Pig-nic

The achievement day girls and their leader had a mom and daughter "Pig-nic" where they cooked all the food, made us a gift, and played a game together. It was such a fun activity, simply done but so heartfelt.
Kennedy made me the necklace I am wearing and the rest of the girls did the same but each one was very different.


Our dessert was these cute cupcakes which I thought were the icing on the cake. We played a game testing us on how well we knew our daughter/mother. When asked what was our special talent, I said Kennedy's was playing the piano but her response was "eating." She said my special talent was "cleaning and drinking Diet Pepsi." I guess the special part is that I can do both at the same time. It was a perfect start to a great mother's day weekend. (I know this post is out of order but that's okay.)

Memorial Day

We enjoyed having our good friends, The Bomsta's, over for the holiday to swim and spend some quality time together. The kids all played together nicely and I made the comment that I hadn't been that relaxed with the kids in a long time. I did have to send Jackson and Leighton inside because of a dunking incident and Boston gave in and wore his life jacket so maybe that's why I felt relaxed.

This was after I told the boys to get out and dry off because they weren't listenting. Jackson refused to let me see his face.

Leighton felt the same way. They were hugging each other and crying. I had to do what I said I was going to do if they disobeyed. Their punishment was no more swimming.


It wasn't until we were sitting at the dinner table and Eric asked the kids if they knew what Memorial Day was all about that I realized I had not thought of that. Growing up we always went to the cemetery to visit the graves of family members that had passed and then had an extended family picnic. Kennedy told Eric it was a day to remember those that died for our country. I'm glad she was informed. I need to do a better job at teaching my kids the importance of these special holidays. We're very blessed to have the freedoms we enjoy. Every morning I wake up after having some sort of nightmare that I'm being chased or bombed by crazed terrorists, I'm so thankful it was just a dream.

Year in Review

Boston's preschool program, "A Year in Review," took place Tuesday, May 19 and he did such a great job. I thought for sure he'd get up there and stick his finger in his mouth (not his nose) and act all shy. Instead, he was singing and dancing away. It was such a cute program which highlighted all the months. Boston carried a balloon out for March, April, and May. And believe it or not, he wasn't the biggest kid there. He blended just fine. I love the innocence kids have at this age. Wouldn't it be nice to be as comfortable as preschoolers are in there own skin?

Eva & Boston hugging

Boston has a September birthday so I will get to see a lot more of these little programs. Kindergarten won't be until 2011. Kindergarten couldn't come soon enough with our other 3, but I'm not quite as anxious for Boston to go. Maybe it's because he's the baby. Too bad he's convinced he's a big boy.

Sock Hop

This event is something the kids look forward to all year. They get to dress up in 50's era outfits and dance their little hearts out. They were all dripping with sweat. I'm not sure what the boys faces are all about?

Jackson and Leighton won a dance contest and received these pens as a prize. Again, I'm not sure what's going on with their hands? I don't think they belong to a gang?

This picture reminds me of my mom for some reason. Maybe it's the era look?

Eric joined the kids on the dance floor but Boston and I were content to be wall flowers. Now if there was a basketball or football game going on, Boston would've been front and center. He's a little too cool right now for dancing. And I'm too full of inhibitions to be dancing.

Stay-cation

Eric and I enjoyed a vacation 2 minutes from our house. We checked into Green Valley Ranch Wednesday night and didn't get back into our car until noon on Friday. The resort location had everything we needed - lots of restaurant choices, shopping, movie theatre, pool, and of course a comfortable room with a TV that actually had a remote. Our remote is long gone so I enjoyed laying in bed changing the channels.

This picture is hideous of me but I wanted to document the get-away. I forgot my blow dryer and brush so my hair is slicked back. Good thing Eric looks good.

We went to a matinee and we were the only people in the theatre.

We left the kids to fend for themselves. They're old enough. Just kidding. Eric's parents came and watched them. It was so nice of them to spend some free time helping us out.

We purchased a book called "101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home," and came back refreshed and focused. Too bad that only lasted about 5 minutes. The annual Sock Hop came all too soon.

My Mom

My mom is the most amazing woman I know. Hands down. Her example is one I will always admire. I strive to be like her but am content to also be who I am. She's never pushy, just helpful. She has always paid attention to detail and is never afraid to try. While being conservative, she's always stayed up with the times with her home decor and personal look. She's a voice of reason but will get animated when needed. She's a good listener. She's raised 7 children - I being the second (4 girls, 3 boys), raised the bar for "high maintenance child." I know I tested her patience but always felt loved. Mud patties on on her couch was a real highlight! I was the child only my parents and Grandma could handle. I know I was a challenge but also know that it all comes full circle. Paybacks! It's all worth it, right mom?!

I love you and wish you a peaceful and relaxing mother's day! You deserve it.

HALLELUYAH!

My bathroom is finally finished! I am very happy with the way it turned out. It's a big improvement over before (let me remind you below).

Club House

Saturday I donated blood for an Eagle Scout project in our ward. It's been at least 13 years since I've done this so I thought I was due. Well it turns out I'm not as tough as I thought I was. Once the needle went in and blood started flowing (hopefully you're still with me), I felt very light-headed, sick to my stomach and started sweating. The guy tipped me back, put ice packs on me and gave me a barf bag. I was pretty embarrassed. At the time, I felt like I was in labor. I survived but don't think they're even going to be able to use my donation. Now to get to my point, when I came home, I was trashed. I could barely keep my eyes open so I asked Kennedy to watch the kids. I woke up to this club house. They took all the stuff out from under the stairs and brought all their stuff in - laptop, garbage, food, etc. and hung out for a couple hours. Thank goodness for creativity. They had a great time while I recovered.

This was their make-shift door bell.

(Kennedy added the little caption.)

My sister, Shannon, also came into town this weekend and I was able to spend some quality time with her. We went to the famous Coffee Cup, did lots of shopping, dealt with too much traffic, went to a movie, and ate. I think she had a relaxing couple days as her and her friend also went to the spa. I always look forward to family and friends coming to town and wish we all lived closer.