My oldest

I'm secretly (or not so secretly) thrilled that Milla decided to live at home for a bit longer as she starts college. She's always uplifting to be around. She's responsible. She's got an adorable laugh. And she's good for quick game of ping pong when I need a partner. For Christmas last year she got a Birchbox subscription as she wanted to begin playing around with makeup. Below is an impromptu photo shoot when she came down ready for church lookin' so pretty. Skin of an angel.

Milla has been hanging motivational quotes on her bedroom door for a long while now. Looks like for upwards of a year if the title is any indicator. I think it helps her to stay in a positive frame of mind. I look forward to seeing what is there each day as I know I'll get a boost. 

My baby

Thomas is 12. Yep. No more primary or elementary school.  Six years to empty nesting. Well, that may be optimistic, but this does feel like a monumental occasion. So much so that both Grandmas came to town for it. G'ma Eyre for the birthday and Nana for Thomas' priesthood ordination the following week. Thomas was thrilled to have them both and spread out the celebration. (although I neglected to get any pictures of them. Bugger)

Lucky for me he isn't too old to come snuggle in my bed with me in the morning and read together. Hopefully that will never end. 

Happy Birthday Thomas! Love this kid.

'That looks like a store bought cake', you say. Well, yeah, that's how we roll these days

Thomas had to follow a string up to mama's bathroom to find the gift below. We knew we did good when the happy dance came out. ;)

my beauties

Just a few beauties that I've gotten my camera out for this spring...

White orchids I cut the stalk completely off maybe 2 years ago (actually 13 blooms/buds- some are hidden). Pink ones I just cut off the flower shoot 1-1/2 years ago (six blooms). They actually do come back! I had completely given up hope for any new flowers when these both sent out blooms in the SAME WEEK. Nature is a mystery. But good for surprises.

My blue eyed babe. Being a goof.

Ahh, fritillaria. Your vibrant shades against winter golds, your disregard for April snows.

Nursery love

In our ward, it seems tradition to treat newly released relief society presidents to a nursery calling. Consequently, last July both Brandon and I got a calling to nursery (joining w/ the RS pres previous to me). And we love it. Several of the kids have bonded with Brandon, which is sweet to see, but when this happened a few weeks ago, I had to pull out my phone and capture the joy. 

So the kids aren't so great at making a circle, but whatcha goin' to do. ;)