Mother's Day Weekend

I had a really nice Mother's Day Weekend. On Friday night, Rick took Isaac and did some shopping (for me, of course!). I feed Bella, bathed Bella after she got sweet potatoes all over her hair, played with Bella, and then put her to sleep for the night. Then... I was able to do some much needed work in my craft/storage room. It felt so good to just spend some time alone and accomplish something.

On Saturday, Mount Hope hosted a Mother's Day Tea for all the women in the church. We had about 140 ladies there. Our guest speaker was Sharon Glasgow of Proverbs 31 ministry. It was so neat so see so many ladies there and eat the delicious sandwiches and desserts.

Then when I got home on that afternoon, Rick and Isaac were spreading the bark mulch. Isaac was using his shovel that he bought with his own money and the wheelbarrow from Memaw & Papaw. He is becoming a real boy. When did he get so big and grown up?

Here is a little video of the cutest little landscaper ever.

I'm not so sure Rick appreciated the dandelion blowing as much as I did.

On Sunday after church, we went to Rick's parents house for a cook-out and the guys and non-moms did the work! It was good to relax and spend a nice afternoon with family.

Isabella and I had matching dresses on and when Isaac saw us dressed alike, he wanted to wear his aloha shirt too. Rick put his aloha shirt on after church- not quite ready to preach with a surfboard shirt on yet.

Here is a picture of the "originals." I, however, have termed myself an IBM, "Italian By Marriage." My two brothers-in-law have termed ourselves as the "Outlaws."

Even though they are really weeds, Isaac loves to give me these lovely yellow dandelion flowers. He runs in the house and says, "Momma, momma! I picked some flowers for you! Can you put them in one of my bowls?" He gets such joy from bringing me these treasures that he really had nothing to with. I'm thinking it's alot like our relationship with God. We also bring weeds, disgised as flowers, to God. He, being the gracious and loving God that He is, takes our "treasures" and makes them shine!

Happy Birthday, Isaac!

Isaac celebrated his 4th birthday this year! It is hard to believe that our little guy is already four years old. I love him more than when I first found out I was pregnant with him. He is certainly living up to the meaning of him name, laughter. Last night when I asked him why he didn't want to brush his teeth, his response was, "Mom, it's complicated." And when Auntie Lauren mentioned that Uncle Tim was sick, he asked her, "Does he have the slime flu?"

We had a Handy Manny birthday party this past Saturday with family and friends. We had make your own tacos, chips and salsa, a pinata, a mighty fine cake, and presents. The weather held out so the kids could go outside and play. We had a really nice time with everyone. Here are some pictures of the festivities.

This picture is classic Isaac with his mouth wide open.

Rick is teaching Isaac what an alliteration means so Isaac named the pinata, "Pucker the Pinata."

Unfortunately, the hard swinging bats did not break the pinata so we used the pull ribbons. The candy still did not come out b/c we stuffed it too much.

Here is Isaac with Auntie Lauren who made a fabously decorated cake with all tools (minus Flicker). Isaac, being detailed and first born, said when he saw the cake, "Filipe has a purple stripe, not black."

It's how all the 4 year old's wear their hats these days.

After church on Sunday, Isaac got to ride his new scooter. He is wearing his ski helmet.

Isabella watched from the sidelines.