My "boss":)

Let me start by saying I love being a mom! I do...I really love it. I feel very blessed to be able to stay home with Madi and I love the time we get to spend together. I know for the rest of my life I will always treasure these times, because I will never get them back. With that being said, let me say that it is not easy. I consider staying at home with Madi my job and like any job it has it's ups and downs. The only difference is that in this job I have a 10 month old boss that is sometimes very demanding and very messy:) With other regular jobs your boss gives you feedback, positive or negative. A 10 month old can't say "Your doing a great job! You are going over and above your job requirements and we really appreciate the time your putting in." Sometimes not hearing that is difficult. I need to know that I am doing a good job from the person I am doing the job for, but she can't tell me that. The only way I know that I am doing what she needs for her is when she giggles at me when were playing peek-a-boo or when she smiles at me while I'm changing her diaper. Those are little subtle things but they are encouragement nonetheless. I hear from Matt all the time that I am a great mom and he can't imagine doing what I do. Which is wonderful and I really appreciate. I guess I will just have to wait a couple years when she can look at me and say "Thank you mommy." Can't wait!!!!

my new favorite face!!!

We had asparagus last night...Madi was not a fan!!! I love this picture! She is becoming so much more expressive!

On vacation...no pics!

I am on my last day of vacation with Madi and my mom in Palm Springs. We orginally were going to go on this awesome trip to Washington D.C. with 5 seniors from Sunnyslope High School. It would have been the coolest trip, but we weren't able to get the tickets changed over to our name (two kids droped out, that's why were able to go). I was super disapointed!! I love D.C. and would have loved to share that expereince with Madi and my mom. Oh well, God had another plan...my mom said "hey, we were already planning on going on vacation, let's go somewhere anyway!" So she rented a house in Palm Springs, CA for cheap and we have been here since Saturday. This trip is super relaxing filled with swimming, shopping and eating! Madison is LOVING her swim time and I have been loving my relaxing time! I realized that I really don't relax very much at home. I always feel that there is something else to be done. I am a lot like my dad that way. Even as a kid I can remember going on vacation with the family and watching my dad, he never fully relaxed. My mom has no problem getting into relax mode. But my dad never could switch into that mode as quickly. I really want to be able to switch into the "vacation, relax mode" a lot faster. On another note...I am ashamed to admit that I love US Weekly, PEOPLE magazine and all other trashy celeb gossip magazines!! I know that they are horrible, but I can't help it! Whenever I see one, especially when I'm on vacation I desperately want to buy it and when I do I feel a little guilty that I bought one! It's a catch-22. I really love them though:)

Its been AWHILE!!

I apologize for the lack of posting in almost a month. Life has gotten away from me and I haven't gotten a chance to sit down and load some photos onto the computer. I am just getting over a cold and now my sweet little Madi is getting it. Nothing major, just a cold, but I hate it when she is sick! We leave on Thursday for a mini family vacation to California so I am hoping we are all in great health by then. At least that is what I am praying for!!

Here are some pictures of our life the past couple weeks! Hope you enjoy!

Madi got dedicated at church on Mother's Day! She was such a good listener while Shannon prayed!

Best bed head ever!!!!!

Last week I watched my friend Julie's girls. She has a 3 and a 1 year old (Madison and Haley). We had a great time!!! This is use playing in our front yard with a tarp, water and some Dawn soap! The girls loved it...hours of entertainment!

No pool, No problem!

Due to the fact that we live in Phoenix and summer time comes in April we need to keep cool. We don't have a pool and Madison loves the water so we decided to play with the hose in the front yard yesterday. It was 96 degrees outside so she loved the cool water!

Easter Pics!

This is Madi and my dad up in Camp Verde after church on Easter! So Cute!!!

The Schneider Family in our Easter best!!! Madi loved her Easter headdress!!!

This picture was taken on Saturday. Madi looks so big with her daddy's hat on!

I LOVE Easter!

While Easter is not one of the most popular of holidays, it is one of my favorites. I say its not popular because it doesn't hold the following of millions as Christmas or even the 4th of July. Sure people get together with their families on Easter Sunday to eat and socialize but I bet if you asked the vast majority of people why we celebrate Easter most would have no clue. What I think I love the most about Easter weekend is Good Friday. I know what your thinking "Jeannette, your favorite part about Easter is the day Christ was crucified??" And my response is Yes. For many reasons Good Friday is my favorite part of the weekend 1) Christ died so I can LIVE!!! Good Friday is a great day to remember just how much he really loves us! 2) Ever since I was a kid my mom would take us to this place in Phoenix called Canaan in the Desert. It is a beautiful place that shows Christ's life and death throughout this beautiful desert garden. 3) Good Friday Service @ Open Door. It usually is just music and communion and it is the most peaceful service. I love it!! 4) This year is the first Easter with Madison. It is so neat to be able to start our own traditions and to keep some of the old ones going.

So I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter weekend. And while the holiday has turned into peeps and giant chocolate bunnies, I hope we all take a moment and remember what this weekend is really about.

By the way here are some fun pics of Madi...she is getting sooooo big scooting along trying to crawl and growing up so fast!