Mother's Day 2025.

Don't let my smile fool you in these photos. Mothers day this year was...."off." I wasn't myself and in all honesty did not want to get out of bed. I know I shared how I find joy in every hard situation but it's truly not that easy. I heard that the "firsts" are hard. The first birthday without your mom. The first Christmas, first holiday, etc. Yes...is true and painful as hell. But I got up and I went to church and although I wasn't smiling at everyone I made it through and having Jon and Noah comfort me with hugs and kisses is all I needed to make my first Mother's Day without my mama bearable. And a yummy dinner! Thanks babe! Hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day this year especially those who are without their mother. Take good care of yourself! 

A Mother's Day Re-Cap.

Although this Mother's Day was different it was definitely memorable. One doesn't need to have a huge celebration to feel loved and to be honest all my past mothers days have pretty much been simple and extra sweet. Since both our families live across the country we don't have any one coming over nor do we. For the past 14 years it has always just been us, and I actually like it that way. I do hope that when my kids get older and have a family of their own that they will come visit me if we live on the same side of the world. Other than that it's always the little things that matter. The simple joys. The simplicity of a homemade card with a drawing on the front cover. Uttering those three words Happy. Mother's. Day. Burned toast, and raw eggs for breakfast. Oh wait, that was when the girls were little! Seriously though...hugs and kisses, a good hamburger, laughter and a simple walk through a tulip garden makes this momma happy. And a quick trip to D.C. to eat at Cookout and take in the temple under construction was a treat too! These great kids-I'm so honored to be their momma, and so happy that Lexie got to spend one last Mummy's Day with me before she took off on her mission! More pics below...

A Mother's Day Post: Appreciating My Children.

"If you have Children who are grown and gone, and in all likelihood have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn't appreciate that time of your life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future. 

MOTHER'S DAY ON A SATURDAY IN NEW YORK CITY.

Over Mother's day weekend Jon decided to take me to New York alone without the kiddos. So after Noah's tennis lesson we got ourselves ready and headed out. We left pretty late in the day, and arrived in the city around 3pm, but still managed to do some of the things we wanted to do. We walked all over Manhattan for hours, and just enjoyed our time alone. To be honest it felt kind of weird because we are so used to having the kids with us when we come to the city, but nonetheless had a grand time!  

We hung around the the Flat iron district, and being that it was the month of may we had "a taste" of Madison Square eats. We didn't get to try out too many foods because we had already had lunch in jersey, but oh my gosh everything looked delicious. I bought a few corn cookies from Milk (my new favorite cookie), and Jon tried out a pork empanada. I had a taste of it too, and and it was pretty good. They are only here during the month of may so if you're in the area I would recommend coming hungry so you can try out some of the foods! 

 Besides the cookies I spotted a Wafels & Dinges truck, and we had ourselves a throw down, and da bomb. 

We then walked around Madison Square Park where they have a new art installation, and it's pretty amazing. They always have different art put in every few months, but this particular one will hang around the park at least until the winter months. 

And then I saw the playground. They say to never talk about the kids while on on a date with your spouse, but I couldn't help to not talk about them since this is Noah & Chelsea's favorite playground. It only lasted until we left the park! 

The weather was pretty perfect considering it looked like Gotham for a bit with the fog lingering high in the sky, but there was no rain, and I managed to capture a few photos of this city that I love so much. 

 ^^^ We also noticed more art in front of Central Park, and this particular art was called "Desire Lines." ^^^

^^^ Fallon...enough said. ^^^

We ended the day in the city with a carriage ride through Central park. It was so relaxing, and even though we didn't have the kids with us we still had them in our hearts. Still...it's dates like this that strengthen our marriage, and helps us love a little harder. 

Hope you're Mother's day weekend was filled with a lot of love!! 

Happy Monday! 

the best mom I can be.

Being a mother is one of the greatest blessings in my life, and most of those blessings come from my mother. 

My mother did her best in raising me, and I feel as if I've come a long way in what I've learned from her. I have fond memories of our life together, and some sad. What I will always treasure are the fond ones. 

Throughout the years as I got older, and converted my life to Christ I knew that I wanted to become the best mother when it came to having a family. I also knew that I wanted to take the best attributes I learned from her with me, and correct any mistakes that she did while raising me. 

And I hope that I did. 

My mom had a rough life and because of her example of strength, and endurance I want to be the best mom I can be.  

There are days when motherhood can be hard. There are days when I cry, and days when I laugh. There are days when I smile, and days when I want to pull my hair out. But at the end of the day going to bed exhausted is a sign that I gave all of my energy in entertaining, and being attentive to my kids. 

Telling them I love them gives them assurance that no matter what kind of day I've had whether it was filled with stress, or happiness that love abides in my heart all around them.  

It is my hope that as my daughters grow up, and when it is their time to become a mother that they will learn from all the mistakes I've done (and believe me I've done quite a lot), and that they too will remember to correct them. 

And that our only son will find a wife who is kind, loving, spiritual, and a lover of children.

So to all you mothers out there I wish you the very best in being a mom, and in teaching them all about love, and mothering. Cherish, love, and take interest in all of their needs because they sure grow up way too fast. 

Although motherhood can be challenging at times especially in this generation we know that we can turn to the light of Christ who helped create our children.

He is the goodness that comes from the innocence that our children carry, and I pray that like a child I'll be able to have some of that innocence when it comes to being a mom.

"What matters is that a mother Loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."~Russell M. Ballard (Daughters of God General Conference April)

**Happy Mothers Day!**

A week in review

Last Saturday Jon and I finally watched the Avengers in 3D, and it was awesome! We went the weekend after the premiere, and it was not as packed! We enjoyed our "date night", and had a great evening! I am so thankful to be able to make the time for ourselves so that we can keep our sanity when it comes to parenthood. As much as we love our children we know how important it is to keep that bond between a husband and wife so we attempt to have a date night as much as we can. It was an awesome evening watching a fantastic movie!

Sunday was Mother's day, and I woke up with a lot of beautiful handwritten letters written by my daughters...

from: Sierra

from: Lexie

I had a beautiful Mother's Day and always look forward to this day every year. Reading letters like this reassures me that I am doing a pretty good job in raising my kids, and pray that I will always be a good influence on them in teaching them proper principles. Everyone's letter was so touching. Some were short and sweet like Sierra's, other's were long and heartfelt like Lexie's (I didn't quite fit all of hers in), some were typed because Noah can't write yet, and a drawing illustrated by my youngest daughter with the words I love You is all I needed to hear on this day!

For my mother's day dinner my better half made me Creamy Grilled Chicken Picatta. A recipe that I found on Pinterest. It was delicious, and a lot cheaper than feeding a family of six at Olive Garden! My better half is such a great cook!

On Monday...

It rained and rained all day which normally I don't mind, but it did bug me today. I made a summer bucket list to get me out of the slump, and before my better half went into work he took Noah and I out to eat for lunch at Don Pablos. It is pretty close to any homemade mexican food I am used to (that's just my opinion.)

On Tuesday...

The rain subsided but going to the park was not an option seeing that the grass was still wet. Chelsea and Noah always want to venture outdoors, especially when their olders sisters go to their young women activity at church. We spent the day walking down the bike trail while Noah drove his truck on the pavement. They all had fun even though they didn't get on the monkey bars or slide.

On Wednesday...

My dear friend and I spent the day in New York City and watched Ghost the musical. It was so much fun, and this was such a special post Mother's Day treat for me. I loved every minute of this day!

On Thursday...

I went to the Red White and Blue Thrift store, and found these Rainbow flip flops for two bucks!!!!!! I was seriously thinking of buying brand new ones, but I am so happy that I didn't spend 48 bucks on a pair! Yes...my daughters all own a pair, but believe me these Rainbow flip flops will last you for a long time! I bought Sierra's when she was in eighth grade, and she still has them. They are still in great condition, and doesn't wear them to the beach. That's what the Old Navy flip flops are for.

I also found a new love. Marie Callenders cherry filled pie with Golden Oreo ice cream, and Hershey's Dark Chocolate syrup...yumo!!! I have to be in a certain mood to be able to eat something sweet. It's also nice to be able to splurge every now and then for the kids. I hardly ever buy this stuff, but I was in the mood for it, and I bought it. You should try it!

On Friday...

My eldest, and most beautiful daughter turned 17. There are days when I look at her and still see a little girl running around with curly haired pig tails. She truly is growing up to be such a lovely young daughter of God, and I am truly grateful to have her in my life!

Note to self...

• Always have a date night at least once a month! It truly makes a huge difference in our life! 

• Never take my children, and husband for granted...ever! Mother's day comes once a year and raising them year after year that one day makes a huge difference when they show their appreciation! 

• No matter how cooped up we may feel in the house due to dismal weather snap out of it, and do something fun whether its indoors or outdoors.

• Always take the little ones out for a stroll in the neighborhood. Even when the rain has stopped.

• Make a goal to see a broadway show once a year!

• Always go thrift shopping!

• Spend more time with my children, and pay attention to the little things they do because before you know it...they will be in college, married, and out of the house doing the same things with their kids that we used to do with them! (Sorry for the fragmented sentence!)