Happy Mothers Day Mom!

I have the greatest mom in the world.  She has taught me so much in my life.  I don't even pretend to be as good of a mom as she is.  I tell my friends that she never once in my entire life has ever yelled at me or anyone for that matter -  she sure set the bar high.  Every time I raise my voice at my kids a little voice inside my head says "you know better....your mom never yelled at you".  

10 things I love about my mom:

1.  She is always happy to talk to me.  She is never too busy or in the middle of something.

2.  She is completely fulfilled as a mother and grandmother- an excellent role-model. 

3.  She stays out of everyone's business and just listens.

4.  She taught me how to work hard by her example.

5.  She acts like no one on this planet can cut hair but me!

6.  She makes me feel secure- she is constant in her beliefs and approach to life.

7.  She has a way of making all of her 8 children feel like they are her favorite.

8.  She is loyal- She can always keeps a secret.

9.  She is smart-  she knows a little about everything.

10. She can laugh at herself.

I love you momma-  thank you for being you.

Bitter sweet endings....

This picture was taken after everyone was successfully thrown into the pool! 

Tonight at our favorite taco place!  

Ya-ya with the girls.  

Tomorrow will be a bitter-sweet day for us.  We have decided to cut our trip a few weeks short due to all the fuss regarding the swine flu.   We have not been terribly concerned for our health, but find it to be in our best interest to head home.  School has been cancelled until the 11th- can't really be in public places, and we really have accomplished everything that we set out to do on this trip.  We have had an amazing time here in Mexico-  a time that will be full of memories, eternal friendships and lasting impressions.  We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Cors family.  They will forever be family in our minds and hearts.  I will fly home in the morning with the girls and our manly men will make the long drive without us.  Our plan is to continue homeschooling the kids since the end of the year is so near-  I will return to work on June 2nd so I can have a few more weeks to focus on school-work with the kids and get settled into our old/new routine.  We will miss the Cors family terribly but look forward to being with friends and family and the comforts of home.  

B is 13!

B with her favorite dad!

Today is Brittan's 13th birthday!  I can hardly believe it!  13 yrs ago was one of the best days of my life.  I remember the day that she was born and thinking to myself (and out loud of course) just how incredibly beautiful she was.  To this day- I still have the same thoughts.  Brittan is beautiful in so many ways.... she is the 2nd mother in our home (some think she is nicer than the 1st) she is kind, caring, loving and forgiving.  She loves to read, read and read some more.  The biggest parenting challenge we have with her is to know when to put her book down! She is loyal, honest, respectful and very helpful!  We love this girl!!!