Hot Date!

 

So two years ago around this time...Jake went out of his way to be AMAZING and took me dancing for the first time.  Our friends had gone to the Mesa High school band/dinner the year before and convinced us to go. So with trepidation Jake attempted to DANCE.  Anyway, it was a total blast and ever since I have been looking forward to going back and trying out the SWING and the 2 step and what not.  Last year I was pregnant and felt horrible so it had to wait till this spring.  This year wasn't AS fun as last year...but we still had some moves.  I was just bummed because before they had people there teaching us how to dance and we NEED that!  haha

Anyway, I just like having a date to look forward to and this was one for sure.  I love Jake and I appreciate him doing something out of his comfort zone!  You rock my dear!!!

Later that night we got to go out with some fun friends from Jake's old job.  It is always so fun to see them.  I wish I would have taken more pics...but here is one.  We ended up doing country dancing with these guys.  Too funny!!

Mother's Day

Left Corner then clockwise: Lucy, Aubrey, Weston, Spencer, Samantha

I put these pics up with the intention to do a blog post about Mother's day.  It really was a wonderful day and weekend really.  We went to Pei Wei sat night.  Then Shelly called and we went shopping together and that was totally fun.  Jake had taken the kids shopping on Sat. and I was wondering what they would be getting me...I love surprises.  Sometimes in the past, I picked my own presents...but this year...I just waited it out.  Sunday morning Jake was actually able to be home from some of his church meetings and that was so nice.  I got cards and colored pages from the kiddos.  Then my presents...Jake got me workout clothes!! I was really excited.  I had actually looked for them myself the night before with Shelly and couldn't find any I liked.  We joined a gym about a month ago and I go almost every day...so they were needed and WANTED! Church was wonderful and I am so grateful for all of the friends, Mom's and Grandmas in my life who are such amazing examples to me.  I love being a MOM.  Although I am not perfect and I find it hard at times.  Being a MOM is by far what makes me the MOST happy in life. 

Later that night we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Watkins and had a wonderful dinner. I loved not having to cook and chiling with the family.   Jake surprised me again with cheesecake (my FAVORITE dessert). 

 

The cute girls with Grandpa Norm.  Not the best pic of this handsome guy...but the girlies look so cute!

The day really was wonderful and over and over again I felt honored and grateful for the wonderful life I have been blessed with.  Not all Mother's days have been easy for me. I know that this day can be hard on so many women.  I remember the one after Samantha died being so hard. Feeling like I may never have the family I often dreamed of.   Then later after Spencer we had a hard time getting pregnant...and that Mother's day was hard. I wanted so desperately to have more children and couldn't understand why that hadn't happened for us yet. I guess I am trying to say that I know Mother's day isn't always a happy day.  Sometimes we have times in our lives where they are hard and maybe feel down.  I have beautiful friends who long for husbands and babies and have the desire to Mother.  I wish this day was always amazing for every girl. I really do. Sadly that isn't how it is...but I hope that we can all have reason to be happy and grateful for our lives.  Remember that life does change and dreams  can come true.  This isn't written very well at all...but what I am trying to say is I am grateful for a Happy Day and I know that it isn't that way for everyone....always;  however, I am going to be grateful for this gift, and pray that all of my dear friends...will have their "happy day" soon enough! 

These silly kids really are each their very own person.  I am in awe of their talents, strengths and STRONG personalities.   

For my kids. 

Aubrey: You are absolutely brilliant.  I am thrilled to see how well you learn and then retain information.  You are a wonderful singer and have hidden musical talents for sure.  I am so glad that you are the oldest and get to help teach and be an example for your brothers....I pray you continue to be a leader and make righteous choices.  I know you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to...and I know you will do amazing things in this life! You are beautiful and kind.  Thanks for beings super organized and wonderful.  Love you!

Weston: You are our "sports boy"...according to you!  Weston though...I want you to know you are more than just super coordinated.  You have been blessed with many talents that I hope you use to serve others.  Weston I want you to be a good boy.  Follow your Father's example and be kind to women.  I hope you are always as hard of a worker as you are now. You bring a lot of joy to me and Dad...we love you "Donny", "Westino Caprino!"

Spencer: You are growing up so fast now days.  I am loving our talks on the way to and from the gym.  You love to have "rituals" and to keep everything fair in our home.  You are a wonderful big brother to our sweet Lucy.  She loves spending time with you and you are sooooo funny!  I am excited to see you develop your personality and talents.  You are going to school next year and Mom will miss you so much!  You're the best! aka Spenner, Benner, Ben...Mookie!

 

And last but certainly not least...

Lucy Bear: You are such a little doll.  We love your smiles, your sweet spirit...your eyes...your chub!!! The list goes on and on. We are so glad to have you in our family and to see who you become.  I personally just LOVE how social you are!!  It is fun to have a baby that smiles at EVERYONE!  I feel you truly make peoples day.  I seriously have random old ladies just hugging you and wanting pics of you!  I let them...because I feel honored to have you in our family and I know that Heavenly Father sent you to this earth for amazing things!!!

All of my kids...Samantha included.  Be patient with me.  Know I want to be a wonderful Mother.  Know I love you!  Know I am grateful for you!  I am so glad to have you in our Eternal Family!!

Lucy Marie: 7 months

I don't quite know what to say about sweet Lucy this month. Not a whole lot has changed.  She still just loves to sit and play with toys and smile and socialize.  She has made NO attempt to roll over or sleep through the night.  She does kind of make crawling motions on her tummy and ends up turning in circles.  She HATES her tummy though and really isn't on it much. Today she was having a hard "teething" day....still no teeth however.  Anyway, it was still her 7 month anniversary so we had a little photo session.  She wasn't very happy...but cute nontheless.  We sure love our little girl and feel so blessed to have her special sweet spirit in our home and family.
 

 

 

 

Biting her lip...alot lately.

 

 

 

 

 

Last day of preschool

This last half of the year Spencer has been going to a co-op kind of preschool.  Myself and 3 other Mom's in our neighborhood have been taking turns teaching the kids.  It has really been a joy with this group of cuties.  Today we celebrated with snacks at the park.   

Enjoying this beautiful life!

We decided to get a gym membership for the summer. We did great our first week. I think we went every day!! We mainly joined for the kids to have a place to swim for the HOT summer months.  We thought we should get into shape first though. Haha

Easter Outfits

So for some reason I was super excited about Easter this year and the "OUTFITS!" 
So about five weeks before Easter I sewed a dress for little Lucy and a skirt for Aubrey!  I finally got my boys some white shirts and ties and spent some time getting my outfit to match.  Then come Easter...Lucy and me were throwing up...not fun.  Then the next Sunday was General Conference!  Which we love...but the outfits had to wait!  Anyway, today we finally were able to wear them.  I am such a dork.  I was super excited!  I just love stuff like this. Life can be so mundane...you gotta enjoy the extra special times!
 Anyway...we even got a WHOLE family pic and all.  Then I took some shots of the kids.  I love these little ones so much.  Even though I gave some very stern looks and "flicks" during Sacrament meeting today.  It is getting harder not easier without Dad sitting with us.  I think the novelty of being "super good" has worn off.  I need to come up with some ideas STAT.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Aubrey has decided she doesn't smile for pics.  Oh boy!

 

She gave in and smile for a few. 

 

 

 

 

 

This little chi ca brings so much love and joy into my life. 

 

 

Lucy 6 months

Seriously...I look forward to doing this every month.  I love taking just a few minutes really to take Lucy's picture and just soak up all of her yummy, cuteness!!! These pics were taken right before a nap and she is still so happy and photogenic. 
So different than she was when she was younger...(but let's forget about that!)

Lucy absolutely brightens my day and everyone she meets.  She LOVES to smile and gurgle and talk to people.  Today I took her to the mall and she just stared at everyone...until they looked at her, then she smiled. 

Lucy sits really well now and grabs her toes and rolls around...but not rolling...(does that make sense?) Anyway, she is eating now.  We just started her a week ago and she LOVES food.  She eats everything we have introduced, sweet potatoes, squash, bananas, rice cereal, apple sauce....you name it. 

She is teething right now, so her sleeping isn't great.  It was getting pretty consistent though with one wake a night and going down unassisted.  We swaddled her right up until just about a week ago...then I decided she was just "too old" for that.  We love this little, chunky bear!!!
 

 

These legs!

 

 

Her eyes are beautiful.

 

Conference Sunday

The kids have been very quiet and well behaved this conference go around. I am loving our sweet little family. Especially grateful for sweet Lucy.... Today marks the day I went into labor six months ago....as we timed contractions all during conference in Oct. Glad to have her chilling in my lap and not trying to get out of me!!

Easter

I was super excited about Easter this year. I made dresses for the girls weeks ago and spent way to much time and energy trying to get outfits for me and the boys as well. Then on sat we cleaned and prepared for family to join us for Sunday dinner....only to find Lucy and myself super sick sat night.   I was super bummed out. Luckily the throwing up subsided by the next day but I still didn't feel well enough to have anyone over. So the kids decorated eggs in the am and went off to church. I was so sad to miss church. It is always even better on easter. Jake even taught one of the lessons.

All in all we still had a wonderful day together as a family and a lovely dinner. I am grateful to know that Easter means much more than Easter eggs or Sunday dresses. I am grateful for our Savior and the resurrection. Happy Easter. Happy news we will all live again after this life. Now on to care for poor Spencer... Looks like the stomach bug found a new friend.

Pinewood Derby

This new calling has been so much fun cause I get to do a lot of it with my friends and my family!  Jake was the MC for the night and opened the race up with the boys running out to a flashing strobe light and the phoenix suns music!  It really was cool. Weston got to be involved this race because his friend Brigham made a car but was out of town.  I made a THE RED WAGON myself. I won one race on one track.  haha
Things moved well and we had yummy treats.  I think it was a success.  No one cried or got annoyed...(except me.) But I always do cause I feel a lot of stress being in charge.  Not really my strength being the boss.  I get rather grumpy and bossy cause I would rather be laughing and chilling while someone else is doing the planning and executing.  Luckily no one has complained yet. I am learning a lot about myself and how to be more organized. I am grateful for all the other people who put so much work into their callings.  It really does take a village to raise these kids!!
Plus, I always end up smiling in the
end!!
  
Awards 

 

The pit stop!

Roadkill...Derby Racers and Old Tires for dessert. 

 

 

The winner of the night! Zack built an awesome skateboard and WON!!
 

I hate this pic of me.  Not my best angle.