Being A Mom

Being a mom isn't easy. You can prepare for sleep deprevation, you can prepare for sickness and even tantrums. I guess what I feel totally unprepared for is the heartbreak that can come from loving your children so much -and not having them get it. Can I just say: Mom, I get it. When we as mothers hope and pray for the understanding of the deepest and purest and unconditional love we have for our children -the light at the end of the tunnel is that one day they will sincerely understand it. My mom has been through some insane health issues (from open heart surgery when I was in 1st grade, to strokes, to lumps, to breathing issues -the list goes on), she's earned her doctorate in research & evaluation, she gives endless time and effort toward church, she has raised six children and was able to instill in them a strong work ethic, love for their neighbor, intelligence, and an individual compass allowing each to make mistakes -yet learn and grow and become all the better. My mom isn't your typical mom, however, without her influence, there's no way I would be the woman I am. I love you mom.

Girls, my own understanding is a hope to me that you will someday know and recognize the joy I have in being your mom. I don't know what I must have done to receive the honor in raising you, but it's the most precious gift I will ever know.

Typing!

74 words

Speed test

I'm not the fastest typer in the world, but this is a fun test I stole from my friend Ashlee's blog!

Mean Girls

Last night Ella heard the neighbor kids outside bouncing a ball around. She darted out and went over to talk to them. I stepped outside and listened for a minute. I peered around and saw the little girl she was talking to -who was about 5 inches shorter, but obvioulsy older -maybe four or five. She said "we don't want to play with you, why did you even come over here?". I was taken aback. It takes EVERYTHING a mom has to not let that mamma-bear out and let that little girl have a piece of your mind. I did keep in mind however, that it wasn't my backyard, and simply called Ella back to come inside. She didn't really understand what happened, and still wanted to go play. I don't want her to understand. Ella has such a big heart. She loves all kids, and accepts people as they are. She'll throw her tantrums, but I've never heard something so mean come out of her mouth. I've been stewing about this -and Lance doesn't want her to play with those girls at all now. After a while, I took Ella's little face in my hands, and told her how lucky the kids are who will be her friends someday.

Quote of the day

Lance called me up and told me his sad tale: as he brushed Ella's hair and got her ready for school, Ella thoughtfully observed: "Daddy, your hair is shaped like an M!" ...Out of the mouths of babes...

Ella + Lexie

Ella is a funny girl. She has decided to attach herself to Lexie (my brother Dave's wife) in a CRAZY way. First at Mia's blessing, I've NEVER seen Ella be so well behaved sitting next to Lex. I didn't even have to break out the emergency Skittles! So the other day she got to go play with Lex and go to a band concert with her in the evening. When she came home I had to leave her downstairs for a few minutes while I put Mia back to sleep. Well, I heard the front door open, but wasn't in a position to yell down the stairs and see if she was there ...then came the wailing. Lots of crying -and it was sad crying too. I decided to zoom down (and left Mia hanging, who then started to cry too) and see what the problem was. Ella was cross-legged in the front doorway crying "I miss Lexie". Man. Kids don't get that no one will ever love them as much as you do, and how hard it is to grow a thick skin that can withstand the blows that comes with "but you have mommy" then "but I want Lexie". :) I'll post a picture of them together soon. Yeesh!

Milly Kisses

Ella gave our sweet baby this nickname and I don't think it could be more perfect! Seriously folks, how stinkin' cute are my kids?!

OK! The 5-fer

Fine fine fine. For those of you who check my blog regularly, yes the weekend was originally a 5-fer.
First, David's graduation: David is my brother and is an incredible man. He has managed to finish school amidst making his own business, raising a baby (Noah), and keeping his marriage and family together amidst some very rough trials. I'm so impressed with his drive. I honestly don't know anyone with a stronger work ethic than my brother Dave and his wife Lexie. Way to go Dave! Congratulations! Second, Ella's birthday: What a fun night! She got her dinosaur cake (tasty!) -with dinosaurs that make noise (noisy toys are my nemesis -no one told me that these cake toppers were NOISY) and lots of fun clothes and shoes and even some cool toys in the deal. Ella was so sweet about it. She actually turns 4 on the 14th, but this was the opportunity for everyone to share in the fun! She called it her "early birthday celebration".

Third & Fourth, blessings: Sunday -Yes, I had pulled Mia's blessing from the list, as there were simply too many road blocks. By a very inspired twist of fate, Lance's work cancelled the Sunday shift, and it was back on. My dad blessed her -and it was amazing. Little Mia is so loved it's overwhelming. Bless her heart, she's so attached to Lance and myself that she now will hardly let anyone else hold her without her "losing it" as it's been called. We've been pretty tight this weekend. :) Fifth, Mother's day: We all celebrated our mother in the afternoon -this after a delightful dinner, buffet style (works GREAT when the numbers get this big). Mom is the keystone to this family. It's so wonderful to be able to honor her and let her know how much she means to us.
It's been a crazy and busy weekend with lots of planned events, but there were two unexpected highlights: The first is a song that my brother David wrote for his wife Lexie. They've gone through SO much, and the song tells her in such an incredibly beautiful way how much she means to him. David played it for the family -and I watched Lexie bury her head in tears. We all felt such a wonderful spirit of love in the home. The second was a very spontaneous and suprising announcement that my sister Rachael is expecting her second child! We can't believe it!! Her kids will be 15 months apart! WE'RE SO EXCITED!!! Lily will be a big sissy!
Lots of emotion, lots of love. I have an incredible family that I am so grateful to be a part of.

The 4-fer

There have been many an exchanged email buzzing around my family about the BIG 4-fer (not like a 2-fer, this is HUGE) this weekend! Grandmother (Dad’s mom) is being flown in for the events on Friday. To celebrate:
* Dave's graduation -he's graduating with his business degree from USU. My brother is amazing and deserves his own blog entry, so more on that later.
* Ella's birthday -she's gonna be 4! I'm hoping that somehow that magically means she won't throw any more temper tantrums... :D Wishful thinking? I can't believe how quickly my little girl is growing up! I guess they're not tantrums, as much as whining. We're in a weird stage where she's not wanting to nap, but she's too worn out by the end of the day to really keep it together. Fun for me!
* Benny's Blessing -Baby Benny is being blessed on Sunday. Allen (Mary's hubby) is picking his mom up from the train -she's coming in from CA for the event. I'm glad I'll be here for it! Few women deserve to be a mom as much as my sister Mary. It's always been what she's known she was meant to do (as successful as she is -with a degree in Biology working for IHC as a surgical tech).
* Mother's Day -A celebration honoring our Mom. I guess we'll all do our own Mother's day spiel with our families, as 4 for 5 siblings are parents; however, this is for OUR mom. I have a nice gift that I can't wait to give her. It will be great.

The itinerary:
· Saturday morning: Meet at parent's and head to Dave’s graduation at USU.
· After the graduation: dinner at Hamiltons
· Saturday evening: party for Ella’s birthday –SIMPLE with hotdogs, etc.
· Sunday afternoon: Benny’s blessing & pictures
· After church: dinner for Mother’s day

Lots going on!

THE JUNIORS!!

A word on juniors: Up until Christmas 2006 I was the only sibling with a child at all. Little Ella had all the attention :) . Rachael and Seuao announced a pregnancy that started a chain of additions no family can truly prepare for!

Lily Alaimalo Niusulu (Rach & Wow's baby) was born in June.

Noah John Nolan (Dave & Lexie's baby) was born in September.

Amelia Renée Sortor (MINE) was born in November.

Benjamin Allen Cox (Mary & Allen's baby) was born in February.

4 babies in 8 months. Fourple the love.

Gardner Village

I had earlier mentioned a fabulous trip to SLC to visit family (when I was "busted" by Ella about driving around the road closed sign). It was a gathering of my siblings and our awesome kids just hanging out. We had a fantastic lunch, and later took a trip to Gardner Village. I wanted to get some fun pictures up so you can see all the juniors!