The Thelins: "Spring"

I feel like it's been ages since I posted last. In Oregon, especially, where the weather is pretty much constant from November through May, these last "spring" months seem to crawl by. I say "spring" in quotes because our "spring" is no different from our winter; there are just more flowers around. I don't want it to seem like I'm complaining too much- it is beautiful, and I truly can't imagine living somewhere else, even if the weather is on average 25 degrees cooler here than I would like. Needless to say, not too much has been happening around here since my mom and little brother left. Peyton has been wrapping up the spring term of ballet and gymnastics, and she hasn't gotten sick of them yet. When I asked her if she still wants to do either, she replied with a fervent "Yes!" I love that she loves dance and gymnastics. I hope it stays that way through her youth- I think it would be way more fun to watch dance recitals and gym competitions than softball games (of course that's just my personal preference- I know everyone enjoys different sports). We went to the zoo on a decent weather day. Peyton hadn't been there in probably 7 months, so she was super excited to be there. Jade and his brothers took his dad on a little overnight shooting/camping adventure for his birthday. They'll use any excuse to get out together for some man-time. I had a much needed girls' night out with my girlfriends. We didn't get back home until 12:40 am! That is very late in mommy-time.

I had a great Mother's Day. Jade took Peyton all morning and I got to sleep in. They woke me up with breakfast in bed and Peyton was as cute as could be, and shared my breakfast with me. Peyton wished me and every other adult or teenage female "Happy Mother's Day" every time she remembered the occasion. The men in our ward took over all the 3rd hour classes, so all the women were able to go to Relief Society. It was nice, but I wasn't used to just sitting in a class. I felt a little antsy, like I needed to be doing something. Primary sure is a different ball game. Jade and his brothers and dad handled our Sunday family dinner, so none of the women had to cook anything. That was a great treat. They made steak, chicken and vegetable kabobs on the grill, with a yummy fruit salad and garlic bread. Jade recreated the famous Pazooki dessert (from Valentine's Day), and it turned out amazing. It was a great day, and I just kept thinking over and over again how lucky I am to be a mom! I really can't imagine doing something different with my life. It's funny how things turn out. When I was 17 and going into the Air Force Academy, I wasn't sure if I ever really wanted to be a mom. I was all about schooling and an exciting career. Now I can't imagine anything that could bring me more fulfillment than being a mom. Sometimes I wonder if I'll go back and get my Masters, or get certified to teach pilates or zumba, or go to aesthetics school, and while all those things sound fun, I can't even imagine wanting to take time off from being a full-time mom to do them. Maybe things will change when all my kids are in school, but for now, I am so happy to just be with my little girl 24 hours a day. I never, ever get sick of it (even when she's driving me nuts and I have to take a time-out and have a candy bar). I'm so grateful to be a mom, and to have a spectacular little lady to be a mother to.

We had a double date FHE with one of our oldest friends, Branden and his new wife. It was so good to see him- it reminds me of the dating days (Branden's brother Bryce was the one who set Jade and I up). We also had another double date with a new couple in our ward who are so cute and so fun. We went to a really trendy restaurant downtown, which Jade and I never do, so that was really exciting. We decided we need to get downtown more often. We helped one of Jade's teachers with his Eagle Scout project. It was a 5K to raise money for a garden at a hospital that he'll be building. Peyton and I did the "fun run", which was just running laps around the church building. She was so cute running- she just wanted to talk the whole time, and she would alternate between running, walking, and complaining about wanting to go inside the church and eat. She cracked me up. In the end, we made it 5 laps, which was pretty good for an almost-3 year old.

Justin and Jade took the kids for a "fun" morning of gun shopping.

Ever since my mom was here, Peyton has become obsessed with washing the dishes. She asks to do it every time we eat, and sometimes at other points in the day too. We try to ration it, so she thinks it's a privilege.

And if that wasn't a red flag for OCD, this sure is. Peyton tells me she wants to put her food (apple slices here) in straight lines. She also has taken to "hiding" all the time. If one of us leaves the room or is about to enter the room, she "hides", usually behind her shirt or hands. This time; a dish towel.

Last class of the season with Coach Tasha and Coach Monika

Last ballet class of the season, with Miss Katie

I was packing my clothes for our Las Vegas vacation, and Peyton told me she was going to go get her bag packed, too. She came back a few minutes later with a suitcase full of shoes!