Mother's Day

I wish I could download my pictures so you could see the fabulous gifts that my girls made me! Maddie made a fabric flower pendant at Achievement Days (Activity Days? Whatever!) and a book of poems at school. Some of the poems she wrote herself and others she illustrated. Emma made me a plate at school and it now has a place of honor. These gifts just bring tears to my eyes. I love the homemade gifts the best. The girls were just so excited all week and couldn't wait for me to open their gifts. Nate kept giving me hugs and kisses and telling me I was pretty all day. I had a meeting that morning and when I came home Jason and the kids had made me breakfast. Omelets with all the good stuff: onions, peppers, bacon, tomatoes and Jason's homemade fresh salsa! The best breakfast ever. Jason also made dinner: Spare Ribs, parmesan potatoes, corn on the cob and baked beans. With all of that good food all day I gained a few pounds! Jason also had to speak in sacrament meeting and he did a wonderful job! The kids just let me relax all day and it was a nice day.

Saturday we went over to Liz's (Jason's mom) and Jason and her kids made her dinner. Carne Asada, grilled shrimp, homemade salsa, 7 layer dip, fiesta dip and fruit. They also made homemade raspberry ice cream. I think she enjoyed it and we had fun spending time with the family.

Monday we had a special FHE with my Grandma and my family. We celebrated Mother's Day there and listened to grandma answer questions about her childhood. She had so many funny stories to tell and as I listened I wished that I had grown up on a farm! Not doing all the work of course, just playing with the animals and having fun. I don't see my grandma as often as I should and I really enjoyed being with her and with my family. One of these days I'll have to leave my kids with someone and go over to her house and talk with her. We could talk for hours about books, memories, church things and just life in general!

Most mom's hate Mother's Day because it makes them feel inadequate or feel like they have failed as mothers. Not me! I love it because my kids treat me like a queen and just fall all over me on that day! I had a great day. I also enjoyed it because I am "becoming a mother" again this year. While this pregnancy has been hard and more difficult than my others, it has also brought me just as much joy to know that another little soul will be joining our family and that I am doing what the Lord has asked me to do as a Mother in Zion. I love being a Mother!

Maddie's Birthday and My Birthday

I think Maddie had a fun birthday this year even though she didn't get a party. I'm a mean mom and I don't do parties every year. We told the girls when they turn 8 they can get their ears pierced. Last year Maddie chickened out but this year she went for it! We started out at Claire's boutique in the mall and they wanted $55 to put little tiny studs in her ear. I said NO WAY! and so we went to Walmart and paid $15 or $20 on the studs she wanted. It even came with a matching necklace. She was so scared but very brave. She just kept talking about getting her ears pierced all day long and thanking her dad and I for letting her do it. She was so proud...and I have to admit that walking around the store afterwards I also had a huge smile plastered on my face. I don't know why but it was a "proud mommy moment" for me. She had a Tinker Bell cake, got lots of books, clothing and earrings for her birthday. Her birthday was on friday and it was also "Take Your Daughter to Work Day." So I checked her out early and we met her dad at AppleBee's for lunch and then the two of them headed off to work. Jason's work is so awesome and they do this whole big shabang for this. The kids get t-shirts, backpacks and all sorts of goodies. They do tours, activities and crafts all day long. She had a blast! I think she had a pretty good birthday.

I also had a great day. My mom and Krista came down Monday and we went to this cute little bistro called Cravings Bistro. They have gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and it was delicious. Mine was an apple bacon thing and it was mighty tasty! There's a little boutique attached to it called Bella Ella (well they share space I guess). We found so many cute things and made some great purchases. I don't get to spend that much time with my mom and sisters so I really enjoyed it. The morning of my birthday I woke up to my front yard decorated with banners, balloons and hangy down things. There's only one person who is that thoughtful...my first counselor Barbara Kemp! She is so sweet! The kids told me Happy Birthday about 100 times that morning and all throughout the day. I received many cards and gifts from friends and family. Jason came home and made me homemade cheese enchiladas because I had been craving those and kept asking him to take me to a mexican restaurant to get some. So he found a recipe, made them and they were BETTER than any restaurant enchiladas! He and the kids gave me Pollyanna on DVD. It was such a thoughtful gift because I was so sad when one of the kids I babysat pulled out the tape in my VHS. I love to watch that when I'm feeling down or when I'm folding laundry and cleaning. I was so happy to get it replaced! The kids drew sidewalk chalk pictures outside for me and made me many drawings and cards all day long. It was a great day. Later that weekend Jason and I went with my family to a play at Desert Star. "The Princess Bridesmaid." It wasn't their best but it was still fun and I got a fun shout out for my birthday.

I'd say we're two pretty spoiled girls!