childhood friends

Aliyah has a little friend in her class at church named Emma. They have been friends for quite awhile now--probably since they were 3. Both of them are almost 6. Emma is about one month older than Aliyah. Aliyah always talks about Emma at home and from what we hear, Emma always talks about Aliyah at home.

Last week, Aliyah picked out a little Hello Kitty box/purse thing at Target and one for Emma as well. She took it to her at church today to give to her. As we were leaving, Emma's mom told me that since Emma is going to be in Kindergarten again, they won't be in class together anymore once August comes =(. I'm not sure how or why a little one has to repeat kindergarten--I thought everyone got to go on. I immediately thought how sad Aliyah would be to not have Emma in her class anymore.

I have no idea what I will tell Aliyah in the coming weeks, in fact it makes me wish she could stay in the kindergarten class at church longer. After all, Aliyah is the smallest kid in the class. No, I know that won't work, but I feel for her. We'll see what happens when that time comes, but for now I hope for summer to go REALLY SLOW.

Funny Monkeys

Funny Monkeys came from Aliyah...this is what she calls her and her sister...the two funny monkeys.
We had planned to have a fun, relaxing Saturday with time at the pool. With that in mind, Aliyah made sure to get Keirah out of her crib this morning...wait, Aliyah get Keirah out of her crib? This happened last night also. It was quite interesting to us since it's not like Aliyah is the biggest five year old in the world by weight or height. Josh asked Aliyah to demonstrate the process to him. Keirah puts her leg up, Aliyah pushes Keirah's foot up which raises Keirah up enough to allow Aliyah to grab her and pull her out of the crib--that's the funny monkeys for you.
On to the pool...we had planned to meet with a few other friends before going and decided to grab a quick bite to eat at McD's. Once everyone arrived, Aliyah began talking to one of the girls. She just shared about everything she could think of usually preceded by the word "actually" or "anyway". We had the entire area entertained. People were laughing at everything she had to say. Funny thing considering everyone was done eating and then when we decided to leave, everyone else got up and left too. Aliyah declared that we were going to have 2 more sisters and name them "Emma" & "Aubri" to which Josh put his head in his hands. She educated us on some special plant watering devices that she had learned about from a commercial. According to her, they water your plants for 99 days. Sounds great to me!
After many laughs at McDonald's thanks to Aliyah's talk show, we headed to the pool. It was a beautiful day and great for working on that "cocoa" color we want. We spent about 4 hours there and then headed out the door. As soon as we reached the parking lot, it started raining. First a little then a LOT, we loved the timing of it since we were finished swimming.
Once we arrived home (not really any rain at home), the funny monkeys fell asleep after their busy & fun day. AAHH!

Sorry

Yesterday I posted in my blog about words and Ps. 19:14. Most of the day that went well...til about 8:30 last night. I had some not so kind words for my 5 year old. I was tired of the mess and should have approached it way differently than I did. Yes, she needed to clean up and do it when asked, but I didn't need to yell about it. I'm sure that given her personality, encouragement and soft but stern tones would have worked much better.

The most amazing thing about it was she was so forgiving and loving when I told her I was sorry for getting mad. It's amazing that little ones can be pretty great teachers as well--if we take the time to listen.

I still felt bad about it after I went to bed and it just nagged me that I failed on my words "being acceptable in God's sight" with one of the people I love most. I talked to God about it and had to go downstairs where Aliyah was sleeping and give her a big kiss.

Another day, another chance to work on those words. Good thing God is patient with us even when we are not patient with others. Maybe I need that verse on my forehead next time!!

Words

Isn't it amazing how a few kind words from someone can just change the course of your day? It can be such a boost when you need it. With that in mind, say some kind words to someone today. Ps. 19:14--let the words of my mouth...you can see it on the front of my blog! That is a verse I am working on making an everyday part of life. It's challenging.

Pinkalicious

Ok, I caught Keirah in action with the "Pinkalicious" book that was mentioned in my post from yesterday. Of course, she's spent quite a bit of time with it since I've been home from work. Enjoy!

Wonderings

How come if you wash your windows or your car, it is sure to rain soon after? I just washed my windows last night and spent a ton of time doing it for it to rain a few hours later.

How come doing nothing at all sounds great sometimes--like today?

Why are people so mean & crabby lately? This is surely the year for that I guess.

Why do people ask you a question to not listen for an answer from you, but go on about whatever they have to say?

Why do people not practice the Golden Rule, but want you to treat them beyond wonderful?

Why do people think they are so busy when they don't really go anywhere or do anything?

Why do kids drag out the same stuff over & over even after they've had to put it away a million times?

Why do I always want Dr. Pepper so much when it is a huge vice of mine??

Why do you only get naptime in pre-school & kindergarten?


I know, there are not really any great answers to this besides just the fact that nothing is perfect!


But, the weekend will be here soon and maybe (if it doesn't rain), we can go to Splashdown!!

Productive

We have had several projects on the list lately--I am guilty of thinking of too many projects to be honest. We have lived in our house just under 6 years and we have repainted every room except one at least once since the painting we did when we moved in. Some rooms have been done 2 or 3 times. Not only that, but some rooms have had 3 different light fixtures...4 if you count the one that was already here when we moved here. Anyway, you'd think we would have it all done one of these days--ha.
Our "major" project for the year is the new master bath. That is in progress--yes progress is being made even if slowly. Josh has been quite busy with work and our other projects to even get much of a chance to work on it.
Other things we have completed this year include... re-plumbing the house, painting, tiling the backsplash, etc...
Over the weekend we decided it was time to tackle the painting project that has been hanging over our heads--the living room. The thought of moving the stuff and painting the walls and celing was just not sounding fun. I myself am tired of painting to be honest. Even though I don't want to paint, I know it is time to get rid of the hospital-looking off white. We painted it off white when we moved here probably because there were so many things we had to do in the house that the color of paint wasn't a big deal--nor did I know what I wanted.
We finally decided upon the color--thanks to our former neighbor, Julie. It is called "hopsack". It is kind of a tan/taupe color I suppose and has a green accent wall. The accent wall is the wall with the 3 large windows. The ceiling turned out great--it is now painted in semi-gloss rather than flat. I HATE flat paint. In the midst of painting, our phone rang. It was to tell us that our furniture was in. Good thing we decided to paint when we did! We moved our old LR furniture out the same day (I only have a chair to sit on in my LR right now).
Since then, I have been on a roll with doing these dumb projects. Last night, we painted all of the trim upstairs. Not a big deal, just a project we weren't really looking forward to doing. The LR has undergone a purging (mainly in my curio cabinet) and a cleaning. I washed all of the windows yet again and then I also cleaned the window sills that are inbetween the window and screen. It was filthy. No worries--the dirt didn't stand a chance with me today! My TV cabinet has been organized also =). All of the rest of the house has been undergoing cleaning as well. I feel great also because the toy room got painted last week--yay.
Now, all efforts will be concentrated on finishing the new bath. My personal goal is by mid-July--we'll see. We have the paint (butter is the color), tub, vanity, toilet, tile and everything---just gotta put it all in. Wow, this is making me tired!