Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day is always such a fun, wonderful day.  I think it is because I have been blessed with two Moms - whose example and love have helped me to become the Mom I am today.

Brad's mom...aka "Grandma" is one of the best people I know.  Her warmth and love are felt by everyone.  I love this lady with all my heart and feel blessed to have her influence in my life and the lives of our children.  Words cannot express the appreciation I have for this wonderful Mom.  Her life is filled with service for others and she is a great example of unconditional love for all!

My Mom has always been my best friend.  She has loved me, taught me, had faith in me, encouraged me, and brought so much joy into my life.  Because of her example, I try to be the same type of Mom to my own kids.  Celebrating Mother's Day on Sunday evening is always a treat.  It always includes a few presents, a treat of "GOX" (a child-hood treat only found around Mother's Day), and very, very SERIOUS pictures!

My own Mother's Day was nearly perfect.  My family tries so hard to give me a day of rest and wonderful memories.  Aaron and Savannah were in Pima making Grandma's day a little special and spent the evening skirting a fire that delayed their return.  Jenny, Tyler, Jade, Aly, and Jacque made a wonderful brunch (yes, Tyler can cook bacon!) and we had a beautiful morning.  I'm so grateful that my kids know exactly what to get me!  How I love nativity sets...any time of the year!!

 This last gift is really a Pogo Stick.  "What you ask?  It looks like a panini press to me!"  Well, with Jacque moving out this coming week, we are losing our panini press.  It is her very own.  Since we use this little gem quite frequently, the family decided "I" needed my very own.  Why do we call it a Pogo Stick?  When the kids were very young, we listened to a lot of kids songs.  One was about a little boy who bought his mom a pogo stick for her birthday.  I wish I had the lyrics to that song!  It sure brings back alot of memories!!

We went to the single's ward where Jacque spoke about Mothers.  I think she has talked on Mother's Day 3 different times now.  I love hearing her speak and watching her grow into such a beautiful young woman.  Spending time with my family is really the best type of Mother's Day.  I know that the Moms in my life have had a profound influence on me and I can only hope that I can have an influence for good on my children as well.  Jacque ended her talk with this quote that touched my heart in many ways:
"There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood.  The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation". - James. E. Faust

Easter Festivities

We celebrated Easter with our wonderful family.  It can't get any better than that.  I also planned a little Easter program for the Primary and there was such a sweet spirit present.  Each week, I pray that those little children (some not so little) will feel the spirit and recognize those feelings.  This is such a crucial time in their lives - developing a knowledge that our Savior loves each one of them - no matter what they do, no matter what their circumstances are - they are loved!!  It went well, and again, my family were all there supporting my efforts.  How I love my family!!

After church we tried to have our bi-annual family pictures.  We didn't quite get everyone - but we did our best. 

(Brad feeling left out!)

How I love to capture the silliness of our family.  My girls are always a little crazy, but oh so beautiful!!

Afterwards, we headed over to Grammy/Grampy's home for an Easter Egg Family Hunt.  This year we had a mini hunt for the smallest cousins.  They thought that was the best!

Then, the big hunt begins. Only our Grammy would think to hide Florida Quarters in each of the eggs!! Why Florida quarters?? Because this guy is leaving for his mission to Florida in a little over one month!

Grammy thinks of everything!

Big kids help little kids.  Candy is swapped and nibbled on before dinner and all have a good time.  We enjoyed a wonderful dinner and afterwards...we all waddled around and relaxed.

I have reflected on the peace and contentment being with family brings.  I'm sure up in heaven, it was an hundred-fold and more.  When we experience moments like these today, we can glimpse the love and hope that our Heavenly Father has for us and His great desire for us to return "home".  How He loved us!  The greatest love, the greatest sacrifice - for us to return home.  My blessings are all around me.  But I will always acknowledge why I have those blessings.  A song in Primary expresses my thoughts the best:

"Hosanna, Blessed be the name of the Most High God!  Hosanna!"

Things that make me Happy

A couple of weeks ago, my 2nd blog book came in the mail.  Every two years, I take my blog and put it into a book.  It's like family history.  We all look thru it, reminisce, laugh and say.... "I remember that!"  It justifies my blogging!

It got me thinking about the whole blogging thing.  I don't have a lot of meaningful things to share.  I'm not a writer.  But I love to record the everyday life of my family.  There are a lot of moments I don't want to forget.  That is why I blog.  So, my goal is to blog life moments, things that I want to remember and laugh about in 20 or 30 years.  It doesn't have to be a big event.  This week, I looked for fun moments to record.  My "happy thoughts" for the week.  So, this blog post is about the things that made me laugh, made me smile, and brought me joy this week:

My mom starts the best traditions.  All to spend time with her daughters and her family.  On our birthday - or around that day - my mom treats us to lunch.  Birthday girl picks the spot and we enjoy some time together.  We all have busy, crazy lives, but a few times a year, we get together and enjoy some sister time. 

(Sis #3 needs to come down from Utah more often!!)

This scene is a weekly one that I shake my head at every single time.  This is Aly's study regime.  She lays it all out and conquers it one pile at a time.  I'm always amazed at what she starts with - her scripture reading and her 3 institute classes.  Her spiritual nourishment is always first. She sets a great example to me.  But even in studying, this daughter is one organized person!

Jacque is not quite as organized, but she studys constantly.  As she completes her last semester at ASU, and prepares to take the Nurse Exam, studying is critical.  Jacque has many friends that she studies with, all different, all unique, and all very special to Jacque.  This is Brooke.

On a Sunday evening, you will find various cousins giving back-rubs to each other.  It's a ritual they all look forward to.  I love that they are all so close and share so many fun memories and moments together.

Tonight, we were ALL over at Grammy and Grampy's home for a birthday dinner and of course to watch the Super Bowl.  Not that anyone had a favorite team, we all picked one to cheer for and the fun began.  In the end, most were happy with the results!

Since Aly's been home, we finally remembered to "treat" our family to a delicacy found in Teahuacan. They are Mexican Worms and when we were introduced to them, were told they were expensive and an "acquired" taste. We introduced our family to them tonight :)

Perfect Moments of Life

Is my life perfect?  No - far from it - but every once in awhile, moments happen, events that when reflected upon bring a smile to your face and can lighten any mood.  We had one of those on Sunday.  I wish I had more pictures to share.
Usually, on Sunday, my wonderful parents have their family over on Sunday evening for an amazing meal that they have usually spent most of the day preparing.  It always includes warm, homemade bread, a wonderful main dish - or as we say - "a culinary masterpiece", and the best part - all family who can come.  Sunday evenings are a tradition.  I look forward to this special evening with my parents and family.
On occasion, all families have other conflicts.  So, Sunday evening, our family of cooks created a meal for Grammy and Grampy at our house.  We have some very talented cooks amongst us, so we cooked up an Italian taster's delight.  Aaron worked on the meatballs and spaghetti - I was put in charge of "watching" the sauce.  This is what happens when you do NOT watch the sauce!

(hmmm....no....it's balsamic for Jenny!)

We also had "Chicken and Shrimp with Panceta Chimichurri" which is grilled chicken and shrimp with the delicious sauce with pancetta sprinkled on top.  Jacque whipped up her "Fusilli with Spicy Pesto" - all handmade and de-li-cious!  Jenny created a salad with greens, fruit, and a wonderful poppy seed dressing.  And of course - Grampy brought his bread sticks - seasoned to perfection for an Italian dinner!

After, we were all stuffed past being comfortable, so we rested awhile and watched old movies.  After all these years, Brad finally found a program to his liking and now......

drum roll please.....

Our old movies - OLD movies - are on our computer and can be accessed from our TV....WA-LA!!

We cracked up as we watched Aaron perform Tae-kwon-do, Tyler battle for the last chair playing Musical chairs on his 8th Birthday, Jacque performing and remembering how little she was, and Aly - her hair and her low "man-voice" when she was small. 

During this time...you ask...what was Jade doing?  Oh, she found a new toy amongst a few we have accumulated...it was the drawer all the toys are in.  Funny, Funny little angel!

Dessert was created by Savannah - some yummy brownies with ice-cream.  A perfect ending to a perfect meal and a wonderful evening with our family.  Life is good and sweet - I plan on relishing these moments for a very long time!