I have the best kids- seriously!

I do. I mean, there are times when they drive me nuts- but honestly I think I've got to be the luckiest mom out there. I used to worry that I'd messed them up. But I am amazed all the time at what great kids they are and how well they're turning out. Jake left this afternoon for Vegas with a group of guys for the basketball tournament- so tonight I went to the RS Birthday dinner and dropped my three kids at the kids group in the primary room. When I came to pick them up all the young women were telling me how great my kids are. How cute Naomi is, how well-mannered the boys were, and the boys didn't complain when I said it was time to go, but instead said, "thanks for bringing us here Mom, we had fun!" Yeah. They're pretty awesome.

Funny conversation in the car today:

Josh: "Mom, when I have kids- I'm going to do whatever they ask me."
Me: "When I was your age I said the same thing."
Josh: "But you're not doing it..."
Me: "That's because as I got older I learned that kids that get everything they want are spoiled, and spoiled kids are not fun to be around."
Quiet for a moment....
Josh: "I don't want my kids to be spoiled. So I'll just listen to them sometimes."
Dekker: "Josh, what are you going to name your kids?"
Josh: "I haven't decided yet. I have LOTS of time to think about that!"

And Naomi? Well, today she and spent some good one on one time playing while Josh was at school and Dekker was outside with neighbor kids. She was giving me unsolicited open mouthed kisses over and over. Gross and super cute at the same time. Then, she would run into my arms and I'd pretend to fall back holding her and hugging her and she would squeeze me, pat my back and say "AWE!!!!" as I rocked her back and forth. Lately she's been much more affectionate with me, which I'm LOVING since she usually reserves all that for her Daddy.

Besides my kids, I'm also thankful for:

1. My girls trip! It's been more of a headache to plan than I thought, and of course more expensive- but we finally got plane tickets and cruise tickets all booked. My friend Heather, my friend Becca, and I will be doing a 3 night Bahama cruise in May! I'm so excited!

2. Jake is almost done with school. (thus the girls trip- its my reward for being a single mom so much of the last 2 years). He graduates the first week of May.

3. President Monson. I've been reading his Biography and I've really gained a greater love and appreciation for him. It's inspiring to read about his life and in a way "get to know" him better. It's interesting how the Lord calls and uses different servants at different times- how their personalities, talents, and such are tailored for the service they will perform.