I took Beck and Jilli strawberry picking about a week and a half ago.

The favorite treat that we made with the strawberries was this beauty, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Pie. Delish!

Mac took his first EOG's (end of grade tests).  He was a bit nervous, so I gave him a treat each morning as way of encouragement.  When it was all said and done, he thought he did well and that it wasn't too bad.

While Nate and I watch Mac's baseball game, the others dig in the dirt.  It keeps them busy, so I'm not gonna complain!

Jilli had her third mini-recital last Wednesday and she did great.  She's learned a lot and feeling more confident about performing in front of others.  Here she is working out a few pre-show jitters.

I earned my second Young Women's Recognition award this past Sunday for completing the Personal Progress program.  I guess it was good timing, since after Sacrament they called me to be the YW's president . . .

Memorial Day weekend was spent outside working on the pergola.  Jilli and Beck also helped with this beautiful chalk art, but the were MIA when I took the picture.

He's at it again.  Last year he put on a basketball clinic to make money and this year he is selling original art work . . . any buyers?

Wrestling dad!

Jilli has been mastering the skill of riding a big girl bike. She looks so big peddling herself around.

Such a handsome little guy!

Fierce game of checkers.  We will often find Beckam playing a game of checkers against himself.  :)

Sweetness!

Happy to have celebrated 11 years being married to this guy!  Love him!

My ballers!

The Great Day of Service.  The kids worked so hard to help put together hygiene kits.

Taking a break during a shopping trip.

Dissecting a dead frog.

Mud, mud, mud!  Not sure if this makes me a fun mom or a bad mom.

"Take a picture of our ninja moves!"

So happy to have these kids!

Fearless Jaxton!

Learning to shop the ads at a young age.

* When someone sneezes Jilli will say, "They have the 'bless you's.'"
* Ever since Easter and all the talk about Jesus dying and being ressurected, Jilli now adds to each of her prayers, "And bless that Jesus doesn't die again and get all those owies."

Playing Catch Up

We started incorporating Jilli into weekly dates nights. For her first date she asked me to take her to her favorite store, Dollar General, where she got to pick something out. She was THRILLED!

Jilli loves to play tag, so Mac took her in the backyard and played a few rounds.  He's a sucker for his sister!

We ran our first family race in March.  Nate and I ran a 5k together and the kids ran a 1/2 mile.  Mac took 3rd overall (up to 12 years old).  It was a great experience for everyone!

These two love each other!

I have a soft spot for sleeping children! This time Jilli had fallen asleep half on me and half on Nate.

Pre-Easter prep.

Out shopping with my fellas.

Best buddies!

Just out for an evening stroll.  I love this girl with my whole heart!

Beck and Princess Jilli are ready for an ordinary day at preschool.

I've been busy painting murals at the gym.  This was my 3rd of 4 paintings.

Burning some energy when Nate was out of town.

Jilli is combing Nate's hair.  When she was all done she moved to his leg hairs.

Out to eat.

She loves her brothers!

Happy 1/2  birthday, sweet girl!

She threw a fit as we were walking into the dollar store.  A lady stopped her and kindly offered her a dollar for a smile -- it worked.  Bless that stranger's heart!

Jilli refuses to sleep in her "tobbler" bed because she says "its for babies."  She's been sleeping in her tent for a couple months now.  A few days ago, I finally stuffed her mattress inside her tent so she at least won't break her back.

Nate took the boys to a Bobcats vs. Thunder game for part of Mac's birthday present.  They loved it!

When we were in Chapel Hill, we ran into Marcus Paige, who is a UNC basketball star.

Mac's primary teacher sent me this picture of him, Olivia and Kaylee in class.  I love the pure joy on their faces.

Mac begs to go to the church to play basketball.  This was one Saturday when we finally gave in.

The kids and Nate were wrestling and Beck went to jump on top of the pile and instead hit his head on the couch.  He's such a tough kid.  He didn't cry because he knew if he did, the game would be over.

On a whim, I took the scissors to my bangs.  When I came out from the bathroom, the kids all gasped and Mac said, "Mom, what did you do?!?!" and Jilli keeps telling me that I look like a boy.  :)

This is Jilli on her first day of Primary.  I can't believe she's a Sunbeam!  Breaks my heart!

My three ballers!

Ready for church.

My fourth of 4 paintings.

Little Miss.  She said to Nate and I the other day, "Remember last tomorrow when we . . ." (she meant "yesterday").