I am an island...

That's how I feel.

I am an island surrounded by phrases like "Ian is hurting me" and "umph" (this is what Ian says when I tell him he shouldn't do something) and "it was an accident". In the last week or so I've been smacked with a rope (by Ian) and my foot has been stepped on (by Ian's shoe). Sometimes as soon as I leave a room where the kids are playing or getting dressed, someone starts crying (usually because Ian hit them). I sigh, roll my eyes, and turn around to go yell a little bit. Then, I feel bad for yelling, then 15 min later I do it again. I try to tell myself there are women before me who have had it much worse, but sometimes it doesn't help. So I go eat some chocolate. And I feel better for a little bit. Then, I run out of junk food and I don't want to take kids to the store so I snack on marshmellows. Gross. This and my baby weight compels me to go running (I had this idea that I would be skinny when Brad came back, ha, ha). Luckily, if I can get the kids all in bed by 8:30 (average twice a week with soccer now) I can go running.

So, two more days until Brad comes for the weekend. I am counting down. At the same time, I'm thinking, then four more weeks of this! Yes, we are crazy.

Soccer

So this is us at Soccer games this morning. My brother and his wife came to cheer on the boys and help out with the kids. As we sat on a blanket snacking and enjoying the weather laughing at kindergarteners trip over each other, my brother made the comment that this is what Saturday mornings should always be like. Growing up in a soccer family I had to agree. It brought back some fun memories and it is so much more entertaining at this age! I may feel differently soon. Ian has practice Tues nights, Aaron has practice Wed nights, and they have games Thursday AND Saturdays (usually at about the same time at different fields). The clips are for Brad, wish you were here.

Ian starts out on the left (number 5) and works his way down the field. Of course when he kicks the ball, the camera doesn't catch it. I veer upwards so I can look away from the camera and actually see it. Oops. Brad-Stanton down the street was on the opposing team this week:)

Aaron (also number 5) kicks the ball at about the same time I press record so you this is right after that moment:)

Fun time!

California Spring Break

We sent Brad off to California by spending Spring Break there. We had a lot of fun and it made me wonder just a little bit why we are waiting to all move down there. Then I remembered we were staying in other people's houses.

We had a great time with Mema, Tutu Man, Ben and Mariela who are getting also moving to Woodland Hills. The kids played outside (with no chance of snow) and followed Boone (the dog) around everywhere. My mom hosted the annual easter egg hunt and the kids gorged themselves on candy as always.

We also had a great time at Callie's where Brad quickly made himself at home. The kids played at the park, made jetpacks out of cereal boxes (great idea Jessi), and kept each other awake:) After driving around for a bit and looking at neighborhoods I'm feeling a little more comfortable with our moving plans and I'm glad we are choosing Newbury Park.

For my birthday, my mom sent Brad and I on a dinner/dance cruise. It was very cool and I had a blast. The dinner was great, the view was fantastic, and I forced Brad to dance. Great birthday present! It was a great break from the kids too!

My dad helped me drive down (Brad drove his own car by himself) and my mom helped me drive back up and we stayed in the same great hotel both times. The kids loved the pool even though it was still a little chilly.

We're sad to be without Brad, but we are glad to be home and ready to pack up to be with him again!