Weekend Goodness

It was a busy weekend.

Most weekends are!
I started my part-time job and worked Friday night and Saturday.

I went to bed when I got home on Saturday!

Mama was tired!

Sunday started with my weekly meeting with the bishop, then a stop at the gym.

Oh, how I love the gym on Sundays.

Me, myself and I!

It's so good for my brain!!

Then, this little peanut... who isn't so little anymore... like 6'3" not so little anymore... and I went to the ballpark.

It's my happy place.

It was hotter than hot, but we enjoyed every minute!

Yup, I sure do keep score at the games!!!

Mother's Day & Babies

What a great weekend!

Friday, Braxton texted me and asked me if he could get us Mom & Son tattoos.

Okay!
I've wanted to get one on my left arm since the stroke!

I did it!
Mine is Tibetan for "Believe."

It fits me perfect!

Braxton says "Survivor."

I was so brave, Yo!

Mother's Day weekend was busy, but so good!

Saturday, we had dinner with Matt's mom and stepdad, visited the twins at the hospital and took Colton to get ice cream when Kaydon was working!!

Sunday, Matt made the most delicious breakfast!!!

My little mini-me and I went on a walk to the store.

And, Jackson called twice!!!

I love that boy so much! 

The twins are getting there... Dante is sick again, but not as sick as he was before.

Lily just wanted Uncle Matt snuggles.

It melted my heart.
We were able to go and kick Ashlee out for a few hours.

Dante struggled a bit and I was SO THANKFUL for my experience with my sick babies.

I was able to intelligently convey my worries to the nurse and she worked WITH me to help him.

I was very impressed with their nurse that day!

I pray that they will continue to get stronger and be able to get home soon!

An Unexpectedly Beautiful Weekend

Thursday, Josh texted me and told me that Brooklyn was really wanting to see the boys and I. I told him that we would love to have her. He told me that he was working on Saturday 5:30 am - 2:20 pm. I suggested that she sleep at our house and stay with us Saturday until he got off of work. He then asked me if I would also like to have the baby. I was a little caught off guard. I obviously haven't even seen the baby yet. I told him I would talk to my boys and get back with him. I spoke to each of my boys, individually. Everyone was okay with it. So, late Friday evening Josh brought Brooklyn (who was absolutely ecstatic to see us) and the baby. The baby sat in his baby carrier for a little bit while I allowed all of my emotions to process. I just looked at him. He is a beautiful baby. I took him out, changed his diaper, put him in his pajamas, then I held him. I allowed myself to cry. I allowed myself to feel. I allowed myself to forgive. I allowed myself to love.

Brooklyn crawled into bed with me and the baby (his name is Treyvan, but I call him Goober) slept next to me in a bassinet. I was up most of the night. He is a loud sleeper. When Kaydon heard him fussing at 5:30, he came in to see if he could help. I made a bottle to feed him and Brooklyn asked Kaydon to crawl into bed with her, so he did. The baby and I went downstairs to feed him and then we fell asleep on the couch. As the children woke up, they each took their own personal time with him as well. Both Braxton and Kaydon fed him. Jackson spent time tickling his arms and talking to him. The three of them tried to figure out how to change a diaper (it was the funniest thing I have ever seen!). We played outside, put Legos together, ate popsicles, and watched Baby Einstein. It was an unexpectedly beautiful day.

When Josh came to pick them up, Brooklyn cried and cried. I pulled her aside and told her that I would always be her mama and the boys would always be her brothers. She nodded and cried somemore. She told her dad that this was his fault and that she was very mad at him. He acknowledged it and told her he was so sorry and that he knew he messed up very, very badly. Then, off they went.

Our family of five then celebrated Kaydon's 14th birthday. Oh, my boys crack me up! They are so dang funny.

Oh, how I love my children. Oh, how I am so thankful for forgiveness and joy. Oh, how I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father who is very patient, who has a plan for us, who knows best, who loves us so very, very much.

My Weekend - Ditched and Ticked

Friday night, my boys ditched me. They were there one minute and gone the next. I guess friends are a little more important some days! So, I went and got myself a Swig and went to Joann's and got a new coloring book and a little craft project to hang pictures in my office. So there, boys!!

Saturday, I worked all day and got home around 8:30 that night. When I was pulling up into the driveway, I noticed a whole flock of teenage boys on my roof. Then, I saw them scatter like geese. They knew they were in trouble. Apparently the look on my face said it all!

Honestly, though, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love being a mama of these boys and all of their friends!

Our Trial & Triumph - Weekends

Saturday, we went to get family pictures done. People, I CANNOT wait to get these back! It was SO fun and my boys are so handsome! Well, Friday Braxton came home and showed me that he had a great big shiner on his left eye. He got elbowed in the hallway at school. WHAT?! Braxton, are you serious? Family pictures are tomorrow. He just smiled that irresistible smile and walked away.

After family pictures, we went to the DI. Did you know that on Saturday mornings when the DI opens, it's like Black Friday? People were lined up outside. I thought for sure something magical was about to happen! And it did. They opened the doors. That's it. That's all. They opened the doors. Nothing magical. Weird. The boys looked through treasures and found an old-fashioned monitor thing that we used to have in classrooms for the projector to shine on. It was $10. I was the best mom every when I said, "yes." Next, we headed to Sam's Club for groceries. When we got home, I told the boys that I needed some me-time. I needed to re-charge. My old boss and dear friend, Ryan, always tells me to re-charge and to take time for me. So, I did. I got a Diet Coke and headed to the Clinton nail place. I closed my eyes and relaxed while a nice young man rubbed my feet and my legs. It was exactly what I needed.

Sunday was full of church and Family Home Evening. Braxton taught us about doing our best and about not judging others, because we never know what people are going through. He is such a great teacher. I'm so proud of my boys!