The Callender's

What a great weekend - we attended our second annual 'Webb Family Reunion' (Nate's mom's side of the family) at Fall Creek Falls. It was great fun - the boys enjoyed a semi-parent free/rule free weekend of running like crazy outside in the woods and through a lodge built for sleeping 100 people (there were only 35ish of us). Lot's of freedom for the young ones and an interesting break for the adults like me without little ones to watch over and worry with. I'm looking forward to holding a baby again - someone who needs more attention - of course I'm sure once I get that I'll be thinking "wow remember all that freedom I took for granted when it was just my independent boys I was responsible for." I'm so fickle! hee hee


Mother's Day....I told Nate I wanted something that the boys had made, from them you know - not store bought. He was such an awesome Dad! He helped them make me bath soaps that smell delicious. They were so proud of their little endeavor and wanted to make sure I used them this morning when I woke up. I must say also that I was very impressed by the school gifts as well. Way to go teachers! Ian made a sweet tray to carry stuff on with a modge podge of pictures he drew, his name and a photo of himself. Also some bath salts that he was quite obsessed over holding and putting his fingers in all the way home from school. He too wanted to make sure I had used them last night in my bath.

Eli drew a picture of me that is so great - I have very lovely long eyelashes and some beautiful red lips . This is what he wrote on it "MY MOM"..."My mother's name is Sarah. She is 32 years old. She looks like my mom and feels good. She smells like flowers because she works in the garden. She has 2 children, Eli and Ian, but she is about to have 3 because she has a baby. For work, she teaches preschool. My favorite thing she cooks is chicken. She helps me draw jets. For fun she sits in the backyard with her flowers. We like to swing together. She likes to shop at the mall. She likes to buy flowers. She is happiest when she sees me smile and sad when her flowers die. I want Mom to know...That I love her! Love, Eli.
(Yes, I cried and cried - he was so proud!) He made a beautiful clay painted necklace for me with the help of an awesume volunteer art teacher in his room. I love it!

I'm trying desperately to finish 3 paintings for customers (that sounds so official)..I"m trilled that I actually have some business keeping me busy. It is fun but a little nerve wracking as I doubt my ability all the time. Nate is so encouraging though and really helps me with 'measurements' in trying to center words - my greatest weakness! I tried something new though in painting a canvas for a teacher's gift for someone that is all words and fancy as opposed to drawing cutesy pictures, dots. I thought it was much much harder b/c cute is easy - no one wants that too look perfect but when something is in your living room looking serious that is another story. But I really appreciate all my friends keeping me busy and spreading the word!

All this rushing is because Nate and I are heading out for Orlando on Thursday afternoon. He has a work trip (which is amazing since professor's hardly ever have fun, paid for, work trips in Fl.) but I'm going as a stow away (although I did pay for my ticket). We are staying at the Gaylord in Orlando. Everyone keeps asking me if I"m planning on shopping in the city while Nate is in seminars. I have told everyone I'm a chicken when it comes to venturing out in a strange city by myself with no car. My idea of a relaxing weekend consists of sitting by the pool, tanning and reading a good book! Also, sleeping a lot, watching some movies and eating great food! My parents are being soooooo kind to come here and watch the boys for 3 days - school drop off/pickup, soccer games (two of them), and all that goes along with two young boys in a small house! I so appreciate them driving 3 hours to keep the Callender Clan! The boys couldn't be more excited.

The crazy part of the whole month is when Nate and I get back we pack up and leave 4 days later to go on our family vacation to Gulf Shores, AL. with friends to the beach for a week! What a life huh? We've never been to the beach with the boys so they are beside themselves!
Just thinking about all that has to get done now at 10:53 pm is exhausting me...I'm off to bed.