Cassidy has been a member of 4-H for a few years now and has always loved horses and farming. Since we got our two horses her ridding has greatly improved and we are considering another horse. She has always wanted to compete in the horse shows and now is the time. One of the local trainers is going to give a great deal on formal lessons for her and training for the horse. Now, we just have to find the perfect horse. Cassidy is in for some busy days ahead.

Our blacksmith came by today to reshoe the horses. He is really good at what he does and Rachel thinks he is the best thing coming and going. She loves to watch him stoke the fire and shape the shoes. Today he let her hand him the nails while he was doing the shoeing. She is so proud. I hope he realizes that she will want to “help” from now on. Wish I had taken the camcorder out. It would have been a wonderful moment to share with the family.

The war has taken its first toll on our community. One of the other PTA parents that have known for years has lost her son. He was only 27 years old. I look at my Matthew and know that I can not begin to imagine what pain she must be going through. There is no love like the love a mother has for her children. This is such a sad, sad day for our town. Tonight the other parents and I are taking several dishes of food for her and her family. I just do not know what to say, I’m sorry does not even convey the way my heart aches for her.

So I have narrowed it down to three resorts. They all are family oriented and have great ocean views. I think the best option is to put it up to a family vote. I can already feel the sand between my toes and the ocean rushing around my legs.

Matthew called from school today and informed me he will go with us on Spring Break. I am so excited and I just can’t wait to tell Jacob. He will dance for hours when he hears this. I have really been worried that Matthew wouldn’t go with us this year; he spends less and less tie with us since starting college. I hate to think of how little I will see of him when he gets married. I guess that means when I make our reservations I need to add one more person. Actually I better go do that now, before everything gets booked.

My children have never laughed so hard! Needless to say my ice skating adventure was not as fun as I had thought. I finally made once around the rink when I finally gave up and went home. I am going to sleep on my tummy for the next couple of days.

Since we are heading out to ski, I thought I would see if I can still skate. Cassidy is positive I will fall on my butt! She is even bringing her camera. It’s been at least 10 years since I have been ice skating. Needless to say, I am nervous. Tell you all about it if I can sit when we get home.

Seems like it has been forever since we have gone anywhere. It is definitely time to get out of town. I personally would love to head south, but with school that is just not possible till Spring Break. More skiing anyone? I think my family would ski every weekend and never tire of it.

I am rather tired of the snow. I officially have Spring Fever! I think that not only have I been infected, but Jacob and Cassidy have it also. If Rachel gets it, I may not be able to contain it. Ha, ha, ha. I have a strong desire to get out and start planting and spring cleaning. I want to take Jacob and Rachel and just run in the sunshine in my bare feet. Cassidy has decided she would rather be with her friends than here, lucky for me this is a temporary state of being. Anyone else out there with this crazy fever?

Jacob is so happy! What is funny to me is the reason he is happy. Cassidy, being a teenager, got into trouble for having a less than acceptable attitude today. Since Jacob has never seen his sister get into trouble for anything, he has taken immense pleasure in this. Jacob is a fairly even tempered child. His biggest trouble area is hearing the word no. It seems when he is told, no you can’t climb to the top of the porch and jump off, it does not register in his mind. Needless to say Jacob has seen his fair share of time out. Since his older sister has spent some time there he is thrilled. Kids, what are you gonna do?

That air mattresses are the best thing since white bread? They are a fantastic investment, and actually if you watch for sales, a very inexpensive one also. Not only are they great to have for guests, but it can save you some major money at a hotel. It’s much better than having to pay extra for a cot. They are best though when one of the children gets sick, they can be in the room with you, but don’t have to be in the same bed.

Whew! I slept like a baby last night. All in thanks to the fact I slept only a couple of hours the night before. Girls, when placed in a group of more than 2, are very loud! Between the laughing and screaming, I am very surprised that any of them had voices left.

I must admit I had forgotten the thrills of ghost stories, boy stories and silliness of being a teenager. I am very glad that Cassidy’s sleepover was a hit. I was greeted with much disappointment when I informed the group that it will be a LONG time before we have another. I need my sleep, as do the other members of the household.

Who knew so much planning could go into a sleepover? After I pick Jacob up from school he and Rachel are going to my mom’s for the night. In the meantime, I am moving a TV and DVD player into Cassidy’s room so that once it’s “light’s out” there won’t be girls running all over the house. (Crossing fingers.) Just got back from the store where I purchased supplies. More popcorn, some cocoa packets (so they can mix their own), some paper plates, assorted juices and Cassidy will jump up and down when she sees I actually purchased some cola. I am thinking this was not the best purchase to make; she will want to have a sleepover EVERY weekend now.

Cassidy is so excited! She has called everyone twice to make sure they are going to be here tomorrow night. Just to make things extra special for her first sleep over I am going to do something I RARELY do. I am going to have PIZZA delivered. I know, it’s not real healthy, but it is her first sleepover.

I have been thinking of the possibility of taking the family on a cruise this summer. I have looked into a few things and would have never expected so many family centered cruise options. The biggest obstacle I can see is finding the PERFECT cruise. I see many busy hours on the internet in my future.

Cassidy had the best time! She has talked about it non-stop!! I have now been pulled into having a sleepover here next weekend. I am going to let Rachel and Jacob stay with the grandparents so that things will go more smoothly. Anyone have any ideas on things 13 year old girls like to do? I plan on letting them give each other mini-makeovers and watch some “chic flicks”, but after that I am at a loss.

Cassidy is going to her very first sleepover. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. Cassidy has been enjoying my “state” since she has been home and seems to find it entertaining. I know the family and the most of the other girls, but I can not help but worry. What if Cassidy gets left out or worse yet, FEELS left out. I won’t make her stay home, but I have tried tempting her to stay. I know she is going to have a great time and I remember feeling like this the first time Matthew stayed over at a friend’s. I guess its all part of letting them grow up and grow away.