Let's take a picture

One of my favorite parts of any day are Weston's phrases.
2 1/2 (almost 3) year olds say THE greatest things.

I sat down on Jeff's lap and Weston looked at us, gave a little giggle, and then said "Oh, I take a picture!"

Love it!

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

My Mother's Day was perfect.
Enjoyed a wonderful dinner out with my guys on Saturday night. (Chilis...mmm)
Slept in.
Ate a scrumptious breakfast made by my hubby.
Played with the boys.
Opened some very sweet gifts from my guys. (A pearl necklace from the boys and a gift card to go shopping from Jeff: absolutely perfect!)
Was spiritually enlightened and filled at Church.
Came home and enjoyed some quiet time while the boys napped and Jeff made dinner.
Ate a delicious dinner.
Played some more and had a fabulous evening with my guys.
Thank You, Jeff.
You always know how to make my day!!

This cute cute picture was taken by Weston. He LOVES being photographer. While we could have taken one ourselves that didn't have fingerprints on the lens and was centered and...well...better, I am so in love with this shot. I love my little 3 year old and his excitement over trying new things!! I had to leave it unedited so you could fully appreciate it. ;)

"When they placed you in my arms you slipped into my heart"

These boys give me the happiest moments of my life. They have filled my heart more than I ever knew possible. I am a better wife, better mother, and a better person because they are mine.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for knowing exactly who I needed in my life.

I am trying to be the mom they deserve.

Two moments...

that absolutely made my day.

1. Tave figured out how to snort.
He got the biggest kick out of it and kept doing it over and over and over again. It was fun to see him so pleased with himself.
Kapria & I could not stop laughing.

2. Weston and I were driving home and had this conversation:
Me: Hey, bud, how're you doing back there?
West: I fine.
Me: I'm so glad you're fine. I am so tired.
West: Mommy not tired, you're pretty. I am tired.
Me: Awww thanks, bud, that is so sweet!

I don't want to forget these beautiful little moments that make up my life.
Oh how I love my boys.

It was late...

I wrote last night's post really late.
I swear I wrote where he was going. But, ooops, I guess not!
So for those of you waiting in suspense...

Mckenon is called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Portugal.

So awesome.

Here's a link that tells a little about missionary work.

And here are a couple awesome talks about missionary work:

What I want my son to know before he leaves on his mission by President James E. Faust
Missionary Service by Elder Earl C. Tingey

And of course, the powerful and inspired Preach my Gospel.

Congrats, bud, we are so thrilled for you!!

Service

"...when ye are in the service of your fellowbeings, ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17

My brother opened his mission call today.
We anxiously waited while he read the words that would tell him where he will be living and serving for the next 2 years of his life.

I thought of the missionaries from long ago who were called to serve for months, years, and even their lifetime.
I thought of how I have been asked to serve our Heavenly Father in my little space of the world. The way in which I serve may vary over the months and years but I can know that, if I am willing, I will serve him my entire lifetime.

Jeff and I have been talking about what sets certain people apart from the rest. In the lesson in his Priesthood class on Sunday they talked about what time we choose to give. Everyone is busy. But are we serving only when we have time, or are we taking the time to serve? Are we giving that extra little push we have at the end of the day to the Lord?

I think that is what sets people apart.

Mckenon will be giving every day for the next 2 years to serving our Heavenly Father and His children. He will be a full-time missionary. That is his call.

What is mine? My 'call' is to keep my covenants. To give of my time and my talents. To love and serve. Every single day.

Priceless

We chose to have our kiddos pretty quickly after getting married. It was something we both felt very strongly about. We knew we were supposed to start our family. And what do you know, Heavenly Father felt pretty strongly about that, too, because along came Weston and then along came Tave.

Having our kiddos right away meant we still had a lot of school to get through.
I had a job that I loved and could have been very happy working there to get us through school and save up quite a bit of extra money.
But we decided that where I was needed most was right at home with our little ones.

Sometimes it can be hard to see the things that other people have, the trips they take, the places they see, and the things they can buy...

But I wouldn't trade these precious years for anything.
I know we made the right choice.

Little Luxuries

Somehow my days are filled to the brim with things I 'have' to get done-- which leaves little, if any, time for myself.
But I was thinking tonight about some of the little luxuries that brighten my day.

Here's a few that I just love:

Lotion- My own delicious smelling lotion. A big 'aaaaah' always escapes the moment I sit down and rub it into my hands.

My hubby's hugs- Jeff comes home and immediately gives me a hug. But his hugs are not just any hugs...they come complete with a mini backrub. I sink into him and feel the pressures of the day slowly fade. I love those hugs.

Snuggles and slobbery kisses - my boys know exactly when I need an extra bit of love. Tave gives the sweetest slobbery kisses and West loves to run into my arms and give me a great big squeeze.

Reading a book - this has been extremely rare lately, but whenever I get a second to read a few pages (which usually turns into chapters) I am in heaven. I love the escape that a good book provides.

Singing time - my little guys love to sing with me. They laugh and dance to the music and we have the best time!

Phone calls - no matter the time, it is always so wonderful to get a 'hi, how are you' phone call. Often they are short, due to little kiddies, but they always make my day!!

Bedtime - This isn't really a little luxury, it's a big one. I LOVE crawling into bed at night. The pillow just swallows me up and I drift off to dream land with the love of my life beside me.

Life just can't get any better.

Happiness is...

Holding hands with my hubby.
Having a long, uninterrupted conversation over a delicious meal (that I did not cook!)
Meeting up with family and friends for a fun birthday celebration.
Snuggling next to my sweet hubby at the movies. I love those double seats!
Sharing a piece of absolutely scrumptious chocolate cake.
Holding hands again as we drive home.

Knowing I get to be with this guy forever.