Good Daddy

I love this picture.  Ryan had been begging me to do her nails several times during the day, but it seemed I was always in the middle of something.  She came and asked me again when I had a sink full of dishes.  I should have stopped and done her nails, but instead told her to wait until I was finished.  Don jumped right in and offered to do them for her.  Ryan was thrilled and immediately ready for a manicure.  She has a good daddy.  

Field Day

It's that time of year again.  School is almost out and that means Field Day is here!  The kids really look forward to Field Day.   They get to spend the day outside doing all sorts of activities and contests and relays and obstacle courses.  I love to go and run around trying to catch Davis, Ryan, and Ethan in whatever activity they're doing at the moment!

Here's Ryan in a relay race with her good friend, Haley. 

Hula Hoop contest!

Just hanging with good friends

I got to join Ethan with his class for a picnic.  It was only 80 degrees instead of the usual 95 we get sometimes.  Thank goodness. 

Davis was totally into this dance routine until he noticed me and my camera.  Then he got all shy and wouldn't dance!  He rules the school with his 6th grade buddies.   Can't believe he's off to Middle School in just a few short months.  

Tug o war!

After I took this picture of my boys I realized that it would be the last year that Davis and Ethan would ever be in the same school again and they only have a few weeks left.  So sad!!  Davis is such a good big brother and really looks out for Ethan.  He calls him "bro".  Ethan really looks up to Davis.  Love my boys.  

Ryan and Ethan will be the only ones in Elementary School next year.   This is all just happening much too fast!  It was a great day with the kids.   But, summer time...here we come!!

Making Memories

It started out as any typical Monday night in our house...our family had gathered for Family Home Evening, a night set aside by our church leaders to make our families a priority and instruct and learn from one another...and to have fun!  Ethan had just taught a lesson on the Priesthood.  We sang the closing song.  It was my turn to choose the activity this week.  We were going to go outside and make ginormous bubbles with Don's homemade bubble concoction that he found on the internet.  But, during the closing song we heard this crazy sound.  It was rain that came out of nowehere.  And it was POURING.  It had to be close to 75 degrees outside and the sun was still shining.  Do I dare allow my kids to get their good clothes wet?  If I choose this to be the activity do I have to join them as well?  Do I really want to deal with the aftermath of sopping wet bodies and clothes coming in my house?  These thoughts ran through my head as my family looked at me in anticipation of what our activity would be.  I said, "Let's go run in the rain!"  The boys and Ryan immediately jumped up with me and followed me straight out the back door.  Ginger and Gillian were dumbfounded and wondering if they should change into swimsuits.  Don said no and they immediately all joined us outside.  It was really pouring!   

I was done after about 3 minutes because I get cold very easily.  I suggested we all go inside and pile into the Master jetted bath tub in our clothes.  The kids were not ready to be done.  They wanted to go visit families/friends in the neighborhood!  It took everything in me to go along with that one.  I am usually the party pooper but I knew this would be a memory that my family wouldn't soon forget.   We just started running crazy and barefoot through the front yard and down the street, splashing in puddles and cracking up. The kids absolutely loved it.  

Our friends weren't home so we ran all the way back home.  People driving by gave strange looks.  I am pretty sure they had no idea that we were a conservative family out for some good, clean fun.  They probably just saw a group of crazy kids and were appalled.  haha

When we got home I had to grab the camera and I'm so glad I did!  I love these pictures!!  

And I love my little family. 

Mother's Day..my 15th

Yes, this was my 15th Mother's Day!  Hard to believe I have been a mother that long.  This was actually the first Mother's Day that we have been home for ten years.  We are usually at our Zierenberg family reunion in California but this year the date changed to June.  My family definitely took advantage of the fact that we were home and spoiled me rotten!  I woke up to a decked out house, by Ginger and Gillian.  They were up until 1:00 in the morning!!

My family brought me breakfast in bed...Texas french toast with fresh strawberries and whip cream...my favorite.   Here we are right before it was time to leave for church...

I love my babies.  I'm not exactly sure how they got this old, but it has been a joy and a pleasure to be their mom.  They have taught me so much about life and what is important and are incredible examples to me each and every day.   I love being a mom and so grateful that I can be home to raise them.  

I am living my dream! (some days I need to remind myself of that:)

After church, Don and the kids made BBQ tri-tip sandwiches which were beyond delicious, as well as homemade snow cones.  Yum!  My family showered me with hand-made cards and gifts and they even serenaded me with their very own made-up song!  I loved it.  They wouldn't let me video it :( 

It was a wonderful day and I felt so loved and really enjoyed just being home with my family.   Don gave me a gift that made me burst into tears.  He does that quite often.  He took my favorite picture of my sister, Ginger, and I (the last we took together before she passed) and had his friend re-create it into this painting for me.  I can't even express how much I love and cherish it.  

Here I am with my mom (below).  This was taken on Mother's Day of 2011 at our family reunion.  Living so far away, I don't get to see her as often as I'd like.  She is an amazing example to me.  Always has been.  I know I am who I am today because of all she taught me.  She is a rock, and her commitment and dedication to the Lord is a blessing that I will always be grateful for.  

I love you, Mom!  Happy Mother's Day :)