Happy Birthday To Me!!!

Always love my birthday. Ambra set me up here with a book, a drink, some shade and relaxation. It always feels much better when others are working and your sitting enjoying doing nothing. P.S. - my sign says Do Not Disturb.

...while Adam was working in the yard.

Breakfast in bed...well sort of.

I love to hike and bike and camp and play play play - but being 9 months pregnant I am somewhat limited. Adam took me to a trail with the kiddos birthday morning. It was so lovely. We walked and they biked. Lots of hills though. I'll admit, I was contracting quite a bit and I believe this "hike,walk" was what put me dialated to almost a 5 two days later. But look how gorgeous the view is. Just drinking it all in.

Sis can't resist the rollie pollies along the way.

The day ended with lots of eating and presents. Thanks honey for a fun #32!

Preschool Graduate...well sort of.

First year of preschool graduation 1 of 2. Our little Riah Bug graduated on May 26th. It was a great year and she enjoyed it. Look at that cute little smile. Love that girl.

It was a bit disapointing, we couldn't find a date that worked for everyone. It was truly ridiculous. We ended up have it in the middle of the day at lunch time. No dads came and siblings were in school. Bummer. I guess I like to make things a big deal and "go all out" - so making it simple was not my fav.

Cole came though.

Instead of signing yearbooks, we signed balls. That was a fun surprise for the kids.

What?? My hubs is 35!!

That is some serious middle aging! Almost 40!! That sounds way tooo old. Didn't I just barely graduate from college and get married? Seems like it.

Well he did. He turned 35 and he says that he'll probably die at 70, so he is officially on top of the hill. Whatever!!

We of course started out his day with our traditional "Bust Out". The turkey manipulated the system.

We brought him balloons and lunch to work and decorated the house when he got home.

We made his fav meal -tacos, and I made an icecream cake. Not so good at icecream cakes. The kids thought we should make it in the shape of a church, since he really likes church. Funny.

Not so sure that looks like a church, but alas it is :)

Happy Birthday sweetie. I love you so much and appreciate all you do for me and the kiddos. You are wonderful and I have loved every minute of the last 11 years.

First Piano Recital!!d

May brought along Ambra's first piano recital! I had no idea what to expect as I have never attended one before. We were a bit ill prepared, but she did great anyway.

I think the tide may be turning. Ambra has NOT been loving piano - but she seems to be liking it a bit better everyday. We told her to give it a year. Come Thanksgiving - we'll see how things are going. Hopefully she'll make the decision her father and I would like her to make. HHHMMMM - bribes may have to be involved. We'll see.

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 !!