March is here

As I changed over my calendar today, I was pretty amazed that it is already March. I have sooo much to look forward to this month and in the coming months that I cannot believe that it is here. It all starts with my sister's senior solo recital next weekend. Just the words "sister" and "senior" in one sentence really tugs at my heartstrings. I've been in denial over the fact that my baby sis is a senior, but am finding it harder and harder to ignore as she gets college acceptance letters, room assignments, goes on scholarship try-outs, has her recital, and will soon be sending out those graduation announcements. Where, oh where, has time gone? It seems like the day we picked her up from the hospital nearly 18 years ago (she's adopted...we picked her up at 2 days old), was merely a few years ago...not 18! Anyway, I'm excited for her to get her grand moment to shine. Besides that, her dress for the occasion is absolutely STUNNING and I do believe will turn many heads on formal night on the cruise. :) Her boyfriend will probably really enjoy THAT one.... :) The neat thing about her recital, though, is that she is dedicating it to my 2 grandfathers that have passed away. Lots of people dedicate, but this one is a little extra special. My dad's dad just passed away in Jan 2007. The day of Dani's recital would have been his 95th birthday. I know it means a lot to my dad and grandma that she would choose that day. OH, and I get to go to Wichita ALL BY MYSELF...that's exciting too, though I'll miss my little stinker!

Speaking of which, you all KNOW I'm excited about that! What is the most exciting part of the whole trip, though? Not the cruise. The most exciting part is being able to spend SEVEN AND A HALF DAYS with my brother and his family who have lived in Oregon for almost 7 years. That would be Laura that you see posting on here often, in case you've missed her excitement over the trip, too. They have 3 kids, one of which, Callie, is just about 6 months younger than Cassie. We're super excited to get these girls together to see if they become fast friends. They played together some at Thanksgiving, but ignored each other quite a bit, too. :)

End of March, beginning of April will bring about the end of my daycare. I've got mixed feelings about that. Happy that I don't have the work of caring for 3 kids all day 2 days a week being big and pregnant, but sad that Cassie won't have that interaction and that I'll not get to be with those kiddos as much. However, with Jessica going down to 2 days a week with work, I hope that we can have playdates at each other's homes often.

Then, comes May...my sister's graduation and Cassie's 2nd birthday (I am planning a Strawberry Shortcake party). Finally, June when, Lord willing, our little Conrey will come out as a healthy, big (but not too big, Mister), beautiful baby boy.

Man! I've got a lot to feel blessed about, a lot to look forward to, and a TON to utter my thanks for daily...hourly. It is so easy to get wrapped up in everything and not stop and take the time to thank God for the small blessings that happen all around us all the time.

That reminds me: Cassie and I went on a walk yesterday. It was absolutely gorgeous here. If you've never been on a walk with a 2-year-old (or almost so), you have never been on a walk. I saw things that I certainly wouldn't have seen. I HEARD things that I certainly wouldn't have heard. I stopped and really looked at things that I wouldn't have even noticed, but were worth a second glance to teach her more about this wonderful world. She LOVED it and we will definitely have to make a habit of walking when it's nice. Of course, it took us 30 minutes to go half a block and back. She is SUCH A SLOW WALKER!!! I know that if you've ever walked with me, you're probably saying, "She's a slow walker?!?" because I'm a rather slow walker, but she makes me crazy! :) I just have to remember that it is soley because she is learning and taking everything in, so it is well worth the extra time. Anyway, we loved the rocks, sticks, birds, barking doggies, little piles of snow every once in awhile where people had shoveled into a pile, little stream of ice next to the sidewalk right by our driveway, people, and cars. It was a lovely walk...

WELL, I DO believe that I have blogged a novella today. I guess I'm just in a very thankful and positive mood today. I should be in bed sleeping, but alas, I have that almost-2-year-old...

Everyone have a great day, enjoy this beautiful world, and stop by again sometime...I'm sure I could come up with some more stuff to bore you with! :) :) :)