Eno,

Are you reading my blog on a regular basis?

I sure hope so.

I know you’re a bishop and have a lot of Yankee games to watch, but I hope that your priorities lead you back to your sister’s blog.

Why?

Because you will be rewarded if you are a regular reader.

That’s why.

Behold!

Poor Brynn (who I know is a regular reader) got cut out of this photo, but YOU, not you.  Check you out in that hat!!

That hat is pure sweetness! You look like a little Rastafarian with bangs.

Allison, are you reading your sister-in-law’s blog? (Actually I know you are because you told me so on the phone today- Cheers, my sis-in-law.)

(That’s right! Everyone is getting called out today.)

Alli,  if seeing Eno sporting this hat and clutching his dirty teddy bear doesn’t make you wish you were holding a little baby Eno of your very own – I don’t know what will.

Good memories.

Good times.

Peace out, my friends.

Dear Clara,

You were hard on your mom, that would be me, today.

There were moments when I kind of wanted to run away.

But I didn’t.

And then you rallied and cheered up a bit.

Thanks for that.

It reminded me of the girl I adore, that would be you.

Here is the crazy part: now, when all is still, it is as though this really hard day we shared never happened, and I miss you.

I told you it was crazy.

Here is the other thing, my sweet baby, I know you love me and you NEED me, but when you are a mom you are never off duty. That is what makes days like this, especially when they are strung together with other long and hard days, so very hard.

Please forgive me for being less then I know I should be.

I really and truly love you.

Love,

Mom

P.S. One small request: could you please work on being a little cuter?!

I L O V E  Y O U !

You got me with this painting. And you got me good, brother!

The title of this painting is almost as wonderful as the painting itself.

“This Splendid Inconvenience”

Bless you, Brian.

Bless you.

Bless you.

Bless you.

For rising each morning and facing a blank canvas.

Your work makes the world a better place.

And it makes me very happy.

Millie had a sleep over last night. It was the first time ever she hosted a sleep over that was just for her. And it was with her beloved “cousin” Esme.

It got me feeling a little nostalgic.

I’ll tell you why.

Once upon a time there were two young, sweet, virginal girls – who did EVERYTHING together.

(No photos of me in my pink sponge curlers, I’m afraid!)

Through thick and thin, through ups and downs, through fun times and lean times and hurt times and happy times they remained friends.

Grew up.

Got married.

And had kids.

Between them, five in total.

ALL GIRLS!

Millie loves Neylan’s girls – but she has a particular affection for her oldest, Esme. About a year ago Mills started referring to Esme as “my cousin” – she came up with this all on her own. And I have tried several times to explain to her what a cousin is, but she wont have it. In her mind she and Es are cousins.

When I found out that Neylan and her little brood were really and truly moving west I thought – a sleep over! We must let these two cousin friends have a sleep over.

And what a sleep over was had!

The party began with the littler sisters getting in the mix. A sleep over has to be earned, and that means putting in some face time with the little sisters, right?!

After some fun with these cuties and a nice dinner together – the little sisters dispersed and two big girls were left to themselves. And BOY were they excited!

They had been begging to put their jammies on since 3:00. Finally their request was granted.  After watching a movie and munching on candy bars their sleeping bags were calling, “ladies, time for bed!”.

After bed-time stories, prayers, scriptures and an impromptu telling of the Wizard of Oz they finally drifted off to dream land…at 10:00 pm!

They woke up BRIGHT and BUSHY TAILED at 5:30 am (you do the math, people – they didn’t get much sleep) and READY FOR FUN!!

(it would appear that these two little apples didn't fall very far from their"mommy trees")

What is the point of a garden hose if you’re not playing with it!? Right!

We consider bubble baths a serious business in this house. We have found that if you mix Mistral (for the scent) with dish-soap (for a hearty bubble) you get the PERFECT bubble bath.

After “swimming” in the tub and pretending to be mermaids, we felt these little amphibians needed something a bit larger where they could really spread their fins.

So we headed to the pool.

Driving dad’s zippy car with the sunroof open and listening to Coldplay, at Millie’s request.

After the pool we headed for home and a little down time.

We rolled out some butcher paper and the girls did “cave drawings”.

Then we walked into town, at Esme’s request, for some ice cream.

We walked around our town center for a while going in and out of shops- the post office, the grocery store and Millie asked if we could go into the consignment shop. I usually avoid this place because it is so hard to maneuver with a stroller, but I was feeling generous and I wondered if we might just find some treasures. I was hoping to find something along the lines of a dress-up.

Treasures were indeed found. And these treasures lead to the most magical part of the day.

White for Millie and pink for Es.

They danced to Swan Lake for a while and then said they needed a real stage. Now those who know me well know that I cannot resist a request such as this. And so I did my best to rig a stage up for them.

Jan provided the spot light.

And then the performance began in earnest.

And what a performance it was! Imagine, two prima ballerinas in one tiny living room…

G L O R I O U S ! Is the only word to describe this performance.

Es has clearly been to the ballet because she requested that we throw flowers at them, and she kept running back and forth from behind the stage only to reemerge to our enthusiastic “BRAVAS”.  Although Millie hasn’t been to the ballet, she was a quick learner.

“Thank you! thank you! You’re too kind!”

It was hard to break the news to them that the time had come for this party to end.

Both girls cried.

I felt sad too. I didn’t want Es to go either. We’d had more than a blast. We’d had MAGIC!

These girls KNOW how to do a proper good-bye, I tell ya.

Just one last squeeze!

There was nothing very sweet about this parting, there was only sorrow.

But as we hadn’t gotten to doing two of the things we’d planned to do – namely making s-mores and having a tea party – the wheels are already in motion to get these two cousin friends together again, before Esme moves to SLC.

I have been very stoic and supportive about this move, but now all I can say is…

DON’T GO!

(It would have to be a hoodie, because we are living in the 21st century and I couldn’t see myself coming to you wearing a red cloak).

Betta – are you still laid up in the Chicago dorms? Three days is too long to languish on your own.

This post is for you, my little sister who has a bad cold.

Pretend like I am Little Red Ridding Hoodie, k?

Knock. Knock.

“Bette! Tis I, your sis, LRRH!” (you know what that stands for, I am getting tired of typing that all out, it is late.)

You would say “Sniffle, Sniffle” and look at me with sad, puffy eyes.

I would say, “Ohhhh! You poor thing!”

And that would make you feel a little better. But only a tad.

I would bring you goodies in a basket. Not homemade bread and a pot of butter do I bring. No sir! I have got all three High School Musical DVDs, a Boden catalog, Little Dorrit (the book and the DVDs), some of those awesome tissues that have lotion in them, finger nail polish, and holy cow, how did our other sister Brynn get in here?!

(My basket is like Marry Poppins’ carpet bag, cool huh? – this is MY version of the fairy tale people, so I don’t want to hear any protests).

Out pops Brynn Zimmer!

Now those puffy eyes are looking brighter.

Brynn says, “I also saw some salsa rosata in the bottom of the basket” and she whips that out.

Now everyone is starting to feel very good (including me!) and those eyes of yours are getting brighter still.

And soon our tummies are full of heavenly pasta and salsa rosata.

You say, “How about a little Aurthur Clennam?”

And then we settle down to watch our favorite hero be darling. And in your heart you wonder to yourself, “Where is MY Aurthur Clennam? I know if he knew that I was laying here on the maroon nasty sofa in a crummy dorm room he would be here with me. I could tell Little Red Ridding Hoodie she wasn’t needed and he could take care of me!”

Wouldn’t that be nice?

If I had a magic bag I’d pull your prince charming out for you, Bettsky.

I really would.

But till then I send you the other wish of my heart –

May you get well soon and get back to doing this…

Because we all love it when you do what you do.

You do it so very well!

P.S. Bette, I wrote the scene where you wipe a certain movie star’s brow. Should I send it to ya? Let me know if you want it while you are wasting away with that darn cold. Wink, wink.

This is my brother-in-law, Ben. I adore him. In fact, I often refer to him as my third sister-in-law – we are THAT close.  Ben is a pretty busy guy, but if he weren’t busy running his company then I am pretty sure I would call him on a regular basis to get his advice, to share recipes (he makes artisan bread), get his opinion on the latest films he’s watched, or the books he’s read, have him tell me all about how he plans to decorate his house etc, etc, etc.

Don’t be confused – this guy is not a sissy. He doesn’t like to watch sports – but he is still a man’s man. He likes red meat, hates to spend money (unless it is on a long board), kicks butt at work, knows how to get a deal on ANYTHING, likes to eat out of a tin can (well he did this BEFORE he married Brynn – now he eats organic – good work, Brynn!), enjoys running or long boarding through the mountains, playing pool, and has, NO JOKE, a GAZILLION friends. I have never met a person with more friends than Ben Zimmer.

The man is a social chameleon. He can go into any group of people and not only charm them but each person in that group, after meeting Ben, will think that Ben is their new best friend. The things I hear people say about Ben go something like this, “He and I just click” or “We have a unique understanding” or “He just gets me”. Yes he does. Yes he does, my friends.

The man has powers. But fear not, he uses them for good.

I am pretty convinced he could run the United States of America. He’s got charm, smarts and a work ethic like no other. He works, and works and works and works and works. He is in perpetual motion. He kind of reminds me of my dad in this respect.

He is married to this really awesome girl. She is hot. He calls her “his trophy wife” – cuz she is a few years younger than him and she does a mean hula. Let me tell you a little about the kind of husband Ben is. He is one of the most patient, loving, and kind husbands I have ever known. When he married my sister she was very sick. And she still struggles with this sickness – it means that this man who is in perpetual motion has to slow down his pace considerably. And he does this with magnificent ease. When he and Brynn stayed with us last summer I watched in awe as he took BEAUTIFUL care of her. I love him more than I can say for the way that he takes care of my sister. Bless you, Ben.

Brynn and Ben are one of those awesome couples – kind to everyone, interesting to talk to and be with, and so stink’n cool. I wish that they lived next door so that I could visit them every day (Ben wishes we lived next door to each other too, cuz we are THAT close.)

Ben has a SWELL laugh. I wish I had a recording of it so that I could listen to it daily.

He is a passionate fellow. I think this is one of the reasons he is such a fun person to be with. He loves life and he will tell you how he feels about. That and he lets YOU do all the talking. He has this gift for peppering a person with questions. Oh, he is fun to talk to!!

Ben is a major share holder..just kidding I am not going to go there, Ben – little inside joke – hee, hee (we’re THAT close!) Ben is a very modest and successful business man. He doesn’t like people to talk about it, but trust me, the guy is awesome at what he does.

Ben is also devoted to the Lord. He loves to do what is right. His Bishop, in his BYU singles ward, who also happened to be my Bishop growing up in NY, loved Ben like no other. He said that if he could invest in people he would invest everything he owned in Ben Zimmer. This Bishop’s wife called my parent’s house when she realized that Brynn was going to marry Ben. “Ben Zimmer?!” she said. “Yes”, I said. “We are excited. He is a great guy.” Then she corrected me, “Ben is divine!” Straight from the mouth of Sister Freedman. She knows of what she speaks.

Right from the moment I met Ben I knew he was a swell cat.

I love you, brother-in-law.

Happy Birthday!

P.S. El Guapo, your gift is in the mail, “It’s a sweater!”

For the past four years we have spent our 4th of July in fabulous Provo, UT.

In 2005

It all began in ’05. There was a certain darling young couple getting married, which required a trip to UT.

Brynn and Ben were dating, Ben hadn’t clenched the deal but still appeared in the family photo as “Ian’s friend” – remember? Look at him, how smooth was he? Getting in on the family photos even before he was family. The man has chops, chops, I tell ya!

and I weighed about 40 lbs extra. What glorious remembrances!

Millie could barely hold her head up, but there were were in UT swimming at Nan and Dan Dan’s pool. Millie and I skipped the fireworks that year. I still remember lying on one of Nan’s foam mattresses lulling baby Millie to sleep. Good times!

In 2006

We were back in Provo, lapping up the good times at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Millie was feeling very patriotic. And check out my bangs! They were awesome.

In 2007

That is right! We were back in good old Provo.

Loving that parade!

Millie got her first SHORT hair cut. (And another tradition was born – Mill’s getting her hair chopped every time we go west.)

In 2008

We packed up our grip, yet again, at hit the trail for Provo!

For more fun and frolics with the Kelly fam! (and a new and improved camera, apparently).

So you can imagine how we felt this year when the Kellys were in Chicago. We didn’t know what to do with ourselves.

Cue next post!

So for the first time since moving to the States we spent the 4th on the East Coast. In Jersey!

Luckily for us we have friends who have become like family (those who do not live in the “mother land” know of what I speak) and they were kind enough to come and spend the 4th with us.

And we had a marvelous time together!

But let me back up a bit…

The day began with a parade and a pony ride. Millie couldn’t wait to get on the pony, it was all she could think or talk about UNTIL she saw the pony. Then she wanted nothing to do with it.

The coaxing begins.

“I CAN’T DADDY! I CAN’T!”

Jan whispers encouraging and pragmatic adivice. And after about 10 minutes…

We have contact!

And big smiles!

And the report! “I did it! I did it! And the horse is called Buddy and he was so cute and soft…etc, etc, etc.”

Way to go, Dad! You got her on there.

Then came the obligatory cotton candy.

Nothing like a healthy lunch, says I.

And then we spent the rest of the time looking at how long the lines were and trying to decide what to do with all the tickets Jan had bought. Which made me grumpy. And stressed. After all it was the 4th and I was exercising my inalienable right to be really, really ticked off. Which Jan made sure to capture on film.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

While mom was ticked Clara was darling.

(I could just eat those little tootsies! You?)

After Millie’s lunch of pure sugar we followed this up with dessert. Mmmmmm! Dora on a stick, delish!

Then we headed for home to prepare for our BBQ, suckaz!

Couldn’t have done it with out this little darling. Beneath her hood were some charming burgers and dogs. And not the dogs that howl, you get me?

The grubbins…

The decor…

The hostess wore…

Millie had three different outfits. By far the best was the one she came up with. Taking the left over decoration and turning it into a skirt.

(You get the idea, it was all tres festive.)

Best of all — the wonderful, wonderful, wonderful friends who inspired our little gathering! How we love these peeps!

The Dads and the older kids went to the park behind our house to play some good old baseball.

While the younger kids ran in the field and played in the dirt.

This may sound rather bold but I believe that if Norman Rockwell was still alive and if he’d happened upon us he would have whipped out his paint and easel and immortalized us!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!

My house is usually pretty clean.

I can’t help it.

It is in my DNA.

I usually never put off doing housework.

But the other day I got a little present for putting off cleaning.

Millie drew our family into the dirt on the windowsill.

It made me so happy I left it there for days.