No Permission Needed

People ask to hold my baby

People ask to rock him

People ask to touch my baby

But no one asks to kiss him.

People ask to tend my baby

People ask to sooth him

People even ask to change my baby

But no on ever asks to kiss him.

No one ever asks, but I know they all do--

I see them kiss his head, his cheeks, his neck;

It is possible to hold a smiling baby

and not sneak a peck?

I know that when they hold my baby,

And are lost in baby rapture,

They're remembering long-ago-babies

And memories they long to capture.

So no one stops to ask me

or thinks I'd make a fuss

for kissing there's no permission needed--

little babies belong to all of us.

Syrena Hood

This week Syrena decided she wants to be Robin Hood.

I introduced the movie Robin Hood (Disney version) to them this week,

and as it often turns out,

they've become a little obsessed.

So Syrena created a Robin Hood costume complete with hat and quiver. I helped a little with the bow. (Sophie is Maid Marian and Naomi is that little rabbit named Skippy.)

This has nothing to do with Russell Crowe's new movie.

(I prefer the charming cartoon fox over sweaty Russell Crowe anyway.)

Yesterday Scott got out his bow to show Syrena what a REAL archer looks like.

...Mmm, mm...

So has anyone seen the new movie? Is it worth it to pay a babysitter and go?

My Mom

Not many people know that my mom raised horses (I think this one is "Cookie") and that on Christmas day her house burned down and the only thing she was able to save was her new saddle.

Not many people know that when my parents were engaged my dad got sick and the wedding was cancelled, but my mom waited a whole year for him to get better so they could get married.

Not many people know that my mom used to bleach part of her bangs.

Not many people know that my mom sewed fur on to her coats to make them look more expensive.

Or that every time she had a child she almost died.

(There are seven of us.)

Not many people know that my mom and dad shared a passion for traveling and avocados.

Not many people know that my mom can make a tree grow anywhere.

She singlehandedly created several small forests.

Not many people know that my mom had an amazing collection of really cool pants.

Most people don't know that my mom has a degree in nutrition.

Not many people know that my mom loves getting her photo taken in her bathing suit.

Not many people know that my mom decided when she was a girl that she wanted to be a member of the church, even though no one else in her family was interested.

Not many people know I'm her favorite child.

(Ha, ha. Just kidding, guys.)

Happy Mothers Day, Mom.

Paul and Shelly's wedding

Last week we went to Manti to attend the wedding of Scott's youngest brother, Paul. I remember when I was two feet taller than Paul. Fast forward ten years and now, after a mission to Jamaica and a deployment to Iraq, he towers over me.We are excited to add another sister-in-law to the Dyreng family. As Scott put it, now we are just one donut short of a dozen.

Paul and Shelly were married in the Manti temple.

Here are some highlights from the special day:

My sisters-in-law: Michelle, Erin, me, and Holly (Scott's sister)

Scott getting Danny spiffy-ed up.

My sister-in-law Erin and I with our matching dresses.

Danny and Uncle Brad

Beautiful Shelly and my niece, Abby. (I was experimenting with my camera...trying to get it to only have the pink show in the photos....)

Bride and Groom

MOM GET ME OUT OF HERE!

(Notice how nicely the "pink" function on my camera picked up the desperation in Danny's bloodshot eyes.)

The power--I mean flower girls: Abby, Molly, Naomi, Whitney, Syrena and Sophie

Cousin Naomi and Cousin Molly become friends.

Congrats, Paul and Shelly!