The final outing

I thought I could handle him going to kindergarten, but as it gets closer I'm not so sure. I'm going to miss him singing "Justice Beaver" from the backseat, his chubby hand in mine as we cross parking lots, his 4 year old opinion on what door mat and scented lotion I should buy, his body flopped across my lap so I can tickle his back while we watch Curious George. I'm really going to miss this boy and our adventures together. It's so hard closing the door on this chapter of my life, having babies at home is all I've known for the past 14 years. I know there's so many wonderful things in store for us both as this new chapter begins, but I just need some time to mourn. I wanted to do something special with just the two of us before the kids got out of school, so we spent the afternoon picking peaches at the farm. Dusty flip flops, juice dripping down his elbows, sweat beading at his temples, sunlight filtering through the leaves as he carefully examined each one, inspecting for size, color and firmness. He took his job very seriously. We chit chatted as we walked and picked, pausing to sample the juciest ones. He thought I was thirsty and brought me a paper cup of water while I waited in line to pay. I snuggled him on my lap on the hay ride back, letting my lips linger a little longer on his flushed cheeks. I'm really going to miss him. Like a lot.

Preschool Graduation

He requested to dress fancy and carefully chose his Sunday best. He led the pledge with his hand proudly placed on his heart and his head cocked back just so. He knew every word and action to "Slippery Fish". He slid down the slide with purpose. He accepted his certificate with a firm handshake and a grin from ear to ear. Cookies were eaten, small talk was exchanged, pictures were snapped, then just like that my baby graduated from preschool. I am still in denial. He had such a fun year, he's grown leaps and bounds since the first day when I tried dropping him off and he clung to me with tears streaming down his face. It broke my heart and now it's breaking all over again picturing him climbing on that big yellow school bus in a few short months. But let's not think about that now. Right now I'm so proud of this boy, the way he stepped outside his comfort zone to make new friends and develop a new confidence and the way he learned and grew over the past year. Seeing him run towards me with a huge smile on his face every day at pick up is one of my all time favorite memories. He makes me so proud to be his mom, and that little pose he is striking in the picture below just kills me dead. Congratulations Ryder, the world is yours for the taking.

Mother's Day 

I always look forward to Mother's Day, not just for the breakfast in bed, gifts, homemade cards and an afternoon nap while Jason slaves away behind a hot grill. Those things are wonderful, but what I love most is the chance to reflect on what a blessing it is to be a mother to each of these amazing kids.  My heart is full.

Jason is the executive secretary in the ward and on a few occasions his brought some of my homemade cinnamon rolls to their early morning meetings. They're always a big hit and when they were trying to decide what to do for the women in the ward for Mother's day, they unanimously agreed that they should make these. It was cute. And they turned out delicious.

8th Grade Formal

All that stuff about Kylie growing up so much this year, this right is exactly what I'm talking about. Just look at her...she is a vision of beauty heading off to the 8th grade formal dance. So grateful for the wonderful friends she has, she's made so many great new friends this year and has strengthened other friendships that she's had for years. These girls right here have been friends since kindergarten and it has been fun to see the amazing young women they have become. You know you're best friends when you all show up wearing almost the same dress, they couldn't have planned it any better! She had a blast at the dance and then her friends all piled into a big party bus complete with neon lights, balloons and bumpin music that took them to In-n-Out. It made me wish I were 14 again!

Fourteen

I still remember the first time I held her, as if it were yesterday. Since I had a c-section they took her straight to the nursery and I didn't get to see her for a few hours. Longest few hours of my life. I was in and out of a drug induced haze, but I will never forget when they brought her to me. A tiny pink bundle with a strong cry that stopped the moment she was in my arms. That instantaneous bond was electric and I knew my life would never be the same. I just had no idea just how much that little 6 lb 13 oz human would change my life for good. Every year I say the cliche, "I can't believe she's getting so old", but this year I mean it. This year she has grown up before my eyes into a beautiful full fledged teenager. Complete with eye rolls, hours getting ready for the day, a phone attached to her at all times and hanging out with friends becoming a first priority. Despite the occasional teenage angst, she really is such a fun girl to have around. We share the same interests in music, shopping and movies. I record every chick flick that comes on TV so that we can stay up late watching them on the weekends. She's got such a fun sense of humor and an attractive confidence about her. She drinks pickle juice out of the jar, but doesn't like chocolate chip cookies. She is a great friend and example to others. So grateful to have a daughter as a best friend, she truly brings such joy to my life.  Happy birthday, Kylie, we love you!!