Mothers Day 2011

Each day I wake up and thank God for all the blessings He has given me, especially my amazing husband & 4 children.  I love them more than I could ever put into words & on Mothers Day they made me feel so special.  Here are some highlights!

My gifts...a Digital Photo Frame and an IPod Decking Station/Radio/Charger!

After church, we went to eat at a local steakhouse.  The kids were so excited that they could get a root beer in a bottle...lol

Josh and his mini me

Ethan is a growing boy and the kids menu just does not cut it anymore for him.  He was SO excited that he could order off of the adult menu...his choice steak, mashed potatoes, corn and a side salad! Here he is learning how to cut his steak from his Daddy.

Rachel & Michael loved their pizza's

On the way to church, Ethan videoed Rachel singing to me <3

And then himself.....lol

These smiles just melt my heart...I am truly one blessed Mama!!

Mothers Day Tribute

Before I was a Mom 
Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life
so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

-author unknown

To my children, you have no idea how much joy you have brought into my life!  I thank God everyday that He chose me to be your mother.  I am so proud of you all & look forward to watching up grow up.

To my mother, words cannot even come close to express how much I love you and how I pray everyday to be the mother you are to me.  I love you so much and my children are truly blessed to have you as their Mimi...Happy Mothers Day!

To my mother in love, thank you for treating me as if I were your own daughter.  I couldn't have asked for a better mother - in-law.  Our children are also blessed to have you in their lives too!!  Happy Mothers Day!

To all the mothers out there, here's a tribute to you!!  Happy Mothers Day :) 

Michelle

Friday Favorites..

1. CrockPot

When we first got married I rarely used my CrockPot, but now that we have 4 kids and they are involved in different after school activites it has become my lifesaver!!!  As a matter of fact, I have used it so much that there is a short in it and I've got to replace it!  The main thing I like about the Crockpot is I can put it on in the morning or after lunch and when we get home dinner is already cooked!!  Thankfully, I have found some really GREAT recipes too that my family just loves!

2. Emily A. Clark

I love to blog and read other peoples blogs.  One of my favorites is Emily A. Clark.  She is a home interior designer from NC and I love all the ideas that she blogs about.  If you love decorating and want some great ideas you should check her out!

3. TestTube

I stumbled upon this next favorite while watching QVC a couple of weeks ago.  Now, if you know me well you know that I LOVE receiving things in the mail.  I don't care what it is ( besides bills..lol)...as long as there is something in there for me to look at or read I am one happy gal!  I also love beauty products, but I don't always want to buy something without trying it out.  Well, the Test Tube is the best of both worlds!  Every 3 months a different Test Tube arrives at your door with deluxe sized and some full sized samples of name brand products for you to try out!!  Plus with the QVC special I got a subscription to NewBeauty magazine. My first tube arrived last week and I LOVED it!!!  I've already tried several of the products and will actually be buying some of the full sized versions...they were that good. ! This is what I received:

• Nine Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads
• Two 0.21-oz Doris Dalton full-sized Color Creme Lip Gloss 
• One 0.10-fl oz tarte mascara with 0.23-fl oz maracuja oil
• One 0.1-oz Borghese Fango Mud
• One 0.33-oz Pacifica full-sized solid perfume
• One 0.25-fl oz ProStrong Nail Strengthener
• One 6-fl oz WEN cleansing conditioner
• One 2-fl oz philosophy inner grace shampoo, bath, and shower gel
• One NewBeauty magazine

4. TJMaxx Homegoods

Target is my number one shopping place...love it, but TJMaxx Homegoods is right up there too!  I LOVE that store!!  You can find the best home decor, name brand clothes, purses, etc...all at a discounted price.  The only thing is you have to visit it frequently because you never know what they are going to have.

5.  Out of the mouthes of babes:

Josh is sitting on the floor playing a ukulele...as I'm videoing I ask Michael "What is Daddy playing?" Michael responds: "An old lady guitar."....love it :)


Happy Mother's Day!!!

Michelle

Canyon Rim Dance Competition

This weekend Rachel & I got a chance to have a little girls getaway!!  Her competitive dance team had a competition in Twin Falls, which is about 2 hrs away from where we live.  Since we had to be there so early Saturday morning, we decided to spend the night on Friday.  We were going to make it a family trip, but Ethan ended up having to have a baseball game that day, so Josh stayed home with the boys :).

We stopped by to see the Snake River Canyon....so beautiful!!

It was really nice just spending some time with my favorite little girl!  We relaxed at the hotel, enjoyed the pool, went shopping at Target, and had girl talk.  I really do love being around her!  I tell Josh all the time that God knew I needed a girly girl to stay sane with all these boys.....and He sure gave us a girly girl!  It really makes me look forward to seeing how our relationship will continue to grow as she gets older.

When we arrived we decided to rest a little before going out....Rachel laid down on the bed and said "Mom, I am in paradise!"

She was tired after the trip.....so sweet!

After a little rest and dinner, she was ready for the pool :)

The next day, we woke up early, ate breakfast, and headed to the competition.  She competed in 2 dances and they did an outstanding job!  They won 3rd highest score overall, a Superior rating for both routines, & Overall Most Creative Dance Routine....I was very proud of her!

Rolled and ready to go!

Rachel and her friends getting ready to perform

Here they GO!

"Waking Up is Hard to Do"

Waiting to perform " Think Pink"

Award Time!!!

Rachel & the MOM Dance Company

All the dance teams that were competing in the Novice & Intermediate Groups

Rachel's dance teachers gave the girls a pink flamingo with a note saying "Thanks for all your hard work!"  Rachel said it was the best gift ever!!!

Ethan turns 9!!!

My Boy

Author: Amanda Rodriguez

When I learned that you were coming I was sure that you would be,
the most wonderful and precious child that I would ever see.
I was fearful, but excited, I was anxious, but prepared,
to hold you in my arms and show you just how much I cared.
And when the day finally came, my heart was filled with joy,
to see that you were made for me, my perfect little boy.
Now as the years are passing, you surprise me everyday,
by showing me that I can love you in so many different ways.

I think the older I get the faster time flies by!  It is hard for me to believe that Ethan turned 9 yesterday! He had such a great day! It all started with his favorite breakfast:  Turkey Bacon & Rolls!

After that we had to do school, but he received so many phone calls to wish him a happy birthday!  It really made his day.  One of his favorites was Josh's Uncle Steve.  He always calls on all of our kids birthday's and plays them Happy Birthday on the piano.  So sweet!

Later, in the afternoon, it was time to celebrate.  Ethan got to choose where we were going to eat, so we went to Red Robin...and it was SO YUMMY!!!  He also brought one of his best friends here, Ethan Gephardt.  They all were so good.  As a matter of fact, a couple came by our table just to tell how impressed they were with how well our children were behaving....very proud Mommy moment!  However, my favorite part was when the waitresses and waiters came to sing Happy Birthday to Ethan...he was SO embarassed :)

The Birthday Boy!

Ethan & Ethan :)

Not only do I love Michael's cheesy grin...but take a look at the burger Josh ordered!! It was HUGE!!!

Hehehe...Ethan just realized he was getting ready to be sung to!

He did enjoy the dessert though!

After dinner we took the entire crew to see the movie "RIO"...it was such a cute movie!!! 

Ethan, we are so proud to be your parents and are enjoying watching you become a young man.  You bring us so much joy and we LOVE you very much!!!!

Smiles,

Michelel :)

Michelle

To end the night we went