**Just A Mom**

So, the other day I had to make an appointment with a new doctor, and, I tell ya, the receptionist ticked me off! She was asking all the usual questions - name, address, insurance, occupation (which I told her is a homemaker), etc., and, eventually, we moved onto trying to come up with a day and time for the appointment. I shot down a couple days because they didn't work with my schedule and, in a snotty voice, she says, "Oh, I thought you said you just stayed home...". Umm, excuse me?? WTF?!? This receptionist was implying that because I am a homemaker I must not have a thing to do all day, and that I would be able to come in at any given time. I wanted to say to her, "Listen, lady, I don't JUST do nothing - I JUST do everything!!!!".

I am a mother, a wife, a child care provider, a food buyer, a cook, a waitress, a maid, a dishwasher, a laundress, a nurse, a handy woman, a driver, a teacher, a family counselor, a money manager, a teacher (my kids are homeschooled), an animal caretaker - oh, I could go on and on!!!!!!!!!! I do plenty!! I don't have enough minutes in my day, so, believe it or not, I do have a hard time finding time to fit in a doctor appointment!!

Unfortunately, I didn't say any of the above to her ... I let her get away with that statement - can you believe that? Shame on me, and shame on her, too. Well, I won't let that happen again - not ever.

What I do on a daily basis may not seem relevant, and it may not matter to most people, but it does matter to a few. It matters to Dave, Brenna, and Aubree - and that's what's important. So, from now on, when someone tries to diminish my role(s) in life - I'll let them know how important that role is to few precious people.

**Scarlett**

It's been a little over a month since Scarlett died, and though I still miss her I can, finally, think of her without crying. I can think of how her little tail wagged in a circle, instead of back and forth. I can think of how she would stand w/ her fronts paws on the bottom stair every night when she was ready for bed and she'd wait, patiently, until we carried her up. I can think of her cute run - that little butt bobbing up and down. I can think of how she would be sleeping at the end of the bed when I came up for the night, but as soon as I laid down she would come up to the top of the bed and snuggle up against me. I can think about the adorable little groaning sound she used (instead of barking) when she wanted something. I can think of all of these things without breaking down and crying....okay, I'm lying - I still cry, but there isn't such pain behind the crying anymore - there's a little bit of gratefulness and happiness, too. I'm grateful to her for bringing me such joy - it was unexpected. I didn't expect to get so attached to her, but I did - she made me happy. I loved taking care of her, I miss taking care of her, but I am grateful for the time I had with her.

**Beautiful Day**

The girls and I enjoyed a beautiful day outside - we went to the park to fly kites and then the girls spent some time playing in the sand. I love, love, love the little things like this that we do together!! And, now, the girls want to have a water balloon fight - yea, more fun!!!

From Park Day

From Park Day

From Park Day

From Park Day

From Park Day

**Humpty Dumpty**

Brenna was AMAZING in the play "Through the Looking Glass"!!! I can't put into words what she brought to the show - she was fabulous! She really is a natural, and she loves being up there on stage. It brings such joy to my heart to see her doing something she has such passion for!! I'm having trouble downloading the movie of her performance, but here's a few pics Dave's sister took.

From Brenna's Play!

From Brenna's Play!

From Brenna's Play!

From Brenna's Play!

**Piano Recital**

Brenna participated in her first piano recital on Saturday - she was a joy to watch, as always! (FYI - go to the bottom of the page to pause the music so you can hear the piano clip.)

**Frankie-Joe**

The only thing sweeter than a sleeping baby...

From Frankie - May 2010

is a smiling baby!

From Frankie - May 2010

**Homeschool Family Dance**

We attended a homeschool family dance Saturday night, and the girls had so much fun with their friends! They all danced non-stop! It was great to watch the kids have such a wonderful time together.

Aubree, Dave, & Brenna

From Homeschool Dance

Aubree & Daddy

From Homeschool Dance

My beautiful girls!

From Homeschool Dance

Brennie

From Homeschool Dance

Kali, Brenna, & Madison

From Homeschool Dance

**Brenna-Boo**

From 2010-04-18

She gets more beautiful every day!