cherie was here

Welcome Joshua

I adore this sweet family but I think it may be safe to say that my children love them even more! In fact, the other day Lincoln came in, saw their picture on my computer and cheered with delight, "I love Rachel!"

Yes, we love them a lot! They were the wonderful saints that kept everyone at our home safe and happy while Jeff and I took our trip across the pond this year. Joshua was still snuggly in his mom's tummy at that time but now he's here. Such a sweetie he is. Welcome to the world, Joshua!

Wrapping it up

I'm officially wrapping the summer up and calling it good. Not like I'm singing the praises of fall just yet though. That's still a good month away at least. But summertime has closed its doors and I finally went back and looked at what we captured from it. Cousin time. Water time. Mountain time. Family time. All good stuff. These are traditions that I hope they remember. It takes a lot of work (and a little bit of frustration) to make them happen but looking back, it is so worth it. Family relationships are worth it.

Goodbye summer 2011. Thanks for the memories. (that sounds like a cheesy yearbook autograph now doesn't it?)

My favorite photo of the summer is right here. Dallin and his cousin have lame sunburns but that smile from Lincoln. Just kills me. every. time.

Forever Family

I can't think of anything much better than being able to see a family sealed together. A couple of weeks ago, Jeff and I were able to be with this family in the temple. What a wonderful experience!

The next day in Primary as I was teaching the children "I Love to See the Temple," my heart was extremely full of gratitude. I was teaching them about something I had just witnessed...becoming a forever family. I love how the simple truths of those primary songs sink deep into my soul and remind me of who I am and why I am here.

2, 4, 6...

I have been looking forward to the 2, 4, 6, 8 combination of their ages for a while now. It's just fun to say, you know all cheerleader like with ten twinkles. :) Ok, not really.

It only lasted for a short month and now we're up by one. Dallin has been asking me forever what we would be doing for his birthday. My usual reply was that we'd talk about it when it got closer. And then closer was on my doorstep. It seems that's just how life is though. Pretty soon a mission and college will be on my doorstep and I'll be left wondering what happened to those 2, 4, 6, 8 days.

This year was his turn for an official party. He hasn't had one since he was three (way back when Ella had no hair) so I broke down and figured it might be time to actually plan something since Ella has more hair now and all.

He's still a Lego fanatic so little yellow faced men were in abundance. We have a year's supply (or maybe 10) of Legos. How the 9 year old loves that! And I guess you could say the 2 year old loves it too. Since he was at Urgent Care last night with a Lego stuck up his nose. Sigh.

 Oh 2, 4, 6, 9...I love these sweet kids of mine! 

A thought on happiness

If you're not a fan of mushy posts, turn around right now. This might be one of those.

But not that mushy, because you know, I'm not a very mushy person. In fact, mushiness embarrasses me. (I know he wishes it didn't though.)

After a weekend like this one, I realize how much I love this man.

Not because anything spectacular or romantically wonderful happened. On the contrary, it was a weekend full of things that kept us busy or apart. But in those few short moments that we sat side by side, I knew this is what happiness feels like. Not like the sunshine and rainbows and flowers growing beneath our feet kind. It's the kind that comes through facing challenges and worries and disappointments. The kind that comes through perseverance and encouragement and understanding. The kind that comes from facing all the joys and junk of life.

Together.