I'm Not Done

I blame Instagram.

 It's just too easy to post one picture a day and give a little summary and be done with it.  

But I started here and I feel loyal to it.

So I'm returning.  

Tomorrow.

Her Day

 Emma was baptized on April 14th.  She was delighted to have lots of family there!  She took her choice to be baptized very seriously and knew it was right years ago.  She was ready.  I know every parent is proud of their children, but when they are old enough to make decisions on their own and they choose the right it...well, it's a swelling kind of proud that I was grateful to feel.  We had warm weather all week and woke to a cold and windy day...Emma's favorite.  I have written before that some days just work out better than you hoped and you know it'll stay with you forever.  Thankfully, this was one.

Dear Dear Emma,

   Remember when you came to me with a huge smile on your face that Saturday morning?  And you were so excited, but there was a reverence about you that carried through our house?  Thanks for that.  It was lovely to watch you do this great thing, confident that you were doing it right and knowing that Heavenly Father is proud of you for it.  

  You were so happy to see family you loved there for you and mindful of the family that was there in spirit.  That made me happy because you get what matters.  Someday you will look back and remember a few details but you won't ever forget how that felt. 

  You asked Dad to be the one to baptized you and he was honored.  When I took you to him and you entered the water I burst into tears.  You turned to me and smiled...still so calm.  I felt like all of the sudden you were so big and capable.  And you are.  You know what is right and you love to do what's right.  Dad took you into his arms that day and I wish you could have seen the joy in his face.  It was a lot like the joy on his face.

  You remind me of your dad when you get super competitive during a game of driveway basketball:)  Or when you work hard to accomplish what you want.  That's something I admire about both of you.

  I think you already know, but just don't forget that your sisters adore you.  Regan looks up to you with fierce admiration and laughs with you like best friends should.  Lyla watches you...wow...she reall cares about what you are doing and loves to be in on it.

Remember when we went to that doctor not too long before you got baptized?  And he said that your brain and nervous system are nearly developed by age 8?  I was astounded when you turned to me and said, "Heavenly Father knew that and that is why we are ready to be baptized when we are 8!  That's when we know how to make choices."  That's your way...quick o figure things out and then apply them.

  Then there's me.  As your mom I am incredibly proud of you, but I just love who you are as a person.  You know this because I tell you "Little Emma" stories at bedtime, but you weren't always feeling great when you were a baby.  It was so hard to watch you fight to feel better, but you always wanted me.  No matter how mad you you got or how much it hurt and even if you still needed to cry you always melted into me while I held you and held you.  And you know what, I would do it again.  You are one tough kid.  A peace-maker. A funny big sister.  A helper. A child of God.

All My Love,

Mom

Why They Were Up Late on a School Night

It's not very often that I have a meeting at night.  I returned home around 9, totally exhausted and ready to get straight to bed.  This was not meant to be.  Both girls met me at the door.  Brady was watching TV, saying he had sent them to bed.  BUT...they had good reason- Regan lost a tooth!!  The details are sketchy and I may never know how it really happened but, "It just popped out.  It bled a lot.  I stopped crying when I thought about the Tooth Fairy."~Regan

So exciting and I did cry.  Loosing teeth changes kids and I am always shocked when it happens.  

From the story I got... Regan was shocked as well.

Emma is 8

Yes, there are four cakes in Emma's birthday post.  That's what it took this year!  After doing the same amount for Regan's birthday I made her name out of paper and was able to put in in the different cakes.  Duh.  I am considering laminating them for long-term use.

 It wouldn't have been a birthday without florescent-colored clothes!  And Regan had to be the one to give them.

 A Skateland party with friends.

Brady was too worn out from teaching Regan how to skate so I ended up keeping the line of giggling 7/8 year old girls together.  It was a blast.  (Actually, I am not kidding...it was a fun party.)

Easter Week

Lyla's excited face when she found color-wonder markers in her bucket. (Dear Crayola, you are genius and church is quieter because of your awesome markers that can't possibly make a mess.  Moms everywhere are thanking you.)

I guess Lyla is still excited for her new markers.

Easter this year turned  into a week-long party when Cali Becks decided to spend their Spring Break here. We were so happy to meet Kellen and have the whole family together.  

Oh Regan-O

Our little Oh-Regan-O is 6! (notice how it takes 2 hands to count now...very cool)
She is delightful and her birthday was sweet. We partied all weekend and she got fun toys and sparkly clothes...just what she wanted. I love watching her genuinely excited face when she opens presents.
Regan, you are precious. You are very independent an d yet you need to cuddle with me every night...I adore the way you melt when I rub your back. You are a fabulous sister- you seem to always know when a sister needs you and you proudly step up to help. You love to color and your school and Primary teachers tell me often that they can't believe how great you are at it. You love to do any kind of craft OR watch me while I make something. I smile when you stand by me while I sew and organize the pins by color on my pin cushion because I used to do th.t when I was your age. You have your dad's loud voice, the one that doesn't like to whisper. You have my "spirited personality". You love to dance and sing to loud music. Right now I am watching you do Dad's hair- you have a spray bottle and c omb:) He does whatever you want 99% of the time (and you know it). You have a testimony. You don't always talk about it and that's very ok with me...I can see in your eyes that you are feeling and processing it. You are sensitive. You see needs and try to meet them. It surprised me a little and made me laugh when you told me what to wear the first time I came to help in your class, reminding me not to forget my earrings. But I won't forget the way you lit up when I walked into your class. You were proud of me and happy to see me. I hope that is always the case. You are spunky and gentle. Silly and strong. You are a tough girl with a big hea rt. I admire your confidence, you never care what others think...you are you and it's perfect. We love the place you take in our family. Love you baby girl. ~ Mommy (thanks for still cal ling me that)

You will notice there is more than 1 cake, actually there were 3 over the span of all her parties! Standard when you live by both sides of the family. Regan loved being able to celebrate with all her cousins and grandparents! I...am having to get creative with cake ideas:)