May 15th--SHE's 10!!!

Abbey Andersen

arrived Monday (the day after Mother's Day) 2:10 pm

7 lbs 11 oz  19 1/2 inches

It is hard to believe that it was ten years ago. Abbey is an amazingly talented and smart young lady (I know I am her mom but she REALLY is). It is such a joy to watch her.

We had a super fun BACKWARDS BIRTHDAY PARTY!!

Her invites were "Thank You" cards. We printed the words in mirror image so they had to look in the mirror to read them. We decorated backwards and everyone dressed up backwards.

Backwards outfits

They wrote their names backwards and we tried calling them that throughout the party...Yebba (Abbey)

We started by opening presents first...FUN!

Then eating cake

We made backwards pinatas...candy and treats tapped on outside of ballooons

Backwards pizzas (calazones)...Yummy!

Eating lunch

Making and designing backward T-shirts

Abbey painting hers

While the shirts were drying, we played backwards games and had backwards races. The girls (and Carter) had so much fun!

The girls with their designs on the back

Abbey's suprise from her mom and dad were golf clubs. She was so excited. Abbey has a few friends that golf and she always wants to go with her dad.

I was happy that my mom, dad and Colby got to make it up for the party. I am always grateful for my mom's help.

Happy Birthday Miss Abbey!!

Swimming with Carter

Carter's preschool went on a fieldtrip to the pool. Carter was so nervous, and wanted to make sure I was coming and going to get IN the water. I went even though I was not excited to get in the water. Of course once we were there, Carter was not afraid and it was NOT COOL to have your mom. None of the other moms got in. I said, "Carter, I thought you wanted mom to come and be in the water with you."..."Well I thought other moms were going to come" said Carter. The good news...lots of the little girls enjoyed having me there. :)

Blurry picture of Carter and his "uncool" mom

Preston Stokes (one of Carter's bff''s) and Carter

Mother's Day

I am the luckiest MOM in the world. Motherhood is the most difficult but most rewarding experience I can think of. I am continually humbled to think that god entrusted me with these four amazing kids. I am grateful to be a mom. My kids and John made me feel special! I am also grateful to have an amazing mom who made so many sacrafices for me growning up. I admire her and appreciate her friendship and example. My life is blessed by the influence of many wonderful mothers. Happy Mother's Day!

Dance-a-Rama competition in Utah

Abbey and Gracie did a great job performing their solo and duet for the last time this year. Caitlyn (who choreographed Abbey's solo), Aunt Melodee, Heather, and Gramma all came to support the girls. Gracie and Abbey's duet won 1st place and Abbey's solo also won 1st place. Abbey won a high point award and got to perform Saturday durinng the team competition as a special number.

Caitlyn and Abbey

the girls with Caitlyn

Melodee, Caitlyn, and the girls

Heather

My cousin Garret's daughter, Averi, also danced at the competition. She was a cutie!

The girls really did a great job. They got better ever competition. I am glad the ended being the "queens" they are!!!

Carter's Preschool Spring Concert

Carter goes to Best Beginnings Preschool. He loves going to school and being with his friends. He was such a ham performing their songs at the program.

Ryan and Carter

Carter and Preston

Growing kitties!

The little kitties are growing. The kids love them!

Roxy and a kitty

Award!!!

Hilary has been waiting ALL school year to be chosen as the "Student of the Month". She finally got it and was so happy. Congratulations Hilary!!

Gracie has been working hard all year to get her Accelerated Reading Trophey. The last week to get all her points she really stepped into high gear. She was reading books like crazy and taking tests. She was so proud!!! Great Job Gracie..you are the super star reader!!!

Piano Recital, May 1

Abbey and Gracie played great at their piano rectial. Their teacher, Mrs. Lee Rayborn has been an incredible teacher. She has decided to retire after 40 years of teaching.