we talked & talked & talked (5/2017)

Janell, Susan, and I reunited in DC for a long weekend.  Among other things, (gawking at overpriced homes in Georgetown, driving out to see Fallingwater, gorging on tacos for cinco AND seis de mayo, a visit to Monticello, and a relaxing afternoon at what Mandy thought to be the a"bore"etum), we talked & talked & talked!  There was lots of talking! and giggling! ...and even some crying!  These two friends have: shared in many a prank and crazy college trip, whole-heartedly empathized with the grueling process of getting a graduate degree, showered me with attention when I got married, and love to psychoanalyze people just like me (maybe even more than me!). It was wonderful to be together again!  
  

let's paint, let's party (5/2017)

Dalia has packed a lot of personality into 6 years.  She is decisive, assertive and observant. And there isn't anything I can say she's afraid of.  She works tirelessly to keep up with her siblings: employing eye rolls and head cocks, having a love for the preteen shows her sister watches, and hanging with a pseudo-mature little group of gals.  (who BTW, were recently overheard voting, 'raise your hand if you think I'm cute.')  Dalia is very sweet - though she's always been a bit insecure about that side of herself - often asking for hugs and spending hours taking care of her ever-growing collection of babies and stuffed animals.  She loves to talk and she still has a few funny mispronunciations that will soon be corrected by some well-intentioned teacher.  (i.e. 'elso' instead of also and 'hell' instead of hill)  She has finally cleared a very long 4 year run with molluscum (poor girl may always have a good dermatologist on retainer.) She practices writing all the time and has no hesitation about being wrong.  (Our house is littered with all sorts of adorable, misspelled notes.) ... And, she loves to paint:

 

omaha recreation (5/2017)

Omaha is wonderful!  we love it! we really do! it's a safe place for families, people have great values and morals, we have wonderful friends, and family is here.  however, it really lacks in outdoor recreation options.  more specifically, our recreation of choice!  after strongly considering buying a boat but soon finding that the lakes in the area are private and tiny, we spent a little time being heartbroken. after all, dave and I always envisioned taking our family on ski trips every saturday.  and dare i say that we love eachother more on the lake?  but it seems that the mourning is somewhat alleviated with dave's newest recreational interest.   

let's glow crazy (3/2017)

This glowing gal is officially 11!  Kindin is a friend to everyone and chooses wisely who is in her closest circle.  She is a fantastic gymnast and swimmer - having recently combined the two with a diving class.  (As a result, she is always the top finisher for pull ups and push ups in PE - beating all the boys!)  She provides weekly cartwheel training to her gym-not mother.  She excels at school- always putting 100% effort into her work. She (usually) welcomes hard work and often helps out around the house without being compelled.  She has conquered many of her young childhood anxieties but still has daily worry about both normal and strange medical ailments.  She is driven and gets bored with screen time long before her siblings do.  She recently saved and purchased herself a fish tank and two fish.  (named oreo and skipper)  She has a strong desire to please others but has recently become very comfortable opposing mom.  (though she apologizes every time for it.)  She enjoys drawing and often seeks out pinterest projects.  She is a blessing in our home and is an example to me of strength and kindness.

half birthday parties? (2/2017)

"Why are we having half birthday parties for our kids?" The simple answer: They aren't. My friendships with church kids saved me and I hope the same for our kids.  The long answer: When I liked all the wrong boys my sophomore year, I thankfully still had interest in the boys at church. When I needed to escape the wrong choices of school friends, I was playing Cut the Flour with church friends.  When I was tired of everyone by my senior year, I watched SNL with Wendy and Charlee.  I want my kids to give preference to friends who make good choices and I'll tirelessly try to create that network for them.

Jack played church ball with 9 rowdy boys

Kindin with her 'galentines'

my boy's dad (2/2017)

I adore the playful dad that Jack gets.

when in vegas... visit vegas (1/2017)

When we fly to St. George for Christmas, we're really flying to Las Vegas.  So this year, we decided to visit Vegas.  We made all the major stops: Container park & a Cheffinis hot dog, a family-friendly night on the strip, Pawn Stars, Ethel chocolate factory, 7 magic mountains, and a Cirque show

and we spent tons of time swimming in January at the request of these 3 ^^^!