Has it really been 5 years?!

So, last weekend we had Caden's birthday party and on the following Tuesday he turned 5. It's hard to believe it's really been 5 years. He is still so little to me, yet so grown up at the same time. It's amazing to see the little man he's growing to be. I would describe him as tender hearted, kind, and such an encourager. We try our best to bring out and encourage those qualities in him so he will be the man God wants and needs him to be. I just love to hear him pray and talk about God. Often he is talking, and I stop to see what he is saying (to me), only to hear him talking to God. And it's very hard for me to think about him starting kindergarten in the fall (it's full day here now). I often cry when I think about him leaving me all day, 5 days a week. But, it has to happen, but I try not to think about it! We will definitely savor the summer days ahead before we have to think about it.
So, for his birthday party, we invited a few of his friends and the family we have here to bowling. The kids played 2 games then had lunch and cupcakes.
On Sunday my mom took him to a reading of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", with activities and more cupcakes! It is not often that he gets one on one time with Grandma, so this was very special.
On Monday he was the "Super Star" at school and took homemade chocolate chip cookies (one of his favorites) along with the regular snack. He got to make a special crown and wear it all day.
On Tuesday he woke up to balloons everywhere, in his favorite colors of blue and orange.
Then he got to watch "Star Wars: Clone Wars" in his pajamas.
Then we met a few of his best friends at the park for lunch and plenty of play time.
Then we went for a steak dinner (one of his favorite meals).
Afterwards we went to Toys R Us with some birthday money, where he picked out a blow up Batman punching bag.

St. Patrick's Day Fun

So, today started out a little rough for me. I woke up with a terrible ear ache. Luckily the boys played well and let me stay in bed until 8. So, we didn't make it to Bible Study since I was in bed so late, and I didn't think I'd be able to focus very well with my ear hurting so bad. So, we had "Lucky Charms" for breakfast (I know, I'm a terrible mom-but that was how creative I could get today-and they ate, of course).
Yesterday at school they learned more about the Holiday (Caden is studying Ireland this month). Both of their classes had leprachauns visit while they were outside. "They" made a mess of the toys and left little green shamrocks everywhere. The boys really got a kick out of it.
So, after a slow start, I was feeling a little better, so we headed to Caden's friend Logan's house for a little St. Patrick's Day party. His mom had a scavenger hunt set up for them. The "leprachauns" left shamrocks with clues for them (which she read), so they went on a hunt for the next clue, then found a plate of cookies.After cookies and green lemonade, they played in his great playroom (lucky for Caden, Logan loves Star Wars too!), and jumped in his inflatable jumper. They had a great time. But, they were exhausted.
So, we're home now, both boys are sleeping, and I'm just trying to feel better. Hope you all have had a great St. Patrick's Day!

Balance

Do any of you have trouble finding balance in your life? As a Christian, and as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, I embrace the ideal of God first, family second, career third. Did you catch the word "ideal"? So, it's something I strive for, but don't always find. I am participating in our church's women's Bible study every Tuesday. We are going through Ruth and Esther, two of my favorite books/stories, so you would think I would just be enthralled. But, it is just so hard for me to find that "quiet" time for my quiet time, so I am not keeping up like I hoped I would and could. And, so, right off the bat that throws off my "balance" and priorities, therefore my life. Then, there are times that my business is thriving, so I tend to put more time and effort into that, and neglect my family and household priorities. Do any of you find that, or have you found what works to help keep things prioritized?