Day Out With Thomas

We went up to Heber to ride Thomas again this year. This was our fourth time to ride Thomas, but I think that this is our last year, unless we have another boy. Tyler had a good few years of loving Thomas, and I'm sad to see that phase coming to an end. My boy is getting so big. He still had a great time this year, I think he'll take any reason for a train ride. But I'm seeing his Thomas train collection (which we've spent a small fortune on) being replaced by Star Wars figurines and NASCAR cars. (That's right, Dave Ankeney, somehow we got your kid. He LOVES NASCAR. He has his favorite drivers he follows and everything.) Occasionally we see the Thomas trains, but not like we used to. I loved that phase.

My kids spoiled me

For Mother's Day my kids and Brian sent me some beautiful flowers and gave me a gift certificate to the spa...I am so excited!!! Sunday morning when the kids woke up, Brian grabbed them and took them downstairs so I could sleep in. What a man! They really spoiled me.

I feel like I don't deserve how good they were to me. I think I should be up for worst mother of the year after what happened Saturday. We had been out running errands,and it plum wore Elsie out. She screamed the whole way home. We pulled into the garage and Brian grabbed the baby and I grabbed the groceries and put them away while Brian calmed the baby down and then I ran to feed her. I finally got her calmed down and we had a moment of peace when Brian looked around and said, "Where's Grace?" I was certain she was just downstairs playing. Brian asked, "Did we leave her in the car?" "NO. She just downstairs playing, we wouldn't have left her in the car," I replied. Mind you, it's been 10-15 minutes. (Side note, Grace can't unbuckle her own car seat) Luckily, Brian went to check. Sure enough, my poor girl was still buckled into her car seat, by this point just whimpering. I still feel awful!
But I guess she got over it pretty quick, 'cuz she sure spoiled me the next day. I love my kids.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to the two most selfless, wisest, compassionate examples in my life. First and foremost, my mother, who has taught me everything. I still go to her for advice,and though it's not always what I want to hear, I know it's what I need. I can't count the times I've caught myself thinking, "what would my mother do?" She has taught me so much, and above all she has taught me what it means to be Christlike. She has taught me through example, correction, and love. Thank you, Mom. I am who I am today because of my mother. (So, if I rub you the wrong way you know who to take it up with - JK :) I love you, Mom.






Second, my dear husband's mother, my Mother-in-Law. I could not have asked for a better mother-in-law. She raised the most wonderful man, who I was fortunate enough to have married. He was raised to be an amazing man. I credit his mother. She has not only raised and taught 11 children, but she is a great example to me. I have learned from Dianne by her untiring service to others. I am exhausted just watching her. Happy Mother's Day!








And to all of the truly amazing and incredible mother's I am fortunate to know, my sisters, sisters-in-law, grandmothers and friends, Happy Mother's Day. You are all great examples and inspirations to me. I am grateful to learn from you and to be able to share our mothering experiences.

And so, in lieu of Mother's Day, here's to all the Mothers. (Am I Cheesy? Um, Duh! If you haven't figured that out yet, then you don't know me very well, so welcome to my blog.)

My life's a little hectic, 'cuz my job won't let me stop
My place is always open and I never close up shop
And though I'm ever working, I just can't get ahead
Day or night I'll be on duty, and I'm often called to leave my bed

I host a rowdy crowd, in my walls are many a dent
They're a little thoughtless in caring for my establishment
I know the chair is wobbly, but another I can't afford
My patrons are expensive, I spend it all on their room and board

Don't judge me if it's messy, that's usually how it is here
As I'm the only one working, I need another hand, I fear
My floors are often sticky, 'cuz they always spill their drink
And I'm feeling lucky if their throw-up makes it into the sink

And, yes, the mat at the front door is more than just decoration
Although the muddy footprints suggest that's open to interpretation
And if there is no paper handy, they might just write upon the wall
And on rainy days I've even seen many races run up and down my hall

My job is so demanding, and requires I be tough
But I'd never close my doors and say, "I've had enough!"
At times I'll get discouraged, and I get a little tense
And then I remember why I do it, and it all makes perfect sense

The silly little giggles that echo from room to room
And those little flutters barely felt inside my womb
Excited eyes that say, "Look what I learned to do all by myself"
And in tight squeeze hugs are where I store my greatest wealth

A refrigerator covered with many a priceless masterpiece
In a fort playing hide and seek under blankets made of fleece
Hearing the greatest tales thought up by a brilliant mind
And treasure hunting where pennies are the greatest find

Butterfly kisses that tickle, or an Eskimo kiss on my nose
A novice stylist makeover doing my hair or painting my toes
A cuddle in my bed every morning and every evening too
A million hugs and kisses, followed by an "I love you"

My job's really the greatest, I think it is the best
For what I've been entrusted with, I have been over blessed
Although it may be messy, it's our home, unlike any other
And my patrons are the cutest and they all call me their mother!

Trying to learn to use my camera

So we got a new camera, but it may be a bit too fancy for my simple mind. I've been playing around with it, trying to learn how to use it. Lucky for me I have a few models to practice on, one of whom is a little more than willing to pose for mommy. Can you guess who it is?

My little model






Elsie loves being outside


Tyler is my less willing subject. I kept calling him down from the tree to pose - my little monkey would rather be climbing


Even with chocolate on her face she'll strike a pose - oh to be three and completely uninhibited again

Spring = Shorts!!!

We love it when we get to shed the layers and don the summer apparel! Grace especially loves to be "twins" with Elsie in matching outfits. Gotta love this time of year.


Elsie fell asleep in her bumbo! This can't be comfortable.

Easter Morning

I love Easter and Spring time!!! Here we are Easter Morning, ready for Church.

Easter

On Saturday, the day before Easter, I took Tyler and Grace down to Draper Park for their annual Easter egg hunt. They chalk off huge circles on the ball fields and scatter eggs and treats inside the circles. Kids gather around the edges of the circles according to age groups and at 9:00 a.m. they blow the fire truck horn and all the kids go running. The eggs are gone in a matter of minutes. Tyler and Grace were in the same age group, the 3-5-year-olds. Tyler did really well. Afterward they have a bunch of activities for the kids. A bounce house, clowns and balloon animals, visiting with the Easter Bunny. It was a lot of fun. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Anderson who watched Elsie for me. It was fun to have them here with us.

Quick recap on the last month

Oops, I haven't updated in a while. Here are a few pictures from this last month.


Elsie's first rice cereal. She has been so interested in everything we eat and grabs at it trying to get it, so I decided it might be time to start her on rice cereal. Her first bite was a bit of a shock to her mouth, but she quickly caught on to this addition to her diet.


Grace on St. Patty's Day



Oh! To be a kid again. Grace loves to dress up, and her unique designs in wardrobe are something all her own.




Elsie



After a recent snowfall, which have been rather frequent lately, and quite unwanted being April, my kids came in frozen and in their minds in much need of Hot Chocolate and popcorn. This has been one of their favorite things to do, have what they call a movie theatre in the basebent. Aren't they so cozy with their cocoa and popcorn?






Tyler's preschool class recently took a field trip to the dinosaur museum. The kids had a great time.