Sweet 16

A special happy birthday to my sister Camille today. She is basically a more beautiful, talented, sweeter version of me! And although I should hate her for it, I just love her all the more. Happy birthday Camille, I love you forever!

Explosions in the Sky

On April 30, Landon and I went with some friends to an amazing concert at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Picnic dinner, good company, beautiful music, lovely weather. Really good times.

A special thanks to Ian for being the photographer. Most of these images are his. Here are more.

Happy Mommy Moment

I had a successful mommy moment today. I feel like I should write it down to remember how good it felt to follow my instincts and exercise patience. It may seem like a small thing to some, especially to those mothers of just little ones but it was a big deal for me.

When I picked up Jolie from school today she handed me a note from her teacher stapled to her agenda. Here is what it said, "I let Halle and Jolie go to the restroom in the middle of State Test since they said it was an emergency. They were gone a very long time. I had to have another teacher cover my class while I went to look for them. They were talking, goofing off and walking really slow. As a result the entire school was delayed recess since our class was the last one finished."

Now Jolie is no perfect student. She has been known to get a warning here and there for talking, she loves to talk! So I wasn't shocked to get the note, but for some reason it sort of bugged me.

I would normally give her a pretty good scolding for something like this. It is a bigger deal than usual. But when I opened my mouth to give a speech and punishment I heard a voice in my head telling me to stop and wait. To just hold off a while before reacting.

We didn't mention it again until about half way on our walk home. She turned to me and said, "Mom, I thought you were going to yell at me for sure!" I just smiled and said I didn't feel like yelling about it. Then 1 block later I noticed she was wiping tears from her eyes. I asked her what was wrong and she just grabbed me in a big hug and told me how awful it was, how her teacher had yelled at her in front of the whole class and told her she ruined recess for the whole school and how she didn't mean to get in trouble.

I felt so thankful in that moment that I had been able to curb my all too often temper with her and actually listen to what this little person needed from her mother. I so often jump to conclusions and rush to anger at silly things like this. I needed to document this to remind myself how good it felt to be there for my baby in all of the little struggles in her life.

I love that girl, she is so wonderful.

I Think I Need This

LOVE

In African Violet

Note:  I am cranky tonight. I thought online shopping might make me feel better but it didn't. Now I just want stuff. Darn it.

Grandma Rasmussen's Egg Hunt

We had a blast hunting eggs at Grandma's this year.

But all Reese wanted to do was play basketball, seems he has a new obsession!

My dad and I

Sisters with Dad

Have you ever seen a more gorgeous 16 year old!?

Love Aunt Camille

Thanks for the candy and cash Grandma!

Easter Morning

Here are some shots of the kids in their Easter Sunday finery.

LA Zoo

We had a fun spring break this year. We did all sorts of stuff but the only thing I took my camera to was the Zoo. 

Jolie and one of her best pals Katie were totally into the flamingos.

Lucy is such a sweet big sis.

Me and my kiddos.

A cute boy having some lunch.

I had so much fun with my kids all week, I cannot wait for summer!!

2nd Grade Choir Performance

Jolie's class put on a cute music program this year.

Here she is with a few of her BFF's.

Her brother cheered loud after and during all of the songs!

Grandma came too!

Then we broke her out of school and took her to Ruby's for lunch! Fun times.

Style

The girl I go to for pretty much all of my style inspiration has always been my sister.

She started a style blog that if you like all things beautiful for your bod, check her out.


HERE.

Child Labor

Someone is totally into washing the dishes. Wish I wasn't OCD and didn't have to put them in the dishwasher also.

And I had to leave the room while he was doing all of this. Then I just came in and cleaned up the mess after. Thankfully with a few strategically placed towels the mess wasn't that bad. I just kept repeating the mantra, "I will be a fun mom, I will be a fun mom." Over and over. Man, I hate messes.