Mother's Day Weekend

I had such a great Mother's Day weekend. We had a family get together on Sunday, so James was sweet enough to plan a special day for me on Saturday too. I woke up to the sound of papers rustling and tape...the girls were decorating my room and the house with cute little notes that said things like, "You are beautiful", "You cook the best", "I love you Mommy", and "You listen to the Prophet" (Emery) :)

I was treated to an amazing breakfast of crepes. James is pretty awesome and whipped up some delicious ones with fresh fruit and whipped cream. After breakfast the girls gave me their gift...a gift certificate for a mani/pedi. It was so nice and relaxing to have some time to myself and get pampered a bit. When I came home, we dropped off Avri at a birthday party, and James, Emery, Claire and I headed to the park for a picnic. After the picnic we did a little shopping, picked Avri up, and then did some more shopping. That night, James planned a babysitter and took me out to dinner with some of our favorite people, Brandon & Lyndsie. We had so much fun with them and it was the perfect way to end such an awesome day. James really knows how to make me feel special!! As an added bonus, he cleaned up and did all the dishes that day! :)

Throughout the day I kept thinking how awesome it was to feel so important and I realized what a great mood I was in. I was treating everyone nicer, I was more patient with the girls, and just more happy. I didn't even get bothered by James' whiskers in the sink after he shaved. ;) I knew he was working so hard to make me feel special that I was happy to help him too. It was such an "Aha Moment" for me. If I make my girls and husband feel super important and go out of my way to make them feel special...they will probably be happier and treat me (and others) more kindly. I believe the Mother sets the tone in the home, so if I'm happy and treating others kindly and making them feel important--that's the standard, and hopefully everyone else will learn from that and become more kind, always striving to help others feel special. It reminds me of a quote from President Hinckley that of course I can't find anywhere. It talks about polishing others until they shine and become beautiful, rather than dwelling on imperfections.

On Sunday James and the girls continued to make me feel so loved. After church we headed down for a family get together at Sherry's and enjoyed yummy food, beautiful weather and great company. It was such a wonderful weekend!! So grateful for my loving husband who encourages me and believes in me and has blessed me with three beautiful daughters who are ours for eternity. I'm also so grateful for my little ladies who can make me so crazy, but who bring such joy!! They teach me something everyday and I am in awe of their great qualities and sweet spirits. Thank you Avri, Emery, and Claire for believing I am the best Mom in the world.

Weekend in Logan

We spent a quick but fun weekend in Logan. We went down for Brock's ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood, and to see Kassie perform in the ballet, Cinderella. And I even snuck in a trip to Hobby Lobby. :) Avri loved the ballet and was on the edge of her seat, peering down onto the stage. It was adorable. Her enthusiasm wore off after awhile however, and she asked when it would be over a couple different times (not whispering!!), and let out a few not-so-subtle yawns as well. Gotta love kids. ;)

On Sunday, Brock was ordained outside in the sunshine! We're so proud of him and are so grateful our girls are blessed with so many awesome cousins to be great examples!

Mikele and Ave carrying Kassie's flowers to the show.

My cute date

Avri and Kassie the lightning bug

The girls with Cinderella

Grammy reading a story to some of her girls.

Brock with his Uncles, Bishop, Dad, and Grandpa Murdock

April Instagrams

4.1.2013

Sharing breakfast. #sisters #toocute #lovetheirfaces

4.1.2013

Apparently Claire thinks bedtime is an April Fool's joke...

4.2.2013

Spontaneous after-dinner hike with the fam. #lovethem #redhilltrail

4.4.2013

Field trip to the Av Center and airport

4.5.2013

This child hasn't had a nap today...can you tell?? #earplugsanyone

4.8.2013

The girls decided they wanted to do a workout video before they watched a movie. They put it on themselves! #atleastsomeoneisusingthem

4.10.2013

Now that's what I call a #bubblebath!!

4.12.2013

Enjoying some live music while we visit Dad on campus. #bustamove #theygotmoreapplausethantheband #isu

4.12.2013

And then Avri insisted on wearing her new free tshirt to Wallyworld. 

#shecracksmeup #italmostfits ;)

4.13.2013

Fun day watching @crapo29 race. #motocross

 4.15.2013

Just watching a little Netflix on Mom's bed. 

#threelittleladies #emerypickedheroutfit #shesnotafraidtomixprints ;)

4.16.2013

The girls were just too naughty at the petting zoo.

#shouldibeconcernedclairelookssohappy? ;)

4.19.2013

#DateNight at the Emerson Drive concert. #theyusedtobefamous #kindof #ishouldbesleepingsteadofdreaminaboutyou

  

4.21.2013

Sunday evening drive... #success #sleepingbeauties

4.22.2013

Got the girls out of bed to look for some #shootingstars #brrrr #makingmemories

4.24.2013

#phonehijacker #avri #loveher

4.26.2013

Could NOT put this down!! #readinghangover

4.27.2013

We are so happy the sun is shining!!

Evening Fishing (4.18.13)

The other night James had an itch to go fishing, so after a quick dinner we loaded up and drove to American Falls. We hiked down to the river and tried a few spots without much luck. And then Fish & Game came and gave James a warning for using a bait and lure that weren't allowed in that area. I guess that's what happens when you don't read the sign posted, "Attention Anglers"...haha. Always an adventure, I tell ya! Even though the fish weren't biting, we had a great time enjoying the beautiful evening and exploring some new places.

Such a handsome fisherman...

Dad and Emery

Our best attempt at a group pic. ;) 

Classic Emery face

Claire was not loving the rocky terrain, so I plopped her down with a sucker. Problem solved. :)

Just a few random gems in no particular order...

Man, this kid is cute!

Love my little ladies!

We like to send Dad silly pictures

Cuddling with Dad during General Conference

Dad giving all 3 girls a horsey ride.

Emery was wearing a pair of my boots on her feet, AND her hands...where did she come from?!? ;)

Avri likes to lay out her clothes like a person...

One day Emery wanted to wait for Avri to come home from the bus stop.

 

And that is what she was wearing.

Avri loves to watch the horses in the field behind our house. 

Pay no attention to the filthy glass door!

Avri's school had an Open House yesterday. The whole fam got to visit her classroom, talk with her teacher, and see how much Avri has learned. There were several stations where she performed a different skill (addition/subtraction, reading, letter recognition, math sentences, etc). She did great, and her teacher had nothing but good things to say about how well Avri is learning and what a sweet girl she is.