14 years

I had a whole other post planned for today. It involved Ian and I answering questions about each other (which we did, last night). The scary (or maybe good) thing is: we pretty much know all about each other. That's what 14 years of marriage does. We know each other's favorite book, band, movie, food, dessert...all those super important things (at least my kids think so). But most importantly we know that we still not only love each other, but like each other too. We know that we have each other's back. And that we're in it for the long haul.

And nothing makes me happier.

p.s. my super talented sister in law Tricia took the picture. It was amazing what she got in a 30 minute photo shoot - she's the best!

12 years ago today

I had my first baby.

Crazy. The day Alexander was born was one of the best days of my life. It felt like a new beginning. Like Ian and I were finally a family. It was scary - the thought of being in charge of this little being for the next 18 years (at least). But the feeling I remember most was overwhelming joy.

For the first 4 months of Xander's life, I felt like I was just surviving. Between feedings, changings and crying I barely slept at all. I remember every day around 5 he would start to cry. And cry. For 2 hours straight. At least. Ian and I would tag team - but nothing either of us would do helped. I remember the first day he didn't cry. I felt like we had just hurled over a major parenthood milestone. I know now that it was merely a speed bump.

For the first year of Xander's life I was anxious for his "firsts". I couldn't wait for him to smile, crawl, get his first tooth, walk. I wanted him to keep growing and doing. I wish I had savored him more. Held him more and just enjoyed being his mother. At the time, life seemed to move so slow. Now I feel like I blinked and he's 12.

I love that Xander is passionate about fishing.

I love his sense of humor.
I love the comics he draws. He's so talented.

I love to watch him play with Ruby, Molly or Matthea. He'll make an awesome dad someday.
I love the hugs he gives me. And the talks we have.

I love how responsible he is. I can count on him always.

I am so honored and proud to be his mother. Happy birthday Xan!

I love Mondays

Monday night FHE (Family Home Evening)

I have always liked Mondays. I feel energized and motivated after the weekend to make the most of Mondays - which are like new beginnings to each week. So what if the previous week sucked, now it's Monday and this week will be AWESOME (even if it isn't). Since I've started working, I like Mondays even better. I don't work Mondays so I have the whole day to catch up on what I need to get done and to just be a mom. Which is what I like to do best.

I took my boys to the dentist yesterday. On the way home, I was telling them how I had to go into my sister's dental clinic in a little while and that they were in charge of Evan until dad got home. Ben looked at me and said, "But mom, I didn't even see you today!" We then made a rule that Mondays were strictly for us. That I would do my best not to make any plans on Mondays so I could spend more time with them.

Some of my favorite "mother" moments yesterday:

1. Evan & I having lunch with Kahea & Pono at Peter Piper Pizza

2. Picking the boys up from school - hearing about their day

3. Xander and I planning his birthday party

4. Ben telling a joke in the car and then I almost had to pull over because we all were laughing so hard (mostly I was laughing at Ben's telling of the joke - he starts to laugh and then can't finish what he's saying)

5. Max holding my hand as we walked into the dentist office

It's the little moments that make my Monday.

Brothers

I came home from work yesterday to find Ben & Max watching tv and holding hands. It was the cutest thing ever. Max had his hand on top of Ben's. When I tried to sneak up to take a picture, Max (all the while watching tv) quickly pulled his hand away. I tried to get them to re-enact it, but they wouldn't (I even bribed them with ice cream!). I don't know two boys who were meant to be brothers more than those two. They discuss and play football, baseball & basketball together. They jump on the trampoline. Make up games. And fight. But they always make up.

Looking at this picture I realize that Max is wearing the same thing today that he wore yesterday. Which means he didn't shower or change his clothes. How does one teach one's child about hygiene? Because believe me, I've tried!

Easter in Pictures

Egg hunt at grandma & grandpa's:

I love this picture:

Grandpa gives the best underdogs!

Sunday morning the kids got their Easter baskets and then searched for eggs in the yard. They all still love to find and hide eggs. Later we went over to Ian's parents for Easter dinner and more egg hunts.

Max blowing up a rocket balloon at Nana & Papa's.

Matthea found all over her pink eggs (or rather Sean found them for her :) )

Evan found the golden egg! The other boys were jealous.


Playing target ball:

Ben pouting in a tree (Xander kept beating him at target ball).

My favorite part of Easter was Sunday morning when we all sat down together and watched Conference. I love being with my family.

Friday

we colored eggs at the park.

The kids loved it.

Xander colored one egg, let me take a picture then ate it (the egg, not the picture).

Evan colored all of his eggs and most of Xander, Ben & Max's. Ben & Max weren't very happy about that.

Ben's red egg was one of my favorites.

This was Ro's favorite egg:

It was a fun, relaxing day.

Friends Forever

I spent the afternoon at the park with these two cuties.

Ruby sure loves her cousin Molly.

She kept trying to get Molly's attention.

Molly was playing it cool.

I think they're going to be friends for life.

I have

had a lot on my mind lately. My moods alternate from sad, depressed, worried, angry and stressed to happy, joyful, giddy and silly. Sometimes trying to stay positive and upbeat wears me out! Especially when I am trying to make others happy too. Anyway, as I read my sister Kim's blog today I started thinking about all the things that have made me happy this week. The biggest thing (or person) that makes me happy is Ian. He makes me laugh every day and for me, that's HUGE. We hang out, watching shows and just have fun. It does a lot to alleviate my stress. Plus I know he tries to make me happy - he makes dinner, helps with homework, gives Evan baths (which is a pain) -basically he tries to make my life easier. And I love him.

On Saturday I took Xander fishing. He's been asking me to take him fishing for months. I'm so glad I finally did. I got to see him doing something he loves and I got to spend one on one time with him. Not only is he my son, but he's my friend too. He trusts me with his secrets - it makes me happy that he knows he can trust me. Since I've started working, he has shown me so much love and support. He hugs me and tells me he loves me every day. He is extremely helpful - and hardly ever complains. I love him so much.

Other things that have made me happy this week:

-listening to music - particularly The Killers, Motion City Soundtrack & The Format

-Food - homemade oreos, Jared's peanut butter cookies, Joe's Farm Grill

-friends - Tricia, Tiffany, Jill...friends who are always willing to listen to me and who understand me

-a clean house - the boys helped me clean for hours Monday

-hanging out with Nate, Mandie and their brood

-good TV (and the fact that Ian and I love the same shows -LOST, AI, Castle, Modern Family, Chuck...)

Most of all...I'm happy it's almost the weekend!