Happy Fathers Day

I honestly do not know what I would do without this amazing man in my life.  I am so fortunate to know him as my husband, my lover, my companion, the father of my children, and my friend.  I love seeing all of the beautiful things he contributes to the lives of our growing children—he loves them, motivates them, pushes them, believes in them, tolerates them, doesn't tolerate them, blesses them, plays with them, cares for them, supports them, provides for them, and teaches them.  He is by far the best Dad for these boys.  I love how much they honor and love their Daddy! How much they smile whenever they see him first thing in the morning, and how much they miss him during the day.

I am so grateful I have a husband who is sensitive, loving, kind, patient, forgiving, helpful, thoughtful, and a person who has his priorities in line.  I honestly do not know how I would get through this crazy role of parenting without him—financially, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  He elevates me, comforts me, assists me, soothes me, and supports me every day in my role as a mother to these two boys.  I feel so blessed to be raising a family with him and I am so excited about the journey ahead.

Went on a nice family hike and found this lovely waterfall that he boys kept slipping in and having a love/hate relationship with :).  They DID love throwing rocks in the water with their Dad!

Mike got some swimsuits, a colored picture from Becks, a massage by moi, and dinner at Jim and Nicks BBQ

Amanda's 34th Birthday

It was a nice, low key birthday this year.  Mike took the day off and we started the day by opening gifts—Mike surprised me with a mini ipad (he spoiled me) and a beautiful, heart felt letter.  Beckahm, the night previous—all on his own—gave me a back massage and drew me an awesome picture (totally made my day when he said he wanted to do those things for me). Beckahm was so excited to open my gifts and to celebrate the entire day with me :); the funniest thing he said was "mom, when are your friends coming over?"

I went to yoga in the morning and then we went to breakfast at Tropical Smoothie as a fam.  I then had a last tint appt at the Aveda Institute and then I came home, got ready while Mike took care of the kiddos and I went shopping, picked up a few clothes, got my makeup done at Mac, and got a pedicure at the Aveda Salon. Then I picked up Mike and Corrie babysat the kids while we went to dinner at Red Lobster.

I am so grateful for all the wisdom that comes with aging.  I am grateful for the trials I have overcome in my life, that I had the gumption to get myself out of some difficult situations.  I am forever grateful to the Lord who had faith in me to send me here, knowing I would have the ability to pull myself out of difficult situations and try to make better choices.  I am grateful for my mother who brought me into this world 34 years ago and all of the great sacrifices she made to raise me, support me, sustain me and see me grow.  I am grateful for to now be a mother of two beautiful boys.  I am grateful that motherhood pushes me to be better.  And I am grateful for my amazing husband and how close we have become in our relationship.  I truly love that he is my companion and most importantly I person I consider my closest friend.

I hope within the next year that I learn how to slow down and enjoy life more, that I continue to try to be a better mother, that I keep growing in my communication, honesty, and connection with my husband, and that I serve others and open myself up to the countless possibilities of growth and change.

Mike was so sweet to stay up late after he got home from work and put up some decorations

I wanted carrot cake and Mike insisted on making it for me but he was getting home so late the night before so I made it myself :) (he did frost it however :)

Dinner with the hubs; loving my new neon shoes

Amari's Trip to Utah

Amari's adventures in Utah! I am so happy he was able to bond with his Daddy and see all of his extended family! What a good boy he was on the flight for Daddy, and what a great job he did adapting to his new surroundings.  

Playing the slots in Vegas waiting to catch a flight to UT

It brought tears to my eyes to see Amari finally meet my sister and her family! They loved him! Uncle Jared was also able to do a wellness checkup on him and everything looked fantastic; he was as healthy as could be!!

Jared showing Mike how to check Becks

Michelle said Amari loved Jaxen; he followed him around every where

 Flight home

The most adorable reunion EVER! Amari wanted nothing to do with me, he only wanted his brother (crawling out of my arms to try and jump through Beckahm's window to see him).  Beckahm was SO happy to see his baby brother! Sweetest moment of my motherhood by far!