"Rumbling" Sale

When Dave and I were in Mexico, my mom took LTD to a local neighborhood rummage sale so they could each buy some things with their own money from their piggy banks. They referred to it as the "rumbling" sale and did a fantastic job picking out just the right things for themselves (Dylan, big Caterpillar truck; Taylor & Lindsey, an assortment of stuffed animals & dolls). Today, we partook in our own neighborhood "rumbling" sale and LTD decided they wanted in on the action so we put them to work.

First, they helped pick out toys they no longer played with to sell to other children. Why is it that the minute a toy, book, movie, stuffed animal or doll hits the SELL box, it suddenly becomes something they just can't live without? Then, they decided to set up their own lemonade stand to earn a few extra bucks to add to their piggy banks. They helped make the lemonade, set up their stand (picnic table), put together their cash box and pour lemonade. Thankfully, it was beautiful, warm & sunny and we had lots of foot traffic so it was a perfect day to be selling ice cold lemonade.

LTD eager to sell to thirsty shoppers

The sun is getting bright, get out those shades. Lindsey taste-tests for quality assurance

Dylan a bit peeved: "you're drinking all our profits! That lemonade is for customers!" (as he pours a few complimentary glasses for his little friends)

Bottom line, it was a great lesson in Business 101 for Preschoolers even though it lasted about an hour before they lost interest and moved on to bigger and better things. BUT, they earned a whopping $7 profit in that short amount of time. Not bad for a hard hour's work!

5 Year Anniversary

Dave and I just recently returned from an incredible trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. We had an absolute blast and couldn't have asked for more. We stayed at an AWESOME hotel/resort right on the main beach of Cabo which was really nice for walks on the beach and a 5-10 minute walk into the marina/downtown district for nightlife, shopping, etc. We had a room on the top floor that overlooked the Sea of Cortes and the infamous "Land's End". It was stunning and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to the crashing waves of the ocean every night (WAY better than our sound machine at home that mimmicks the ocean). Not only is Cabo extremely beautiful, it is safe and the Mexican people are so incredibly warm and hospitable. Because of our lovely media & the supposed Swine Flu epidemic, the tourists were scarce and the locals are unfortunately deeply affected which was really sad to see. They kept asking "where are all the Americans?" Dave and I were tempted to buy surgical masks and take photos of us on the beach, playing pool volleyball, out for dinner, etc. with our masks on as a joke. How tempting that was and how silly we would have looked!

Mainly we relaxed on the beach or at the amazing pool with cervezas in hand but we also took time to take in a sunset cruise on a catamaran which was fantastic. We also made sure to check out some tasty local restaurants and Cabo Wabo for a little dancing (Sammy Hagar's place) which was SO fun!! We actually ran into a high school classmate of Dave's (Beth Bohrer) and her husband Mike and some friends of theirs from TX at Cabo Wabo and ended up sharing stories and cocktails into the wee hours. And of course, we had our fair share of margaritas!! Nice thing was, we got to sleep in EVERY day although we seriously missed our munchkins who were in great caring hands with Grandma & Papa Good back in Mpls (HUGE thanks, mom & Jon!!!). The only setback of Cabo is that the scuba diving and snorkeling are average-at-best (very murky and not much to see) which is why we didn't even gear up. Also, the water is not as warm as the Caribbean but it is excellent for deep-sea fishing and sailing. Next trip south of the border, we will be going somewhere in the Caribbean and we will DEFINITELY be taking LTD with us so they can snorkel in the warm water and enjoy the ocean at it's finest. They adore water, sand and waves so it should be a huge hit.

We are so grateful for each other and look forward to many more years of happiness together and the opportunity to parent 3 amazing angels that continue to teach us what life is really all about........leaving a legacy and paying it forward. Here are a few photos from our trip but we will make sure to post more on Kodak Gallery at the end of the month. Cheers!

Sweet Mother's Day

4 yrs ago was my first Mother's Day (see above photo) and one of my absolute best memories. LTD were baptized that same day and it seemed so perfect and we felt (and still do) so incredibly blessed. Well this Mother's Day, Dave and the kiddos really helped make it one for the memory books as well. Last night they all took me out for dinner - we found a quaint authentic Mexcian hot spot in Savage with excellent food and tasty margaritas too. This morning, my day began with breakfast in bed and one of the most thoughtful cards ever. As Dave walked in with the breakfast tray, LTD marched in behind him and they all sang:

"Happy Mother's Day to you
Happy Mother's Day to you
Happy Mother's Day dear mommy
Happy Mother's Day to you!
and many more.......!!!" (to the tune of Happy Birthday)

We sat in bed & cuddled, read stories and played a few board games. The sun lit up our room with it's bright rays and there were plenty of belly laughs going around. It was perfect! This afternoon after we called our grandmas (they each got to hear the song too), we got outside and did lawnwork together and LTD got in some sprinkler action. The munchkins are such BIG helpers and are especially good at digging up worms, finding toads and watering "anything" they can find (including each other). They were very saddened when we found a dead bird in our garden. We decided to bury him and said "The Lord's Prayer" for the little fella after we put the cross on top of his grave. We also got a chance to transplant some sunflower plants they started a few weeks ago inside and they are really excited to care for them and watch them grow. Our day was topped off with a delicious dinner, warm baths, LOTS more singing, storytime and prayers for all the wonderful moms and grandmas. We hope your day was as simple & pleasurable as ours. God Bless Moms!!!!

Little Handprints

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, the following are photos of the Mother's Day gifts LTD made for me at KPT. They are painted magnetic wood strips for the fridge that hold artwork with painted clothesline clips. Included are two cards they made: one at KPT on Monday and one at our weekly Bible study program today.

Inside each card is their handprint along with their handwritten name and a poem that says:

"Sometimes you get discouraged, because I am so small. And always leave my fingerprints on furniture and wall.

But every day I'm growing up and soon I'll be so tall. That all these little handprints will be hard to recall.

So here's a special handprint just so that you can say. This is how my fingers looked when I placed them here today." (author unknown)

For all you wonderful mothers reading this, may your children bring you lots of joy, laughter and happiness this week (and each and every day) to let you know how much you are appreciated and loved. Happy Mother's Day!!!

Mother's Day Tea at KPT

Yesterday I got the opportunity to hear my 3 favorite little people sing at the top of their lungs for a Mother's Day Tea performance at KPT. It was way too adorable!!! They sang nice and loud and did all the hand movements their teachers taught them. Their smiles were beaming from ear to ear and they were so proud.....Mama Bear was bursting with pride too! I wish I would have had my videocamera instead of the camera this time but I forgot they were going to be singing.


After the performance, we joined all their little friends and their mothers downstairs for refreshments & cookies. We had a great time! LTD & their buddies ran around holding hands, playing games and sharing lots of laughs & hugs. Very cute and all of us moms sat around and got a chance to chat together. When I opened the gifts and cards they made me, I cried (of course). They are now proudly displayed on our fridge and will be for a long time. I will have to take a photo or two tomorrow and post it on the blog to share so you can see how cute they are. Only 2 weeks left of KPT which is very sad since we love it immensely. Many, many fond memories and keepsakes.

Papa Clark is 75!

Yesterday we celebrated a very special day: Papa Clark's 75th Birthday (belated)!! LTD really enjoyed sharing time with Papa & Grandma Clark who are on their way back home to ND from their winter home in TX. After church, we had a fattening brunch complete with Mimosas to celebrate. Dylan was SO excited about Papa's gift and just couldn't contain it any longer; he gave the secret away and blurted out what it was before the wrapping came off. It was a brand new fishing pole!!

It was a really beautiful day so after pigging out, Grandma and I sat out on the deck and chatted while the kiddos wore Dad and Papa out at the park and on a bike ride. Of course a birthday wouldn't be complete without a birthday cake, candles and SONG. LTD didn't let Papa blow out even one candle!!! It was alot of fun and the kiddos were SO happy to share quality time with their grandparents. It's time we all cherish.

Baker's Man (& His Girls)

Today we prepared for a really big day.........Papa Clark's 75th birthday celebration tomorrow. LTD were SO excited to bake a cake for the big celebration to be held after church (they get to sing for the congregation for the Sunday School Spring Performance and CANNOT wait to shine for Grandma & Papa Clark). LTD made their own birthday cards and helped mom bake our favorite homemade chocolate cake. What's a bit comical is that today I bought a shower cap (for my hair treatments in the shower) and L & T decided they needed to wear it during the entire baking process. It reminded me of "Lunch Lady" on SNL and it was absolutely hysterical!! Yes, I am a diehard Chris Farley fan!! So stay tuned for more photos of our big celebration. Above are a few photos of the "Bake-Off".