Swimmy!!

I went up to school to do a little bit of work today. When I came out to the parking lot to leave, I happened to look down and saw a baby turtle on the ground. I thought it was a toy or something, so I picked it up. It started moving, so I then realized it was real! I decided to bring it home because I was worried it would get run over in the parking lot. Gabriel and I took it up to Petco for advice, and found out that it is a red-eared slider turtle. He (we're just saying it's a he) is a hatchling (baby) and just too cute! His shell is about the size of a half-dollar. Gabriel named him Swimmy. :)
My friend gave me a small terrarium for him (for now... we'll have to get a 10 gallon aquarium soon) and we bought him a little dock (which he his sitting on in the pictures), gravel, a heat light, and turtle food. He is sooooo cute!!! Gabriel loves him so much... he actually said he's been wanting a turtle his whole life. (Today is the first I've heard this.) He got his guitar out and sang songs to him.
I'm really excited to have him... it's fun to watch Gabriel assume this role of pet-owner and see him take on responsibility.

Kindergarten Testing

Gabriel went in for his kindergarten pre-assessment this week. The kids are tested to see what they already know and what they need to work on to be ready for kindergarten. He did okay, but not as well as I'd hoped. A lot of it was contributed to nervousness on his part, I think. I talked over the results with Ms. Terri, his awesome daycare teacher, and she reassured me that he is able to do many of the things he didn't do at the assessment. So, I feel good about him and school. We are going to work on some things at home and during the summer.
Kindergarten, here we come!

Just need to write

I'm in a mood tonight... feeling pretty low and sorry for myself. I am just torn about my personal self (if that makes sense). There are days I feel like I have it together... my lesson plans are written, I have everything organized and ready for the day, the bills have been paid on time, etc. and then there are days like today. I feel like I have so much to do, and no motivation to get it all done.
I bought two books, Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen, and The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I bought them a month ago and have yet to start them. I also got a new Bible at Thanksgiving and have only done devotionals three days since then. I need to carve out that time for myself. I need to be completely alone to reflect and pray, so the times the kids are up won't work, and then my husband gets all nosy and bothers me, so it's been hard. I know they are excuses, but my life just seems so out of whack.
I also want to have some mom friends. I am so envious when I hear about other moms and their friends, the playdates, get-togethers, etc. I want that so badly! I am insanely lonely but don't know how to make the effort without seeming to barge in on existing friendships.
If you read this, thank you... knowing someone cares enough to read this makes me feel validated and meaningful on days where I seriously question my purpose for existence.

Dallas Museum of Nature and Science

Gabriel and I went to the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science today. We had a blast!!!

In the car, all buckled in and ready to go!

The outside of the museum... such a gorgeous day!

After we got our tickets, we headed back to the exhibits.

He loved the fossil dig!

This was a cool hand chair. Not very comfortable, though.

Firefighter Gabriel

Focused on "driving" his fire truck.

Switching hats... from policeman to firefighter

Placing the safety cones

In the Backyard exhibit... he was in an ant tunnel

Balancing like a squirrel

Climbing the rock wall like a gecko

I promise, he did want to wear this!

Trapped in the spider's web!

Cooking in the kitchen

The chef... because bread must be dusted

You want me to go in there??

Milking Elsie the cow
My favorite picture... dancing onstage

Last shot of the day... outside on the rocks

I'm so excited *dum dum dum* and I just can't hide it...

Yes, that was corny, but oh well. :)
Seriously, I'm excited. Why, you ask? Well, Gabriel and I are going to have some time together on Friday. We're going to the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science. This is a bigger than normal deal because we've had some issues lately. Gabriel uses horrible language that would put a sailor to shame, and gets angry very easily. I am hoping some time together, just the two of us, can help me get to the root of what's going on with him. It's so hard when he's acting out to remember how much I love him. I have to put aside how I feel about being cursed at by my son (yes, I know) and focus on him. Ah, the joys of motherhood.

Tired

We are having a lot thrown our way right now, so if you feel inclined, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
We are anxious to move out of our apartment... it's just too small! We thought our lease was up in the beginning of June, but I found out yesterday it's not up til June 30. Blech... so that puts us here a month longer than we want to be. We are too cramped and too stressed out here... we are dying to find a house, but apparently God has other plans for us right now. I'm trying so hard to be patient, but it is hard.
Finances are also an issue (when are they not?). We're really trying to cut back on unnecessary expenses (eating out, toys, video games, etc.) but having kids makes it hard. I hate having to say no all the time, but I'm much better at it than my husband!

Gabriel's Upcoming Birthday

So for me, the 5th birthday is a big milestone. I feel like he's entering the "big boy" world. I really want to do something special for him. I found out that I am out of school (off work!!) Friday, April 11, the day before his birthday. I am going to take Nicholas to the sitter's and have a day with Gabriel. We're going to go to the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science (www.natureandscience.org). They have an awesome Children's Museum that I read about. I showed him some pictures on their website, and he said he really wants to go! I'm as excited as he is! :)
I think this will be a good chance for us to spend some one-on-one time together. He usually prefers to play with Daddy, but he does like his Mommy time... and I want to enjoy it while I can!