Thoughts...

My parents recommended this movie to McKay and I and we watched it tonight. A great movie to open your eyes about parenting...to take a good long look at yourself and how you can improve.

Nobody is perfect. We'll all have our bad days. But do we define our life as a parent by the bad days? I know I have my fair share of negative moments and is that what I choose to dwell on? Or do I give my kids the benefit of the doubt. They are little which I tend to forget far too often.

It also made me realize I want to continue making lots of great memories with them. I want them to remember a happy childhood filled with fun things, laughter, family time and LOVE. I don't want them to remember me getting angry because we had an accident in our pants...or that a huge mess was made...or that they just won't go to bed. Because really, does any of that matter in a few years?

It's always good to get a reminder on what we can work on. I would say I'm doing fine...but can find something to improve on everyday...

Also a very happy 50th birthday to my beautiful Mom. You and Dad can be proud of the great job you did raising us. You are both incredible people. I love you.

Surprise visit

Chelsea, the boys and I hopped on a plane to LA to visit Grandma Neiger and Uncle Steve in Chino this past week. What an adventure! Flying there was great...coming home was another story :) I guess it can be a memory we won't forget right Chels! Needless to say it was all worth it to visit this wonderful lady...

We always have such a great time visiting. It's always relaxing in Chino. We spend the days chatting, eating good food and watching Judge Judy. Evenings are my favorite sitting outside on the driveway and enjoying the California weather.

We made our way to the park one day and Grandma got right in on the fun. She's SO great with the kids. I love it!

We also love to visit with Steve! He's such a great man and we enjoy his company...our time was short with him this visit so we hope to get back soon and get together more! They've never had Cafe Rio before so I promised to go back soon and make them pork burritos...I know they'd love it as much as I do!

Grandma talked to me a little bit about her Mom during our trip and it really got me interested in learning more about her life. Her name was Emma and she worked so hard as a single Mom after her husband died at a young age. I've heard she was a fabulous cook and was always doing things for others...sounds alot like you Grandma!

Our time was short with you but we are so glad we made the trip! We love you so much!

We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

We spent a beautiful Friday at the Zoo a week ago with my Mom. I love the Zoo! Many of the animals have little babies right now which was fun to see.

He's got the height but not quite the wingspan...if he measured up to the apes he'd be an NBA star for sure!

The bird show was awesome! It's amazing how smart they are. Peyt got to stand up close after.

Thanks Mom for a wonderful day! We love spending time with you doing things we love.

MOM

I'm honored these two little boys call me Mom. They are the highlight of my life along with McKay.

There are days that are hard. There are days I say words I shouldn't under my breath. There are days when I get mad for no real reason. But at the end of each day, I love to walk into their quiet, dark rooms and remember how much I love them. I have been given a gift to be a Mom...I need a constant reminder to cherish it...embrace it...and love it.

2,927

That's how many days I've been married to my husband...and counting. We stopped by where it all started May 8, 2003.

We had a great day up in Park City (thanks Mom for taking the boys!) followed by a delicious dinner at the Roof. It was great to spend time together and have good conversations. Once you have kids you feel like life as a married couple gets pushed aside sometimes...but it should be the first priority always. I love you McKay...

Happy Weaster

We had a great "Weaster" (as pronounced by Chayce) full of family activities.

Grandma and Grandpa Neigers...

Forget finding candy! Thanks for the money hunt Mom! I made $30!

Peyt really enjoyed coloring Easter eggs. I'm glad Grandma does it because I think its a mess and I don't know what to do with all the eggs after! Who wants colored hardboiled eggs to eat!

My Mom is so great to give my kids so many wonderful opportunities in life. Love you Mom!

Grandma Shoell always has a hunt for all the great grandkids (and there's a lot of them now!) Even though it was chilly we had a great time!

Then it was off to the Ercanbracks for more fun.

These two love giving hugs and kisses. We love to make them do it and snap as many pictures as we can to get a good one...never happens...

Grammy and Papa know how to hook a kid up! Thanks for the Easter aka Spring Christmas!

Love the watering can!

Ready for church in our Easter best!

Love the feelings Easter brings of Spring, new beauty on the earth and a deep love for our Savior.

Gary Allan in training...

Peyt loves to do whatever Daddy is doing...

Grandpa's Visit

Always a fun time when Grandpa comes to town! We had a yummy lunch at Tucanos with him. Grandpa loves his grandkids and takes them for walks which they love.

Great to see you Grandpa! Til next time...

Dress.Up

So great what imagination and a box of dress-ups can do to entertain...

Yo Ho Yo Ho

Birthdays are my favorite days of the year...it's so fun for me to celebrate another great year of life with my kids. Our first all about me poster for Peyt's preschool.

Grandma Neiger sent money for us to get Tangled! Peyton loves it almost as much as Mom does :)

New hat and sunglasses from Mom and Dad. He picked the hat out himself...glad he has pretty good taste in clothing and accessories!

Our big four year old! We threw two parties for Peyt...our annual family party and his first ever friend party! Peyt decided on a pirate theme this year and it was so fun for me to plan! Thanks to Oriental Trading we found lots of great things to do!

Party favors and cake!

Here are nine cute little boys ready to go on the treasure hunt!

And nine cute little boys dying to see what Peyton got for his birthday!

Thanks Lisa for the idea for the cute cake! I ordered the finger puppets from Oriental Trading and they worked perfect for the cake decor!

Also made x marks the spot cupcakes for the family party...Friday night we had the Erks and Neigers over for a celebration.

Thanks to aunt and uncles on the Erk side for this fun scooter and MegaMind! He loves it!

Aunt Chels and Nick! They brought him the Sleeping Beauty sword and shielf from Disneyland! He loves it! Also thanks to uncle Jack for the Buzz flip flops and car!

Grammy and Papa got Peyton a wiggle car! It's a really fun toy! Lucy had fun pushing Peyton on it :) Thanks to my Mom and Dad also for the cute towel, cars, Nike jacket and puzzle!

Peyt with birthday buddy uncle Kurt!

I guess I slacked on family pictures this year and this is the only group shot I got!

And the gift overhaul. Thanks family for all the great gifts! Peyt also loves his new lego sets from the McArthurs!

Crazy to think another year has come and gone. I learn new things about myself and these sweet little boys each year (I must admit I learn the bad in myself too sometimes...) All in all its been a great four years so far and can't wait for what the future has in store for us as a family :)