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