Friday, September 28, 2018

Oh Sweet September!


9.27.18 Today I retired Luke's sandals. . .  It is getting too cold outside to wear them & they won't fit him next season. So, maybe time for some new Nike Jordans?! It's kinda bittersweet though thinking about it and the season changing and just change in general. I decided to officially stop nursing Luke a couple weeks ago which is sooo nice, but also soo sad! It's funny how things work like that. This month has felt a lot like that . . .  We returned home to Japan, which is soo nice to be back with Riley and in a good routine again, but soo sad leaving America and the comforts of life and family there. Also, Riley applied for a manager job at Nike Japan and got it, which is way sweet and great career move but also means that we will be staying in Tokyo longer than originally planned which is also hard. 

This month we have officially hit our 2 year mark of living international! That was my "goal" and it's seriously been such an awesome experience, if someone said we could move back tomorrow I don't think I could/would want too. I just love our little life here and not ready yet, but at the same time I don't exactly want to do another 2 more years. . . 

I heard a quote I sometimes think about that resonates right now as I reflect but also anticipate the coming months:

"If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present." 
-Lao Tzu


I just love that so much! So instead of worrying about Riley's increased workload and everything else, or being sad Luke is no longer a little baby or family is so far away.  I choose to just enjoy everything I have right now. The crisp air, changing leaves, the sunlight coming through the window and echo of children laughing outside, my keyboard typing away so rhythmically and Luke playing semi-quietly next to me organizing a few tortilla chips in his toy train and saying "choo choo" while occasionally looking at me for approval with a big grin. It's been a very sweet september.  

Now here is 5 versions of the same photo because, indecisiveness :)


 Because I wanna remember your blonde locks forever.





Model Memories

Just a post documenting some fun experiences in Japan. The Fall/Winter catalog just came out for a clothing company in Japan named "Ships" which Luke got to model for a few months ago. He was literally so fussy the entire shoot, It's amazing they got a couple pictures that turned out alright.


Also, I had a kinda fun/interesting experience too!  I was contacted on instagram by a Japanese photographer and was asked to model for the company "Mytle et Olive" (a traveling florist that is featured in Martha Stewart and stuff). It was a fun evening and made some friends. I decided not to really share the images here though because I feel silly, but want to remember this experience and feeling pretty.  Here is one of the film shots though that I thought was cool and artsy.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Thoughts on Fasting


9.26.18
It is officially the first week of FALL! I'm so excited for these next couple months, but dreading the cold and winter. Today when I was reading scriptures I came across a verse in the Book of Mormon I never noticed before and just loved.

It is located in Alma, after a big battle when the armies of Captain Moroni return to their home and families. The thing that struck me is their gratitude. In fact, they FAST as a sincere means of expressing thanks.

"Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy." (Alma 45:1)

I loved the words joy and fasting together and the purpose of their fast.

Also, in Doctrine and Covenants section 59: 13 it says:

"Verily this is fasting and prayer, or in other words rejoicing and prayer."

I think my entire life, I have pretty much always associated fasting with pain and headaches and discomfort. Ask my husband, fasting is super hard for me and always done pretty lackadaisical.  I have always been so focused on myself and my stomach or potential bad breath that I haven't found the true joy and blessings that comes through fasting. Also, I have never fasted just because I am thankful it's always been for desired blessings and help. But-- I have soo many blessings and so much to be grateful for. It was a good scripture and lesson for me because fasting can be a sincere way to say thanks and expression of love for God and all he does for us.

I still don't think fasting is fun or easy, but it is commanded each month because it literally brings us closer to God. There are rewards that go way beyond just the relief when it's finally over. It's so easy to let the stomach control thoughts and just to go through the motions but I think as we persevere and continue and pray for understanding and patience and recognize our many blessings we are FILLED.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Backyard Bliss


Lots of evenings and days we spent playing in the backyard this summer in Idaho. As I watched my son play with his cousins on the same swing-set I played on, and then saw him play ring-around-the-rosey on the same tramp they got on my birthday when I was a little girl I got goosebumps.

I saw my little hands saved in the cement on the patio. I reminisced on the hundreds of memories made just outside the back door of the house (sleepovers on the tramp, pretend photoshoots, outdoor movies, running through sprinklers, "rocket," an epic paint fight with kenz, lacrosse practice, millions of bbqs . . . I could pretty much go on forever) So many simple, perfect memories.

Today, I feel like there is so much emphasis on "traveling and seeing the world". . . but now, living abroad, and looking at these simple moments of us in the backyard I think you don't need to travel very far to create some of the very best memories.




















 The favorite game of relocated firepit rocks. . . 

 Catching a little bunny in the backyard, saved by Papa Bubbles from a neighbor's cat 
 This picture was taken on our first day in America. Luke had just walked on the grass for the first time (because there isn't grass in the city) and HATED it. It was so funny!

Boating Summer '18


Boating at Lucky Peak is literally my happy place! It is so good. When I’m traveling from Japan and on the airplane with Luke and just two hours in and don’t think I can handle a single minute more (it seriously feels like torture, but still have HOURS left. . . ) I picture my family on the boat and glassy perfect water and I tell myself it’s worth it, and it always is!! This summer was no exception. My parents got a new boat this season and it’s pretty epic. We were able to go quite a bit, never enough though haha! Luke surfed for the first time with Uncle Caden (because I dont trust myself or anyone else) Super grateful for my parents and these fun memories at Lucky Peak. Feeling especially lucky that I was able to enjoy some boating this summer :) 

















 Luke loved the water!