Check Us Out!

Nate and I are moving up in life. For us that means that for two Friday's in a row we had a babysitter come watch the kids while we went out. Our first Friday extravaganza was to see the Broadway show "Wicked." It was pretty much awesome!

The second Friday out we redeemed Nate's surprise Christmas present from me -- a zipline tour for two (love those "we" gifts). It was a completely new experience for me and one that I totally loved. We could be in trouble, though -- I think I'm addicted to getting a babysitter once a week and going out. Once a week is so much more fun than twice a year!

This is sweet Jilli doing what she does best, being sweet!

Jaxton has lost three teeth in the last month, which puts him at a grand total of five teeth lost. Front teeth missing is one of my favorite looks!

Apparently Mac's workout plans are working. Checkout the biceps on these fella's. Lately they've been mastering the skill of pull-ups, something I don't think I could ever do.

I just realized that I have no pics of Beck in this post, so here's a shout out to him. We've been talking a lot about being proactive and responsible in our family and tonight Beckam walked straight in from a ballgame, right upstairs, brushed his teeth, put his jammies on and was quietly waiting in his bed to read scriptures. Proof that all that yakking pays off sometimes. Go Beck!

Mother's Day

Years ago I was told that Mother's Day was the least attended Sunday of the entire year. When I asked "why" I was told "Women don't like going to church and feeling guilty about all the things they are not doing, especially on Mother's Day." I've thought about that statement over the last few years and I've come to the conclusion that I completely disagree.

It's true, that the entire Sunday's program is usually "mom centered" and that we are bombarded with stories of fabulous women who have changed the lives of their children and others through their kindness, patience, wisdom and grace. I've decided that while I may not measure up to these women in the world's eyes, in my children's eyes I am that person. (You've got to love children's naivety.)

Because I am the one woman that my children spend the most time with, they blindly think that I am the bravest and strongest, that I run the fastest and longest, that I make the best cookies, that I'm the most creative, that I am all-knowing and that I do for others far more than I do for myself.

I love that I can do something completely out of my comfort zone, like play in a basketball game and never make a single point, yet from the sidelines I hear a chorus of four little voices cheering, "Go mom! You're the best!" I'm not sure how long my children will think I'm wonderful for -- my days could be numbered for all I know, but for now, I'll take it and enjoy every moment of it.

Here's to the incredible women of the world that will inevitably be recognized over the pulpit year after year and to the regular women who are anything but "regular" in the eyes of their own. Happy Mother's Day!