Oh, that's good.

My friend Kristen posted this recipe on her blog. I made it this afternoon, and it's not going to last very long. Hannah was helping me and she said, "This is going to be my favorite treat ever! It has everything I love in it!" I just might have to agree with her -- butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, yum. Well,  Kristen, now you'll have to share some of your favorite ways to burn those extra calories!

Nikki's 7th birthday

We had Nikki's birthday party last Saturday. It was the opening day for our neighborhood pool, and Nikki was so excited about that because then she could have a pool party! Looking at these pictures makes me realize just how much she is growing up. I didn't get nearly enough pictures.

She wanted a three-layer cake with a sun, butterflies, and dragonflies. She has had it planned out for probably six months. I also have had an idea in my head of how I would do it and what it would look like for a while, but every step of making it ended up in near catastrophe. So, it ended up that Nikki really liked it and that's all that matters!

Thanks to all the cousins and aunts and uncles who came to her party! She had a great time and started asking when we would all get together again about 5 minutes after you left!

The Mothers in My Life

These are the amazing mothers that have had a hand in shaping my life. My mom, Eileen, Nate's mom, whom I had to include because my life wouldn't be the same without the love she has always given to Nate and now offers to me and our children, Grandma Bass, and Grandma White. Is there an adequate way to express gratitude for all that these mothers have given? I haven't found it yet.

And then Mother's Day is also a beautiful day because of these three precious children. What a privilege to be their mother. It's so humbling to see their unconditional love for me. So often I fall short of who they need me to be, but they still think I'm the best mom. Well, Nikki's card might have come a little closer to the truth this morning. It read: "From: Nikki   To: My Sweet Mom   I love you! You are the beast!"  

A couple of weeks ago Nate told me that he would take the kids to the zoo this Saturday, and I could have a free day to use that coupon for a massage I had and just do whatever I wanted. After a couple of days, I told him I actually wanted to go to the zoo. I didn't really want to be left out of the fun. But then he was out of town all last week. When he came home on Friday I told him I had an appointment for my massage and I hoped he and the kids had fun at the zoo. :) It was a great day! Usually when you go on vacation, by the time you get home you're ready to get back in the mix of things again. Maybe I needed a longer vacation because I  think I could go a couple of more days with no responsibilities. But then when I saw how tired Nate was getting into bed last night, I did feel sorry for him and know that I can't take too much time off. Running a family really does take two, and I am grateful I have a special role to fulfill.