The Weekend

You guys. This weekend was lone-tastic. Bryce is a superstar for taking all four kids to Utah by himself.

But we started out the weekend by attending the twins' preschool graduation on Friday.

Oh my word, those guys are so cute. The kids sang and did actions to Sesame Street songs like ABC Rap and Monster in the Mirror.

We sat by the McEwens--their little Kennedy is a doll. Each child received a certificate and posed for pictures except for the two sets of twins--they posed together. I was so happy to find out we were sitting by Faith and Andrew's mom--they're the other set of twins. And I found out Laura reads my blog! So it was cool to make such a nice friend there.

Later that afternoon Bryce and the kids packed up the minivan to get on the road. Harrison wanted to take a picture of me so he wouldn't forget me.

Thank goodness this isn't the only picture that exists of me in the world.

I gave them all hugs and kisses goodbye. And you already know what I did after they left!

The reason for the trip was a program Tyce attended at BYU called Foundations. It's for kids of color in grades 8-11 to get them ready for college. It seems like Tyce had a great time and even got to go on stage for a demonstration. The presenter gave him a candy bar and then later--he took it away and ate it! The object lesson was about acting and being acted upon. It all worked out because Tyce got four candy bars in the end.

They also had a dance-off and did a service project for humanitarian aid.

I seems like it was a positive experience and I hope he is renewed in his commitment to succeed academically.

Meanwhile Mary and the twins played with their cousins Kess and Kira. We all look forward to the arrival of Betsie's and Andy's newest daughter this summer!

So the reason I stayed home is because I had girls camp meetings: first with the adult leaders and second with the YCLs (youth camp leaders). Camp is in three weeks! Ugh, I just got an eye tic from typing that. We're basically ready, I think. I wrapped up our leaders meeting yesterday and Jolene said, "So who's going to do the certification?" I looked at the itinerary I'd typed and saw "certification" on there three times . . . but I'd given no thought as to how that would actually happen. I'm sure there will be many other things like that . . . so wish us luck. This camp we are the blind leading the blind.

And that, my friends, was the weekend.


.

Of Sonic and Toilet Paper

Since I had the evening to myself I decided to go to a movie. And knowing I was going to a chick flick -- "The Last Song" -- I thought I'd better run to the theatre's restroom to grab some toilet paper in case of crying. There's nothing worse than being caught with nothing but your sleeve to stop the tears from ruining good mascara. But there's nothing better than sitting in the dark, alone, bawling at a sad story with a wad of tissue to honk your nose into. Ladies, am I right?

But I didn't cry.

Maybe it wasn't really that kind of movie. Or maybe I'm just cold-hearted?

Anyway, afterward I decided to treat myself to a hamburger at Sonic. Even alone, I am a cheap date. If it's not on the $1 value menu I won't get it. EXCEPT!!! I did order onion rings, because if there's anything I learned from Miley Cyrus it's that life's too short.

So there I was, munching my food in the car when I discovered I needed more napkins.

That's when I remembered my unused tangle of toilet paper crammed in my purse.

Perfect!

I had the hamburger in one hand and grabbed the wad of tissue in the other as the Sonic server passed me with a double take.

"Oh, Ma'am? Can I get you anything?" Looking pointedly at my right hand she asked, "Like . . . more napkins?"

Spitting a pickle into the paper I chirped, "No thanks. I'm fine!"

I'm a woman with the night off and a ball of TP as big as your head. I'm doing great!

I'm on a date with myself. And I am one classy lady.

My Mom

This is my mom, Patricia Ann Dreier Cook. (You can call her Pat.)

But I get to call her MOM.

Some words that describe my mom are generous, thoughtful, great sense of humor, detailed, complimentary, and wise.

If I'm ever feeling down, my mom makes me feel like the most amazing person in the world.

She loves her grandchildren deeply and thinks they are angels. If I ever complain about one of the kids she and my dad are skeptical that they could really do anything wrong. I always say that that works fine for me, because the kids need all the fans they can get. Sometimes I use that to my advantage when I ask, "Now what would your grandparents think about that?" I know they would never want to let them down.

My mom saved my hide many times growing up. I was a responsible student but, like everybody else, I could be irresponsible. I was so grateful when she brought my music to band (7th grade) so I wouldn't be docked a grade. I also appreciated the time she brought my "real" clothes to school so I wouldn't have to wear my marching band grubbies all day (10th grade).

My mom was always the chauffeur when my friends and I went out. I knew I could count on her to run anyone home who needed a ride. She liked my friends and my friends liked her.

My mom loves games. She loves the comics section of the newspaper. She loves to laugh. I probably got my warped sense of humor from trying to make her laugh! I always have fun when I'm with her. She is always up for a round of Uno with Mary.

My mom collects pretty things. She loves mysteries. She chews gum. She is the ward bulletin specialist. She is the proud pet-parent of Sadie, their brand-new dog. She likes good TV--she and my dad introduced me to "The Real Housewives of Orange County."

My mom is a genuinely good person with a good heart, and I love her.

I would be lost without her.

Mom, I love you!

I really, really do.

Mother's Day

My state of mind will make no sense to you unless you understand one thing: Settlers of Catan. I thought I was in heaven playing Yahtzee whenever I felt like it, but downloading Catan to my cell phone was the most addicting 8 bucks I've ever spent.

And there's something else you should know. I've been waking up at 5:30 a.m. to go walking with my friend Carmen at 6. To get a good night's rest I need to be asleep before LOST is even over, and you know that's not happening. But when I do get to bed I worry that I'm not falling asleep fast enough, that I'm going to be tired the next day, and that I'll forget everything Sawyer said about blowing up the submarine (and is he still a candidate?).

So the combination of insomnia and an addicting game equals too little sleep and a lack of emotional control.

******

Now about Mother's Day.

We have early-morning church and I was pleased that Mary got herself into the shower in plenty of time for me to do her hair, as we agreed the night before. She changed her mind about me blowing it dry and just wanted two ponytails.

I started to part her hair in a zig-zag. She got grumpy and whined, "Mom! You're taking too long! It doesn't have to be perfect!"

But I was almost done by then I had just poured some leave-in conditioner on my palm. When she saw it she freaked, "I don't want that on my hair! Ugh! Mom! Seriously, I'm just going to do my hair myself."

So I did the mature thing and blopped it on her hair anyway. "Come on, Mare, I'm going to make it really nice and smooth. Just sit still for two more minutes."

But I had crossed the line. She stormed out of the bathroom, a brush and a ponytail holder in hand.

I had lost the battle. And at that moment, I lost control.

"Fine! If you don't want your hair to look nice, that's your choice! You have completely ruined Mother's Day for me!" I cried, as I stomped off to my closet.

I sat there feeling angry.

And then I started to cry.

I knew I was being unreasonable. And it wasn't really about the hair. It was about not being in control. Of anything. Ever.

I grabbed my Real Men Marry Athletes t-shirt to wipe my eyes and to bury my face in. The reasonable part of me said, "Okay. Enough. Take a deep breath and put your makeup on. Stop being dramatic. Bryce is downstairs taking care of everything, so all you have to do is pull yourself together and enjoy your day."

So I took some deep breaths. I even fake-smiled to chase the negativity away. I said, "I'm ready."

But then I thought of sitting with the kids at church. And I began to bawl all over again.

Downstairs I heard everyone getting shoes, scriptures, and crayons. I heard my wonderful husband gather the kids into the car. I heard them drive away.

And instead of grabbing my stuff and making a late entrance, I went back to bed. In my church dress, with no makeup on.

I knew I was missing the best program of the year. I knew my kids would stand there singing Mother's Day songs to every woman in the ward but me. I would miss the Mother's Day gift and the special lesson in Relief Society, where we might even get a treat.

But I was too tired to care.

And so I skipped church on Mother's Day.

*****

Bryce came home during Sunday School, just like I knew he would.

"The kids are evil," he said, plopping himself down in the bed.

I laughed. He always knows the right thing to say.

"Were they difficult today?" I asked.

"No, they were pretty good," he replied, filling me in on the details.

He ran his fingers through my hair.

"I'm sorry I didn't go," I said, tearing up.

He told me not to worry about it. He gave me a kiss.

And then he left.

And I finally drifted off to sleep.

*******

When the kids returned I was feeling better. Bryce made me a fruit pizza for lunch. He explained that the kids would go around the table adding one fruit at a time, and say something they love about me. Well, I wasn't recovered enough for that! I was pretty teary. The most unexpected compliment I received was from Cameron, who said: "You inspire me." Inspire? Did he even know what that means? Bryce asked, "Inspires you to do what?" and he said, "To learn stuff." How nice is that?

Afterward I read with Cameron and Harrison, played Quelf with Mary, and played Skip-Bo with Tyce.

It was great to spend time with each of my kids.

I love them so much--even though I'm not in control of everything. Well, anything. Ever.

I am grateful to be a mother--even if I do hide in my closet on Mother's Day.


Thank you for loving me, kids. You are beautiful, talented, and generous--all of you. Thank you for the privilege of being your mom.

*****

Tomorrow I will write a tribute to my own mother, who is amazing and wonderful.

Eight Things on my Mind

1. I went to the temple last week and did work for a lady with six names! That's my kind of gal. It is so nice to get away from the cares of the world for a few hours. There is such a feeling of peace and tranquility there. In fact, I was enjoying my time so much that when I got dressed to leave I was shocked that I only had 20 minutes to get the kids from preschool. I left the serenity of the House of the Lord and flew down the highway like O. J. in a Bronco.

I was 8 minutes late and Cameron, Harrison, and Kennedy were being escorted to the late office. I intercepted them and apologized for my tardiness. I thought the kids would be relieved I hadn't abandoned them but Harrison said, "Why did you come get us? We were about to get ice cream!" Poor kids.

2. Mary has been doing research on snails for a science project. Her zeal and zest for gastropods is very cute. You might already know that she has a fondness for those creatures and has attempted several times to keep them as pets. She did a google search for "snails" and was dismayed to find that one of the top finds was a recipe site. Can you imagine? She read me such titles as Snail Ravioli and Stuffed Mushrooms with Snails. Food for thought: If those recipes use salt, do the snails disappear?

Or do they just melt in your mouth?

So now you know that if there's ever a famine, come to the Joneses'. We have protein!

3. I cannot get a grip on the housework lately. Messes and clutter seem to multiply no matter where I go. Throw two papers away, gain 10. Clear off the counter, gain a stack of books. Do the dishes once, and the kids insist on eating again. Hello!

4. I just heard this conversation:

Harrison: So *I'm* not going to be your twin.

Cameron: Mo-ommmmmmm! Harrison won't be my twin!

Me: I'm very sorry to hear that.

Cameron: Harrison, you better still be my twin, or I'm going to punch you in the back.

5. This weekend was the ward's annual father-son campout. Mary and I played it low-key here at home. When the men returned Tyce and some friends went to see Iron Man 2. Unpacking and doing errands, everyone was exhausted and I thought, "Nothing says 'Happy Mother's Day' like your family abandoning you for the weekend." That is, unless I also go away. Let's have some better planning next year, Men. I can totally help you with that.

On the upside, no one went to the hospital this year. It was close, but they just have a few scrapes. And Tyce was really happy to have our next-door neighbor Steven there.

6. I had to pick Mary up from school this morning because she's sick! Apparently she unexpectedly threw up all over her math book. I feel guilty because I had her take one of Tyce's pills (same meds, but a higher dosage) because I hadn't picked up her prescription at Walgreen's. I assume it was because of that, since she was perfectly fine when she left for school. Just an hour later and she's back at home on the couch.

7. We went on a family walk last night (where all the kids rode their bikes). Tyce can do a wheelie and it looks just like a rearing horse. Every time he did it Bryce and I said, "Neigh!" and boy, did we think we were funny. We even told Tyce he could do it for his friends and then brag that he has a Mustang. He had to feign annoyance, as per the teenager-parent contract . . . but deep down I think he liked it. Deep, deeeeep down.

8. Okay, I am going to write about Mother's Day tomorrow.

Girly Girls and Body Talk

I was doing Mary's hair yesterday morning. She talked about a very fussy 4th-grade classmate, who wears lip gloss, nail polish, and fancy clothes. Mary said, "And at field day when we all got wet, she was wearing a white shirt and you could see her training bra underneath! She didn't even have the decency to put on a jacket!"

Sensing she was opening the door to a more sensitive conversation, I asked if many girls at school wore training bras, and if they talked about their changing bodies.

Mary said, "Yes, some do. And there is one thing I've been talking to Sara about."

"Yes?" I said, leaning closer.

"It's about a part of our bodies changing as we get older."

"Yes?" I said, leaning so close I was practically in her lap. "What is it?" I was ready for a very special episode of the morning routine.

"We've been very concerned about  . . . the EAR."

"Oh. Um, okay," I said, confused. "Wait, what?"

"Mr. Colver said that we're born with millions of tiny hairs in our ears and as we age they die. So that's why we shouldn't listen to loud music with headphones. We need to be careful with our hearing now so we won't lose it when we're older. He said that our class has already killed hundreds of his tiny hairs with all the talking we've done this week alone."

Well.

I finished doing her braids. And I was quite relieved to know that one of the most pressing body issues she has is whether all of her cillia stay intact through adulthood.

Tattletale!

Bryce and Mary are out together. She used Bryce's cell phone to text me from the restaurant.

hi mom its mary and and dad said a bad word (no i didn't)

Ok but do you know wich word he said. .......he said jack beep

There's nothing Mary likes more than busting her dad!

Life Lesson #30: There's no way to call someone a jack beep without this 10-year-old ratting you out.

.

Human Answering Machine

Yesterday I called the boys in from playing in the backyard to take a bath. (Actually, a shower--they were too dirty for a bath.)

"We don't want to!" they whined.

But they trudged upstairs anyway, grabbing toys along the way.

Harrison hopped in with his Lego guys. But Cameron "hid" behind the bedroom door.

"Cameron . . . " I warned. "I see you. Come on."

Then I heard him say this:

"Cameron Jones is not available right now. Please leave a message. Beep!"

Boy, did he have the timing and delivery right on that one! We all laughed and laughed.

(All the way to the shower.)

Beauty for Ashes

Yesterday an 8th-grader was killed while riding his bike to school. Our hearts go out to the boy's family and to the driver of the vehicle. It was truly and accident--but a tragedy nonetheless. Life can change in the blink of an eye.

Nathaniel was a friend of Tyce's. He even said to me, "It's weird because I just saw him in Friday. He said, 'Hey, what's up' and I said, 'Not much' in the hallway. I can't believe he's just gone."

Yesterday was a hard day at school for the whole student body.

Sometimes horrible events make you ask the big questions in life: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?

And that reflection can lead to something good.

Yesterday we had the missionaries over for dinner. I asked them to give a spiritual thought on the Plan of Salvation. We read some scriptures in the Book of Mormon about death and the promise of resurrection.

Later that night our next door neighbor boys came over. They are in 6th an 7th grades and have begun to come to church with us. The three of them went to "the jumps" to ride their dirt bikes. A while later Tyce burst through the door excitedly and said, "Mom, we've been talking about the spirit world this whole time! They had a lot of questions about eternal families and the gospel. I've been answering their questions the best I can and they want to come over on Sunday afternoon and read the Book of Mormon with me for an hour."

Well, how awesome is that?????

It seems that broken hearts can be the most teachable hearts.

How blessed I feel to have a son who can bear his testimony of the hope that comes through Jesus Christ.

In some small way I hope that through the tremendous loss of this classmate, the comfort of gospel truths will breathe New Life into three wonderful young men.

Like beauty for ashes.

Our prayers for peace and comfort are with these families.

Pretty Pretty Princess

Oh Harrison. Why are you Mary's favorite person to dress up?

Besides putting her new Easter dress on him, she also painted his nails and made him a foil necklace, bracelet, crown, and shoes.

Mary also taught him to sing like a princess. It was very . . . uh, nice.

Yeah, if "nice" is code for disturbing. Just kidding. I'm reading Bryce's mind!

This get-up lasted about 2 minutes. Then they were all back outside building mud forts (and they got so dirty you wouldn't even notice those pink-painted nails).

But I like those foil shoes . . . I may have to borrow those.

Super Mommy?

Do you do fun crafts with your kids? Do you make holidays special?

Um. No you don't. You are lame.

That's how you'll feel after reading this blog: Secrets of a Super Mommy.

I have never been so inspired and ashamed at the same time.

If you'll excuse me, I'm off to go recycle my milk cartons into a chandelier. Or put vinyl lettering on my kids' underwear. Something.

Actually, never mind.

(You know I'll be doing good to get myself a shower.)

Alex Boye Concert!

On Monday Tyce and I attended the Alex Boye concert. He's a singer, but more than that he is an ENTERTAINTER! He had us laughing all night. Alex is a member of the Mormon Tabernacle choir, in which he described himself as a piece of black licorice in a sea of marshmallows. This concert included a tribute to Motown (I believe Tyce's favorite song was "Ain't No Mountian High Enough") and many popular songs like "Billy Jean" by Michael Jackson. He also performed several original songs. We were lucky enough to have super-close seats and we could actually feel his energy!

He also told an inspiring story that really touched me, and I think also touched Tyce. When Alex was 18 he had a band. He and two guys played lots of gigs in his native London and Alex used the money to save up for his mission. He idolized MC Hammer and dreamed of one day opening for him. Alex and his band had one last gig before being schedule to report to the Missionary Training Center--and they were on fire that night. After the performance Alex started to pack up when his bandmates their manager started freaking out, jumping up and down with exciting news. MC Hammer's people had seen the group and wanted them to open for MC Hammer, and even manage their group!!! His friends said, "NOW I know you'll give up that silly mission idea!"

Alex couldn't believe his dream was coming true! He screamed and jumped and down with his bandmates, hugging and laughing at their good fortune. But then the words of his mission call came to his mind: You are hereby called to serve and leave all your worldly cares behind.

His jumping slowed. He told the guys he was still serving a mission for the Lord--and he was leaving next week. He wouldn't be doing the show. As you can imagine, his friends were livid. They screamed that he was blowing his chance and that this opportunity would never come around again.

Well, Alex did serve his 2-year-mission. When he returned he had a very successful career with the British band "Awesome." After several years he left that life and changed his focus to gospel music and moved to Utah.

In 2007 Alex got a call from the events coordinator at Utah Valley University. A big-name performer was coming to do a concert and wanted Alex to open for him.

It was MC Hammer.

Almost 20 years later he finally opened for MC Hammer--and had the time of his life.

Sacrifice is giving up something good for something better, Alex said.

Going on his mission was the most important decision he'd ever made. And how much sweeter it was to have his dream come true knowing he'd done what the Lord wanted first.

An MC Hammer-signed concert shirt hangs in his house now so he can tell the story to anyone who asks.

How cool is that?

That is one of many reasons why I love Alex Boye.

A great singer, an awesome performer, and a role model for my children: we love Alex!

Talent Show with Special Visitor

Ohhhhh boy. I'm here. I haven't gone AWOL, so don't worry. I've just been busy (mostly the good kind of busy).

Last week the junior high had a talent show, and Tyce was in it! I admire anyone who can get up on stage in front on their peers and do their "thing," don't you? There were singers, dancers, and instrumentalists (and even two cute boys who did animal calls). Tyce's friend Spencer played a classical piece on the piano, and Azure played the guitar AND sang an adorable song I'd never heard before. Such talents at such a young age!

Tyce sang the Chris Brown song "With You" and he did great. I miss his high voice though . . . he had to sing this song an octave lower! I guess I'd assumed he'd be a tenor but it looks like he's shaping up to be a bass.

This is the only picture I took, because my camera doesn't fare well in low-light settings. He got his fedora back (after it being confiscated by a teacher) just in time for the performance.

My brother had a conference in town (where he delivered a mighty fine presentation) and he was able to make it to the talent show!

Since it was late-ish when we returned home the twins had a snack and were off to bed. Dave showed me the wonders of his new camera (Canon s90). It does well in low-light settings. I am officially jealous. It also takes really great up-close pictures, and the older kids had fun with that.

Great job on the talent show, Tyce! I love you, Dave! Thanks for visiting us!

Birthday Redux

I had a birthday, shout hooray!

The weird thing is I don't feel older. I mean, it's been 18 years now since I've been 18! Are you kidding me? I'm pretty sure that's not possible. I feel like I just finished up my senior year last week.

Do you ever feel melancholy around your birthday? Like you don't want all the attention on you? Part of me wanted to snap out of it, and part of me wanted to wallow in it so I could sing, "Crappy Birthday to You." (Mostly for pun's sake.) But then I was like, What is your problem? You get yourself out there and have a good day, missy.

So I did.

Bryce was kind enough to take the day off so that I could do what I wanted. I ran some errands, ate lunch at Jason's Deli, got a massage at Massage Envy (courtesy of my sils Kim and Heather!), got a pedi, bought some cute glass eggs at Pier 1 . . . and just did my own thing. I can't remember the last time I had a whole day like that. I needed time to recharge--alone. Serenity now.

Good thing I'd enjoyed my quiet time because the moment I stepped into the house I was bombarded with a party-licious party!

Cameron really wanted to get the same cake that we had for baby Xochi's blessing. Just so you know, those  star-shaped candles couldn't even stay lit from the counter to the table. But they sure look cute, eh?

 I got these gorgeous flowers from the kids!

A wonderful gift I received was a journal with special birthday messages from Bryce and the kids. That pretty much made my day!

I felt very loved from the family, and also from my wonderful extended family and my friends. Thank you for making my birthday so great! Here's to a great year for us all.

New Recipe Blog

The title says it all.

You should come check it out!

Do you like cooking blogs? Would you read mine if I updated it every once in a while?

I have recipes for two of my Easter dishes posted.

And that's pretty much my big news of the day.

Spring Break

You know when you wait a little too long to write, and then when you have to catch up it seems overwhelming? You do? Awesome. We will muddle through our life's chronicles together.

Spring break was the week before Easter and to be honest, I was dreading it. Time off for the kids means big time work for the mom, at least at our house. And when I say work, I mean more emotional than anything else; my roles as police chief, banker, mediator, and psychologist overshadow the "funner" role of cruise director. And I am a fairly good cruise director, if I do say so myself.

But I was oh, so happy to be wrong. I guess the blustery March winds brought good attitudes with them, because this was the best spring break I could have imagined with an 8th grader, a 4th grader, and two preschoolers.

I had two main agendas: to have a one-on-one outing with each child, and to do Easter devotionals and activities every day. Then we'd fill in with friends, swimming, and stuff like that. And for the most part, things worked out. And people were happy! It was an Easter miracle.

1. Outings with Mom

Cameron accompanied me to the car wash and then out for frozen yogurt. He is my little Ninja.

Tyce had breakfast with me at IHOP and then went to the grocery store, where he was most helpful.

Mary chose to go to Subway for lunch. She talked to Bryce on the phone about legal matters and really wished he would sue somebody (anybody).

Harrison got gypped because I wasn't feeling well on our special day, so we had to move it. However, this meant that Cam came along since the older kids were at a movie (Clash of the Titans). Harrison was a good sport and didn't mind sharing--I guess sharing is built in when you're a twin. We went to Whole Foods.

And then rode the carousel!

I really enjoyed my (mostly) one-on-one times with the kids and appreciate that they were all willing to spend time with me.

2. Catapult

Tyce and his friend Gonzalo built a catapult from plans Bryce downloaded from the internet. They worked hard and spent pretty much all day on it. They launched golf balls at the park, because what good is a catapult if you can't launch stuff?

While the boys were perfecting their aim, Mary and the twins hunted ladybugs.

3. Movies

We saw "How to Train Your Dragon" with the Marchant kids. I thought I would just endure the film but I actually loved it! The kids were very well-behaved. It could be because I supplied them with candy. When I took the Marchant boys back home they sing-songed, "Mom, can we have a dragon? Pleeeeeeease!" just like I told them to. And then I quickly ran back to my mini-van.

4. Easter festivities at the park

I like doing Easter baskets on a day other than Easter Sunday. We went to the park and I thought I might be clever and even hide some eggs there. Yes, I know. Not clever. But I promise, when I started hiding them there was no one else around! One little boy became our best friend for the day, as you can imagine.

It was a nice day to hang out, though some of us do not like our pictures to be taken by the parental paparazzi.

5. Jerusalem Dinner

This is something I was really excited about, and it turned out well. On Saturday night (after Conference and before the men left for Priesthood) we had a meal with foods that Jesus might have eaten: fish, olives, grapes, unleavened bread (matzos), goat's milk cheese, and cantaloupe. We sat on the floor and talked about customs of the time, and why some people recognized Jesus as their savior and king, and why some who were looking for an earthly king to free them from bondage, did not.

6. Easter Eggs

While the men were gone on Saturday night, the kids dyed their eggs. (Tyce did his after he returned.)

7. Easter Feast

After General Conference on Sunday we had our special meal: ham, potato/sweet potato bake, green salad, deviled eggs, and fruit pizza. The best thing was the fruit pizza . . . oh my deliciousness.

So that about sums up our spring break. It was a lot of work for me but good attitudes and pleasant people made it all worthwhile! I love you, Tyce, Mare, Cam, and Hare!

And now . . . off to school with you.

Rebecca's Birthday!

Today is Rebecca's birthday!  She is taking the day off to recharge, and boy does the engine that makes our family go need some rest after Spring Break.

She does a great job of making every day special--that's big work when they are home all week and in each other's business.

I asked Cameron what he loved best about his mom:

Cameron:  She has good care!

Me:  Do you mean good hair?

Cam:  No, she takes good care of us, because she has a loving heart.

I had to take a different approach with Harrison to get an answer:

Me: Harrison, when mom isn't home what do you miss the most?

Harrison: Feeling safe...

I don't know what that says about me, but since this is Rebecca's day I won't go there.

Easter must have put Jesus on the boy's minds, because when I told them that we would be getting Rebecca's cake today, Cameron said, "Yeah, a Batman Cake!"  But Harrison corrected him saying, "NO, not for mom, she would probably like a Jesus cake." Then when we talked about gifts, Harrison suggested a Jesus picture.

I think that it's great that they know how important the Savior is to Rebecca.  Leading up to Easter (which was Spring Break for our kids), Rebecca prepared and did a devotional every day for the kids.  I thought that they (particularly the big kids) would be resistant, but each one participated and enjoyed the lesson or activity.

I know that Rebecca is so much more than a mother--she's a humorist, a blogger, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a mad chef, a best friend, a Young Women's President, and so much more--but having children who feel loved, safe and know the value of Jesus Christ says depths about her character.

I love you Rebecca!