Ice Cream Cones

There was a job fair at the mall this week for military and military spouses. Aaron headed there during his lunch break so the kids and I met him. I ran into the job fair and made some good contacts. I've felt gratitude this week for my education that would allow me to get a job if I need one. 

We had lunch at the mall and then I introduced the boys to a dipped ice cream cone from Dairy Queen. I about died at how much two cones cost. Prices have definitely gone up since I was a kid. haha

Eli had his kindergarten evaluation this week and he loved it. He's excited for school to start in August! Austin and I read books while Eleanor snoozed as we waited for Eli to finish. Then we all went to Wal-mart to get food for the camping trip Aaron and the boys were going on Friday evening. It was hilarious because we were looking for marshmallows for S'mores and found this lady pulling a cart with all things S'mores. I told Eli to follow her! hahah

I asked the boys to pack for their camping trip and Austin told me he packed for Eli. I went upstairs and Austin had pulled out all their clothes from the dresser and put in in the hallway. I laughed so hard. Definitely one of the funniest moments of motherhood. Eleanor laid beside me as I folded the laundry and she's started grabbing this and pulled my shirt over her face.

Around 4 p.m on Friday, a thunderstorm rolled in. There was lightening too so the camping trip got canceled. The boys were devastated, but Aaron put up the tent in the backyard and the boys had a blast sleeping in the tent. At 4 am I could hear Austin screaming that he wanted MOMMY. Aaron got him to calm down and go back to bed in the tent. I was surprised! 

We still enjoyed hotdogs and s'mores and pop tarts and chips - you know, all the junk food we bought for them to take on their camping trip.

I forgot to post this picture of Eli's answers about me on Mother's Day. I was laughing when he said my favorite food is salmon tacos. 

Saturday night Aaron and I went on a date to a Police Ball. It was fancy. I loved being with Aaron. It was the first time leaving all three kids with a babysitter and they did great! I was a bit worried, but I love that Eleanor takes a bottle so easily. 

I teared up seeing Aaron in this uniform. I think this is the last event we'll attend together where he'll wear this uniform. 

Our church starts at 3 p.m. today so we haven't even gone to church yet! Crazy, right? We're grateful we can worship together as a family no matter what time we have church.

May!

I was excited to find these suits on the sale rack at Wal-mart. $6/each and my boys look so handsome! Eleanor has a new trick. She loooooves playing with her toes. :)

This scripture brought immediate peace to me last week during my scripture study. We have lots of changes coming up this summer and we're terrified/excited...verse 25 brought me so much peace.

I spent Saturday afternoon with the YW assembling Mother's Day breakfasts for a camp fundraiser.

Austin loves cuddling his Eleanora (as he calls her haha)

MOTHER'S DAY!! The boys bought me a pink karaoke microphone. We all love it. Here is the breakfast Aaron purchased from the YW. It was delicious and oh so full of sugar. And I love sugar. But it was a lot for my tasting.

All I wanted for Mother's Day was a picture. We were running late to church (and we have it at 1:00 p.m. hahah) so we snapped a few after church. I love being a mother! I don't know why having a daughter changed me, but I really want my children to remember that I was happy being their mom. It's a tough job and I cry in frustration or exhaustion or both some days, but this really is my dream come true. 

I've now been a stay at home mom for as long as I worked in corporate America. There are days I miss having lunch with my coworkers, getting a pay check plus an annual raise... BUT, when all is said and done, I absolutely love being at home. I get to experience the best of the best of every day moments and the worst of the worst. 

A few years ago when I was visiting my grandma, one of her cousins was visiting and she told me this...

"As a mother with 5 young kids, I remember just wishing for some alone time. Now, all my children have left the home and my husband passed away and I'm alone most of the time and I'm so lonely." I think of her comment multiple times a day some days and take a deep breath and cherish this time surrounded by my little children. I love them! I hope they'll always know that. 

I'm so grateful for my own mother who happily served us when we were young children. I remember her smiling as she made dinner and her music talents blessed our home. She really is my inspiration! She continues to serve those around her and brighten my life.

And, as I thought about Mother's Day, I thought about how my dear husband does so much in order to make it possible for me to be a mother. I couldn't do parenting without him!

Eli's Birthday Week!

My first baby turned 5 on April 30!! He was so excited to turn 5 and he can't wait for kindergarten to start in the fall. I don't know if I'm strong enough to watch him go, but I love school and I know he'll love it too. 

I got all teary eyed looking at this picture my mom took of us in the hospital a few days after he was born.

I let Eli pick out $3.00 worth of candy and decorate his own birthday cake. He was thrilled! This may be a new family tradition! As Eli was decorating his cake, he said, "This is my birthday wish come true. :)"

Eli requested oatmeal with sprinkles for breakfast. He loves oatmeal. We then headed to Kohl's and he used the money he found from the bank and bought a bow and arrow kit. He bought one for Austin too! He was so kind. Our friends the Mills invited us over for lunch so we took popsicles to share with his little friends. We had pizza for dinner, opened presents and then went on an evening walk to the park. It was a happy day!!

I have more pictures of Eli opening his presents that I'll post soon! 5 is soon grown up!

The rest of the week we played at the park...

submitted our coloring pages to a coloring contest... (we haven't heard back so I don't think we won, but the boys did get a free ice cream!)

Aaron and I are still going strong on our "Clean simple eats" meal plan. Aaron has been dedicated and lost weight. I've gone back and forth and have the hardest time giving up sweets. This cherry protein shack is my favorite!!

Since I'm not paying for preschool, I justify things like this all the time - we went to sky zone for toddler time when it was raining outside.

We went to the Nature and Science Museum with the Bensons!

then stopped by Alex's house.

The boys got medals and t-shirts for completing flag football! They were so cute playing together.

Saturday we had errands and different obligations in the morning so when we were all home by lunch time, we decided to forget nap time and head to the mountains. It was a beautiful spring day!!

Everyone was exhausted from the hike. hahaha

Birthday weeks are my favorite!! Happy Birthday dear Eli. We love watching you love to learn and we pray it continues!