Thankful Party

We love having parties in our house for whatever reason we can think of, so finding a almost full box of thank you cards never used after our wedding spurred this one (we are going to have to be even more creative to use the rest). Everyone got to pick a food they were "thankful" for and then we had a great note writing session followed by ice cream.

What one does...

I think it is expected that Audrey will want to copy her older sister, and she does try and does pretty good.  But it goes both ways in our house, what Audrey gets attention for, her sister will be quickly behind.  Just a few examples:

This is the picture I started with when Audrey was climbing in the laundry.

 This was 30 seconds later.

 I went in to find Audrey had fallen asleep with her legs out of the slats and got the camera for a picture. 

  Haley had yet to fall asleep so after Audrey's picture, it was her turn.

I'm not sure why this video is a little fuzzy but makes my point well. 

All I ever needed to know, I learned from my mom

• The time when she circled the block a few times because she saw a little boy playing outside without an adult taught me to watch over people, even when it's not your job.
• The time when Jake was lost and she told me to go to my room and say a prayer taught me to turn to the Lord in crisis.
• The time when I got detention in high school because my mom told them that I didn't have her permission to leave campus because telling them otherwise would have been a lie taught me to be honest, always.
• The time when we were listening to the song "From a Distance" by Bette Midler and she said that she didn't like it because God doesn't watch us from a distance taught me that we are seen and heard.
• The time when she sat with me on the stairs and talked about what it was like to feel the spirit taught me to recognize what a testimony was.
• The time when I was 14 and at a 17 year old boy's house with my friends and she called and made me come home and didn't care how mad or embarrassed I'd be for being the young one taught me that it doesn't matter who is watching, we still do the right thing.
• The time when I was called to be YW President in my ward and was overwhelmed because I didn't know what I was doing and she told me, "it's not about you, it's about them" taught me that the most important thing is to love and serve.
• The times when she sat up and waited for us to come home from the dance and then would have Skittles and M&Ms or popcorn (or all of the above) taught me how special moms are for their daughters.
• Every Sunday when she'd make us wear socks, tights or nylons to church because we "dress up for the Lord" taught me to be respectful in all things.
• The time when we heard something on the radio about Mother Theresa and I told her that I wanted to be like that and help people in other parts of the world and she told me that it's just as noble to help people in your little world taught me to open my eyes around me.
• The time when the 5th grade boys were teasing me so badly I came home crying and she went back to the school the same afternoon to get something done about it taught me that we protect our own.
• The time when I told her that I was going to buy parenting books to give me ideas on disciplining a 2 year old and she told me to just pray about it, reminded me where my help comes from.
• The time when I was a teenager and I asked her how you can feel okay about having so many kids when there are so many bad things in the world and she told me that "you do the best you can and then have faith" taught me about faith.
• All of the times when I was called back to "do the job right" taught me the 'art' and 'science' of housekeeping.
• The times when we had to sing the "I'm sorry's" to the sibling we were fighting with taught me that humor is key.
• The times when she told me to never prop up my baby's bottle but to hold them and love them because the time passes too quickly, taught me to slow down and enjoy.

All of the diapers I saw changed, the temperatures taken, the tears kissed the discpline given has taught me how to be a mother. The stories, the "lectures," the disappointments and the praises have made me a better me. The woman that she was when I was growing up and the woman that she is now teaches me. Mother I love you.

Mother's Day

This was the card that I got from Wes today.

With this written inside:

"Sweetheart, As I approached the greeting card section on the night before Mother's Day I was stunned at the enormous crowd that was frantically picking over what used to be the 'Mother's Day' section.  Deciding I was powerless against this mob and not wanting to attempt to make my way through the vast throng I decided my only option was to peruse the section the crowd was ingoring...the 'Father's B-day' section.  Thus the repurposed card.  You'll be happy to know it was only $1!"

Loved it.  (It also had a sweet sentimental part in case you were wondering.)

Pals

I'm just starting to see how fun it's going to be with these girls growing up. For the most part Haley is very patient with her sister getting into all of her stuff and she's starting to try to "play" with her (which usually consists of her grabbing Audrey's hand trying to get her to walk and Audrey falling down and crying and Haley running to tell me).

 These girls love smoothies (thanks Grammie!).

 Yes, Haley has no pants on, and that's a sticker on her foot (stickers on body parts is just about the funniest thing around here these days).

 Haley has a lot of hair, this is when I've taken it out of it's bow for the day.

 I found them like this the other day, just sitting and talking to one another.

 Haley is "reading" Audrey her sticker book.

Easter

Here is our little Easter Egg Hunt with some kids from the ward.  Haley was much more interested this year in it since she now knows what's inside.

 Sometimes she would be in such a hurry to get it in her mouth that the wrapper wouldn't quite make it off.

 Audrey enjoying the festivities.

 Easter morning baskets.

 Candy was had by all.

 Sadly this is the only picture I got of the girls in their Easter dresses, mostly because they are the dresses they are wearing for my brother's wedding next month so they didn't spend much time in them outside of church.  I don't feel that bad because I'm sure that there will be plenty of pictures of them later.