Precious Moments

I do believe that I was anxious for summer to keep busy with work. I really wish I could go back and retract that statement. Keeping a full staff has been the hardest thing yet this summer. At this point, I am beyond exhausted. Last weekend I worked 30 hours in 2 days. This weekend I am working 30 hours in 2 days. I miss my kid!! I am so grateful my mom is able to keep Emily for me, but at this rate, I never get to see her on the weekends. I got off of work at 8:30 Friday night, back at work at midnight tonight (with a hour nap!) and I will work until 4pm Saturday evening. Back at work at midnight Sunday morning. I need a vacation. I realized the other day that I have yet to take a vacation since I started this job over a year and a half ago. And with Emily starting kindergarten this year, my time with her in the summer is precious. And I am here, at work, all of the time and never see her. I am whining, I know! I am grateful to have a job and a job that I love. But sometimes I just wish I could be paid to stay at home and be a mom!
Emily is doing so well. She amazes me every day. She is so grown up for her age. Funny story: A few weeks ago, we were at Walmart and she was in one of those moods where she kept asking for everything she saw. By the time we were getting ready to leave, I looked at her and said, "Emmy, you're driving me up a wall today!" Without any hesitation she continued walking and without evening looking at me, "Well mommy, tomorrow I will drive you to the floor!" I am pretty sure my mouth dropped to the floor! This girl does have my quick comebacks...I kind of love it!

Aquarium

This alligator actually walked over to stare at Emily. It was adorable!
Last Thursday Mandy and I took the girls to the Aquarium. It was so much fun. We had perfect timing because as we were leaving, 2 large groups of kids arrived!

SUNSHINE!!!

It finally happened...SUMMER ARRIVED!! We spent Thursday out all day at the pool. I managed to sunscreen Emily, who managed to come out with a minor sunburn on her shoulders and legs. I, however, thought that I would be ok and did not apply sunscreen. You would think I would learn after doing this every summer! I burned so bad that I have blisters! I guess 5 hours on sun was a bit excessive!
Every night, Emily starts off in my room because her and Molly will stay up playing all night if we put them to bed at the same time. In order for sleep, we opted to have Emily start off in my room and then I move her when I go to bed into her room. I went to go put her in her bed one night and this is what I found...her on the opposite side of the bed, backwards and at the end of my bed! I loved it!

Happy Father's Day

This year is my first year that I don't get to celebrate Father's Day. I miss him so much. He was truly an amazing dad and a great example to me. So even though he isn't here, he is very much alive in my heart still. I love you dad.

Growing Up

Recently Emily has become very independant and has started doing her own hair (with the exception of my helping her brush it!) and is even making her own sandwiches. I know I should be thrilled with this, but it is rather depressing to me that my little girl is growing up so quickly. This is a picture of the very first time she did her hair by herself. She got so many compliments at the stores.

She has been so funny with magazines lately. I will finish reading a magazine and Emily will pick it up, sit down and start "reading" it. I came out of the kitchen one day and saw this...I thought it was just precious.
And finally...Emily comes to work with me for a few hours a couple of mornings each week. She has her routine of grabbing the Post-its and writing on them and sticking them everywhere. One moring she drew these. She even explained to me what they were. The one of the left means that we can't have any mean people at the hotel. The one of the right means we can't have any scary people at the hotel! They are still hanging on the front desk!

Preschool Graduation

It's official...my baby has graduated from preschool! It was a bittersweet moment. She is so excited to be going into kindergarten.

Mother's Day

This Mother's Day was a hard one for me...I think it's because last year my dad just spoiled me. But, I worked most of the day and then I took my mom out for dinner. I try to be a great mom like she has been for me...I am so grateful to have such a wonderful example. I love her dearly and I can't imagine my life without her. I love you mom!
And Emily...she makes my life complete. Every day I feel so blessed to have ber. She knows just how to turn a bad day into a great one. She is truly an amazing daughter.