The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever

It was a hectic week. There were dress rehearsals and preparations. On Thursday, after months of hard work, Marcus and Anneke performed in the school musical. Marcus played a serious character named Kurt. Anneke was a ditzy, unintelligent cook named Jo. A flower is the same as flour, right? They had one scene together. I really wanted a picture, but photography was not allowed.

Mallory was a stinker. I missed 10 minutes taking her out, then Andy missed 15 taking her and Luke out. The show was only about 45 minutes long. From my days as a House Manager at the Shakespearean Festival, I now know first hand why you have to be 6 years old at least to go to a performance.

 Poor Luke could not see over people's heads, so he sat next to us in the aisle.

 (The show was at a Baptist church.) I got a photo onstage quickly at the end before anyone could grump at us. Marcus and Anneke had a great time and asked if they would get to be in plays when we moved, too. 

Marcus also helped design and make the sets. They had a great experience. Thanks to the family members that put messages in the program for them. It meant a lot.

Bellagio Gardens

Practically every season since we moved here 6 years ago we have visited the Bellagio Gardens. I wanted to go one last time before it got too hot and crowded. This was my favorite one yet. I LOVED the tulips. They had a butterfly house and cute bugs made from flowers like ladybugs, butterflies and caterpillars. It was great. Here are some shots.

Marcus and Mallory

 Mallory with tulips in the background. (That is why I took the picture in the first place.)

 Luke was being stinky so I took this picture. Then a man promised Luke a prize if he would cooperate and let him take a picture.

 We got this shot, which was pretty decent. (Luke then got a police badge sticker.)

 They have cameras under the water in the coi pond and they loved watching the video.

 I like this shot of them looking in the pond.

 We walked across the bridge a few times.

 Luke liked the caterpillar. (As adorable as he is, he is definitely not photogenic.)

 Notice the badges on their shirts?

It was fun and beautiful. I will miss it.

Mom Definitions

On Facebook since the beginning of May I posted a Mom definition every day. I am not sure why. It started out as observations from my own life. I had no intention of continuing it until Mother's Day. But, then I thought, Why not? Here is what I wrote. Help me add to it, please.

Mom definition #1 - a person who can sleep through her husband's snoring but wakes up when her child makes the tiniest noise.
Mom definition #2 - a person that has a secret chocolate (or sweets) stash.
Mom definition #3 - her bathroom is used as a sanctuary at one point or another.
Mom definition #4 - the meanest person you will ever meet if you mistreat her child(ren).
Mom definition #5 - her idea of a vacation is grocery shopping solo.
Mom definition #6 - She says things she never thought she would. Examples, "Stand on the floor, not your brother's head." or "M&M's are for eating not sticking up your nose."
(This was awesome because then many women added theirs to it.) "No, you may NOT try to light your brother's toots on fire!" "Don't lick the windows! " "Don't lick the toilet!" "My car keys are not light sabers" (said during Sacrament meeting) "Don't do summer-salts on the baby"
Mom Definition #7 - she has a look that quells her child(ren)
Mom Definition #8 - she spends most of her day in the kitchen.
Mom definition #9 - a good night's sleep for her is a miracle.
Mom definition #10 - she worries about her child from the minute she first knows they are hers.
Mom definition #11 - these best words she hears from her child(ren)'s mouth is "I love you." 

Through the good, the bad, the sleepless nights, the tears, the grateful heart...it all comes down to this; being a mom is the best job in the world. Give a mom a hug today. Happy Mother's Day!

I always wanted to be a mother. When I thought that was not a possibility it was very hard. I know this day is hard for others. I am sorry for them. However, I am going to enjoy my breakfast in bed and new Super Hero earrings. Have a blessed and happy Mother's day! That goes to all the women in my life. I am so grateful for the many examples I have.  Specifically, have a great Mother's Day, Mom. I miss you.

Camera Photos

I take a lot of pictures on my phone. Since we changed providers and have a decent data plan I can actually send them to myself. Here is what I have had on my phone the last couple of months.

Marcus wanted to meet Chad Morris. He was visiting with Brandon Mull. I am pretty sure we would not have gone just for Brandon Mull again. We waited an hour. It was fun, though.

 Brandon Mull signing one of our many books and answering our questions.

 The whole group with Mull.

 This is Anneke at the Science Fair in front of her poster. She was so cute.

 Marcus's first basketball game.

 During Spring break we went out to a ghost town. Here are a few shots from there.

Mo and Luke

 Marco

 Luke (it is hard getting a real smile out of him.

 Andy wants an old truck like this one.

 Mo is Safe in there. (hee hee)

 Anneke riding the double scooter

 One night I was trying to get all my chores done early. The children were having reading time, but decided to help. I was reminded why I usually wait until they are in bed to sweep, mop and vacuum.

 Luke at Discovery Children's Museum. This water section and the invention center are his favorites.

 Mallory kept putting herself to bed. I am still not sure if she was getting sick or growing. She seems tired a lot lately.

 Marcus at basketball again.

 The ghost town

That should catch you up for a while. I will post Bellagio pictures later.