busy month of may

As soon as we got back from Disneyland in April we had 1 week to prepare for Sarah's baptism & open house. I spent that week intensely deep cleaning the major rooms in our house; painting the kitchen a new color, painting the hallway, washing the curtains in the front room, caulking molding & gardening. The master bedroom served as the catch-all and has been sadly neglected (since I can just lock the door to keep visitors out) and is my next major project.

Sarah got baptized on May 3 in the afternoon; she was one of three girls in our ward. It was a beautiful service with tons of family & friends there to support her and show their love for her. In my haste (and being a greeny at this) I forgot to bring a hair brush for after (thus her hair's a little wiggy in some pictures) and take a picture before of her in her whites. :( You'd think my mission would've prepared me, but being a mom is different. Sarah has an understanding of the gospel beyond her years that is quite impressive. She's such a sweetheart and yet is always teaching me and humbling me with her example. She received her own scriptures in a pink carry-case & journal from us--mom and dad, a necklace from Jeff & Felicia, a mickey-mouse watch from Leroy & Cheryl, another necklace and picture frame from her friends the Velluto's, a book of remembrance from Grandma O. and a magazine subscription from Grandma & Grandpa B.

Sarah after her baptism, May 3rd.

Me, Gene, Morgan, Sarah & Emma

cousin Alex on top of the clubhouse among our Cherry tree blossoms

----------------------

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day Gene really out-did himself. The night before he took me out to the Olive Garden and a chickflick movie. He gave me this orchid corsage to wear to church, also 3 red roses (one for each time I became a mom), made me breakfast in bed and gave me a retroactive "paycheck" (he googled the many different jobs a mom does: chef, teacher, nurse, etc. and how much they make annually x how many years I've been a mom). Gene also provided a "shopping list" of items that I could "buy" with my newly acquired $millions$ such as a professional full body massage, a date night of my choice, pedicure and maid service. It was really very sweet and thoughtful and I had a wonderful time being pampered! Thanks hubby!

such a pretty orchid corsage, and it smelled so good

a breakfast of crepes and fresh berries, pineapple with juice & milk

----------------------------

Outside Play

Morgan trying out the baby swing for the first time and Simba & Emma getting in on the action

I adore this picture! We took the kitchen stuff out of the clubhouse to clean and the girls sat down for a "tea" party...Simba sat there on his own accord, without posing, of course because when there's food he's your best friend.

Little miss Morgan walking along furniture and playing with the piano pedals

Sweet faces--Emma helping Morgan try on headbands

-----------------------------

Graduation for two

The end of May we ventured a couple hours north to see my niece graduate from high school. She is obviously so pretty but also brilliant at math and science, which is always impressive to me no matter who it is, but also such a good example for my own daughter who wants to grow up to be a scientist.

the cousins: Alyssa, Chelsea, Jessica, Lysette, Jordan, Steven, Emma & Sarah in front

(younger brother) Steven and Jessica at her graduation

----------------------

Technically this was today, but I'm including it since it's that time of year (my nephew graduates from Air Force boot camp in Texas a couple of weeks from now as well). This is another niece, Lysette, graduating from her high school about 10 minutes from where we live. She's focused in the Arts (which I naturally appreciate) and knows exactly what she wants to be (a makeup esthetist). Lysette is just about the sweetest girl anyone could ever meet and she's cute and goal oriented--another great example to my girls!

walking away with diploma in hand

they made the graduates hand in their gowns, but she got to keep the cap

Lysette with her diploma

my nieces: Jessica, Alyssa, Lysette & Chelsea post graduation--3 down, 1 to go!