Never underestimate the cuteness of a baby in a bathtub

And on every 4th thursday of every 2nd month of every year, we take a bath. After you do the addition please let me know how often my kids bathe. I may have to switch up their bath schedule a bit and add a few more days... like alternating Sundays every other month that begin with a vowel, or something like that.

I decided it was time to do some more bathtub pictures, this time with Eden and add her to the bathroom wall. That's the least I can do since she's been a member of our family for almost two years now.

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Like Mother, Like Daughter

Dear Eden,

I love how your perfect little plump cheeks wobble back and forth with each step you take. Kind of like my cheeks... my other cheeks... that, as I've been informed by my loving son, jiggle up and down when I run... or jump... or walk... or do anything that involves some sort of motion. So now I just stand in one place. All of the time. And I have strongly considered getting a segway to help get me around.

If I, for any reason, am forced to move, I take great caution in walking-  trying not to cause any sudden movements that might start a ripple effect, similar to when you throw a rock in the water. I tell the kids that I can do the ghetto booty shake so well because once I get started my butt practically propels itself with all the momentum it creates. They think I'm kidding. I'm not.

I feel that this is a special little bond we share. You and me. Me and you. Cheeks that jiggle... Unfortunately, mine aren't quite as cute as yours.

Sincerely,
Your Mother

My Mom is...

A mother is so many things... a doctor, a maid, a teacher, a referee.

A mother is joy. A mother is love. A mother is a safe place.

A mother is someone who feels are hurt when we are in pain and rejoices at our happiness.

It is amazing that so many so many qualities and attributes can be embodied in just one word... MOM.

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A few posts back I wrote about the sweet idea Marta had for her cousin (and my friend), Whitney. I loved the idea so much had to use it for my mom for Mother's Day.

It was quite the feat getting pictures of my Dad, my 7 siblings & their spouses, and 37 grandchildren and I'm happy to say, I did it! (even if a little photoshopping magic was required)

I printed out a paper that said, "Mom is..." or  "Grandma is..." and then with photoshop I filled in the blank with their words. It would have been just as easy to have everyone print there own and fill in the spot (which is what Marta did), but knowing my family they would have never done it. So I chased them down to take their pictures... it was a labor of love. ;)

Originally, I was going to print the book through Shutterfly or Blurb, but I ran out of time... so it was off to Walmart to be printed. Definitely not my first choice, but they were my only option for same day printing. I think I had them reprint it like 4 times before they got the color to look decent.

For the cover page I did a collage of words that my family used. I was really excited about how it turned out and needless to say, my mom was even more excited.

My only goal was to see tears...

...mission accomplished.

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Today I Miss My Parents

I just got back from a week long trip to the Dominican Republic visiting my parents, who are serving as MTC presidents there. It was so great to see my parents- to hug them, love them, and spend time with them.

It's been a year and half since I've seen my Dad (my Mom's been able to come home a couple times) and we did all we could to fit a year and a half worths of time in one short week... one short week in paradise, mind you.

I sure miss my parents a lot and I'm reminded how much more I miss them when I get to spend time with them.

One thing is for sure, I'm so lucky to be blessed with such amazing parents!

And now, I am currently suffering from a severe case of post-vacation depression and I have decided the only antidote for such a thing is going on another vacation. Sounds completely fabulous to me.

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