Girls Weekend

Two weekends ago, my mom and sisters and I made our way up to Park City for the weekend.  We usually go around this time of year and dare not to break tradition.  Leni Jane did not join the party; however, she did get spoiled by grandma at Sephora beforehand.  She stayed in town and went to the dinosaur museum for five hours with Shaner.  Zanzabar did come with us.  Poor little guy was sick the whole weekend so we all got our fair share of snuggle time.  We ate good food, shopped for our little ninos, and ate way too much mint chocolate chip ice cream.  I love the ladies in my life.  And lucky for Zander, he was a little model for our new babes clothes we bought.  I love that little Z.

Halloweenie

This year we celebrated Halloween to it's maximum.  Despite it being Spencer's least favorite holiday, he was a trooper through the festivities but was glad to see November 1st come.  We went to three different parties, one being my moms (photos above).  I spent the day helping my mom and sisters decorate for the party but sadly, had to go to work once it started.  I always love Halloween but never am sad to see it go with Thanksgiving and Christmas next in line.  To the first party I was a pirate, Spencer a "Kung-Fu Master".  The second, I did not attend, and Spencer went as himself.  The third I was a witch and Spencer, himself (creative).  And what would any holiday be without Hailey being her crazy self.

Uplift.

My sisters and I have been talking much about the impact of actions and how small actions can have huge impacts.  How they can change the course of so many things, relationships, path of life, outlooks, view points, et cetera.  One thing I love about my mom and sisters is they always remind me about small christlike acts that will make my life better.  Whether it be suggesting reading an uplifting article, handling a situation, being kind to others, with hopes of having nothing to look back on and regretting when I'm 80.  One thing my mom has told us from day one to have a fulfilling life is to daily: 1. Serve someone else, 2. Do something active, 3. Pray.  I feel so lucky to have amazing people around me where these things are brought up on frequent occasions to strive to be better, be kinder, live life more fully.  I love them so.  I am so so lucky.  I saw this quote and immediately thought of these beautiful people I have been influenced and loved by. 

Sometimes when I hear stories.

Sometimes when I hear stories about mother's who have lost their babies, 

my heart aches for them.

I find myself thinking of how terrible that would be as a mother.

And then I remember how that is my Mom's story.

As if I've forgotten.

Never EVER have forgotten my sister.

But have forgotten that it is my mom's story, too.

And how sometimes when no one is around and she lies in bed.

Her heart must shed tears.

For her baby.

And then I love my mom a million times more for being so brave.

For being so courageous.

For giving so much of herself.

When in reality, a piece of heart is in heaven.

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Speaking of babes. 

My favorite person was born twenty six years ago this very day.

A wonderful surprise.

First of all, I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS ALBUM.

Second.

I was talking to my mom yesterday about how our Christmas tree died but I didn't know if we'd get another due to time restraints.  Apparently Spencer's parents had asked if he set up his tree yet and he told them the same thing.

So my mom asked me to leave my door unlocked while I went to church so she could stop by and borrow a glue gun.

Well sneaky Mama Kat and Stace, bought a tree, set it up, put all of the ornaments on, and left no trace.

When we came home, we walked in and were so surprised/happy/confused/grateful.

We are so so dang lucky to have such awesome moms. Sheesh.

Way back when.

In September. We took Papa Leonard to the fair.  He has always loved horses. He used to have a couple. So that was his favorite part.

 

i just found this picture of my mom that i took a while back.
this will be one of those...

dear grandchildren, this is my mom, mamakat.

I sure do love her. 

THE book.

back in may, we gave my mom a book. 

well. not any book.

a very. special. book

remember here.

we always feel bad because her birthday is usually on, the day before, or after mother's day.

you get what i'm saying?

so. this year i wanted to do something really special.

i wanted to give her something she could keep forever. 
so, literally LAST second, i emailed everyone.

and i told them. i need your help.

i asked them to write some thoughts about mom.

it was a lot of work.  i spent a lot of hours in photoshop trying to design 

a book that was simple in design, and meaningful.
and get the letters :)

after paying over night shipping to get it here in time, so we could take it on our trip to california for her birthday. 

we did it. 
oh. so. worth. it. 


the best part. no one expects a really cool present on your 53rd birthday. you expect that at 50 or 60. 
so. we thought we'd sneak one up on her. 

so.

THE book.

opening page.

mom as a little girl.

one of my favorite pages.  i like to think heather and grandma would have loved to write a letter for the book.

however, i think they would have chose these pictures too.

i totally cherish these pictures below. 

 

this page i had angie in guatemala write. she is like a sister.
you have to read what she wrote, i love it!
(click on picture to make it bigger)

mom being mom.

last page. 

the. 

end. 

now. her reaction.

us girls could hardly wait to give it to her. 

mom, we kind of like you :)