Happy Mother's Day!!

Love those kiddos! They were so sweet on Mother's Day - having me hunt for all their sweet homeade cards and gifts. They made me breakfast, and made sure I got to lay with my favorite blanket and pillow while they did all the work.

I had the privaledge of having my mother for the day, and made her some chocolate strawberries. It was fun to have her at church with us and stay for dinner. My brother and Becca came along with Adam's brother Ethan and all the men jumped in to make a yummy dinner while us ladies laid on the couch and gabbed. We were lucky to have my friend Mary and her two boys with us that day for dinner as well.

My homeade Mother's Day surprises. Love them. Cole told me that I would never have to throw his away because it was so "useful". His is the little pink candle holder in front.

Ahhhh... being a mother. Their is nothing better. I LOVE it - and feel sooooo blessed that I get to be home with my little darlings. Yes, there is frustration and clutter and noise and lots and lots of breaking up fights, but I am reminded of how that will someday be gone and I can't keep myself together. I try hard not to mind the popsicle spills on the kitchen floor, and the backpacks, shoes and cleats left in the entry. I try hard not to mind the toy room torn apart and game pieces all mixed up in the wrong places, I try hard not to mind crumbs in my new car and clothes and shoes left out in the rain - those things are fleeting and when they no longer happen and things are perfect my babies will be gone. (See I can't even write this without crying - sob sob). I love them - and I can say that I have truly loved every stage of their little lives. They will forever be little in my mind, and if I could keep them little forever I would. They teach me soooo much (number one on the list is patience), and I know that Heavenly Father sent them to me to teach me and perfect me. I strive daily to be a good mother and pray every night to be better.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day - I sure enjoyed mine.

Girls Trip

Some friends and I decided we needed a girls getaway - and went up to my mom's in Rexburg Idaho to be spoiled rotten. We had a blast and we were definitely not disapointed in the spoiled rotten department.

My mom is a wonderful host and made everything over the tipsy top! She is big on "tablescapes". Never heard of it before - but basically it is a table setting taken to a new level. Here is the first "tablescape" we were treated to.

At the top of our plates, you will notice our initials glittered on an envelope - we each got a seed packet to take home. Dinner was scrumptious. Mozzerella and asparagus stuffed chicken, twice baked potatoes, rolls, and salad.
Movie Night :) I am so not a fan of Pride and Prejudice type movies - but that is what we ended up with - at least all these cute ladies were into it.

The next morning we woke up to this. Bagels, cream cheese, and fruit. Yummy.

Isn't that cute!! ...and edible.

After breakfast, we made a trip to the temple. Love that sun in our eyes. Don't you love how heavy with child I am - compared to all these skinny ladies :)

Came home to a fun luncheon and over the tipsy top "tablescape".

Our party favor was take home honey jar.

It was so fun to be with good friends that are inspiring and fun - not to mention beautiful. Love these girls. We definitely need to make this a tradition!

Kandice :)

Chalyce :)

Julia :)

Dorothy - my mom's long time friend - it was fun to get to see her again.

...and my mom. She matched her outfits to the "tablescapes" everyday. Amazing!

We had Bumblebee Pasta, fruit, hot sandwiches with avocado, mozzerella and tomato, "flyswater", and extra yummy cupcakes from "Cocoa Bean".

After lunch - we hit the town for some serious shopping. We shopped till we dropped. If only the stores would have been open till midnight. We had a blast.

The next morning, we were in charge of breakfast - egg, bacon and cheese crossaints and fruit parfaits.

My mom hit the top when we found these fun aprons she made for us. We each recieved a double sided apron to cook our breakfast in.

Then hit the salon for peddys.


After peddys, we did lunch and had to head home. We of course found parting gifts for us all when we went back to pack. We loved every minute of our time together. Such a fun time. Thanks mom for making it extra special !!

Easter Time!

The kids left the Easter Bunny lots of carrots, and carrot cake this year. Looks like he enjoyed his little snack.

We found over 200 eggs this year. Full of candy and money. I was so glad that we got to actually hunt OUTSIDE this year. That hasn't happened for quite a few years. We had eggs everywhere! Out front, back and in every room in the house.

Ariah has asked me every single day if it is Easter time so that she can wear her dress. This morning she didn't even ask. She came to my bedside in this gettup and was ready to hunt for eggs. We do our egg hunt and basket hunt on Saturday. This is our "Bunny Day". That allows us to focus on the true meaning of Easter on Sunday. It has been so nice since we started that tradition. You know I'm always up for extending the holidays and the children can sort it in their minds very easily.


Halloween PJ's on Easter. Wow!
Cole found his basket in the shower.
Ariah's was in the closet.
...and Ambra's was in the fridge. Good thing we found them.
Sorting through the pounds and pounds of loot.

After our Easter egg and basket hunt. We ate a fun breakfast and got ready to head to the park. We played park games like baseball, and darts. Rode our bikes too. So glad we were able to play outside today.

Ambra graciously made Easter place cards for all of us. That was a fun surprise.

Easter Sunday, all ready for church.

Wow. There I am. Haven't taken too many prego pictures this time around. But I consented on this one. I look pretty silly in this apron and belly.

Preparing our non traditional Easter feast of BBQ grilled fajitas. Gotta go with the cravings if ya know what I'm sayin.

The girls told Uncle Josh that he had "girl hair". It is getting pretty long. They took their liberties and gave him several pony tails. Good sport.

We always finish the night with our Atonement Easter Hunt. This is a wonderful activity for children and takes us through the Easter story. I love that story. Easter time is such a special and meaningful time for all, and I love to ponder the atonement and reserection. Pondering the story and meaning of Easter time brings such peace to my soul and I am so grateful for that gift. We are lucky to be able to understand it and use it in our lives on a daily basis. I am lucky to be able to teach my children this and to hear them bear testimony of it in our family nights. I count my blessings daily and especially remember them at this time of year.

Happy Easter all.