Celebrations!

I am not sure why there's such a feeling of relief at the end of April and all its birthdays when May comes next and is just as packed. There's Mothers Day, my dad's birthday, my nephews Easton and Trentons birthdays, and prepping for our quickly approaching vacation...Phew! Oh yea, and Kimmie's birthday! I hope I'm not forgetting anything/one. So here's to the "Special People of May"...

My mom for Mother's Day-
Anyone who knows her thinks she's pretty amazing. It's sometimes intimidating to me actually. I feel like I can't keep up with her! It's been incredible watching her over the last year tackle another responsibility- the warehouse. She's done a great job and she totally kicks my butt in her dedication and productivity! I use to think I was a pretty hard worker until working side by side with her. She's also a great source of comfort, strength, guidance, and example for those around her who are having a hard time finding their way. She amazes me in the things she says to people that helps them along their way. I wish I had even half her patience, kindness, and tolerance. Happy late Mother's Day!

My dad...
I use to have to tell my friends in highschool, "He's not as scary as he looks!" And then one day, I realized I had inherited that same look from him. The one that makes people ask, "Are you mad about something?" when I'm really just sitting there content. Once you get to know him you realize how funny he is, what a hard worker he is, and how much he loves his family. Nothing is more important to my dad then our family. I appreciate how much he worries about us (another thing he's passed on to me, I am a huge worrier). I love knowing that if my kids are sick, there will be a call first thing in the morning from grandpa checking on everyone. Or if we go out of town, he'll call to remind us to check the oil, call when we get there, call when we get home. It's comforting knowing that he'll come looking if something isn't right! I also appreciate how him and my mom save all year not for themselves, but for all of us. Our family vacations to the coast get better every year and I love how much he anticipates being all together, no matter how crazy it can get with 2 grandparents, 3 kids, 3 spouses, and 8 grandchildren.

My nephew, Easton-
The thing I love right now the most about Easton is how much he is like his dad. Someone warned him the other day about not doing something so I wouldn't get mad and his reply was, "I don't care if I make Aunt Amy mad, I think it's funny." That is so incredibly Steve it's ridiculous! He has a big heart and a big smile. I love hearing him laugh. He's grown up so much lately and it makes me a little sad. But I love knowing that he's not so old that he doesn't want to come with me, or Rachael. It will be nice this summer when we don't have to tell everyone, "Sorry, it's a school night for E." Spencer said he loves when Easton plays with him. I know how much the little boys look up to him. I appreciate how kind he always is to them. It will be fun to watch him continue to grow up.

My cousin Kimmie-
I so dropped the ball on this one, even though she plastered every calendar in my house with her birthday. I am SO SORRY I "fregot." Kimmie is the best when it comes to children. She loves being with them so much and takes them on the best adventures. The first thing all the kids ask when they are here is, "Is Kimmie coming over? Can we call her?" I don't know what Spencer would have done without his "Mimmie" or as we called her, "His real mom." Kim, you are a great example to all the kids in our family. You love them unconditionally and there is nothing greater than that. You make them feel important and loved. Thank you SOOO much. And please, please, forgive me for being a horrible, horrible cousin, especially missing the big 18.
(Sorry, I don't have a picture of Kimmie...How sad is that!)

My nephew Trenton-
Oh, what shall I say about the 3rd of the trio o' boys. Trenton has the most adorable smile and an outrageous set of ears to go with it. His little voice cracks me up! He's changed a lot in the last couple of months and it's been way fun. I'm now realizing that I need to start having him over more...he's quite the entertaining little guy. I love how excited they all get to see each other and its been great having him and Spencer in preschool together. Whenever Spencer is on the fence about something I just remind him that Trenton will be there too. I can't wait to watch these three grow up together. I hope they become the best of friends.

So "Happy Whatever" to all you May people...Thanks for keeping me so busy! And for being such great people!