April's gone already?

Phew this month flew by; I can't believe it's over already. The weather has been a crazy, warm, cold, and oh so windy!! The allergies in our house have been HORRIBLE!! We are all sniffling and sneezing like mad; even for daddy who swears he doesn't have allergies. The flowers are blooming beautifully in our backyard. I love sitting out there watching the birds fly from feeder to feeder. We have a cute little humming bird that likes to hang around. Mo says it's a female because it isn't as stunning red as other humming birds. I don't think that very fair that all the male birds get to be so splendid in color. Aren't girls the ones always concerned with their beauty. Isn't that why God created Eve? I digress...

Reece and Raine have had a busy month of fun. On Saturday's we have been attending sports class and Lowe's Build and Grow workshops. It's been so much fun watching them learn how to play soccer and basketball. Reece is quite quick and excited about scoring goals; a little bit of a ball hog. ;) Raine could take it or leave it right now. She would play for a little while and then come stand by my side. I thought having her big brother in the class would help, but not so much. She is one shy little lady, nothing like her bold outgoing brother. They are however, the best of friends. They really look forward to seeing each other at the end of the day. Each one asks the other how they did that day. Reece says, "Raine did you stay dry & take a nap?" Raine usually replies, "I stayed dry but didn't take a nap. Did you stay on green?" Of which Reece would respond, yes, or no depending on the day! He has been trying hard to earn a Wall E Leapster game but can't seem to make it because he keeps talking too much! The return to school after Spring Break has been a bit of an adjustment. He is Mr. Motormouth always chatting with his classmates. The other day he had to change his card from green to orange for messing around in small group. A group of 6 kids trying to learn how to read and Mr. Know it all doesn't pay attention. Reece is trying though, he earned a checkered flag in music. He loves to sing and asks for his specific "Dog Train" songs when we ride in the car. The other day I was taking a friend to work and she even pointed out how nice his voice is. Thank goodness he's not tone deaf like his mama!

Raine has also had a somewhat hard time adjusting back to school after Spring break. She was having random accidents and wouldn't lie down for her naps. I found more ZuZu pets at Target and grabbed a few for bribery. She was almost there, ready to receive her Baby Cakes when she hit one of her best friends Cara then did it again the next day!! When we asked her why she did that; Raine said she cut me in line and wouldn't help clean up the dress up area. I told Mo we should probably stop hitting our daughter! Yesterday was a wacky Wednesday and Raine refused to do anything her wonderful teacher Miss Gina said. Raine planted herself on the ground arms across her chest and with a full on pout pout face. AHHH, the joys of raising a strong willed child!

Mo has been pretty busy himself trying to tie up some loose ends on a few landscaping jobs. He is quite an artist when it comes to that stuff; which is why my yard is full of color! I miss him though. The spring is always hectic, cleaning up yards or designing a whole new backyard. We did get to enjoy a trip to the Mini Grand Prix with daddy last Sunday. The kids loved it and it cost us a whopping $2.00. Thanks Lane family for the old b-day tickets for the rides. Reece loved riding the little cars all by himself. Raine was tall enough but probably would have froze out there by herself.

Me well, I'm here, trying to do it all. Just call me Super Woman! My Google Lit Trip was given rave reviews, 69/70 and just needs a few minor glitches worked out so that it can be published on the web!! Yay! I have had some trying times at work but persevered and came out ahead. I called my boss on the carpet on a few issues then interviewed for a special ed position at another school. I think she realized what she would be losing and decided to work with me and another colleague who was also thinking of leaving. I beleive God's hand was assisting me through that one because it was tough. I didn't get the spec ed job, another teacher with 12 yrs experience did. My sister said it best, rejection is God redirecting your desires. I know I am supposed to stay at Bilbray, my family of friends is there. They help me with Reece more than I could ever ask for.

All of that to say that the Hauguels are doing swell. Busy as bees and living life to the fullest!

Belliagio Gardens

Google Lit Trips AHHHH

I am so tired of trying to figure out codes. I have a huge project due tomorrow night by 11:59 pm. I will get it done. I am 2/3 finished. Now that I have a better idea of what I am doing, I can work on some of it tomorrow at school. I hate that I had all of spring break to do this and I (once again) waited to the last minute to finish it. Why is it I procrastinate so much? I would really like to change that about myself, but after 30 yrs of doing it, don't think it's going to happen. I am very thankful I accomplished some other tasks that have been hovering over me. I finally handed in a student intervention file that was long overdue. I graded papers and input grades for tomorrow's progress report. I called and scheduled an appointment with the ear, nose and throat doc for Raine. I cancelled the kids dentist appointment for a third time. I got gas in my car. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment tonight and will now go relax in front of the TV.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday was such a wonderful experience for the Hauguel family. The day was very relaxing and full of smiles. Once showered and dressed for church the kiddos searched for their hidden baskets. Reece found his in an instant; it was behind the big chair. Raine had to search a little bit harder. Daddy assisted her by asking her to put her shoes on. Once she opened the closet door she found her basket there amongst the stinky shoes. The kids loved rummaging through their baskets checking out all their goodies. Reece was extremely excited about his new Batman Brave and the Bold DVD. Raine enjoyed her new Dora book and stickers. It was so enjoyable watching them delight in their presents. While at church, I supervised the 2 & 3 yr old classroom. The children were so precious in the little Easter dresses and outfits. After class of the kids went outside to listen to the Easter story and have an egg hunt. Reece and Raine were very thrilled about the egg hunt and the strawberries served at brunch. I was pleased to sit back and watch while Mo took pictures. Brunch was scrumptious and peaceful as well.

Once at home, the kids had another egg hunt in our backyard. It was so funny watching them fight over the eggs and Raine’s pout was priceless. She would get so angry when Reece would beat her to the egg. Daddy did a great job hiding the eggs. Then we were off to nap and rest. Raine crashed hard in her bed with her new bunny in hand. Daddy and Reece enjoyed some Easter candy and watched the new Batman DVD. I parked myself in the sun and read my book. I ended up with raccoon sunburn from my silly sunglasses.

Around 4pm we headed over to our friends The Feldman’s for yet another egg hunt and dinner. Miss Tina coordinated a huge egg hunt with over 50 eggs and prizes. There were 4 lil ones 5 and under and 4 big kids 12 and over. It was like Christmas with the amount of presents my kids received. The final egg said big present. Reece turned his coupon in for a huge Lego set and Raine received a McDonalds cash register. The children were set for the rest of the night!

Dying Easter Eggs

First Baseball Game

Last night was a night of firsts for the Hauguel clan. It was Mo, Reece, & Raine's first time at Cashmen field, Reece & Raine's first time at a baseball game and my first time watching the Dodgers. We sat three rows behind home plate. Right before the game started a Dodger employee walked up the steps and handed Reece a baseball. Reece wasn't sure what to think. We tried to explained how special it was to get a major league baseball; still in disbelief, he asked, "Do I get to keep it forever and ever?" He held onto that ball the entire game, except when he was devouring the peanuts, pistachios and popcorn. As he sat there screaming and yelling for the Cincinnati Reds to win; he told me this was the best night ever. Raine continually yelled, "Go Phillies!" Yes, she is brainwashed, or maybe ready for a game this summer when we head back east. She loved hopping from lap to lap and dancing to the music. Reece and Raine both danced so well they were on the jumbotron during the dance cam session between innings. It was a really fun night out with the Feldman family. They are so fun and helpful with our kiddos. Tina enjoyed filling their bellies with sugary treats. It was an awesome night and memory for the kids, I can't wait to do it again.