Family Photos

One of our really good friends took our family pictures a few weeks back and we couldn't wait to share them. There's a ton more on her website http://www.nikaelacurtis.com/photocart/ if you click on our photo and password briznitts you can see the entire collection. These are a few of our favorites. She is so talented and has ruined me for ever getting Sears portraits again. Thanks Nikaela for the beautiful pictures.

Gotta Love those Lakers!!!...

...Everybody else Does.... Jack knows where's it at.

As the Eastern and Western Conference Finals begin this evening I feel a pull to write about our love affair with the greatest team in the NBA, The Los Angeles Lakers. You either love them or hate them, if you love them you will always love them, if you hate them, you will learn to respect them, but they will never become apart of your soul.

I didn't quite realize when I married Mike that we already had an addition to our family: Basketball and specifically the Lakers. Mike's been a dedicated fan ever since he can remember loving the game of basketball, he was just 10 years old when he watched them win back to back championships in 1988 and 1989.

Magic Johnson, Mike's favorite player of all time was an intricate player in those games. It's the only sport I enjoy watching. It's fast pace, amazing assists and the games not over 'til the buzzer calls it (example Derek Fisher in game 5, 2004 against SA Spurs: 0.4 seconds , 'nough said) has hooked me into being a fan.

We're excited to take down the Spurs! All you Suns fans should be just as stoked to see them eat it as well. We're gracious, so we may allow the Spurs to save face by winning a couple games, but don't worry we will definitely be in the Finals in just a few short weeks.

Happy Cheering to you all.

Father and Son Plus One

This past weekend was our ward’s Father/Son campout and since I had to work Mike opted to take MilaBelle along. Grandpa went as reinforcement.

They had a great time. MilaBelle loved sitting in her pack and play staring up at the trees and Hendrix of course got nice and dirty playing with as many sticks as he could find.

This was his favorite stick. He stripped the bark off so it looked cooler.

He spent his Saturday watching the older Ellis' boys balance on a log over a trench, and even attempted it himself.

This is when Dad told him he was too little to start such daredevil acts. Later Mike walked him across the log though.

Mom/Leah had a great weekend, working and feeling loved by her family and friends. Saturday was an awesome Girls Night Out: A funny movie, a great restaurant, excellent company and staying out past my bedtime. It was wonderful.

Sunday, although I had to work, turned out to be a lovely Mother’s Day. I worked the front desk at Mimi’s and got to greet all the families coming in to celebrate their moms. Mike bought me a beautiful corsage, a smooth buttery yellow orchid with purple ribbon (Laker’s Colors) and with the exception of one cranky gentleman, everyone was in great spirits at work. I received many compliments on my flower and I felt extremely cared for. When I returned home, Hendrix had made me some cute flowers in Nursery and we shared a delicious meal with Mike’s family.

We hope YOU all had a wonderful Mother's Day too!

OUR NEW 6-MAN TENT THAT ACTUALLY FITS OUR FAMILY! -(We've finally graduated from our 2-man, bought while engaged to marry, in 1999.) .....;)

Brag on my Man

I told Mike Tuesday night I wish his work had spouse-sick leave, because I had been fighting a cold for a couple days now and needed a day of rest. I woke the next morning to a card taped to my door. A cute little turtle, a handprint from Hendrix and a note from Mike telling me sleep in and rest, because he would be taking care of the kids all day. Mike rarely gets sick, he's called out to work maybe twice in the last decade, so he chose to use a personal day to personally take care of me.

I slept until 10am, only to be woken by the phone, because he had taken the kids on a walk. The kitchen was clean and a variety of soups where laying on the counter, he also had 7-up and juice chilling in the fridge. After a little brunch, and a little nap. Mike returned with rented movies. We put the kids down for a nap and watching 'Juno', a totally cute movie. I took a 45 minute bath and read my magazine, until I had to get ready to go visit teaching.

I'm very thankful for a husband who cares for me and knows when I'm at my wits end and need a break.