A busy weekend!

The weekend began on Friday night when we celebrated Audriana's graduation from Kindermusik.....what a cute bunch of kids! The show was great! They did a little rendition of Don Gato, played their dulcimers and their recorders, and then they each performed a number of their choosing. It was adorable and we were so proud of Audriana getting up and participating in so many of the songs! Way to go, Audriana! :-) From left to right: Samuel, Lola, Jillian, Nikki, Maria, Audriana and Jonah

The lovely and very talented Miss Ruth! We were so lucky to have such a loving and fun-spirited teacher like Miss Ruth. She truly loved each child and taught in such a way that made it fun for the kids to learn. She was just great and we will miss seeing her each Tuesday!

Here is our little graduates......Audriana and Maria!

Here the kids are performing "Don Gato". Lola, who played Don Gato, really stole the show with her very theatrical sense about her -- her grandma is Ellen Travolta (John Travolta's sister), so I guess it runs in the family. After the show, she decided to give everyone an autograph -- too funny!!


Audriana and Nikki did a duet and sang "You're a Grand Old Flag". She sang really well and very strong. After the program she told me that she was kinda nervous before she performed, but that she was really happy that she sang "good" and "on pitch"! Out of the mouths of babes...


Maria sang "Bell Horses" and did a really good job, too! Doesn't she look adorable with her pony tails?!


Miss Ruth's graduating class of 2009

The next morning, it was off to Audriana's last soccer game of the 2008-2009 season. The Silver Streaks played their last game together. They had a great season and the kids really became a good team. Crystal (Ryan's mom and wife to Coach Dave) brought silver colored hair spray and sprayed a silver steak into each players hair. It was so cute.

Audriana's silver streak!Good job, Audriana! She really focused this season and began to really understand the concept of being a team player (passing the ball and not hogging it all the way down the field!) and watching the opponents (great defense!). We were very proud of her. She made a least 1 goal each game, except for this last game, where they played a really good team and no one scored!


After the soccer game, it was off to Noah's 4th b-day party at Terrace View Park in the Spokane Valley. Lisa brought squirt guns and water balloons (it was a 90 degree day) so the kids just had a blast (big surprise!). It was a great day and it was fun to celebrate our little Noah turning another year older. We have spent every b-day with him -- we are usually celebrating his birthday up at the cabin during our annual Memorial Day weekend celebration up there, but this year we did not go, so Lisa planned the party in Spokane. Thanks for driving from Ephrata to let us celebrate with you!Happy Birthday, Noah James!Here are the kids with Grandpa Jay -- doesn't he look proud? Micah 18 months, Noah 4 yrs, Ryan 8 1/2 yrs, Audriana 6 1/2 yrs, and Sofia 3 1/2 yrs.

Yeah! Cars tatoos!

What sweet angels! These 2 are so photogenic, aren't they?


Here's the whole group!

So, after the party, we left the park and zoomed back downtown to Brown's Addition where Art Fest was happening. Martin's band, Son Dulce, began playing at 5pm and played until about 6:30. They were outstanding! So much energy! It's amazing how powerful their 10 piece band can be. Everyone was up dancing and loving their latin beat! Great job, babe!

Jenn looked great in white capris and a colorful top in front of the band all in black.

Here is my star of the show! He played so good!

Kindermusik graduation, Audriana's last soccer game, Noah's 4th b-day party, and Son Dulce at Art Fest! Geez.....we need to slow down -- this horse is goin' way too fast!

MEmoRiAL DaY 2009

Memorial Day for me brings my thoughts to my Dad, my grandparents, Aunt Tonn and Myron, and all of those that have gone before us -- many of them way too soon, many of them in combat serving our country. It's such a bitersweet day - and it always reminds me that life is to be cherished. Each day a blessing. Every minute with your loved ones is a treasure. I miss my Dad -- even though it has been 21 years since his passing (Sept 29 1988). I love to bring my kids up to the cemetary and let them experience my memories of him -- and let them "talk" to their grandpa. I feel so bad that they never got the chance to meet this wonderful man that would have been such a loving force in their lives. It is up to me to ensure that his memory stays alive and that they know what a great man he was. Today was ultra-special because we met up with Aunt Virginia (my dad's sister) and helped her put out flowers for my dad and my grandparents, Carl and Verona Schurra. I recognize that it must be so hard for her -- all these years all alone without her only brother, and without her parents. She is the only one left of the Schurra's -- so I am holding on tight to her and reaching out for her to share her memories with my kids. We attended the outdoor mass at the cemetary then went back to Aunt Virginia's house for a little lunch. It was a great day to be with family! I'm looking forward to tomorrow when Martin comes back home from San Francisco. He goes every Memorial Day to be with his daughters, Aura and Brianna -- sweet Denise Elayna, too!

During the service, I could not have been more proud of my girls. They were quiet and very well behaved. Sofia spent a lot of time making these "crosses" out of pine needes on her lawn chair -- do you think at 3 she comprehends just how profound that was? Amazing. The other very amazing thing that happened was that we were sitting next to one of my Dad's best friends, Duane Costa! I kept looking at him -- I knew I recognized him. After the service I asked him his name, and sure enough, it was him. I introduced myself as Jim Schurra's daughter, Pam. I know he was surprised and happy to see me....he made sure to tell me what a great man my dad was. I needed that today. What a wonderful day.

My Day (AKA - Mother's Day)!

I'm in love with them!

Who knew that this little day would come to mean so much to me. I grew up celebrating my mom (of course) -- But now, the attention has somewhat shifted to me. The feelings I have about being a mom and what my girls mean to me is hard to explain. The love I have for them is the strongest, most fiercest, feeling I have ever felt. I would do anything for them and would go enormous lengths to protect them. They breath sweetness. The smallest look from them to me, or the slightest smile, swells my heart. They are such good girls. So full of light, happiness, and sincerity. It's scary that they are so perfect in my eyes. I know it is Mothers Day, but I couldn't go on without thanking my wonderful husband for being my support and my rock. He's the one that really makes me able to be Super Mom! He lets me shine, even though he is the one that truly shines the most in our family. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family! Thank you God!
My day started with Audriana, Sofia, and Daddy making me breakfast -- hashbrowns, sausage, and blueberry pancakes! Oh, and Martin's famous Nicaraguan coffee that I love (he puts warm milk, honey, and cinnamon in it and it is to die for!). The girls let me go back to bed and watch some of my cooking shows, too! Daddy kept them busy in the other rooms so I could truly enjoy some uninterupped tv time. Audriana gave me a card that she made at school, as well as a very nifty book marker. Sofia also made me a very sweet card. She has become quite the colorer! We ran a couple of errends (Costco and Lowes), then basically stayed home the rest of the day. Kristi came over and we watched Mamma Mia! I love that movie. Then we made Chicken Caesar Salads for dinner and ended the night with some berry shortcake. Yummy! What a perfect day. A big Happy Mother's Day to my mom -- who was up at Jay's cabin for a long relaxing weekend herself! Love ya, Mom!