I Thank God for Friends

In August I was able to see many of my close High School friends. It just reminded me again of not only how much I love those girls, but all those who have come into my life to teach me and uplift me. If I could post of a picture of just the friends in my life who have been such an inspiration, it would take years to go through my blog. (Now I can't even see what I'm writing). And I wish I had a picture of each and every person who has meant so much. From the notes, talks, time together, laughing and those who have waded through some of my own personal struggles. I thank God for the timeless, and priceless gift of good friends.

Some of our fun in Summer

Nathan turned 4? Where did the time go? So here is my littlest best bud at his friend party in September. My kids grow too fast. I try to sprinkle magic on them every night- but it isn't working. Nathan's friend party was a Lightning McQueen, and Natie also picked out some construction themed stuff as well. (I love that he still loves that!) We swam in a pool in the backyard, had snacks and pinnatta, but mainly I just wanted to let Nathan play with what he wanted and do what he wanted to do.

In June Ben officially turned 11. I threw him a "favorite things" party where we just did and ate a bunch of his favorite things. So Harry Potter was mixed in with Star wars, he had pumpkin juice and pizza, and many more of Ben's favorite things. I think a favorite of Ben's and his friends though was chasing the girls with nerf guns at the park. (Is he really this old yet?)

In May, Brigham surprised me and took me to Zion's. We hiked, talked, ate at some great places, relaxed and enjoyed each other. It was wonderful. And thanks to my dear for setting that all up- it meant a lot!!

Then in July our Family took a vacation to Yellowstone where we spent about a week, hiking, swimming, and seeing so many of the amazing things there. My personal favorite was hearing the kids gasp when they saw the first sign of the massive heat under this whole amazing place. (We were driving in and saw these hills of steam, and the kids were clearly impressed). That's why I wanted to take our family there!

Heavenly Sisters

I love my sisters. They have each been through a lot lately. Alicia a few months ago was in a long boarding accident and though she is still recovering fully, it truly is a miracle to me she is doing as well as she is. So to Alicia I want to write this little note.

It was hard to watch you go through this accident Alicia, more than I could fully convey. But, the day I came over to help you walk after you were home from the hospital will always be treasured to me. To have your arm around me, and mine around you- to have to walk so close side by side was a heavenly moment for me. Together we walked slowly, trying with each little step to make it around the obstacles back to your home. And know Alicia, that's what I want to be. The kind of big sister who is willing to walk by you, side by side, with whatever trials or challenges you may face, and to help you as you will help me come back Home again to our Heavenly home. So know Alicia, because I feel so much love for you I will ask you about our little "secret goal" and will keep asking, because I am your sister. And I want to be that kind of sister. I love you Alicia.

love, Ces

And to Camille. I have to admit, that every time you have had a pregnancy now, I have held my breath. Waiting and hoping it will not be another miscarriage- and especially another Kylee. So when I found out you were experiencing the same complications as with Kylee- I worried for you. And now, your husband is also not available to help with his recent accident. Oh my dear, I am here for you, and will be here for you. I am so thrilled you can have another baby and want this to be another wonderful experience. You are my sister- my roommate for 16 years and my dear friend. I love you Camille. You have born with all your trials so amazingly and I have no doubt will do so again.

Love, Ces

Being a mom is my "dream come true"

Ever since I can remember I always wanted to grow up to be a mom. Now that dream is reality and it's even better than I could have ever imagined. I love feeling those tiny arms around me in the morning when I wake up. I love hearing the door open and shut when Ben or Andrew has returned home. I love our moments when we are laughing so hard we cry, and then our sides hurt and we can't stop- then we laugh some more. I love just playing with them. Playing "diggers" an "backhoes", playing basketball, and tennis, and sometimes just plain being together. I love that we can talk- and talk- and talk for hours. That I can read my old journals from when I was their age, and that they can laugh and think how "weird" I was. And then that they read me- their journals- something so secret and special- and that they would trust me enough to read it to me. I love hearing the creative stories, funny jokes, and getting the gentle kisses on my cheek. If I could choose going to the store with my children or without- I'd pick with hands down (and no I am not lying!). I will always want to be a mother. Forever. They are my perfect pieces of heaven sent to me to help me learn how to be more like Him. It is, I feel my past- what I have been preparing to be. My present- what I have the perfect blessing of savoring now. And my future- what I am preparing to be for eternity. I can't imagine anything more divine, more beautiful, and more fulfilling. Yes,there have been times when I have felt so exhausted from the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual demands this great calling requires. Even times when I have felt the full fury and wrath of a world that diminishes this priceless gift- times when I have been looked down upon for "just" being a mother. And times when I have plead for heavenly help knowing that only He knows the full extent of my child's trial or pain. But I feel it is also these moments that make it so perfect. So real. And so right. SO yes, being a mother is my dream come true. A dream that no person could ever have the imagination, or capability of ever conjuring up such a perfect recipe for learning to be like Him. And to my angels- Benjamin, Andrew, and Nathan- I am so honored to be your mom. (And yes I believe I so picked you for my own!!) I love you my best friends.
Love forever,
mom

Should we wait until he's 16?

This is too funny and cute to resist sharing it with everyone. We had a good laugh watching Nathan drive. (And by the way this is at Legoland when we went last October.)

I have wondered more the true meaning of "perfection" and what that really entails. Does it truly mean we have to be perfect, and never make a mistake? I was reminded of this lately when I did make a mistake and felt whenever I saw this person all I cold see was how I wronged them. Almost like all the good I ever did was being smothered by this grey memory of my mistake . Literally like a dark grey spot hampering my vision to what was truly going on. But, I know in my heart The Lord does not require this of us. And though I have come leaps and bounds from when I was younger, I still know I have a long way to go before truly relying "wholly upon Him who is mighty to save." So more than ever before I have come to learn that true perfection is realizing how imperfect you are and then trusting fully in Him. Realizing that we cannot and will not make it alone no matter how much good we do, how many scriptures we read, and how many service projects we take part in (or may I put in how many children we have, how perfectly clean our home is with little children, or how physically fit we are despite having 10 kids). We can't. And that I believe is the true meaning of perfection. Realizing we too need the Lord.

some of our fun lately

Snow boarding lessons at Park City for $25 each! This was such a neat thing for us since my bigger boys (especially Ben) has expressed interest in it more. I really thought about how to go about this since I want to be careful and not add too many things that would take away from our families needs. The only thing i saw was the school snowboarding lessons for more money and would take more time. Then a good friend told me about this. So much cheaper and we could do it just once or 5 times! (Love it) We went two times (that was plenty!!) and they got their basic lessons (since Brigham and I don't know a thing about snowboarding that's why I was looking for a lesson). I was so grateful they got this chance. Good things do come to those who wait (even the simple desires like this).

Benjamin after his first piano festival. He did such a wonderful job (this festival preparation takes soo much practice!) And he got even the highest rating. (But whatever he was "awarded" I knew he knew the songs at that "superior" level anyway- it's just neat he got it). Way to go Ben! (And I looove being your piano teacher!!)

Ben has also picked up Clarinet this year and has a fabulous teacher at school. He will get to play at the Capitol building as well coming up soon. Awesome, Ben!

Natie and his good friend Amelia as superheros. My dear friend Jenny and I swap for a mini "pre-school/ playgroup" and this time I wanted to do the Joy school theme of "my favorite super hero" where they learn more about themselves and their own wonderful abilities and talents. (can you tell it's a favorite lesson to teach of mine!) It was soo cute to hear all the things they already know about themselves. In the end I made a letter for them to wear on their shirts just like a superhero. Nate got a big "N" and Amelia a big letter "A".

More superhero fun.

Iceblocking at Andrew's 9th Birthday Party

Andrew's 9th Birthday party with his friends was going to be a winter theme- sledding party. But since there was no snow we created our own winter fun and went
"sledding" anyway. It turned out to be a blast and the kids wanted to stay even longer. And Nathan even tried "iceblocking" and went down the whole hill by himself. (Besides I just looove that picture!)

Andrew's snowmen cupcakes for his party. I had way to much fun making these with my kids!! But that's what I do it for- for our time together and their faces when they see them.