I love that paper plate Reilly!! Drawn by her father. Ha ha!!
I had a wonderful Mother's Day especially coming off of a wonderful weekend of relaxation. I am truly blessed with an amazing family. I have the best kids and husband and count my blessings every single day. They did a fantastic job of making me feel special and loved.
After Tyler and I left our hotel we met up with my extended family and we all took our mother to brunch. Our mom loves brunch; as do we. This year she actually let us celebrate her...sometimes she requests to spend Mother's Day alone and requests that we don't do anything. Hmm...what does that say? How are we related? Anyway we lured her out with promises of brunch this year and she willingly obliged. :)
It was also fun to celebrate with Stacey and Kelley too. They are great moms and deserve recognition. I guess I didn't get the memo on the chunky necklace. Ha ha!!
Stacey and John with their kids. I didn't get a picture of Kelley and Elle. :(
After that we went to our favorite greenhouse/nursery and got hanging baskets and flowers. We all went over to Kelley's house briefly and then we went back to our house to do our own celebrating. It was a great day!! The kids had decorated the house so darling and had a special dinner planned for me. Ailey and Bryn don't love that my favorite colors are white, black and gray...but they went with it anyway. :)
They made a cute banner and thoughtfully attached it with painters tape. They definitely are future Sisters Creed employees.
I had sweet messages on the chalkboard, Instagram, and Facebook. A lovely card and phone call from Reilly. Loving (and funny) cards from the kids and Tyler along with lilac bushes to plant in our yard and my favorite perfume. Bryn made me a cute ceramic owl and Ailey wrote me a book of poetry that I adore. Kameron bought me some of my favorite snacks with his hard earned lawn mowing money. Such sweet kids.
Kameron gave me yet another Mother's Day gift that day:
He had Tyler give him his first driving lesson. Hallelujah!! Oh the joy of three drivers in the house. It truly is a gift. It is so funny how much I've changed since Reilly started driving. I absolutely DREADED her being behind the wheel. My friends with older kids would ask me with a gleam in their eyes if I was excited for Reilly to start driving. Uh-No. I thought they were insane. But then she got her license and the light dawned. Now I am the one with a gleam in my eyes. Get practicing boy!!
Tyler grilled us a delicious dinner and we capped off the night watching the Mother's Day episode of my favorite show... The Goldbergs. I was crying with laughter. It's hard to say which episode is my favorite but that Mother's Day one is right up there. I, too, have a drawer of coupons from the kids and I am cashing them all in!!
For dessert we enjoyed these delicious cupcakes baked by Ailey. It is my grandma's hot milk cake recipe (my favorite white cake recipe) with homemade vanilla buttercream frosting. That girl is pure gold!! Actually they all are!!
I hope that you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!!
During the first week in May we celebrated our 21st anniversary!! That is exciting stuff. Married for 21 years and together as a couple for 23 years. I still love him, like him, and am not bored. Sweet!! Hopefully he feels the same. ;)
Our anniversary fell during the week. Since it is May, everything is extra crazy right now...music programs, track meets, all kinds of things going on at the schools ...as the year winds down. Regardless we managed to sneak away for dinner. A delicious sushi dinner that is! Yep, our anniversary started me on my sushi streak. I was also treated to gorgeous flowers and a pedicure. It was wonderful!!
Once the weekend arrived our celebration really began and it was fantastic!! Because we have so much going on we really couldn't head out of town somewhere. So we decided to book a room at a fun hotel downtown and spend the weekend there. It was a blast!! We had the best time and it was nice knowing that we were only 10 minutes from home. I highly recommend a staycation once in awhile or as Tyler called it our "sexcation". ;) Ha ha!!
Just as excited as if we were headed out of town!
Our room was awesome!! We had a balcony and a gorgeous view of the Spokane River. We were also right next to Riverfront Park which was fun. The walking trail for the park was right outside of our hotel.
That night we cut through the park and headed to Nudo one of our favorite restaurants for dinner.
We walked all over downtown. We shopped and bummed around. It was prom for some the high schools in our town so it was fun to see all the kids dressed up. We hung out at the park and enjoyed the view. The weather was absolute perfection!!
The next morning we slept in and had a lazy morning. So needed!! Then we got ready and headed out once again. The weather was sunny and hot. It was in the 80s. Pretty unusual for this time of year.
Here we are out on our balcony. It was so nice with chairs and beautiful view. We watched all the Trump supporters lining up across the river. He was in town for a rally. Interesting people watching for sure!!
Tyler and I went to lunch at the Davenport Tower. It was also the Kentucky Derby that weekend and we were in the mood for a Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich. Have you ever had one of those? If not, find one and eat it immediately. You're welcome. They are decedent and divine!! The Safari Room makes an excellent one. It made us feel like we were in the South again. Kentucky Hot Browns are also super rich. Tyler got one and I got one of my all time favorite salads. It was such a great meal and such a fun lunch date!!
So delicious!!
Then since it was so hot and sunny all I wanted to do was go back to our hotel and lounge by the pool. First pool lounging of the year. Our hotel had a great pool and it was sheer bliss.
People, I cannot tell you how relaxing it is to lay poolside and not have to make sure four children don't drown. I don't know the last time this has happened. Probably not in 19 years. Even though our kids are older and three out of the four are excellent swimmers there never is full relaxation. Ever.
I had this book to read (Loved it!!) and a cold beverage to drink, in between dips in the pool with Tyler to cool off. Sheer heaven. Happy Mother's Day to me!! (Mother's Day was the next day...Perfect timing.) I enjoyed every moment!!
That night we headed back downtown for fabulous dinner. We walked all over this weekend. I was killing it in my FitBit challenges. Miles and miles and miles. I feel that we definitely worked off all the food that we ate. It was an absolutely lovely weekend all around. The kids were great and heeded Tyler's threats of not calling us unless it was an emergency or he would facetime them in a way that would haunt them for life. Ha ha!! The kids did fantastic, we felt relaxed, and it was like we had a mini-vacation and yet we didn't even leave our town. It was a great 21st Anniversary!!
The next morning was Mother's Day and we were meeting my family for brunch at noon so I didn't want room service. Tyler took care of business anyway. The kids were happy that I did get breakfast in bed. :)
The man gets me!! A Redbull Italian soda from the barista at our hotel and a cherry pop tart. Happiness!!
Let's just put a hundred exclamation points after that. I cannot get enough. This meal in particular. It is me and Tyler's go-to order these days. I don't know if it is the warmer weather or what but it could be my meal of choice every single day. I have had this exact sushi at least once a week all through April (and it is still going strong in May.) I always want the exact same order. I rarely deviate. So good!!
2.) Rain Jackets
This is perplexing. I have lived in the PNW for almost 15 years and have never felt compelled to purchase one. What have I been thinking? It is an absolute necessity. I chalk it up to the mystifying hood aversion I never really knew I had and yet did. I haven't had a coat with a hood since circa 1979. It must have started with my 80s bangs and not wanting to deflate my 'do. This year, however, in the midst of a blizzard right before Christmas I broke down and bought a long coat WITH a hood just so I didn't always have snow down my back. I put that coat on and it was like nirvana. What have I been thinking all these years... hoods = amazing. So back to the rain jacket. Reilly has a wardrobe full of them...North Face...many colors. I always thought they were a stupid waste of money. Why would anyone want to wear a "windbreaker" like my grandma? They aren't warm. I'm not a runner. They don't look comfy. What's the big deal? My last windbreaker was also worn in 1979. But then Tyler and I started spending more time in Portland and everyone was wearing them...with hoods...and they weren't drowned rats like we were. Portlandians were outside enjoying nature in their hooded rain jackets...Unlike me stuck inside and crying with annoyance when my outside plans were thwarted due to rain. Hmmm...interesting. Then Tyler suprisingly requested one for Christmas. I bought him a nice black North Face. He wears it everywhere. Then the temps started going up and the rain started coming down. It was too hot to wear my coat with the hood to keep out the rain. What's a girl to do? Finally the light dawned...rain jacket with hood also = amazing. I went to buy myself a cute North Face but liked the cut and color of the Columbia one better so went with that. Mine also has a hood that rolls up...and I particularly like the joy of wearing the collar all popped up 80's style...nay... I love it. So I may be late to the party but I am now fully on board.
3.) Chimichurri Sauce
Again, where has this been all my life? This tasty tangy saucy condiment is outstanding. I could eat it on everything and am currently trying to.
4.) Lilacs
This really should be number one.
5.) The Girls Book Series by Rachel Hollis
This is a book series that I heard about on a podcast (yep, still loving podcasts). The author was being interviewed and I loved her. She was hilarious. Rachel Hollis has a whole lifestyle blog called the Chic Site and a great YouTube channel as well. I didn't think I would like the books but surprisingly I did!! They were a lot of fun (book reviews coming later). They are super quick reads. I think I read the three novels and the novella in a week. They are light-hearted chic lit. Cute, funny, awkward, charming and romantic. Perfect summer or poolside reading. They are delightfully entertaining and the Kindle editions which I read...are super cheap.
April had a lot going on!! First up was Spring Break and our trip to Utah:
Next up: Ailey was in her 6th grade musical. She had two parts and sang a duet and also sang in a trio. She did a fantastic job!! For a little girl who was so shy and timid it has been fun watching her come out of her shell over the years and emerge as this confident and talented young lady.
Emily and Ailey BFFs.
They were Damsels NOT in Distress.
They sang a great duet!!
Her second role was as a villager.
This time their little trio was backed by the chorus.
Ailey's biggest fans and cheering section!!
After Ailey's stellar performance we went out to celebrate.
Ailey chose Wendy's for frosties and fries.
Meki came to town on business and brought Kirin with her. It was so nice to get a little more cuddle time with my cute nephew.
Those cheeks!! So kissable.
Kirin smothered by cousins who all wanted to hold him. He was a good sport!! Not sure what Ailey is doing in this pic but it's the best one I've got of the group. :)
On a low note...our ward was split into three different wards. Kameron and I were not fans. Ouch. It was painful and has taken a few weeks to adjust. Especially coming so closely after being released from YW which has also been painful.
The ward situation has definitely required a bit of an adjustment period. Kam and I both lost really good friends to other wards and Kam lost all of his YM leaders that he loved and.. yeah...it sucked. But we are adjusting to our new ward and it is okay. I am now in the Primary Presidency for the 5th time. 5th times the charm right? I really miss YW but at least I get to see Bryn in Jr. Primary and Ailey and Tyler (he is a primary teacher) in Sr. Primary.
First Sunday in our ward after the split. We were pretty much the first ones there because I had to be there at the crack of dawn to get my new calling and Kameron had to be there early to prepare the sacrament. He was the only teacher there that first Sunday. There are actually now three teachers I believe. Kam was REALLY hoping that we would be moved into another ward that all of his best buddies are in but it didn't happen. Such is life. Thank goodness for seminary and school.
The 6th graders had a big fundraiser to pay for their 6th grade trip to Silverwood the big amusement park here. They sold tickets and had a big car wash. Here are Ailey and her best friend Emily taking care of business. It was fun to see all the 6th graders (and parent volunteers and teachers) working hard and doing a great job. I think the trip will mean a whole lot more to them because they actually had to do something ( i.e work) to go on this trip. And...since according to Ailey...she "IS THE ONLY ONE IN ALL OF 6TH GRADE WHO HAS TO DO CHORES...ha ha...it was probably good for them. :)
Scrub Scrub!!
Ailey and Emily were assigned to wash our suburban but since they are both little midges Tyler gave them a hand. :)
Such a nice Daddy. I think he earned his Silverwood ticket too!! :)
6th Grade is precious.
Remember Kameron's horrible little mustache? Well, it was still there mid-April. He flat-out refused to learn to shave. I don't know what his deal was? Did he think he was going to cut his throat? Did he think he looked awesome? I have no idea. He just refused. He had all the supplies (nice razor and top of the line shaving cream) and a dad who was more than happy to help him take this step toward manhood and STILL he refused. One night while eating dinner out on the deck I had had enough. I threatened to go get my Twinkle eye brow razor and have Tyler pin him down while I shaved it off. (The twinkle eye brown razor doubles as a fabulous peach fuzz remover...there's your beauty tip for the day.) Kam finally relented, after much threatening, to a little twinkle razor action by his mother...no pics were allowed. Then he allowed to Tyler to use an electric razor on him. Sometimes I don't get that kid. It was quite the event.
Tyler demonstrating that it is easy and painless.
See Kam it doesn't hurt.
Tentatively trying it himself...
Ahhh...nice and smooth. Jugular still intact.
On the bright side...literally...The weather here has been gorgeous. Nice and sunny, and warm. It is getting me so excited for summer!! Want to hear something funny? I live in the PNW and I CRAVE sunshine and warm weather. Reilly, who now lives in Utah, complains nonstop that "It is too sunny!! The sun shines every day. It's annoying!!" All she wants are rainy days which she says "make me feel cozy and happy." Huh?! I guess it is all in what you grow up with... She has always wanted to move to CA and she has now informed me that that is out of the question. She wants to move to Seattle and Portland where there is "good weather". HA HA!!
Here were some signs of spring around our house:
Sunday evening walks and bike rides
Night walks at the park are back!! Yay!
I love our night walks. They are so good mentally and physically. (This is usually in addition to my regular workouts since thanks to my nonexistent metabolism I now need two workouts just to maintain my already flabby mom bod. Not cool.) This is also when we hash out whatever needs to be hashed out and when we discuss whatever needs to be discussed without little ears listening. It is when we make plans and take care of business. I love these walks and talks.
Lilacs are blooming in my yard!! My favorite.
This has been super exciting... A robin family has built a nest in our crab apple tree. It is like a gorgeous pink palace. The robin parents have been named Ruby and Ruben. We have been patiently waiting for the little blue eggs to hatch. It has been fun watching the progress of this little bird family.
Spring Jazz Band Concert...Terrible pic but it is documented. Kameron is third from the left.
Fun Food Fridays are still in effect.
I started Fun Food Fridays when Reilly was still in elementary school. This after constant complaints from she and Kameron that we never had any "fun" food at our house particularly for after school snacks. So on Fridays if the kids have been good, on time for school, and morning chores done without whining for the week we go and get a "fun" snack or treat (like the candy store). Fun Food Friday isn't a given. It has to be earned. Reilly and Kameron had somewhat of a point back then...fruit, pretzels, veggies, and the occasional graham crackers...aren't super fun. I've gotten a little more lenient over the years...fruit and pretzels are still the regulars...but now we have things like popsicles, animal crackers, hot chocolate, cheese sticks, and the occasional cookie in the line up but the kids still look forward to Fun Food Fridays. :)
This month we got to participate in the March for Babies Walk for the March of Dimes. We have done this a few times and love it. Tyler's work put together a team and asked our family to be a part of it. We were happy to participate. We were all sponsored for a $100 each which was fun. The kids really enjoyed being a part of it and earning $500 for the March of Dimes wasn't too shabby either.
The day was rainy and cool but it was still really pretty especially along the river.
I love my town!!
It was a fun day for a great cause!!
After that we went downtown and went out to lunch. Scary duck faces. (Sheesh don't click on it.)
Kameron participated in our Stake's Road Show!! Always a good time!! Our building's theme was "Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" mashed up with High School Musical. AWESOMENESS!! The kids did an OUTSTANDING JOB!! Kameron was a nerd. He got all nerded up and then was told that he wasn't nerdy enough and that he looked like a hipster instead of a nerd. Ha ha. Then his glasses broke and I think he was just the right amount of nerdy. Watching Kameron sing and dance while trying to hide behind everyone else was pure gold!! HILARIOUS.
Yep. Nerdy.
One Sunday after church we drove up to my mom's house. She needed a bunch of yard work done, the boat cleaned and vacuumed, some things done around her house, and Tyler's help with several electronic devices. The little girls got to hang out in her craft room and loved every minute. That place is magical. :)
Then another magical thing happened. Cousins came to town for the weekend. Stacey and John went on a weekend getaway to celebrate their anniversary and their kids came to spend the weekend in Spokane. So fun.
Dane and River came with me to bust their cousins out of school right in the middle of the day. It doesn't get much better than that!!
That's a carload of cute kids.
First up... ice cream!!
Then we made our plans. The kids wanted to hit as many parks as possible before Kelley got home from work. They were headed to her house that evening for a pizza and movie night.
Park #1:
We set a timer for a half hour at each park...when it went off...we moved onto the next one.
Park #2: (This park was the favorite toy-wise.)
Park #3:
Park #4 (This was the favorite park beauty-wise)
They were loving the enormous Koi!!
Park #5
We were running late to Kelley's when I got a call from the elementary school saying that there had been two confirmed sightings of one of these near the school:
Yes!! Two confirmed COUGAR SIGHTINGS!!
Since park #5 is near the elementary school we loaded up and headed home. But it was quite a fun and eventful afternoon.
The next day we all headed downtown to see The Jungle Book in 3D:
We all loved it!!
Then we headed across the street to Riverfront Park to ride some rides:
The carousel
Uncle Tyler was there too helping me and Kelley keep track of all the kids.
The quest for the golden ring and a free ride. Ailey showing the cousins how to get 'er done!!
Dane riding a goat.
Then it was onto the Spider:
These two have come A LONG WAY in their daringness!!
These girls rode the roller coaster.
Then we walked all over the park, checked out the falls, and walked across all the bridges. The falls were pretty spectacular with all the spring run off. Then Aunt Kelley took all the kids to the rock store and let them pick out some polished rocks. They loved it and we were there forever while they mulled over which rocks to choose.
Then it was back to the mall for some food. Later that night all the cousins hung out at Aunt Kelley's again and had a bonfire and s'mores. The cousins weekend was a success!!
That pretty much closed out April. It was a good month.
I am a stay-at-home mom and small business owner. I have four FANTASTIC kids: Reilly (29), Kameron (25), Ailey (21), and Bryn (17). I have been married to my amazing husband Tyler for 31 years. We are also grandparents to four cute grandkids and another on the way!
