Some things the same.

     As a parent I am sure there are always things we want to do different than our own parents.  I am sure Tanner and Holden will want to do things different from me as well. The best advice I got when I was pregnant with Tanner was "you will have lots of advice and lots of opinions on how you should do things but God gave you these boys so trust your heart and Seek after Him," that is exactly what I am trying to do. But as a kid there are a lot of things I remember from my childhood that I want to do  the same. My mom was an awesome mommy to us. I remember always having notes in my lunches and snacks after school. When I had to take pills if I was sick she would put them in jelly so as to make it easier for me to take. She was always doing special things for us. I remember her sending me balloons and flowers to school when I was in the third grade for my birthday.  She helped me take care of my dolls and toys and was always reading to me and later getting me books to read on my own. She does that for my boys too. She has given them so many good books and even ordered them some special ones. She is very wise on authors. We still love "I Forgot the Bacon and Click Clack Moo." I also found out later she stood in line for hours to get me my Cabbage Patch Doll Phoebe Myra for Christmas one year. I loved my Cabbage Patch doll so much!! My dad was always riding bikes with us and taking us to Alderman's Ford Park to ride the trails. He taught me to ride dirt bikes very young. I LOVED it!! Holden and Tanner love to go to Papa's house to ride motorcycles. Especially Holden. We play outside for hours at his house. My parents were the parents God gave me. I am thankful for them and that my kids have 4 grandparents that love them. I recently lost both my grandmothers within 18 months of each other. They both did a lot for us kids. I am thankful that they had the chance to see my 2 boys and all the other great grand kids. This past weekend was fun and memorable. Friday I went grocery shopping with my big helper Holden and cooked a nice meal and we hung out at home. Saturday was gym time and lunch.  Saturday afternoon and evening was date night with my sidekick Tanner Man. Billy and Holden ordered pizza and watched Pirates. I took Tanner to Tony's Sushi and it was his first time at the Hibachi Grill Table. We then went to the mommy and son dance. Our 4th year. I am so glad I have that time with him. I am intentional about it. Sunday was church and lunch with Billy and the kids. Like every Sunday. I love our church and so do the kids. After lunch I took my 2 baby boys to the beach for several hours so Billy could study. HOW AWESOME we live just one hour from the ocean. The boys and I love the beach. The sand, the surf, and the sky!! It was so fun taking them over to the beach for a couple hours and then getting ice cream. Tanner loves oreo ice cream and Holden wants anything  "pink" these days with ice cream being no exception.  Although he didn't eat it. But it sure was a fun afternoon.  We had a great weekend. I can not wait to hit the beach this summer, the pool, and the Lake. I am also looking forward to Magic Kingdom with Meme and Grampy on Mother's day. I sure love being a mommy!!

Holding their small hands

     I love holding my children's hands. I took Tanner for his testing at Madison street a couple weeks ago and he didn't want to let go of my hand. When I take Tanner to school I walk him to class holding both of my boys small hands in mine. When we go to the store or gym Holden will say "hold my hand mommy." This morning on our way into church as Billy carried Holden I walked holding Tanner's precious hand. I love that I get to hold their hands still and that they want to be with me. At Disney this week we had a lot of fun. It is something that we have been doing since Tanner was a baby. I get to play with my family. Just the four of us. We made TONS of memories this week. Billy works hard and is in school and I am busy taking of these little guys so down time is not only fun but needed. I love doing the stuff like we did this week. We know how to do it right by planning our days and knowing when to switch it up.  Tanner loves riding the roller coasters and thrill rides. Holden loves seeing all the characters. We all love the shows. Our favorites this trip were The Finding Nemo musical at Animal Kingdom and the 3D shows at all the parks. I love riding rides with the kids and taking them swimming. We are busy for the next few weeks with swimming, play dates, school activities and Tanner's Ocala Civic Theater but we always make time for playing in the back yard, building all sorts of different potato heads, and reading lots of different books. Everyday I get to be these boys mommy I am thankful. It is a lot of work but such a blessing and a gift. I love serving my family. I do have frustrating days as we all do but I wouldn't change my life for anything. I love my husband as he is always so into Disney and playing with the kids. We love our Nani boy too. He went to his doggie hotel this week. When the lady answered the phone she knew from my voice who I was as I started taking Nani there in 2005 before Billy and I lived together or was married. Although these days more often than not my gracious in-laws will offer to help and he will saty with them. I am posting a few pictures from this time with my family. Life can be messy and you can't please everyone. I work hard these days on cherishing the good times and letting GO of the rest. I seek God daily, hourly, every minute, and cherish what he has given me. Tanner's smile, Holden's voice, Billy's generosity and Nani's snuggles are just a few things on my gratitude list tonight. And my favorite thing I am grateful for tonight is having the privilege of holding my boys hands.