Shopping with Kids

not quite as relaxing as it once was.

Happy 107

107.  my subscription to:  family gems 

today's thought:

"Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth" (Gordon B. Hinckley). . . ."I know the immense joy and happiness that come from loving, cherishing, and respecting my precious wife with all my heart and soul. May your use of the priesthood and treatment of the important women in your life bring you the same satisfaction." (Richard G. Scott)

(1st annual) Women's Conference 2009

the 3 of us met lindsay in utah & went to women's conference for the 1st time.  it was a spiritually, emotionally & intellectually enriching experience.  we had zero sleep, (too bad i can't say that about the calories we consumed), laughs, shopping, drama, tears, hugs, slumber parties (complete with snoring) & memories to last a lifetime.... till next year.

i love you girls!

leave it to maryam to wear the "strappy" sandals through airport security =)

running into megan & collin at l.b.a.

christy's "you're eating more sugar?" look

boyfriend jeans... a little throwback to 1993

seriously?  these are the accessories today?  seriously?

posing by the "tree"

me & my amazing sister allison

best friends forever

lindsay rocking her new "bangs"...supermodel

cheesecake

spaghetti & broccoli...lots of broccoli 

capturing the moments...

queen of the conference

i adore you all!

today

today is my 8 year (and final) anniversary,   this was a picture of the fountain in my parent's backyard at our reception.  to look back on this day with sadness would be tragic.  it was a happy day, & i have three beautiful little angels to show for it: grace, faith & hank... for which i am thankful, always.

being a mom

sometimes the days run into one another:  the endless folding of laundry, wiping of runny noses, making of peanut butter & jam sandwiches, changing of diapers, sharpening of pencils, singing of lullabies, kissing of ouchies .... i ran across this quote, & had to share:

we do not remember days,

we remember moments.

cesare pavese

Happy 107

107.  toasted coconut, it's just so "fancy".

Happy 105 & 106

105 & 106.  sweet crisps & banana oatmeal from the corner bakery.... at least once a week.  (the oatmeal isn't on the menu anymore but they will still make it for you...hot oatmeal with sliced bananas, cranberries, granola & sticky drizzled honey all over it.)

The Little Red Hen

  grace's 1st grade class performed the little red hen.  she was a narrator.  she delivered her lines perfectly, with a smile on her face.  i couldn't be more proud.

Happy 103 & 104

103 & 104.  monday nights at mom & dad's has become a recent tradition for us.  my mom makes an amazing homemade dinner & helps me make school lunches for the week.   dad entertains the kids & gets them all ready for bed.... last night we had an all-american hot dog & hamburger bbq topped off with root beer floats.  my mom had frozen mugs to serve them in so they were extra slushy, icy & yummy.  thanks mom & dad, for... well, everything.

Happy 102

102.  susan boyle so i've heard all the hype and meant to watch this youtube video for a while now.  today i did, & with tears streaming down my face, i found my happy 102.... 

Happy 101

101.  anyone from southern california knows that wahoo's just never gets old.  i almost always get the salad with charbroiled fish, no tortilla strips, no cheese, add teriyaki veggies & black beans... mmmmm.

My American Girl

for grace's 7th birthday, we went to la for an american girl extravaganza.  it only took us 3 hours to get there (between bathroom stops, heart palpitations, & traffic).... but once we arrived it was sheer magic (just ask hillary , she was 9 again).  we: ate with the dolls at the cafe, went to the doll  beauty salon (where the girls chose fab new hair styles like the "fancy flip"), shopped for new doll clothes &  grace's doll even got her ears pierced!  if you haven't been there & you have a daughter, there is one in chicago, new york & la.  it's worth it.  you will never forget it, & neither will she.... happy birthday my sweetest little angel

you are beautiful & wonderful in every possible way.