The Graduation

Thursday night I took Sabrina and Granny to SLC for my sister Sarah's graduation. Mom had gone earlier, or she would have joined the folks-wagon. Gratefully, Debbie (mom-in-law/saint) took Ella and Mia for me overnight! First stop was Mimi's Cafe in SLC. It is the BOMB restaurant! Rachael had the place decked out with University of Utah red and black decor. ...So cute!Here's Mom and Sarah at dinner. The family pitched in and got Sarah a Wii as a gift. :)

Brina sat by Dad and had an excellent time.

We made it to Kingsbury Hall after dinner. Here's me with the baby slung on my hip (story of my night) and Sarah's grad. program.
We sat at the tippy top of the balcony, so we got to talk loud and horse around during the whole event (quick shout-out to Rach for the goodie bags from dinner -they made the program SOOO much better!)... Just the way we like it. Here's Rachael and Mary with Sabrina.

Me and Bri!

There's Sarah getting her diploma! Masters of Social Work -amazing.

Left to right: Dave, Lexie, Mary, Dad, Sarah, Rachael, Mom, Me, Granny.

Running around in graduation-mayhem. More hip-slung baby. ...Tired arms, man.

We all wound up at Rachael and Seuao's home where the party continued! There was awesome cake and good conversation. Rach, VERY impressed with the party -you win "Best Sister" award for the week! Sarah, you're wonderful and deserved this special day.

Photo editing ROX!

My best feature.

The Conquering Graduate

Dear Sarah-

I can't seem to get over how absolutely amazing you are. You have so much purpose and drive -and look at what you're accomplishing now! You're graduating with your Masters in Social Work. You have helped so many people, and have chosen a career where your influence, resources and spirit will actually help people. How can I not marvel at the little sister who grew up and became such an incredible woman? Sarah, you have inspired many, but I want to tell you that specifically, I am inspired. I really would love to be more like you. I am endlessly impressed with your attitude, your accomplishments, and above all, your character. Congratulations on your graduation, you smarty-pants. :)

Love,

Bex

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There is no worse feeling in the world than trying to console a screaming baby who can't tell you what is wrong.

:(

On The Floor???

When I was a wee-lass back in the ole' dayz, jumping on the bed was punished with a severe night "in the hall" where we slept on the floor. I remember thinking it was a terrible punishment (though don't remember back pain in the morning)... Now, my lovely Ella has decided that it's cool to sleep on the floor, and has been there voluntarily for the last 3 or 4 nights in a row. Someone explain this to me?

***All about the mind-games. Mom, you were a pro. :) Mia wants in on the action! This is before prayers.
Such dolls! (token self-shot: CAN I JUST SAY THAT I LOOOOOOVE PHOTO EDITING?!)

Angel

This little girl is my angel. She is such a helpful and loving big sister. I feel sometimes like I take her for granted -especially with her maturity- where I need to keep in mind much better that she's only five years old (six in a few days). Ella has been brimming with personality from the get-go, and though we often butt heads, I need to say; Ella, you are an absolutely amazing and wonderful little girl. I wouldn't change a thing.

Sarah's Pix O' Bri!

The other day when the fam-dam-bly was gathered for John's birthday, Sarah (sis, and fabulous woman) took some seriously darling pictures of my Brina-Babes. I had to share!!!

*Above: the full-gum. My favorite smile.

Thank you for loving my girls, Sarah! :)

So Close

What is it that make us humans behave -human? Why do we fight within ourselves against what we know is right for whatever vice it is that we think we need? Why is that vice so freakin' powerful?

I had a very sure reminder last night of what is truly important to me... Lance, I love you.

De Blog! De Blog!

OKAY! I promise I will be a better blogger this week!

30

In honor of my late brother John's birthday (April 18th -would have been 30 years old) my family gathered at my brother Dave's home for a good time and to share eachother's company. The tears came earlier in the day, as at different times he crept into my mind. My heart would break with the pain of the loss. No April 18th will ever pass without that sadness of knowing we're not celebrating completed years of his life. We celebrate that we had him, though. We celebrate the man he was -the brother, the son, and friend. John (and the absence of him) owns a massive portion of my heart. He has been referred to, and discussed in this blog many times. I guess it gets easier, and the pain lessens -until those time-stopping moments when my heart wants to explode with the "should-haves" and then picturing him playing his guitar singing "Cows with Guns"... :)

Man, I miss you John.

I stole pix from Mary, and for some reason, the darling shots of Mia kept coming! Sorry about the Mia-overload. She's just too stinkin' cute!

Mia and Nanny!

My sweet Ella-boo!

Not my best photo! Un edited, and braces shot! Ugh!

More photos to come from this when Sarah posts her stuff! *FORGOT MY CAMERA* Gruff!