Mother's Day

 We started mother's day with a surprise visit to my mom.  I love surprising people . . . and the only thing better than surprising Grandma would be for all of us to wear Grandma masks . . . right?  We got a good laugh when we put them on.  Even the adults were good sports about being Bev.  Who wouldn't?

Waiting for the outcome -- you just never know what reaction you might get.

 Well, it turned out to be more of a laugh so hard quietly that you cry reaction.  Much different than Aaron's anticipated screaming reaction :)  Like I said . . . she's like a box of chocolates.

We had some printout masks that were more the size of a giant freak head.  So Jeff and Aaron quickly decorated mom's house with them.  One of my favorite spots being on the ceiling over her bed.  Sweet dreams :)  Here's one on the front door.

Later that night Aaron went to the store with the kids to get me a present from them.  I said it was fine as long as he brought me back some gummies.  Well, this wasn't exactly what I was expecting!!

I was so baffled, I had to just laugh and see if he was really serious.  I mean really.  When in our 10 years of marriage have I ever encouraged or been pleased to see a small serving size of candy?  Words could not express my shagrin, so I took a picture.

The next day I found out why he was controlling my portion size :)  Aaron and the kids had filled A LOT of eggs full of candy and hid them around the kitchen for me to find.  It was a great present.  Although letting me sleep in was a priceless gift!!!  They did an amazing job of making my day great.

Shout out to my wonderful moms!

Ashley's Blessing

The first Sunday in May we blessed Ashley.  It was such a nice, relaxing, enjoyable day.  She was in good spirits all day, which allowed me to be in good spirits :)

We snuck in some family pictures before heading to church.  This is when a later church time comes in handy.  There was no rush.

Aaron's parents and Neal and Bethany came.  It was a long trek for them and a chunk of time out of their busy schedule.  But we sure enjoyed having them.Here's 3 little amigos.  I'm pretty sure Selly got a better shot of this.  But it was so cute to see them lined up.

Lacy even made a debut all the way from San Fran!  Thanks for coming to play Lacy!  Jeff and Selly ventured out with studdly little Marcus.   And Lori and Rob brought the entertainment for my children - thier kids :) as well as incredible dessert. My mom and dad were present and amazingly supportive as always!

Bethany has serious mothering skills.  I need her to give me lessons!  Not to mention we owe her thousands in babysitting money!

And for me this is what it is all about!  It's crazy to think we now have 4 kids.  But I love how much more complete our family feels too.  Forget worldly riches, to me, this picture shows how rich I feel!

A couple notes of the blessing, since if I don't write them there is no chance I'll remember.  Aaron specifically said things in the blessing that I had prayed for - though he didn't know it.  He blessed her with good health, in all areas of health.  He also blessed her with something our house could use - a peacemaker :)  Ashley Sky Hoopes - you have been amazing in just the short couple months we have had you!  You have such a great spirit about you and a light in your eyes when you talk to me - and a great smile :)  You truly make me feel so incredibly blessed to be your mom!  I'm so excited to watch you grow and learn and do amazing things in your life!

save these moments

I was up for a couple of hours last night.  Not because of Ashley crying, or Hailey being sick-- ironically.  I was up because somewhere between listening to Collin Ray and requesting teachers for my kids next school year I became overly sentimental.  It never FULLY hits me until nighttime.  When there are no kids screaming or needing to be held.  When it's quiet and I actually have time to think.  It didn't help that I had a dream about the anxieties of elementary school :)

In my head Collin Ray kept singing:

I wish I could save these moments and put them in a jar
I wish I could stop the world from turning and keep things just the way they are
I wish I could shelter you from everything not pure, and good, and true.

Yes I know I can't, yes I know I can't
But I wish I could.

My heart ached at the thought of how fast my kids are getting older.  A part of me looks forward to them growing - being able to go and do more.  But the part of me is getting smaller everyday.  There are so many benefits to this stage.  My kids like to snuggle, listen to my stories, tell me about their day, play with me, spend time with me.

Must be the post partum hormones because I'm even teary writing this.  I just explained to Travis what I was writing about.  I told him that he had to stay at five years old.  He said "no."  so I asked how old he needed to be.  7.  now he just upped it to 10.  now 11.  I guess that's my answer.

alright, one last sentimental thought and then I'll toughen up!  I remember in college some guy friends talking me in to auditing this marriage class (why would they do that :) - apparently I needed help :))  So I went a couple times and they were right, the teacher was great.  But one class he showed a movie.  It was a bunch of pictures of families through the years set to music.  Cheesy music like Kenny Rogers through the years type cheesy.  And I remember it hitting me hard.  That's what I wanted the next how many years of my life to be.  Having a family and watching them grow with my husband.  Well.  I guess I'm living the dream :)  I'll enjoy the 3 kids climbing on me for right now.