Then...

I’m a sucker for nostalgia.  I love birthdays, anniversaries…all celebrations.  Luckily my girls are just like me, and they’ll humor me for hours as we look through old photos.  I’ll tell them over and over about the day they were born, the feelings I had, our first time meeting, and 2am barf cleanup on isle 9.  They love to listen and laugh.  They usually have their arms around my neck as we talk.  We were sharing one of those “memory lane” times yesterday, and I just felt like my heart could burst...my heart loves them so much it hurts.  Brad Paisley was cuing up in my head.  The song, “Then”.  Yes, I know it’s about a husband and wife, but those lyrics parallel closely with motherhood.  I look at pictures of those sweet little baby faces from years ago, and I can distinctly remember how much love I felt at that moment.  That "bursting heart" kind of love.  Now here we are 12 years, 40+ baby teeth, many sleepless nights, baths, constant messes, and millions of tears later, and I just can’t believe the way I feel about these girls!  We’ve come so far since that day, and I thought I loved them then.  I think of the time gone by and the times to come…with their own babies on the way or when their hair is turning gray.  I just can’t see how I’m ever gonna love them more…but I’ve said that before.   They are my whole life.  They are my whole world.  Someday we’ll look back at this moment and I’ll say, “I thought I loved you then…”       

Then- Brad Paisley 

I remember trying not to stare
The night that I first met you
You had me mesmorized
And three weeks later
In the front porch light
Taking 45 minutes to kiss goodnight
I hadn't told you yet
I thought I loved you then

Now you're my whole life
Now you're my whole world
I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than its ever been
We've come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then

I remember taking you back
To right where I first met you
You were so surprised
There were people around
But I didn't care
I got down on one knee right there
And once again
I thought I loved you then

Now you're my whole life
Now you're my whole world
I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than its ever been
We've come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then

I can just see you
With a baby on the way
I can just see you
When your hair is turning grey
What I can't see
Is how I'm ever gonna love you more
But I've said that before

Now you're my whole life
Now you're my whole world
I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
We'll look back someday
At this moment that we're in
And I'll look at you and say
And I thought I loved you then

And I thought I loved you then

Dare To Be A Mormon

Tonight I realized something.  Raychel is my spiritual superior.  Tonight I really saw a piece of that stalwart spirit that has always been.  I love how kids will have all afternoon to tell you about their day at school, but they tend to wait and share the juicy stuff until it’s time for bed.  Such an instance happened tonight. 

Raychel: Today in leadership, we had to stand up and say something about who we are.  I said, ‘I am Raychel, and I am a Mormon.’  Three boys started laughing at me.

Me: Awww, hell no!!  Hold my hoops…someone’s about to get throttled.  Who are these punks?  I am not afraid of jail! (that was all internal).  Externally, I won an Academy Award.  “Really??  I’m so sorry they laughed at you.”  (Don’t worry, the teacher put an abrupt halt to the inappropriate laughter.)

Raychel: I said, what’s so funny?  One boy said, ‘I don’t think anyone should ever tell you what to believe.’  I said, then why are you laughing at me?  I can choose to believe what I want.

Me: Wow!!  Good for you!  What else did you say about yourself?

Raychel: We were only allowed to say one thing, and I wanted it to be really important.

I was just speechless.  How did I get this tremendous opportunity (and responsibility) to raise such a choice spirit daughter of Heavenly Father?  I told her I would have never been brave enough to do that when I was in 6^th grade.  Not sure I’d be brave enough as a 36 year old.  That’s when it dawned on me that this spirit of hers has been growing and maturing before the world began.  I have some work to do to be able to keep up with her!

 

We talked about President Monson’s talk “Dare to Stand Alone”.  He asks, “Do we have the moral courage to stand firm in our beliefs, even if by doing so we stand alone?  If our testimonies are not firmly enough rooted, such criticisms can cause us to doubt our own beliefs or waver in our resolves…how grateful I am that I made the decision long ago to remain strong and true, always ready and prepared to defend my religion should the need arise.”  Raychel’s decision to remain “strong and true” happened long before her arrival on earth…I felt that tonight. 

I feel such pride and confidence in her character yet I feel so very humbled (and unworthy, I guess).  She is the example to me.  I know Raychel understands that identifying herself as a “Mormon” goes beyond that title.  She knows she is a disciple of Jesus Christ.  She understands what is means to stand as a witness “at all time, and in all things, and in all places”…even when it is unpopular.  Although it rips my heart out as a mother to see her publicly mocked, I know these experiences plant her feet more firmly in her convictions.  She is a mighty force in these last days.  I believe the words of President Benson apply to Raychel, “God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord.”  I am looking forward to seeing what this girl of mine will accomplish!      

THE Good Life

We just got back from a trip of a lifetime!  Back in March James got a bonus from work.  He's like "We really should pay off some bills but I want to go on a cruise."  Of course I was like "YES!  VACATION!"  I mean bills are always going to be there...these little faces aren't.  So we proceeded with plans.  Back in March, it never feels like November is going to come.  So we had to wait...and wait.  I am so thankful we were able to go.  Memories were made and family bonds were strengthened.  I am a thankful woman!

A lot of these pics are out of order, but I knew if I didn't blog now...I'd never do it! 

World travelers...PS I love how I got my mom laughing in a piece of this pic!

Starting off right with a fancy drink!

Peurto Vallarta 

 Lunch with a view

 Selfie with sissy!!

 These pictures look like it's so refreshing...but it was HOT, really hot.  

Slumbering Senoritas  

You have to get fresh coconut on an island!  We got ours with lime, chili and salt.  Raychel loved it! 

Upon our arrival to Peurto Vallarta, we decided to take an excursion to a secluded island "Las Caletas".  It was voted one of the top 5 most beautiful beaches in the world...only accessible by boat.  We got up early that morning and had a little breakfast.  The girls all picked cottage cheese and turkey slices.  I was thinking that was a great choice and I needed to remember to serve that again at home.  I think it's fair to say that Mexicans LOVE a party and a really loud party...I mean that's what people go to Mexico for!  This little ferry boat is filled with anxious party goers.  It's 7:30 am and the Bacardi is flowing freely and the mariachi is bumpin'.  The boat is-a-rockin'...literally.  I was laughing thinking about George Costanza, "The sea was angry that day, my friends!"  This poor little 18 month old baby girl looks at her mom and vomits all down the front of her.  You know those moments when you can actually feel perfect empathy?  That was one of those times.  I knew that hot sticky, shocking feel of baby barf running down the inside of my bra.  Completely caught off guard.  Completely empty handed of any "mop".  I'm totally thinking with all the feeling of my heart "I am SO sorry, sister!!  I've been there!"  I desperately wanted to get up and help, but I'm pretty sure my barf would have been all over the front of her too.  Then I'm like, "wonder how many people have barfed in the life jacket I'm wearing?"  I decided to risk death and took it off.  The next thing I know James jumps with a jolt.  I see cottage cheese cupped in his hands.  I immediately rocket into action and run (I mean trip, bump into, side to side drunk walk) down the stairs to retrieve napkins from the "bar" (See: two pitchers of alcohol) and a plastic bag for any subsequent mishaps.  I was quite proud of James and my efforts.  Not a drop of vomit was spilled on the floor.  Poor Raychel!  Luckily, she was able to enjoy the day once her stomach was emptied.          

 Checking out some birds...I love how Anna's hand is just naturally on Raychel's back.

 More dancing...

 Escargot...no one approved.

A special thank you to our au pair, May!

Fancy drinks poolside...a must. 

 These pictures are all out of order...this was our last night on the ship.  All three girls were crying having to say goodbye to our new friends.  Can't we just live on a cruise ship??

 Classic.

 Sudoku with Papa

 Hot chocolate and ice cream all day everyday!

 So each night the servers "entertain" the guests with some singing and dancing.  It is always their goal to get everyone involved.  Anna and Leah ate it up.  This was the only time Raychel got up.  She clapped once, looked at me and goes, "no." and sat back down.  LOL!  If that isn't her Daddy's girl!

 Seashells collected by Raychel that were seized by the Mexican authorities.  Poor Raychel!  She was so bummed.

These are pictures of pictures.  I couldn't get my scanner to work...and again...I knew if I didn't blog now, I never would! 

 BFF's coordinating and not even trying!

 I really wanted to get a cheesy cruise picture done...mainly as a joke...and it actually turned out to be really cute!

 Raychel in her own personal heaven.

 Amy treated the girls to an adventure with a sea lion.  They all loved her!  Said she was just like a little dog!

When can we go back??