What Happens in Dallas . . .

This past weekend I went to Dallas for a sisters weekend. All five of my older sisters went also! We literally flew in from all four corners of the country (Massachusetts, Washington, Arizona, California, and Arkansas.) None of us were nursing OR pregnant, which is quite a big deal in a family of six daughters.

(From left to right in case you're curious: Robyn, me, Leigh, Laurie, Rebecca, Mikki)
We had such a GREAT time. I really think these get away trips make me a better mother. They rejuvenate me and remind me of how much I love my children. Our weekend in Dallas consisted of shopping, eating out, more shopping, eating out, laughing, and talking, talking, talking. We are NEVER at a loss of words. There is always something juicy to talk about in my family. It is such a comfort to have 5 people who know you SO well . . . almost better than you know yourself unfortunately.
Here we are at a Dallas hot spot eating some fried pickles! They were actually really good. One of our favorite things to do is eat.

We're all total hams in my family, so we had a blast having a karaoke night. Thanks for buying the singstar game Mikki! Here are Robyn and Mikki jammin' out.

I am very blessed to have these 5 amazing people in my life. They have always been there for me in times of trial. They have made me largely in part, who I am today. I feel so blessed to be the youngest, and to have had so much great advice and counsel. I love all of you. I've been sad all week because I'm going through "sister withdrawals." Being the youngest, I think I'm much more attached than the rest of them.

My Mom

Sunday evening we had a special FHE about mothers. We were at my in-laws home and we each went around and shared a special memory about our Mom. I had barely spoken 3 words when I got all emotional and started crying. (And I am NOT a pretty person when I cry.) Just thinking about my Mother makes me want to burst into sobs. They're sobs of gratitude and humility- and a little bit of sadness for not being as helpful as I should have been. I think it's because now that I'm a mother, I TRULY realize how difficult it can be. I don't think I every fully thanked her for the amazing example she set for me. So here are a few things I wanted to thank her for:

- Thankyou for having me! Especially considering I was your sixth and last child, and your second C-section. You have a lovely scar across your tummy in remembrance of me.

- Thankyou for making me that darling tiger costume in the 6th grade- which even won the "cutest costume" award in my class. I was so proud of it! I wish I had a picture of the costume to show everyone reading this. However, my Mom loves me so much, she can't seem to part with any of my baby or childhood photos. I was shocked I happened to have the photo above!

- Thankyou for driving me to all those piano lessons (and on behalf of my other sisters- violin lessons, cello lessons, golfing lessons, dance practice, diving practice, cheer practice, and more)

- Thankyou for picking me up and taking me to Taco Bell for lunch- all those many, many times when I was in junior high and having a hard time (this was the experience I got all emotional about during FHE). I would call you and you'd be right there.

- Thankyou for staying youthful! When all the other Moms didn't want to get wet, or get dirty- you were always the first to jump in on the fun. You didn't care about getting your hair wet- or about anything except enjoying the moment. I hope I never grow too old to participate in activites with my kids or grandkids. You are the perfect example of this.

- Thankyou for always buying me a strawberry cream cheese croissant at Java City Cafe, after all those painful orthodontist appointments. Despite the pain- I always managed to choke down one of those yummy croissants.

- Thankyou for coming into my room late at night, after I was in bed, and visiting with me. I never outgrew you "tucking" me in.

- Thankyou for being there for all those sick nights. You were right there- changing my sheets, fetching me soda and saltine crackers, scrubbing the carpet. Whenever I was sick, I loved having you nearby.

- Thankyou for buying me my senior prom dress. It was a white, empire waist, Jessica McClintock and I called it my "Jane Austen" dress. It looked like something Gwenyth Paltrow would have worn in Emma. It was expensive too. You even let me pick out gorgeous white, satin shoes to match. I am so grateful you let me enjoy my senior prom to the fullest.

- Thankyou for your endless supply of energy. I'm still in awe of how you managed to accomplish so much in one day. After a crazy, hectic day, I remember you asking me at about 8 pm, "Hey honey- let's run to Dillards really fast!" This would happen numerous times. Where does all that energy come from MOM? Please share your secret.

- Thankyou for encouraging me when I was scared to try new things. I don't know if I would have ever learned to snow ski or water ski, if you hadn't been right there encouraging me.

- Thankyou for sharing your testimony of the gospel with me. You and Dad are incredible examples. Neither of you came from ideal LDS homes. The choices you have made are a living example of your testimony.

- Thankyou for putting your family first. (Although- I think you should have put yourself a little bit higher on the totem pole.) I have memories of your old, beat-up sandals and your worn purses, because you could care less. I appreciate the example you set of where our priorities should be.

- Thankyou for NEVER complaining. You NEVER acted like a victim. This is something I struggle with. I always think of you, because you never thought of yourself and only thought about your husband and kids. You are the epitome of selflessness.

I love you Mom. I could come up with many more memories. I apologize for all those nights that I used homework as an excuse so I wouldn't have to do the dishes. I apologize for complaining about not getting to buy some stupid, materialistic object. I could probably make an ever longer list of apologies! I adore you Mom. I am blessed beyond description to have you as my Mother.

Cinco de Mayo

I am proud to announce that we celebrated Cinco de Mayo. We had Grandma & Grandpa Nebeker, and Uncle Tyler over for a full-blown fiesta. I made chicken enchiladas with roasted tomatillo chile salsa (they were a lot of work), spicy black beans, yellow rice, and guacamole. I need to start remembering to photograph the dishes I prepare!!!

Grandma brought over a much anticipated pinata.

After whacking it several times, Jack asked, "Is this pinata made of metal?"

Adam finally brought the pinata to its ultimate ruin. Much to my happiness, Grandma had stuffed it with granola bars, fruit snacks, and rice krispie treats. I was delighted. Even though those items are still way too sugary- it was better than suckers and Skittles. Jack wasn't quite as impressed. As the somewhat "healthy" items exploded everywhere, Jack exlaimed in disappointment, "Awwww, granola bars?!?" He might as well have said, "Are you kidding me? Granola bars in a pinata?"

Camping with Dad

Adam went camping with the Young Men recently (April 25-26) and took the boys along. They had sooo much fun. By the time they had set up their tent and roasted their hot dogs, it was bedtime. As the boys were changing into their pajamas in the car, Jack exclaimed, "I'm exhausted!"
Meanwhile, Lucy and I were feeling lonely and weird in a house so quiet. I was thrilled to receive a phone call from Jack and Owen- straight from their sleeping bags.

The highlight of camping for Jack and Owen was finding deer poop. They spent the entire evening finding piles of it. Aren't boys great? They're so easily entertained.

How much do you love me?

This morning Jack and I were visiting in the kitchen. I am so sick over my kids (in a good way, I'm obsessed with their cuteness). Anyway, I spontaneously grabbed Jack and hugged him tightly. He already reaches my armpits practically, so I have to take advantage and get as many hugs and kisses as I possibly can. Our conversation is as follows:

Me: "I love you to the moon and back!" (I was being a cheeseball, I know.)

Me again: "How much do you love me?"

Jack: "Um, I love you, like- medium."

Our trip to Utah

This past week we visited Utah. We had a great time. For an entire week, I was off the hook when it came to preparing meals, entertaining my kids, doing laundry, and cleaning. My wonderful Mom did it all for me. Here are some highlights from the trip:

My parents own a horse named Josie and the boys LOVE to "feed" her as well as ride her.

Here's Jack riding Josie with Grandpa Shahan.

In case you're wondering why there aren't any photos of me on Josie, there's two reasons. 1. Josie has A LOT of energy and isn't fully broken. 2. I had a terrifying, horse-back riding experience when I was 17 years old and living in Argentina. You'd think since my Father is an amazing jockey and calf-roper, that I'd have it in me. Nope, sorry to disappoint. But I think the horse blood runs stronger in my older sisters. Anyway, the scary Argentine experience could be it's own post so I'll spare the details.

On a new note, we visited the coolest dinosaur museum! Here we are the the IMAX theatre in the museum, looking like idiots with our 3D glasses on. (If only the theatre had sold popcorn and M&Ms!) Lucy checked out before it even began.

The boys favorite part of the museum was the hands-on area (surprise, surprise.) My Mom, Lucy, and I took off to Cafe Rio while Adam stayed at the museum for a long time. I hope the boys realize how good they have it, when their Dad chooses their interests over Cafe Rio. Here they are playing in the sand and digging for dinosaur bones. Owen had a meltdown when it was time to leave. Sorry Owen, but people do need to eat as well as play.

We also visited Adam's siblings in Utah. Adam's older sister Marcole (a.k.a. Aunt Coco) is a dream aunt. Not only does she spoil them rotten with her love and undivided attention, but she also bought them each their own bubble gun. Here is Lucy . . . with someone else's bubble wand. Doesn't she look guilty, yet so incredibly cute too?

Some other fun things we did, were visit BYU Campus, Temple Square, the Bean Museum (just north of campus- it's free and has TONS of stuffed animals, from bison to lions. Thanks for the tip Jess!) We also visited some of our dearest friends from law school, the Willoughbys. And I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture with them! I also went shopping with my Mom a few times, and Adam got to go golfing with my Dad. And ofcourse, we never visit Utah without eating at Tucanos- a Brazilian restaurant where Adam is in pure bliss. It was a great vacation! Sorry this wasn't the most exciting post, but I do have to archive the memories.

JACK

Jack has recently made some interesting comments:
One evening, as he and Owen were playing, he said in a very serious tone, "Owen, a gasser is like dust that smells like poop."
Another night, as I was putting him to bed, he said, "I don't like going to bed. It's my favorite thing that I DON'T like to do."

Jack LOVES being photographed. Here here is about to plunge down our stairs in a card-board box . . . for the millionth time. We love our Jack!!!