i really, really love these boys...

they complete me.

I am so thankful Lord for these blessings you have given me.

Happy birthday Noah!!!

One year ago today I watched this little guy come into this big, bright world! I saw every moment of it and cried like a baby when he was finally born! It's been a YEAR since I've seen him, held him, kissed him, loved on him...and in just 5 shorts days I will get to again!

Happy 1st Birthday Noah! See you soon!

May 28, 2008

May 2009

Memorial weekend fun

Friday-date night with Steven, supper and a walk along the river.

Saturday-zoo with boys while Steven worked, family bike ride to DQ for supper and a ride around Lake Alice.

this bear licked Ethan's face through the glass.

monkey boys

Sunday-a fabulous breakfast, a long ride out on the bike trail, supper at my parents house and walk alone with my hubby :)

safety first!

Monday-it's raining and windy, Steven worked a half day so boys and I hung out. They let me sleep in until 8:30 and this is what kept them occupied...

Then we went to a matinee movie and saw Night at the Museum 2.

Does life get any better than this...I think not!

Watch our garden grow...

I have ALWAYS wanted a garden...I mean, I have a beautiful flower garden but I've always wanted a garden that I could eat from, like my friend Tracy in Texas...so this year Steven made it happen. He built me this little box, got some awesome dirt/compost and together we bought fruits and veggies to make it happen. We got cantaloupe, cucumbers, zucchinis, mini pumpkins, two kinds of tomatoes and sweet basil. The boys were so willing to help me plant and have helped me water it daily. I will post about it's progress often! So...lets watch it grow!

All done planting.

Glendalough State Park

The Saturdays Steven works I try to stay busy with the boys. Last Saturday my sister invited us to go to Glendalough State park with her and her 4 girls as well as our dad. It was still a bit chilly out but we had fun none the less. We walked along the lake and hiked on one of the many trials. We had a great time...and for 6 kids and 3 adults we only came out with 6 ticks total...amazing since Ethan and Madi wouldn't stay on the trail AT ALL!

Abram and Papa

Abram

A is for Abram

Ethan and Madi

5 of the 6 kiddos...Abram wasn't havin' it!
there they are again...

and again...

he's so cute!

and so is he!

finally all 6 of them :)

Mother's Day

Every year, for the past 5 years my Mother's Day tradition has always been to go to church, then out to lunch with my boys then they take me shopping to buy flowers for my garden. Each year I buy a different variety to put in my window boxes and containers. I love that my perennials in my flower beds all bloom at a different time of the season so all spring, summer and fall something is always in bloom. This year I went with all purple flowers...they just looked so healthy and vibrant. I love the feel of the fresh dirt on my hands and under my nails...it reminds me of my grandmother(s). I love that my boys always want to help me and that Steven stands there and watches as I dig into what makes me happiest the most on Mother's Day. Thanks boys for another great Mother's Day...without you...I wouldn't be a mama:)

and a sign that hangs in my garden near my front door...

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Today is my Mom's birthday. Yesterday was Mothers Day. She gets 2 days, usually back to back devoted to her. She loves it. My mom is one of the most generous people I know. She would give you the shirt off her back, the last dollar in her wallet, the food off her plate, a place to sleep, her shoulder to cry and hugs to make it all better. She is the most amazing grandmother to her 12 grandchildren and she loves them more than life it self. She loves to read, garden and shop and in the summer you can usually find her at the lake.

I am so blessed to have my mom live just a few blocks away and have her be a huge part of my life. I hope you have a wonderful birthday mom and MANY more to come.

I love you!

Proud

Proud adj. as described by Webster...
1 having a proper pride in oneself
2 arrogant; haughty
3 feeling great pride or joy
4 that is a cause of pride
5 caused by pride
6 stately; splendid [a proud fleet]-proud of highly pleased with

My sister Heather ran in her first ever 5k this morning in Fargo, ND. She has trained hard for this for 6 weeks. I was suppose to do it with her but got sick and quit training. She has made me MORE than proud. This was a goal she set and she accomplished it. I am very proud of her. My family and I got to the race early to try and find her but with 10,000 people in front of the Fargo Dome we couldn't find her so we went inside the Fargo Dome and waited at the finish line for her. When she crossed the finish line I completely lost it...tears were a flowin'. When she finally made her way to where we were sitting I was a wreck...I hugged her for a good long while as we both cried...I am SO proud of my sister for not only finishing her first ever 5k but for doing it in 6 minutes less than her goal...at 39m 20s goal was 45 minutes. Way to go Heather...you make me PROUD to be your sister! And a special congrats to Renae for running her first ever half marathon in just over 2 hours(2h 1m 17s)...you also make me proud to be your friend.

Heather crossing finish line...far right
Heather and Renae :)
us :)