...being a mom...

Absolutely the most beautiful piece of Heaven here on Earth. ...Thank you, God, for trusting me with three angels.

Happy Mother's Day (belated) to all the amazing Moms I know. ...And to my own Mom, I love you so much. I also thank God that He trusted you with me. :)

Extra LOVE: weekend pic edits!

Me

Ella and Sabrina
Sabrina

Ella

Mia

Ella's Birthday Party!

The big party was Saturday! We decided that this is probably the last year we can do a big family birthday party for Ella -she really wanted a local friend party. ...Next year, maybe! :)

Here's my birthday girl. Her birthday is actually on Thursday this week, but Mother's Day weekend is an excellent gathering time!

Here's Lance with Bri-Bri.

My dad dawned some fantabulous sunglasses loaned from Sarah! He sported them well.

Ella got a Leapster2 from Grandma and Papa!

Here's the gift committee.

Ella got a new bike from Nanny, Papa and Granny. ...She managed to destroy her old bike, and it's still sitting broken under our camp stove!

Cake and 6 candles! ...Thanks Karen (dear friend) for making the balloon cake for us!

The festivities were complete with a pinata! ...I'd love to never have to do that again. :) Yes, Lance is holding it, as the string was rendered null and void after the first coupla whacks.

Birthday Girl!

Love love love this picture of Papa and Sabrina!

Here's the gaggle of kiddos! Mia was on the road to utter breakdown.

After the party, Lance and my brother-in-law Seuao went golfing. This gave me some time with my family to hang out! Here's my sweet Mia giving her baby some loves (I'd run home and given her a quick bath so that she could refocus and get her mood back in check!).

It was a lovely day -and we had a wonderful time spending the occasion with family.

*To our family, thanks for your support of our little girl. Thank you for loving her and for helping her to feel special for her birthday!

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! :)