We'd been looking forward to a change of scenery for a long time. Last week we accompanied Wayne to Syracuse, NY for a Pastor's Conference. We went a day early and stayed at a resort with an indoor water park. It was lots of fun and the kids had a blast!
After our family getaway, we checked into the hotel that the other pastors were staying at (funny, no water park there!) and while Wayne was in meetings, I dragged the kids shopping. I had been having a "Target twitch" for months so one of our stops was to roam up and down the aisles of this wonderful place. We also (uh,
I also) enjoyed going to the outlet mall and stocking up on the clothing deals for the kids. We don't have much for outlet malls here and it amazes me how cheap you can find things there. Let's just say the visit was a success and we'll leave it at that!
It's funny, the longer I'm gone from the States the more foreign it seems to me. This time we were especially struck my how difficult it was to eat well in restaurants. I even tried ordering a cobb salad and had trouble finding the lettuce that was hiding under 3 different types of meat and processed cheese. Our family usually just drinks water with most meals but most places made it more expensive to drink tap water and tried luring us with cheaper prices by ordering a value meal with a gigantic pop. As much as we complain about how green and healthy it is here (sometimes seems to be in the extreme) I guess it's rubbing off on us and now it seems weird not to have a separate path for bike's, bring your own bags to the grocery store and fill up that annoying green bin that's sure to stink up the joint come mid August. Anyway, when we came home I made a massive stir-fry loaded with veggies and made some whole wheat bread!
Mother's Day was lovely - how blessed I am to be called Mother! I received several homemade gifts made in cooking class and Sunday school. I also received a charm for my Pandora charm bracelet. I was treated to a Tim Horton's breakfast in the morning before my Pastor husband rushed out the door. What more could I ask for?
May is Will's birthday month. He turned 10!!! I can't believe it. My parent's came for the occasion. In past years, my mom has helped me plan, prep and carry out some sort of themed birthday fest for Will and friends. But this year was different. He had the choice of party or more expensive LEGO than he normally gets and as you can see from the picture - he wholeheartedly chose the LEGO. Whatever floats your boat, son. He also wanted a DQ cake so I was even off the hook for baking. Mom and I kept looking at each other on the days leading up to the big day thinking that we should be doing something to prepare. Other than wrapping gifts, making the requested beef enchilladas and his choice of breakfast (breakfast sandwhiches, BTW) that was all that was asked of me! Will had a great day and had completed the LEGO by morning (he took a sleeping break).
Ten days ago on Thursday we celebrated Ascension - the time in the church year when Jesus returned to heaven to prepare a place for believers in Christ. We celebrated by having a picnic outside (you can see in the picture my children eating their hotdogs and contemplating their great commission :) For dessert we had strawberries on a cloud - otherwise known as Cool Whip.
And finally, we celebrated Mother's Day - albeit a bit late but better late than never. Last fall, Mom and I had gone to the movies to see "Julie and Julia". I got her the DVD for her birthday in April and so for Mother's Day I took her to Le Cordon Bleu for a three course lunch. Yes, this is the same renowned culinary arts cooking school known so well in France and all over the world. It is the only one in North American. And it was fantastic!! What a treat - when can I go again?
