Swimming!

I love swimming. It seems all of my children do too. We had a blast last night at the local swimming pool, although there is one little thing that I would change. Maybe two. First, I'd make sure that I didn't feed Corbin beans and rice the day before. Second, I'd be doubly sure that he was wearing a swim diaper that had plenty of room in it...yeah, I'll spare you the details. Enjoy the pics!

Corbin and Mommy just before we got in the kiddie pool.

Corbin's starting to warm up...

And he loves it!

Once he went onto his back he just wouldn't stop and while Corbin and Daddy were in the kiddie pool....

Chase was chillin' over at the waterslide.

He was kind enough to go down an extra time so he could wave at me for the photo, meanwhile Mia...

...was sleeping, but not the whole time...

How stinkin' cute is that!

Playin' in the kiddie pool.

And that's a wrap!

Perspectives

The casual observer probably wouldn't think much of this little video...

Where they see messy hair, I see the strong hands of a loving father bent in the delicate task of dressing his baby girl's hair in pigtails.

Where they see bubbly drool running down her chin, I see an innocent baby still needing her mommy.

Maybe they notice her pushing up on her arms and I see my little girl so close to crawling that my heart aches because I want her to stay little longer-time is taking my baby from me!

Where they hear her happy babbling I hear the sound of my daughter's voice and imagine the conversations we'll have and I can only hope that we'll have as loving and meaningful a relationship like that I share with her namesake.

Where they see bright little eyes, I see a bright spot of sunshine in my life, a gift from Heaven, a life so pure and beautiful that it enthralls all of those around her. I see her brothers wrapped around her little finger. I see my princess, Mia Lori, and I can't imagine life without her.

Random Acts of Kindness...

I'm tired. I had a fantastic weekend, full of family, friends, hiking, great food and just good old-fashioned fun. Sleep wasn't a large part of the mix. And then out of nowhere Monday morning arrives and I have to heave myself out of bed and off to work. As soon as work is over it's errands with the kids because Denver needed some study time. For me, this is absolute torture. I hate grocery shopping and when you add the kids into the mix-let's just say I'd rather have my toenails ripped out while soaking in a tub of salt water. Still, there was no avoiding it so off I went. Chase was a life-saver and stayed in the car with Mia but I really didn't think it would work to leave Corbin also and so it was just me and the little monster. Only, he wasn't a monster. He sat happily in the cart and chattered away. He waved at the lights and laughed at nothing in particular. It was cute to watch, but I wasn't really paying attention. Too much to do, too much on my mind. And then I was reminded about the beauty of this life and the people in it. A nice older gentleman approached us as I was getting some honey. He grinned at Corbin and asked if we ever had ice cream. I mumbled something about once in a while. Then, this sweet gentleman, never taking his eyes off of Corbin, hands me some money and tells me to go get us some. I tried to refuse, but he would have none of it and then he just walked away. Isn't it funny how one small act can mean so much? From that instant on, my attitude changed. I'm not tired. Groceries and kids aren't a chore, they're a huge blessing in my life. People are beautiful. And I'm happy. I know I may forget that sometimes, but never in my life have I been so bone-deep happy. So thank you, Unknown Sir, for brightening my day and reminding me to stop and look at the wondrous things in my life and remember who I am.

Now, I thought I'd post these pictures of Corbin and his ice cream. Because I did exactly as the gentleman asked and got my son some ice cream with the intent of just letting him enjoy it without worrying about the mess he might make or how tired I am or that I need to get him to bed so I can go to bed too and so on. And this is what happened when I did.

Yeah, I know, I can't plan things out the way I want them to happen. Thanks, Corbin, for the reminder.

Homesick

I miss my family. I miss them all so much I feel like my heart is bleeding. So what do I do when I don't think I can stand it anymore? I go to their blogs and stare at the pictures of them and their kids. I watch videos repeatedly with the tears running down my face. I pretend that I am there and holding and loving on all those nieces and nephews that are growing up without me. I ache. Then I get up and start taking pictures of my own children so that maybe, if only for a moment, my family can feel close to us, too. And so here we are, in this beautiful state of Oregon, hundreds of miles from our family and Utah friends, missing and loving and thinking of all of you. Love, us.