What makes me smile?

A few weeks ago at a Relief Society activity I was asked several questions by a sweet sister whom was trying to get to know me a bit better. One she asked kind of made me reflect and I wanted to write it down and remember it.

That is what my blog is for me a place to look over the happy memories. Especially on those days when you want to run away even just for a few minutes. Days when rude people in grocery stores make you doubt or question what you are doing with your life.

(Donaven got really upset when a complete stranger got on to him
for"misbehaving" in public. He was only singing.)

Evenings when you make chocolate chip cookies for dinner...

and decide to throw in a few frozen items from the freezer so you don't feel like a complete failure as a mother.

The question was:
What makes me smile?

With out a moments hesitation I answered;
Seeing my boys smile...

You know what it really is true!

Seeing their happy little faces and the depth of love they show me on a daily basis completely out shadows all the silly little things that bring me down. I love them more than words can express! I am going to try harder to show them that love more regularly and try to be more patient during the difficult times.

What makes you smile?

Brothers!

National Train Day

The city of Longview celebrated National Train Day over the weekend. We had some down time on Saturday and decided to go check things out. Parking for the event was downtown and they had a shuttle that took us to the Amtrak station. Donaven loved riding on the bus like a 'big boy," not in a car seat. Stepping off the bus we were met with tables full of toy trains and tracks.

Donaven was hooked. It was pretty difficult pulling him away from the toys.
Finally he agreed to walk down the tracks to go see the real thing.





While we walked down to the engine another train passed by blowing its whistle.

Donaven bravely getting right to the edge.
Worrying mommy a bit!

Emerson not to sure if he likes the loud train...



A kind engineer insisted on taking this picture.

It was a pretty hot day, but we still had fun together.

Post Script

Emerson really did not want to wear his hat. He attempted to pull it off the whole time...

Success!

Mothers Day Suprise

Saturday night before mothers day, Brandon put the boys to bed and we stayed up just hanging out with each other. It was so nice and reminded me of when we were dating and we would fill hours upon hours just being with each other. We watched a movie. Talked about my concerns about the boys. He really listened and helped me see ways to make adjustments and goals to correct behavior. We even prayed together just the two of us.

Sunday morning he woke up early and headed to church for meetings. I got the boys ready and off we went to church. I was met in the parking lot by my sister Angie. She surprised me with a lovely charm bracelet filled with sweet pictures of my boys.

After church my mother-in-law made a feast. We brought her tulips and a homemade card. It will probably me one of the last times she had her entire family under one roof for quite some time. Coty will be joining the Navy soon. Coty surprised us all with very sweet cards and gifts. Mine was a thoughtful bedtime devotional book. The boys started to get cranky so we walked back home promising to come back later for dessert. Living across the street from your in-laws does have a few advantages!

We all took a restful nap. I was awakened by Donaven shouting Happy Mothers Day... I was a little confused. Brandon had let me sleep about an hour longer than the rest and they surprised me with dinner in bed. A delicious omelet with bacon and cheese. Brandon explained that he felt bad for not being able to do something nice that morning but he had still wanted to do something. I was really touched.

At the last minute we decided to go to the park in Hallsville before the sun set. We had fun swinging, blowing bubbles, playing kickball, and digging in the dirt with crocodile. (Donaven's new favorite toy.) When we could no longer see one another we loaded up the boys and headed to Grammy's house. There we enjoyed strawberry shortcake and smiles until we could no longer keep our eyes open.

It was a really special day celebrating motherhood. I am so blessed to be the mother of my two little guys. They bring me so much joy.

Just for fun here is a picture of me and my boys last year on mothers day.

(Yes Emerson is there with us too... :)

I hope you had a lovely mothers day as well!

Time flies...

During nap time today I went through all my pictures I have ever taken. I was overwhelmed by everything I had all ready forgotten just in the three short years I have been blessed to be a mother. I even found some pictures I had never seen before.

Like this one of Emerson, just a few days old and clinging sweetly to his fathers finger. He was so tiny. His preemie outfits were to small. I can't believe that was only 10 months ago. My tiny little baby has grown up into a curious, fun loving little guy who lights up a room with his bright blue eyes, and charming smile.

I love being his mom and watching him grow. It is crazy how time flies by so quickly and you don't even realize it until you stop and look back...

Easter Extravaganza

Easter has come and gone. It was a wonderful holiday filled with reflections on the Savior, His infinite Atonement and the promise of Eternal Life. It was fun teaching the boys about the symbols of Easter. The best part was getting to spend a lot of time together as a family.

Donaven teaching Emerson all about hunting eggs.

Taking a break to hide himself instead of the eggs!






Yummy treats.

Isn't that the cutest butterfly cupcake ever.


We had more than our fair share of sunny park days.


Quality time with daddy.



Dressed up in our Sunday best to worship together as a family.





One last one just for fun!



Happy Easter

Addictions

Some people smoke. Others gamble, or eat chocolate.

I make bows...

While giving into this guilty pleasure late one night, this is what Donaven did to my craft room.

That's what I get for making bows and not putting him to bed!