Do Gooders

We love our dog park, but noticed the dog clean-up receptacle is always out of bags. The city explained that it is part of cut backs. So Jack and Grant took action and enlisted their classrooms to collect grocery bags to fill it. They've collected enough to fill several parks full. So now we just need to go on tour with our bags across the city, or enlist help to fill them all. Anyone need bags?

Harmony Park

As relaxing as it's name.

Thursday Park Day

Took Jango with us and he ran until he collapsed in the shade of a slide. Beautiful day in Mesa and a great time to build sand towers and play the troll under the playground equipment.

Let's go into the City!

It just doesn't have the same ring as when we lived in Brooklyn. But with a light rail system in Phoenix, it's still an adventure. We went into Phoenix for MLK holiday and found a very quiet city. Is that because it was a holiday or because that's Phoenix? Good thing just the same-no one around to yell at us for climbing on the statues. My kids enjoyed the outting, especially my Thomas the Train loving two year old. When we told him we were taking a train, he couldn't stop talking about it! But why would we try to stop him, any talking two year old is cuter than a bunny on Easter (but gets old just as quickly as jelly beans after Easter). I really was hoping for a hot dog vendor- it's just not complete with out one, but alas, there were none to be found. Oh well, we had hot dogs for dinner that night.

Attack!!!!

Do you ever have those day's? Maybe the attack is on the outside from boss, kids, deadlines, etc. Or maybe the attack is on the inside from a voice that tells you not to try, your stupid, why bother! I know it's Satan's voice, but I assume it is his way of stopping some wonderful person from doing wonderful good in the world.
Yep, I have those days! "Why"? I wonder. What purpose does it serve Satan that I should feel so low. What good was I up to anyway? They don't always last long but feel so debilitating.
So what do you do about those days?

and finaly- Be Mine,Valentine!

Today is Valentine's day in the classroom realm. Last night we were all a buzz, making valentine's and talking about who likes who. And my sons are very excited to have a special someone to give a special Valentine to. They worried that she might say no-or what if she said yes. I am just a bit surprised. I don't remember feeling this way in the 3rd or 4th grade. But I hoped the best for them and helped them prepare, pick out cloths to look their best, and have all their valentines ready. They wanted just the right bag for their valentines to go in. And Hailey was in on the whole thing with her Valentine for 'Ben'. She came in with a little pink bag she had found in my room. It said "Victoria Secret" with writing inside that said "give me sexy".
Oh! GIVE ME TIME! No Hailey, you CAN'T put your Valentine's in that. A big Ziplock bag will do just fine.
Wish them luck! I hope they have fun in their class parties. I hope they have the courage to give their Valentine's away. I hope the recipiants receive them with grace and kindness. And I hope they come home realizing Valentine's Day is really just the day you give your mom a big hug-and that's ALL!

Love of Nature

and who doesn't love nature. Volumes could be said on this subject, but I wont carry on here.
Instead I am shamelessly going to show you the tree that blooms at our bus stop. Yes, I know there is a blizzard going on. Am I rubbing it in? Maybe. 5 feet of snow?! How 'bout a tree with soft blooms that look like snow. And when the wind blows and the petals fall to the ground, no shoveling! It's just makes me want to dance under it-like the scene from Edward Scissor hands, but with out getting cut! It's a beautiful Valentine from Mother Nature all right.
(mother always did like me best!)

Brothers

I've heard a lot of gripes about Valentine's Day. Some legit and some from grumpy souls who just don't think out side the box. So this is my week of love-all the kinds we really celebrate. The love of our parents, love for animals, and today, the love we have for our family. We got this shot of Mackay and Grant at the park with out them realizing it. I could blow it up and frame it! I love to see my kids getting along and I ache when they don't. I have a few regrets about lost years with siblings who are so much fun to be with now. I know I have missed out.
Friends, and cousins like wise. My cousin Shara is a guru for girls with out sisters.

"Sisters present themselves beautifully through cousins and friends! :)" she advised.

What would life be without these connections?
Imagine the picture above with only one little boy.