My friend, Christy

I have a friend. Her name is Christy. She is absolutely and completely incredible!

Creativity oozes from her about as often as the rest of us breathe. Honestly, I'm not sure I've seen another person who is as artistic, creative and just plain darling. Have I set the scene enough? Good.

A few days ago, I went to the mailbox and inside was a package with Christy's return address on it. Truly folks, I stopped breathing for a second I was so excited. And then I opened it. And stopped breathing again...for more than a second.

This is the gift she mailed to welcome our Nate into the world.

A soft book just the size for Nathan's little hands.

Yes, the outside is an adorable denim with buttons that are sewn on so strongly they could never be deemed unsafe. Yes, there are a million different textures, sizes and colors of ribbon that come out of each page and make the front, as well as each turn of the page, the cutest ever. Yes, there is a page for each letter of Nate's full name. And yes, there is a corresponding picture to go along with each letter.

But the clincher? Try this on for size, people.

Christy drew each of the pictures.

Can you stand it? I really can't. If you know her, you know she would have to be the one to draw these incredible drawings, but they amaze you nonetheless.

Okay friends, be jealous. I'm telling you, when I am old and rich I will be paying Christy large amounts of money (and it will be worth every penny), to make one of these for each of my grandchildren. Because they yell LOVE loud and clear. And they yell ADORABLE even louder.

Oh, and if that wasn't enough, she included several of these in the package for us to give to teachers, because I couldn't quit admiring them on her blog. I love them so much!

In my opinion, everyone should have an amazing friend like Christy. And if you don't, I'm truly, truly sorry.

Thank you Christy! I honestly cannot express my gratitude enough.
And just for the record, the soft book is the first thing Nate reached out and
grabbed on his own. He loves it almost as much as I do. And that is saying something.

What Jacob gave me for my birthday

I love it so much I can hardly stand it.

And she returns

Remember when I had an organization blog? Remember when I took a long break from it to focus on the pregnancy and birth of our cute little munchkin? Remember when that exact munchkin started sleeping through the night and I felt like I was coming back to life? Remember when I woke up one morning with a super strong desire to get back to blogging about organization?

You missed the last two?

Oh. Well, now you know.

The organization blog is back. And several of you have already jumped on the band wagon and started following it (40 followers already, I'm truly flattered!) and made some wonderful comments. I'm so grateful. And so excited about being back at blogging about something I am ridiculously passionate about--organizing and simplifying my life and the life of my family. And, let's be honest, anyone else who will let me.

I'm planning to post a few times a week and already have posts planned and scheduled for some time. So if you would like, and only if you would like of course, please come by often and let me know your thoughts. Or share with me any ideas for topics you might like to see me post about. Thanks so much.

Oh wait, did you hear? LinnOrganized has returned. Hallelujah! I tell you, I could use her around these parts. It has been a bit scary for...let's see, about three months now. Okay, maybe six. Eight at the most.

Three months

Another year, another reminder of my blessings

Well, I'm officially 35 years old and boy howdy folks, I am blessed.

Jacob took the day off work and wouldn't let me do a single thing. I mean. A. Single. Thing. He also decorated the house, bought me my favorite soup for lunch, took us all out to dinner and made me a German chocolate cake from scratch. From scratch people. My husband is the greatest thing that ever walked the planet. I'm so glad he's mine.

The kids made me the cutest cards, wrote me the sweetest letters and created the best crafts as gifts. They wished me happy birthday 832 times throughout the day and just kept coming up to hug me and tell me that they love me. I have the best kids ever. I seriously believe that.

Friends and family sent texts, called on the phone, emailed me, wrote messages on Facebook, sent cards and shared birthday wishes in person. The number of people that acknowledged my birthday overwhelmed me to the core. I honestly could not believe it. And I still can't get over it.

I am so incredibly grateful. I am so incredibly blessed.

Our Annie in Annie

Our sweet Annie was in the school play for the first time this year and of all plays for the director to choose, she chose Annie. Our Annie was an orphan and is the cutest orphan I've ever seen for sure.

The plays that the elementary school here puts on are a big deal--to the school, to the kids, to the town. They practice twice a week from November until February and then practice each night during the week leading up to the play. The costumes are amazing, the scenery is perfect and the kids are incredible! Honestly, I look forward to it every year--and not just because one of our kids have participated the past three years.

Annie loved everything about the play! She loved the singing and the dancing and the costumes and the practices and the friendships she made...everything. And we loved watching her. At the end of the first night, I was video taping the finale and when I saw my Annie's face, and the absolute and utter joy as the play came to an end and everyone was cheering on the actors, I honestly got emotional. She looked happier than I have ever seen her (and that is saying a lot for that girl). It made my mother's heart so incredibly joyful and so overwhelmingly grateful.

The girl that took on the part of Annie in the play was fabulous. We were all so very impressed by her. But be that as it may, there will never be an Annie that we think is more incredible, more wonderful or more amazing than our Annie.

We love you sweet Annie! You are one amazing girl.

10K+

Today I ran 6.40 miles. I've actually never gone that far in my life.
It felt good. I'm loving this running thing.
Seriously, who would have known?

Game face

Go Patriots!

Confession: I've never actually watched a Superbowl. And I don't ever plan to.

But boy howdy do I hope New England clobbers the Giants. Take it to 'em Pats!

This past Sunday

After moving to MA a few years back, we took a longer break from piano then we had intended. I guess because the adjustment to living here was longer than we intended (at least for one of use.) So a while back, we finally got back into piano. And being the fabulous parent that I am, I gave the kids (well, the three oldest) the option if they wanted to practice piano or not. I just told them if they did not want dinner, no worries, no need to practice. If they did want dinner, practice would be a lovely idea. (And no, I'm wasn't kidding. I'm that kind of mom.)

Oddly, our kids pretty much practice every weekday. And it seems to really be paying off. Food motivates them apparently. As does the fact that they are welcome to quit as soon as they can pass off a long list of hymns from our church hymnbook. (My children will be able to help out in any ward that they live in, if it kills me. And some days it feels like it might.) They are starting with the easiest hymnbook, then onto the simplified one and finishing with the real version.

A couple of weeks ago, our bishop asked Campbell if he would accompany the opening hymn during the last hour of church, when all of the men meet together for the Priesthood meeting. Cam looked a little nervous, but said yes. He chose one of his songs and reviewed it each day to be ready.

At the end of sacrament meeting this past Sunday, the same bishop announced that our third hour would be a joint meeting of all the men, women and youth. Cam turned a little white. Oh, and the branch that shares our building and combines with some of our youth classes during the 2nd and 3rd hour would also be joining us. Cam turned a little green.

After the meeting, he went up to ask his dad if he was still playing. He was told only if he wanted to. Campbell thought for a minute and said he would do it. Goodness, I was proud of him. And goodness, I was nervous for him.

At the beginning of the third hour of church, everyone from our ward and the branch started gathering in the chapel. Cam went up front and started to play the prelude music. As the chapel filled completely, Cam looked a little nervous. But not nearly as nervous as I thought he would. Or as nervous as his mother was, but was trying to hide.

The meeting began and the chorister stood to lead the opening song. Campbell started playing the introduction and there was no turning back. He played all three verses perfectly. And it truly wouldn't have mattered if it hadn't, I was just so proud of him for doing something that was hard for him and out of his comfort zone. I tell you, my mother's heart was pretty full right then.

I think my favorite part of the whole thing was around the middle of the second verse. A couple of the young men in our ward were sitting behind me and suddenly, one of them turned to the other and said, "Hey, that is Cam up there playing the piano. Cool!"

Cool, indeed.

Sweet sleeping babe

Tonight

I'm sitting here editing photos and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The song that is on
 reminds me of my parents and I feel emotional. It has been 154 and 133 days since I hugged them. 

It has been 97 days since I heard their voice. Most days I'm just so happy for them and pray in
gratitude and joy to be their daughter and for their example in my life and the life of our children.
 Every so often though, I am selfish. Like tonight. I miss them something fierce. And three years
 seems painfully long. But I have been promised that if my focus is to use this time to become
closer to my Savior, as they are obviously doing right now, it will, in turn, bring me closer to
them. I'm thankful for that. And for the Holy Ghost that has witnessed to me the truthfulness
 of this gospel. Because it is the one thing that always brings me peace on nights like tonight.

26.57 miles

I ran a marathon this week. It just took me six days.

Anyone sensing a pattern?

Remember the weather two Saturdays ago? We knew it couldn't
last and it didn't. The picture below was from last week.
A little different than the scooters and roller blades.

Today? The kids were out on their roller blades and scooters again.
Honestly, this winter is crazy, like nothing I've experienced
outside of San Diego. And I am loving every second.

Another spelling B-E-E

Tonight, Campbell was in a town wide spelling bee. Very similar to the one Annie did last year. Okay, identical, just that Cam participated on the middle school team. They competed against seventh and eighth graders and while Cam's team didn't win, it really was so fun to watch. Mostly, Jacob and I loved seeing how confident and funny Campbell was up on the stage. He is growing up in every way and it seems that each day reminds me of that fact. Which I mostly love. Mostly.

Our Cam is one F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S boy!

Music concert

Since the beginning of the school year, Annie girl has been a part of a special music class each Monday after school. She was thrilled to be accepted into the group because only 20 or so students were chosen from the whole school. The music teacher spends an hour with the kids each Monday afternoon, teaching them all sorts of fun and exciting things about music and has specifically been teaching them to play the xylophone.

This morning, the members of the music class participated in the 5th grade winter concert at the elementary school. Annie was so excited to be a part of it (especially as she is still in 4th grade, so she felt extra neat) and she did a fabulous job.

Goodness, I adore this girl of ours and while there are a million things I love about her, the fact that she has LOVED music from a very early age is at the top of the list. Where there is music playing in our house, you will always find Annie.

After all, I'm pretty sure they were made for each other.

Braces and growing up

This sweet boy had his braces put on this morning. He looks handsome and darling
and old. Every time I have looked at him today, it has kind of shocked me.
My mind knows that we have a son that is twelve, but when he actually
starts looking like it, my heart skips a beat. Or ten.

Love this boy so much.

Driveth me crazy

Remember how Jacob and I use different internet programs? Remember how our marriage has flourished in spite of it? Well, that is all still true, but a couple of details have changed. Jacob is now a Chrome man and I am a Firefox lady (we sound like superheroes, now that is bueno). I blog through Firefox and it seems to have many fewer bugs and problems than my old Internet Explorer. All is well, yes?

Well, just yesterday, I wanted to check something on the blog quickly and was reading my email in IE, so just clicked over without switching internet programs. And when the blog came up, our darling, cute, fabulous, individual pictures on the right sidebar were off. As in, the actual photos were larger than the white box that was supposed to be surrounding them. Are you kidding me? How can I live with this knowledge? And yes, for the rest of the world, going back to viewing it with Firefox (where the photos and boxes are friends and fit perfectly) would be the obvious answer. But my controlling, perfectionist self knows differently. Blast, ignorance was bliss.

So, because I obviously like to torture myself, would you quickly check the photos to your right and let me know if they look lovely or not so lovely? I just want to know. I don't think there is anything I can do about it (they also seem to work in Chrome, IE seems to be the culprit), but I just want to know.

Thanks in advance. And yes, I want the truth. None of this, They look great Linn *cough, cough* and I wouldn't change a thing. Some people can read body language, I can read your typing language. It is apparently one of my superpowers as Firefox lady.

Yes, you should fear me. But let me know how the photos look first, please. You can fear me after.

{Important update...Note to self: check with brilliant husband before I get all annoyed at something
that doesn't work on the computer. If you were using IE, it should be fixed...fingers crossed}

An unexpected phone call

This past Wednesday, I had such a sweet experience. I was home with the two youngest, as usual, when the phone rang. To be honest, I usually ignore the phone during the day. That is my time for my family, so unless there is a very good reason to answer, I just don't. But as soon as the first ring finished, I knew I needed to answer the phone this time. So I did.

On the line was a gentleman who introduced himself by name and told me he had found our number through the Church's website, because of Jacob's current calling as a bishop in our area. This man told me that he had been following the presidential election and that last night, he learned that Mitt Romney was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, as this man referred to us. He told me he was calling because he respects Mitt Romney and didn't even realize he was Mormon. He told me that he wasn't sure about some of the things that he had heard about the church since he learned of Mitt Romney's religious beliefs the night before. He wondered if he could ask me some questions.

And he did.

We talked for some time. I was, of course, praying the entire time that I would say the right things in order to represent the church in a genuine and sincere way, that I would answer his questions in a way that would be sufficient for him and that if it was appropriate, I would be able to bear my testimony to him of the Savior and how the knowledge I have of Him, changes me every day of my life. I was thankful to be able to do each of these during our conversation.

In addition, it was very important to me to thank him. I told him how grateful I was to have talked to him and especially how grateful I was that he would call. That he wouldn't assume that everything he was hearing was true and that he would find out for himself, by asking someone who was actually an active member of the church. At the end of the conversation, he mentioned he had really gotten into his family history and wondered if there was anything we could do to help him further his searches. I told him absolutely and explained a little about it. I told him that if he wanted, he could give me his phone number and I could ask my husband for some names and have someone who has a specialist in family history call him. He replied, "That would be great. And if he wanted, your husband could also give me a call if he doesn't mind." I told him I'm pretty sure he wouldn't mind.

That night, Jacob called this fine gentleman and spoke to him. The part of their conversation I heard, made me teary. I have a good husband. And when I hear him talking about the gospel, it makes me feel happy and thankful. At the end of the conversation, Jacob mentioned about our church meeting on Sunday and this man seemed quite interested. Of course you never know and that is okay. Whether he comes to church or not, whether he continues to be open to help with his family history or not, whether we are able to continue talking to him or not, the experience was a wonderful one for Jacob and for myself. And my prayers are in gratitude for this man who was brave enough to find out about something without already assuming that the general public knew better than the source.

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ! And moments like these remind me how blessed I am to have what I have, to know what I know and to be exposed to amazing people on a regular basis.

He looks so grown up in this picture

At least to this mom.

100 points

A Nerf gun for your fourth birthday...super exciting.
Making a dart target together as a family...happy times.
Hitting the 100 point circle on your first round...so very Benjamin.

My favorite books of 2011

So, a few of you have asked me to let you know some of my favorite books of this past year. I will soon be replacing my old list with my 2012 version, so I figured now would be a good time to share.

(And please people, no yelling or being annoyed if you read one of these and don't like it. Everyone is different, everyone has opinions, if you don't like it, put it down. Doesn't bother me for a second. I do it all the time with recommendations by others. Can you tell I've had an instance when someone read a book I recommended and then was really angry at me for recommending it? Yeah. But I still love the person, so it is all good.)

Anyway, without further ado, my list--in no particular order, except the first one of course.

The Book of Mormon
I know I've only mentioned once or twice or thirty-six times how much I love this book. So I won't go into it again. But if you care to know, here is a post I wrote about it not long ago. Without question, my favorite book of 2011 is The Book of Mormon. I loved it so much I read it twice.

Same Kind of Different As Me
My sister sent me a copy of this book after Nathan was born. So nice of her and I have to say, I really loved this book. I don't have anything clever to say except that it changed a part of me and a part of how I look at life and that alone was worth the read.

The Girl in the Gatehouse
Actually, I read several books by this author, Julie Klassen, and loved each one. At this point, I think the above is my favorite, but any of them will do. They are clean and happy and entertaining and I wish she had written 15 more. But I do hear there is another one coming out, so that makes me all sorts of happy.

Little Princes
The actual name of this book is Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal. I don't know what it was about this book, but it just stayed with me for a very long time. Our life is so easy and so good. I don't ever want to forget that.

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels
So, I am actually not a follower of the Pioneer Woman's blog (but now that I just said that, I think I want to be and have no idea why I haven't followed it before), but I adored this book. It made me laugh and was so sweet and interesting and real. I love real people. They make me happy. And less exhausted.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I'm pretty sure I am the last person in the known universe who has not read all seven of the Happy Potter books. (And don't you ruin the end of seven for me, you hear!) I'm on six. This past year, I finally finished five and listened to the first three with the kids. I really love them and have no idea why I keep putting it off. I think because they cause me stress like no other and because I love them. And if I finish them, they are over. What? It makes sense in my head.

A Countess Below Stairs
This book is by Eva Ibbotson. Anything she writes, I really enjoy. I think I've read three or four of hers and they just make me happy. Kind of like the Julie lady above. In the middle of the year, I stopped reading anything by Ms. Ibbotson, so I wouldn't read them all and be sad. And just realized I haven't made it back to them again. Happy day, time to get a new one at the library.

Spoken From the Heart
I super much like Laura Bush. She fascinates me and is such a wonderful person. She is also totally real (see admiration above). I loved reading this book and not only learning more about her and her family, but about the life of a president. Super interesting. And I found it hilarious that I read this book a few weeks before Jacob was contacted, completely out of the blue, and offered a job (after meetings and trips to Texas, etc.) to be one of the directors of her husband's foundation. Coincidence? I think not.

You Can Be Happy No Matter What
I honestly believe that this should be required reading for every human being. I'm not kidding. Absolutely life changing. In fact, I plan to read it at least yearly and it is time to get it out once more. I need to remember what Richard Carlson said on a very regular basis. Next to the Book of Mormon, easily my favorite book of 2011. Probably of the past decade, if not forever. Strong enough for you? I hope so.

Happy reading friends!

Love him

We can live with God again

There are many things about life that are uncertain. That is a part of this life that we are living. But gratefully, there are many things we can know. And if there is one thing I am absolutely certain of (no question, no doubt), it is that we can live with God again. And because that includes every single one of us, that means we can also live with our loved ones again. I know that with every part of my heart.

This video made me cry. It is beautiful and sweet and reminded me again of what we have been promised. It is definitely worth four minutes of your day. And like me, it may make you want to go and hug those that you love most in this world. And to pray for those that would give anything to be able to do the same.

Surviving the winter

Sixty-two degree weather on January 7th? Yes please!

I'm pretty positive our mud room doesn't usually look like this at the end of a long winter day.

*Big sigh of {warm} happiness*

Nathan

Mission accomplished

Well, I did it. I ended up reading 60 books last year. I honestly wasn't sure it was going to happen. A few days before the end of the year, I started a new book that I've been excited to read. And it was a long one, as most books I read these days tend to be. I wasn't sure if I would finish before New Year's Eve, but to be honest, didn't care that much about it. Fifty-nine books isn't something to be sad about and when you have a newborn, there is very little time to read. (At least for me, maybe the rest of you don't find that.) Anyway, within a couple of days of starting this book, I got an email from the library that a book I had put on hold some time before was available. I had forgotten about this book, as I usually do when you are constantly putting books on hold like I usually am. I brought it home and read it within a couple of days. Not only was it a fun read, but it was a short read. Bonus! And I hadn't even planned it that way. Double bonus!

I can guarantee I won't be reading anywhere near 60 books this year. I'd be happy with a couple per month--and even that feels like a stretch right now. But anything is good. I don't usually make a reading goal anyway, just happened last year, and while fun and good, it won't be something I will be repeating soon. I just love to read. Whether it is 60 books in a year or 10 books in a year. I'm a fan. And yesterday, I picked up these two books at the library and felt that old giddiness return. Have I ever mentioned I love reading?

Our Ben

Happy Birthday to the sweetest, happiest, most hilarious four-year old we know!
We adore you Benjamin Allen. And are so grateful we get you in our family.

(From there to here in four, fast years. Time is a flying.)

Sweetness

They say that the camera adds ten pounds...

...kind of a problem if you only weigh about fifteen to begin with.

Sunbeam

This darling boy started Primary today. Oh my mother's heart.

And it made me think about the other three times this has happened at our house.

How I LOVE these sweet kids of mine.

And their little brother who will be adding his picture way too soon.