Park

Since beginning of January, Nathan has been a terrible sleeper.  Some nights he wakes up just needing to be rocked a few minutes then goes right back to sleep.  Other nights he is up for hours at a time.  The other night I was up with him from 1 am to 3:30, at which point I woke up Gar and told him I was "tapping out."  I just couldn't do it anymore.  Last night he was up for an hour.  But not just awake.  He was ready to play.  I tried to lay with him but he just rolled around and giggled.  So frustrating.  So today I had the bright idea of taking him to the park and letting him burn off some energy in hopes he would have a good night sleep!  And so off to the park we went: Nathan, Natalie, and me.

The kids swung on the swings.

At one point both of my children were squealing with happiness, my heart just melted and I felt as if there was no where in the world I would rather be in that moment.  I just felt so lucky to be there mom.  Sometimes I get so consumed with work and cooking and cleaning that I forget to just enjoy and play with my children.  Garrett is so good at it.  He can sit with the kids and play video games or just hang out.  But I am always up feeling as though everything must be clean and tidy before I can even sit down.  So going to the park was just so refreshing.

Nate climbed up the slide.  Natalie was such a great big sister and let Nate ride on her lap down the curly slide.

Before we left the kids wanted to say hi to the ducks.

Nathan just loves animals and wanted to get right up close to the ducks and geese.  He has no fear.  The following picture was taking right before the goose tried to take a bite out of Nate.  The goose saw Nate (who was shorter than this giant bird) and decided he was much too close and lunged right at him.  Luckily, I was right there and picked up Nate quickly.  But the goose was relentless.  He still came toward us so I had to turn and sprint.  I got away but not until after the angry bird chomped down on my leg.  Good thing I was wearing jeans.  Nate whimpered a bit and pointed and the goose.  I think his feelings were hurt. 

Such a beautiful day with my sweet kids.  I'm a lucky Mama.

Til next time,
Trish

PS- I will let you know if the park wore Nate out enough to sleep through the night.  I am keeping my fingers and toes and everything else crossed.  Please sleep little man!

So Cal Girl

I would like you to meet my sister, Jennie. 

She is just the most amazing person (and I am not just biased because she is my sister). 

Let me tell you a bit about her.

She was born, raised, and lives in Southern California. She is 39 but seriously looks younger than me (33 years old here.  I always get mistaken for the older sister!)

She is a high school World History teacher.  But not just a teacher........an amazing teacher.  She puts her whole heart and soul into her students.  She is so dedicated that she gives up her Saturdays a hand full of times each year to take her students to feed the homeless. The first year of her teaching career they made her the Avid Coordinator (college bound student class).   It says a lot about how AWESOME a teacher she is!

She is a single mom of three wonderful children (again I am not just biased because they are my niece and nephews).  She has been raising them on her own now for the last seven years.  Her oldest son is in college, her middle son is a junior in high school, and her daughter is a seventh grader. 

(Jennie and her daughter)

She loves running and exercise.  Her favorite running spot is along the beach near her house.  She is so passionate about that spot that she wrote a short story about it.  It was even published in our local paper. 

Some day she wants to travel the world.  She is a history teacher and would love to visit the places she describes.  I know her dream is to share her travels with someone special.  Paris is a must on her list. 

More than anything I want to see my sister happy.  I want her to feel loved by someone special and for her to love him the exact same way back.  I want her to be spoiled rotten because she deserves it.  I want her to find her soul mate.  Someone she can share her life and dreams with.

Please contact Trisg @  tlsimpsn@hotmail.com

 (Auntie Jennie with my son)

A Letter to My Love

My Love,

Today we celebrate our nine year wedding anniversary.  Wow, nine!  We have come so far and changed in so many ways.  We have seen our family of two grow into a family of four and I could not be prouder.  Our children are so very lucky to have such an amazing, hands-on, involved daddy.  My heart melts whenever I watch you with them.  Both Natalie's and Nate's eyes light up when you are around.

Although we said "I do" nine years ago today, I knew well before then that you were the one.  And I am so happy to say that I was right.  You are my soul mate.  The one I want to share my every day with.  The one I want to kiss each night.  And the one I want to grow old with.

Thank you for these amazing nine (15) years.  I can't wait for the next 50!

I love you,

Me