The Calm Before The Storm

In a few hours I will have lots of little Princesses running around the house for Audra's Birthday party, but while Claire is napping and Audra is out playing with sidewalk chalk, I have just a few minutes before things get crazy, so I thought I would share THIS blog.

It's a young father of 3 who just lost his wife and baby (who she was pregnant with). I believe she died around May 2nd, and he is sharing his thoughts and feelings of the last day he had with her. Be sure and have tissues handy.

In sharing this blog, I realize I might come across at times as one who is looking for these horrible, tragic stories. I really don't seek them out- their just seems to be a lot of people who are going through some pretty horrific trials, and because of the internet we now have access to those stories, whereas before we didn't.

As I have done more genealogy, I have come across several tragic stories in my own family lines. My great-grandmother died in her early thirties, leaving several young children for my great-grandfather to raise. A young couple- distant cousins of mine- died together of typhoid in the 1920's (too bad Carlisle Cullen wasn't there to turn them into vampires- Edward was so lucky). An 11-year-old boy was struck by lightning in his doorway and died. Another distant cousin was run over by a horse and buggy and died.

Tragedy is all around us, and reading these stories makes me so incredibly grateful for the blessings I share with my family. I feel so incredibly blessed, and yet I know that I could lose it all in an instant. So these stories are a reminder to me to be grateful and to cherish everyday I have with the ones I love.

Above all else, I am grateful for eternal families. I am grateful to know that I will have Ben and the girls with me forever. My testimony of families has really been strenghtened.

Most of you probably know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is REALLY big on families. We believe families are central to Heavenly Father's eternal destiny for His children (all of us on the earth). My testimony of His perfect plan for us- of children coming to earth to a mother and father who love them and love each other and will raise their children in truth and honesty and righteousness- has really grown (and yes, I know that truth and honestly and righteousness looks differently for different people, and I think that is OK). For a full description of what we believe in regards to families, click HERE.

I believe the doctrine of eternal families is the most glorious thing EVER. What a blessing to know that God loves us enough to let us continue in our family relationships forever!!!!

Temple De-Struction

Today Audra and I were able to go to the temple and pull out flowers. Apparently, they have winter flowers and summer flowers. We got to take out the winter flowers to make way for the summer ones. It was technically a Relief Society activity, but kids were involved, and it was one of the best RS activities I have ever been to! I LOVED that Audra could come with me and that Audra is learning to love the temple as much as I do!!!

 About to get her hands dirty

 Audra with one of her best friends Adele

 Audra's reward for doing such a good job: "a big, special temple cookie!"

Highlands Point

On Saturday we decided to take a hike. It was hot. And very steep. And Claire insisted that I carry her the entire time. Nobody else could touch her- it had to be me. It was an adventure to say the least. I was glad when it was over. But, the views were beautiful.

    Audra loved looking through these telescopes that pointed to various landmarks. It really was beautiful.

                   She looks cute in this picture, but she was pretty much crying the entire time. Sigh.

              FINALLY, she let Ben hold her. Well, not really. Ben just took her and ran down the                      hill to give my poor arms a respite.

Even though Claire was so incredibly whiny and clingy and klutzy (she kept tripping and then crying and crying and crying, then falling again), it was really pretty and it was nice to get out in nature. Ben bikes this trail frequently and loves it (I would never venture to bike that trail- it really is steep!). I don't know that I ever need to go back, but it was nice to go to once.

Before and After

 I know Claire has been needing a haircut. I'm not stupid. But, I haven't wanted to cut her hair. But after this picture:

And armed with my mother's condescending looks, I finally decided to do it. Here's how it turned out:

Not only is it a good picture of her haircut, it also might be the best picture of her smile that we have ever gotten.

More Family

What a great week- for the first time since my brother got married, I got to see my entire immediate family within the past week! I was in Seattle, then my sis Shells happened to be in Denver so I got to have dinner with her (and she got stuck having dinner with us- Claire was such a joy at the restaurant), and now my parents are in town. It has been fantastic!!!!

Today we went to the Littleton Historical Museum- a family favorite.

Women's Conference

Last weekend I took a quick trip to Seattle- without kids! Woah! It was a super quick trip- only 48 hours- but I had the opportunity to go to a Women's Conference with my mom and sisters, and what could be better? We stayed in a hotel downtown and had some great time together! Plus, I got to have lunch at an awesome restaurant overlooking the waterfront with a dear friend. It was a great trip!
Here are some quotes from the speakers that I really enjoyed and want to remember:

Sheri Dew: "If we could unleash the power of covenant seeking woen, the world would change overnight."
(no, she wasn't there, but she was quoted)

Michael McLean: "I'm only as happy as my least happy kid."

"In the pre-mortal experience, God presented a plan. He said, 'half of you have to hold the priesthood, and half of you have to have babies. Men, you get to choose first."

Dean Hughes: "The scriptures don't teach us to be better than others, just to be better."

"A man only has so much testerone, and if he wants to spend it on growing hair, then that's his choice."

"It's OK to be average!"

"Your gifts may be important, but not as important as your family."

"We need to get the vision of what life is about."

Merry River (referencing the loss of a child): "I know everything will be OK eventually, but that doesn't mean everything is OK right now."

Gordon B. Hinckley (no, he wasn't there either): "People wonder what we do for our women.  I'll tell you what we do: we get out of their way and watch with wonder."

Merilee Boyack: "Your descendants won't care what you wore or your job. But, they will care that you were eternally minded."

"We can reject Satan's message of selfishness."

Whew, and that sums up the great weekend!

Sew Not a Sewer!

What is it about being a stay-at-home mom that makes me think I should be able to do domestic things? I saw pictures of some really cute dresses my sister made for her daughters, and I thought "If she can do it, I can do it!" (No offense, Steph, but you work full time AND still had time to do that?!? I am way super impressed!)

So a lady from church was selling a bunch of patterns. I e-mailed her and told her I couldn't sew at all, but would like some easy skirts/dresses to try. She went through and found her easiest patterns- no zippers, no buttons.

Audra was super excited to pick out the fabric, and I whipped this up in about 3 hours. Not too bad, huh? Just don't look too closesly at the seams! And, I skipped about 5 steps, but did I really need to press the hem? I didn't think so.

Here is Audra, very much NOT excited to have her picture taken, obviously. She wanted me to turn the TV on and I wouldn't until I took her picture. This is what I get for not turning the TV on immediately.