Dancing Queen

Little Miss Carys had her dance recital yesterday. She did AWESOME! I know she is my daughter and I am partial, but she was the cutest thing in the world! She had a ballet routine and Jazz routine. Her teacher picked out the most adorable outfits imaginable! It is hard to believe that she has completed a year of dance. I am already excited for next year.

This is Carys with her beautiful flowers that her Daddy and brother picked out for her.

Pre-recital shot!

Doesn't she look so grown up?

Happy Mothers Day to me!

I had the wonderful privilege of spending the day with Broderick yesterday at school and Thursday with Carys at school. Broderick school didn't really have a mother's day thing, but they did make us these adorable note pads. He drew a picture of our family at the top and then wrote his name. So cute! He did have a field trip and I got to go. We had a great time. We went on a hike, which is right up Broderick's alley. I have helped out a lot in his class this year and really gotten to know his teacher well. She has been fabulous and I will miss her a ton next year. I love spending time with Broderick at school. It is so fun to see him interact with his friends and learn so much. Last night he read me 2 books all by himself. Amazing! Today he wrote a book for his sister. It was called, My sister likes pink. It was so cute.
On Thursday Carys school had a mother's day program. I did this twice with Broderick and each year enjoy it so much. Carys teacher has also been amazing this year. Instead of just watching the kids sing we got to sing and dance with them to one song. It was so fun! Then her teacher made these adorable cupcake/cookie treats, (she makes the best stuff! The cupcakes had zucchini in them. I am making chocolate graham crackers today that her teacher made for the kids. I will let you know how they turn out.) and we got to make a book together. It was such a special time with Carys.

Here she is singing, You are my Sunshine.

I can not tell you how happy I am to be the mother to these wonderful kids. I am not going to lie and sugar coat the truth...they are challenging and sometimes push me over the edge. Just yesterday in fact, I had one of those moments. I saw a movie with a friend last weekend and a guy made this quote about being a parent, "It's awful, awful, awful. And then there is this moment. And then it is awful, awful, awful. And then there is this moment." I don't know that I would say it is awful being a parent, but I get that! There are times that we just want to lock ourselves in a closet and scream, or cry or just be silent. But then one of those precious children, that sent you to the closet in the first place, says something, or does something that
makes you laugh, or climbs into your lap gives you a great big kiss and says "I love you!"
I know that these precious lives are a gift from God and he uses them in ways I never thought imaginable. They reveal sin in my life. They teach me truths about the Lord that no other human being could. They bring me joy, tears, laughter, and pain. I love watching them grow and become their own people. I am so blessed on this Mother's Day!

What's been on my mind lately

> My wonderful mom turned 50 a few weeks ago. Doesn't she look good for 501?

> I can't believe school is almost over! I have had a great year with the kids. Loved both of their teachers and will miss them greatly! And...my oldest is going to be in 1st grade after summer! AHHHHHHH! Where does time go!

> I loooooove this beautiful weather and can't get enough of being outside!

> I am looking so forward to our 2 summer trips and planning our 10 year anniversary trip! Wootwoot! (really looking forward to that trip!)

> We have been going through Ephesians with house church. Only a few weeks left, but I have been loving it! I tell you what...there are some amazing women in my house church. They are really helping me in my walk with the Lord!

> Carys has her dance recital in a few weeks. I can't wait to see her in her little costume up on stage. She is going to be gorgeous!

> Speaking of Carys...she turns 4 in less than 2 months! She is such a crack up...love watching her grow!

> I turn 29 in less then 2 months! That is a whole other post!

> Had a great day/night out with my friend Carrie. She doesn't have a blog, but she needs one! (Did you like that Carrie, I know you are reading this!)

> Can't wait to celebrate all the great mom's in my life this weekend!

> Going out to a "surprise" with the kids! Can't wait!