the quote of my life.

If you don't know who Kelle Hampton is, you should. And soon.

Her quote from a blog post [it pretty much defines my life]: "My bottom line in parenting--in special needs, in friendship, in anything--is always this: Most of the time I don't know what the hell I'm doing, but I damn well know how to spend time with my kids--how to have fun. This combination of time and attention, love and vivacious energy makes me feel like I know what I'm doing, and that confidence--whether it's real or just a figment of my imagination-- gradually grows until it cannot be denied; until I know with certainty that it's working, that I have good experiences to fall back on, to lead me through the intimidating parts of the journey. Somewhere along the line, "I don't know what I'm doing" becomes, "Damn. Look at us. We're doing it." I love that."

Kelle, thank you! In parenting, whether it be Ellie and I exploring the bottom of a Rita's cup or relaxing at the beach, I feel like my efforts and attention will be enough. Even if I can't be the best parent, I can teach her life lessons, have fun wtih her, allow her to walk on her own but knowing the comfort of my support. In my religion, building my testimony, spending that one-on-one time with my Heavenly Father and having those "experiences to fall back on." In my marriage, the love and vivacious energy needed to keep us fulfilled and always digging deeper into one another. These have been my thoughts for so long... but I've never SAID it or WROTE it. But, that is my life in a nutshell. I won't always have money or intellect enough. I will always have time, though. And effort. And love.

Snacktime

So, what did you do on Thursday?

Oh, the usual... cook, clean, diaper changes... AND CUMBERLAND'S GOT TALENT AT CANAL PLACE. It is always so much freaking fun. Our whole family [and I mean everyone! Even my grandfather] and Rhett's family huddle up together in our lawn chairs, act like nutcases when Rhett performs, and pass Ellie around to a dozen strange old women while enjoying the beautiful summer weather. This week, the competition was down to 9 and Rhett was... easily the best. I hate to say that, because there were truly some great acts, but EVERYone stopped him and complimented. He is seriously something else. Ellie suited up in her Rhett shirt and off we went!

Ellie & Uncle Cody

EB eating at The Crabby Pig afterwards- great food! great friends!

This is my final call to the music-loving troops: Please. Come to Canal Place this Thursday, June 30, at 6pm. The competition is down to SIX contestants and Rhett will be performing two songs. The audience vote is worth 25% of the final score and first place is $1,000! There will be some delicious food afterwards and plenty of Ellie photo ops. :)

The "Rhett" Shirt

Before I start in on the excellent time we had this past Thursday at Canal Place... which is always a given... I will explain Ellie's outfit. Being the fabulous aunt that she is, Lisa decided that she needed to use Ellie for financial gain and slap some Rhett Fan Memorabilia on her. Me, being the even more fabulous mother than I am, offered up a pink onsie. We really are a fantastic partnership, if I say so myself. So. Off to JoAnn's Lisa went for iron-on letters and the following was the product...

This boy better win. Otherwise, I've been a total stage Mom for nothing. Bah Humbug.

I love Washington DC

Seriously.

So. Much.

I LOVE WASHINGTON DC.

Michael, Alicia, and my newest best friend Kristen, and I took a trip to DC this week to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. We figured we'd make a day of it and went early to see a museum and some of the monuments. Besides it being a ridiculously hot day, we had the best time ever. Honestly, you can't have more fun then the four of us have. I feel so appreciative to have such a set of friends... they support my religion, my lifestyle, my baby [especially!], and really bring the best out of me. So, we skipped out and saw the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the American History Museum briefly. [We're headed back in the next two weeks to see more!] Though Michael and Kristen had this "splendid" idea to wearing matching shirts and look ultra touristy. You know what, you two? You're lucky to have Alicia and I to keep you in check. Blah. Thank God that I love them... for their sake.

Reflecting Pool having a facelift. You can imagine my sadness at not reliving my Forrest Gump dreams.

Note: This is the shirt he wanted us all to wear. It's 100% cotton. 100% black. And 100% unflattering.

I don't actually know him.

Go Army!

Go Choir!!

You want fun? Be at the Kartchner's on any given Monday evening. Seriously. We are ridiculous.

Just my girl doing her thing.

Reading Papa's favorite book!

Taking Aunt Lisa's car for a spin

Happy Summer Solstice!

I love to celebrate holidays... the big and itty bitty.

Summer Solstice is a special one for me... Something about knowing that I am enjoying the longest day of the year makes me more forgiving of myself [because who could be a Rockstar Mama for THAT long?!] and also more appreciative of seasons. I surely love springtime and while I'm sad to see it go, I look forward to the next spring... when my husband comes home and I move back to Hawaii. One season down, three to go. So, summer, here I am. Take me and sunkiss my skin and let my baby splash around. Ellie's first summer.

Please, find a cozy spot tonight and watch the sunset. In Cumberland, it will be at 8:46pm.

Hawaiian sunset on the first day of Spring

I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.
-Dawna Markova

This week WILL rock.

I'm not sure if I post this as an affirmation to myself to MAKE this week rock or because I really am giddy for Monday. Monday?! Who is excited about a Monday!? Aaaaaanyway...

There are so many exciting changes coming to my life and I really want to share them. I had an Avon opportunity come my way this week and I'm so elated about it. My new title will be a "Training Leader" and will involve training 40-60 Representatives [coaching them to reach their selling potential] and finding new Representatives. This said, if you or someone you know could use some extra cash, PLEASE let me know. Avon is a fantastic company that I really stand behind and love so much. There are so many thoughts in my head... about my degree, my longterm goals, and on and on. The best part about all these "worries" is that there can ONLY be good results. I feel like I have some more direction to this year and my life and I'm so grateful. This said, I also have a few other job prospects to go hand-in-hand with this one and... wow. God has delivered for me this week.

Saturday night into Sunday was a little rough for Ellie... diarrhea, fever, the works. She's been waking every hour tonight and I feel so sad for her. I think we've got most of it battled... well, let's hope. This week will not be kind to her, otherwise.

On to the school status... the first part of my semester ends FRIDAY [yes! THIS Friday!] and besides being so happy at how disciplined and hardworking I've been, I'm feeling a little lackadaisical. Five more days, five more assignments. Come on, Cas. Then, next Monday, I start another three classes and though they'll be more challenging, I feel so motivated about completing my degree. Something about having a baby and a deployed husband has put me into Super Mom/Employee/Student Mode.

And! About the deployment- we're over 20% completed! HOW in the world has time flown by so fast?! Andrew and I talk nearly everyday and it's saved us, for sure. It sort of feels like he's just on a business trip or something. AND we're 30% completed to R&R. Come on, Christmas!!

So what else is going on this week? What other marvelous things are coming our way?
-We've started a Relief Society "Troop Care Package Drive" and collection starts this week. We're targeting soldiers that don't get mail often and could use a pick-me-up. More on this later.
-I've really been meeting my fitness goals recently and I have a beginner's cycling class tomorrow... I've tried cycling once and puked immediately after... but hopefully I can ease into it. I'm looking for a quick cardio workout that offers an exceptional amount of calorie burning. They Y offers "Express Cycling" which are 30-minute classes at lunchtime that I think could be perfect for me. More on this later, too.
-Brooke starts Driver's Ed and I'm on the carpool list. I don't know why I'm excited about this exactly... especially since grumpy teenage boys are NOT my style. But, I'm really happiest when I can help my family and I know my efforts really matter to my in-laws.
-I've been having Monday dinner and Family Home Evening [tomorrow!!] with the Kartchner's recently and it's been so strengthening for me. I like the constants I've formed in my schedule... and, this one in particular brings me great joy. I feel immensely blessed to have such a fabulous Church family and the games, stories, and meals we share will be such a heart-warming memory of my time spent here during deployment. I especially think about once I'm in Hawaii, Alicia is back in Idaho, and Michael leaves for his mission... What will things be like? It doesn't really matter because for this time and for this summer, we have each other. And we have endless nights of board games and delicious desserts. Score.
-ON WEDNESDAY, we are going to Washington DC to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform! SAY WHAAA?! I am so. freaking. excited. More on this later, as well. ;)
-Thursday we'll be back at Canal Place watching Rhett perform and I really encourage everyone to come see the talent. It was so inspiring to see the young people [and a few older!] show what they've got. So much bubbling potential there.
-On Thursday we'll also be headed to the Lavale Library for BABIES AND BOOKS at 11am. From what I understand, it's a storytime filled with quick little books geared towards newborns to two years old. I think it'll be about 30 minutes long... If you're free that morning, join us!
-Friday means another cast visit for Darwin, which will mean only three weeks left on his recovery. Thank. God. Once his cast is off, I will write a blog about the horrific experience we've had. The only reason I'm excited to go to the vet [again] is because I know it will be OVER SOON.


There are awesome plans in the works for the weekend, too... but now that I've posted an entire novel, I must consider sleep. My one lesson this week: Give thanks to God... for the big, the little, the unspoken, and the unknown.

Poop. It's everywhere.

Weekly News Report

Many interesting stories this week...

-http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/post/nbc-apologizes-for-cutting-under-god-from-pledge-of-allegiance-before-us-open/2011/06/19/AG8MgtbH_blog.html?hpid=z3
    What's the deal, NBC? Are you apologizing that people were offended or apologizing that you did it in the first place?

-http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110619/pl_nm/us_libya_usa
    Oh, such a slippery slope we've formed for ourselves. Preemptive attacks, policing the world, yadda yadda. And THIS is why we're high-tailing it out of the military. Free healthcare is nothing compared to being shipped off to fight wars that put us into debt and produce NOTHING but dead soldiers and further debt.

-http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/3647074/Marine-killed-by-Taliban-leaves-100000-in-his-will-to-sendbr-32-of-his-mates-on-holiday.html
    MY FAVORITE STORY IN SUCH A LONG TIME! While I don't drink, smoke, or gamble... this is such a sweet story.

-http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8584443/Pigs-could-grow-human-organs-in-stem-cell-breakthrough.html
    And THIS is why I'm a vegetarian. As if raising and subsequently killing an animal as a means to an end weren't enough... now let's use them as organ donors against their will. Did God really want us to use His creations as pancreas mules? Besides religion, is it right and fair? I get it. You have diabetes and you're in need of an organ. But will you go to any length? Meat-eaters probably won't understand my huge objection and that's okay. It just makes me so upset for these innocent creatures.

-http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2011/06/19/michele-bachmann-calls-romneys-decision-not-to-sign-pro-life-pledge.aspx
    You heard it here: I sincerely dislike Michelle Bachmann to such a burning, horrible degree.


That's all, folks. Very little these days now that Anthony Weiner decided to not be such a.... I guess that joke is overplayed now.

:)

He STILL has talent!

Rhett has made it to Round 3 of Cumberland's Got Talent! Whoo! As we did last week, we camped out at Canal Place to watch him perform. And, as we did last week, we had a great time! I love summertime in Cumberland-- SO much to do. The people here really are old souls... jazz music ringing through the streets, vendors selling lemonade, kids walking hand-in-hand with their parents. It really is bliss. And, for ANYone that says there isn't anything to do in this town is just not looking! In case you're interested in meeting us for some fun in the city, check out this flier: http://www.ci.cumberland.md.us/new_site/app/webroot/files/2011%20Summer%20in%20City%20brochure.pdf

My little glamour girl!

Can you tell we love Cumberland?!

:) One of my new favorite pictures.

Why is my eight month-old so chubby?! I like it!

Rhett.

And, once we got home, Ellie dragged her diaper bag around all evening...

Seriously, people. Get with the Cumberland fun and have a memorable, exciting, and family-filled summer!

Snapshots

A few cute Ellie pictures from this week...

Lifeguarding Ellie

Ellie came to me last week and said, "EEEEE lalala geegee mama llama" meaning "Mama llama, I want to become a lifeguard." And, being the stellar Mom that I am, I hooked her up with Rocky Gap State Park's finest, Rhett Wolford, for a one-day boot camp training to see if she had the swimming chops. The following ensued:

They practiced the art of sitting and looking like you're reaaaaaaally working. A+ Ellie!

They took an extended lunch break because, you know, no one ever drowns at mealtimes. A++ Ellie!!

They nursed their sunburnt skin by lounging around after work. A+++ Ellie!!!


Honestly, I see a bright future ahead of my little Michelle Phelps. Now, if only she could learn the art of changing her own diapers.

Ellie @ 8 months!

My sunny, bubbly, super girl is 8 MONTHS OLD TODAY! I can't believe it. Honestly. Can. Not. It was around this time last year that I found out she would be a daughter baby, rather than a son baby. I've said many times that I just KNEW she was a girl and there are so many reasons why I was meant to have her in my life. That said, we're nearly a point where she'll have spent more time outside my body than inside. While this might not seem like a big deal to anyone else, it reminds me that she is her own person now. She has such a variety of likes and dislikes and it astounds me to see her act upon those. How does she KNOW she hates this? Was she born to be this sneaky little slywoman? So strange. In celebration of her eighth month, I will share some of her favorites and less-than-favorites.

Ellie loves...
1. Ellie absolutely loves to smile. It's really her favorite thing to do.

2. Her second favorite thing to do is chase our cat, Darwin. I truly do mean chase. With his cast on [only three more weeks left!], he's severely slowed and she takes advantage.

3. EB is about the luckiest girl on the planet in terms of the number of people who love her. She has, like, 7 sets of grandparents. And, as if that weren't enough, she has aunts and uncles out the woooooozow. Here she is with Aunt Lisa, Aunt Christina, Uncle Michael, and Uncle Brooke.

4. Burrito loves to sleep in the car. Within minutes of the engine revving, she's OUT.

5. Besides smiling and chasing Darwin, EB is known to love Naked Baby Time. She has kept it partly modest these days [can you keep it "partly modest"?] because of all the sunshine.

6. T-Rex LOVES grass. She truly just wants to eat it, but she could play and play in an open field for days. This is one of my favorite things about her because I love grass, too! Something about taking your little chickadee out to the park and seeing her enjoy nature... I don't know, it's too much for words. [Parents: I don't mean to sound preachy, but please. Get your kids outside. Their relationship with nature will be such a valuable one.]

7. T-Rex also has a favorite clothes basket. I'm not sure if it's a car or a train or a... I don't know what she thinks it is. It has wheels and she can stand, so maybe it doesn't need much more.

8. And, as always, my sweet eight month-old loves her parents! Her first word was "Dada" and she and Andrew have had a few skype conversations. What do a deployed Dad and an infant talk about? Who knows! And, everyone that knows us knows that Ellie is a Mama's girl. Hungry, sad, tired, in need of cuddles? She'll whine Mama and curl into my arms. Talk about heart-melting. Happy Eight Months, baby!! We are so proud of the little fireball you're becoming.

Ellie hates...
1. Mondays. Well, maybe not Mondays because she doesn't know what a week even is, but she hates days where, after lots of playing all weekend, she wakes up and only I play with her. Where are all her grandparents and aunts and uncles!? How could they leave her?! I'm pretty sure she expects everyone to quit their jobs and stay home to play in the pool with her.

2. Ducks. After a near-fatal accident involving a duck and a piece of bread, she has made it clear that there is no reconciliation for she and her billed enemies.

3. Allergies. Poor EB has horrible, awful allergies that started around the 6-month mark. Can you imagine!??!

4.  T-Rex hates to have the sun in her eyes. Which is great news for me considering my love for baby-sized sunglasses. Winning all around.

5. My little girly-girl hates having to poop. That sounds strange to say, but I have gotten THIS look quite a few times.

6. Did I mention that she hates her allergies?

7. She also hates an assortment of other things [being cold, not being allowed to eat the wires of my laptop, etc etc] which make her cry like this:

8. And, most of all, she really really really REALLY hates missing her Dad. Hey, America? Let's get this terrorism thing, like, over with, so she can have him home. Kthanks.

Ellie Brooke Knieriem, you are the light of our lives and we began living the day you were born. Know that we love you unconditionally and we're so grateful to have YOU [and all your silliness] as our daughter. Heavenly Father gave you to us for such a divine purpose and we hope that we are an example to you. Though you will not remember this time in your life, I will always think of it fondly and remember the sleepless nights, giggling, and squirming with such a pain in my heart that you just HAD to grow up. Our hearts beat for you, Burrito.