Overwhelmed

I debated on whether to post these thoughts on here, or to write them in my personal journal. I know a lot of people are bothered by blogs that only show the "hearts, flowers, and rainbows" of life. In fact, lately I have seen a lot of blog posts presenting the "reality" of their imperfect lives-- in order to save people the self guilt caused by the perfect persona that their blogs sometimes present. If you, my reader, are bothered by ooey-gooey, happy posts... then stop reading here. Of course, I would never want to make anyone feel bad about themselves. And, I don't intentionally try to construe a picture of  "happy valley" in my blog posts. I try to be genuine. The truth is that it bothers me that sharing happy moments has to be cheapened by people standing in the figurative corner throwing themselves a pity party.  It is sad that I worry who I am going to offend by confessing that I am so completely in love with my life. Of course it isn't perfect. No one's life is. But it is wonderful. Even when the roads get bumpy, life is a gift. No one can deny that with all the unexpected twists and turns, it is one heck of a thrilling ride! So, with that intro, here it is (that is, if you're still reading)...

This last week, I have been so entirely overcome by my feelings of gratitude. My heart is overflowing -- in the form of instantaneous tears.  One second, I will be discussing something trivial-- like what to have for dinner, the next second, I will have tears streaming down my face. Happy, grateful, content tears. A couple days ago, I had a lady ask me what I do when my children spill juice. I burst into tears and explained to her how happy I am to have my juice-spilling children around.  She looked like a deer caught in headlights. I made a quick recovery. It was so awkward. I couldn't help it, I feel so blessed to have this life.

I am so absolutely enamored with my 5 children. They bring me joy that can't be described. Being their Mother is what I was placed on this earth for. I find such fulfillment in serving and teaching them. It is a privilege to get to spend each day with them. In the past 5 years, I have had 2 experiences that could have taken my life.  Since then,  as I witness moments in my children's lives-- occasionally-- I have the thought cross my mind that I would have missed those experiences if my life hadn't been preserved. It isn't usually any big moment-- something as small as playing tag with my children, or hearing my baby say "I love you" for the first time, or seeing Cameron turn around and blow me a kiss as he walks into school (which is so totally uncool to do in Jr. High... yet he still does it).  This time with them is a precious gift. It can be frustrating, and exhausting, and even heart-breaking at times-- but it is wonderful.  I can't look at my little family without having my heart melt in humble gratitude to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to be a part of it.

I have such a kind and caring husband. He is the love of my life and so much more than I could have ever imagined for myself.  We have been married for nearly 15 years, and he has made me feel beautiful, has made me laugh, and has told me he loves me every single day of that almost 15 years. He is my perfect husband-- not to mention one sexy hunk of love.  I feel so blessed to be able to say that I know what it feels like to love and to be loved entirely-- heart and soul.  I can't imagine heaven without him, and feel overjoyed that he is mine for eternity.

I am, most of all, overwhelmingly grateful for the guidance, clarity, and understanding that the gospel brings to my life. Being a Mother and Wife wouldn't be nearly as meaningful if I didn't view those jobs as something eternal and far reaching. Can you imagine how unfulfilling those stacks of never-ending dishes, the constant carpooling, and the many middle of the night sleep interruptions would be without knowing how much Heavenly Father cares about the job of Mothers? The time I spend serving and enjoying my family matters, and knowing that makes me so unbelievably, humble, grateful, and cry-at-the-drop-of-a-hat happy!

January 2012

Talk about the worst journal/blogger ever! January was a slow month at our house with nothing that was terribly noteworthy. So far, this has been the year of "the sickies" at our house. We have rotated through the barfs, strep, the achy flu, and the worst cough/cold imaginable. It has been one long month... and we are excited to see February (and hopefully some better health) finally arrive.

My little Creed is 20 months old! He is so delightful. His speech has really exploded. It is so fun (and awfully cute) to hear his little words. His favorite food is yogurt, but he also really likes "tandy" (AKA-- candy). He loves to say "bean, bean"-- which means he wants to play with his bean box.

He got a hair cut this past month. It was hard to say goodbye to his soft locks, but it was time.

He is learning so many things so quickly that it amazes me. It is awesome to see his new abilities. The other day he helped me sort the silverware into the dishwasher. Here he is painting-- so stinkin' cute!

 Kailani, Karen, and I spent a few of our sicky hours doing a puzzle. It was so fun to spend time with the girls talking. I think we have discovered a great new hobby.  I had to laugh when we got done with our brand-new puzzle, and had 1 piece missing. This is the story of my puzzle-building life-- always one last piece missing!  We looked everywhere for the piece-- with no luck! I am certain it was never included. Oh well!

Kyle had his first ballroom performance! Everyone in the family (including Creed) loved the show. This picture is horrible. Perhaps next time I will get a better one.

Here is a recording of the dance.
At the beginning, Kyle is on the right dancing next to the couple that has the blonde boy. (are those instructions as clear as mud?).

(You can watch it below, or you can watch by clicking the link... which is probably the best way to watch it, because otherwise, Kyle is cut off on the right side for half the perfomance. (I can't seem to figure out how to fix it???) Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWAEFJOPbXg&feature=youtube_gdata_player





Cameron had his first court of honor, and earned a heap of merit badges. It was great to see all his hard work be rewarded.

Lastly, after years of tolerating the ugliest and most uncomfortable couches, Ryan and I bought a new couch. It is a little embarrassing, because we bought more couch than this room can handle, but we love it.  It is so comfy that we are tempted to just sit and enjoy it all day.

And... I need to post a picture of these gorgeous flowers that my sweetheart surprised me with the other day. I am so lucky!

Christmas Vacation (part 2)

While we were down in Utah, over Christmas break, the weather was unusually warm. It was fun to do a few things (with the nice weather) that we wouldn't have done otherwise. My children went on a playground tour (compliments of Grandma and Grandpa).

We were also able to fly kites.

Something Everyone loved was "Zoo Lights" at Hogle Zoo.  It was very dark, and very crowded-- which put this control-freak Mommy on edge.  In fact, I counted my children so many times that I was making myself crazy... 1,2,3,4,... where is... oh 5!

The tigers were so active. It was so fun to watch them, and listen to them roar!

Karen wanted to be on the tiger statue all by herself. She wasn't too happy (as you can see for yourself).

Karen wanted to be in this picture alone too. There was actually a line of people waiting to take pictures, or I would have taken one of her alone. Once again, she was unhappy. I told her to keep her eye out for something special. I told her that when she found the right thing, to tell me, and I would take a picture of her with it -- all by herself.

Karen saw this innocent Santa-esque zoo patron, and wouldn't take another step. She told me that was what she wanted her individual picture with. True to my word, I asked him for a picture, and he kindly obliged (Thank goodness!!!). Embarassing? Yes, but look how happy Karen is!

Creed was so cute at this train. We looked at it, while a lot of other people were taking pictures. Once the coast was clear, Creed wanted down for a picture. He went over, sat down, and smiled. As soon as the picture was taken, he got up.

Somebody is "riding" the train! I  guess no one else got the memo.

We can't miss the opportunity for a good "FART" joke.

It was such a wonderful vacation. While we were driving home, I asked the children their favorite parts; Cameron liked the zoo, Kyle liked spending time with family, Kailani liked the treats, Karen liked playing games (dixit), Creed liked Sunny... just kidding. Creed is scared of Sunny. Ryan and I liked shopping, going to the new Mission Impossible movie, eating way to many delicious treats, being with our favorite people, and giving Christmas gifts! The par-tay ended way too soon.