Mother's Day Lunch

Jacob's Well always has a very special Mother's Day service and I've been thinking for a couple years that we should invite our moms over for church and lunch.  This was the year!  I was really looking forward to making it super special for our moms - treating THEM because they always treat us.  I wanted to really make them feel loved, appreciated, and adored.  Because they are.  I even tried to get them to not bring anything for lunch, but that didn't work - they both brought something to share.  :)

I decorated the week leading up to Mother's Day (I think the table was set on Wednesday!) because I knew there wouldn't be time with a busy weekend ahead.

The kids and I made these vases and flowers.

I was going with a "flowery" theme, so I had some fun with tissue paper flowers.

We had drinks and snacks right away and then a light lunch.

We snapped a quick photo right after church.

Me and my kids!

And one with Baggie, too.

The boys were excited to try lemonade from their special bottles and straws, but it wasn't really a hit with them.

Papa and Eden had fun hanging out!

Our awesome moms!

Toy Story characters end up all over - no matter what.  I can't seem to keep them at bay.

The men cleaned up the whole meal and kitchen while the moms relaxed!  It was awesome!

Bennett and Eden REALLY enjoyed some cupcakes...

She's the cutest.  EVER.

We ended our night with a sweet storytime.  I'm one lucky mom.

Gopher Game with Bopbop

The boys were lucky to get some Gopher Hockey tickets from friends of ours, so they enjoyed a game in March with Daddy and Bopbop!

They arrived to the arena early enough to see practice and even got a puck from one of the Gophers!

The player threw it over the glass to the boys and they of course were thrilled!

BopBop and the boys while the Zamboni cleans the ice!

Daddy and his boys!

Randy's Grad Party

Some days, I throw around the idea of planning parties.  Other days, it sounds like a nightmare.  Anyway, this week, I helped my friend Rachel with her son's grad party.  I won't go into too much detail, but I wanted to post these pics as reference for myself...

End of the week...

I always love the end of the week!  Thursdays are like Fridays to us (sorta) since John is off on Friday.  It feels like a relief to make it to Thursday afternoon.  You know that feeling?  Thursdays have been special since both boys are busy in the afternoon and Eden and I get a little time together.  Often, we would run errands, work at home, or something other than just playing, but it was still fun to be together.  Today was Logan's last Thrilling Thursday.  Bennett only has one more week of preschool.  Next year will be a whole new ballgame for both boys.

Logan made this sweet card for Mrs. K - his Thrilling Thursdays teacher.  They did awesome experiments, cooking, reading, dancing, games, crafts, painting - you-name-it.  I think it was Logan's favorite time of the week!

Eden and I played at home, stacking blocks, which is her new favorite.

Look at those bangs!  She keeps pulling her clips out, but then she can't see!!

The boys had fun after school with their new "army guys".

They made this circle and then said "it has to stay here all day".  It didn't last too long.  Babyzilla is on the loose!

My gift.

John had the kids working on something yesterday and it was a surprise.  They did a great job keeping it a surprise (for about 10 hours!).  30 little fingers, 30 little toes, 60 wigglies altogether connected to 3 amazing miracles or life, brought into this world by God's grace and the love of a mom.  John was channeling his crafty side.  I love the hand and footprints of each of our kids.  On Mother's Day, I feel like the one who should be giving the gifts - I'm so lucky to have my family!

While John was gone...

John started back up in seminary - hoping to finish sometime next year.  Its been a long haul (he officially started in 2004).  We've had some long breaks - most recently a long break after leaving YL, joining staff at church, and trying to decide what the future might hold.  After lots of thought and prayer, we decided it was time to go back, finish up, and get the degree!  Its going to be a crazy 1.5 years, full time class and full time work for John (which means overtime Mommying for me!).  His first class was a course in Colorado Springs, so off he went!

Of course the night he left Eden woke up with sickness.  Poor honey.

Luckily, she seemed to fight it off ok.  Maybe her I teeth are finally making their way in...

All smiles from the kiddos, but missing Daddy!

We had such a busy week - I had some meetings planned at Jacobs Well, Bennett had a field trip, and all the usual pick ups and drop offs.  So, my mom was awesome enough to come over for the end of the week and then we joined her and my dad back in Stillwater for the weekend!

Playing at Papa and Nana's

All three kids playing in the play kitchen - "fixing" stuff like Daddy.

Eden climbs EVERYTHING.  She HAS to do exactly what the boys are doing and there really isn't anything she won't find a way to climb.  She is my busiest climber - the boys were ever quite as determined.

On Sunday night, my mom came back to EC with us to help me get through the week!  I was lucky to have her because I ended up not feeling too well.

Logan had soccer practice, but John was happy not to miss any games!

I was lucky enough to get away for a pedicure while my mom watched my kids!

It was nice and warm so we enjoyed popsicles outside!

We visited Logan's school with Nana so she could see his Montessori classroom.

Thanks to Nana for taking so much time to be with us!!!  It was special!

All my little "puppies" waiting for Daddy to come home...

Eden grew up in just the 8 days John was gone.  Here she is brushing like the big kids (on the tall stool, of course!)

The night John was to arrive back at home, Logan lost his second tooth!  It was a pretty awesome morning when the kids woke up to Daddy AND money from the tooth fairy!  :)  I think you can guess which was more exciting: Daddy!