The Mountains

- The fort
Our hike back up the mountain to find Em's sweater. Luckily it was not up too far.

-Playing War with Great Grandpa

We just got back from visiting my grandparent's cabin in Strawberry. I love that place. The weather was gorgeous. Cousins, grandparents, and parents made it so fun. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of being in the mountains. The cool breeze blowing, flawless nature everywhere. So much of my testimony as a child was fortified as I felt the Spirit in those mountainous forests.

Dan and most of the rest of my extended family spent only the holiday weekend there. My mom stayed with the kids and me. It was awesome. The kids collected bugs, rode bikes, hiked up the mountain, and built forts. We played games and visited my Great Aunts and Uncles whose cabins surround ours. They got a sucker from hugging Aunt Sally and they helped Uncle John milk his goats. Then they got to drink the goats milk they helped collect with their breakfast the next day. I'm so glad our kids love my extended family as much as I do.

Even Adam enjoyed the mountains. I loved watching his face as I rocked him on the porch swing. He was completely captivated by the breeze on his face, the sounds of birds, and the trees everywhere. He never stopped looking about. The peace and quiet joy he felt from the whole experience was evident even on his perpetually serene face.

As we rounded the corner to Gilbert Ranch, Josh sighed with delight at being home again. Emi on the other hand declared that she loved the cabin more than home. Can you blame her?

Missing

Emily isn't missing this tooth. She and her cousin Brooklyn have been wiggling the same loose tooth for ages now. After a few bad tries and a few tears, the tooth finally came out thanks to good old dad. He used the "I'm not going to pull it, I only want to see it" line and it worked. Congrats Girl!

Before After

Poems

I have not written many poems in a long time. But I had to write this one. As I fed and rocked Adam a few mornings ago, I experienced a moment of such peace and love that the words just spilled out of me. So at 3:00am I wrote these words. They are still a work in process, but it was a way for me to remember this moment.

Rocking My baby

Tender moments with my baby
Sleepy eyes, belly full
Rocking left, rocking right
Swaying gently side to side
Dawn approaching, night is fading
Small companion, ever loved
Content and quiet, joy still gleaming
Even in his drifting mind
Tiny head now filled with slumber
Rest upon my shoulder now
Time though cherished, soon forgotten
of sweet, peaceful, early morn

Gratitiude

Today I am thankful for the Spirit. I went to my Stake's Relief Society Activity. They had so many great classes. I felt incredibly blessed by all those who shared their hearts and experiences with me. It made such a huge impact on my life. Who knew one morning could make such a difference.

One of the teachers introduced her lesson by saying she had been praying for all of us. Us! Her audience. Not for her self only, but for us! I must remember that one.

I should also thank sweet friends who love me and are patient with me. I know that when we share ourselves with others, all are edified. I have felt edified today. I have felt the Lord's hand in my life, pointing me in the right direction with clearer vision and brighter hope. I am so grateful to be able to use this wonderful gospel in my life every day. I am so grateful. I know the Lord loves me and is aware of me.

Creativity

I am finally there! For the longest time I have loved, loved sewing little dresses for my daughter. I have had a few clients in the last few months simply from word of mouth and I think I finally am going to do it. I am starting my own business sewing dresses. It has been so hard figuring out what my time and talent is worth to others. (weird to call it talent, but after 5 years I have developed so much of my own identity in sewing.) I know I still have so much learn. Here is Emi in a dress I made for my latest client. I had so much fun. It had layers and layers to give it that bouncy flow on skirt of the dress. I need a few pictures of this dress to showcase on my up and coming website. Which few do you like the best? Oh, I love sewing pretty things!

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Criminal

Jen dressed Adam up like a criminal so I thought I would put him in his crib and take some jailhouse photos:

Gymnastics

Emi is really loving Gymnastics. She is a really quick learner and is always tumbling around the house practicing. Here she is in all her glory: