Our Little Family

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Avri's creativity never ceases to amaze and surprise me. This afternoon she was getting a little bored, so she drew her own "Pin The Tail on the Zebra", made a tail, got a scarf (blindfold), and then invited everyone to play.

Of course Dad took the game *really* seriously, and pinned the tail on Emery. ;)

Friday, May 17, 2013

Avri: Kindergarten Graduation

I will admit, I got a little teary-eyed as I saw my cute girl walk down the aisle to the Graduation March. It will be all too soon that she is making that walk to graduate High School!! She was so excited to see us and did such a great job as they sang "Zippity Doo Da" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad". Avri has done excellent this year as she learns to read, spell, write sentences, and learn math. She has loved school and is SOOOO excited to be in 1st Grade!!

Avri with Mrs. Jensen & Mrs. Critser

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Just because she's so dang cute...

Monday, May 13, 2013

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.

Monday, May 6, 2013

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!