Mother's Day

This Mother's Day was just what I needed - time with my family doing so many things I love. 

I woke up to breakfast in bed. Each kiddo had a special job to help prepare the meal.  I love seeing how proud they are and how excited they seem to be when they say "surprise" after I had been hearing them prepare all morning.

I sat in bed eating and watching some HGTV while each child spent some extra time cuddling with me. 

After a lazy morning we drove to West Bend, IA to tour "The Grotto."  

This place had been on my bucket list and it did not disappoint. It was fascinating to hear the story of the priest who built it and see the amazing detail. 

It was a holy and quiet place that made me feel so grateful for my role as a mother. It doesn't get easier year after year, it changes daily, and I am always questioning if I am doing the right thing. However, I am at peace with the fact that I know I am doing my best.

On the way home, we listened to music and sang together.  That evening we enjoyed dinner and a boat ride.  

It was a full day overflowing with reminders of all the ways I have been blessed.

Dance Recital 2018

Marie had another amazing year in tumbling. 

I love watching how strong and flexible she is becoming. Tumbling has provided her some great exercise and has served as fun way to spend time with her friends while learning something new. 

This year her song was "Blue."

She did cartwheels, front roll outs, head stand roll outs, splits, and backward rolls.  She has mastered her one handed cartwheel but she wasn't ready for that in her recital she said. 

She smiles the whole time she is performing and it was truly a joy to watch her!

Day on the Farm

We had another day on my brother's farm a few weekends ago. It was just what we all needed. May is such a busy month with sports, dance recital, final celebrations at school, etc.  Fresh air after this long winter and odd spring seemed perfect!

This day was particularly interesting...they rescued a sweet little newborn calf. We all had to take turns petting and helping with feeding. The sweetest thing is that Chris's dog, Trigger, adopted this calf as his own and now they are best friends. 

We also chopped wood, rode horses, and helped with other chores.

We love this type of day and we are always going to treasure them.