There Goes May

 May was spent reading and writing and reading and writing some more. I'm in my last semester of the Pathways program and they saved the best (not really) for last. In my English class I've written a love letter to hairspray, a paper about some thing I believe in (the power of thank you) and a paper arguing money doesn't really bring you happiness. In my religion class I've read a minimum of four conference talks a week, reported on each one, more reading/book work and a big practicum project that lasts the whole semester. I am almost finished collecting all 80 quotes for my practicum. If you need a quote on Faith, Agency, the Atonement, Pornography, Covenant Keeping, Forgiveness, Harmony in our Homes or Service, I am your girl. Each quote is nicely referenced and ready for you to use in your next talk or lesson. One one hand it's been great to study and learn from all these different talks and subjects. On the other, it's completely overwhelming. I wont admit to how many times I've fallen asleep while reading (or listening) but it's been more than twice, ha.

 Here's a a few photos from our month-

 Owen can get this girl to do just about anything. She rides him around on this bike, turns his wagon into a covered wagon for shade and shares her pillow on movie night. I would have loved a little two year old brother to play with when I was 13. It makes me happy that she enjoys him so much.

 Every single time I think about taking a bath, I reconsider because I'd be messing with Owen's playground. He loves to haul toys from his room and play in my tub. I clean them up and the next day they're back (so I quite cleaning them up). Who knew a dry tub would be so fun!

 Reed could not wait to give me the gift he made at school for Mother's Day. It came with a cute little card that said I was a jewel of a mom and how he would love to buy me a diamond necklace. But, since he was just a child, he could only give me a 'Dime-On Necklace'. By far this is the most clever gift made at school. I wore it to church and Reed was a proud boy.

They have made me breakfast in bed on Mother's Day for a few years. It didn't require much planning when we had 1pm church but with 830 church I thought they might skip making breakfast. Nope, I heard them shushing each other in the kitchen by 610am. So grateful for Kat. Dane was planning to wake up at 5am to get started but she held him off until 6am (he made the pancakes himself and was incredibly proud). Last year the food was balanced on a cookie sheet. This year they balanced all that food on a pizza stone. I think it might be time to gift myself a breakfast tray.

 Kat asked for tissue paper and I thought it was for wrapping a present. Instead, I woke up to tissue paper flowers. Her mind is always working. Milo took them shopping and they bought me two new covers for my phone (mine was broken). They were so excited to announce that they couldn't decide which one they wanted to buy so they bought both. 'One was $7 on sale and the other one was $20.' They had to share because they know I love a good deal. So funny.

 

With early church now, our traditional picture had to take place after church. Probably pretty obvious with the untucked shirt. I've looked at this picture multiple times this month. I love these little people of mine so much. I'm grateful they love me too. (Nathan is almost taller than me even thought he looks like he is here. After he saw this picture he wanted to measure back to back everyday. He's sure it's going to happen soon. It probably will. Sniff.)

  I made a glazed Angel Food cake for dessert. It's one of my favorites. We had a good day together. Dane and Reed sang in church and Reed is still young enough to give me a big wave. Though he was the only one to throw his arms up in the air (haha), I loved every second of it.

 I started wearing my hair curly after a long hiatus of using my curling iron. It's been fun to have something new-ish and I feel much less frumpy.

 We went to Seattle for Jared's homecoming a couple weeks ago. We were busy. We went to the Lego Store, a couple really fun parks (that spinning merry-go-round!), saw Kyle and Heidi's new home and ended our night at the rocky beach in Mulkiteo. We tried keeping the kids out of the cold water but we were not successful. A couple were soaked to the bone! I love all the grandkids (minus one) on the log. Poor Chelsea was done for the night so she stayed in the car with Granny DeeAnn who was also done for the night. The next morning we went to church to hear Jared report and hung out at Jill's all afternoon. I don't think I took a single picture while we were there. We had a great time hanging out and catching up.

Owen has a Woody toy he carries around all. day. long. I walked around the corner and found this. He hung up Woody's hat. Break my heart cute. If he didn't run away from me at the library and hide behind shelves yelling, 'Mom. Over here!', I'd wish him this age forever.

 Kathryn and I made a whirlwind trip to Oakland, CA for a family wedding. We had the best time. Well, except for driving at night on California freeways. That was far from fun. I almost lost it a couple times because I had no idea where I was going. I wondered every few minutes why people live there. Sorry California folks. We sang Disney songs, played the ABC game a few different ways, played Going to Grandma's house, 20 questions, listened to 6 John Bytheway talks and talked and talked with each other. We drove over 1800 miles in four days. She only watched two movies and rarely played electronics to help keep me alert and awake. She was a champ.

The Oakland temple was stunning. The grounds were beautiful and full of the best smelling flowers. Literally everywhere you walked you could smell the scent of flowers. The back of the visitor's center is glass, ceiling to floor, and you can see the San Fransisco bay. It was a gorgeous day. I hope it's a trip neither of us will forget. I'm so glad she is my daughter and this trip confirmed how blessed I am to be her mother.