Easter Weekend... yes it's 3 weeks late!

We had a great Easter weekend. It was full of activities and fun! Saturday we spent the morning dying easter eggs with some of our nieces and nephew {and Brynlee of course}.

Then we went to a family lunch. James' mom's side does a big meal and easter egg hunt each year! So off we went to South Tulsa for the celebration. We don't get to see this family often enough... usually 3 times a year but we always have a good time!

Sunday we began the day at church! I know I have said this before, but I love our church! I am so happy to serve/attend a church that celebrates the death, burial and resurrection each and every Sunday, but especially on Easter! Then we went off to lunch at my parent's house. It was a little weird without the rest of the family {Joel in Portland, Elizabeth can't travel due to baby Graham coming any day, and Abigail and Tyler needed to stay in Joplin!} but a nice surprise... my Uncle Jeff was in for the weekend! So we got to spend some time with him along with my cousins Lindsey and Blake! Brynlee had a fun time meeting new cousins! I still need to get these pics from my mom!

Now, we did not do an Easter basket. When I was kid we didn't do Easter baskets. I asked my mom why and she said that there usually wasn't enough extra money. It was either Easter clothes or a basket... and clothes won out! But don't worry I definitely don't feel deprived or anything like that. If anything I am kind of thankful. Easter baskets are fun and there is nothing wrong in doing them {although I haven't exactly figured out why we do them?? You are welcome to clue me in if you know...} There are so many things that make the day busy and about food and family and everything but Jesus. So I figure it is one less thing to get in the way. Now, this is not to say we won't do an Easter basket when Brynlee gets older... who knows! Actually, it didn't even occur to me that we didn't do one until I was at Wal-mart Friday night and saw all the baskets and people going crazy buying them!!

We had a great weekend celebrating Jesus raising from the dead!

Second Mother's Day

Now, everyone keeps saying how this is my first mother's day and just let me be honest for a minute: when you are pregnant you get to celebrate mother's day... but I understand why people say that anyway!

We started the celebrations Saturday night. When I got home from running the kitchen counter was covered in tissue paper. So James instructed me to carefully remove each layer until I saw this...

Now, before this we only had one picture of Brynlee actually printed. So I was super excited!! And James had taken Brynlee outside that day to take pictures and they turned out AMAZING!

just one of the 300 pictures he took

Sunday was super packed. We went to church early so Brynlee could get a nap before lunch {which was only for 45 minutes.. the nap that is. Lunch was forever- it was good, but took us and hour and a half after sitting down to get our food}

James' grandparents meeting Brynlee for the first time!

four generations

Then we came home and got ready for my parents to come over for dinner! We had a great time just talking and watching Brynlee make funny faces! Then of course taking pictures outside!

 It really was a great day! Sometimes I just can't believe that I am actually a mom... I am truly blessed!

Madre

I don't exactly know where to begin this post. I just opened my Mother's Day present, and let me just say it is pretty stinking awesome! I can't wait to show it to all of you! I really do love being a mom. I wasn't sure what to expect out of motherhood {and I know I have barely scratched the surface}. There have been many ups and downs in the five short months Brynlee has been with us. Even so, I love it! When she smiles, laughs and talks to me each day, I am reminded of how much I love my sweet pea!

But this is really more about my mom! I know most of you think your mom is the greatest but I have to disagree! My mom is amazing. She has the biggest heart. She loves to take care of us kids/grandkids/in-laws even as we continue to grow and have our own families!

She is the queen of giving presents and just knowing what people like/dislike. I love that about her! She always pays attention to our ever-changing personalities. She has a heart for Jesus and seeing lost people find Him.

We have always been close, probably because we are so much alike! We could talk for hours about anything, everyday. I am so thankful to have a mom who understands me. I love that she could always be both parent and friend. I am so glad that we live so close! Not that it changed anything when we lived 12 hours away... but still it is nice!

Today I was reminded yet again how much I love her {we met up to shop at Wal-mart just like pre-Brynlee days!}. I love you mom! If I can be half the mom to Brynlee {and future kiddos} that you were to me {and Elizabeth, Joel & Abigail} then I will be overjoyed!!

Mother's Day 2010