Braver than their mother...

Growing up, I went through a rather L O N G phase where I was a ninny.

Honest to goodness, we have a video of all the kids after a day at Disneyland where my dad asked us what everyones favorite ride was. My brothers and sisters start shouting out various rides like, "Space Mountain!" or "Big Thunder!!". And there is my 9- year-old self, thinking real hard, then saying in a nasally voice, "Ummm...the monorail?" What the!?! Isn't that just transportation from point A to point B at the park?!? I'm still embarrassed...

So, I'm glad my kids aren't scared to experience life, as long as they are having fun, right? They tried some new things today on the boat, namely wakeboarding with their Uncle Russ. Here's Ty-guy:

And Ash:

Then we pulled out the old Bobsked where you go from tummy, to knees, to standing. Well, we almost got a shot of the standing part, but what can ya do?And here are the little girls just loving life on the boat.

Birthday Girl

S E V E N!! I'm still wondering how this all happens, as I feel like it was only a few days ago that your joining our family made me a mom and put me on my ultimate career path:)

What would I do without you?!? You are my right arm, my "what can I do to help", my buddy who I love to be with. I remember commenting to grandmother when you were still pretty little, "Is it a little bit pathetic, or the greatest thing in the world that my best friend in the whole world is a ONE-year old?"

I love you dearly, my twirling, singing, soccer-kicking, doll-loving, avid reading, tender, selfless, friendly, helpful, caring, loving little girl--who I finally have to admit--is not so little anymore!!!

I've loved watching you grow through the years. I love you more today than yesterday--if that's even possible. And am thrilled to continue to watch you as we all continue on in this journey.

Lunching Ladies

I love blogs. Reason number one right now is because it reconnected me with an old friend, which reconnected me with some more old friends for lunch today. There's nothing quite like being with people who have known you through awkward, finding-yourself years and who loved you through it all. And even better when it's so easy to pick up right where we all left off, reminisce about good times, talk about common joys and struggles, and feel like 13 years couldn't have possibly passed since we graduated (we all still feel so young--how could we possibly be in our 30's with broods of our own?!?). We're talking salt of the earth, down to earth, easy-peasy to be with people. So refreshing to reconnect and see how GOOD they still are and how GREAT they and their families are turning out!

Thanks again Julie, Mandy & Sarah. Let's do it again soon!

My baby boy

Ty-guy--I turn around and you are FIVE! How did this happen? You came into this world fast and furious and have been such a blessing in my life from the moment you took your first breath.

So as you blow out your birthday candles and make a wish, I have a few wishes for you, my only boy...
That you will find joy, sorrow, trials and pure happiness as you continue your journey through life. That you will always be a gentleman and honor all the women in your life. That you will learn early on that serving, helping and loving others is the true key to being sincerely happy.
That people matter more than things and making good choices avoids so much heartache. That you have a knowledge of the Gospel, know that you are a child of God and will honor your priesthood. That you will make good friends and have enough convictions & confidence in who you are that you won't be swayed easily by others--no matter how tempting.

That you will always remember just how many people are pulling for you and love you immensely. That you will know that you can always come home, no matter how tall or big you get, to a mom that will never tire of your hugs and kisses on the cheek.

As you are wishing for that Webkins with all your five-year-old might, know that your mom & dad wish for that and much, much more...

Fresh & Sweet

Truly, there is nothing sweeter than a babe fresh out of the tub--squeeky clean nose down to her sweet smelling toes. Ahhhh...

HE DID IT!!!!!!

So our LONG path towards self-sufficiency has finally arrived! We're coming up on anniversary number 10 folks, and as long as we've been together, Case has been a student or in training. While I'd like to be humble at a moment like this and not toot his horn, well... forget it.

"Rooty-toot-toot" Casey Owens graduated from residency!!!

When you're in college, people talk about how hard med school is. And they're right. It's harder, and yet more rewarding in so many ways than you can ever imagine. What no one even whispers about is residency. Because there is no way on this lovely, green earth that ANYONE whose survived it would trade spaces with anyone just at the cusp (sorry Ricky, Angela, Jared...oh the list could go on;) Here I speak as if I know, when even I only witnessed it. Long, hard hours and a life that feels like it lives at the hospital, particularly the first few years. Thus, quality family time was re-defined, shown lovingly by Ty-guy...

To celebrate graduating, the department put on a fun event at La Caille and we got to get all dolled up (Okay, as nice as a 1 month post partum lady can look!!) and enjoyed a wonderful evening with fellow residents. Each graduate is recognized with some kind words about them and as I looked over at Casey, he started to tear up (of course muttering something about how there was just SO much dust around here!:) But these are people that had come to mean so much to him. The nicest, most complimentary things were said about my husband and I was nothing shy of proud.

So now when I get that anesthesia bill and think "Holy smokes! For a procedure that only took 5 minutes", or a visit with my OB that lasted 10, I'm reminded that there are many hours, weeks, months and years of studying, training, & plain old surviving that took place so I could safely receive care. I know, I know, easy for me to say now that we're on the OTHER side of receiving the payment!

Oh, and as his graduation present to himself, he got a baby. "Baby Bree" you must be saying to yourself, right? Oh no, something a little bit faster...

Boys and their toys! Way to go, hon--I love you...

Baby Bree's 1 month photo shoot

So, lucky day...

My terrific backdoor neighbor called one day saying that her sister is starting up a photography gig and was looking for some newborns to photograph for her website.

Check. We happen to have one!!

Laurel did a great job and is so nice and easy to work with! Highly recommended! Here's her website if you are interested... http://www.laurelhansenphotography.com/


Try to relax Baby Bree!!:)