Soccer, Circus, & Steve

Happy birthday to my incredible father-in-law Steve. We spent the morning at our final soccer games. The kids played great and I loved sitting in the sun. Aaron presented the kids with a trophy, which they loved. Following our morning marathon I took Mary and Noah to the Williams' circus themed birthday party. It was out of a magazine! Everything was so amazing!

Tiff's Birthday Lunch

We headed to a cute little restaurant in Jacksonville today called the Mustard Seed Cafe. Taylor babysat the kids so we could all go. I felt so pampered, even though it wasn't my birthday!

Sleepy Cam

It's been busy around here and I have a feeling it's only going to get busier. Cameron fell asleep on my bed with Tiger this afternoon. Good idea Cameron, good idea.

Honey and Lemon Juice

I've been reading and trying some new ways to alleviate allergy symptoms. Fresh local honey used regularly is one fo them. I also learned that some warm water with lemon juice breaks down on congestion and honey soothes the throat. It's my new favorite treatment along with refilling my expensive allergy medicine. I should have done that right away....something to remember for next year (that is if I don't spend spring in Hawaii).

Joy School Graduation

Today we headed to the park for a joy school graduation. We ate watermelon, cookies, and fresh squeezed lemonade. We attempted a water balloon toss (five seconds of throwing), jumped, swung, slid, climbed, played. It's been a good year and I sure love these moms.

Mom's Birthday & Memorial Day

It's fitting that my mom's birthday falls on Memorial Day. Today I honor the sacrifice, service, and love of all our veterans and the sacrifice, service, and love of my angel mother. There's a lot to be thankful for.

This morning we went on a family bike ride around the neighborhood followed by swimming and a barbecue at the Harnois' home. It was the first swim of the season. This is a picture of the men's table before Ray Gorze got thrown into the pool by Jared and Spencer (don't worry..his son got his keys and phone out of his pockets beforehand). I find it interesting that at these parties the adults usually separate by gender.

It was a wonderful day.

Bouncing Sunbeams

I helped out in Cameron's class today and it was a good thing, because all the darling Sunbeams were full of energy! I feel so blessed that Cameron has Kristi for a teacher. She is so patient, creative, and loving. I'm inspired just watching her.

Cousin Soup & Spirographing

The cousins came to play today. Mary and Annie played with Mary's new spirograph kit. I remember "spirographing" when I was little, so I was excited to buy it for her birthday this year. Then all the kids poured themselves in to this sweet cousin soup.

Bobbio's Field Trip

The kids and I headed to Bobbio's pizza for our final joy school field trip. The kids got to take a tour and bake their own pizzas; it was super delicious!

Big Air Day

Since the school met their fundraising goal the kids were treated to a day of jumpy houses. They staggered the classes so that each student could rotate through the 3 jump houses for a half hour. Noah's class was one of the first ones so I got to catch a few pictures while I helped manage the chaos (although they really didn't need me there was so much help).

Mary's Baptism Invite

It's getting so close! I just can't believe she's getting baptized! I finished her invitation today and we started addressing them. Mary went to activity day girls tonight and was so excited to cross something off on her Faith in God booklet. She brought this family fan chart and a story about Grammie's childhood polio to share.

Vertically Challenged

We've been talking about it for a while and finally decided to go for it. We cut down the top part of our island three inches to a more kid-friendly/short-friendly height. I have a feeling ti will change the entire function of the kitchen. I'm getting excited for these changes.

Standing Up

Cameron tells me all the time that he, "Needs to go potty standing up". He loves being able to stand instead of sit. He has even taken the opportunity to do it outside once or twice. I have told him several times that outdoor potty trips are only for emergencies (like when we were stuck at a soccer field for an hour without a restroom in sight), so he sneakily does it when I am not looking (or when he thinks I'm not looking). I think he forgot to put something back on in this photo.

My Sweet Boy

I got this email from Noah's teacher yesterday. I have been thinking about his tender kind heart a lot lately. I'm so grateful I get to be his mom.

Allison,

     I wanted to share a cute moment I had with Noah today.  I sometimes eat in the cafeteria at lunch and did so today.  I had the privilege of sitting next to Noah.  I have sat with kindergarten students many times over the last few years and third grade students before that but I must say this was the best conversation I have ever had at lunch.  I actually enjoyed myself beyond just being entertained by the kids which is always fun.

     First, Noah asked me all kinds of questions about what I liked to eat, what my favorites were, and shared his favorite restaurant (after some hints/guesses).  He listened and didn't just talk at me.  He responded to what I was saying and continued the conversation, not just jumping from topic to topic.  This is all rare in any elementary school chat.  Then he did something I have NEVER seen in my years in the classroom/cafeteria.  

     Elise was sitting on the other side of him and also trying to participate in the conversation, and also with appropriate dialogue, questions, etc.  So Noah asked Elise if she wanted to trade spots so she could have her turn I think and her share of the conversation. It was such a thoughtful thing to do, and I know they are cousins but still really kind and without prompting from Elise or me.  It was just a great way to spend my lunch and I think a great example of what lovely children you are raising.  Thank you for sharing with me.

Kerrie

Taking One for the Team

Our new back-splash is up and grouted. It looks, well...lovely.

our before and almost after shots

We took the awesome Elders to Texas Roadhouse for dinner since I don't have an oven right now. Unfortunately, I won't be able to cook for the next few days until it can be sealed. I hate to disappoint the kids, but I will make it up to them with some of my awesome cooking for the next...you know, lifetime.

Merlin's Dream

Mary's recital went splendidly well. She played a beautiful song called Merlin's Dream. It's been a little challenging to learn, especially the timing of it all. Ali and Emi Williams came to her recital tonight. It was so thoughtful of them to come and support her. We celebrated all her hard work by going Yo-Twist afterwards as a family. I'm so proud of all her hard work and I will miss hearing this song each day.

My Girls

It's been an exciting week preparing for Mary's class field trip. We packed her list of essentials and collaborated on the optimal hiking outfit. Between her table rock hike and her soccer practice she was pretty tired when bedtime came around.

Nicole also had a busy day of playing...at Luci's, at joy school, and with the Williamses that we babysat. She just loved every minute of it. She's wearing these pigtails (Lucitails) in honor of one of her favorite playmates.

Mother-Son Golfing

I got to take Noah out this evening for MRE's Mother/Son Activity. We had the best time ever and I love that Noah didn't care one bit about being with other boys his age or cousins at the FFC. He wanted to be with me (plain old me) and do everything together. We golfed, water bumper boated, go kart race, and talked. It was so fun being together and getting soaked and misted in the 96 degree weather. After we played we headed to Shari's from some dinner and dessert. I think one-on-one time with the kids is so important, and I thoroughly enjoyed his company.

Death to Allergies

I hate seasonal allergies, they are really putting a damper on my life. I seriously can't breathe through my nose and my energy from the medicine and itchy drippy face is so low I could fall asleep at any moment. It's been a couple weeks now of this torture and I am anxious for Summer's relief. I hope this week's hot weather kills off every last allergen out there.

On the brighter side of things, the kids are keeping me distracted and happy. When Noah broke his collar bone, Jared and family brought over a candy gram. We decided we needed to make one for Elise, because it's so fun and the kids still remember it from two years ago! Elise loved it.

Elise's Surgery

Christine took sweet Elise to the surgery center this morning to get tubes put in her ears and have her adenoids removed. Christine told us that she was so brave through every part of the process. Look how cute she is getting wheeled into the surgery room...

She lost her other front tooth as they were working. The doctors gave her a dollar for it. So sweet. I'm interested to see if she thinks Noah is loud when her ears are working better. I have noticed that he speaks really loudly around her, and at other times too. ;)

While she recovered at home we got to keep Estelle for a short bit. When I picked up Estelle from Tiff and grabbed Noah from school he was eager to hear about Elise and play with Estelle. Noah loves to play with Elise at school. He told me that since she wasn't there he played with Miley. There are a lot of sweet girls in his class and he loves playing with them more than the boys.

I am going to really miss Noah next year when he starts first grade. He is so good at taking care of his younger siblings and finding something fun to do with them. He talks so sweetly and they just follow him around. That boy really melts my heart with his tender and loving personality.

A Noble Work

The best thing about getting homemade gifts for Mother's Day is that you can see how your children sometimes see you. I got some good ones this year delivered to my bed with breakfast....

From Noah:
"I love you because you are my mom and you give me kisses and hugs. My favorite thing about you is you love me so much. Thank you for always making me food and celebrating my birthday."

He also filled out an All About Mom paper...where he says that I like to work on the computer, eat salad, and relax by still working on the computer (I guess they notice that I am on the computer a lot...I need to check that a bit!). According to Noah the best thing I cook is brownies (boxed of course) and that he likes to do homework together.

Mary said, "The most important thing about my mom is that she makes the best chocolate chip cookies. It's true that she tucks me into bed, reads to me, and helps me with my homework. But the most important thing about my mom is that she makes the best chocolate chip cookies."

I had no idea...maybe I should go into a brownie, cookie business! So cute.

Mary played the prelude music in primary today. She did very well and in many ways our journey through piano lessons symbolizes the journey of motherhood. The sacrifices, dedication, and encouragement of a mother may feel exhausting at times, but seeing them grow and improve makes every second worth it.

We had a wonderful Mother's Day dinner at Christine's house. All the men cooked something delicious. My mom gave the ladies some awesome genealogy fan charts. Tiffany gave us all a a beautiful book from our Disneyland trip. We also celebrated Tanta Henri's 65th birthday.

I am feeling so grateful for my angel mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, aunts, sister-in-laws, and women everywhere who have blessed my life and taken part in the most important and noble work of motherhood. There isn't anything I'd rather be a part of.

Bark for Mother's Day

It was an awesome pre-Mother's Day. The kids all happily helped with home projects, cleaning out my completely unorganized closet being one of them. It's still not finished, but it's getting there. The fresh new bark for the front of the house looks so nice. I love working together on projects. We celebrated by going out for dinner at a Mexican Restaurant. That made it an extra nice day.

These two...

remind me so much of Marcus and Mary. They are pretty much the same difference in age as well. I remember watching them play together like this. I love that they are getting to be good friends. It's pretty much the cutest thing ever.

Welcome to the Family

Our fridge has been dying and pretty soon we'd have another dead appliance on our hands. So we used our garage sale money to purchase this beautiful and slightly dented fridge. Wow! I love it.

The easiest party....

I've ever put together was Mary's eighth birthday. It's so simple going somewhere else and i didn't go overboard on anything. My mom kept Cameron for me and I just around by the pool watching all the cute girls splash around. I may have to repeat this party for the other kids.

The Yolk's on Us

My dryer stopped working this morning. Aaron checked the vent to make sure everything was working properly. He learned that a bird had made it's way through the mesh cover to build a bird's nest inside the vent, warm spot I guess. Using a kitchen utensil he cleared it out and reinforced the mesh. Two eggs dropped out while removing the nest and the yolk spread out all along the exterior wall. The kids gathered the eggs to save for school tomorrow. All that, and my dryer still isn't working.

Be Still

Tonight we celebrated finishing the Book of Mormon as a family. We've read it several times together, but now that our kids are a little older it seems a little more meaningful. Most family home evenings we are desperately trying to get the children to stop talking and moving. Nicole chatted through most of the lesson tonight. She usually has a lot to say...except when I watch her do this...then she's quiet as a mouse. I can only imagine the prickles she'll feel when she moves the arm that's all twisted and smooshed. I'm sure she'll wake up and tell me all about it.

Brunch with J

Upon seeing J.P., Cameron tapped his knee and said, "You really big." Then he asked him to make a funny face. And he did. He's a very sweet young man. The kids loved trying on his size 16 shoe.