Oh my pictures

Another post with a photo or two (or twenty) included. My parents came to visit this past weekend and we had such a wonderful time! We love to have them here anytime, but are especially grateful they came because they have been serving a mission for our church and we have not seen them in almost two years. It was so great to have them! Although I am a little concerned for them because really, who doesn't look a day older after being on a mission for two years? In fact, who looks younger after two years? I know the answer in case you are wondering.

We had a wonderful four days with lots of time together, but I wanted to share some photos of our afternoon we spent on the Freedom Trail in Boston. It was a great day. I don't know how we have lived in the area for just under two years and haven't been on the trail, but we haven't. And it was nice to see it with my parents.

The beginning of much walking.

Cell phones during colonial times? I had no idea. Says the

hypocritical, sarcastic woman with the digital camera.

I love the old churches all over Boston.

And I have a weird obsession with old signs. I really love them and

so I take pictures of them. Aren't you just the luckiest ever?

You wouldn't think a cemetery would be that interesting, but you would be wrong.

Get it? Benjamin. Franklin. Oh my word, I slay myself.

Annie absolutely adores her grandma. All of the kids do, but Annie and my

mom relate a lot to each other and my mom always makes Annie feel very
loved and very special. It means so much to me because Annie spends
most all of her time with boys and so her time with great examples
of amazing women mean a lot to me. And to her.

"Where everybody knows your name"? I find that kind of hard to believe.

And if it is indeed true, I find that kind of creepy.

I love these two photos. Ben took a very quick liking to my parents, which is

unusual because as I've mentioned before, we live a pretty calm life, mostly with
our little family. So Ben doesn't open up to others very quickly or very well.
But apparently that is not the case with my parents. So, so sweet.

The pictures below are of my favorite part of the Freedom Trail.

This is the Holocaust Memorial and there are not words, at least for me,
to describe how touching it is. I was so grateful to see it and
so grateful my kids were able to see it.

There are six of these glass towers along a black granite path near the Freedom Trail.
Each of these 54' towers represent one of the major Nazi death camps. And on each

tower is etched one million numbers. Six million in all. The number that
represents those that were killed. It makes me emotional just typing it.

We are so blessed. I hope I always remember that.

I am so grateful to have had my parents here and hope they know that.
They did so much for us while they were here, and we are very thankful,
but mostly just seeing them was the best.

Thanks for coming Mom and Dad! We love you!

Missionaries and pie

Welcome! Lighter anyone?

Great news! The Shutterfly book I ordered the other day arrived. And just in time, as I couldn't wait to take a look at the finished product. It was kind of weird that the box it arrived in could fit about thirty of the books I ordered, but maybe Shutterfly is just being extra cautious these days and making sure to put plenty of padding around the precious cargo of their customers.

But oddly, this padding looks a whole lot like...multipurpose Bic lighters. Approximately 37 of them. Come again? Can somebody tell me what I am missing? A Shutterfly photo book on top, and 37 fire lighters below? I didn't realize Shutterfly was struggling so much that they have taken to selling hardware goods on the side. I called to extend my condolences, and apparently I was wrong. They have not started selling additional goods. Nor did they have any idea what I was talking about. They sounded even more confused then I was. And believe me, that was a feat.  

So very long story short, after multiple calls to both Shutterfly and UPS (and reassuring them that no, I was not inconvenienced or upset, just mighty confused and a nosy enough person that I had to get to the bottom of this--not to mention I was feeling badly for the person that had ordered almost $250 in lighters and didn't receive them), it was decided that the box with the lighters in it had been severely damaged, with no trace of where they had come from and where they were going. So I learned in those cases, UPS makes their best guess and combines orders if need be.

And that, my friends, is why I am the lucky recipient of many a blue and red Bic lighter wand. And if you have ever bought one of those, you know that they work for for an extended period of time--to say the least. So while both companies told me there was nothing they could do and that I needed to just keep the unusual book padding I received, if my calculations are correct, I could light candles on a daily basis and it would still take me at least twenty-five or thirty years to go through this supply.

Although, thinking outside the box (pun intended), I had the thought that when people come to visit, instead of putting a mint on their pillow, I could instead put a Bic multi-purpose lighter where their head rests.

Because really, what says "Welcome!" like a pyromaniac's tool of choice?

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.