A visit to NYC (with a photo or two)

This past weekend, Jacob and I were able to go on a short trip to New York. By ourselves. Can you even imagine? Too amazing. And before I tell you about the wonderful time we had (and we did!), I have to say thank you from the deepest part of my heart to our friend, Lorri. Not only did she take the kids for Friday night and all day Saturday, but she acted like it wasn't a bit of trouble. In fact, she insisted on doing it and then acted like she enjoyed it. She is the kindest ever and we are so grateful to have such an amazing friend. The kids were in heaven the whole time we were gone. Now that is what you call a fantastic friend!

So, our trip. Friday at dinnertime, Jacob and I jumped in the car and took off for New York. Did you know that we live only three and a half hours away? Did you know I have never, ever been to New York City? Did you know when I am excited about something I ask a lot of questions? We got there quite late and checked into a pretty cool hotel. It was in an, uhmm, interesting part of town, but the hotel was quite fancy.

Jacob had some business in Queens early Saturday morning (valid work, like as in his job, I just realized that didn't sound so good), so he got up early and got that all finished up. While I slept. In a very dark room (oh hotel room curtains, how I love you) until quite late in the morning. Then I woke up and read in bed. Relaxing isn't a wonderful enough word. Jacob showed up not too long after and we decided that although we needed to head home in a couple of hours, we couldn't miss this opportunity to go downtown. So we did.

And now I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Of course I won't do that. I speak for pictures, for small children, for people who have every ability to speak for themselves, who are we kidding? But I'll try to keep my narrative to a minimum. Maybe. Probably not.

These are just some photos on our walk to the subway. I don't know
why I think stuff like this looks cool. I just do. So I take pictures.
And then share like others care about it as much as I do.

Getting to the subway. I have to admit I was a little nervous.
I'm a person that gets claustrophobic easily. And I'm not a big fan of germs.
Or sticky surfaces. So the subway was definitely the place for me.

But I'm now going to admit, I didn't mind it. At all. I guess I still think of myself
as a young girl that grew up in a small town. But I forget that I've lived away from
that small town for many, many years. And I've ridden my share of subways
and public transportation. Even just me and the kids. So I guess I'm saying it
wasn't bad at all. Especially because I happen to like watching people.
And New York is a good place for that hobby. To say the least.

Central Park was really cool. I like

It is crazy to think there is this beautiful, green, even quiet,
park in the middle of this huge, crazy city. Wild.

I take pictures of park benches. And put them on my blog. I need help.

Proof we didn't just steal these photos off of another blog.We were actually there, people.

Headed toward Times Square.

Okay, seriously, this place is crazy. Fun crazy, but still crazy. There are people everywhere.
And they aren't doing anything. (Well, they are walking and talking and taking pictures,
but you know what I mean.) They are just there, being a part of Times Square.
Which I guess I can't criticize, since I was too. But it was pretty weird to see.

And one more picture. Seriously, how cute is this couple we snatched a photo of?

I know.

So grateful for today

"Because She Is a Mother"

This is my favorite talk ever given on motherhood. I can still hear Elder Holland's voice as he delivered this talk--so filled with love and awe and reverence and encouragement. And when I read it, in my mind I can still hear the places his voice breaks. And I cry in those same places. Every single time.

It was more than two years after this talk was given that I became a mother for the first time. I thought it was a wonderful talk before I held my own baby. Now four babies and thirteen years later, I have only begun to realize how truly beautiful it is.

My New Life

I cannot imagine a more beautiful tribute to motherhood.

I loved this video.

Photo taken from this post on Stephanie's blog.

One of my motherhood heroes

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what
is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to
develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content
with what we are. Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes."

~ Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Being a mother

With Mother's Day coming soon, I wanted to share a few posts in the next few days about the privilege of being a mother. (I guess I already started it with yesterday's post. Oh, how I love those kids.) But before I do that, I just wanted to record some thoughts I have had lately.

I have often heard that Mother's Day is a difficult holiday for many. That breaks my heart. I feel grateful that is not the case for me. And believe me, it has nothing to do with my capabilities as a mother. I'm not sure of the exact reason, but if I had to guess I would say that it is a few things.

Gratefully, I have not suffered the loss of my own wonderful mom. I can't imagine what that would be like and how that would completely change the day for me. Devastating isn't a strong enough word.

I also suppose, that while I know I fall short in so many areas as a mom, I have to cling to the hope that I am doing the best I can, and that I love my four little souls so much it sometimes takes my breath away. And that has to be enough. It just has to. It doesn't give me reason to quit trying or not want to be better, but it does give me reason to do my best, and leave the remainder up to the only One who is worthy and able to take it.

And mostly, because being a mother is such a tremendous privilege to me, I just have to choose to be grateful, instead of wasting my time reminding myself of how inadequate I can be at what I do. Some events in the recent weeks have shown me that it is nothing less than a miracle that I have four little ones. I have to show the Lord, as often as possible, how truly grateful I am for each of those beautiful miracles.

That being said, my heart aches for those that struggle on Mother's Day, because there are so many reasons for that struggle--not just because of insecurities, or sadness, or horrible injustices, or loss, or wanting to be a mother so badly it hurts. It is complicated. And completely individual. And no one person knows how another is feeling, no matter the similarities in the situation. And so, I guess what is most important for me to say is this.

With all of my heart I believe that our Heavenly Father loves His daughters. With a love that is only for them and that is deeper than you or I or anyone on this earth can truly comprehend. Whether we are wives, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, friends or a combination of each, we are His. And His love is astounding. I have been blessed with a few quiet moments of late, when a small part of that reality has been witnessed to me, and I will be forever grateful. I wish so much every woman on this earth could feel that. It would change them. And they would be easier on themselves. And on others.

So my hope for this Mother's Day is that you...I...everyone... would know that you are loved.

Because you are.

And that you are enough.

Because you are.

And that you are His.

Because you are.

Mine

Speaking of being jealous...

I was asked yesterday to speak in our upcoming stake conference in two weeks.
I can just feel all of you turning green with envy. I've turned green also. But for a
different reason. Have mercy. Am I the only one that never imagined being asked
such a thing? Please say no. Oh, and if your envy is just too great, come on by.
I'm sure I can convince them to accept substitutions.
Especially considering their current plan.

Boiling

Oh boy, I bet you are jealous.

Gratitude

The last few days I have been feeling particularly overwhelmed with gratitude for those that
serve our country. I don't even have words for how much I appreciate their sacrifice and for
what I have because of them. I take every opportunity I can to teach our children that we
should always acknowledge what they have done and are currently doing. This morning,
I watched this video and sat and cried for all of those that have sacrificed so much for us.

For those that actually serve, and for those that stay at home so they can,
please know I am so incredibly grateful And that you are always in my prayers.

Jack Sparrow would be so proud

As I walked into the family room a few minutes ago,
Ben greeted me with a swing of the arm and an exuberant,

"Hey Ho Matey!"

Okay then. Apparently our two-year old has been studying pirate when I wasn't paying attention.

Growing up

I knew it was coming, but he still seems so much like my little baby.
Makes me a little sad and a lot proud—all at the same time.

Miles for Madey

I have some darling friends who have a daughter with cancer. Just typing that sentence makes me emotional and puts a pit in my stomach. She is a basketball star at her junior high, has a heart that is absolutely incredible and is an amazing fighter. Today, a fun run and silent auction is being held for this sweet girl and her family. Unfortunately, it is in Utah and I am not.

But I woke up with morning thinking about the "Miles for Madey" and wanting to be a part of it somehow. And so, even though it is something pretty small and inconsequential, I ran a 5K for Madey this morning. And prayed throughout the entire time that somehow, her family would know how many are thinking of them, supporting them and praying for them.

And mostly, that Madey would know how many love her and feel like it is a privilege to pray for her every single day. She inspires me in ways that I could never put into words and I'm so grateful to watch her story and remember what truly matters in life.

Sure thinking of you today...and always...Madey! What a blessing you are to so many.

I loved today

Powerful beyond words

This video is powerful beyond words. You will not regret taking the time to watch it.

Scissors

Before

After

Race day

This is how someone feels about participating in another Pinewood Derby.

Easter joy

Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:

"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

I say it every six months

And I mean it each time.

I love General Conference.

I am so grateful for prophets.

This coming weekend

I can't wait to spend Saturday and Sunday with my family,
listening to General Conference. I'm so blessed.

Tender mercies

This video is, without question, one of my favorite messages the Church has ever produced.  

I believe we are tied, Mr. President

As of this second, President Obama and I have the same number of points earned on our NCAA tournament bracket.

You know what would have been interesting? If the success of the health care bill had depended on the success of President Obama's March Madness bracket. Now I call that entertaining politics.

Counting the seconds until tomorrow

This has been the best March Madness in years.

Oh please, let it continue being so much fun to watch.

The Lord's Prayer

My word, this is powerful and beautiful. I hope you love it as much as I did.

He's back

A day late and quite exhausted at all a certain airline put him through, but we'll take it.
Seven days seemed really long to me, but made me incredibly grateful I get him on
all of the other days he is not in Brazil--or some other place that is not home.

*Deep sigh*

Life feels right again.

Mission accomplished

I planned a surprise party for our cute friend, Lorri, tonight. It was mighty fantastic,
if I do say so myself. The party wasn't necessarily fancy or amazing, but the surprise
was the best I've pulled off in a long time. And someday, when Lorri forgives me,
she might agree. Until then, I'll just be happy for myself. Bravo me, I say.

Should I be worried?

This is what Ben does if you ask him to be a rock star. I don't have a clue in the world
where he learned it. He kept making these crazy faces and hand gestures and I told
him he looked like a rock star. Apparently he is a fan. You should see the
other 37 'rock star' photos he wanted me to take of him.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Ours has already been a fun one. Leprechauns apparently visited our home in the
very early hours. They made quite a mess as they checked our house for anything
green, even collecting piles here and there throughout the house.

They also must have thought it was okay to use my camera to take a photo or two.
Looks like one of them didn't quite get out of the way. Crazy leprechauns!

But these rainbow cupcakes and the note they left is definitely worth cleaning up their mess.

And almost worth the 47 times I started shutting cupboards last night before
I remembered they were supposed to be that way.

Well, if it had been me, which obviously it was not because do I have footprints the
size of my fist or write in very small script? No, no I do not.

Have a fabulous day of greenness and sugar everyone! (If that is your thing, of course.)

A little light reading

While I was putting my makeup on this morning, I saw Ben walk by me and
into Cam's bedroom. A few seconds later, he yelled out,

"Mama, read Arry Potter?"

Well, okay son. I guess if you are done playing with your blocks and
don't have anything else pressing to do. Go on ahead.

Rain, much?

As requested by a friend

The Day of the Dead (second anniversary)

Does anyone remember this post from one year ago today?

Well, Happy El Día de los Muertos everyone!

I've done the day proud--exhausted beyond words.

But what is that I see? A reward at the end of the exhaustion tunnel?

And it looks a whole lot like an orange ball...and a hoop...and some madness.

Seven days. One hour. Fifty-eight minutes.

Be still my heart, I can hardly wait.