maid and Crazy 8's. Sunday was Mother's Day and it was such a treat to not only have my mom here, but also my MIL and Aunt-in-Law. I was spoiled rotten by the kids- they were so excited by allthe cards and gifts they had made for me, as well as the gifts they picked out (several good books and a new pair of summer jammies ). We had doughnuts for breakfast and had a lazy day at home- which for me included an afternoon nap and reading time. The big event of the day was our dinner at Sakura- a place very similar to Benihana. We took all three "moms" there and all the kids. We shared a big table and the kids were fascinated by the chef. He was great. He juggled knives and caught eggs and salt and pepper shakers in his hat. He cut up an onion and made it into a volcano. He cut up shrimp and tossed it in the air to us each one by one so we could try to catch it. It was a really fun night. Then it was time for some Mother's Day Dessert (My new favorite: Dairy Queen ice cream cake).

The kids had ball games both Monday and Tuesday night so we headed down to those. Unfortunately Jake couldn't play in his game due to his injured shoulder, but we went and supported the team anyway. Tanner loved playing for his audience. He beamed each time he got the ball or got a hit. He really loves the game and it is so fun to see his eyes light up when he plays. It was actually a great game with lots of action. Brian was also really glad that his mom and aunt could see him in the coaching role that he loves so much.

We had lots of good talks while they were here and Jake was on best behavior. Actually, speaking of Jake, he has been doing so much better in the last two weeks overall. Things got worse (way worse) unfortunately before they got better but now we are definitely on the track to peace in our home and sleep at night. Anxiety stinks and I feel badly that he has it on both sides of the family and that it will probably be something he deals with on some level for his whole life. But luckily there are medications to help with anxiety and since he has started taking the right dose he is like another kid (well, he's still my same sweet boy, but without the crazy fears and out-of-control fits!). It was not a decision we made lightly and we are of course combining the meds with therapy but I think judging from the progress we have seen that it was the right decision. A huge thank you to those that offered me advice, a listening ear, and comforting emails during the last few months. It has not been easy.

Tanner has his last two games of Tball and preschool graduation next week. Jake has his school carnival, baseball playoffs, and his last day of school coming up. Brian and I have a night away (thanks, Mom!), several business trips coming up, as well as lots of fun boating, camping, and vacations planned.