Nephew bonding

March somehow flew by without much (or anything, really) written in this space.  It was a busy month, with a lot of work and family and personal commitments.  Still, one weekend stands out as March's highlight - I wanted to make sure it was recorded here.

I spent a long weekend in California with my sister and her family, helping them prepare for the arrival of their new baby girl.  Because I didn't bring Riley along, I was able to really connect with my twinner nephews, spending time with them in a way that I could not have if she had been there. (I love my girl and all, but she has a way of running the show. )

Tate on the left, Liam on the right

We played cars, we sang songs (about trains), we watched movies (about cars), we played trains, we read books (about construction sites), we played trucks.  Notice the vehicular theme?  These boys - they are ALL BOY!

 I'm so glad I was able to spend this time with them.  It was a once in a lifetime shot - their baby sister would be arriving shortly after and it's rare for me to travel to visit them without Riley. So this time was important - the only time we'd have this dynamic that I so enjoyed.  Having Tate stroke my arm while I was reading to them, or Liam put his little hands on my cheek and snuggle in...the memories still melt me.  I love these little boys.

Liam and his favorite car

Sweet little Tate

 Being an Aunt is one of the very best things in my life, something for which I am so grateful.  I cherish the opportunity to love the children of my brothers and sisters in the way only an Aunt can.  Each niece and nephew holds a special place in my heart.  It was so much fun being able to spend time with these little guys. 

February 12of12

I can't believe it's the middle of February already. Time really does fly. This was a fun month because it captured a typical Saturday for me and my Girl. I don't think I've had one of these kinds of days in the 12of12 yet.
1. Self portrait immediately upon waking. I can't believe I am putting this up, but here it is.
2. My bags are packed to head to the gym. Really great run-swim-lift workout.
3. I promised Riley we would go out for lunch, and she picked her favorite -Red Robin.
4. Grandma Nita taught her to pat her head and rub her tummy. She was practicing.
5. The two of us at lunch.
6. The Girl was exhausted after a busy morning of playing at the gym, going to lunch and running a few errands.
7. Jenica mixing up my hair color.
8. Riley decided we needed to bring Jenica's girls cupcakes. With princess rings, of course.
9. It was a beautiful day - perfect trampoline weather.
10. R and G figured the best way to prevent us leaving was just to sit on my legs.
11. Trip to Target for valentine supplies and to buy a birthday gift for a party later this week.
12. Wound up the day by getting Riley's valentines ready- Barbie for the girls, Phineas and Ferb for the boys.

Weekend at home

As I was driving back to Salt Lake City today after a relaxing weekend with family, I spent some time reflecting on why it is that I always feel incredibly centered and very peaceful after time in Idaho.

It might be the traffic we encounter: Or maybe the people we spend our time with:

Or the scenery we pass by, evidence of hard work and simple existence:
It could be the way I spent my Saturday morning:
Or the way we celebrated Saturday night:


Whatever it is, I've learned not to question it. When my whole heart and soul is longing for somewhere that is comfortable, that is easy, that is gentle and that is healing...this is where I go.

This is home.

Miscellany

**I am so happy to be teaching primary again. The best way for me to experience church is from an eight year old's perspective. Much simpler and less overwhelming.
**I finally found the time to buy bookshelves for my dining room. I love how they look and I'm really happy about the extra space and organization they brought to my home. Now to get my photos and art on the walls....
**Apparently three is the magic age to start really anticipating holidays. Riley is all about halloween right now, and it's not even October. She insisted that we start decorating today. The preliminary results:
**Apparently three is also the magic age when Barbies become a big deal (at least for Riley). Am I the only mother that immediately throws out any Barbie shoes that get in her path? Stepping on those little buggers HURTS!
**I found a yellow Vintage gumball machine in a Sugarhouse junkshop yesterday, and I knew it would be a hit with her royal Bugness. I brought it home, fixed the broken gear, cleaned it up and filled it with gum. I was right. She loves it!
**I have decided that it's going to take a major force of change and the perfect situation to ever get me to move out of the Avenues. It's so close and convenient to everything. I love my neighborhood and I honestly can't imagine living anywhere else. (I know a few of you are laughing right now.)
**Riley has started to drink Chamomile tea with bubbly milk (frothed milk) before bed. I'm not sure if it's the ritual, or the actual herb, or just placebo, but she is much more mellow at bedtime. Whatever it is, I'll take it.
**I am making the ultimate in comfort food for dinner tonight: roasted chicken, 'funeral' potatoes, and green beans. I promised Riley we'd make brownies 'with nuts' tonight, too. Should be yummy!

I *heart* Oregon (a story in photos)

You know how sometimes, you are just too tired to keep moving forward? Your body is exhausted from the constant movement, from the persistent demands, and your mind is weary from keeping it's frenetic pace, day after day after day. You know, deep down you know, that you can't sustain this type of pace, that you will break if you don't get some relief. You ache, you physically ache, for a respite, for some sort of reprieve, and for someone else to shoulder your load for just a day or two?

And then, at just the right time, it happens. Your biggest responsibility is assumed by another for a few days, and you know she is safe and she is loved, and so you go. You seek a small bit of adventure, by exploring a corner of the world that is unknown to you.

And you let your senses soak in new sights, new smells, new sounds and you marinate in the change of scenery.
And you serendipitously are upgraded into the car you've always wanted to try out.
And you meet a new friend, one that instantly feels like you've known her forever. And you tell each other your stories. And you laugh and you cry and are grateful for the amazing people you continue to meet on your way.
And you soak in the friendship of one of your favorite people, and with each hour spent in shared laughter and deep conversation, you find more to admire about her heart and her soul and her mind.
And you eat really good food (a lot of really good food).
And you are reminded of some simple truths.
And you are given words of comfort and solace and counsel and you know, you know, that you are held by something much bigger than yourself.
And you pay attention to the little things that make you ridiculously happy.
And you sit on the beach and watch the families enjoy each other, and you hope that one day you and your little one (and maybe, just maybe, a couple more) can enjoy the same sense of togetherness in this magical place. And you take the time to marvel at the beauty and the goodness that surrounds you.

And in the midst of all of this, you find a deep, calm, abiding sense of peace and the knowledge that everything is exactly as it should be. And then the weekend is over and it's time to return to your regular life. And because you have laughed and loved and explored and shared and rested, you are ready to return to it. You are rejuvenated and revived and you know, you know, that that life you have...the one you've created for yourself....

It's pretty damn amazing.



**the composition of many of these photos was shamelessly stolen from Amy M. I learned so much from her this weekend.

All in all, a great weekend.

My newest niece, Karlee Ann, made her debut on Friday afternoon (Yes, she's gorgeous and I'm madly in love with her). Riley and I spent the weekend in Idaho, helping out with the other girls, soaking in some quality family time, and enjoying the simple things with my sweet, silly, sassy, super-cute nieces.



There was some sprinkler running (wearing her "boo-tini")

And some s'more making.


And some porch sitting.

And some MAJOR giggling.

And lots of dancing.

And a little bit of grass rolling.

And a bit of piano playing.
It all added up to a whole lot of good times.