Thoughts of this week

This last week I have been reading the book Heaven Is Here by Stephanie Nielsen, a survivor of a plane crash with her husband that left her with 80% of her body covered with 3rd degree burns. She has such passion for marriage and motherhood and her book has inspired me to to cherish the true blessing it is to be a wife and mother to my incredible husband and two amazing girls. I have felt prompted all day to write a post about my little 10-month-old Eva. I have enjoyed every moment of being her mother. She has a fighting spirit inside of her that I admire. She has a love for her family that shines through her eyes. When she is proud of herself she is excited to share her excitement with me. Every time she comes bounding around the corner and I hear her little feet pad the floor, she always greets me with one of the best heart-warming smiles that make her little blue eyes shine bright. Makes me feel like a million bucks. I can truly feel her love and need for me and there is nothing more rewarding about motherhood than that, to feel needed by your children. It puts into perspective the responsibility and absolute importance of my role of providing them with a safe, nurturing environment of love, hope and peace that in turn provides an escape from the chaotic world around us.

I have had a week of sleepless nights as Eva fights through yet another cold, and there are moments where I can't fall back to sleep after getting Eva back to bed. A couple of times in those moments I have thought about the book I was reading and felt completely ok with being woken up by my little spunky girl because I knew that I was blessed to be her mom, to have the beautiful life I had with the knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father that loved me. What more could I need?

As I watch Eva grow in every way at such a rapid pace, I want to freeze time and keep her just the ways she is, the happy, cuddly, sensitive, and determined little person she is. Then I realize, who she is now will probably be who she is for the rest of her life. I feel a peace and comfort to know that her strong little spirit will fight for the cause of good. Somehow I just know this. The Spirit probably wants me to know this so that I can somehow deal with the fact that I am bringing these sweet innocent children into a scary world. I have to remember that their souls are much older than their bodies and they have the capability to do great things. I have never understood more than I do now that Heavenly Father has saved the valient for this time. To fight for the cause of good.

May we take a step back and look at our lives and recognize the amazing blessing it is to be alive with those we love around us. May we always cherish the wonderful moments so they will carry us through the challenges and remind us of what matters most.

10 Months

The traditional picture on the chair doesn't seem to work anymore. She either slouches or....

Tries to grab the camera.

I decided to let her walk around so I could see the big 10 on her shirt.

Wedged between my knees.

This sweet little girl has a lot of determination, spunk and personality. She loves to dance, kick her ball, make mischief and run around. She is so much fun.

The night before we left California, Spencer and I went to my high school reunion. I should have taken more pictures but caught one with an old friend from Elementary School. I found that the people I cared most to talk to were those I grew up with from kindergarten. I am glad I went.

We decided to stop in the Sierra Nevadas at a special place on Rainbow Road. This is the spot where Spencer proposed to me. nearly 6 years ago. Love that memory.

The view.

Our dear Optometry friends are currently living in Reno so we stopped and ate lunch and had a great visit. Look at Jaxon and Maren, both looking at the ground, then look at Risa and Eva, smiling and looking at each other. Classic. Can't believe the optometry adventure is almost over and these dear friends will move back to Canada. Guess we will have to go visit!

Family Pics...attempted

After taking extended family pictures I thought I would try to get a few of our own. Lets just say the kids were getting tired of cooperating.

This could have been a nice picture of Maren would have been looking

Eva has a kind of scowl on her face.

The last thing they wanted was a kiss at that point!

Eva and Allie

The girls! Three generations

Love this one

Again, no kisses.

Thanksgiving in California

We had a great trip to California to have our 1st, yes 1st Thanksgiving since before Spencer and I were married. It was a great time. To say the least we got a family picture. Maren loved the time with her cousins. My family tradition growing up was to go to a great place called Apple Hill. I LOVE Apple Hill. It has all the beauty of Oregon with beautiful hills of apple orchards, nice small town local people, and delicious apple treats. It is not very often that we get the entire family out together and so it made the trip extra special.

Maren and Tatum eating the best Pink Ladies I have ever eaten.

Eva discovered the mini carousel. She fell in love. She pitched the biggest fit when we took her off.

The feasting table

The turkey leg

Maren found a great movie watching spot.

The kid table

Scandia! Can't go home without making a stop to grandpa's job (or daddy's job as I called it when I was little). Eva's first round of mini golf. She made it through all 18 holes!

This picture is hilarious and so typical of Eva. She really is such a happy girl (like the balloon tells you) but sometimes she really knows how to pitch the biggest fit. I love Maren's face looking down at her. So funny.

Eva discovered her belly thanks to Aunt Amber. Look at the way she is looking at her like "Not again."

Time with Grandma

Love from oldest cousin Dalin. So sweet.

Sharing a GIANT carrot with daddy.

Dalin is a great cousin! My girls loving him like a big brother.

We had a great time together as a family. Moments that can't be repeated but cherished always.