Seal-a-versary

This weekend marks the anniversary of the most important day our family has ever had...or will ever have.  On January 4, 2008 Arthur and I became a family for time, but on October 29, 2013 we were sealed as a family for eternity.

You may wonder why it has taken a year for this incredible day to be memorialized on this little online journal of mine...and to be honest, I am not exactly sure.

I think part of it was superficial.  The day "looked" very little like I had imagined it would.  Originally, I had hoped we would be able to make a trip to Utah so my grandfather, a temple sealer would be able to perform the ceremony.  I also thought being in Utah would make it possible for many members of my extended family to attend (not to mention meet my husband of nearly 6 years) and share in our special day.  However, due to scheduling issues and finances, such a trip was unrealistic.

Another issue, was that I looked different than I imagined I would...I was 7 months pregnant, after all.  And as excited as I was to have our baby girl join our family, I did wish I could remove me baby bump and have my waist back just for the day (I told you this was superficial).  White dress and tiny waist seem synonymous, right?   However, with that not being an option, for obvious reasons, my mother offered to buy me a wedding/sealing dress that would be compliment my "delicate condition."  It took me weeks to decide on the "perfect" dress, and I was so excited when I placed the order.  But attempting to order a custom dress over the phone while trying to use current measurements to predicted my measurements 3 months later proved to be less than successful.  And my excitement at the dress' arrival, quickly turned to uncontrollable tears.  My beautiful dress was unwearable without a breast reduction for my top half and maybe a pregnancy of quadruplets on the bottom (think white circus tent).

It did not get better from there.  I had pictured gorgeous soft curls pulled away from my face.  I could even see a white flower or two pinned into my golden tresses.  That dream began to die with a hair cut that left me with awkward bangs, and highlights that had to be "corrected" twice.  And then it was officially pronounced dead when my "primping" time was used getting two little boys fed, dressed, and in the car on time for the hour and 20 minute drive to the temple.  I was lucky I had time to put on some mascara.

During the time I was still living in my fairytale, I had planned on flying out one of my close friends who is an incredible photographer to document the day.  I could almost see the pictures full of [obviously staged] candid poses that I would want wall paper my house with.  Perfect shots of Arthur and me looking deeply into each other's eyes looking madly in love (if you aren't laughing yet, you haven't met us).  Sweet pictures of us with our boys, all of us looking happy and peaceful, as we glowed in the sacredness of the day.  Well, obviously, I was delusional and not just dreaming on this one, even if I had been able to get Fiona to Tennessee.  So I traded Fiona and my magazine spread ideal, for a freezing windy day, a camera no one knew how to use but me, and boys who had little interest in standing still one more second.

I know I sound like I am complaining.  And at the time, I probably was.  Between being a crazy hormonal mess and the natural let down at the end of a big event, I honestly couldn't even look through the pictures.  All I could see where the blaring differences from what I had "wanted" and I actually got.

But I think the Lord used all of it to teach me a valuable lesson.  I did get exactly what I want.  Our family is sealed together, forever, for all time and all eternity.  My amazing husband and these incredible little people, that we have been blessed to learn and grow with, can be mine...always.  No matter the endings and goodbyes we may have to face in this life, our life as a family will continue.

Through the sealing power of the priesthood, our opportunity to make and keep sacred covenants with our Father in Heaven, and ultimately because of the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, families can be forever.  Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation provides more than a way for our individual salvation, it is often called the "Plan of Happiness" because it is a way for us to return to Him as families.  There is nothing that shows His love for the children of man in a deeper way.  

So as I sit here and reflect a full year later, I know that the dress, the hair, the photos, not even the temple sealer could have made the day more special.  The way that day was wrapped, had no impact on the beauty of the gift we received.

We were blessed to have shared the day with my parents, my sister, my almost sister Laura, and some very dear friends.

Nine months young

There is no doubt that this girl is the princess of our house.  

Little Miss got her first tooth this past week.  Just the day before it popped through, I wondered aloud to Arthur, whether this girl would ever get teeth.  And then when we woke up the next morning, there it was.  She won't show it to me, though.  When we try to take a peek she will just stick her little tongue over it.  She is, however, more than happy to bite us with her little razor blade, so we have to be careful not to get our finger too close. 

The boys, of course, love to take turns having their finger chopped on (regardless of how many times I ask them to keep their fingers out of her mouth).  Scarlett bites with all her might, they dramatically howl in pain, and then everyone busts out laughing...who am I to ruin the fun?!  I wonder if they will all be laughing when she is biting them with a mouth full on teeth rather than just a tiny front bottom tooth?  Well, they can't say I didn't warn them.

This girl LOVES to laugh!  Her infectious giggle fills our days (and sometimes the middle of our nights too).  Last week she started, what I refer to as, her "big girl laugh."  Arthur thinks she is trying to mimic my laugh.  I'm not sure where she got it, but it sounds so funny coming out of her tiny little self.

Scarlett turned nine months yesterday, but she already acts like such a big girl.  She stands, waves, climbs stairs, and is dangerously close to walking.  And don't be fooled by this angelic face, the girl is fast and determined!  She will be pulling forks out of the dishwasher, half way up the stair case, or splashing in the dogs water bowl (that one is her favorite!) before you even realize she is on the move.

She amazes me every day!  I love watching her assess her surroundings, closely observe her brothers, experiment and problem solve!  She is one smart girl, and I feel that through her beautiful eyes I can watch the wheels turning and connections being made in that growing brain of hers.

Each morning, while I make breakfast she happily entertains herself in our homeschool room.  She slides out the baskets of toys from the selves to retrieve her favorite things, or crawls to the little drums and pounds on them for a few minutes.  Last week is discovered she could pull down books and craft paper too...

And to no one's surprise (at least no one who has met me or her brothers), Scarlett is a talker.  While most of it is still sweet baby babble.  More and more "real" words are emerging.  Mama was first, with Dada close behind.  "No No No!" with the accompanying head shake and "Bubye" with or without the slow and deliberate hand wave have also joined her repertoire.  Recently she has started using a clear "B" sound directed and the boys and a "M" sound for more (usually more of my ice cream).  And with Tio Lui now living with us, I am hearing lots more practice with that "L" sound.  Sometimes I can't believe how much she reminds me of Jake at his age.  

Another favorite Scarlett routine is her crawl down the hall into the boys room.  She will push open their door, crawl to the train table, stand up, play for a few minutes, and crawl back to me when she is done.  Her independent nature makes me smile and I love listening to her tiny hands slap the hard wood    with such purpose and determination.  Arthur's favorite is the one knee one skateboard technique she frequently uses.  I guess if you are going to do something, you should do it with style.

While this girl has can be fierce and independent, she is a mama's girl through and through.  But I don't mind being the center of her world because I certainly couldn't imagine mine with her.

I adore you Sweet Girl!  There are times when I wish you would nap longer than 20 minutes, and days I wish I could shower alone or cook dinner with two hands, but your brothers have already taught me how quickly you will grow.  So I will soak up this baby time.  I will run my fingers through your silky hair while you nurse, memorize the warmth of your chubby hands as you grip mine while you try to walk, relish your excitement when I walk into a room (even if I just walked out), and I will welcome every gooey open mouth kiss you ever give me.  But as much as I love you little, I am excited to watch you grow.  You are a special girl, with a special purpose and you will do amazing things.  I love you with all my heart!

Tiny Bubbles

I'm a little worried that when I turn this into the 2014 blog book, it is going to look like the Scarlett show...  But honestly, my boys do not slow down long enough for a good picture!  One of these days I will do an iphone purge of the thousands of pictures I have of them.  But for now, I hope you enjoy the bubbles and baby bum as much as I do. :-)

I try for 15 minutes to get a smile...then her brothers walk in.

Happy 6...I mean 7 months!

Scarlett turned 7 months last Sunday, and guess what I still haven't posted...her 6th month photos.  I will spare this blog another dialog about how quickly time passes (at least for today), but I will try to give a little update on our growing girl and her milestones.

1) She is seconds away from crawling...as soon as she can coordinate those chubby little knees of hers there will be no stopping her.  She wants to "go" so bad, and with each failed attempt, her frustration mounts until she is prostrate on the floor stretching her fingers out as far as they will go and crying/yelling.

2) Did I mention she is stubborn...and eager and determined and okay, maybe a little emotional (I still don't know where she gets that one :-)).  But I love her passion!  I already know she will challenge me and at times try all of my patience, but I wouldn't want her any other way!  She has a fire about her and I know she will accomplish great things.

3) Remember that "beautiful smile that will lighten up every room?"  Nothing could be more true about our baby girl.  When Scarlett smiles at you (especially if her little tongue is sticking out), you can't help smile back.  She can turn full grown men into mush...

4) She is always singing!  She just loves music.  Jake's violin practice is her favorite part of the day and if you sing a note to her she pitch matches (my dad was the one who first discovered this, and he was pretty darn proud!).

5) And of course, because she doesn't want to miss a second, she fights sleep.  But when she finally gives in (and I have gotten over the shock that she is really asleep), I could stare at her angel face for hours.

The One Women Firework Show!

I don't give her nearly enough recognition, but I have a great little sister!  And she is one AWESOME Aunt!  Robyn has always been the fun one of the two of us.  With her living only an hour away, my kids get to enjoy all the energy and life she brings.  And let me tell you, she did not disappoint this Fourth of July!  She put on a one women firework show that even the grown ups couldn't resist.  I should have gotten some pictures of her performance, but it was hard to turn the camera off of all these great expressions!

I love the combination of terror, excitement and joy all at once!

Hazel might have a little crush?

"The Faces of James"

A Beautiful Blessing for our Beautiful Girl

"I thought she was just going to give the blessing herself," joked a woman from church, as she commented on Scarlett pre-blessing performance...and I was worried she was going to cry.

Nope, there was no crying from this little girl.  Looking as precious as can be, in dress borrowed from one of our closest friends, Scarlett was all smiles and coos as Arthur took her up to the front of the chapel.  Then with my father, the Elders (Cragun and Jaros), and several members of the bishopric encircling her, Scarlett recieved her name and a blessing from Arthur as he cradled her in his arms.

Scarlett, you will not remember the words that were spoken over you on the sacred morning of your blessing.  However, I believe there will be times in your life that you will be able to draw strength and courage from the things that were said.  I am recording what I remember so you can always have them.  You are precious and I hope that this blessing, given by your earthly father from your heavenly father, will always remind you of who you really are, a beautiful daughter of God who is loved more than she could ever comprehend.  

The following will not be a direct quote.  Instead it is my best attempt to remember what was said and I did try to write the words as close to the way they were given as possible:

Scarlett you were blessed to live a long and healthy life.  Throughout that life you will develop "a knowledge...a keen knowledge of your Heavenly Father's love for you."  You will also have a "love for the the knowledge of the gospel and "you will have a deep understanding of the plan of salvation."  You will be raised in a family that "cares deeply for you and you will care for them."  "You will have a unfailing love for others and you have been "blessed with a beautiful smile that will lighten every room."

Porch of July!

I don't know what it is, but since Jake was a tiny only child, the 4th of July photo shoot has been a tradition. Maybe it is the cute red white and blue outfits that are so easy to coordinate, or maybe it is just because I love America, but either way, I can't get enough of these cute faces.  And this year, I didn't even have to leave our own front porch to get that "All American" look.  Thanks to Arthur and his little helpers for painting our chairs "farm red."  They look awesome!  I give you Porch of July (and the cutest babies I know)