Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings

These are a few of my favorite things:

My chubby cheeky boy

The way my husband makes me laugh

Peonies

My rocking chair

Taking Back Sunday. They are the soundtrack of my life! I will never stop loving them.

E's rolly polly legs

Alexander McQueen

My husband's nose (I loooooooooove noses, and his is so handsome)

Cupcakes from The Cocoa Bean

Eke's handsome full head of hair

Ballet... ohh I could watch this all day!!!

Lils' Big Day

She looked like a little angle sent straight from heaven in her beautiful white bonnet and white flowy dress. Her cheeks were rosy pink and soft porcelain skin. Lily was beautiful as ever!

Lily received her blessing on Saturday, February 12, here in Utah (the day before Eke's blessing). I was so excited that my side of the family was in town. Brittany and Mike decided to do Lils' blessing a little different because they wanted it to be intimate with just close family. It turned out great. It was so peaceful and fun we didn't have to worry about any timeline, and frankly, I think Lils liked it better this way! Ohhh in case you don't know, she just melts my heart! Love that little girl. Here are some pictures of the beautiful princess!

I love her eyes!!! Can't you see that cute personality just bursting out?!? Love her!

The Ericksens

Lils' Grandparents

Lils' Bebe and Tatu

The men who blessed her

Lils loves to give kisses. Look at her daddy; he loves the kisses more.

What a beautiful blessing dress.

Mike's parents, Nini and Bebe

Blessed Day

I wish I could tell you that it was everything I ever imagined and hoped for, that I was thrilled to hear my husband bless our little baby boy, but unfortunately I was struggling terribly.

Traditionally, in our religion, the father takes his baby in front of the congregation to give the child a blessing and a name. There he will ask his male family and closest male friends (who hold the priesthood) to come join him. There he would speak into a microphone for everyone to hear. It is always beautiful to hear a father's prayer and blessing upon their child, and to me it is very sacred.

Sunday morning was great. We got ready for church, the weather was amazing, we even got to church early and saved seats. I was feeling pretty good. Sacrament started and they proceeded as usual. They then invite my husband, Ekemona, and all the guys participating to the front to give the blessing. I see them hook up the microphone and all the men squeeze close together around the baby in white.

My husband starts, and I can't hear him. I look up to see what is going on.... the microphone is not working!!!! I thought, "Ohhh that is ok, my brother-in-law, Ryan, has it recording in his pocket, I will hear it later." So I wasn't yet affected. I literally didn't hear a word. The only thing I got out of the whooooooole thing was, "Amen," but still that was OK because Ryan was recording it.

I could see a tear streak down Gian's cheek and knew he just had a wonderful experience with his son and was overcome with emotions. I continued to tell him that the mic didn't work and no one could hear a single thing. I turn around to see my sister McCall pass me my phone back. Her and Ryan were signaling that it didn't record. My eyes were open wide with shock, I just realized, not only did I not hear my son's blessing, but I never will!!!! I looked at Gian and bursted into tears. I was devastated.

The rest of the hour in sacrament was terrible. I was so angry, my face was as hot as a coil stove, I felt like I could melt the white walls of the room we were in. All I wanted to do was yell at my bishop. I would have liked to drop a few F bombs at him in particular. I felt like it was his responsibility and he failed me and my family. I couldn't feel the spirit, I couldn't listen to the rest of the speakers, I cried during every song. I had such terrible thoughts, and I didn't want anyone to come and talk to me about it after.

I am a Christian, but I am not perfect, and I was struggling to find peace and joy with all of it. I mean, it is called a blessing right?!? So why couldn't I let go of my anger and disappointment?

After sacrament one of the members of the bishopric approached us to apologize. Once again, I am not perfect so I felt it was only best to tell him what I was feeling. I told him I would be lying if I told him I was fine, and I continued to tell him how upset I was. We went outside to take photos and then into our apartment to eat some amazing Cocoa Bean Cupcakes with milk and fruity water. At least that was good right? It was nice to socialize with everyone who came and supported us. I am very thankful for everyone who is close to us to share their love and joy. It made me feel better about the whole situation.

Once everyone was gone, I began to cry. It was very emotional for me because, not only was it my son's blessing, but it was my first child's blessing. I had reasonable expectations, I mean I wasn't expecting angles and trumpets... just the simple fact to hear it. As I processed all of my emotions, I realized that the most painful part was, I can't journal it, I can't tell Ekemona when he is older what it said, that I had no personal experience to share with him.

I had to remember that it was still a blessing and the most important part was that all the people we love most were there, that Ekemona was able to be blessed into the Church with a name by his father, that the spirit was still there even though no one could hear.

I began to let go of all my anger and saw it as a great opportunity to have a real nice talk with Gian about what he felt, and not what was said. That made it all worth it. I would do it again any day just to have a good heart to heart tearful talk, full of compassion, with my husband.

Here are pictures of the most blessed day. Thank you again for everyone who came! We love you so much and it meant everything to me and Gian that you were there to support our family!

Will my husband ever give me a serious face? Ahahahah Actually I hope he never does, this is one of my favorite things about him.

E in his blessing outfit. I didn't realize how high his pants were. Ooops, sorry nugget!

Photographer

Whenever I go to Idaho I am surrounded by my nieces and nephews. I love it because they do and say some of the funniest things.

Hunter, Brittany's son, cracks me up. He talks so much and has such a cute sense of humor. He also is in love with my iPhone. I don't blame him, I am too! Anyways, Hunty's favorite thing is to get on my phone, play every app, and take pictures. I was going through my phone and I realized there were some photos he had taken that I have never seen. Here are two of the photos that just made me laugh and love:

This was actually the Christmas tree that I thought looked pretty cool

This is Ella, and McCall in the background. I feel like it really captured how much fun Hunty and Ella were having while McCall laughs in the background.

Let Me Just Brag...

...About my husband. He can't toot his own horn as loud as I can, Ahahhaa.

As some of you know, this is his last semester of his undergrad, which is pretty spectacular! This isn't the end of schooling for him - he will be attending law school in the fall. Gian took the LSAT's in December and I vowed (due to his modesty) to never share his score. But of course, I can tell you how proud I am of him! Not only did he study for over 10 months but he took the LSAT's with a new born who was only 6 weeks old - like the stress of school finals, work, and studding for the LSAT's weren't enough! There is nothing this man can't handle.

Since he has finished his LSAT's and applications for law school, he is anxiously waiting to hear where he gets accepted. I know that this may be the hardest part of the process for him. I try to reassure him that everything will be fine and work out the way it is suppose to, that I don't have a single doubt in him or his decisions. But of course, I am not the one doing all the hard work, so all I say is just words. I hope that in our conversations that he will find truth in what I say so that it may comfort him. These are all the reasons why I believe there is nothing for him to worry about. That all he has envisioned will manifest and the righteous desires of his heart will be answered.

Gian is one of the most dedicated and driven people I have ever met. He is so committed in everything that he does, and on top of that he really is the smartest human being I know. He makes test taking and schooling look easy. I don't know how he does so well on every test he takes. Of course he studies, but the things he studies for are incomprehensible to the average Joe. Everything that this guy does is done with passion. All of these things combined are a recipe for success, and I know that Gian will continue to grow and become the family man and career man he has been striving for.

Sometimes I am not sure Gian is aware of his own brilliance. He is so humble about everything. He never tries to correct someone for being wrong, or not knowing their facts right. He never looks at anyone for being lesser of a person or for not being "smart enough" or "too dumb". He doesn't judge people, instead he accepts them for who they are, PERIOD. He never tries to one-up someone or be competitive with them. In every conversation there is always a chance for him to brag about all the things he knows, or to prove to someone why he is so smart, but he doesn't. He finds common ground to relate to people to build true genuine relationships.

When it comes to religion and spirituality, he is the exact same. After being born and raised devout Catholic, and against his cultural and family's acceptance, Gian joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 16. I know it is hard enough to stand apart of the high school life style, but to stand apart from your own family is that much more honorable. I have heard his dad, Jerome, tell the story of Gian's birth several times. When Jerome held Gian for the first time he knew that he was going to be a spiritual leader, so he wanted to be sure to give this new baby a strong name, a name that everyone would know him by - Giancarlo M. that is a name that you will never forget. I find it astonishing that Jerome was so intuitive to know that his son would grow to become a very righteous and spiritual man. Gian knows so much about our church and all the doctrine. He is very obedient and righteous. Gian was born to constantly break the barrier, to prove that he is not just ordinary but extraordinary. He is constantly choosing what is right and standing for his beliefs. He hasn't failed at this one bit. Instead he has become more excellent then anyone could have possibly imagined.

I think it is time for him to be well acknowledged for all that his does, for his hard work and sacrifice, for his diligence and drive, for the fact that he is taking responsibility to care for and provide for his family, for all the passions he has in his life and for all the love he has for his family and friends, for him to know how much he is valued as an individual. Gian you are amazing to so many people, and everyone who gets to know you loves you. You are always so honest and true to yourself, and while you are waiting to hear back from the schools you are applying to, always read and think of this when you are experiencing any doubts. Also, remember the ones who are supporting you and rooting for you along the way. You have every reason to be successful and none of us doubt that! Good luck and we are all so proud of you!

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your Golden Hair

My dearest sweetest niece, Ellasicle turned five years old this year. How does time fly? It seemed as though she was just 2 a few weeks ago! She is such a fun little girl to be around. She is so compassionate and loving and thoughtful. Ella also has this amazing imagination and love for Disney, make-believe, and princesses.

Since Ella has this wonderful love of Disney's made famous princesses, Brittany has thrown her two amazing birthday parties. Last year was Alice in Wonderland and this year it was Tangled.

My sisters and mom are all so talented. Rapunzel's dress was made by all of us; it was Brittany's idea to tape ribbon on. Yes, this dress was literally held together by tape. McCall did the make-up; she is so good and it turned out amazing. My mom helped with getting the items to make the dress and hair details. I did the wig and Brit created fun activities while decorating with my mom.

Brittany throws great parties. There was a hair station, pizza, cake, dancing, and story telling. Ella got to open gifts and got so much girly stuff.

Happy Birthday Ella! You are such a wonderful little girl and we all just love you to pieces!!!