Today's thoughts...

I am in Tucson. 2 weeks ago my sweet and incredible uncle Mike died while vacationing in Lima, Peru with his wife. Without going into a ton of detail, he died in the night of an enlarged heart. It took too long to get him home. It was traumatic for all involved. While I have been down here with all of his kids, 8 of them to be exact, I have been reflecting on a lot of things. 

First, it was the first time in a long time that I have been with my mom, dad and sister together. I have seen them all seperately, but it's been a very long time since we have all been under the same roof. It was wonderful. I miss them. 

Second, it has been way too long since I have seen my cousins and it was good to see all of them and where their lives have taken them. They are amazing people! 

Third, I'm grateful for my savior Jesus Christ who is the perfect example for me. I found myself during this week thanking my Heavenly Father for all that I am and all that I have. Most important, my family. I miss my kiddos and my hubby. But it was good to see the rest of my family and spend incredible moments with them reflecting on the life of my uncle. He truly was an incredible man. I am grateful for the knowledge of the atonement and of eternal families. I know for a fact, this life is not the end. We will be together again and I am so grateful for that knowledge. 

Uncle Mike has a Purple Heart from his service in the Vietnam war. We just learned not too long ago that he was a sniper there. I could go on all day with stories about him. 

We launched beautiful floating laterns, think Tangled, in his memory. We all stood on a beautiful patio overlooking amazing mountains and watched them drift into heaven. It was perfect. 

He was brave. He was strong and a true disciple of Christ. Thank you Uncle Mike for all of the memories. Rest in Peace.

Braces...

Someone is getting braces today. And they won't come off until she is in junior high. Needless to say, I'm a little freaked out. Kind of wondering where the time went and how on earth do I have a kid old enough for braces! 

NYC...

Mara and I are on our way to NYC to meet up with my mom, aka gramma Cindy. Can't wait for this very much needed time with my sweet Mara. 

Huge thanks to my sweet hubby for holding  the fort down! 

The little things...

When you're a mom, sometimes it's the little things that keep you going. Alone time with my mormon coffee (aka Pero with Girl Scout cookie coffeemate!) and The Avengers while the kids are out playing. It will end soon, so I'm soaking as much RD Jr in as much as I can! 😊

And... It's over! Let the chaos commence.

This weekend...

This weekend has given me so many different emotions along with so many experiences. I won't got into detail of the bad times that I experienced this week, because truly I am still trying to figure all of that out. I will however, talk about last night. Saturday. 

Weeks ago when I was in relief society, they announced that the upcoming Women's General Reilef Society meeting would included all girls and women ages 8 and up. At first I didn't think much of it, but as the weeks went on I started thinking about how that day could be a time where I could be with my daughter Mara at a very historic event in our church.  I never really thought about it before because my girls were going to have to be 18 before we could attend that meeting together. 

What a meeting it was! Best women's conference I have ever been too/ seen. Sister Wixoms talk was incredible and it's inclusion of the young girls brought tears to my eyes and happiness and peace to my soul. Mara took 6 pages of notes in her journal and seemed to be soaking it all in. Looking at my notes and then looking at me smiling. Messages of love, examples, becoming a better person, etc.  I watched the young girls that I was surrounded by and saw in their faces love for their mothers, sisters, grandmothers and friends. That moment hit me like a ton of bricks. What an incredible time to be a part of our Savior's church. To look down at my side and see my daughter writing as quickly as possible so that she could cling to all that was said. The peace and love that I have for her and my family came over sweeping over me in a way that I had never experienced and did not expect. This night will be one that I will remember forever. A small gift from my Heavenly Father during a time when I truly needed it the most. The eternal perspective. The love of my family and the hope for the future. I love my church. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Grateful for the amazing women that are examples to me of love and friendship. Grateful to live in a time where I can be sealed to my family and keep them with me forever. Grateful to have the temple so close to my home. I'm just plain grateful and am almost giddy with excitement of the upcoming general conference. My heart is truly full. 

And then last but not least, grateful that we got to laugh all night long with dear friends and devoured yummy chocolate cazookies! 

My first game...

My William is completely obsessed with soccer. Very specifically international soccer. He knows names of players, their teams, jerseys, colors, shoes... You name it, he knows it all.  He thinks Lionel Messi is the most amazing person and truth be told, in the soccer world, he is. Every day I have to peel Williams Messi jersey and shoes from his body. They may soon walk on their own he wears them so much. I have to admit that his obsession has become a family affair. We all watch them. All of them.

I LOVE watching the games. I do. They are thrilling and just enough out of control to get your heart racing and yelling at the screen. 

So, Brandon got William season tickets to RSL for Christmas. He was so excited he could hardly contain his little self. Asking daily when the schedule would be posted. When time came for the game, he asked if I would go with him! Ummmm... YES please! So on Saturday, I attended my first MLS game. Can I just say, I loved it! I had so much fun with my little man! I love his enthusiasm and love for the game! I love being with him and having one on one time. I love the game and singing and hanging constantly. So, my first game will not be my last! I am hooked... To both my son and his love for soccer. 

A little note...

A little note can mean so much, especially when you think you aren't a very good at this mom thing.

Love you, Mara!