Mother's Day 2010

All weekend David kept telling me that he had not had time to get me anything and was really worried. He said one thing, really really small, to which I said, "You always say that and you are always lying" to which he gave me a really bugged look... what if this time he was serious? I didn't want him to feel too bad... (ok I totally would actually, but he actually did great so no worries).

Well, I heard David and Ethan making breakfast early Sunday morning, and because of the rough night sleep, I just hid under the blanket and fell back asleep. I was not in the mood... then I remembered last years Mother's Day. I was grumpy... and bugged. I had expectations... some were met and some were not. The day started out ok, and went south in the afternoon. And here I was grumpy again because I was so tired. And then I remembered- I am a Mother.

I had a friend last week say, "Is it so bad that the one thing I want for Mother's Day to to be away from the people who call me Mother?". Another and I were talking about our favorite time of day being at night when they all are asleep. Motherhood is tiring. Monotonous. A constant battle for me... listen to the whole story, even if it is 22 minutes long; don't yell, don't yell, don't yell... they are almost in bed; don't sweat the small stuff, people are more important; I am so sorry I ________!!!;

Yet nothing is so wonderful, so satisfying, so heart melting, so slobbery, so fulfilling and motivating and hopeful as being a Mother. I love it! I am thankful every day multiple times that I have the opportunity to be ... a mother! Being a wife and mother are by far the two roles I hold dearest, and the ones that make me happiest. I am stretched and beaten down countless times, but I would not get up and try try again (HELP ME!!!!), if it were not for these I hold dearest.

This year Mother's Day was wonderful... even though I was the only one awake at my house by 7:30 pm. (Dave did wake back up a bit before nine). I thought about being a mother, and read about being a mother. I want to be deliberate, to help them find and create their dreams, to be so busy living and loving, that I don't have time to get mad (until tomorrow when they won't clean their room after I have asked 76 times). To be focused on the blessing of being a mother. I love it. My expectations were not high this year, and they were more than met.

We also went and saw my angel mother. She is amazing to me. I don't have her temperment. I wish I did. I don't have here patience, her listening ear, her calm nature, her controlled tongue- I wish I had all these qualities. I never remember her getting mad at me in my entire life. She tells me it is selective memory. I think of her often as I am mothering our children. Do-bi-do bi- doo she hums still as she goes about her daily tasks. I am thankful for her, and have high hopes of developing part of one of her qualities I mentioned above. Do-bi-do-bi-dooo. Just need to start humming. Happy Mother's Day!!!

April 1st- the best day of the year and that is no joke!

April 1st is an amazing day here at the Howell Residence. Not only is is April Fool's Day (always fun), spring is in the air, summer clothes fill our closets (from the boxes down stairs, not the stores) but we have our DAD/HUSBAND back!!!!! And this year to top it all off, we went to the happiest place on earth... it was awesome!!!!!













Princesses, Jedi's, roller coasters, treats, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Mickey and everything else that comes with Disneyland. We have never been on a real family vaca before... I mean a couple of small things here and there, but this was so much fun. We worried about the lines being spring break and all, but the rain kept many away the first day and after that...we used fast passes and parent swaps and had a blast! Disneyland for two days and Legoland for one. We were within walking distance to Disneyland and our kids did great! I think we started a new tradition- having a trip planned and BOOKED the week after busy season is over!!!

Happy Easter 2010

Yes, it was early...





But oh so so fun!!!!

After Easter morning festivities we watched the morning session of General Conference and left to California!!!!! The happiest place on earth!

For my sister who lives on another continent... some pictures of Aidan

Aidan Mark Howell


Aidan being held by his Great Grandma Howell (3 weeks old)


Aidan, Ethan and Ava


Aidan on his blessing Day


I was informed today by my sister-in-law (it was fun to chat with you!) that Aidan is the number 1 name for 2009... I have decided that not only are we not unique in any way, shape, or form, we are completely and totally one of the masses when it comes to naming our children. I would like to think we are trend setters, but millions of others are setting the same trend at the exact same time as we are... dus, not trend setters. Our kids were born in the late fall... Ava (born 10/06) was the most popular baby name for a girl in 2006 (that did not come out until 2007 mind you) and Ethan (11/03) was the second most popular boy name for 2003 (which again was not public knowledge until 2004, and yes, both of these were after we named our children). Hmmm... next time we are going to have to go with something like Dandylion...I am guessing that won't top any charts...I have some new ones of Aidan smiling Ames ... I will download them sometime when it is not so late :)

Have a good day all!

Christmas Day!

Up early to see if Santa has come... ok. let's be honest, Ethan caught before 6am looking into the living room that was being guardrd by stools...bar stools :). This picture was taken late, alittle before 7 am.


Ava got a new baby doll- it sits down and stands up by itself, plays peekaboo, cries when it falls down and a lot of other things-crazy!

Ethan the Ninja Turtle Native American... what can I say...

Ava posing for the camera- never a problem!

It was a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Time

December was a great month at our house! We had the house decorated, much of the shopping done and left a lot undone that we normally might do because of our new little guy. Christmas Eve was spent with the Howells and we had a great time- an early lunch with the nativity, compliments, great dessert and an early night which is good because Christmas Eve never ends early at our house. Here are just a few shots of what went on before the actual day!


AIDAN MARK HOWELL was named on Christmas Eve- Whew!!! Fastest record in naming a child for us!


The Nativity on Christmas Eve with the Howells- Ethan as the angle/shepherd and Ava as Mary


An extra SPARKLY Mary and Joseph in the Nativity



Ava during her Christmas program at Draper Theater! She still practices singing for her program and refuses to let anyone join her!


Ethan the Powder Maniac- His parka somehow got left at home, but it didn't deter him a bit. He skied in the powder all day and never wanted to go home- like father like son I guess.



Merry Christmas!!!

ONE WEEK TODAY!!!

Last Saturday morning we had our sweet baby BOY and he is wonderful!!! Besides being confused on what is day and what is night, he could not be a better baby. Of course we still have not named him, but December 31 is a motivating deadline for David so we should have a name before too long. Any suggestions are welcome as well! Here are some pictures!!! Obviously we didn't take enough pictures in the hospital or I'd post a different one of me :0). Ava is in lala land and playing mommy- the one rule is not to touch him while he is sleeping (and you have to wash your hands before you touch him actually), but she breaks the first multiple times a day. She is in heaven playing mommy with him and football with Ethan. Ethan loves him as well, his attention span on for babies is just not quite as long. Anyway, we are all doing well and love this little guy to pieces! Hope everyone is having a great holiday season!!!