Sisters

Sisters

I always try to find quotes to go with whatever I am writing, and after witnessing my daughters getting their pictures taken today I found two that fit. The first one:

Of two sisters one is always the watcher, one the dancer. ~Louise Glück

Now let me tell you which is which. Ever since Bailey was born she was smiling, flirting, and grabbing the attention of people around her. Today was no different. I believe that at one point she was flashing the camera (in her defense, she was only trying to show her bellybutton...)! She will pose, she will smile, she is my dancer.

Brinlee would sit on the stool, or in the chair, and we would sing, dance and wave anything and everything in the air, but her eyes followed Bailey as she ran around the yard with her cousin. Sometimes I would catch her watching me as I walked around thinking I was more of a distraction when I tried to help make her smile. And even when she did look at the camera, it wasn't to smile at it, it was a look that said "what are you doing?!", and then her eyes would wander some more. She is not a show off, she takes everything in, she is my watcher.

These girls are the light in both of their parents eyes. It is amazing to see two completely different people in them, knowing that they came from the same two people, and have been raised the same way. I know that these children have spirits in them that have had long before they were born. I love watching them develop as individuals, and yet grow close in the bond that they have as sisters. That leads me to the second quote, that I will end with:

The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend. ~Cali Rae Turner

Quote of the Day

Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcomes. Therefore, give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strengths. Remain steadfast...and one day you will build something that endures, something worthy of your potential. -Epictetus

Take time to think about this, it is excellent. - JoAnn

The Perspective of a 3 Year Old

Bailey turned three this past Sunday (Sept. 2nd), and we can hardly believe it! She wanted a Tinkerbell party, that was her only request (I am sure that changes with age!), so she got it. Only now do I appreciate the elaborate cakes that my mom used to make to meet our "simple" suggestions. I asked Bailey a few questions about herself so that we could accurately remember this time in her life. Here it is (it her exact words...so no, they are not grammatically correct):

Favorite Color: Pink (and purple)

Favorite Person: Mmm...Jacob (this is her neighbor friend)

Favorite Song: I Looked Out the Window...Popcorn

Favorite Game: Matches

What do you want to be when you grow up? Tall

What is your favorite thing to eat? Macaroni and Cheese

What is your favorite thing to do with mommy and daddy? Play games

What is your favorite thing to do with Brinlee? Like to play rattles

Do you like going to church? Yep...I do. And wear my Belle dress.

What do you learn at church? Snack

Where are going to get married? In the temple

Another thing I love about 3 year olds is that they think that as long as what they say sounds like what they mean, then it means the same. For example, tonight as Bailey was saying her prayers, and I was helping her, we started with "Heavenly Father". Bailey, repeating me said "Harry Potter". I couldn't help but smile. Moments like these make parenting all too worth it.

Nebraska

The girls and I took a trip to Nebraska in August for my cousins wedding. My entire family was there, and that is the first time in a long time that I was able to spend time with all of my brothers and sisters, and all of their children. The video is of all the fun things that we did there. Meeting at my uncle Jim and aunt Lisa's home for a BBQ, the wedding, fun at the hotel pool, and our last day in Lexington. My family is very far away, and this trip was special for me and my girls to get to spend so much time with everyone. The memories that we have from this trip will stay with us forever.

I also had time to think about what really matters to me, and that is my family. I know that my family is forever. And that is bound by something that no amount of distance, and no amount of trials can change. All we have to do to keep that promise is do what we know is right. And I am so grateful for my knowledge of that.

Disneyland

Disneyland was also a stop this summer. Filled with rides, parades, and family this was a trip that we will always remember. Bailey was at the perfect age for the trip because she has just entered into the world of Disney princesses. She loves all of them. However, Cinderella has a particularly special place in her heart. The picture of Bailey is when she saw Cinderella for the first time in the parade. It was priceless! The picture of everyone (except mom) was taken on It's A Small World, and Brinlee can hardly contain her excitement.