This Mother's Day was packed full to the rim with fun and good times with family and friends. I really couldn't have asked for a better weekend! I am so thankful to have my wonderful children and to be blessed to be their Mother! And I'm so thankful for my own Mothers in my life: my Mom, step Mom, Mother-in-laws, and friends. I owe so much to them for their love, great example and support! Thank you!! xoxo
{My kids and I on Mother's Day - after church}
We started celebrating Mother's Day early - Saturday night - with the kids telling me to close my eyes and handing me my gift. I told them earlier that I didn't want anything for Mother's Day but they obviously felt differently. John and the kids felt that I would enjoy a point and shoot camera so I can take it with me whenever I'm out and about so I don't always have to carry around our Nikon SLR camera (the thing is pretty bulky but I
LOVE the quality of pictures it takes so I'm not complaining!) I was very surprised and happy!
We then headed off to have a bbq at some close friends of ours. The dinner was fantastic: steak, chicken & veggie shish kabobs, baked beans, potato salad, fruit salad, grilled zucchini and cake & banana pudding for dessert. While dinner was being grilled with all the guys huddled around, us girls sat around talking (or taking pictures and checking on kids). The kids were, without question, having a blast together in various places of the yard or house. Once we ate dinner and cleaned up, we sat out in their front yard for a bon fire to stay somewhat warm while chatting up the night, roasting marshmallows and making smores. It was pretty windy out with strong gusts so everytime the wind blew, the fire would spit at anyone in the direction it was blowing and force people to get up and back away. We had so much fun and our families are planning on a camping trip this summer!
{Mmmm...smores!!!}
Sunday morning, I woke up finding out my hubby let me sleep in a bit while cooking the family breakfast. Jocelyn gave me a great big hug at the table saying "Happy Mother's Day Mama!" :) And then she proceeded to tell Aubrey "Happy Mother's Day" and just as we were about to explain to her through some chuckles that Aubrey isn't a mommy, she went on to tell John "Happy Mother's Day!" I think she GETS what Mother's Day is, but to a small degree...obviously! :) It was cute!
For breakfast, we ate: french toast, (some of us had bananas and peanut butter on them), bacon and orange juice. Delicious! I felt spoiled.
We then rushed and got ready for church - arriving a bit later than I would have liked, but still got there nontheless! The talks were awesome and it was nice having John there to help take care of Andrew - something I'm usually doing solo while we sit on the pew for an hour. Let's just say he gets a bit restless! For his age though, I don't expect anything different - and I'm sure it's going to get worse before it gets better. It really was a treat to have John by my side! "Thanks honey for helping to make my Mother's Day special!"
{My sweet family! It was very windy so this photo is the best out of the few taken!}
{My girls!}
{And my boys!}
{Flowers from my best friend (aka husband!)}
{Cards & gifts from Mother's Day}
Despite it being Mother's Day, I was still looking forward to the kids going down for their naps/quiet time! We all know kids aren't on good behavior ALL day...especially on a special day. :) I love them dearly but they're easier to be around after getting a much needed rest!
During their quiet time, John and I made dinner. We made plans to spend the evening with some other close friends of ours for dinner. We made some Cafe Rio dishes: Costa Vida chicken, lime cilantro rice and dressing, and tortillas to make burritos. We also had some left over baked beans from the previous night and chips and dip. Cheesecake was for dessert!
To fill the void of not having family nearby, especially when celebrating these special occasions, it's sure nice to have good friends around! With that said though, I do miss our families...and they can never be replaced!
*HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE WOMEN IN MY LIFE!
YOU ARE SPECIAL!*
