My anniversary

It officially started 8 years ago.

Last month we took family pictures.

Look how far we've come.

It's awesome.

My Camille

My sweet Camille is 4 today.

She is the sensitive one.

She is often the center of attention, always looking for the laugh.

She's a healthy eater, not too picky. She dubbed herself "The Chomper" when we last ate corn.

She craves attention from her brother and often askes to hold him.  When he cries, she's the first to try and sooth him. If he goes un-soothed for too long she'll cry right next to him.  While I nurse him she's always concerned that he's choking and then she can't wait to burp him when done. I see glimpes of the mother she will be in the future and I love it. 

She loves to dance and dress-up, but most of all LOVES to be with her sister.  Where Jill is, Camille will be also. She will do anything for Jillian, and do anything Jillian says. She's my most forgiving and selfless one.  She is always sharing her toys, and candy, and giving of herself. She frequently spreads her love with the sweetest kisses and tightest hugs.

Camille is a very special little sweet spirit. Her voice is high and quiet, but her presence in this family is paramount. I love my brown eyed baby girl, Camille.

April Events

April was jump started with a community Easter Party.

Coco continues to grow rapidly and loves to get attention from older sisters.

The Easter bunny came and the favorite gift was Cheetos.

An emphasis was place on the Resurrection all month but I was missing attending the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant.

The weather was wonderful and we spent hours outside.

Jeff climbed to death-defying heights to install a new backyard swing.

I happened upon this little scene:

Overheard this:

Jill: "Hold on Mary, we're almost to Bethlehem."

When asked what they were doing: "We're playing Mary and Joseph and Jesus".

Camille decided it was time to get her ears pierced. She independently picked earrings to match Jillians.  Only a few tears were shed.

We've been having fun getting out and attending community gatherings.

This little dude, may look lazy, but he started rolling from belly to back.

Mother's Day 2012

It's Mother's Day 2012. I wanted a picture of me and my chillins. Taken by self, with my new phone (gift from Jeff). I tried. I tried a lot of times. Not one picture was satisfactory. These four were the least crazy. I actually really love them. Jeffrey Junior has the prettiest lips, is very expressive with his brows,  and he's very ticklish (top left). Camille has been very concerned about her smiles lately.  I'll catch her starring at herself in the mirror practicing smiling. Reminds me of myself and makes me worried.  Jillian has had quite an attitude of independence at times and super shyness/clinging other times. I'm trying to be patient with this hoping it's a phase. As for myself...looking at these pictures I don't recognise the face starring back.  I have dark circles under my eyes with crows feet forming on the edges. My nose is larger than I remember and I can't tone down the crazy face/smile.  My eyebrows frequently go un-groomed and I'm in desperate need of a hair trim. I'm coming up on thirty and I LOVE where I'm at.  I gave a talk at church today on Motherhood. In preparing for the talk, I have been able to reflect on my current life situation and role as a mother for the past two weeks. All of these things, bushy eyebrows, crows feet, etc. are because of my role as a mother. I'm less concerned about myself and most concerned for my children and family. And it brings me JOY. I'm grateful for the woman I've changed into over the past 5 years...even if her blemishes are more than I recognise.  

March Events

Austin Kite Festival

Early spring weather.

Sweet Coco face (2 month)

Texas Capitol Building.

Door hinge's.

Dome.

Austin Botanical Gardens.

SoCo during South X Southwest Music Festival

Blooming Blue Bonnets everywhere

Garden Prep.

Caterpillar invasion.

Family photo bomb.

Apparently, I was the only one that didn't know.

Families that I love.