Frozen waffles...

I had a superb Mother's Day today.  My day started with the kids hopping in my warm bed and we all snuggled up.  There is nothing better.  

Then Olivia disappeared and I thought she was going to go to the bathroom or something.  The next thing I know, she brought me a waffle.  An Eggo waffle.  She wanted to make sure that I had a breakfast in bed.  (unfortunately Dan was out of town this year so he wasn't there to take charge)  The waffle was still frozen in the middle and it was absolutely the cutest, most unforgettable and sweetest thing.  Then Jack had to go get me something to eat.  He brought me shredded wheat.  It was soggy by the time he brought it to me, but once again...so sweet.  KJ was smart and brought me my favorite greek yogurt.  He knows me well.  My usual breakfast.  I opened all kinds of thoughtful cards and creative art work.  I felt special.  It was the perfect start to my day.  Those kids of mine will never know the level of my love for them.  They are my everything.  They've given me the greatest gift...the gift of motherhood.  And I will love them to the ends of the earth and back.  Always.

 Another thing I love about Mother's Day...church.  It is always such a special meeting.  All the Primary kids got on stage and sang the most beautiful song.  Their tiny voices were precious!  The piano music and violin were amazing.  Something about music cuts right to my soul.  Especially when I'm watching my kids up there singing to me.  It was a beautiful meeting. 

After church we went to the park.  My choice of activity, although the kids had just as much fun as I did.  I love spending time outside.  Luckily the weather was just perfect.  We had a fabulous afternoon there.  :)

KJ insisted on making dinner.  He made everything and wouldn't let me help.  It was so cute watching him.  He is like a little man.  He's getting so independent.  He is very aware of my feelings and is always trying to make me happy.  It doesn't take much coming from him.  Dinner was "good".  As good as it can be when a 9 year old is cooking.  :)  But the thought was sweet.  

Mother's Day has got to be one of the top 3 days of the year.  I get the chance to talk to all my favorite ladies.  Thank them for their examples.  Tell them I love them.  They have made me who I am today and for that, I am forever grateful for their presence in my life.  

 Grandma Howard.  She is always so thoughtful to send cards and packages to our family.  The most selfless lady ever.  She really loves my kids and they love her right back.  We all love the opportunity to see them, it's always a fun time.  She goes above and beyond to make us feel special.  We love Grandma Howard!!!

My Nana Smidt.  The sweetest lady you will ever meet...hands down.  I don't know anyone who would disagree.  She is who I want to be when I grow up.  I love her to death.

 Nana Raine...the funniest lady you will ever meet.  :)  She was like my second mom growing up.  I think I pretty much spent every weekend at her house.  She loves little Jack-Jack and he loves her right back.  Always wants to snuggle with her.  She will always scratch his back and make up stories for him.  We got some cute pictures of her and Jack last summer.  

 Of course...MY MOM!  Look at her.  Even eating a giant turkey leg, she is beautiful.  I'm not sure many people could pull that off.  :)  My mom has no idea how much I admire her.  There actually aren't words.  A young mom, yet the wisest lady I know.  She has taught me more about life than anyone.  

 We had THE BEST childhood ever.  I am so blessed.  

One more I had to share.  I found this old picture of me and nana the other day.  When I was very sick, she was instantly there.  Week after week.  She would come and spend hours in the hospital with me and would read me books and try not to make me laugh.  This shows the love of a grand-Mother. 

I was searching for the best quote that I could use for Mother's Day.  I love quotes.  Needless to say, I found far too many.  I'm going to share my top 10.  

Happy Mother's Day to ALL moms.  Hope you all got spoiled and had the chance to feel loved.  

And a side note.  All our stuff is packed.  It's all on this truck.  I am anxious to get to Boise and get organized and have furniture!!!  I feel like I'm back in college.  Eating off a card table.  Mattress on the floor.  It has actually been kind of fun.  Makes me realize I don't REALLY need too much.  Stuff is not what's important in life.  

5 1/2 days...

is all the time I have left before the movers come and load up all our 'stuff'.  Yikes, I guess I can no longer procrastinate on getting everything wrapped and packed.  I know, I know...it's only been a year since we've lived in beautiful Fort Collins, but don't you know by now that the Howard's love to move?  Some people have started calling us gypsies, which seems fitting as we have moved 3 times over the last 3 years.  4 times after this upcoming move.  I have become a moving pro! 

 

This is what my family room looks like.

I do have to say that with every new location, I have learned that no matter where I live, I have been lucky to find the best people.  I have had the opportunity to know THE BEST PEOPLE in the world.  I have loved each and every new adventure.  Some more that others, but it has taught me a lot.  I have learned that this world is FULL of good and kind people.  I have learned that our own attitude about life determines whether we are happy or not.  No one or no place can make you happy, it's all about positivity.  I have also learned that as long as my little family has each other, everything will be just fine.  I have learned that I love being part of the Church.  Every place we go, it is the same.  It is consistent.  It continues to teach and inspire.  It is such a comfort to me and the kids.  

We are moving home to Idaho.  (Meridian to be exact)  

From the time I was a baby, I have always been a 'daddy's girl'.  We were inseparable and I joined him on every one of his job sites during the summer.  I loved riding along with him in his tan, stick-shift, Toyota truck, full of tools.  Everyone in the Hardware store knew me by name.  

Me and dad when I was a baby. :)

We have always been close.  I miss him when we are so far.  I will be happy to be back to be back by him.  And my mom, who has become my best friend.  And my sister, brother-in-law, nephew and tons and tons of family.  It'll be 'cousin-galore' for the kids.  Family is the most important thing in the world to me.  The kids are ECSTATIC. I was worried when we sat them down to talk to them about the possible move back that they would be annoyed or mad or confused.  Nope.  Instantly they all jumped up and said "YES!!!"  Which in turn, made our decision a whole lot easier.  

The past few weeks I've really had mixed emotions.  I have had the chance to work with the best group of women and young women at church.  I may have been a leader to the youth, but they taught me more that I ever taught them.  I will miss them.  

I have also had the chance to be about an hour from my little sister Britt and her ADORABLE little family.  I will miss them dearly.  This makes me cry as I type.  I'm such a big baby.  I wish we could have been a bit closer, but we still got to see each other about every month or so.  I have loved having the chance to be a part of Lucy's first year of life!  I have been close enough to see each and every stage.  Sitting, rolling, hand and knees, eating solids, time in the pool, diaper changes and I've seen her grow from a skinny little newborn to a squishy and solid toddler.  I have loved spending every holiday with them.  I will miss them the most.  My kids will miss them too.  (Tears)  This is THE MAIN reason I have a hard time leaving Colorado.  Well, that and the beautiful weather. :)  My sister is strong and independent and her family is loving and thriving here in Colorado.  They are loving the new adventures Colorado brings to them, so I know they will be just fine.  My heart will break saying goodbye to Lucy Lu though.  Luckily Britt is really good at keeping in touch with pictures and videos, she's always been good about that!

But, I know we are making the right decision.  Jack has a great need to be around people who know his social quirks, who invite him to play.  It's been hard for him this year to watch his brother and sister have play-dates and birthday parties and neighborhood friends to come and play with.  Sadly, he doesn't have any boy kids his age in our neighborhood so he's felt a little bit lonely.  But, he can't wait to play with Griffin (my parent's dog) and play with Connor and Tyler (his cousins).  And Jesse when he gets home from his mission.  We are all looking forward to camping and boating and reuniting with everyone we've missed up in Idaho.

We've had lots of soccer games and football games and end-of-school performances over the past few weeks and have missed having family there to help cheer!  So it will be nice to have that support when we move back.  

I am moving the first week of June. (our rental is done June 1st, and can not be renewed month-to-month)  The day after school gets out.  It will be pure craziness!  Dan will be coming up in November.  We will be apart again for a few months, but we've done it before and we will survive.  Divide and conquer is our new 'phrase'.  

So, for now, I will most likely be signing off for a while until we get settled in our new place.  I still haven't seen the new house.  My parents went and looked at it for me and they say it is perfect.  So, I am anxious to see it for the first time when we move there.  All I wanted was a large fenced yard, a big pantry, a school close enough to walk to, and a three car garage.  All things I've missed out on over the past year.  Things I used to take for granted!  

As I mentioned a couple of years ago before a move, the words of Walt Disney come to mind... "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Or this quote. Both are fitting.

We've come full circle.  We started our little family in Boise and are finally heading back.  We just had some 'stepping stones' or 'detours' along the way, leading us right back to where we started.  

Wish me luck...this may just put me in the loony bin.  

Let me know if you want our new address and I'll send a post card in the mail.  XOXO