Ten little things that made my Mother’s Day Special

1. Hubby made me French toast. At least, he tried to. I woke up to a smoke filled house, windows open, and a plate full of a sloppy, yet burnt pile of what was supposed to be toast. He told me, “I am totally messing this up. I give up.” And he turned it off.

2. After giving the girl’s regular cups to drink their milk out of, Claire of course dropped hers. In her saddened voice, with a sad, sad face, she told me, “Mommy, I sorry.” She helped me clean it up with paper towels. I had to hug her for that.

3. Azure got to sing with the Primary. It is her first year and even though she didn’t really sing, it made me feel special to see her up there in honor of me. And to top that, Claire wanted to sing even though nursery kids don’t go up, she went anyway. I loved every second.

4. Azure gave her very first talk in Primary. I helped her. It was about Mothers. I must admit, I talked myself up a bit. Wouldn’t you?

5. I received a Tulip from the Primary kids. Actually, it was half a tulip because some of the petals were missing. But at least I can say I got a flower today. They also made the cutest cards shaped like purses for me. I love them.

6. While the kids were napping, I sat and read. I have been so busy lately that I haven’t had to time to just sit and indulge in a good book. It was bliss.

7. I took the cutest interview video of Azure who talked the whole time about her upcoming wedding to a certain little boy. Apparently she has every detail planned out down to the name of their firstborn daughter, (no, it can’t be a boy) Cinderella. I don’t know if this boy will agree to that, or any of her plans, but it gave me a good laugh.

8. Family dinner at mom’s. Always an adventure there, but when you get to spend time with your mom and sister in law on Mother’s day and chat about random things, it’s even better.

9. Strawberry shortcake. Need I say more?

10. The kids reminded me about family prayer before they went to bed. Not only that, but they went to bed without complaint and I was able to finish the last bit of my book.

Although these are small and simple things, they are great things to me. One thing I did notice was that my girls were so sweet and it was nice to just have a peaceful day with no arguing, whining, fighting, screaming, hitting and so forth. It was a great day and I’m grateful to all who made it special for me. I am honored to be a Wife and Mother. It’s days like this that make it worth it all.

A New and Easy Recipe

so my neighbor( thanks Caitlin) is such a doll and shared this really easy dinner recipe. Even Fernando commented that he liked it. And if he likes it, it must be good. So I just wanted to pass on the good stuff to you!

Cheddar chicken-serves 4

16 Ritz crackers, crushed
6 oz cheddar cheese, grated
1tsp(ish) garlic salt
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 Tbs butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine Ritz crackers, cheese and garlic salt.
2. Dip the chicken in the butter making sure to cover both sides in butter, then dip it into the crumb mixture making sure to cover both sides, press down gently so it is sure to adhere. Place breaded chicken on a foil lined baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle any remaining cracker mixture on top of the chicken and drizzle any reaming butter on top as well. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 25-30 minutes.

*The original recipe suggests you serve with rice pilaf and green beans. It was good with those!

Letter to Azure

Dear Azure,

I think I may be in denial about how old you really are. The older you get, the older I get. I have to say, though, that the last four years have been quite an adventure.

I have to tell you, I knew from the beginning, when you were in my belly, what kind of a person you would be. When I would poke at you, you kicked back. When I read to you and then stopped, you would go crazy in my belly until I started to read to you again. You always knew what you wanted and how to get it. You don't mess around with nonsense. You see what you want and you go after it.


Every time I watch you with people, I notice how you are a leader. You show people what to do and how to do it your way. I know this will come in handy for you when you are older. I can see how your leadership will influence those around you because you lead with kindness. I see how you behave with you sister most times and how you treat your friends. I watched you once, running with your friends at preschool. When Claire tripped and fell, you stopped to help her up and give her a hug. All of your friends stopped running and watched you. All of the moms were impressed and wanted to know how I had taught you to love your sister and the truth is- I didn't. You are a naturally loving person. You love and you lead. And you always do it by example. You have taught me so much just by your loving and kind soul. I couldn't have asked for a better first child.

I want you to know that even when there is a lot of drama going on between us and we are butting heads all the time, I still love you. I love you even when you don't listen or follow directions. I am trying to listen to you because I know that you understand things as a child that sometimes and adult can't understand. Because you are my first child, I feel like I am learning with you and I hope that I don't fail you as a mother and make mistakes. I want you to stick with your education and expand your knowledge of the world and everything in it. I want the Gospel to be a huge part of your life and I hope that you will always stick with your values and morals and be an example to everyone with them.

I promise that I will do my best to be the best mom you could ask for, even if it means that I have to tell you no to keep you safe, or if I tell you to do something that I want you to finish, or even if it means not going out with that yucky guy. Remember, I am doing it all out of love.

With all my heart,
Mom

Azure's Birthday

Azure wanted a Princess and the Frog theme for her birthday. I was excited to add in a few Mardi Gras decorations since that is the setting of the movie. I was a bit disappointed that it had rained the day before and the outside was wet so I had to move it inside. I decorated as best I could with streamers, beads, foil stars, lily pads and gold coins. Each girl got a tiny tiara to wear and the kids had a choice of decorating a mask or a sword. I also bought an inflatable alligator "Louis" just like the movie had. I think that was the one thing that the kids enjoyed the most. Despite being stuck indoors, Azure had a great time playing with her friends and celebrating her birthday.

Letter to Claire

Dear Claire,

How time flies.
I can't believe you are already two years old. It really seems like yesterday that you were just born. I can still remember fresh in my memory how you smiled as you were placed on my chest, how I cried and covered you in kisses.
You had quite a struggle those first few months, being fussy and colicky. You were always so demanding at times; always wanting to be held and bounced and rocked. I never thought I would make it through, but I did. I truly believe that it has brought us closer together and at a better understanding with each other. I can still see the demand in your personality as you try to grow and become more independent and the frustration that comes over you when you realize it's harder than you thought. I admire your perseverance through the struggles you have faced thus far and I hope you never lose that quality because it will take you far in life.
I love you quirkiness, your silliness, your coy little smile. I love how you love to share with people, and learn, and try new things. I love that you love fruits and vegetables and I don't have to fight with you to brush your teeth. I love that you love your sister and are best friends. I love that you listen( most of the time) and that you follow directions to the best of your ability. I love that when I look into your eyes, I see Heaven; a window to your soul; Eternity.
What a blessing you are in my life.
My daughter, I am grateful for you and the joy you bring to my life every day. I am also grateful for the turmoil you bring because it teaches me patience, tolerance, and love. I can already see the fun you and your sister will have wreaking havoc on me when you are teenagers. I can't wait to see what kind of adventures we go on together.
Claire, I want you to know that I love you. Even on the worst of days, when I can't just live one more minute with your whining, crying, screaming, demanding self, I still love you. I love who you are and what you will someday become. Please stay true to yourself. Don't listen to other people or let them make decisions for you. You know who you are and what is best for you. Sometimes the right choice may be the hardest choice, but in the end you will grow with the experience if you choose right. Follow your dreams and goals in life because I know, just from being with you for the last two years, that you will go far and succeed if you stay focused on what is important in life and fight for your right to have it. Know that I will try my best to help you along the way and that I am here for you and that I will do anything in my power to help you reach the stars. I will do it.
For you a thousand times over,
Mom

Claire's 2nd Birthday

Claire's birthday was celebrated last Friday. Since she loves Mickey Mouse, we decided to do a Mickey Mouse picnic in the front yard. I like to make everything as easy as possible for myself, so I bought a lot of outdoor toys and got the kiddie pool from my moms for water play. I made mac and cheese, hot dogs, fruit, pretzels and juice for lunch. The kids were really happy with the choice of lunch and most all of the kids went straight to water play. The moms were able to visit.

Thanks to my mom who decorated the cake, it was a huge hit. The sand is made of graham cracker crumbs and the mickey and minnie figurines were given to me by my sister in law( Thanks Adriana!!) The bigger kids chose whether they wanted a brown or blue piece of cake. Claire enjoyed her gifts and everything ended right in time for nap! It was a great success for a friday morning!

Girls Afternoon Out

On Saturday I went with Fernando's mom and sister to his cousins house. All the girls were meeting together and having lunch. It was a fun afternoon and I enjoyed visiting with them. Azure and Claire were able to play with their cousin Natalie which they enjoyed. They can't wait to see her again.