Mother's Day

Well this mother's day I couldn't help, but reflect on how being a mother has changed my life and what I've learned from it.  It's definitely not an easy endeavor and sometimes it's downright stressful and anger provoking, but I wouldn't be who I am today without it.  My heart has grown ten-fold and I can more easily forget myself and think of others.  I know more about what it means to endure to the end.  Those time when it's the end of the day, the kids are crying and whining, my back is broken, my feet hurt, and my head is pounding and I finally lay them down to sleep I think to myself "I can't handle another day of this".  Then I check on them before I finally go to sleep and I can't help but think "I am so blessed" as I watch their peaceful forms rest.  It's hard, but the days that Dalin says "mom, you're beautiful like a princess" or Braden says "I love you this much"  while holding his hands out as far as he can reach, or Landon lays his head on my shoulder and says "night, night" make up for any amount of stress or weariness.  I love my 3 boys more than anything else in the whole world. 

I am blessed to have a mother who taught me what I would need to know to survive this life.  I am blessed to have a mother-in-law who taught my husband the same.  We still go to them with our worries and problems because we know they can help, because they've been there, where we are now.  We love our mothers and are so blessed to have them still around. 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Helper

Don't you just love when your kids "help".  Landon has been obssessed with the broom lately.  He knows where it is and gets it out several times a day to sweep the floor.  I think it's the cutest thing ever.  If only they would keep that willingness to help throughout their whole lives. 

Mid-May Weekend Part 3

We love to spend time with cousins and grandparents and we got plenty of that this weekend. 

Braden sitting with Grandma Sylvia and cousin Korbin.

Grandma Sylvia almost always has treats.  Creamcycles, dreamcycles, or whatever they're called are delicious.  Korbin, Makayla, Dalin, Braden, and Landon all chowing down.  I think this was the first time Landon ever had a popsicle.  They always seemed so messy, but he LOVED it, as did all the others.

Landon in the bath with cousin Leah.  They were so cute and so dirty.

But this is the real reason we came to visit for the weekend.  I had a neice, Aubrey, born to my brother Steven and wife Alyssa.  She is a doll.  I love how chunky she is and I long to hold her again.  I just adore and love babies at this newborn age.  It's such a short time frame that you get to enjoy this stage of life.  The best part is I can hold and cuddle her without the up-all-nights and poopy diapers and constant feedings.  It's great to be an aunt.  Isn't she beautiful?  I think she looks a little bit like Braden did.  They have the same nose and crease between the eyes. 

Mid-May Weekend Part 2

Most of you know that my parents have a creek in their back yard.  I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some one-on-one time with Landon during a weekend of fun.  He loved it.  He threw rocks, splashed, and just sat there, watching the water roll by.  How lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place and enjoy time with my children.  It's not often I get one of them alone.

Mid-May Weedend Fun Part 1

Oh what do you do in the summertime when all the world is green?  Well, visit grandparents.  And not every grandparent drives your kids around the yard on a lawn mower for hours at a time.  What fun they had.  Of course Grandpa Roper would think to tie a toy four wheeler to the back of the mower.  That way both kids can ride at the same time.  One gets to drive the mower and one gets to ride the 4 wheeler.

Landon just stood there and watched and watched and watched.  He always wants to participate so badly, but is also content to watch. 

Watching with those ever interested eyes. 

Dalin with his Grandpa Roper.  "mom!  Grandpa even lets me drive all by myself"

Braden with Grandpa Roper.  They are good pals.

Once the mower stopped Landon just HAD to go check it out.  He sat on the 4 wheeler and played forever.

Then he figured out how to climb onto the mower and drove it forever.  He loves to drive things.

Great grandma and grandpa Roper watching on.  They have always been so good to us.  I'm grateful my kids will have a chance to know them.

And finally, Landon gets his chance!