The bunnies... 

Our neighbor across the street, Diann, came over about a week before Mother's Day to tell me that she had baby bunnies in her yard.
She wanted to know if the kids wanted to see them....
Um...... YES!

What I was surprised to find was that the burrow was in the middle of her backyard, in a patch of what looked like dead grass.  The Momma bunny dug a hole in that same spot.  She them used the dead grass and her fur to make a ball to plug the hole when she was not there which kept them warm and safe.  She made the burrow in a sunny spot to which also kept the baby bunnies warm when she was not there.

And luckily there were two bunnies....   

We went to visit the bunnies almost every day.  Kate was in heaven!  I think it was the highlight of her day.   Every time we went they were bigger and they would even slowly hop around.  Kate lovingly named them "Hoppy" (the one who hopped more) and "Soft" (because the bunny was so very soft and had a white spot on top of its head.)  

And on Mother's Day, David took them to see the bunnies.
Kate came RUNNING home to tell me that one of the bunnies was on the loose and Daddy couldn't get it to go back in the hole.
Me, still in my pajamas, threw on a coat and took off across the street with Kate.
Yep, bunny on the loose and yes, I did catch it.  Diann even came over when she saw me run and this morning was different.
The Mamma bunny left the hole uncovered and some leaves for the bunnies to munch on.  And every time we tried to put the bunnies back in the hole, they took off!

Luckily, I brought my camera on the last day!  

So, on Mother's Day the bunnies left the nest.

What Mom isn't tired all the time?

I am exhausted....

Between building the garden and preparing for my new kitchen.... I got nothin' left.

This weekend I took everything out of the kitchen.  They start tomorrow!
It is truly amazing how much is in a kitchen and where to put it all!  Some things were easy and they went straight to the basement.  Other items that we might need, that was harder... where to put it and where to keep it in harms reach of the kids and the dogs.  But we are almost there....  a few stragglers left over from dinner.

In the meantime, I have to sit and be reminded of what really matters...

Being a good mom, finding the patience in all the crazy.
Finding the peace and reminding myself that this is temporary...

The fabulous kitchen awaits.... tomorrow I get to pick out granite and tile.  How exciting!

I promise to post before and after pictures.  

This is hard for me..... 

I am letting Kate get herself dressed.
ALL BY HERSELF, no Mommy input.
Mainly because we disagree on what to wear and what to wear it with.

I give up.... at least I try to not let outfits like this get to me.

Easter dress with shirt underneath, striped wool winter boot socks, summer Keen sandals, a fleece, and no hair clip.

I am trying, I am REALLY trying! 

OK-ay, for really Stephen might be potty trained.

The first day was hard, I was questioning my decision...

2nd day, A-Mazing!
3rd day, Little Rock Star!

Today, almost golden!  (Still working on #2, but we have the pee pee thing down!)

In the car taking Kate to school on Friday (Potty Training Day 2)

"Momma, I am sad!"

Why are you sad?

"I am sad the Diaper Fairy came and took all my diapers!"

Well, sweetheart, she must think you can use the potty like a big boy.

"I am sad that Diaper Fairy gave my diapers to a baby!  I know Mamma!  I know, I know.... 
We can go to Target and buy me more diapers."

(Me.... No, no, no we can't..... even if I want to.)

I am tired, too much to do, too little time.  

It is good to know there are many Mommies in this exact same place.... and frustrating in the fact the world does not stop and let me catch up. 

I have dug in my heals....  I will always be The Mommy first.... 

The washer woman, cook, and cleaning lady are a few of my other part time jobs. 

Right now the kitchen is clean, my coffee is hot, legos are all over the floor of the family room, and Stephen is dry in big boy underpants.  R.E.M. is playing on my computer..... for a moment everything is perfect and I can't remember what is next.  

I am thankful.

pinkalicious.....

In between all of that we did mange to get out over Spring Break for a little fishing.

I can't believe I have not posted ANYTHING in over a month.  (Bad Erin... no, just busy.)

Our lives changed just a little bit the beginning of March.  David was accepted and started the Executive MBA program at the University of Wisconsin.  Virginia folks, the University of Wisconsin is in Madison, but the professors drive to Kohl's Corporate.  Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 David goes to the 4th floor for class, not Madison.  He is usually home around 8:30 and most of the time Kate is still awake to say good night.

So that covers Tuesday & Wednesday nights....
Then there is studying, homework, and test taking.  Just typing those words made me cringe....  I am glad it is David in the classroom, not me.  (Just give me an art studio or a museum...)

Monday night is Kate's soccer practice, David is the assistant coach.
Thursday nights Kate has dance practice.
Saturday mornings are soccer games.
Yep, and we only have 1 child in activities right now.

Parents of 2, 3, 4 kids.... How do you do it?
Seriously, the social calendars of our kids are busy!

Don't get me wrong, this is not complaining.... we are just busy and trying to figure out our new routine..... that has been going on for 8 weeks. :)

We will get there.