Mother's Day

 

Nothing brings me more joy than being a mother to these four darling children of ours. They know how to test my patience, and push my buttons on occasion, but they also know how to love fiercely, and help each other out. 

This Mother's Day Stephen and the kids made me feel so special. The two boys made me cards and coupons for me to use throughout the year. Lucas gave me a flower pot and breakfast in bed, and Hannah created a beautiful picture for me. Stephen put together a video of the kids answering questions about life and how they feel about their mom. I will cherish that video forever. But perhaps the most meaningful gesture was from my husband who shaved to a smooth face just for me before church. He hasn't done that since we got married. Even though he doesn't like having a close shave and it hurts his face for a few days afterward he did it just for me. I was really just reminding him to shave before church, but he went above and beyond. I am truly blessed with the best, most loving husband. I love our family and the life we have created together. I can't wait to see what the future holds. I love you.

Last Week of School

Temple trip with the primary presidency

Look at this cool hummingbird moth I saw!

 While waiting for the garbage truck to arrive one morning Grayson found a ball of worms, so he lovingly trying to untangle them all.

    

Hannah earned her reading medal! She read at home all school year every week. By the end of kindergarten she was pretty bored with it; she was tired of always working on letters and doing the ABCs. Congrats Girlfriend!

One afternoon the kids wanted to ride their scooters at the church, so that's what we did! These two wanted me to take their pictures.

What better way to end the day than with an ice cream sundae?

Grayson saw this bench at the store and said, "Take a picture of me mom!" So naturally... Isn't he the cutest?!

Date Night With the Boys

 I took the two older boys out on a date on Monday after school. I tried taking them out separately starting with Zander the previous Saturday, but we never made it to the spot I wanted to take him. We ended up driving around for two hours and getting stuck in a parking garage. It was raining and getting dark, so we abandoned our plans and went home. But not before stopping at Iceberg to get a shake. Zander really wanted a cake batter shake. They were out. So he decided on a strawberry shake. They were out. So he settled for a plain vanilla shake to end our day. I wasn't too happy with how things turned out, but after getting home and getting ready for bed Zander thanked me for taking him out. I was touched. Even though the evening didn't go to plan he still had a good time and was grateful to have gotten ice cream and spent time with me.

So we tried again on Monday with Lucas and the three of us went back to Ogden to Le Crepery for some over-the-top milk shakes and they did not disappoint! Lucas got Nutella and Zander chose Churro. I really enjoyed my time with the boys. I have such great kids! I got to ask them some questions. Most of them the same and a couple different.

What do you think happiness means?

L: When your smiling and you feel good

What do you think is the hardest thing about growing up?
L: Chores
Z: becoming an adult

What is something Dad always says?
Z: He laughs a lot

What is the best book you've ever read?
L: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Z: Harry Potter 4

What is the hardest thing about being a parent?
L: Children
Z: Having children

What magic power do you wish you had and why?
L: laser eyes so I can cut stuff
Z: To be Spider-man

What makes you feel loved?
L: when people help me
Z: Having a family that cares for me

If you won a million dollars what would you buy?
L: A restaurant called King Burger
Z: I'd give most of it to charity and then buy what I NEED.

What job would you like to do when you grow up?
L: Own my own restaurant
Z: Be in the military. A marine

What are you scared of?
L: my room because of the pictures on the wall and things move
Z: Losing a family member

Where do you want to live when you grow up?
L: London so I can ride a double decker bus
Z: Costa Rica

What does Mom always say?
Z: No

Who is your best friend?
L: Aaron
Z: Keaton Nelson

What is the thing you are good at the most?
L: video games
Z: Memorizing Marvel movies and doing brain puzzles

Who is your hero?
L: Mom because when I'm scared or hurt she helps me
Z: All my grandpas

What is your favorite thing to do with the family?
L: Play video games
Z: Movie night

What is the most important rule?
L: Not to break the house
Z: The golden rule

If you could change one thing about me what would it be?
L:That you could never ground me from playing video games.
Z: I wouldn't change anything about you; I like you just the way you are. 

Candids

 I love spending time with my family, and when they are getting along so well. It's been a long winter with lots of snow and sickness every couple of weeks. We're glad spring is finally here and school is almost out!

Playing a matching game with Lucas

Dad decided to make croissants one Sunday while he was home watching a sick Grayson.  

We got to help watch Lucy and Miles with Grandma for a week. We didn't go anywhere, so the kids had lots of time to play with each other. Mom helped me clean the kids' bedrooms and finish moving Zander into his room upstairs. she really is saint, my mom. I never would've gotten it done without her help. There was so much to do and the kids weren't helping me and I didn't want to do it. 

Grayson Turns 3!

 Happiest of Birthdays to my sweet, handsome boy! Grayson, you light up a room with your smile. Spidey is your best friend right now right next to the Ninja Turtles. You are so funny, caring, gentle, and genuine. I love your hugs and kisses, and your determination to do everything yourself. I am excited to watch you grow up. We love you so much!!

Spring Break in Twin Falls

 Look at this ginormous strawberry Hannah got to eat!

Date night with these two! We went bowling while Dad and the other two boys went to a movie.

Our last half of spring break we spent with Grandma and Grandpa in Twin Falls. We also got to see all of our cousins! We went swimming, played catch, went to the temple, had a cousin sleepover, broke open piñatas, played night games, had an Easter egg hunt, ate food, and went to church. It was an eventful weekend stuffed with lots of things to do. We had so much fun.

Charity received her endowments on April 8th. What an amazing experience that was to be there with her and my family in the Twin Falls temple. A memory I will never forget. I didn't want to take away from Charity's special day, but as we were doing our session I couldn't help but watch and think about Brad and what he must be feeling being in the temple without his wife. I could see it on his face-the hurt that he was feeling. While we were in the Celestial Room, looking over at him, he had tears in his eyes. I walked over to him and gave him a great big hug. He didn't let me go. I wanted to say something to him, but didn't know the right words that would give him comfort. I told him everything was going to be ok. I felt it. I knew it. Even if things take a while for him to get to his new normal he's going to be ok, and he will be with someone who loves him for who he is. We embraced for a couple minutes until Becky walked over and said she wanted in on it. So it was us girls and Brad. Then Joseph walked over and joined us. He said, "Four out of seven. That's not bad." I didn't know what he meant by that. It took me several minutes to realize he was referring to us siblings. And I thought, "No that's bad at all, but I so wish I had my three other brothers here with me." Soon Mom and Dad joined our group hug. It was such a special moment. So tender and loving and hope filled. I love the temple. 

All the grandkids (minus Charity)

Valarie did an amazing job on her five piñatas. She put a ton of work into them, and the kids, young and old, had a great time snatching candy, dollar bills, gold dollar coins, half dollar coins, quarters, chic-fil-a gift cards, and other cool prizes. Lucas was smart and grabbed some money and cards, and then sold the chic-fil-a cards for a dollar a piece, so he came home with $8. 

This boy cracks me up! This was a picture Savannah sent me while I was at the temple. She asked if Grayson needed to take a bath and I said yes, but he may not let you. I guess she was able to get him in!

Some of my most favorite people in the whole world right here! I love them so much. 

When you see it...

My jewels. Happy Easter Sunday!

Pretty house finch I saw out Mom's bedroom window. I didn't know finches came in different colors.