Heeeeeeeeeeeere's Roci!

How cute is this kid?? She is living every little girl's dream. To have an audience all to herself where she can perform her little heart out! I pray she has fun and that all goes the way she wants it!!! We love you Roci!

An update

A few things I'm behind on:

Zachary's first birthday; a hike to falls somewhere in Westfield with the Baird fam; dog sitting for the Jensons, Mr. Darcy, or better known to Caleb as Mr. Farcy. We've been so busy this summer and I haven't done a great job keeping up, but I'm trying :)

Next post will hopefully be on the play the girls were in... I'll get there!

Time out for women

I heard that someone nicknamed Time out for Women, 'EFY for women". I think it's pretty close, without the dancing part.

What a wonderful opportunity for a group of women to get together and listen to beautiful musci performed by very talented artists, and amazing speakers with powerful gospel messages in a relaxed, enviroment! I am so happy that I've had more than one opportunity to attend this retreat of sorts.

Hilary Weeks is one of my favorite performers and she was hosting. She seems like she would be fun to hang out with. She sang beautiful songs written by her and shared some fun stories and common experiences we have as women. I am thankful to Deseret Books who put this production on and make it possible for us as women, members or non-members, to be able to enjoy such an edifying experience!!!

Thanks Zana for sharing your discount on the rooms, to Teresa for sitting with us and sharing the bed with me:), and to Noel for 'not' coordinating the trip. You're too funny :)

Ahhhh.... Aalyia

This little girl here just gave me the biggest pick-me-up I've had in a long time. This is how it went:
We had just finished family prayer and we were giving out our customary hugs and kisses. Aalyia was sitting next to me but instead of hugging me she went over to her sister. I was taken back. Then she skipped over me again to hug her other sister.
I said, "Uh, what about me?!'
She said, "No mami, just wait a minute." Then she leaned over and whispers to me, "I didn't forget you, I'm saving you for last because'..., (this part she just barely whispers),... "because you're my favorite."
She left me speechless.
Roci caught what she said and said, "Huh, what?"
Aalyia put her hands up and said, "Just kidding, just kidding." But then she looks over her shoulder and whispers more carefully, "But not really Mami.", with her big toothless grin.
I can't tell you what that did for me.
We don't play favorites in our home. We love our children more than we ever could express to them or probably show them. We love them each for their uniqueness and individuality. We love them differently because they are so different. And now that I think of it, I guess they are each my favorite because they are so individually special. I have been known to say, "You're my favorite Gage, or Mercedes, or Roci, in the world. I guess I am Aalyia's favorite mom. Roci will role her eyes at me sometimes but I remind her that although she is loved, she doesn't HAVE to be a favorite anything. The 'favorite' just adds an exclamation point to the love.
Aalyia made me feel so special. To know that she knows me warts and all and can STILL express that was amazing.
I try so hard to be a good mom. I battle with the 'ugly me' alot. The Dr. Hyde, if you will. The one who loses her temper easily, who's too busy to play or too tired to read a story. Sometimes she comes around and I don't have the energy or desire to send her away.
And yet Aalyia reminded me of my Heavenly Father's love for me because at that moment she showed me that we are all His 'favorite' because of who we are. Thank you Lovie, I needed that more than you could know.