this ones for you, dear mother-in-law

although i can't tell you whether march came in like a lion or went out like a lamb, i can tell you that it is gone. about the only reminder i have of it existing is these two lonely pictures on my camera.

i received a very sweet email from my mother-in-law this week and as if her love and praise for me wasn't enough, she mentioned how much she enjoys keeping up with us through this blog. it was a good reminder of why i keep doing this and that even a month between posts is not a reason to give up all together. it is unfortunate that my children don't see their 'texas family' enough, but that doesn't mean that family can't see them here. family really is where its at?

ripp managed to be home for spring break, so we made plans to travel. poor guy. the desert has turned into one of my favorite places around and the kids completely agree. this time we mixed biking, eating, swimming, jeeping and sleeping with lots of our good friends. the pill managed to find heaven on earth with older boys who could match his energy and included him in everything they did. i am pretty sure he slept with a smile every night. at the same time, e met up with one of her good friends who she doesn't get to see enough, picking up right where they last left off. also sleeping with a smile? check.

me and ripp? we managed to relax away from the buzzing of a phone (mostly) and the lingering dust and noise that comes along with a master bedroom/bath remodel. we also got to spend the day in a jeep with a family friend who has raised five great boys and is watching them raise their own families. he spent quite a bit of time telling us how important it is to make these memories with our family and with twenty more years of parenting experience than us, that gives him cred.

plus...he had funny stories about dating my mom in high school. happy april!