Five For Friday: April 4

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have enjoyed your week so far. What great things have happened in your life this week? Monday I challenged fans of our Facebook page to take the time each day to jot down at least one good thing from everyday. Were you able to do it? If you didn't get to try it, I challenge you to start now! It will change the way you see the day and life in general.

• This is the very last you'll hear of cheer for the season, I promise. It's all over and we had our competition. The girls did so, so well! The organizers decided they weren't going to give out any medals (the morning of the competition), so we didn't 'win'. But if I had to guess, they would've gotten a first place medal. It was that good. They went out and funneled all their nerves and jitters into their moves, just like true performers. When they finished they said, "that's it? We're done?? Can we go again?!" They were so excited and it was really satisfying as a coach to see them so happy! We also had our banquet this week, and it was so much fun celebrating an amazing season with the girls and their families, and having them say that they had fun with us this year. Plus I got a really cool mug that says "KEEP CALM AND CHEER ON".  I think I will.

• There has been no shortage of great moments from my kids this week. Especially PJ, whose language skills are pretty killer at this point. It's not so much that he can speak so well, it's more the number of words he knows and can use in context. Plus, he has a certain comedic timing a two year shouldn't have.  If we're friends on Facebook, you've probably gotten annoyed at some point this week by my posts, because I just keep posting some of the funny things he says. He told me he was going to England to ride a train! Ah kids... The girls have also been spending a lot of time with a friend they've made through the cheer squad. I love seeing that they aren't as socially awkward as I imagine, and that they really are great kids. They're super polite in comparison to some of their peers, and that means we've done something right. Yay us! Moral of the story--give your kids more credit, they probably deserve it. And give yourself more credit--you deserve it too!

• Beautiful spring weather has meant time outside watching softball, playing in the yard, and gardening. Peyton and I ventured downtown this week to pick up some "necessities" for our trip. When we came up from the parking garage, I was reminded it was the day of the Farmer's Market-Wiesbaden does one every Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It was so nice outside and we just strolled through the market checking out all the local produce and flowers and goodies. We even sipped on my favorite smoothie from my favorite smoothie cart. I think I'm getting better at ordering things in German, too. Life is good! 

• I have newly discovered another craft store downtown. Much to the dissatisfaction of my husband and my wallet. It's pretty close to what I could get back in the States as far as what they stock. Nothing close to Michael's of Joann Fabric, but it will do. If you remember, I'm trying to do a lot more 'buy local' stuff, so this definitely helps. (Or hurts depending on your viewpoint) I've also joined a group of crafters that are obsessive planner users like me. It's nice to be 'around' like minded people. They get it, ya know? They even hooked me up with loads of places to find organizational goodies while we're in London. I was able to pack my bag a little lighter knowing it may be filled with goodness on the way back! 

• I've had a big task list this week, including prep for the girls' party on the 12th-the day after we get back from London. I've been making gift bags and banners and the party place is already decorated. It turned out really great that they chose a Frozen theme, because I was able to 'shop' our Christmas decorations for things to use. I picked up a few things from the store, but mostly just used what we had. I love those types of parties! I've also gotten fancy dresses for the girls to have tea at Kensington Palace when we're in London. One more thing to do: make a Harry Potter style acceptance letter to Hogwarts, and a royal invite to tea to give each of them on their birthdays. I love that they have no idea what we're doing! Surprises almost never happen in our house--some of us can't keep a secret! 

• BONUS goodness: Two beautiful baby girls celebrated their very first birthdays this week! We have a new baby cousin, and my dear, amazing friend (whom I miss so much!) welcomed her a new addition to her family!! Welcome to the world beauties! 

Randoms from the week. Can we talk about the ChocStars for a minute?! How funny are they!?

So now, we are headed to the Wiesbaden Easter Market to check out all the wonderful handcrafted Easter things they have. Then early Sunday morning which will still be late Saturday evening for those of you in the US), we'll be dashing off to LONDON! 

If you have a post similar to this, I'd love for you to link it in the comments! I like to read positive thoughts, especially by other mommy bloggers out there!