The Last Few Weeks

May is always such a busy month and this year has been no exception! We are enjoying the great weather and many fun activities. Here's what has been keeping us busy:

I held my spring piano recital on May 11, and it went really well. This year I have had 13 students, and everyone of them made me so proud at the recital! They are all so unique and special to me. Teaching piano this year has been a sacrifice for my family in some ways, but the recital made it worthwhile. It was so rewarding to see the progress that my students made.

I also finished up another semester of work on my Masters Degree. This semester I was able to carpool to Iowa City with 2 of my class mates. These girls are so different from me and on the surface we really didn't have much in common...but we really managed to become good friends through our semester together. This experience really reminded me that "different is good." My final project was a case study that I conducted on Jordan's literacy. It was so neat to do a project on something that I care so much about.

Ashton has been playing soccer again this year. I didn't get to as many of the games as I would have liked, but I was tickled to see the improvement she has made and all that she has learned. I am glad that she enjoys team sports.

Regan had her last day of preschool. She had a great year and it was so fun for her to go to the same school that Ashton attended. The teachers are just so nice, caring and down to earth.

Some of my very favorite people came to visit last week- my sister Katy, her husband Nick, and my nephew Sutton. We had a great time going to the museum, swimming, and going on walks. It was so fun to get to know Sutton better- he is adorable and funny and he eats a ton! Nick did some yard work for us which was so nice. He likes to talk as much as I do, so we always have a great time visiting. What can I say about my Katy? I love that girl and no matter how long it's been, we always have the same close bond. She is an amazing mom and career woman, and also such a loving aunt. I was sad when the George family left. Thank goodness we will see them again in just a few weeks!

Mom's Day

I had a great Mother's Day...complete with handmade gifts/cards, items from my "wish list", special songs sung by my girls at church, and a yummy meal with some of my favorite friends. It was a good day.

Of course, my thoughts are never far from my own mom. But instead of feeling sadness for her not being here, I tried to focus on what she gave me....a love of motherhood. From an early age, I can remember really knowing that my mom loved being a mom! It always seemed to be her highest priority. And I can truly say that I, as well, love motherhood. It is extremely hard and a lot of work, and I have much improving to do...but I do love it. I think I value it even more because my time with my mom was far to short.

I have been blessed with an amazing mother-in-law and a special step mother. We probably don't recognize them enough on Mother's Day, because it is a little bit of a tough day for me. I'm glad that they understand. I am thankful to both of these women for being there for me and for my kids as wonderful grandmas. I am thankful to my mother-in-law for raising a righteous, patient son. She did a good job!

I am also thankful for my grandmas, especially my Grandma Betty. She is such an incredible person who has played such a big role in my life. She has spent her life taking care of others, including my mom. Now, Gram's own health is declining and she is suffering. It is hard to accept, but now it is our turn to take care of her. I feel so helpless being so far away from her. Even with her pain and discomfort, she tries to be upbeat and positive on the phone and always wants to know about my family. And she still sends cards for every birthday, event and holiday. I love her.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

What a difference a day makes....

Today, Cole got a haircut from Dad. Another great friend snapped a picture of him at Ashton's soccer game this morning (good thing I have friends with nice cameras, right?) I can't believe how grown up my baby boy looks.