There is nothing that can compare with the look of bliss on a child's face when they know they have your unconditional love.

Today was dentist day. I schedule all of the appointments at the same time so that we don't have to go back and forth numerous times. Fortunately, my appointment was 45 minutes later, because Hannah decided to be shy at the last minute, and I was able to stay with her. She was excited about getting her new toothbrush (Elmo), and her temporary tattoo. The cutest part was afterwards. I took her into the waiting area to color, but she decided that she wanted to "go see how my Matthew is doing."

Matthew was very excited about going to the dentist. Last night when we told him, he was practically jumping up and down. While I don't mind going to the dentist, it certainly isn't anything that I celebrate... I hope that he keeps this attitude for a long time.

Tonight, the kids had gymnastics. Hannah is in Parent and Me, and Matthew is in the boys novice class. One of Hannah's favorite events is the beam. From the first class, Hannah was able to balance on the beam on her own. Later, she lost some of her confidence, and started asking for more help. She was doing kicks on the high beam tonight as I held her right hand. After the first few kicks, she asked me to hold her on the other side. As a mom, it really illustrated the problem to me - we can't be everywhere at once, as much as we would like to. How can I teach Hannah to balance, when I can't balance myself?

Matthew and Hannah love our backyard. We have bird feeders outside our back window, and the kids love watching the birds fly in. This morning was quite colorful - I saw an Oriole and a Cardinal. The kids have even learned to identify male and female robins. The other excitement is the bunnies. Hannah wanted me to buy bunny food when we were in the animal section of Menards. I explained to her that the bunnies find enough food on their own in the backyard, and she stopped worrying about it. She was concerned that the bunnies might get to hungry.

Besides the wildlife, we also have a new slide/playhouse in the backyard. We still need to add a swingset, but it has a fort section, and looks like fun. It has one of those twisted tube slides, so Matthew loves it, but Hannah gets a little scared of the covered slides. Hannah is definitely the more cautious one, but sometimes she surprises me. Of course, now that they have played in the bounce house, I think that Hannah would do that in her sleep if she could.

Hannah and I went shopping today. She was quite the hit at the mall. We went to have her glasses adjusted, and she had 3 men waiting on her. She was in heaven. Not bad for a 3 year old. She just had a ball helping mommy shop - that's my girl. Stores used to be closed on days like Memorial Day. Now, it is a big sales day.

Kids don't necessarily understand the whole holiday thing when they are as young as Matthew and Hannah are. Last night, Matthew asked me about Memorial Day and I tried to explain it to him. He understood, but I really don't think he understands the concept of war. At age 5, this is a good thing. I am sure that Hannah has no understanding of Memorial Day whatsoever. I am glad that we at least put the flag up. That is something they understand.

There is nothing that can compare with the laughter of a small child. Today, Matthew and Hannah got to take a walk in Trempealeau, play in the park, and bounce in their bounce house. With each of these activities, the laughter just flowed. It really lifts the spirit. I wish that I could bottle it and sell it. I found myself laughing right along with them.

The kids also had a ball planting in the garden. Last night, both Hannah and Matthew were planting corn. Tonight, Matthew was helping Ron put the melons and cucumbers in. They love being in the garden and seeing things grow. They are so full of wonder. I would love to recapture that feeling of wonder and awe with the things that are around us.

I love putting my kids to bed at night. I sing Hannah a lullabye. Our song is You'll be in my Heart. Then Hannah gives me a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and sometimes a zerbert. When the song says, "Just take my hand," Hannah quickly grabs my hand, and won't let go.

Somehow, I never got into the habit of singing to Matthew at bedtime. I am not sure why, because Matthew loves it when I sing to him. Matthew has to have music on at night to fall asleep. Lately, Matthew has been into sign language, and we sign "I love you" to each other several times. He can also spell the word "hug," and uses it to ask for one more hug. Matthew is very sweet. Sometimes, he will say, "Mommy, you are so beautiful." "Mommy, you are the best Mommy in the whole world." and the best, "Mommy, I love you so much." There is something totally amazing about hearing this from a 5 year old.

Even after a hard day, tucking the kids is always amazing.