12 of 12 - May

This day could be summed up in three words: Playdoh, Legos, and Tree-trimming.

It was a very laid back day for Sammy-Sue and Hayden, while Amanda is not in any of these pictures because she was at school. At one point in the day I decided to take the chainsaw to our tree out front because it's branches have been dragging across the top of the minivan and driving me nuts. I later got in trouble with the hubby for leaving the clippings in the driveway.

My Birthday

This weekend I celebrated my birthday and Mothers Day by having a what I'll affectionately refer to as a BC Day with my Hubby.

The day started off with us going out to breakfast -just the two of us- and then spending the rest of the day doing a few things we've longed to do alone, like walking up to lakes and enjoying the scenery without worrying about who might decide to take a dip in said lake. We went geocaching and I took photographs along the way. While we drove around in search of caches, we stopped when and where we felt like stopping and heard zero complaining from back seat drivers. It was glorious. It was fantastic! And it will be the first of many more "Me Time" 101 field trips.

Though I have to admit there are a few places I'd like to go back to for some more investigating on my own, I really can't wait to take the kids out to some of the cool photo ops learning about nature opportunities I found.
*BC = before children

Here are some of my favorite shots from the day:

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

Last night I felt frustrated and stupid while my attention was being torn between two things. I chose to abandon both because I could feel the tears coming and I didn’t understand why I was getting so emotional. I cried on my bed and felt defeated but needed to pull myself together. I went to the mirror and wiped my tears and looked up and saw your eyes instead of mine. Bright clear blue… and I knew you were there with me.

I miss you mom. I wish I could visit your grave or do something in your memory for Mothers Day. I can’t be at your grave but I hope you know and understand that my heart is full and with you today as I write these words for you.

Today I will give each of my kids an extra hug from you.

Today I will tell Amanda the story about the time you let me play hooky from school and took me to the mall instead, just because you wanted to spend time with me. I’ll tell her about how you always stood up for me, even though it was sometimes embarrassing.

Today I will show all the kids pictures of you and we’ll sing some of your favorite Primary songs.

Today I’ll hope you are looking down at us smiling and laughing and falling in love with Samantha’s big personality, Hayden’s silly sense of humor and Amanda’s growing gracefulness.

Today I’ll try not to cry so much and instead be grateful to have my sweet children who remind me of you in different ways everyday.

I love you, Mom. Happy Mothers Day!

Family Photo Night

We haven't taken a family picture in 2 1/2 years and let me tell you, it's no picnic taking the pictures yourself when you've got 3 active, impatient children! And then there's my poor, tired hubby who had to walk in the door after a hard days work and turn around and look handsome for pictures.

I got one decent* shot of us all together and then threw in that towel and pulled out the fun-time props!


*I use this term very loosely.


So much more fun, don't you think?