Target Take Down

I'm not sure what exactly was going down today at Target, but it was intense. I was running errands this morning with all five kiddos. We walked into Target and there are two guys that looked like they were in their early 20's who come running out of jewelry into the dollar spot bent over. It looked like they should have been in fatigues running to catch the enemy. The first goes up and peeks around the corner. The other is hunched behind an end cap covered in Hello Kitty.

At first I thought they were messing around, but they were serious about whatever they were doing. The first guy signals the second to come closer. It was hard not to stop and stare. The kids were giggling. I tried to move our parade through the scene as quickly as possible. All of a sudden the door started beeping and they ran like the swat team in a bad TV movie. I peered over the aisle to see what the commotion was. These two dudes were pulling an elderly man who could barely walk away from his cart. The man must have been attempting to steal something, but it was almost humorous. These two young men who looked like they jumped out of an Express ad were taking down this hardened 90 year old criminal.

I guess the dollar spot at Target is more hard core than I realized. I will have to look out next time. 

I am so blessed with many wonderful examples of mothers in my life. Each of these ladies has special qualities that I love about them.

My Grandma B- She is a beautiful example of a gracious host. Her home is cared for with loving detail and she invites guests over and make delicious food to share. She and my grandpa love each other very much, and their marriage is a blessing to our family. I love that she read to all us grandkids growing up. She instilled a love for books in us.  She also make the best potatoes ever.

My Grandma M- She is a Godly example of patience, faithfulness, and love. My grandma has served her family without complaining or thought for herself. She always took time to play games with me even when she was busy. She let me come along side her as she worked, and made memories with us. I love talking to my grandma. I cherish our friendship as well as her example.Her jelly is a family favorite, and I am spoiled because of it.

My mom- My mom is a good friend. She always made time to help her friends and spend time with them. She has a fun energy that is contagious and people want to be around her. She did a great job  at making holidays special. She would decorate, bake and fill the house with lots of good memories. My mom is known for her cashew cookies.

My mother in law- She is sacrificial. She is always willing to give of her time and finances to take care of her family. She is willing to drive down to watch my boys so Dan and I can have time to get away. She gives up some of her own activities to help us out. She shows up for the important things in her kids lives. She also taught me how to make her veggie pizza that is super yummy.

Maribeth- I love that I have an extra mom in my life. She is an example of what it means to give in love. She gives of her time, resources, and life. She doesn't do anything half way. I'm blessed that even though I may not be her biological daughter. She is my mom just the same. She has a secret no bake cheesecake recipe that is very yummy.

My Aunt Betsy- She is so thoughtful. She is wonderful at sending cards and gifts. She picks such great books for my boys. She is so good at making you feel special with the perfect note or thoughtful gift. She puts extra effort into the details from gift wrap to fun traditions.  I am not very good at this, but I am hoping to get better. She makes delicious cheesecake and lots of other super tasty treats.

I have so many other awesome moms surrounding me. I am so grateful for the example they each set. It gives me something to strive for as I keep growing into the mom I want to be. Happy Mother's Day (a little late) to all the mommies in my life!

When did that happen

I have said it before and I will say it again. I have the BEST friends. I mean seriously, if you aren't friends with these people you are missing out. One thing I love is when my friends have kids and our kids become friends.

For example, Brady and Isaac have been best friends since birth. I love watching these boys together.

Here they are as itty bitty babies. Isaac is in the yellow and Brady is int he sport shirt. See how they are best friends. Adorable, I know. Well, they are not babies anymore. They are in Kindergarten this year and they are both so tall and lanky. But they are still best friends. We recently celebrated Brady and his brother Austin's birthday. Between three families we have 8 boys and NO girls (yet). So, it was crazy and fun to watch these little boys running around and being nutso. I love it!

Then I look at this picture and I think 'What the heck!' they are all so HUGE. That is Isaac and Brady on the end. My BABY is in the middle. He is ridiculous enormous. I love this though. I hope in another six years we have a picture just like this (but with Declan in there too he was crawling around). I love that my boys have friends that they have known since the womb. A friend you share history with is so special. I am so thankful for these special kiddos in my life and in the lives of my boys.