Text on Tuesday

From Babs, my wonderful SIL: (We'd been texting about how inadequate we feel at doing everything all the time).

"We need to organize not only our homes but also our time. Some women spend too much time keeping their homes clean and organized. They need to learn how to spend less time on housework in order to spend more time being with their families, developing talents, and serving others. Housework is important, but it should not take away from more important things. Having a clean home should not be our main goal, it should be part of our goal to be happy and have happy families. We need time to develop our talents and learn to live principles of the gospel. We should have time to serve in church positions, help our neighbors and those in need, and be good missionaries. When we keep our home clean without spending too much time on housework, we are free to spend more time in family activities and to do other important things." -Brigham Young

It was so nice to bond with my sister and know that I'm not the only one that struggles with these things. She'd just given a lesson on this in RS & shared the above quote with me. I feel like my house is rarely clean...esp all at the same time, but my kids & Ben know they are loved, and my friends know they can count on me. Heavenly Father has blessed me with wonderful people in my life and He gives me encouragement when I need it, through them. (I've been in a bit of a funk lately.) Here's another gem from earlier in the week from my bro, Jonny.

Remember dad's face during that movie your last night here? That image makes me happy:) love you!

Me: One of many great memories!!! That face & that belly laugh. :) just watched the sandlot with the kids for the first time. K, "that was the best movie ever!"

Yes!! I love it, and that movie is goodies! Your a great mama sis!

It's nice to hear every once in a while. Ben & the kids tell me too, but you know how the ones who love you most think you can do no wrong? It feels mostly like that when they tell me. Plus Ruby & Kaleb have both gone through stages where they tell me in the sappiest voice, "You're the best mom ever!" along with a big hug & kiss several times a day. I love it of course, but when you hear it all day and see a dirty house, a huge to-do list, & on occasion get grumpy with your kids, you tend not to believe it. Being a Mom is the hardest, yet most rewarding "job" ever. I feel so blessed and lucky to be able to live my dream of being a stay at home mom to our three amazing kids.

Dylan's 6!

Last day as a 5 year old.

Early morning gifts.

Thank you hugs.

Dylan's special day was tons of fun!  Dad surprised us and took the fam out for doughnuts before school.  We went to Dunkin' Doughnuts which was fun b/c we often call Dylan, DD. They have the same nick name.  Ben took him to school with doughnuts for his class and I met him for lunch & stayed for recess.

Super Murdock Bros

DD

My handsome lunch date.

Silly Dilly!

He's a free flyin', big smilin' swinger now!

I love technology....always & forever!

It was such a great mom moment to see him confident at school, doing exactly what he should be doing, and listening to his teacher. He was so proud to show me how he learned to run & hop on the swings to start & pump all by himself. We even taught his buddy Ian how to do the same. I came back a little later to volunteer in his class and help in the computer lab, which is now our weekly date. There is a special place in heaven for kindergarten teachers!

After school we had Ayden to play and for dinner. We had Dylan's favorite, spaghetti & shrimp.  We also had rootbeer floats to celebrate.  D received a Super Mario bros tshirt and very soft blanket for his bed. He also got new super hero action figures to go with the batcave and a new star wars leapster game.  His favorite by far was the wii Mario Smash bros game.  Grandma & Papa sent him a package of candy & Battleship which has been a lot of fun, too. Aunt Dani & Uncle Jonny sent a great Waldo travel book & star wars pancake molds, the Stock cousins sent a Diddy Kong guy & Mario checkers game, Christensen boys sent a light up lego set & sticker book.  He was spoiled!

While the boys are away at school, Ruby will play. :)

Pool Party!

We had Dylan's birthday party on Saturday afternoon/evening because there was a primary talent show.  All his neighborhood buddies and the cousins came over to swim, eat pizza & cake & play. The kids decorated the house with their Mario drawings & we had mustaches everywhere.  We played Super Mario, Super Mario, What Time Is It? (After Dad tried to play 500 w/ them & tears ensued).  We ended with a scavenger hunt to find their gold coins and goodie bags. It was a hit!  

Bowzer captured Mario, Luigi & their gold coins.  The kids had 6 clues to find them.

Their loot.

Mario & Luigi staches on straws & pixie stix.

The clever clues.

Goodie bags & thank yous!

Dylan is turning into such a great boy. I'm so impressed with the way he's handled going to school all day. He's been chosen as Student of the Week already, and his PE teacher let him get water first for doing so great last week.  He always tells me the stars on his papers mean "he's awesome." And I'd have to agree.  He's really been doing a great job of minding the first time and getting his homework done quickly & without complaint. Dylan AWESOME Murdock, that's my boy!

FAVORITES:

Pirate School books

Swings

Mario anything, but esp. Smash Bros now

Where's Waldo books

Tickling

Cannon balls & belly flops into the pool

Shrimp

Soda

ZOYO

Wild Kratts

He wants to be a deep sea diver when he grows up.

Super Dylan!

Text on Tuesday

From me to Teisha:

Hi! I think the boys were trying to make plans with your boys, but Kaleb is grounded for a week. Sorry!

Teisha: 
Yes they were plotting but today is busy so I had told them no. They had so much fun playing yesterday. Thanks for having them. I hope they were good.

Me:
They were great. :)

From BEN:
What Friday in Oct. do I need to take off?

Me:
The 4th. 10/4

BEN: 
Done

Hooray for finding a boy in the neighborhood Kaleb's age & future camping plans!!!

Wordless Wednesday