-The End-

30 days of blogging...
done today.

Doing my best to enjoy life's little moments...
Everyday.
It's the little things that shape us.
It's the little things that mold our families.
The little details make our homes unique.

I love a good story.
I love romance.
And I love "sweep-me-off-my-feet" moments.
Brady and I started out with that.
It was and still is an incredible story.
But what I love is what has happened because of our unique beginning.
Everything right down to the food under the bar stools after every meal & kids up crying all hour of the night.
Every mundane task, every stressful hour we've shared...
we are finding the best way for our family
and we are making it.
It hasn't always and it won't always feel so easy, this I know...
but it makes it easier when you know what the end goal is:
Together Forever.
I know that can happen.

It's a bonus that we still have the "sweep-me-off-my-feet" moments,
though they might not be as frequent as they once were...
This is the season of life we are in.
It's quite lovely.

Safely Gathered In

He is back! The airport scene played out just how I'd pictured...
spotting him as he walked toward us
Mom getting the first hug
tears
kids hugging his legs
meeting a Weston and Lyla for the first time
few more tears
Dad smiling proudly
people watching us make a big scene(hilarious)
hugs from all his siblings (in-laws too, but there's no difference:)
nieces and nephews looking up, giddy with excitement, ready to play!!
Patrick beaming and just looking GREAT

& maybe a few more tears (of joy)

It was one of those days where:
things seemed to move in slow motion at times
I wished for waterproof mascara
Emotion takes over and you just can't believe how happy you are
I wanted to enjoy the feelings because moments (good and bad) pass quickly, so I have to hang on while I can
My camera can't take enough pictures
I had to memorize every thing because I knew the pictures won't do it justice
I know our big kids are going to remember this forever
I am grateful for the good examples of family members
I was glad that my family loves each other and was able to be back together...finally!

Thanks for everything your mission did for our family, Patrick...it's reached far more than you know.
Love you,
C

He's Home

It was every bit as awesome as I thought it would be to see him walk through the terminal.
And into our family's arms.

Pictures tomorrow.
Enjoying the time with him tonight.

Killing Time

No better way to make the morning pass quickly than swim lessons.
And to make the afternoon go by we went to see Cars 2...pretty funny.
Lyla actually sat through most of it and even danced to some of the music!

Why would we want this day to go by fast???
(if you've never read my blog you may not know)
He gets HOME tomorrow!!!!
I have never been so excited to go to the airport.

Today I...

brought Regan home from church because she was utterly exhausted and had to nap.
taught Lyla the actions to "The Wheels on the Bus" & she giggled.
listened to Emma belt out (still reverently though) church songs in the car
talked to Brady about...every thing, including a big trip to Missouri next summer. He was chatty, which isn't always the case.
curled my hair the way I used to in high school...for no real reason. And it seemed weird so I put it up.
had a power nap, which is never enough and I woke up kinda groggy, blah.
read more of the New Testament...loving that & the quiet, peaceful moment that it brings to my day.
made SO-O many cookies at my parents' house.

And the kids made posters.
It was actually time to make posters to take to the airport!

Regan is already planning her outfit and is insisting that Lyla have a little ponytail.
Emma wants to go casual, but still "cuteness".
Once they choose their outfits ... we are good to go people.

Tuesday morning can't come soon enough.

Brady got home late afternoon yesterday and I slept much better last night.
I am glad he's excited to be part of so many camp-outs again, but it means the occasional sleepless night for me.
I wake up to every sound in the house!
I'll deal. He had a good time.

And Then There Was One...

We are here in AZ. (It is SO HOT)
Ready & waiting...

It was a great day.
Freddy's, cousins in swimsuits jumping on a wet trampoline in the backyard...things as they should be.

My brother and his cute family arrived yesterday.
Man, we have missed them.(just some of the cousins with Uncle T)

Now we wait for one more ...

(I already can't sleep at night, I'm so anxious)

Dance the {Day} Away

Just put the girls to bed.
They usually go to be around 7:30pm.
Early, right? Well, they wake up before 7am.
Have you seen my kids tired? I have. Not my favorite.
Our day went like we'd hoped...which doesn't always happen so I was grateful.

Books were read.
Toys (and baseboards and doors) were washed.
Rooms were dusted.
Cookies were made.
Toes were polished.
Full House was watched.
And there was dancing...throughout the day, just whenever we felt like it was necessary.
(even new JLo was played)
Emma does the robot, Regan poses, and Lyla claps her hands above her head (and occasionally catches the beat while head-bobbing).

I wanted to take pictures but I didn't want to stop these fun moments from being so real,
so I just let it go and had fun with my girls.
Moms need days like this with their kids every now and then.
Brady is always so fun, because Dads get to be that way...
but today I was so fun.
E & R told me so.
I'll make note that Regan told me it was "the best day ever"
& Emma told me in her sweetest voice that she is glad I am her mom.
Me too.
It is not always fun and dancing around here, that's for sure.
So when a day happens that is as "parentally perfect" as today was, I'll just be thankful.

Brady, we miss you...

Better Now

I'm not really sure what it was last night that had me feeling so...blah.

But I woke up this morning feeling much better, got the kids signed up for swim lessons with their cousins
(which, if they end up in the same class is total entertainment for us parents, not so much for the teachers though),
and headed over to my mom's house.
We needed a break from home and the girls were dying for her backyard.

I helped with some cleaning...I am always happy to clean.
Call me crazy, but I love it.
It's oddly therapeutic for me and I love the feeling of a freshly clean house...
Even if it's not mine.

It's girls night for us tomorrow night and we plan to:
read books (for Lyla)
wash toys (for me, but I'm trying to teach them it's for them too)
dust the girls' rooms (same as above)
make cookies (for Regan)
paint our toes pink and blue (for Emma)
watch old Full House re-runs (for E & R, but because of me)
and have a dance party.(for everyone)
The girls already made a list of songs...
Clumsy
Imma Be
Baby
Single Ladies
and maybe the new JLo if I remember to get it.
Should be a fun time, but I know I'll enjoy it more if my bathrooms are clean.
That's how my brain works.

So I'm off to prep the house for what is sure to be the most exciting week we will have all year...
only 5 more days!!!

Feeling Feisty

That's why it's probably best for me not to post tonight.

I'll keep my grace and dignity intact for today.
Thank you very much.

With the Ladies

Just got back from a delicious dinner with my girls from high school. (missed you Jess)
I still look around the table at these girls and can't believe how long it's been.
And every time we get together I love it.
Love the laughing &
the bond that goes back as far as grade school with some of them.
Love to hear about their families,
love the night out,
love feeling refreshed on the "motherhood" front when I get home,
love kissing the girls goodnight when I get home,
And I love the Mr. for taking care while I am away.
~
Thoughts on last night's episode of Bachelorette:
Ashley's black and pink dress looked like Kelly Kapowski.
All the boys wear vnecks...all the time.
Most intense(aka-absurd) moment: watching the rose burn when Ashley sent both guys home.
Once again Ashley was a basket-case and proved she's not 'ready for love'.
During the group date I just wanted to make sure no one punched JP in the face.
By FAR the BEST moment of the whole show: during the credits..."no signs of life outside the compound"& "this is the music I am going to die to".

Can't wait to see Bentley work his magic again next week...

Confession & Ice Cream

I have been watching a ridiculous reality tv show.
I can't say the name cause it's that embarrassing.
They are so over-the-top and they over-share like crazy.
And I can't stop.
It's not so much the drama that keeps me watching.
It's the way this family gets along.
And the way it affects the young kids in the family.
I am totally intrigued.
I won't stop watching until I know what happens.
Will they forgive and move on?
Will they never speak again?
I am so invested...I just have to find out.
I know that on most levels it is being overblown by clever editing,
but it's obvious that there are real issues there.
And it supports my theory that it all comes down to this:
Our relationships with family members will be determined by
how we treat each others' kids, how we treat each others' spouses, & money.
(speaking of families with grown siblings, obviously)
Every point made in the arguments between the brother & sister in this show can be traced back to
money and how they feel their kids & spouses have been treated.
Interesting, right?
And think about it...
Our families are 'under attack'.
Satan knows that "God gave us families to help us become what he wants us to be".
So...in efforts to destroy our happiness, he attacks the family unit.
Tearing them apart so people are left miserable, bitter, and hurt.
And Satan puts ''worldly'' items and desires in our way so that we lose sight of what matters the most.
Our families.
I find myself hoping that the family in this show can move on,
although the claims made by each side are disastrous,
they have to forgive, right?
They ended the show in the middle of "hashing it all out"
and I was left hanging.
But it seems to me that even though trying to talk it all out was what was best for the sake of the cameras,
it was leading to more drama.
I could feel it.
If it were me...
I'd tell them to let it go.
And forgive.
Sometimes the impossible is actually possible.
***

In other news: Regan and Lyla got shots.
That led to ice cream cones for their bravery.
It was a first for Lyla.

More Than Usual

I am a little more exhausted than usual. That's how I know it's Father's Day!
Brady can't help but be helpful and it is way more noticeable when I make him take a break.
We had fun celebrating with him and the girls were delighted to come up with all kinds of surprises throughout the day. He's the best dad to these girls and they adore him completely.
E & R negotiate often who will get to marry him and they are always upset when I tell them, it's too late...I got him! He does it all...yardwork, sunscreen application (I dread that), basketball, tea parties, Legos, bath time, bedtimes songs (in spanish, just about the sweetest sound in our house), and even the occasional ponytail!
Our family is great because of his hard work and tender heart.

Lyla's new favorite: swinging

Overgrown

That was how I would describe our yard when we moved in. And really a lot of it was dead from freezing last winter and not getting water for months. It took us all day last month to make a noticeable dent in it only to be right back at it today.

We moved from what couldn't even really qualify as a yard to lots of trees, grass, bushes, and even citrus trees. And since we are just so happy to have a yard we enjoy working in it. Crazy to say while it is so hot-and I will probably feel different in July or August- but I have always enjoyed working in the yard. Its what I grew up doing...spending Saturday mornings working in the yard...it's where I learned to work and its where we are teaching the girls to work.

This is the pile from last month's yard work marathon. The picture doesn't justify the massive pile it was. Can't believe we did it alone. So glad the city does 'bulk pick-up' once a month! We fully intended to have the family over for a fun-filled day of helping us dig out, but we got going and the kids were occupied so we just kept going. I'm sure our neighbors were watching from inside their houses and laughing at us...Walking back and forth from the backyard to the street with branches, vines, trash bags...everything, as you can see from the pile that is almost as tall as the house across the street!
We vowed that the yard will never, ever get that crazy again and we will be very cautious of what we plant...low maintenance will be key! For now we are enjoying seeing our fence , we even found a giant grape vine (which we were happy to keep!), and being able to see the kids playing in the {now green} grass when we look out the window!!

Decisions, Decisions

I took the girls to the library this morning. It was a quick trip, but just what we needed to break up our morning.
It took about 20 minutes for them to choose the books they wanted. I was kind of surprised that it went so fast, but oh well.

We took the kids grocery/etc. shopping this evening...not my ideal Friday night, but it was needed.
It took 20 minutes for them to decide on a toothbrush.
I thought Brady was going to pull his hair out. I think he may have even stomped his foot and threw up his hands.
Such impatience!
I, on the other hand, was totally entertained by their reasoning.
I saw the bigger picture...
hold onto that toothbrush & behave and you will still have it when you get to the checkout.
Worked like a charm.
A toothbrush wouldn't cut it when I was a kid, but then again toothbrushes didn't light up, play music, spin, or have stickers to decorate them with!!
So, thanks toothbrush manufacturers...we totally bought into it.

My Topic

On Sunday I spoke about charity. And I wasn't nearly as nervous as I thought I would be! Yay! for that.
It was a good topic for me to study about and I was glad for the timing of being asked to share my thoughts. Much of what I have been reading lately has been about charity in some way and even my mom and I have been talking about it a lot too. So I can't take credit for all of it, but that is what I love about our church...We learn from each other and from all of our experiences and thoughts about what we read in the scriptures.
Basically it was about
choosing faith, hope, and charity
over fear, doubt, and selfishness.
When we have faith, exercise our faith, and share our faith it grows stronger.
When we have a good foundation of faith it gives us the strength to be positive and have hope...in all things.
And when we have faith and hope we are able to live a more charitable life.
We love without judgment and we love those around us better.
We love purely...like Jesus Christ loves us.
Faith, hope, and charity will qualify us for eternal life.
And I can't think of anything better than being with my family forever.

Some Explaining to Do

I got a sewing machine for Christmas and I just got it out. Now that I have finished my first "unsupervised by my mom" project I am mad that I didn't get it out sooner. With the move and not wanting to try to find the space in the last house I just put it off...but I am ready now. It is relaxing an frustrating at the same time, I like it.
I made a purple bib from a pattern I have done before with my mom. When you scroll down to see it don't look too close, like I said...it was unsupervised!
I love a project that is quick so this was a good start. I am partial to "bibsters" (disposable bibs) because of their pocket that catches food dropped by baby. I decided to add a pocket to this one and loved the way it turned out.
I decided to do a decorative tulip stitch across the top. Brady was so impressed! Then I said, "I know...this machine is awesome, I just push a button and get tulips!" Then he nodded and said, "Oh, that makes sense."
What was he implying? Was he saying that he didn't think I could do that myself?
Oh well, it's my fault for telling him.
First rule for wives: Always let your husband think you are amazing. Don't tell your secrets to awesome-ness!
The girls used yarn to finger-weave (taught by my mom in the middle of yesterday's sewing orientation) while I got lost in "sew-land"...a creative way for Emma to say that I wasn't paying attention to them. Brady took Lyla to her room to play because she got mad that I wasn't looking at her. again.
Now that I have explained our evening I'll explain this:

I don't facebook because I am slightly against it.

It takes up a lot of time and it's just trendy(I know it will stay around longer than a fleeting trend, but still...) so I am turned off by that.

I also don't have glitter toes & I didn't read the Twilight series.
Not that there is anything wrong with trends, but there are some I just can't get into.
Anyway, I know FB can be a great thing when done properly/safely/responsibly,
but I have seen what negatives can come from it too.
So I choose to abstain.

About my blog:
I blog for me.
For creativity, for connecting/reconnecting with people I know and love, and for random thoughts that I feel like making note of.
&
For my memories, for my family, and for fun.
That's it.

20 LBS & A Recap

Lyla finally hit 20 pounds so we got the big car seat out! We were all overly excited. Does Lyla look skeptical? She was at first, but once I started playing Taylor Swift she realized how fun car rides are. Not that we went anywhere too exciting. Well, we did go to Target but unfortunately I am taking a "buying things for the house and whatever else I find that I like" break. Fun to visit though.
My Mom came over to help me get started on my new sewing machine. I am pretty excited.
Not sure how much I will get done with all three girls, but come fall I plan to spend my afternoons sewing and looking out the window at our big tree that shades the whole front yard...I'll enjoy that view.
Making a mental note to plan Lyla's naps around my sewing time. She isn't the biggest fan of anything I like that means my attention to her is split. That would mean I would have to take my eyes off her and that's just not allowed!
The girls danced around the living room in the spot that will one day be the home to a new couch.
(taking a decorating break right now too...I had major idea overload and need to gather my thoughts and decide how I want it all to turn out)
It was adorable to see them create together and it reminded me how much I used to love to do the same thing at their ages.
And you know how my sentimental side loves that kind of thing.
***
My thoughts on Bachelorette this week. Where do I begin?? The first 15 minutes took forever. I mean that date was pretty brutal. It picked up in the end, but most of it felt like I was watching a rock and a leaf try to be interesting.
"Super-exotic" & "Super-vulnerable" made me laugh.
And did she really say, "I love the realness of you"?
J.P. is, or maybe was- haven't decided yet, at the top of my list...until I watched his conversation about who has kissed Ashley...he clenched his jaw and his face got red...which, to me, is a red flag...jealousy and anger issues there. Darn J.P. ...why couldn't you just stay cool?!
Who talked about the "Ryan-meter"? Don't remember, but it was funny.
And Ben F.: I am not a fan.
Speaking of fake words: physical-ness...not a word. But keep it up men, soon this show will have its own language.
Loved all the catty talk about Ryan and how when confronted, he still had a big smile on his face! I like him a lot but my "Ryan-meter" was in the danger zone. He's another one that just needs to keep it together.
Back to J.P. ...PLEASE don't be the crazy one. please. Even Brady likes you. But maybe if you lose it on this season you can be the next Bachelor, and we'll get to watch you "finally be ready for love".
It can't be Ryan...we already had a good guy who got dumped (Jake) and that didn't work out.
Although I do not like Ames and I think his teeth have a "cartoon character quality" to them I didn't want to like their date, but I sort of did. I am shocked about this.
And finally...I am all for whatever outlandish drama they dish out, but if Bentley comes back I will never watch again.
fine, I'll still watch... but just to make sure she doesn't end up with him.

Waffle-Making Machine

Today I took the girls swimming...I guess I was feeling like an adventure.
After the 30 minutes it took to get the girls dressed, sprayed with sunscreen and in the car I wanted to go grab lunch and come home. We made it though...for about an hour. That's when Lyla spoke up and told me (and everyone else at the pool- sorry Sariah) it was time to go.

(The girls are in the back seat hitting each other with their rings making Lyla laugh hysterically)
We came home, ate lunch and then played outback...still in swimsuits of course. If you live in AZ or have been here in the summer you know you don't go outside from June- September unless you are in a swimsuit.

It was a quiet afternoon, finished off by teaching a few piano lessons.
Then I had a genius idea to make waffles for dinner. I make awesome waffles...and my family doesn't even know I put grated carrots in them, because our vegetable intake has been sad lately. Emma ate SIX, Regan ate FIVE, and Lyla had TWO! Seriously, I just get out the peanut butter, raspberry jam, syrup, blueberries, raspberries, and powdered sugar and they have a great time trying different combinations. I was going to put pieces of bacon in them, but I didn't have any bacon...next time. It is surprisingly good(What do you think Brooke? haha)!
The kids are off to bed with full tummies, maybe too full but for such small girls they have crazy appetites.
Brady is watching a movie with cops and robbers so...that's my cue!
Off to relax in my new favorite spot of the whole house with the final book in a series I love! You should read them if you haven't.

Sunday-play all day

after 8am church, of course.

Late

Sitting down to write with just a few minutes left in the day.
Late night last night and another one tonight...not normal for me, but fun.

Pretty exhausted at the moment, but weekend details tomorrow...

Home Bound

You would think that after reading the title of this post that I'd be talking about my little brother about to return from Ecuador.
Sadly, no.
Home bound is what my little ones are.
Especially after our outing this morning.
Went on a small shopping trip and they acted like they had never left the house.
Like manners weren't discussed before we left.
My eyes burned with almost tears on the way home. (but I wouldn't be defeated.)
Just frustrated.
They are young and can't always be expected to... whatever,.
They are old enough to know how to behave when we go to a few stores.
Not Lyla, she needs practice, but she doesn't know better.
I was feeling kind of done when we got all buckled in and Emma says,
"Mom, I am so so sorry. I don't know about Regan, but I am."
And Regan says, "Ugh, Emma I am so so sorry too. I am Mom. Emma doesn't know."
Emma says, "Regan I just meant that you can say sorry for yourself."
Regan says, "Uh, yeah...I can say sorry for myself."
Emma: "I know. That's what I said."
Regan: "No, it's not........"
And on
and on
and on.

I'm going out with my mom and sister tonight.
(I think my sister was inspired last night to text with a plan)

Crazy About Life

This morning we slept late.
Ok, the big girls watched Arthur while Lyla and I slept late.
Then I made my morning call to my mom.
We ate breakfast.
We cleaned rooms, made beds, and got ready.
Then we washed the kitchen table and chairs,
which led us to the cupboard fronts,
and finally the floors.
Somewhere in the middle of all this fun Lyla fell and hit her head.
She had a red bump with a blue line down the middle on her forehead.
It was the kind of cry that begins in silence while they try to get their breath.
SO sad. A popsicle break was necessary.

During our break, this was the question asked by Emma,
"Mom, does your mind ever go crazy about life?"
My first thought was,"Couldn't you tell?"
But I instead chose to reply with something like,"Yeah, it does. What does yours 'go crazy' about?"
Emma: "Like, just when I think about the world and try to understand how big it is."
Me: "It is incredible."
Emma: "I think about it when I lay in bed at night and it is incredible. I just can't believe it."
Me: "What else makes your mind crazy?"
Emma: "Lots of things...it just depends on the day"
"Me too kiddo. Me too."
Back to popsicles and mopping the floor.
A little conversation that made me smile & made me glad I was here to listen to her thoughts.

I need to post with pictures, but I'm too tired for that...maybe tomorrow.

Welcome to my Wednesday

Loaded the girls up early this morning.
9:20am is early for us in the summer.
And pulled into the parking lot of the movie theater, along with 1/2 of the other suv's in Gilbert.
The other 1/2 are at the other movie theater...
for summer movie club.
We were happy that today's movie was "Ramona & Beezus".
E & R adore that movie.
Lyla wasn't a fan.
She sat on my sister's lap and shoveled handfuls of popcorn into her mouth.
Literally, SHOVELED it in.
Like she had done it before, even though she hadn't.
When she was sick of eating it she smashed it and threw handfuls on the floor.
Then she ate pretzels, goldfish, and tried a sucker.
No luck.
She arched her back and screamed until I took her out into the hallway.
Along with all the other moms with a 1 year-old.
Chatted with the cute wife of a good friend from "back in the day"...
And it was time to go home.
We were exhausted.
Can't wait til next Wednesday.

Other news: I am speaking in church on Sunday.
New ward so it had to happen sooner or later.
I am really anxious.
Luckily, we have 8am church-this is the only time I am glad for that- so I won't have to worry all day.
I can come home and sleep it off.
I always shake when I get up in front of people & then I usually feel fine.
But when I sit down it's like it never happened and I don't remember much of what I said.
Silly, right?
It shouldn't be that big of a deal, but that's how I handle things like this.
Hopefully the bags under my eyes from my lack of sleep over this won't be too noticeable.
Glad my topic is something I feel relatively comfortable with (more about it another day) so preparations are going well.
I do love that about our church...we get to teach each other and in so doing...we learn more ourselves.

Recap

Does anyone else think "The Bachelorette" is one step away from belonging on VH1 with all of their absurd reality shows?
I mean Ashley is a basket-case and they knew it when they cast her...like she was ready to 'move on' & 'find love'. blah.
She gave it like...what? days? a week? Doesn't matter, she clearly still has some unresolved issues.

And the guy in the mask?
Creepy. Did they just need the ratings?
Is every season going to include someone who wears some sort of costume now?
Is a girl on the next season going to wear a beanie so we can't tell what color her hair is?

And Bentley. Are you serious?
Like he ever would have made it past the first week in earlier seasons.
He was so crude and over-the-top it got really lame.
The jerk who made her cry during the 'roast'?
Shouldn't have come back after his (fake) 'walk of shame'.
I guess they have to have some entertaining guys to make up for the 'bland' choice they made with the 'bachelorette'.

But don't get me wrong...
I'm going to keep watching.

Memory Monday

I'll have to add a picture later because I know just the one.
I'm in a light pink bathing suit and I am jumping off the diving board, bravely I think, into the deep end.
I was maybe 5? Yeah, I think I was around 5.
Anyway we were at the Rhodes Jr. High Public Pool.
It was the place to be in the summer.
"Back in the day"...am I old enough to use that term? I must be, cause there it is.
I loved the snack bar there. My mom provided $.50 for each of us...
Lemonheads were my candy of choice and just the perfect snack after a few hours of swimming.
The radio used to play the coolest radio station around, Power92...Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, Vanilla Ice.
My mom would pull up into the narrow hill so we could see her through the gate and we knew to hurry up.
It was time for showers and dinner, because we stayed all day, of course.
I thought I was so brave diving off the boards.
Not the high dive though.
I climbed that ladder and turned around to see the baseball fields and Baseline road.
It was SO high up...long jump down into the cool turquoise blue water.

Then I grew up a little and swimming there wasn't so cool anymore.
I swam with friends, or just laid out...cause we were so cool. (haha)

Well, I grew up a little more, had kids & our nearby junior high pool is suddenly cool to my kids.
They long for the frog slide and Pringles in the snack area.
I take pictures of them diving off the boards because someday they will remember what it was like to put on their favorite swimsuit of the season and splash into the deep end.
What seems like an easy way to keep the kids happy and wear them out a little is actually creating memories for them. Memories of these hot summers and the only way to get through them.
And I, in my very sentimental way...am all about that.

What Matters

We went to a baby blessing.
It was sincere and sweet.

We spent the afternoon visiting and eating with family.
It was funny, relaxing, and delicious.


Tonight I will write to my little brother.
I've been writing to him every Sunday night for almost 2 years.
I will only write him a few more times.

Today reminds me that family is what matters.
It's what we take with us.
It's what can last forever.

102 degrees

Today there was
dance
yardwork
piano
goodbyes to a goldfish (third one this week)
Kung Fu Panda 2
good dinner
and
Brady actually used the word "glisten"...
it's what happens when you live with 3 princesses.

bedtime

Today I am loving
date nights
my little sister's new 'toms'
McDonald's french fries
and out missionary countdown chain.

I'm also loving tucking our girls into bed at night.
(for many reasons)
I love when all that lights the room is their nightlights, giving us just enough light to see their sweet faces.
And their eyes seem bigger and they have a lot of love in them.
Each girl has a specific routine that is tailored for their bedtime needs.
Some extra songs,
Stuffed animals,
x's & o's,
And goodnight girlies.

Tonight we only tucked Lyla in because the big girls are at Grandma's.
Missed them, but the routine will resume tomorrow night.
Lyla was super-gooey (as Emma would call it)
That's when she wants to lay on my shoulder, cuddle into my neck right under my chin (E calls that my "dark"), and giggle when I whisper in her ear.
That "gooey" stage just before sleep is one of the best parts of being their mom.

Things to Remember Thursday

Today we got ready.

That's rare in the summer.
We unexpectedly went to my mom's house...always a treat for everyone.
Lyla walked ALL over the place and made silly faces while she waddled around.
Emma wore my old Ballet Arizona "Nutcracker" sweatshirt (she loves it like I did when I was 7)and played legos.
Regan wore a turquoise w/ lace dress that my mom made for me when I was that size, but only after she twirled in the dress I wore the day I got baptized (dresses were so much fluffier then). She was in heaven.
Mom made everyone whatever kind of waffles we wanted. Chocolate chip, bacon, whipped cream, strawberry jam.
I laid on the couch under a blanket and watched it all.
Lyla napped for 3 hours when we got home.
Emma and Regan had a long bath that ended in water ALL OVER my bathroom and Disney character figurines thrown everywhere. Those things do make the best bath toys.

Brady had a bad day at work, but I told him he still has to go tomorrow:) He envies the schedule we have going on at home right now. We miss him, everyone should get to take the summer off.

We had spaghetti and bread sticks for dinner and Lyla threw hers on the floor. Emma was bothered by the mess so she cleaned it up without me asking. Regan ate 2 bread sticks and wanted more.
Brady is bathing Lyla right now. Love the sounds of that.
Emma and Regan are playing "the Carr's" (more on them another day). It sounds funny, but it's serious to them.
I should be doing dishes, but I had to make note of today...
it was one to remember.


my old baptism dress, ruffles all over it

Emma was so happy to find this...she LOVES the Nutcracker... love that grin:)

homecoming

I am playing this over & over today.
His two years is coming to an end. SOON.
We made a red, blue, & yellow countdown chain because it's that close.
It will for sure be the highlight of our summer.