musings on 2009

In lieu of a rambling list of half-kept resolutions, I have decided this year to incorporate a theme of sorts that can become my mantra for 2009. Thanks, Elise, for inspiring this brilliant idea.

My "theme" this year stems from a talk that President Monson gave in his most recent address. He spoke of finding joy in the present, day-to-day occurrances; joy in the "little things." I reread this talk about a week after Caroline was born, and I remember vividly the events of the subsequent night: Nate was working the night float that week, and my mom was asleep in the basement (so that at least ONE of us could be rested!) In the course of that particular evening, Caroline was up two or three times and a little fussy, Jack wet his bed and was sad, and Grant had a couple of bad dreams and was frantically in and out of my bed. But, somehow through the course of that night, the words from President Monson's talk floated around in my head: "Enjoy those sleepless nights, those piles of laundry, because they won't be there forever, and will be sorely missed." I thought to myself, "Well, at least I am extremely popular this evening! Three sweet little people certainly are vying for my attention and love!" And the thought made a potentially twilight-zone kind of experience one that I will now treasure.

So. As 2009 begins, I want to focus on "finding joy... now." I know I can incorporate this into every aspect of my life. Obviously, finding joy in putting my little people first, and enjoying each day with them, will be my main focus. But also, finding joy in lung-searing, gut-wrenching exercise as I work towards specific fitness goals and races. Finding joy in witnessing my students' progress and love of music grow, and finding joy in knowing that there are times and seasons for everything, even if now is not the season to be focusing on my own performing. Finding joy in the time I have with Nate, even if it is limited, and making the most of our time together. Finding joy in the changing of seasons. Finding joy in the company of great friends.

You get the picture. Wish me luck! I look forward to a more optimistic outlook, and the promise of a bright 2009...

it's time

I was at a Farmer's Market today and I noticed an Amish girl on break from the bread and produce stand that she and her family operates. She was sitting at a table, busily texting on her phone!

I think it's time I start learning the fine art of texting. I feel rather behind the times. My one question is:

how does she charge her phone??????

(I mean no disrespect to the Amish faith, of course. Just a little curious...)

Her Highness ... presented by Katie Dudley Photography

And here is our new favorite little girl in High Quality...

For your (and our) viewing pleasure.

You can enjoy the movie link for a slideshow.




Be sure to visit the website of Katie Dudley, photographer extraordinare, the artist behind these masterpieces! What incredible work!

Visit her website here:

www.kdphotography.org

sweetest days...

Caroline's almost three weeks old! Here are a few pictures for those interested fans, and an assortment of random snapshots of recent events. What a sweetheart little miss Caroline is! I managed to make it through that first week of nursing trauma (I seem to always have a hard time managing the watermelon tumors that remarkably and profoundly erupt on day 3, and cause me emotional grief every time!) Our "quest for rest" is going well... for the most part, Caroline is waking only once a night. The boys are loving holding and bathing her, and Grant is on a mission to teach her the names of poisonous reptiles. As for Jack, he informed me last night that I am a woman. Oh? "Yeah mom, you're a woman now. You used to be a whale, but now you're a woman." Hhhhmmm.

Grant enjoying his hand-picked 6 year old birthday meal of kosher beef dawgs, chips, and pears. word.

Nate was jealous of Jenny for the past nine months. He was particularly tired of her telling him, "you don't know what it's like," and "you men...you'll never understand." So, he stuffed Caroline into the Baby Bjorn and zipped up the vest for a nice warm winter's walk. Hmmph. What's all the fuss about...

Caroline's Thanksgiving outfit. (yes, you can have a special outfit for anything these days...you should see her Tuesday Morning Outfit...wow, it's a looker)

Burp. he he. Burp. ahhh. he he. um. excuse me.

I think I can feel the stuffing in the back of my throat. How am I going to make room for the pie, and that extra pack of fruit snacks that I know my Mom keeps in her purse.

gratitude, verbatim

In light of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, our family took turns and penned a list of things we're grateful for. As usual, no editing or censoring has occurred.

1. Baby Caroline
2. The bed I sleep in
3. Coming home from work
4. Jesus
5. My family
6. Food
7. The gospel
8. My children
9. My food
10. All my friends
11. Grandparents
12. Warm house
13. Water
14. The creatures on earth
15. My wife
16. Tender mercies of the past week
17. Juice Boxes
18. Our eyes
19. My mission
20. Beautiful music
21. Lights
22. The sun
23. My girls
24. The prophet
25. Our house
26. The earth
27. The temple
28. My sweetheart, Nate
29. Tables
30. Our brains
31. School
32. Caroline's health
33. Caroline's swing
34. The toilet
35. Christmas
36. That we live in America
37. GA GA GOO GOO (thanks, Jack)
38. Oxygen
39. Family Home Evening
40. Others' help
41. Clothes
42. Clocks.

We're grateful for all of you. Happy Thanksgiving. We are so filled with gratitude at this magical time with a tiny newborn in our house. There's nothing like it!

Announcing my arrival....

well folks, this is Nate, it's official....

she decided to join us...

Caroline Grace Richards
11/12/08 at 12:51 pm
8 lbs. 8.6 oz
21 3/4 inches

priceless...you can see a slideshow of today's pictures at the right of your screen. feel free to click the link to see better.

more to come, but for now, i'm off to bed.

Halloweenin'

Halloween, for us, is more of a season than a holiday. Our festivities began with our annual "Hayride to the Witches House" at Linvilla Orchards. We went with Dan and Hailey and Preston the Great, and are bummed that we don't have a picture with them...
The ward party and trunk-or-treat, always a hit

Jack, aka Darth Vader, making his preschool class debut

He took himself VERY seriously

Grant, aka Swamp Monster, enjoying his class party. I was able to help out as one of the homeroom moms... what an entertaining event!

Marching along at the school Halloween Parade

And, the trick-o-treating itself. Our good friends the Dudleys had us over for the world's best manicotti ever. I was flying solo because Nate was working nights, but I hauled my big self around two neighborhoods and we had a great time.

Hope everyone had a great one! By the way, I'm dilated to a 3 and fully effaced, as of Monday. Let's get this girl out!!!