Queen For May

Being absent for three weeks in the blogging community feels like a lifetime.  Recaping that much time is nearly impossible. The other downside is the small things you forget on a day to day basis, the funny comments your kids make, or the observations you have driving in your car just gets forgotten.  But, what I can't forget is how well my children and husband treated me for Mother's Day. I was literally a Queen for the day.  Luke's kindergarten class had a workshop the Friday before Mother's Day.  It went from coloring to being served cookies all the way to a manicure by Luke himself.

Mother's Day came and went.  I can't forget how much I enjoy this holiday each time it comes around. Unlike last year, I had the opportunity to share with four important women in my life. My grandma never seems to want anything material except quality time with her family.  I decided to make one of my signature pies (which she also happens to love.

Grandma modeling her pie

Isn't she the cutest?

Janet, Mom, and Jenny

Grammy with her 5 grandkids

Dad & Mom

(Mom's birthday dinner)

The weekend following Mother's Day, it was the Father son camp out.  Doug & Mark piled all the boys in and headed up near Roosevelt Lake to enjoy the cool pine trees.  The biggest highlight was not having to sleep in a tent.  The boys all piled in the camper (I think that is definitely my kind of camping).  

One of the three photos Doug documented.

Doug and Mark's self portrait.

Apparently, car photos were the only ones that got taken.

Hey, but at least there's proof a Circle K stop was made.

While the boys were off in the wilderness, I took my 202 photography class last Saturday.  It was a FULL take and a ton of information.  The main focus was lighting.  I also was able to learn a portion about editing.  I found this photo quite humorous.  We had about 5 different sets of kids to practice on.  Because all 8 of us were practicing it looked like this poor 5 year old was dealing with the papperatzi.

Taylor was lucky enough to be one of the kid models.  This particular shoot was learning the natural sun flare.  Isn't it cool?  She was quite a trooper, it not only was terribly hot, but she ended up posing for about 1 hour.

The heat has definitely kicked in and THANKFULLY our friends down the street have allowed us to use their pool pretty much when we want.  Weston and Luke both have gone from very timid and having to wear a life vest, to jumping in the deep end and touching the bottom.

Hershal, Weston and Jackson

Last, but not least this little preschool trio has spent the majority of the school year together.  It has been so fun watching Weston's friendship grow with these two. I know for certain he will miss being at school with his best buddies.  The busyiness continues with my girls trip to California this weekend (running a half marathon) following a weekend getaway to visit our best friends in San Antonio.  It doesn't get better than that!

Friday Four

This is Weston's new cheesy smile. I have no idea what is up with the psycho eyes
(I guess that is better that Luke's popeye mouth)

1. I enrolled Weston in a three week preschool program called Apples to Zebras. The downfall to it is, it is only two hours which barely gives me time to do anything after dropping him off. (not to mention it's during his regular scheduled nap time). BUT, he really loves it and the other perk is 6 other of his nursery friends from church are doing it as well.

2. After a few weeks of dealing with our nasty HOA and several bids (5 to be exact) from various landscapers. We were FINALLY approved to go forth with our landscaping plans. We found out that they were pretty strict with what you could choose from (i.e. we only could pick from three types of rock---which totally stinks). You would think living in AZ they would want some diversity, but apparently the more brown the better. Ha!

This was just the view from inside of our front door. I am already giddy that my sidewalk is starting to look more homey. We decided to rip out the sidewalk to put in a curvy pathway from the driveway. As of today we currently have our sprinkler system in, and a few boulders. They are scheduled to put in the curbing, grass, rock and plants by the first of next week. I am thrilled that our front yard will no longer look like Iraq. More updates later......

This not only plays music and vibrates, but you can hook up your
car seat to it and and ipod. Fancy Smancy!

3. My grandma headed out the other day and she ended up bringing my sister's new baby swing to put together. Luckily, it wasn't too awful to assemble. I swear they come up with the neatest gadgets each year for babies. We also ran around to some home decor stores. Unfortunately we ran short on time (I had to pick up the kids) But, we were able to enjoy a nice lunch together at Dilly's Deli (I am becoming addicted to that place).

4. Since Doug is the new guy in town he is having to go around and visit various family practice offices to try and get his name "recognized" As you can imagine it's not really a fun process (especially since he feels like a bit of a sales person). I thought that handing out jars of candy may break that first impression tension a little easier. After a few Wal-mart visits and several large candy bags later I was able to assemble 20 jars to start with. I thought they turned out pretty well. Candy anyone??