Walk like an egyptian...

Clayton's school play was last night & he did a great job. The play was put on by all the 2nd graders & it was on being healthy. His class dressed up like egyptians because they sang about the food prymaid.

here he is saying his part

He got to play an instrument & in the basket next to him a pretend snake comes out & dances.

Marlee even watched part of the time & Porter practically knew the whole play by heart already.

Clayton got to make the hat he is wearing. My favorite part is the green snake on top. He was excited for the performance but, I think he is a little sad it is over, he had a lot of fun.

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day celebrates womanhood so, whether you are a mom or not, Happy Mother's Day!

I am thankful for both my mother & my mother-in-law; I am truly blessed.



I was treated with breakfast in bed this morning. Clayton loves suprises & to give gifts. He came in to check on me in the morning & told me that I was allowed to get out of bed but, not allowed to leave my bed room & that breakfast would be ready soon-it was really cute.


Marlee really thought that it should be her breakfast in bed. And I even got to use the "cow pourer" to put milk on my cereal.

The boys have been working on this little book they painted for me for awhile now.

It reads:

Happy Mothers day. Mom your the best.

On May 9th there is a holiday. It is Mother's Day.

Mothers day is like your moms 2nd birthday.

Mothers do alot of the chores

but Mothers are the best

Clayton gave me a necklace, Porter made me a book mark & Laun got me flowers & this cake platter that I have really been wanting. Laun told the boys that I want this cake platter so that we have something else to brake next time we move:)

And we were lucky enough to spend the day with my parents. They came because Laun & I were both talking in church today. This is the 3rd or 4th time that I have talked on Mother's Day-It is either my destiny or I still have a ton to learn;) Laun did a great job as usual & shared some touching stories about our Cooper. It is nice to hear a man express love for his mother & wife. Laun printed off my talk for me & as I was reading it in church I found a little part he added: Laun said I am the best woman in the world & he loves me so much! I didn't end up reading it aloud but, that would have been pretty funny but, I did get a really big smile on my face though.

During my talk I shared some of the things that I have learned from my children:

Clayton:

-to be excited about life, even the little things

-compassion & joy in giving to others

-notice the small details

-be a true friend

-believe that you will succeed

-sugar cures just about anything, especially laziness & sadness

Porter:

-use good reason

-always believe in yourself & don't give up

-smile & talk loud & everyone will know who you are

-a good story teller uses enthusiasm & great facial expressions

-you can do anything if you make up your mind to

-love learning

Cooper:

-never take a day for granite

-the brightness of hope

-appreciate life

-about death

-rely on the Lord to get you through trials

-love never dies

Marlee:

-express yourself

-enjoy every moment

-love the color pink

-stand up for yourself

-love is healing

-Daddy's are suckers for their little girls

I am thankful for all of my children & I am humbled to be their mother. Motherhood is the hardest thing that I have ever done but, it is the most rewarding too. I am thankful for a wonderful husband who loves & supports me. I am thankful for my Mother & the wonderful example that she is to me.

After church we had a nice big dinner & invited Hao to join us. Hao & my dad had some funny conversations. It was a wonderful Mother's Day, I am one lucky girl.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Laun & Jonathan put some insulation in the house tonight. When they were done we celebrated Cinco De Mayo w/ carne asadas & virgin margaritas.

Marlee liked the margarita & she drank it like a cat:

For dessert we had flan:

Spring babies

In April Laun had to build a new bunny cage for these:

Salt had 6 baby bunnies & this time they all survived (last time none survived). They are so adorable & Salt has been a good mom. The brown one is named Griz, one of the black ones w/ a white foot is Sock, the all black one is Midnight, the small spotted one is Itty Bitty, the big spotted one is Cookies & Cream, & the medium spotted one is Black & White.


this is the proud mamma-Salt


this is when they were younger

the bunny cages

Marlee the princess

Here is Marlee with her slaves, I mean brothers, both feeding her their popsicles at the same time.


Grandpa Frost came in town & treated us to Guadalajara grill for dinner & the kids liked sitting on this big chair in the restaraunt.

Marlee was happier when she had the chair all to herself.

Here is Marlee crying as she is signing the word more-she wants more baby bunny.

Marlee with baby bunny^

Girls trip to Phx.

Marlee & I went to my parents house & it was nice to have some time with just us girls.
We went on a walk with Grandma & Lynn Lancaster.
I got my hair cut from my friend Karen Burr & had fun visiting with her. She has a cute little girl named Gwen who is around Marlees age. Our boys used to play together when they were younger & it is fun to see us both with girls now.
Then my brother Andy & his family were in town & it was fun seeing them & their cute kiddos. My mom had Brandon's birthday dinner & dessert that night & Ted's family, Andy's family, Marlee & I, Brandon & Rachel, & my Turley Grandparents were there. It was a short trip but, nice to get away & see some friends & family.

And people say that sitting too close to the tv is bad for your eyes-how cute is she?!


Marlee liked taking a wagon ride with her cute toe head cousin Josiah.


Brandon successfully blew out all the candles on his b-day cake,
And my mom got this sweet bucket of Thrifty ice cream at the business Costco-lets just say that I will be making plenty of room in my freezer because I want one of those but, in Chocolate Malted Crunch flavor.

Marlee LOVES her Aunt Elizabeth.

zoo trip

It was early out today so, I took the kids to the zoo. My camera battery died so, I only got 3 pictures. We all had a great time & I think the monkeys were by far the most entertaining.

My boys checking out the tiger^

Uncle Jonnys here

Laun's younger brother Jonathan has moved in with us & Marlee is happy to have another person around to hold her. The kids are so excited & Jonny should be too because I am an onion free cook:)

Isn't she too little for pig tails?

my book worms

fyi- I was not driving while taking this picture; we were at a red light on the way home from the library & this is what I saw when I looked back.

food & company are always a good combo...

Porter was so excited about the 1st tomato from our garden:


We've also been enjoying lots of beets:



My parents were here earlier this week & we had a great time visiting. My Dad had a conference in Tucson & my Mom came along. We were happy to have them both.
One night we had Hao (grad student from China) join us for dinner. Hao & my Dad enjoyed speaking chinese to each other. My boys think it is so cool that their Grandpa speaks Chinese.

Marlee loves her Grandma & enjoyed being read to.

My Dad's birthday was on wednesday & he chose steak for dinner:

We had steak & shrimp w/ baked potatoes, mushrooms, corn on the cob, salad, & bread. It was all delicious thanks to Launs excellent grilling.

For dessert Dad chose chocolate cake w/ chocolate frosting & vanilla ice cream:

Here is Marlee snuggling w/ my mom-it is cute how much she loves her Grandma.

We always love spending time with my parents. My Mom is such a help w/ the house work & kids. She even did some mending for me. She is a saint & I love spending time w/ her. We were happy to celebrate my Dad's b-day w/ him. And the boys love when Grandpa tells them stories. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents & we were sad to see them go.