Easter, Mothers Day, and a Birthday...Oh my!

Oh Easter...I was woefully unprepared this year to pull Easter together, in fact I forgot all about it until two days before hand. It was then that I realized (of course the night before Dave was leaving to go out of town) that I couldn't access the attic and all our Easter baskets and eggs were up there...I always wanted new ones=)  At least the kids had acceptable clothes in their closet.

Dave got to visit his Granny in North Carolina for the weekend.  It was a good time for them.  They took a few drives to see the beautiful spring flowers, I really miss those dogwoods and Granny! 

The kids and I pulled it together at home.  And I think everyone was happy with the game and treats the Easter bunny left them.  

Amanda took this photo shoot of Skai for fun just after we had him groomed.  A good grooming always brings out the poodle in him:)  Before this I had a friend tell me he looks like the big friendly dog on sesame street.  And he acts a lot like him too.  A big friendly ball of fur.  He destroyed the basket on Easter for us...I think he liked it more than the bone the bunny brought him.  Recently we had Skai nutured, got a tummy staple, and most recently he got ring worm...glad that is all over. Never knew how much time and money a dog would take, but we love him and get a lot back from him.  Maren could love on him all day.

The kids spoiled me on mothers day.  Breakfast is bed, and holy moly, was it a big breakfast.  Omelets, heart shaped toast, fresh berries and cream, Oatmeal, juice, and hot lemonade.   Amanda and Maren made this together without any help.  The boys helped me eat it all=)

 Spencer picked me a flower on the hike we did the day before,

And they all made me some awesome cards and other random things like origami cranes...love these kids of mine!

I was released from Young Women over Easter, and will now get to work with the Primary kids (ages 3-11).  It was a little bitter sweet for me.  I knew it was time and that the girls are in great hands, but I loved working with these 12 and 13 year olds.  It is a time of great transition in their lives, and I loved watching them learn about who they are and begin to really build that relationship with their Heavenly Father.  I learned so much preparing lessons, and just having fun with them on Wednesday nights at activities. The last few activities we had together we worked on making these bags for them to take with them when they travel to the temple to do baptisms for those that didn't have the opportunity in his life.  It is always a great spiritual boost to accompany them and watch these sacred ordinances take place.

We made the bags out of cute new dishtowels so there wasn't a lot of finished edge sewing, but it gave them a great opportunity to make something meaningful to them, and learn a few sewing skills along the way.  This is only a few of the girls I have worked with, many others have aged up into the next class, or weren't there this day.  I love all them so much!  And can't wait to see where life takes them. 

And last but certainly not least, this little man turned 7 at the end of May.  I am in denial.  There is something about that #7 that makes them seem so much more like a big boy, and so much less like a little guy.  We didn't do a big friend birthday party for him this year, but he still got spoiled, including his favorite Lego's, some roller skates, and a trip to Banana's Fun park with a friend from school.  He also lost his first tooth this week and graduated from 1st grade.  Whew!

I think I love Spencer a little more every day.  He has worked so hard this year at trying new things, and doing things that make him a little nervous, and has made incredible headway.  He is full of so much energy, and never does anything halfway, unless it is his chores:)  He loves playing with his friends from school.  We keep hoping a boy his age will move in close by us.  But for now he begs me relentlessly for play dates. He builds amazing creations with Lego's.  He is fiercely loyal, and watching anyone else struggle brings him to tears.  He is a great brother, especially to Jacob.  They play together for hours with few problems.  He is also a great cousin, especially to his baby cousins, who he loves to pieces.  He likes for me to lay by him at bedtime for a few minutes and recount his day.  And he won't go to sleep until I give him a hug and kiss goodnight.  I can't imagine our home without him.  And I really really wish I could push a pause button and keep him right where is at for a little longer.