Sunday, November 18, 2018

“Life is amazing. And then it's awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and awful it's ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That's just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it's breathtakingly beautiful.” - L.R. Knost

That was the quote that came to mind when I was journaling and looking at these ordinary days with Luke exploring Japan and a million beckoning cats.

Feeding the cat a rock. . .

My favorite picture of lately

one million cats.

I spy Luke.

always full speed ahead. . .

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Helloooo 18 months! I have been looking forward to this milestone for months now-- solely because he can officially go to nursery now and has been begging to go for weeks. You and me both, kid. Alleluia.

He is ONE AND A HALF years old! Tomorrow he will be closer to two-years old than one. Time goes so fast, I don't really want him to grow up and get bigger but I love that each new day he says a new word or does something that just surprises me and is so fun to watch.

He LOVES his cars. Whenever we leave the house he gets our shoes from the genkan and packs the diaper bag himself with as many cars as possible-- he insists on having his whole armada with him wherever he goes, yesterday he wanted me to line up his highchair with all his cars to eat with them. He pointed at each one and said "peeeze."

I always joke he has a "six sense" and can always hear and spot an airplane or helicopter before anyone and just loves following them across the sky with his finger. The other day there were lots of planes for some reason overhead at the park and we both laid down on the ground and watched them for awhile. That was one of my favorite memories lately, it's so fun to see the world through fresh eyes.

Luke loves being outside, can open the fridge now and loves helping make smoothies, he sleeps through the night, and gives the world's best cuddles and smooches. Happy "Half-Birthday" my little mess maker. I think it's time we will officially cut your hair.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Halloween 2018- Top Gun

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I just loveee dressing up and getting free candy! I love the thought and creativity in some costumes and the traditions established during the month. One of my favorite parts about being a mom is that I am responsible mostly for my children's childhood. I love that I am in charge of making those traditions and giving them memories they'll remember for the rest of their lives. I know Luke is still young and doesn't really understand Halloween, but I know one day he will look back on these photos and memories and hopefully love and laugh and his days spent as a pilot. Which is actually the perfect costume, he is obsessed with all things cars and airplane.

We celebrated halloween weekend this year walking around a little Halloween festival in Japan and doing the ward Trunk-R-Treat.

We were looking pretty 'FLY' this Halloween.

Maverick & Goose

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Miscarriage.

I only like posting the highlights and happy moments in life, but sometimes life is hard and raw. We lost a baby this week, it hurts emotionally and physically.

I will come back to this post one day and write my experience more maybe, but I can't right now. I just want to acknowledge though this little human, and gift I got to carry for just over 8 weeks.

I never truly realized how strong the bond and attachment is to the baby in the womb, even in such a short time, and the magnitude of the loss after hearing the doctor say he can't find the heartbeat.

I never knew how much love and loss you can have for a child you have never seen with earthly eyes.

I know things will be okay and make sense one day. . . I know I am not alone and get strength from the many women/families that have been through similar experiences. I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father that never leaves me comfortless, and this little angel that touched my heart forever and makes me stronger and a better mom.

"Sometimes love last a moment. Sometimes love last a lifetime. Sometimes a lifetime is a moment."

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Caden & Caitlin's Wedding

MY LITTLE BROTHER IS ALL MARRIED!! It's been a few months now, but pictures are back and I'm over here AWWWEE-ing over the big day again. So stoked for them and to have Caitlin as my sister now! I would just like to take a minute and get 100% credit for setting up these love birds too.

I actually met Caitlin in Tokyo. She was one of my very first friends in Japan and I just love her and the entire Barton family SO MUCH! When she was applying for schools, I was applying for schools for Caden (who was still on a mission then) and I told her "she should both go to BYU-Idaho and get married to my brother" (those exact words. . .) I also told her she should write Caden on his mission, and after a little more convincing she wrote him!! Then they met a few months later they both went to BYU-Idaho & GOT MARRIED. Thank you, Thank you very much. . . they are going to name the first daughter after me ;)

Their wedding day was seriously so good (besides Luke getting sick at the reception...). I think it would of been so hard to come from Japan and see my brother get married to a complete stranger, BUTTT instead it was so good being reunited with Caitlin and knowing her and her family and seeing them all together in the sealing room was the highlight of the day. SO SPECIAL.

Now a few pictures to document my historial heaven match-making abilities and these babes.