Nap or no nap?

I have officially decided I prefer that Ella never take naps. That may sound strange, what mother doesn't like for her children to take a nap? And Ella looks so sweet and peaceful doesn't she? It's not the actual nap that I object to, it is the waking up. Ella does not wake up well, to say the least. She is like a grizzly coming out of hibernation and it is not pretty. It is not over quickly either. However, grumpy or whiny she is before a nap, she is 100 times worse afterwards. She has never been a big napper. I think by the time she was 2 she stopped the daily nap routine (Gordon took naps until he started school). Now, if Ella takes a nap it is because she is so tired that she simply can't stay awake and she falls asleep where ever she is; on a chair, the couch, the car, or occasionally the floor. I've decided I need to be more vigilant in keeping these spontaneous naps from occurring. Believe me it is for the benefit of everyone within a 100 mile radious.

A happy sunshiney day!

Here we are. Each of us sort of doing our own thing, but enjoying the sunshine together.

Cake

"Cakes have gotten a bad rap. People equate virtue with turning down dessert. There is always one person at the table who holds up her hand when I serve the cake. No, really, I couldn't she says, and then gives her flat stomach a conspiriatorial little pat. Everyone who is pressing a fork into that first tender layer looks at the person who declined the plate, and they all think, That person is better than I am. That person has discipline. But that isn't a person with discipline, that is a person who has completely lost touch with joy. A slice of cake never made anybody fat. You don't eat the whole cake. You don't eat a cake every day of your life. You take the cake when it is offered because the cake is delicious. You have a slice of cake and what it reminds you of is someplace that's safe, uncomplicated, without stress. A cake is a party, a birthday, a wedding. A cake is what's served on the happiest days of your life."


I'm really not much of a cake person. I usually prefer cookies or pie, but I read this paragraph in the book that I am reading right now called "Eat Cake" by Jeanne Ray and I really liked the sentiment of it, so I thought I would share.

Secret # 11: A slice of cake never made anybody fat, so don't forget to enjoy life and eat cake!

Haircuts

Yesterday all the kids got hair cuts. My cousin Angie came to the house and cut their hair. For Ella and Jace it was a first, neither of them have ever had their hair cut before. Here are some before and after shots.

Ella Before







Ella during

Haircuts cont...

Ella afterHere is what the back looks like


I love Ella's hair and I think she does too. She held so still while Angie was cutting it. I think that it will be a fun haircut for the summer and also easier to manage.




Jace before
He didn't love getting his hair cut
After

I can't believe how big my baby looks now. He looks like a little man. I knew I was going to feel that way but I'm still glad we finally cut it. It only would have got worse the longer we waited and I believe boys hair should be no fuss. It was just getting to hard to manage.

Secret # 10: I have the cutest kids, long hair or short.

Bursting into song!

Today when I went to pick up Gordon from Kindergarten his teacher came over and said that she had to tell me a story about Gordon. She said that they were working on their writing and all of the sudden Gordon started singing! A few of the kids recognized the song that he was singing and started singing along!


Secret #9: He must get that from his dad.

Murder

I know my brothers think that I am morbid but I can't help it, I love a good murder mystery. I just recently finished reading the two above and I throughly enjoyed them. I love Mary Higgins Clark. She has been one of my favorites for years and she continues to keep me enthralled. I also love Agatha Christie and lately have really enjoyed listening to her books on my ipod.

Secret#8: I love a good murder mystery.