Golf Camp!

This week I enrolled Matthew in golf camp for a couple of reasons: 1) so he could learn about a new sport (seriously this kid LOVES sports...thank god for the Herzog DNA) and 2) so he would have something to get his "wiggles" out this last week before Sparky comes.  His friend, Drew, was in the class (the family that we went to Hawaii with) so he was very excited.  It ended up being at Franklin Park which is very close to our house and a fun park in general so Maggie could play a little.  It was a gorgeous week except for Tuesday when it torrential down poured.  They tried to hold class anyway, but had to cut it short because it was so wet and cold.  I felt really bad for trying to send him but after a warm bath and lunch he didn't seem to mind too much.  He said he liked it and he would like to play, but then about 15 mins later he asked me if they had soccer camp.  Of course that is the only camp we didn't put him in this summer:(  I am thinking soccer is his sport!  Here are a few shots of camp.

In addition to learning golf skills, the coaches played a lot of games with them which was really nice!

The sisters being silly!

They "graduated!"

Bowling!

Let's be real...I am hanging by a thread most days and just waiting until my mom and dad get here...(have I mentioned that before on facebook or in person?!?!) I have been trying to come up with fun things for the kids to do.  Next week Matthew has golf camp so that is exciting for him!  The "awesome" thing is that my kids love to fight about who is telling a story correctly or who has just talked.  I try to explain to Matthew that Maggie NEVER stops talking all day long and I mostly just tune her out but he insists on engaging her and telling her that she doesn't remember the story and then she gets upset and then the fighting...(you get the drift).  Toward the end of the school year, Matthew brought home this postcard about the program called www.kidsbowlfree.com  It is a national program where if you register online, you can earn two free bowling games per day all summer for your kids.  I decided "what the heck!" and signed them up.  We went last week when the weather was not that great with the Sicilia's and had quite a good time.  Maggie got a tad bored but we bowled two games and it cost $17 for 6 of us with the coupons!  Not too bad:)  Matthew loved it and I know it will be a good distraction for him when he gets restless!  I highly recommend checking out the website!!

Maggie, Matthew, Matt and Adam

Sandy

Ok, I lied...

Hopefully this is my last cake:)  It wasn't a difficult one so that is why I agreed to do it.  I had to be creative for the cammo colors but I thought it turned out pretty good!

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” -Andre Gide

As I enter my final couple weeks of pregnancy with #3 (and final baby) and as Matthew has completed Kindergarten, I find myself reflecting on change.  (I am sure it is the hormones but roll with it:))  I have mixed emotions about everything.  For example, I am soooo excited to meet this baby and not be pregnant but of course I am naturally sad that this a closing chapter in my life. I am so happy that Matthew had an amazing year with an amazing teacher, yet I am sad that he is growing up so fast and will be a first grader next year.  When I was sitting at mass yesterday, the principal gave out goodbye gifts to the teachers who weren't returning next year and I felt sad for the change.  It is like I want to take a picture and keep the school exactly how it is now.  After I had some time to think about it, I realized that although these are natural feelings, change is a good thing!!
I thought back to my "past life:)" and realized if it wasn't for the teacher that left St. Agatha, I wouldn't have taught there.  Although living in Ohio was an experience like no other, I am so happy that I went through it.  It made me grow up in a way that I don't know if I would have staying in WA.  It was amazing for our marriage, and it made me realize so many things about myself.  It was very difficult to be away from my family and friends but I made so many friends there and it really opened the door for Chris and I to move to Spokane which is decision that I am so happy with.  Do I wish that I could hold on to my children and keep them little and close to me my whole life?  Yes, sometimes I do.  But in reality, whether I like it or not, they are growing up into little people, and I can either fight it, or embrace it and teach them to be the best people they can.  There are so many things that I loved about having a baby, but there are so many wonderful things about having my 3.5 year old come into my room in the morning already dressed and ready to go!  Change is scary, but it is wonderful when you open yourself up to what it brings in your life.  You never know what life will bring you and it is best to just enjoy the ride!!!  Here are a few pictures of the last day of school!  Happy summer everyone:)  Today we did nothing and it was AWESOME!

With his best girl Katie.  "We are going to be First Graders!"

My last cake before my maternity leave:)

I had one more cake to complete before I am taking a break to have this baby.  It was the one that I donated to the STM auction.  It was a graduation cake for Mt. Spokane High School and it was a collaborative effort between Chris and myself.  The graduate, Emily, was valedictorian and won some other medals so we incorporated those onto the cake.  She was also off to Whitman so we incorporated that.  It turned out really good (except some of the fondant on the bottom layer started to crack booo:() But all in all they were happy and I was happy!

A Cute Lunch Date

Last Thursday Agatha and Bennett came over for a lunch date.  We went to Tomato Street and it was very yummy!  Couldn't resist taking a couple of pictures of Maggie and B.  He is getting so big now almost 6 months old!

Of course she had to take one of herself:)

Video of Matthew Reading

I am sure you were wondering why there were pictures of all these random classmates of Matthew's reading and none of Matthew...well I took of video of him reading and was having quite a time uploading it to blogger.  I finally decided to go the youtube route!  Hopefully this works!

Kindergartners Hosted Mass

It was really cute to see all the Kindergartners at mass.  They have come such a long way.  Some of them were able to do readings and some sang in the choir.  Matthew was able to do a responsorial psalm and it was the cutest thing.  He was a really good reader and didn't mess up at all!  I am so proud of him and how much he has learned at school.  I know full day isn't right for every kid but I am so glad that I sent him.  I can't believe that he will be a first grader.  When I told Chris that he was like "babe we are about to have another baby!"  I think Matthew being a first grader is more traumatic!!!  I know he is in in great hands. I am so thankful for our decision every day!