Seriously. This is the best week ever! I am in love with Spring Break. The boys and I have been so busy with school and I loved just getting to relax, spend time with them and do whatever I want.
The fun started off Saturday with Tyler's birthday party. I loved getting to see the kids so excited and visiting with great friends.
The boys and I went to the pool 6 times this week. Sunshine, a good book, Diet Coke and spending time with these cute boys...it doesn't get any better than this!
I love Tyler's eyes in this picture.
They had a muffin and Lemonade stand. I t really was the cutest thing ever. They were so excited every time they got a customer and they made about 10 dollars that day!!
Gotta love the MC Donalds cash register they used!!!
Thursday Lynsey and I braved the crowds and took the kids to the Aquarium. We saw sharks feeding on fish and Lynsey and I screamed while all the kids cheered!!
I touched a starfish...and as lame as it sounds - it freaked me out!!
And as luck would have it my birthday was this Wednesday. It was great to get to enjoy my birthday without having to write papers or take tests. And it was the best birthday ever!!
Lynsey MADE my DAY with tickets to Fiddler. She really is the best friend I could ever ask for!!
I love this. I love a good surprise. Especially when they totally FREAK OUT. However, I am not going to lie, I always believed these "freak outs" were a little fake. "Come on...no one really acts like that..." I couldn't figure it out. I had NEVER had a moment like that in all my life. So I just didn't understand it. Were they playing to the camera? Mentally unstable? It was a mystery to me.
Until last week. Last week I received a letter that changed that all for me.
It looked a little like this...
And after I read it I looked a little like Ms. Emma from that "Price is Right" video. I was NOT playing to the camera or the crowd (because there was none. I was all alone) But I literally lost myself in that moment. I fell on the ground and looked like I was doing some sort of - stop. drop. and roll. - dance. It wasn't pretty. And then when that part was over I looked like this...
But not nearly as cute.
Because for me this was a big deal. It wasn't that I got into grad school.
But what it actually represented to me.
That I am not stupid. My sister is a genius. Really. Bright and talented and good at all she does. And somewhere along the line - I got the impression from my high school teachers that there was only one smart Dubree girl (that would be my maiden name). And I believed it.
Going back to school a little over two years ago was one of the most terrifying things I have ever done. I had no confidence in myself. I was a mom, who baked and cleaned and loved her kids. Now in that area I was confidant. But math. microbiology. anatomy and physiology. YIKES.
The lie I told myself was "people like ME, don't become nurses...not me...I am just not that smart"
And then you know what happened. I did it. And even got A's in the process.
And once again I had this stirring.
That although nursing would be great...it wasn't what I was "meant" to do.
But that little voice in my head told me "Not you, Andrea. Girls like you don't get Masters degree's. Not you. Ever. Getting into nursing school was a fluke..."
I had to fight those thoughts for six months before I finally listened to the truth
and dropped out of nursing school.
And started this path.
And it was terrifying.
TERRIFYING
And I almost didn't apply.
Taking the GRE
TERRIFYING
Writing my application essay's
TERRIFYING
Asking for letters of recommendation
TERRIFYING
And the truth be told. I had NO hope of getting in.
Not to this school.
And the experience left me grateful. And prayerful. Reminded once again, and for what seems like the millionth time this year, that I have been blessed beyond what I deserve. Loved perfectly. And given all that I need.
So bring it on grad school. You don't scare me (well, not too bad :)
Tyler turned 6 this week. Birthday's have always been magical to me...as a child MY birthday was the best day of the year. However, now my son's birthdays are my favorite days of the year. I love making the day as special for them as I possibly can. I love how excited they get in the days leading up to the big day. I find myself remembering their lives - each tooth and step and LABOR - their birthdays always make me nostalgic. And I am always amazed at the end result...of the little person they are becoming. This year, more so than ever before, I found myself so keenly aware of how he blesses our family. I can't imagine my life without him. Tyler is:
sweet - always more concerned about our feelings than his own. He will give up his money without a second thought if Ethan wants something at the store. he will take the blame for crimes he never committed in order to prevent "someone" else the punishment. when playing he always comes back to "make sure you're okay momma."
innocent - he still believe everyone is good. he thinks everyone he meets is a new friend. he thinks tattoo's wash off. after a lesson on modesty he has become VERY concerned with modesty. he will report to me that a construction worker without a shirt needs "to work on his choices." he sees the best in me...and everyone. he is quick to forgive and forget.
the comic relief - he's the king of jokes that make NO sense. he's silly and giggly and getting him through an entire sacrament meeting without out one giggle attack is a modern day miracle. Today( to his mommas chagrin) he announced in the waiting room at the dentist's office, "Look momma, that man has a verrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy big belly. I am thinking there might be a bit of a baby in there."
helpful - usually the first to volunteer for chores. he often will even clean a room as a "surprise" for me.
cuddly - he LOVES to cuddle. he inherited his mom's cold feet and always has to tuck them under a pillow just like me. we love to watch movies together with out feet tucked under a pillow.
Happy Birthday Tyler. I love you more and more each day. Thank you for each day I have had as your mother!!
