Catching Up...

A few weeks ago, we convinced Hannah to enter some of her printmaking art into the school's Art Show. She reluctantly complied and came home with a second place ribbon. It made it all the more fun when she told us that her cousin, Abbey, had received 1st place!

These girls dominated in this category. I can't wait to frame Hannah's art. A picture at a later date...

Last week, Emily and I attended the Honors Awards Assembly at Timpview.

It was completely mind boggling to listen to and watch the awards and achievements accumulated by the class of 2010.

She received an Academic Letter in English. I must add that she held a 4.0 all through high school until she decided she didn't really care anymore and settled for an A- in a class last semester. Hey, I'll take the 3.99 GPA too.

I loved that I could see her from across the auditorium because of her hat and the purple tights and gold shoes that the photo doesn't show!

* * *

Julia competed in the Hershey Track Meet and took home a couple of ribbons. She had a fun group of girls that worked hard at practicing their relay event. They even decorated T-shirts with their team name, "Whatcott Wonders" and coordinated their running attire down to one flower in the hair and black & white striped socks. Gotta love girls!

Taste of Summer

Today we had a taste of summer.

The grass is so green, the blossoms are fading and flowers are blooming.

Most importantly, it was actually warm---summer-like warm.

Even Scout is liking it.

I know that I am loving it!

photos by Emily

Happy Birthday Hilary & Hannah!

Today is Hilary and Hannah's 15th Birthday.

It has a very rough start for Hannah--we're lucky she's here!

When I found out we were having twins I wondered what it would be like to bring home 2 babies at the same time. Sadly that didn't happen right off. After Hannah was revived, stabilized, and airlifted to San Diego, it was five days before I even got to hold her for the first time. The pictures below are the only ones we got after their birth because of all the drama. While the horror of that delivery has diminished somewhat, my gratitude for the birth of two babies and their healthy development through the years never escapes me.

We sure love you both! xoxoxo

Happy Birthday!

Emily

I wish I could take credit for these photos--but I guess I can take partial credit for this child--because she is my eldest and she will be a High School Graduate very soon.

To see more of these awesome photos go here:

www.merephoto.com/blog/

Thanks Meredith!

Happy Birthday Julia!

My baby girl is in the double digits --10 years old today!

She knew she needed to come into this world a little earlier than expected--about a month early in fact. She had a few problems when she was born and had to have a full blood exchange on Mother's Day in 2000. From that day on, she has thrived!

Did I mention that she was the best baby ever?

I enjoyed every minute of her being a baby, knowing it would have to be my last.

This girl never stops...

she loves to play hard and she works hard as well.

Simply put, she loves life and...

we love her!

Happy Birthday J.J.!

xoxoxoxo

Mother's Day

Hands down one of the greatest gifts I've been blessed with are

these four sweet, beautiful daughters.

They are all growing up--we'll celebrate all of their birthdays in the coming days and weeks.

They enrich my life in a way that is not possible without them.

My own mother gave birth to me 39 years ago today.

She is one of my best friends. I adore, admire and love her so much!


I've been blessed further by my own mother-in-law, Donna,
who is the youngest-looking, most energetic and smartest 80 year old that I know.

The older women and younger women in my life continually inspire me and bless me.
Happy Mother's Day to all!

My High School Senior

Emily had her senior photos taken this evening.

We traversed through downtown Springville, taking advantage of amazing brick backdrops, long, tree-lined driveways, and a few cool alleys.

Emily stood in doorways, in the middle of roads, looking glamourous while drivers and pedestrians passed by with smiles on their faces.

(Notice the "E" in the background)

I probably creeped out the photographer when I pulled out Julia's point and shoot Polaroid to capture the capturing that was going on.

It was so fun to tag along and in my solitude reflect on my little girl that is pretty much an adult. I can't wait to see the final results of these photos!