5 years old

The biggest My Little Pony balloon I could find, for Vivian's Pony party

Vivian told us, "The ponies are the decorations."

Present opening. Dustin watched the fun via webcam

Vivian's big present was this dollhouse. She is completely shocked in this photo. I thought it would be a house for her barbies. Foolish Michelle, its a house for the ponies.

Logan laid claim to the roller skates Grandpa and Grandma gave Vivian

Vivian's pony cake. All she wanted was a cake with ponies and writing. Mission accomplished.

Job Hunting

I've spent the last month taking the steps towards becoming a teacher. I've filed for my teaching liscense, written my resume and cover letter, self promoted at a job fair, and landed my first interview. I'm compleatly confliced about the interview. I DO NOT want to work at the school I interviewed at, but I wish I was tough enough to be the right person for the job. The interview went pretty good. I was honest with my answers. I admitted my weaknesses, said 'I don't know' when I didn't know, and clearly talked my way through my beliefs about education. I even had a half dozen moments where my philosophy clicked with the interview team. In theory I would fit with what the school wants, but in reality, I would get eaten alive each day by the students. I hope that I will have more requests for interviews in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed.
While I wait for more phone calls, I'll head out to weed the garden and plant some more flowers.

Myrtle Beach with Dad

Tillamook Delayed

Grandma stealing Vivian's french fries. She never ever orders them for herself, she just picks from everyone else. In the past ten years I've always ordered meals with fries when we go out to eat because I love my grandma like that.

Family picture at the table. It was the only picture I got of Grant's front

Teaching Great Grandma how to use the Kendle

Uncle Brain helping all his great nieces and nephews wash their hands.

Vivian talks as quiet as a mouse, and Grandma can't hear. Conversations were difficult.

I finally hooked my phone to the computer so that I could transfer pictures. These are from February.

Guilty

lip gloss raccoon eyes

Pale pink polish and lip gloss

This is what happened when my kids played next door for 20 minutes. Bella is 6 and has lots of play make-up. God help us. They went straight into the bath.

Birthday Money

Today is Vivian's 5th birthday. Don't remind her because we are waiting a couple days to have her birthday party. Yesterday she received a sweet cart and letter from her great grandparents in Iowa. Tucked in the card was some birthday money. In the past, I've deposited the money in her savings account. This year I let her spend it on what she wanted. She looked at all the Barbie, Princess, Tinkerbell, and My Little Pony toys at Walmart. She ended up picking out a mermaid Barbie and a 'Vivica' doll. Vivica is like Barbie's 5 year old sister (Daughter?).  I'm fine with her playing with Barbies. She gravitates toward the not slutty dolls. She even tends to pick out ones that are not blond and blue eyed!

So thank you Iowa family!!! The Barbie is already much loved!