Mother's Day

As I complete my Mother's Day lesson for primary, I have been pondering the circle of love in regards to mother's. I am so blessed to be a mother; to have my incredible mom and the other amazing women in my life. I am grateful for the amazing women that prepared a young boy to be my wonderful husband. ...It takes a village to raise a child... I believe that. There are so many women touching my children and reinforcing the things I am teaching them, or reaching them when I can't. Here are a couple of Mother's Day thoughts for you. Happy Mother's Day!

May each of us treasure this truth: One cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one. –Pres. Monson

A Strong Woman Versus a Woman of Strength

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape. ....but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything. ....but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her. .... but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future. .... a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure footed. .... but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face. .... but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey. .... but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...

Isaac might get out of diapers yet!

Today he went pee and poop in the potty all by himself. Then he called me to come help. Wahoo!

Dear Blog: I am sorry I have been away. Here is a little update on our family.

Adam had to leave town last week. Ellee snuck the following note in his bag.

"To: Dad
From: Ellee

Dad I will miss you so much. I hope you have a good time. Just remember I Love You!" (It had a heart instead of a dot on the exclamation. There were lots of hearts drawn on the note.)

Other updates: Ellee saw the commercial for "Your Baby Can Read" and has decided this is a must for her little bro. She has been so carefully drawing flash cards and writing the word on each one for Isaac to start learning. She has gotten 100% on all but 2 spelling tests this year. I would like to take credit for being such a great mom, but totally forget to practice them with her at home. There are even different amounts of words for each kid, depending on their grasp of spelling. She is on the hardest level. Isaac is making the funniest faces ever, and now his dad has started to make the same faces. Isaac says things like "Are you kidding me?" "I'd love to." He wants to wear soccer or basketball clothes everyday. He is starting to have some interest in using the potty. He loves Little Einsteins and is always singing.

I had the most Amazing day yesterday! I have been dreading the BIG 3-0, but it is not so bad. I have amazing family and friends to celebrate with me. I am thankful for each one of them. Thanks for thinking of me.

Here is the magic of the day! Adam told me that I needed to be ready at 1 pm. The kids needed overnight bags and I needed to wear something nice and then something casual to change into. We hopped in the car, checked Ellee out of school early (she cried tears of joy because she was checked out to go to Riley's house!) and were on our way. Adam gave me a bag from Deseret Book while we were in the car. It was full. I peeked in and saw an open mp3 looking something. Adam had been traveling, so I assumed it just fell in the bag. Nope! He recorded most of my/our favorite songs, and when I say recorded, I mean him singing! He also told me how much he loves me and how amazing I am. I love his voice! He did this for me once when we were dating, but who has a tape player these days!?! He is the best, right? Well, then I opened the boxes inside the bag. It was the Willow Tree figurines. Our exact family. Everyone has dark hair, except Isaac. His is a bit lighter. So, my day was perfect! I needed nothing more. I was with my cute family, my husband had been so thoughtful and really put his love into my birthday.

We dropped the kids off and headed to the Bountiful Temple. That was fabulous! Then he took me shopping; something I love, him...? not so much! He didn't even complain. There is more! He scheduled a couple's massage for us too! When the massage was done, he took me to Zupas for a panini and then to Red Mango. Mmm. I am so lucky to have such an amazing man! Here is the note that I should have snuck into Adam's bag...

To: Dad
From: Mom

I LOVE YOU! You are the most amazing person I know. You make me better. A better person, wife, mom, servant, and you always push me to grow closer to the Savior. Your voice melts my heart. You make my socks roll up and down! ;) You give hugs that make me feel like a little child, totally protected. I am so lucky to have you.