My Mother's Day

Yea Flamingo's! I've been searching for these forever. My life is now complete!

Sorry I know this is a little a belated. But I wanted to share with you how sweet my husband is. He totally spoiled me Mother's Day weekend! He worked in the yard all day Saturday planting new plants in the planter, which now has rocks in it, he put rocks in the raised planter at the back of the yard, and cleaned everything up.-I would have been a very happy woman if that had been all he did for the weekend, but he did more. On Sunday we had some friends over. Last year I was whining to Patrick about how Shawn was probably going to make me Mac N Cheese for dinner, and he took pity on me and invited us over. So this year Shawn wanted to return the favor and have them over. They made a fabulous meal together, Chicken Pesto Alfredo, and ceaser salad! Yummo! It was cute to watch them in the kitchen. Shawn was pouring over the cook book, and I love how Patrick made himself at home and searched my kitchen for anything he needed. It was the best. All day long I kept thinking I must be the luckiest Mom in the world! I hope you all felt that way too! Happy Mothers Day.

Saturday

We finally made it out to the lake this last weekend. If we hadn't I think Shawn would have never forgiven me...I made him work on the backyard last weekend. -Hehehe! We met Shawn's brother and nephews out there. It was a beautiful day for being out doors, it felt like returning home, I had forgotten how beautiful it is.
Hayden was a little nervous about jumping in the water, he is still convinced there are sharks...if he only knew what was really down there-trust me you don't want to know! But I am sure next time he will be jumping in with the rest of the kids.
We skipped rocks,-James is the King of skipping rocks. True talent I can't skip a rock if my life depended on it!
The boys all wake boarded and all did great. Just like riding a bike you never forget.
We fed the ducks, who followed us around, they must have been starving- which Hayden was very pleased about
The kids played in the water, climbing up the tower and then jumped into the water catching a football.
I hid in the front of the boat and read a book (The Mortal Instruments, which is highly addictive), while getting a tan.
It just doesn't get any better than this.

On the move

Payson thinking..."Can I grab it? Is she looking?"

Payson has several words that he signs. My favorite is this one that I've (sorta) captured in this picture. Its thank you, combined with a kiss. Which I am guessing loosely translates to "Thank you SO much"!

There is no holding this boy back. All of a sudden he is up and going. Its been a while since I had to be careful about not leaving a cup or a bowl to close to the edge of the table, but you remember it all real quick when you have a little guy reaching for everything! It is so exciting to watch him become so mobile, no more crawling around everywhere. Pulling himself up and walking the furniture is Payson's preferred mode of traveling.
For those of you that I've recently caught up with Payson is my little buddy! I have been taking care of Payson for the last two years. He is just one of my boys now. Payson is such a joy, he is always all smiles. He loves to be part of whatever is happening. When someone is laughing, he loves to cover his mouth and throw his head back laughing too. Its the sweetest. And we are looking forward to the summer when his two sisters will be joining us as well! It will be a little crazy with five kids, but the kids all love each other. And a little crazy, when its in the name of good clean fun, is good for you. Right? Did I mention there will be five kids? Gulp! Jk, I love my five kids tons, or else I wouldn't be doing it.! SMACK, right back at ya Payson! Thank you so much!

Tot Swimming Lessons

Hayden was so excited to finally wear his new swim shorts and shirt. Even though he wasn't planning on getting in the water, he had to wear his swim suit, because I was.

Payson resting up for his big swim lessons, with the remains of his healthy snack, or as we call it the energy snack to help with kicking!

We were super excited to finally break out the swimming suits today. The weather has been so mild. Don't get me wrong I am loving the weather, but it just seems weird. Last year at this time we had already been going out to the lake for over a month.

Today Payson and I started the tot swimming lessons. I was a little unsure of how Payson would do in the water, but he is always so good it should have come as no surprise that he absolutely loved it. We were the only ones signed up for the class so we were able to get a private lesson! We blew bubbles, practiced getting out of the water, sang songs, threw around a ball and had to swim to get it, splashed around a little... Overall it was a major success! The instructor tried talking Hayden into getting in with us (since there was no one else there she needed to help) but he was being shy, and was perfectly content just watching and cheering us on!
After the lesson I was praising Payson. Saying that he did such a great job, and that I was so proud of him, etc. etc. And then Hayden looks up at me with those puppy dog eyes that gets me every time. And says "Mom will you be so proud of me if I do swimming lessons too?" He has been telling me for the last few weeks how he REALLY doesn't want to do swimming lessons, so it kinda touched me that he wants me to be proud of him bad enough that he is willing to do something that he is really scared of. So sweet, and kinda heartbreaking. Right.
Hayden I am always so proud of you!
But yes you still have to do the lessons.

Spring Fever

I know this tree badly needs a trim, but I can't bring myself to cutting off any of the beautiful branches.

Its spring fever
That is what the name of it is
And when you've got it
You want-
Oh you don't quite know what you want,
But it just fairly makes your heart ache
You want it so!
-Mark Twain

It has been a truly gorgeous spring. The weather has been very mild, which I have been LOVING. And all the flowers are in bloom. All of our flowers, which we have been planting over this past year, have all doubled in size. And the smell is scrumptious. One thing our awful, horrible gardener did right was planting the rosemary and jasmine by the front door. When the windows are open the smell comes wafting inside for us to enjoy! I love it!

A little one on one time

The site of these race cars piled so high, made Hayden squeal with delight!

This contraption is very cool. You put scarfs or balls into the openings and it sucks it in and pushes it through the pipes and then forces the item back out down the line. It's kinda awesome. I am not gonna lie, I helped Hayden squeeze to the front of the line so we could watch it over and over!

Several months ago I was talking to my sister on the phone telling her how quiet life is, and how I didn't really have that much going on. She told me to enjoy it, because it never lasts. I can't tell you how badly I wish that she was wrong, but unfortunately she never is. (Don't let that go to your head Taryn!)

Life has been a whirlwind lately. I've been swept up, and it hasn't let go of me yet. Sometimes being busy is a good thing, but always being busy is never a good thing. But its life, you can either enjoy it or be miserable. Right?

Helen Keller said it best, "Life is either a soaring adventure or nothing".

So last week while waiting for an appointment, I decided (reluctantly) to take Hayden to the Children's Museum. He has been begging me every time we are close to it, and I would always say next week. But I wanted him to know that the most important thing to me in this world is him, and this was one small way to show him. We had a good time and to my surprise the place was actually empty, I couldn't believe it. That place is usually crawling with kids. In the art room, which is always my favorite, they were making kites. And he rode bikes, which is his favorite. It was a great adventure! Thanks Hayden for being patient with Mommy!

Easter Day

Here are just a few pictures that I wanted to share with you from our special day. We had a lovely morning, the kids were so patient and let us sleep in a tad bit, and get started on breakfast before we dove into the egg hunt- which apparently the Easter bunny went over board on because when they were done gathering their eggs, there were still quite a few left, oops! Our church had a beautiful Easter program with many beautiful musical numbers. Then we had dinner and were so lucky to have my Mom and Daryl with us (who were here for the whole weekend) and our special friends the Vallery's joined us as well. All in all it was a fabulously fun, and gorgeous Easter day.