#PaintingforRefugees17

Saturday we drove up to CSI in Twin Falls and presented boxes full of paintings. Painting for Refugees art drive has been a project I have been working on with a few close friends since August. Hours went into planning, marketing, and Skype meetings. 

I remember dreaming of hosting an art drive and frantically writing ideas as they came on paper. Desperately wanting to help refugees in a way that was close to my heart, through art. Working up courage, I reached out to a coordinator in Twin Falls and presented this idea. Her prompt reply and story of refugees using sticky notes from a local bank to add color to white walls fueled my little flame.  

I cannot imagine being a Refugee, away from familiar comforts and possibly divided from loved ones. I wanted to help. Knew I needed to help. Our mission throughout this drive was to welcome and uplift refugees through art, one painting at a time.

The Red Brick Retreat

Everything is mostly unpacked.

Boxes clasped in the garage,

the Christmas tree is up

and the holiday music on.

Months ago when we decided to stay in Idaho this Christmas,

Spencer wanted to rent out a house as a little get away.

Now here we are 

in what I call the Red Brick Retreat. 

Huge thank you to my mother in-law

who made this temporary transition 1000 times easier.

Its starting to feel and look like Christmas everyday.

  

#LightTheWorld

I remember driving home from the hospital 

late at night after visiting Spencer.

The agony at having to leave him, exhaustion and guilt seemed to consume me.

After weeks of pain and confusion, Spencer had been admitted into the ER for surgery.

Hot tears making their now familiar way down my face 

I silently plead, 

"I can't. I can't. Where have you been?" 

In that moment a thought entered my mind, warm and familiar

"I am here." 

The image of my sister showing up to watching my girls, hair wet and uncombed from the shower, flashed through my remembrance. My brother in the ER to administer a blessing, the dinners brought to my home, a neighbor stopping by to clean dishes, countless calls and messages from friends and family. 

I was not alone, and I never had been.

My burdens have been made light through Christ my Savoir. He works through others. The Lord will always send me reminders, messages and encouragement.

Its up to me to recognize it. 

Then be that person for someone else. 

Day 4:
"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
-Matthew 22:39

Dreaming of Yellowstone

  Friday morning started off 

 peaceful and quiet.

Too quite.

I was just a couple seconds too slow 

as I saw Miss Finnley chop off her pony tail.

We laughed.. and then cried as I carried 

her soft brown hair to the trash. 

A nap time and a couple of snips later 

we were feeling fresh and spunky.

 

The next day, Saturday.

I LOVE Saturdays.

Off the Yellowstone where we shared

fresh air

warm apple cidar

breathtaking views

and an excitement to explore.

Halloween 2017

Some of the things I love about Halloween this year:

watching Spencer gut and carve pumpkins

Pumpkin Cinnamon rolls

Cool crisp air and puffy jakets

Monster mash and thriller

Practicing letters with Finnley

Bubble Guppies- Spooky House Party

Surprise lunch date with Spencer

Dressing my kids up in their costumes

Meeting up with the Whitlock family to trick off the streets at Seasons Medical

Eating chili and corn bread with friends

Meeting Kalebs girl friend?!

Hearing Finnley say 'Trick or Treat' in her sweetest voice

Babies bedtime

Eating Finnleys candy

Hiding her candy

Snuggling Spencer under a warm blanket and

 watching the new Pirate of the Caribbean movie 

Lets do that again. 

Beautiful Balloons

I thought I liked balloons.

They are light, bouncy and remind me of parties. 

Going to the Teton Valley Hot Air Balloon festival

has been on my "To Do" list for almost a YEAR.

Saturday Morning the alarm started beeping at 4am.

By 5:15 the car was loaded,

the babies buckled in with warm blankets

and the head lights on.

  

That morning we watched 12 balloons

peacefully drift into the deep blue sky.

Finnley pointed out each balloon,

over and over.

Concerned we would miss them.

I enjoyed every minute.

Bright whimsical colors.

Cool crisp air. 

Even the sticky little fingers 

from sharing a juicy orange.

Winks

Last Friday was family date night

Spencer loaded up the girls in the stroller as I made PB&J's 

gathered the towels and swim diapers.

The splash pad is Finnleys favorite place in Rexburg!

she was soaked within 2 seconds.

Nothing is better than the water slide.

My favorite part was catching winks from my honey.

209 Days

Thanks to

A vision board

some planning 

and babysitters (thanks Mom)

WE ARE GOING ON A CRUISE! 

209 Days

Almost old enough

This weekend we went fishing

with both girls

This is how I thought it would go...

But this is how it actually went..

(untangling my pole)

 This is a good one too..

Collecting memories galore in East Idaho! 

Silver lining for the trip:

1. My novio caught a fish!

2. milkshakes on the way home  

When Life gives you Lemons, Remember This

Lemon Preserves

The lemon is cut, smothered with salt

then smashed into a jar

covered with more salt 

then left  in a dark place

for months

Once it is ready

and the lid has been opened

The salt will block your tongue from tasting 

the sour

 It is still there

but all you taste

 is the lemon

When in your personal brine

hurting and 

feeling alone

the Lord acts like the salt

 blocking the sour and pain

It is still there

but you are strengthened  

and suddenly you are able to bare it.

 "..the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease. "Mosiah 24:15

Almost 5 years

I cant help noticing the tingling in my toes

 and butterflies in my stomach 

when I think about 

Mesa Falls

Saturday we took the girls

to the exact spot my novio proposed

 five years ago

I cherish the little memories of that night;

sounds of the water rushing

the cool night air

the warmth of his hand wrapped around mine

and my pounding heart

Everything is better

with him

Mothers Day

All through

Elementary, middle, and high school

I have received heartfelt notes from my Mom.

Always tenderly set on my pillow,

eagerly waiting to be read.

In every single note

I would often read,

"I love being your mother".

I have always known that my mother

 loved being a Mom.

She loved being MY Mom. 

Now I am a Mother

and I wonder, 

do I love it?

Catching Finnley leaning over to kiss Aven.

Feeling the weight of her sleeping body, as I carry her to bed.

The way she says "Mommy".

Aven's little arms and legs kicking as I prepare her food.

The way her fluffy hair blows in the wind.

How she silently watches the world around her. 

Catching these little tender moments,

bring tears of joy to my eyes.

Knowing that my Mother 

loved being a Mom 

Made a difference,

because she chose to be with me.

Now I want my girls to know,

I choose them.

Because I love being their Mom.

Just Aven

I love all of you

Those chunky legs

with countless rolls

fluffy hair and ten tiny toes

I love all of you

your toothless smile

with constant coos

blue eyes and little button nose

Cinco De Mayo

Tacos with the Millers,

and the traditional Cinco De Mayo Dance.

Every Cinco De Mayo 

since Finnley was born, she has been dancing to traditional

hispanic music with my novio.

This year we were happy to add little Avie to the family tradition.

The sound of music and laughter filled our home.

We had a real party. 

A prompting

Leaving the apartment takes an absurd about of time.

including  multiple trips up and down the stairs.

Yesterday, determined to only make one trip

 I had both arms full:

three jackets

two bags

one HEAVY car seat 

a handful of snacks

and a toddler already racing down the stairs

A gentle thought whispered,

Grab the Ensign.  

Frustrated I took everything down to the car.

Buckled both kids in,

then ran back up the stairs to find the magazine.

After a long morning playing, I pull into our complex

look over my shoulder

to a miracle. 

Both  of them, OUT!

“Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.” —Doctrine and Covenants 8:2

She is my helper

Mornings are my favorite

I love the warm morning snuggles with my novio,

the cool brisk air

and the peace that comes after reading the Book of Mormon.

Next is the breakfast rush, goodbye kisses and working out.

This morning I had a plus one for my workout.

Sometimes she gets a little distracted. 

Jacob 7:14 "... And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine."

My little reminder

We spent Earth day at the Zoo.

 Spencer's brother, mom and Grandma came with us.

We had a blast.

We have decided to enjoy nature more.

I get so caught up in the everyday,

I forget to look out my window.

As I marveled at the animals,

I felt a sense of peace and calm. 

This world is so big, and beautiful.

I have always had a feeling in my heart

softly telling me,

 gently reminding me that

the beauty of the earth

is Gods way of saying

 he loves me

and wants me to be happy.

Plus

Few things in life are as romantic as

pushing a double stroller with my Novio