Cute Giveaway

I rarely post anything like this, but...

A friend is having a giveaway on her new site!

Isn't that the cutest bag!  I'm a sucker for nautical stuff!
Visit her website Across the Sea and see all the details!!

A Christmas Poem

My friend Lisa who is serving a mission in Washington, sent me this poem.  She said it made her think of me!  I am so grateful to be a mom, and one of the hardest yet most satisfying milestones was sending Zac out to the world to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Philippino People.  As I read this poem it struck me in more than one way.  It made me miss my Zac like crazy!  But it also makes me want to take in every moment I can with Tyler, who will be taking his turn in a year and a half.  I hope you all enjoy, but I am mostly posting this for my fellow Mom's missing their boys this Christmas!

 This year for Christmas
I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.
The thrill just wasn’t there.
No pictures taken with Santa Clause.
My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,
Two suits and socks…no fun.
I’ve bought him all white clothes because…
This year I’m giving Christ my son.

I’ve spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from his words.
I’ve reread November’s Ensign,
And my testimony stirred.
Our family prays more frequently.
My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,
This year I’m giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers
Gave their sons to war,
Or how the pioneers chose Zion,
Their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence.
I’ll miss his smile a ton.
For two years we will pray for him.
I’m giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he’s not looking.
I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He’s always hungered for the part of him
That makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard.
His choice and mine are one.
I’ll put my faith in God’s hand.
This year, I’m giving him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter.
I think I finally understand.
Christ’s birth should e celebrated
By giving Him a hand.
It’s because I know Christ lived and reigns
That all his packing is done.
My gift has taken years to make.
This year…I’m giving Christ my son.

When I Grow Up...

Today my Mom celebrates 70 years on this earth!!!  And if that wasn't a feat in and of itself, let me tell you about some of the things she has done with her 70 years.  That make me want to be like her when I "grow up."

She tells me all the time that she was tom-boy growing up.  I guess that came in handy later when she had 6 sons to raise.

After high-school (where she met my dad) she went to, and finished nursing school.  Then began working as a nurse.

At age 20 she married my dad and they soon became parents to my oldest brother.  More children would come in the next 12 years, six more!  For a total of 5 boys and 2 girls.  Years later she would get another son, Erman!  He came to live with us during the school year, his family lived on a reservation in Arizona, and this gave the kids a chance to see life outside the reservation.  After a few years Erman stopped returning to the reservation and became a permanent member of the family.

She has been blessed to travel all over the world, and see things most of us would only dream of.  She and my Dad still travel A LOT!  In fact I think they will be gone the entire month of August.

She taught all her children the value of work, and was/is ALWAYS doing something. 

If you were to ask her what she is most proud of, I feel quite certain she would answer, without thinking, her family.  They added 7 daughters and 2 sons through the marriages of their children. They have 38, that's right, not a typo, 38 grandchildren.  And 4 great-grandchildren.  And if you've got an hour or two, she will tell you a little about each of them.

All but one of her children served missions for our church. (you can guess which one didn't)  And she and my Dad recently served a mission of their own in Australia.

All of her children and one grandchild are happily married, and raising some pretty amazing kids of there own. And her sons all work hard to take care of their own. 

She taught all of her kids to love music.  ALL MUSIC!  She plays the organ at church and has quite a few piano students.  Money she uses for fun stuff!!

Like most of us she's quick to point out her failings.  But when you look at the big picture, and what's really important...  I say she's lived a most amazing 70 years.  And is doing pretty good for an "old lady"

I love you mom!!  Wishing for many more birthdays to come.

(she has celebrated many birthdays at the beach during family reunions.  Wish we were at one now!)

Start Spreading the News!!

I know you have all been dying to see more of our vacation, so here ya go!!

The kids were all pretty blown away by times square!

We decided that any trip to New York wouldn't be complete without taking in a show!  So we all went to see Phantom of the Opera! (they are still singing and humming the songs!!!!)

Kamrie and I spent our last afternoon at The American Girl store!  It's on 5th Ave!  We got off the subway pretty close, but found ourselves in the middle of the St Patrick's day parade crowd!  It took FOREVER for us to finally get to the store, but it was worth it.

It was wonderful trip, and hopefully memories were made that will last a lifetime!!

Brooklyn

We were so lucky to get to stay at a friends while visiting New York!  Lloyd and Greg Porter have been friends of mine since elementary school!

(I realize that I probably didn't need to tell you which one was Greg, but I felt dumb only labeling myself)

We stayed in the top floor apt of their brownstone.  Lloyd and his wife and daughter live on the bottom floor, and Greg lives on the second floor.

OH, did I mention that Mr. Gregory Porter was a Grammy Nominee this year?  You should check out his amazing album Water on Itunes, or where ever you purchase your music.  Or you can see his video here.

Lloyd gave us a great tour of the neighborhood, he is a veritable superstar there!  He and his lovely wife Hillary have a wonderful coffee shop just blocks from their home.  As part of staying with them we were able to eat muffins and drink hot chocolate each morning for breakfast.  It was so YUMMY!  The shop was like a tv show, everyone that came in seemed to know each other.  And while we were there we were introduced to a few of the regulars.

The subway to Manhattan just a few blocks from the brownstone!

On our last morning we went with the Porter's to Juniors for breakfast!  Some of the best french toast I have ever had!

So thankful for Facebook that allowed me to reconnect with these gentleman!  We had an amazing time and they were a big part of it.

Jersey Baby!

We left DC and headed to Jersey!  Living so far from our family, we are always excited to spend time with cousins!  We got to Erman and Jessica's around 8 that night! (minus Erman, he's in New Mexico)  We finally got to meet Marissa, she is completely adorable. (even when she is sick)  The next morning we headed to Hoboken, to visit Carlo's Bakery, home of The Cake Boss.  If you don't know what that is, then this post will be unimpressive, sorry.  After waiting in line, in the freezing cold for 2 1/2 hours we finally got in, and made our purchases.  OK, I actually waited in the van, I'm a baby when it comes to the cold.  And Jim actually got a parking space right in front of the bakery!!  After Carlo's we headed up the street and had lunch at Five Guys, it was my first time and it was DELICIOUS!!  I think it's way better than In and Out!  Finally we headed to liberty park to catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, we got there at 4 and the last ferry was at 3:30!  So we drowned our sorrows in cupcakes, cream puffs and cannoli's!

Day Two in DC

Not a lot of pictures today!  Jim and the boys spent time at the International Spy Museum - no pictures allowed!

Spring Bread 2011

Day One - Washington DC

Wanna Do Something GREAT?

Five years ago, my friend Ashlie's dream of having a daughter came true.  Little Emma was born and life was good.  But shortly after her birth Ashlie was sure something wasn't right.  I will let you watch the video or visit her blog for all the medical details.




I feel extremely blessed to know this family.  Just to sit back and watch as Grandma's, Aunts, and other family do all they can to help love and support Emma is an inspiration.  They have MANY expenses that go along with a handicapped child.  One expense they just can't afford is a wheelchair accessible van.  So, please consider donating.  Any amount will help.


You can even donate through Paypal!  Couldn't be easier!!

Please feel free to share with friends, or post it on your blog!!