Mikana

Mikana is an adorable neighbor girl who plays with Ella all the time. THANK HEAVEN!! It's SO nice for Ella to have a friend in the neighborhood that is kind and sweet (ie NOT a mean girl). She is a first-grader, but has no problem hangin' out with my 4-year-old. The two can be seen sitting in the wagon, running through the sprinkler, eating popcicles, or even zooming around the fence to retrieve the ball that was kicked over (I think they do this on purpose).

Summerfest, baybee!

This year's down-town summerfest was actually a bit of a disappointment. Don't get me wrong -I love this stuff. I love getting out of the house and checking out local crafties, however, the crafties weren't too diverse this year. WAY too much photography and paintings -not enough toys/ jewelry/ pottery, etc. I went with my sisters Sarah (above with her snow-cone) and Rachael & her baby Lily. Rach was behind the camera in this shot. YES, that is my 4-year-old in the stroller, and believe me, it wasn't until we let her know that Dave and Lex were meeting us that I could pull her out of it!

Mia had a relaxing time.

Here's the long-ago-promised picture of Ella and Lexie -who is one of Ella's favorite people!

Time with Daddy

This weekend Lance worked quite a bit, but we were able to steal away a few moments to zip up Logan Canyon and have a small weenie/marshmellow roast -just the four of us. It was wonderful to just get away for a little while and enjoy the amazing scenery and fresh air. This is one of our family's favorite things to do. Ella was disappointed that we weren't camping for the night, but we'll be (hopefully) doing that soon enough. Happy Father's Day, hunny!!

*Our view.

A nod to the man

Recently I heard about a dear friend who is going through some serious marriage problems. I have observed that this is quite commonplace around me, and the dissolution of solid commitment is abundant. I've come to a realization -no one is immune. I think that the outside influences are ever powerful and Satan is doing a really good job at destroying families with such a smart and devastating plan. I think it would be naive of me to be celebrating a happy marriage -rather an opportunity to resolve to protect it. Lance is an amazing man. He's such a hard worker, he's ambitious, he's brilliant, he's handy, he's gorgeous, he's sexy, and he's all mine, ladies! From the moment I met him, I have shouted from the rooftops that I love this man. We've been together for five years now, and certainly have had our share of heartbreaking moments. All together, especially now, it's an investment to protect and cherish. Marriage isn't easy -but it can be the most fulfilling and beautiful part of you when it's embraced. When I look in the mirror, I see Lance's wife. He chose me, I chose him, and it's an honor to stand by his side. I love you baby.

On Ella...

Quotables:

On Mario Cart:

"You're going DOWN, mommy."

"I'm DEAD last."

"Here comes my angel of death."

"I see myself! I won a trophy!"

On eating her eggs:

"NEVER!"

She'd rather eat:

"Loop loops"

Every night at bedtime:

"Goosing is only for night-time!"

"Are you going to be here tomorrow?" -hoping it's a Saturday and I'll be home in the morn :)

Random:

"It's a BEEED one" (translation: it's a BIG one -could be anything)

Question:

What does Auntie Sarah need?

Ella: "A boyfriend!"

What does the truck need?

Ella: "A muffler"

Why are you so cute?

Ella: "Because my mommy is cute!" -um, no influence from me...

What does mommy always say?

Ella: "Oh, Laaaaance!"

Sweet baby

This morning I heard Mia cooing upstairs as I was waiting for Lance to come home from work (we do the drive-by hello/goodbye as I leave). I went upstairs and found she'd pulled a 180 degree and was upside down in her bed, happy as a little clam. I came in and asked "how did you do that?" -she started laughing. SO sweet.

Aneesa's Birthday

The first time I saw Aneesa she was crawling on the floor with a broken arm in a little cast. She has always had the same gorgeous eyes with the Sortor lashes that go on for miles. Aneesa is my niece -she's Lance's sister Candace's daughter. She is 2 years older than Ella -and the two are good friends. We went to Candace & Scotty's last night for the festivities. See the chalk drawings on the ground? Our gift to her. Heh heh. Lance picked it out, so I can't really be blamed. Moms tend to cringe as someone gives their kid something they'll end up cleaning up. It would be better to not bring one at all, sometimes... :)

These are the kids that were at the party. From left to right, we have Phoebe -some random neighborhood kid with her jammies on (???), My Ella, Chazzy Bear (Chaston), Aneesa, and 2 of Melanie's girls (don't know their names per child- sorry!). All together, Candace threw a great shin-dig, and even took Ella with them go to bowling afterward while I got to go home and put Mia to bed. Yes, I guess I got a little Super Mario Cart in while all by myself -and I won't make any apologies!!! I love my little world.

Weekend in SLC

Let the good times roll! This last weekend I went to SLC with baby Mia to spend some time with my sisters. We had a fantastic time! Ella stayed with Daddy in Logan and got a lot of fun in the sun. We played with babies and threw in a little Guitar Hero. The better part of the weekend was just spent gabbing -which is what you do when you get together with your sistas.

Lily had a few things to teach Mia.

Later we visited with baby Noah back in Logan -who did get the viral crap that Mia has been dealing with, poor kiddo!

Ugly Frog's Last Day

Oh, ugly frog. The saga comes to a sad and surprising end. So I get home the other day and Ella has a can of my Minute Maid Light Raspberry Passion out, and my mind starts racing –the eyes start darting –THERE HE IS!!! Ugly frog returns! Ella had him out playing in her little pool with her (on one of the FEW warm days we’ve had here). Well, Ugly Frog makes it inside, and ultimately out to lunch with Lance and myself.

*This is Ugly Frog on Lance’s shoulder at Iggy’s, note both eyes are missing.

Funny, Ella and I wound up at Sam’s Club (I swear, I keep them in business) later in the day. OF COURSE I’m going to go back on my word on bringing toys into stores –we want to lose this one… I was conscious of Ugly Frog the whole time, and as she accidentally left him under a rack of clothes (shopping with Ella is an experience), I smiled as I walked away from Ugly Frog for the last time. It’s fate that he’d wind up here. Oh, some poor maintenance schmo will pick him up and curse the parent who would buy this hideous thing for their child, but that’s not my problem now. Ugly Frog put up a good fight, and even went to lunch with the family trying to get into my good graces... Bwa ha ha ha!! All for naught! Ugly frog is no longer a part of our household, and there are no tears shed in this corner. (sorry Ella)

...becoming...

Ever notice that the internal dialogue you’re listening to isn’t singing a pretty tune? We talk to ourselves all day long –and in those times that we pay attention, what are we saying? Sometimes we need a firm solid reminder that we are human and are flawed –which in and of its self, is beautiful. Yesterday I watched a good friend of mine as she dealt with some extraordinary circumstances beyond what I’ve ever experienced. She vocalized a few of the thoughts in her head –and I couldn’t help but notice how hard she was on herself. It made me step back:
We need to be kinder to ourselves.
Often we find our “ah-ha” moments (as Opra calls them) as something that kicks our butts into shape, and may inspire a couple of days of great dieting, or extending service, or house cleaning, etc. This time it was much more of an awakening to the fact that my little “ah-ha” moments are fleeting, yet this concept needs to become permanent. I believe that we are given our trials as a way to better ourselves. Many would see the end-result (i.e. coming out on-top) as the important goal. I’m starting to see it differently; I believe that allowing ourselves to feel the moments of sorrow, or anger, or joy and being forgiving with our own frailty is what is going to make our lives more meaningful, and ultimately create a stronger person inside. I’m not necessarily here to “endure to the end” so to speak –as some amazing reward awaits me. If I can love myself and be completely satisfied with who I am as a woman and individual, then all the end result will take care of itself.