Mom's haircut!

Mom went to see my insanely wonderful hair-stylist Lori. She gave her a fabulous haircut, so we needed to be sure everyone saw how adorable she looks!

Love you, Mom! ...Thanks for having us over this afternoon!

Living Room "talent show"

Sometimes living room "talent shows" -as Ella calls them, can take away a bit of the inside blahs. These little forts are the girl's stages where they hang out and play with toys... Doesn't make much sense, but if it does to them it's all good!
My poor children are dealing with a mommy who has energy for minimal outtings these days.

We keep busy playing with toys and blocks and reading endless books. I keep telling myself that once school starts and we have a real schedule (and I'm not so PREGNANT) that the boredom will become a thing of the past! I think this fall will bring with it some fun new playing and learning opportunitites. :)

In the meantime, bless their hearts, the forts --I mean "talent shows" aren't going too far...

*Yes, Ella has some seriously chipped teeth! She's a wild girl, what can I say? :)

Grandmother

Grandmother is Dad's mom. She's not "grandma", nor "granny", but is specifically Grandmother, and always has been. She came to visit us about a week ago, and it's been so nice to see her.

This is a picture of Granny, Grandmother, and Ella. These lovely ladies are the two Great-Grandma's on my side for my girls. It's a blessing to have them both alive and able to see how awesome my kids are!

We love you Grandmother. Thanks for coming to visit us!

Competition

So Sarah is crazy photogenic. She takes some really beautiful photographs... She'd had this one and I thought I'd steal it and post it on my blog since I'm so much better at keeping my blog up than she is. ...Hey, I gotta have something up on her, right?

Competition within my family is hilarious. I think when you grow up with six kids and have to fight for your position, everything is (ahem) healthy competition! ...This is why I have an extremely loud voice/ opinion. This is why Rachael worries so much. It's why Sarah has so many stunning photographs of herself. It's why Dave drives an SUV with skulls on the rims (jk, Dave -you win for prettiest family). It's why Mary got a hook-up prescription for Latisse (like her eye-lashes need ANY help!).

I love how sweet and messed up my family is in our quirky little way.

I win for busiest blog!

Spoiled?

Seriously, how gorgeous are these flowers?

My Lance-

I can't thank you enough for your show of support and love for the role I have taken on here at home. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be with our little girls -and to take care of you (though low-maintenance, you are). Thank you, thank you, thank you for working so hard for us and for giving our family this new life.

-Becca

Swimming at Nanny's

New summer love; headin' to Nanny's house!

The girls are overflowing with anticipation. ...When Mia's "little swimmer" comes on, the party begins!
We've found an exciting way to spend a lazy summer afternoon...
BTW, Tummy-Yummy's are cheaper than Bug Juices. Kids love 'em, bottles are re-usable!
My Ella-Boo!

...And sissy too!

Well Bless My Phoebster!

Does this picture not say it ALL???

Sunday was been so insanely busy. Bless Candace’s heart, she called and took Ella for a sleep-over on Saturday night, which meant that I didn't take her to SLC for Phoebe’s blessing. I have officially decided that this is the LAST time I’m driving to SLC before the new baby is born (f-a-t-i-g-u-e). I slept in after my alarm went off at 6:15 AM (used to go off at 4:30 AM, what the heck?), so Lance got me up at 6:25. I was out the door having woken Mia up and thrown a dress on her. We tried to stop for gas, but good ole’ Sam’s Club doesn’t have their pumps open early Sunday mornings. It would behoove me to learn their hours! I left on a prayer that we could skid in on time and on fumes.

Here's our family -those who made it!

After the gas light turned on in Centerville, I went to the wrong church (in Taylorsville). I found Granny’s van at the next church and mad-dashed in. The shush-ing lady from the back row scowled at me when I considered darting to the seat saved for me near the front --it was during the blessing, so I stayed in the back and caught ½ of it. I listened as carefully as I could to Dave as he gave a sincerely beautiful blessing to dear Phoebe Alexis. It was SO sweet.

Here's me (wearing a fabulous black/minimizing ensemble) and the Phoebes.

After church, Lexie’s and our family gathered at Rachael’s home for lunch. It was really nice to hang out with everyone. There is a lot of history with Lex's dad from when Dave and Lex first got together, but it all seemed so full of forgiveness and joy of the occasion. I was really touched by Lexie’s dad’s prayer for the lunch, and I think we all felt the peace that the gospel can bring even after all the circumstances. Overall, it was a lovely day.

Sarah took this cute shot with Lily and Mia! :)

...And I can't resist a cute pic of Mia (thanks for the new dress, Mom)!


Congratulations to Dave and your beautiful family.

Bracelets

Sarah took this shot, and it's much better than the one I had... Mine is the veiny hand with the wedding rings showing. Nice work, butch.

Ups and Downs

From this...

To THIS. ...Joys of motherhood, folks. Kids are so darn entertaining!

Just Because

My sweetheart surprised me with these gorgeous roses and a delightful donut yesterday morning. ...Does it get any better? Thank you so much, baby.

(Ella wanted to jump in to the shot! ...Teach 'em to love the flowers young!)