Hootin' Annie

Having 2 kids and watching them interact has made me think about the profound effect my brothers and sisters have had on me. From my personality and temperament, to my adaptability, and even my interests.

One thing's for sure, growing up with so many kids in one house was rough, but having a big sister as a best friend made it a lot easier. So

here's my take on my friend, sister, and life-long role model: Annie is the one who taught me how to comb my hair, ride my bike, and take complements politely. We played Barbies, school, and orphanage for hours a day. She's the one who, when we went camping, would frolic with me in the tall grass, pick flowers, and play mermaid in the streams. This may seem like a fairy tale, and I wouldn't blame you if you stopped reading because it's so soppy. but before you quit friend, let me tell you that we didn't always love each other as we do now. I remember when I was so mad at her, I broke my Ken over her head. And one day, I came home to find this message, penned in puff-paint on our mirror: "Laura is a burrito-eating dork". It seemed to be a whole cycle of wrath between us; I would wear her clothes and stain them, she would tell something embarrassing about me to my brothers, so I would snoop through her stuff, etc. I'm not sure exactly when we grew out of it, but this I do know, Annie grew out of it first, and showed me unconditional friendship and love. She helped me through some of the hardest times in my life, never judging. I'd say that's her strength. She always believes there are two sides to every story, and gives other people the benefit of the doubt. That's why I can never have a really good gossip session with her because she ends up defending whoever I'm talking about and I end up realizing how pathetic and silly I sound. She showed me how to be a good wife and mother by always looking for ways to improve herself and grow. Just when I think I've matured enough to be on her same level, she blows me away with some deep, wisdom filled comment. This makes me realize that she'll always be my big sister, and I'll always have someone to look to as an example. Some may think of that as intimidating. I don't. I'm just grateful that I'll always have someone just ahead of me, showing me how it's done.

Things I love about Annie:

She always has some artsy project she's working on

She has awesome taste in music and shares new stuff with me

She sings great, and her voice blends perfectly with mine

She dresses super cute all the time

She always supports me in all my endeavors

She makes yummy salsa

She has a great laugh

She is very witty

She has great taste in movies (muppet treasure island!)

She is sweet and supportive to her husband.

and last but not least, she loves meeeeee!

Who knew?

Take the Quiz here!

Blessings

On the subject of blessings, I have several things to list:

First: Leila's blessing. It was a few weeks ago (Jan. 6)but (like almost everything), I neglected to post pictures and write about it. We actually had quite a turnout from friends and family, several people in my ward stopped and asked me afterward "Where did they all come from?". I simply had to explain that I have a very LARGE family and a fair amount of friends. Leila is such a blessed little girl to have so many people who love her already, and she hasn't even been here for very long!

Second: I feel so spoiled lately because of all the good things in my life.

- I am no longer pregnant and can move about freely.

- Jesse is out of a wheelchair and able to walk (or hobble, whichever you prefer).

- The cabinet shop is re-organizing to create less stress for Jesse so he can invest more in the family... and me :)

What a good year this will be! I am so excited for the summer to take my babies out and let them experience new things. I am glad I'll be able to actually participate in all the fun things because I won't have a huge belly. One of my resolutions this year is to let loose, not worry as much, and just have fun with my kids and my husband. I have been doing great so far, me and Cooper have so much fun playing blocks or painting... he's such a great kid! I guess we'll see how it goes for the rest of the year!

Funny Face

Lots of people have asked me where we got our adorable Christmas/birth announcement pictures taken. I am one of the lucky people who has found a wonderful photographer who I will always use and always refer people to. Deb Ouzts and her husband Mike have their own photography business called Funny Face Photography. I met her when she lived in my parents ward and asked her to do my wedding pictures. They turned out to be the BEST wedding pictures ever!!! She has done all of our family pictures since then and probably will forever! She is so cute and creative and captures everybodies personalities perfectly. She also edits the pictures and she actually designed the card I sent out to everybody ( I wish I could take the credit... but I can't). So here are some of my favorites from the latest photo session with Deb:

Ode to Lexi

This post is dedicated to my very good friend Lexi. Our relationship began when I started working at Centennial. It was Lexi's job to train me on almost everything (I feel sorry for her now.... I was such a clutz!). I felt at first like she loathed me... that she couldn't stand to be around me... but I found later that I was mistaking her loathing for our boss, which soon became our mutual loathing. Many things blossomed from this relationship to which I am forever indebted to Lexi: She encouraged me to move out on my own and experience freedom, she introduced me to my love, Jesse, and most importantly, instigated the "Mexican of the Month". The latter of which brought much laughter to my dull days at Centennial. Lexi was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day... she always brightened my work days with her humor and downright sassiness (she's a non-conformist if I've ever met one!).

We took many road trips, armed only with Teddy Grahams and cheddar cheese. We both went through crazy boys like they were tissues... Lexi maybe got more than her share of the crazies. I think Lexi is one of the most driven and loyal women I have ever met. I love how politically involved she is, and how intelligent and witty she is in everything she does. I admire her so much, I treasure the time we had together, she was a great example to me of independence. I learned so much from her and thank her for her friendship. I am greatful to be one of the few, the proud, the strong, the friends of Lexi.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRLIE!!!