Birthday and Mother's Day Weekend!

Mops, Sam and NaNa (when I took this picture, Sam crouched down like this...so Mops and NaNa did the same...so cute)!

We spent this past weekend in Maryville with Ben's parents and my family (mom came into town too) for Mothers Day. This year, I shared Mother's Day with my birthday (29...one more year in my 20s)! Ben and I celebrated my birthday on Saturday night at my favorite Knoxville restaurant, Lakeside Tavern. It is so pretty there...sits on the lake and it was a perfect night so we sat outside and enjoyed an awesome dinner together. Thanks to NaNa and YaYa for watching Sam so we could get out for a date. Ben got me an iPod for my birthday. This is MY FIRST! I have no idea what to do with it though, so I actually might have to read the directions (you guys know how well I follow directions - yikes). But, I am very excited to take my little iPod to the gym...and finally enter this century (I am a little late on the latest technology)!

Anywho, I had a great birthday weekend and Mothers Day! I feel so blessed to be Sam's mommy. It is the best job of my entire life. He is such a blessing to Ben and I. Somedays, I feel overwhelmed being a stay-at-home mom, but when I think about what a gift I have been given, it makes me realize how lucky I am and how much I have to be thankful for.
Thankfully, I have two AMAZING mommy examples in my life, my mom and Ben's mom! Thank you for all you do for us. In addition, I am sooooo thankful for all of my mommy friends (sisters count in this too) who help me get through the days.
Happy Mothers Day to all my moms, grandmas (here or in heaven), sister/sis-in-laws, and my mommy friends! You all deserve to feel special! Also, want to send a special prayer out there for those who are pregnant with babies of their own...and any of you who may be trying to become a mommy and are having trouble. I love you all! :)
"My cup runneth over!"

Another picture of Sam and the MOMS!

Me, mom and Sara. We had lunch after church on Sunday at Sara's in-laws house (Jan & Willy). Ben's parents were there, my mom and Sara's whole family was there. It is so great that we can all get together and we enjoy spending time together so much!

Mom and the grandkids! We were missing the other 3 from Illinois (Duff and Jenni's kiddos)...but this was our attempt at a group shot.

Mops, Sam and I! Thanks mom...for teaching me how to be a mom! I still have LOTSSSSS to learn, but thank you for being such a great example to me! Sam is lucky to have you as his MOPS!

Thought this one was cute.

Oh...how Sam loves these two people! NaNa and YaYa! I am quite fond of them as well. Thanks for all you guys do for us...AND thank you for the awesome example you set for us! We are so thankful for you all and miss you guys A LOT!

This is the view from Jan and Willy's back deck. Could you imagine waking up to that every day! BEAUTIFUL!

Saturday morning, we were able to squeeze in time to go to Emma and Grace's soccer games. I LOVE that these girls are playing soccer. It reminds me of the good ole days of playing soccer! My, how I miss those days! Here is beautiful Emma after her game...she has Sara's same hair s around her face (except blond)! That's how Sara's used to look after a game! :)

And here is Sara Jr...in the flesh! Grace reminds me so much of my sister! The way she walks, runs, everything. So funny...and adorable! Love those girls!