Happy Mother's Day!

 What a special day this has been! I love Mother's Day and am so grateful to be among so many women as we journey through this special calling of motherhood. At times it is certainly a challenge. However, the laughter expressed throughout the day, seeing their progress and knowledge grow in school and the gospel, the memories that are created, and knowing that Heavenly Father has entrusted me with His children makes it a joy and a privilege to be their mother! I love these 2 kiddos! As you can see they love my attention, and I have to remember to balance everything out when life is busy so I keep spending quality time with them. There's no other job more important than being a mom!

I was treated very well today. I woke up to flowers, chocolates, shampoo, and a nice note. Keira gave me a vase she painted at school and Thomas drew me a picture. So grateful for loving family members and sweet children who were so excited to give me their gifts! And at church we got a cupcake from the ward, and a brownie from Relief Society. You can never have too many goodies:)

I have so many strong and admirable women in my life that I look up to. These 3, specifically, have greatly influenced who I am and have been amazing examples to me. They are the best mothers and grandmothers! (I should add that GM Bunker is also bunched in with these fine ladies. I don't have any pictures of her on my computer, though.)

I'm not sure how mom kept her sanity with all us crazy kids, but she always had time for us and I always knew she loved me...unconditionally. 

I have been blessed with 2 absolutely wonderful mothers! Pam has loved me as her own from the very beginning. I love spending time with her and couldn't have asked for a better step-mother! (I need to get more pictures of you, mom :)

 And the matriarchs of the family. They are both incredible women! I have learned so much from their wisdom and testimonies. I hope to live up to the legacy of love and faith they have shown their family.

Thank you for being the women I can look up to and strive to be like! I am so grateful for the close relationship we have and the many fun memories together.

I love you all! 

Happy Mother's Day to you and to all my sisters and girl friends!

Catching up

I must say it has been wonderful not having to worry about school right now! I am now on summer break...Wahoo! It's been nice having that extra time with Thomas and Keira and being able to help out more around here. I have also enjoyed getting out and having some fun. I have Bryce to thank for that. Who knew that after 10 years, since BYU-Idaho, I would be able to catch up with someone I never thought I would see again? Well, it's been a blast! 

Thomas and Keira met Bryce when he took us to the Classic Fun Center. The kids could have stayed there all day playing. We were definitely tuckered out by the time we left:)

Who wouldn't love rollerskating? (This is their first time)...

 A little pizza...

Lots of climbing... and sliding... and bouncing on the inflatable slides...

And plenty of times through the Jungle Gym Playground?

I've lived in Utah for 7 years and hadn't climbed the "Y," so I was given the opportunity last week when Bryce took me up. It was one of the things I had on my little "bucket list" that I can now say I did. :) Such a beautiful view!

Thomas's first Pinewood Derby. I feel so awkward when it comes to Scouts. You would think I would know better about what's going on with as many brothers as I had that did Scouts, but I guess I didn't pay very much attention. Thomas LOVES Scouts, though, and had a great time with racing his car for this event. And he is so excited for baseball season that is now starting for him

And here is my little beauty in her ballet costume. Her recital this year is a part in the "Cinderella" ballet the whole ballet academy puts on. I'm not allowed to video or take pictures during the performance, and I will miss the dress rehearsal when I am in Boston, so I took my own pictures at home and got a little video during her class (although I ran out of space on my camera, so sorry for the ending being cut off)

Of course, she wanted a goofy one (or scary?)

Here's your glimpse of her dance. I wish I got the whole thing

So cute! I love my little ballerina!

I don't have any pictures of my birthday, but I've hit a milestone in my life. Can't believe I'm 30! I had a fun time celebrating! Everyone was so good to me! Thank you!

Sorry for randomness. Things are going well for me and I plan on enjoying my summer break!