When we left for law school, my mom gave Grant the advice to take his "elephant" of a task ahead of him one bite at a time. So bite by bite, he's chomped away at his elephant. Well, that' elephant's now half-way gone! Grant has completed the first year and a half of his three years of school. Man are we glad to have swallowed all those big bites. Hope the rest goes down easily!
Half an elephant . . .
When we left for law school, my mom gave Grant the advice to take his "elephant" of a task ahead of him one bite at a time. So bite by bite, he's chomped away at his elephant. Well, that' elephant's now half-way gone! Grant has completed the first year and a half of his three years of school. Man are we glad to have swallowed all those big bites. Hope the rest goes down easily!
Disco Dancin' Dickinson Elves
These "Elf Yourself" movies made me laugh until I cried! So here's a little disco dancin' from our house to yours.
Comings and Goings
Our life over the past few weeks can best be summarized by one of my favorite quotes from Charles' Dickens' A Christmas Carol: "Life is full of comings and goings. That is the way of it." We've been experiencing both comings and goings in our family lately, along with the emotions, joyous and difficult, that come with each.
A couple weeks ago we learned that Grant's family will welcome a new brother-in-law in 2009 when his sister called and told us she's engaged. We are thrilled for Melissa and Justin and are so happy for them and the choices they've made. We look forward to getting to know Justin better and especially for their wedding in May.
Another of the joyous "comings" in our family this next year will be the arrival of my sister Mary's baby in March. I got to see Mary briefly before she flew out to spend time with her husband's family in Cincinnati for the holidays. Her tummy is beautifully round, she's glowing, and she and Louie could not be more visibly happy to welcome baby "Raffi" (his/her nickname for the time being since they're not going to find out the gender) into their home. They will be extraordinary parents, and it is a joyous thing to feel the excitement of awaiting a new little family member.
And as for the goings, we are saying goodbye, at least for a while, to Grant's grandmother this weekend. She passed away Tuesday evening after suffering from some serious strokes over the past couple weeks. Her health has been deteriorating over the last several months, and even when they came to visit this past summer, Grandma Moore was not quite her same old cheerful, boisterous self. Grant said the other night that he will miss her laugh most. She was (and is!) such a fun, kind woman, and we're glad she gets to be healthy and happy again and reunited with loved ones. Still, the "goings" are always hard for those of us left here.
Times like these make us all the more grateful to have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives to help us know that the "goings" are just temporary. In fact, I think Grant's typical goodbye he gives to me when leaves to go to school or work or hangs up the phone -- "Bye for now" -- might be the most appropriate thing he could say to bid farewell to his grandma. Because fortunately, we know it is just for now and that we'll see her again.
And thanks to the knowledge we do have, which allows us to know that there is life before and after death, and that family relationships perpetuate beyond the grave, it's interesting to consider that the "goings" here are "comings" there, and vice versa.
"Life is full of comings and goings. That is the way of it."
A couple weeks ago we learned that Grant's family will welcome a new brother-in-law in 2009 when his sister called and told us she's engaged. We are thrilled for Melissa and Justin and are so happy for them and the choices they've made. We look forward to getting to know Justin better and especially for their wedding in May.
Another of the joyous "comings" in our family this next year will be the arrival of my sister Mary's baby in March. I got to see Mary briefly before she flew out to spend time with her husband's family in Cincinnati for the holidays. Her tummy is beautifully round, she's glowing, and she and Louie could not be more visibly happy to welcome baby "Raffi" (his/her nickname for the time being since they're not going to find out the gender) into their home. They will be extraordinary parents, and it is a joyous thing to feel the excitement of awaiting a new little family member.
And as for the goings, we are saying goodbye, at least for a while, to Grant's grandmother this weekend. She passed away Tuesday evening after suffering from some serious strokes over the past couple weeks. Her health has been deteriorating over the last several months, and even when they came to visit this past summer, Grandma Moore was not quite her same old cheerful, boisterous self. Grant said the other night that he will miss her laugh most. She was (and is!) such a fun, kind woman, and we're glad she gets to be healthy and happy again and reunited with loved ones. Still, the "goings" are always hard for those of us left here.
Times like these make us all the more grateful to have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives to help us know that the "goings" are just temporary. In fact, I think Grant's typical goodbye he gives to me when leaves to go to school or work or hangs up the phone -- "Bye for now" -- might be the most appropriate thing he could say to bid farewell to his grandma. Because fortunately, we know it is just for now and that we'll see her again.
And thanks to the knowledge we do have, which allows us to know that there is life before and after death, and that family relationships perpetuate beyond the grave, it's interesting to consider that the "goings" here are "comings" there, and vice versa.
"Life is full of comings and goings. That is the way of it."
White Christmas Wisdom
Grant and I discovered a great "new" classic holiday movie -- White Christmas with Bing Crosby. It's new to us only because we've never watched it before, which surprises me because it's one of Grant's mom's favorites. I have to admit, I was expecting a pretty stale "old" movie, but it's really very fun. The dialog was surprisingly witty and humorous, the storyline pretty interesting, and the music was a mixture of super cheesy and wonderful. But even that wasn't too much of a distraction, because with Bing Crosby singing, almost anything sounds fantastic.
My favorite part (so far, anyway -- we haven't quite finished it yet -- it's a long one!) was the song "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," which I've never heard before but just loved. It was a "warm fuzzy" moment for me as I listened to the words and wished I'd grown up knowing that song. I plan to add it to my lullaby repertoire and might even have a vinyl lettering board made up with some of the words to hang over my bed (seriously -- that good!). So here are the lyrics:
My favorite part (so far, anyway -- we haven't quite finished it yet -- it's a long one!) was the song "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," which I've never heard before but just loved. It was a "warm fuzzy" moment for me as I listened to the words and wished I'd grown up knowing that song. I plan to add it to my lullaby repertoire and might even have a vinyl lettering board made up with some of the words to hang over my bed (seriously -- that good!). So here are the lyrics:
“Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep” from White Christmas
I count my blessings instead of sheep,
And I fall asleep counting my blessings.
When my bankroll is getting small,
I think of when I had none at all,
and I fall asleep counting my blessings.
I think about a nursery,
And I picture curly heads,
And one by one I count them
As they slumber in their beds.
If you're worried and you can’t sleep,
Just count your blessings instead of sheep,
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.
If I'm worried and I can’t sleep,
I count my blessings instead of sheep,
And I fall asleep counting my blessings.
If you’re worried and you can't sleep,
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.
Mother-Son Double Date!
As soon as I discovered that my little boy was a pasta lover, I knew that we had many mommy-son dates to Olive Garden ahead of us! We got to enjoy the first of many such dates today, and not only that, but we got to "double" with our good friends Mary and her son Morgen! Mary's due in just a little over a month and will soon have her hands full with two little boys, so Eliot and I squeezed a quick trip to Portland into our week of trip preparations. We're so glad we did! Mary and I were so proud of our handsome little "dates." They behaved well, ate everything on their plates (and then some!) -- the perfect gentlemen! We hope this will be the first of many such dates . . . even if we have to grab it "to go" and eat at one of our apartments (which we almost did today!).
Mary and her "date" Morgen, and me with my date Eliot,
who looks a little worn out from the big event!
Me and handsome Eliot after our wonderful meal -- a shared plate of
lasagna, yummy bread sticks, and salad
(thanks, Eliot, for eating Mommy's tomatoes!).
Our bibbed boys! I love this picture of Eliot admiring Morgen and his
chocolaty face (after eating both of the mommies' after-dinner Andes
mints!). That's okay, Morgen, I definitely understand that when it
comes to anything mint-chocolate, there's no such thing as enough!
Mary and her "date" Morgen, and me with my date Eliot,who looks a little worn out from the big event!
Me and handsome Eliot after our wonderful meal -- a shared plate oflasagna, yummy bread sticks, and salad
(thanks, Eliot, for eating Mommy's tomatoes!).
Our bibbed boys! I love this picture of Eliot admiring Morgen and hischocolaty face (after eating both of the mommies' after-dinner Andes
mints!). That's okay, Morgen, I definitely understand that when it
comes to anything mint-chocolate, there's no such thing as enough!
Need something to make you smile?
Second only to my video of Eliot unloading the dryer, this is one of my favorites that can make me smile no matter how many times I watch it. Don't worry, be happy!
O Tannenbaum
I could see myself becoming a tree snob. Ever since we decided to come to Oregon for law school, I knew that at least once I wanted to get a fresh Christmas tree and preferably go cut one down ourselves. Well, my wish came true this last weekend when we went with my mom and dad and got a beautiful fresh tree, the first I've had in years. It's just perfect -- full and green, and the smell -- that smell!! -- is the best part of all. Except maybe the price -- $24 for a six-foot tree! I'm not a tree connoisseur, but my dad assured me that the same tree would cost well over $100 in Utah. And, they let us gather all the bows we wanted. So we decked our halls, set up our tree, and have a house that smells like Christmas! Even though we'll only have it for a couple weeks, it was worth every penny to have the scent, a gorgeous tree to gaze at, and to have the memory of picking out a live tree with our little family!
A view of the tree farm where we found our tree. The weather might not have felt Christmasy since it was sunny and gorgeous, but one whiff of those trees took my right back to every Christmas of my childhood!
My mom and dad were in town for Thanksgiving and got to join in the fun of picking out a fresh tree with us. Dad, who that very morning had tried to talk me out of my "impractical" idea, ended up being one of the most excited ones!
Our little family -- the proud owners of a beautiful six-foot Noble Fir.
Our hand-picked, wonderfully fragrant tree, all set to go with lights, ornaments, a brand new tree skirt (love Costco!).
The family photo in front of the tree. Only took 12 takes to get a good one.
A view of the tree farm where we found our tree. The weather might not have felt Christmasy since it was sunny and gorgeous, but one whiff of those trees took my right back to every Christmas of my childhood!
My mom and dad were in town for Thanksgiving and got to join in the fun of picking out a fresh tree with us. Dad, who that very morning had tried to talk me out of my "impractical" idea, ended up being one of the most excited ones! 
Our little family -- the proud owners of a beautiful six-foot Noble Fir.
Our hand-picked, wonderfully fragrant tree, all set to go with lights, ornaments, a brand new tree skirt (love Costco!). 
The family photo in front of the tree. Only took 12 takes to get a good one.
Highly Recommended
It's always fun to try a new restaurant (Who am I kidding, it's just fun to go out to a restaurant these days!). But it's especially fun when you get to go somewhere really nice for a special occasion. Thanks to a good friend's recommendation, Grant and I stumbled upon an amazing place here in Salem where we were able to enjoy a very memorable anniversary dinner. The place is Amadeus Cafe, and I never would have found it on my own. It's on the main floor of an office building (different, huh), but is absolutely gorgeous, as you'll see in the pictures on their website. The food was also very, very good. A little more on the spendy side, but just right for a special occasion.
What I Want Out of Life
One of my heroes is Sister Marjorie Hinckley, the late wife of former President Gordon B. Hinckley of the LDS Church, who also passed away this last year. From all that I observed and have read about Sister Hinckley, she was sincere, warm, humorous, didn't take herself too seriously, gentle, patient, and REAL. She was a dear friend of my mom's mom and is remembered in my family as someone who was thoughtful enough to call my Nana every time general conference rolled around, because she knew my Nana would be missing my Papa at that time (my Papa spent most of his life in service to five of the prophets of the Church as their personal secretary). Some of my favorite words to live by were penned by Sister Hinckley. If I can become the kind of person who does the things she mentions, I think I'll be in good shape (and hopefully in the company of good people like her) when all is said and done. See if these words don't light a desire in you to be a better person as they do for me. Enjoy:
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenck's lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
~Marjorie Pay Hinckley
November 23, 1911 - April 6, 2004
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenck's lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."
~Marjorie Pay Hinckley
November 23, 1911 - April 6, 2004
This Time 6 Years Ago . . .
Grant and I were just leaving the temple after being sealed. It was a beautiful day, and it's been a beautiful life since.
'Tis the Season to be Voting
Just because the official November 4th elections are over, don't think you're done voting yet! Probably one of the most important votes you'll cast this year: College Football Coach of the Year!
I was just looking over an e-mail sent to me by the BYU alumni association, and saw a link that will allow you to vote for Bronco Mendenhall (or whomever you choose...). Right now Bronco's ranked #4 in fan votes for Division 1A ball. Here's the link if you're interested in raising his stats. Before you click (sorry it I'm too late), I should tell you I had a little trouble seeing where to vote right off, so let me save you the trouble and tell you to click on the "Vote Now" link in the middle of the black section right under the leader board.
It's not my business to sway your vote, but I've gotta say I stand behind Bronco. I just really like his style. I think he's cool-headed, extremely effective (look at how well the Cougs are doing, after all!), and I like that he really encourages the team to "stand for something." Everything I read and hear about him, I like.
So it's a vote worth casting.
I was just looking over an e-mail sent to me by the BYU alumni association, and saw a link that will allow you to vote for Bronco Mendenhall (or whomever you choose...). Right now Bronco's ranked #4 in fan votes for Division 1A ball. Here's the link if you're interested in raising his stats. Before you click (sorry it I'm too late), I should tell you I had a little trouble seeing where to vote right off, so let me save you the trouble and tell you to click on the "Vote Now" link in the middle of the black section right under the leader board.
It's not my business to sway your vote, but I've gotta say I stand behind Bronco. I just really like his style. I think he's cool-headed, extremely effective (look at how well the Cougs are doing, after all!), and I like that he really encourages the team to "stand for something." Everything I read and hear about him, I like.
So it's a vote worth casting.
Oh, how I miss . . .
Our friends in Utah, including Benito and Gabriela, pictured here.
The good ol' Freedom First Ward, where we met Beno and Gabi.
The Blue Iguana restaurant in Salt Lake City, mostly for their amazing chips and salsa, their incredible steak taco salad, and definitely for the awesome live Mariachi on weekend nights.
My blond hair (too much to keep up on these days and I'm too far away from my stylist sis to keep up on the roots).
Being able to go out to dinner, both because we could afford it and didn't have to worry about a babysitter.
See what happens when you find random old pictures on the computer!?
Ingenious idea . . . that I can't take credit for
So I had the chance to host the most practical baby shower ever invented: a freezer meals shower! I definitely can't take credit for the idea -- I got it from one of my visiting teachees -- but with her idea and my borrowed, big kitchen, everything came together perfectly for my friend Mary's baby shower. I think the idea is PERFECT for any mom who's already had one or more babies, especially if they've already had a baby of the same gender. But since Mary's baby, her little Mighty Max, will need extra care when he gets here, this was definitely the right shower to throw in this instance!
Unfortunately, I didn't have the camera during the shower, but Mary's post on her blog is a perfect wrap-up anyway, so I'll let her post give you a visual play-by-play. Mostly I wanted to post the idea for anyone wanting to steer clear of the sometimes hokey shower games and do something a little more practical next time you host a shower for a mommy-to-be. It was a great and pretty feasible shower. Ask me about the logistics -- I'd love to share my new-found knowledge!
Unfortunately, I didn't have the camera during the shower, but Mary's post on her blog is a perfect wrap-up anyway, so I'll let her post give you a visual play-by-play. Mostly I wanted to post the idea for anyone wanting to steer clear of the sometimes hokey shower games and do something a little more practical next time you host a shower for a mommy-to-be. It was a great and pretty feasible shower. Ask me about the logistics -- I'd love to share my new-found knowledge!
Dahlias
I was going through the pictures on our card and found these of some gorgeous flowers Grant surprised me with several weeks ago. I had meant to post them but (obviously!) forgot. Here they are -- brilliant orange dahlias, which are a pretty popular flower in Oregon. A month or so ago they even had a dahlia festival not too far from here, and I wish I would've gone to check it out (next year). There are some varieties that they call "dish plate" dahlias because that's literally how big they are, and they come in all different bright shades! These ones Grant found at a local farmer's market, which was our favorite thing at the end of summer/beginning of fall. Thought this would make a nice post for the stretch of gray/rainy days we've been having. Enjoy.
My Moment of Joy
In a general conference meeting last April, Elder M. Russell Ballard gave a talk in which he specifically addressed the challenges of young mothers. I was so grateful for that talk and grateful that even the highest leaders of the Church are aware of the personal needs and concerns of struggling moms with young children. In his talk, Elder Ballard said this: "Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."
I had such a shining moment of joy and satisfaction the other night. For I don't know how long, I've had the habit of kissing my hand and then putting my hand to Eliot's cheek when I put him down to sleep in his crib. The other night I was surprised and deeply touched when, once I had done that, Eliot put his hand to his mouth and then reached up wanting to touch my face. I leaned down, and sure enough, he put his tiny little hand on my cheek. My eyes welled with tears as the realization of what had just happened sunk in. I was amazed at how much my little boy understands, how he is growing in his capacity to express his feelings. Most importantly, I felt so grateful for that sincere expression of love, because that week had been challenging, exhausting, and frustrating. But all of those feelings vanished with that little small moment of joy.
These moments are the ones that I live for. They are what get me through the long nights when Eliot's teething and the long days of "single parenting" while Grant's fighting his own battles at school. They are what get me through the moments of frustration when Eliot gleefully dips his hand in the toilet when we're already running late to get out the door, the moments of exhaustion when I get to wipe up milk splatters from the sippy cup he's dropped (on purpose, I'm pretty sure) for the umpteenth time. Those smiles, those giggles, those kisses on my cheek make it all worth it.
I had such a shining moment of joy and satisfaction the other night. For I don't know how long, I've had the habit of kissing my hand and then putting my hand to Eliot's cheek when I put him down to sleep in his crib. The other night I was surprised and deeply touched when, once I had done that, Eliot put his hand to his mouth and then reached up wanting to touch my face. I leaned down, and sure enough, he put his tiny little hand on my cheek. My eyes welled with tears as the realization of what had just happened sunk in. I was amazed at how much my little boy understands, how he is growing in his capacity to express his feelings. Most importantly, I felt so grateful for that sincere expression of love, because that week had been challenging, exhausting, and frustrating. But all of those feelings vanished with that little small moment of joy.
These moments are the ones that I live for. They are what get me through the long nights when Eliot's teething and the long days of "single parenting" while Grant's fighting his own battles at school. They are what get me through the moments of frustration when Eliot gleefully dips his hand in the toilet when we're already running late to get out the door, the moments of exhaustion when I get to wipe up milk splatters from the sippy cup he's dropped (on purpose, I'm pretty sure) for the umpteenth time. Those smiles, those giggles, those kisses on my cheek make it all worth it.
One Amazing Chica
Meet my friend Laura. She and I met through serving in the Relief Society presidency together, and I absolutely adore her. She is one of the sweetest, most sensitive souls in the world, one serious crackup -- I pee my pants laughing whenever she's around -- and probably one of the coolest people I know. She and her husband own a longboard company, LongBoard Larry (Larry's her husband), she rides her very own motorcycle, and she's an incredible mom, cook, photographer, family history buff, the world's biggest Twilight fan, not to mention blogger extraordinaire (her blog is amazing)! And to top it all off, she is donating her kidney to her uncle today, Halloween day. In this picture she's wearing a T-shirt that our R.S. president found for her in honor of her big day (thanks for letting me steal the photo from your blog, Laura). Laura, you are "seriously so amazing," girl. Lots of prayers your way and a speedy recovery.
Beautiful Fall Tradition
One of our favorite family outings last year was an impromptu picnic dinner we had at Riverfront Park here in Salem. We grabbed some KFC, bundled up Eliot, and found a cozy bench overlooking the river, where we enjoyed the golden autumn sunshine melting over the still water and glistening in the colored trees. We enjoyed it so much that we wanted to experience it all over again. So tonight I picked up some KFC on the way to pick up Grant from school, bundled up Eliot, found a cozy bench along the river and soaked in a fall sunset over the river. These pictures of course don't do our wonderful evening justice, but maybe they'll give you a taste of why we like this little newly formed tradition so much.
Eliot and his daddy. The river was so perfectly still that it had the most beautiful reflection of the sky in it. Incredible!
Eliot and his mommy ... a little blurry, but hopefully you can see the cute expression on his face. He's gotten to be a bit of a ham, most especially when the camera comes out. Or around grandparent figures. We think it's all natural instinct.
Silly Eliot, cozy in his new hat, scarf, and mittens.
Sweet Eliot. This year he was able to enjoy our evening a little more than a year ago when he was still a newborn. This year he got a taste of the picnic dinner and didn't sleep through the walk around the park.
Sunset over the river, just as we were leaving. You can't tell very well, but the light over the horizon was a brilliant, deep red. Beautiful!
A blurry but kind of cool shot of "beautiful downtown Salem." A hopping metropolis, as you can tell. But we love it. One of the things I realized tonight was how much I love living in this beautiful place and that it makes me sad that this is such a fleeting time of our life.
Eliot and his daddy. The river was so perfectly still that it had the most beautiful reflection of the sky in it. Incredible!
Eliot and his mommy ... a little blurry, but hopefully you can see the cute expression on his face. He's gotten to be a bit of a ham, most especially when the camera comes out. Or around grandparent figures. We think it's all natural instinct.
Silly Eliot, cozy in his new hat, scarf, and mittens.
Sweet Eliot. This year he was able to enjoy our evening a little more than a year ago when he was still a newborn. This year he got a taste of the picnic dinner and didn't sleep through the walk around the park. 
Sunset over the river, just as we were leaving. You can't tell very well, but the light over the horizon was a brilliant, deep red. Beautiful!
A blurry but kind of cool shot of "beautiful downtown Salem." A hopping metropolis, as you can tell. But we love it. One of the things I realized tonight was how much I love living in this beautiful place and that it makes me sad that this is such a fleeting time of our life.
Kinda Cute
Every once in a while, I DO actually make time for my creative outlets. My most recent "burst" of creativity was brought on by the desire to get the ladies I visit teach a "treat" for Halloween, but since two of the three are on restricted diets, I had to think outside of the box. And voila -- these cute little pumpkin planters with pansies inside. I got the idea from a magazine, which featured pumpkins with beautiful fall mums inside, but that was a little spendy for our law student budget. I was pretty darn proud of how cute and simple these turned out, though!
P.P.S.
A Hersheys tombstone is just a little Hersheys chocolate bar with a tombstone design printed on it. Grant and I were very excited about that one because his family has a favorite Halloween treat -- graveyard brownies, where you make frosted brownies and decorate with chocolate bar "tombstones" (I used to always use backwards kit kats and try to frost RIP on them, which was always an ordeal) and little bits of "dirt" (crumbled Oreos) and "grass" (coconut dyed with green food coloring) in front of the tombstones. They're a very cute halloween treat, and now with the Hersheys tombstones they'll be even easier to make and lots cuter!
FYI
I've had a lot of requests as to where I found the York "batty"/Reeses pumpkins/Hersheys tombstones Halloween mix, so here's the source of my stash -- Wal-Mart. Yep, just Wal-Mart. It was kind of on a bottom shelf, so look closely. Just don't take 'em all, you other Salem shoppers! We've been eating too many of them and I need another bag so I actually have something to give the trick or treaters!
New-found favorite!
I gave in and bought some Halloween candy this weekend, even though I know full well that much of it will not last until Halloween as planned. I found the greatest new little mixed bag of candy -- it's a Reeses assortment bag with Hersheys Tombstones, Reeses peanut butter pumpkins, and . . . York peppermint "batties"!! I am a sucker for York anything (and dearly miss the York bites, which I consumed entirely too much of on my mission), and these are adorable and fun. They're the scrumptious York peppermint patties, but cut into bat shapes. How cute (and tasty) is that?!
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sis
Sherri and me last December with our "twin" sons, Michael and Eliot (born within an hour of each other last June). We need a more recent picture together!Today is the birthday of my oldest sister, Sherri. I wish there were words to adequately describe Sherri and the incredible person that she is. She is one of the purest, most noble examples of womanhood and motherhood in my life. She is one of my closest friends. Sherri understands my heart. Sherri is generous, kind, patient, quietly righteous. She is steadfast, courageous, happy, understanding. She is beyond intelligent and uses her gifts to bless first and foremost in her home but also with all of her heart, might, mind and strength in her church service. She loves the Lord with her whole heart and has always, always puts Him first. My memories of Sherri are of her praying, of her serving, of her loving to be home, of her setting and accomplishing goals. She has always loved and been a friend to Grant, even since our immature high school days. Her example of how welcoming she has been of each new member of our family is one that I seek to emulate. She is able to reach out to people and help them feel comfortable in a way that many people are not able to do. I could go on and on about Sherri. Her goodness is endless. Our memories together are cherished. From high heels punched through bedroom doors to bribing with ribbon candy, from Lake Powell beaver and "Sanda Monica" adventures to hunting down Strawberry Shortcake videos for a trip down memory lane the night before I left for my mission, from sharing pumpkin cheesecake at the Olive Garden to sharing a sweet pregnancy and birth of our sons together, our life has been full of rich, loving, sweet and happy memories.
Happy Birthday, Sherri. Love you, Sis.
Sunshine in My Soul
I have been in need of sunshine.
Not just physical sunshine, though the rain has officially begun in Oregon, but spiritual sunshine, mental sunshine, emotional sunshine. I have been bogged down for too long with some inner struggles that have been clouding my soul. Though I've wanted and fought for that light back in my life over the past year, and I've no doubt had my share of sunny days interspersed with the clouds, this past weekend brought a needed, sustained break in those clouds.
Part of that sunshine came through a day off with my little family. Grant had a couple days off this weekend from school, and was good enough to devote an entire one of them to just us. So as a little family, we ventured up to Portland and had a sweet and memorable family day. Thanks to a dear friend's generous offer to watch Eliot for us in the morning, Grant and I were able to attend a temple session at the Portland Temple, the first time we've been back to that particular temple since I was expecting Eliot. What a peaceful, calm experience. An even greater blessing was to find out that Eliot napped the entire time we were at the temple, which, as any young mom knows, is a great blessing in and of itself. In the afternoon, we went and explored Portland, which we haven't done yet since we've been in Oregon. We browsed the famous Powell's bookstore, which takes up an entire city block in downtown Portland, and got even more excited about a "Container Store" look-alike, Storables, which had some amazing organization ideas (I know, simple pleasures!). We then managed to get ourselves lost, which is inevitable in Portland, but took advantage of the detour and picked up one of our family favorites, some DQ blizzards, and then ended up at the Portland Children's Museum (look for pictures on Eliot's blog, coming soon . . . which may sound like an empty promise coming from the mommy who has yet to post her almost 16-month-old's first birthday pictures). The Children's Museum was incredible, but a bit overwhelming that particular evening since it happened to be free admission night. We got enough of a taste to whet our pallets and tempt us to go back. It was a full, but wonderful day. I learned the important lesson that families need those "time outs" every so often to just be together, enjoy one another's company, try something new. Despite the day being rainy, rainy, rainy, it brought sunshine to my soul to have that family time.
More sunshine came to me this weekend as I was able to listen to the prophet and leaders of our church in the general conference that was held and broadcast on Saturday and Sunday. Talk after talk seemed "just for me" and spoke peace and comfort to my heart and to the world, for that matter, at a time of great unrest and uncertainty. I gobbled up that spiritual feast and couldn't seem to take notes fast enough. Powerful, inspired, uplifting messages, combined with a rainy, cozy weekend inside with my boys made for the restful weekend that our little family and my soul have desperately needed. Sunday was the best of all -- I got up early and made homemade cinnamon rolls, Grant kept himself occupied putting together a puzzle, and Eliot was surprisingly content to play with his toys and do laps around the kitchen and family room. A little piece of heaven in our home. No wonder Monday morning Grant and I woke up feeling the most rested we have in a long time.
There is sunshine in my soul today . . .
And hope and praise and love
For blessings which He gives me now
For joys laid up above.
Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,
When the peaceful happy moments roll,
When Jesus shows His smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.
Not just physical sunshine, though the rain has officially begun in Oregon, but spiritual sunshine, mental sunshine, emotional sunshine. I have been bogged down for too long with some inner struggles that have been clouding my soul. Though I've wanted and fought for that light back in my life over the past year, and I've no doubt had my share of sunny days interspersed with the clouds, this past weekend brought a needed, sustained break in those clouds.
Part of that sunshine came through a day off with my little family. Grant had a couple days off this weekend from school, and was good enough to devote an entire one of them to just us. So as a little family, we ventured up to Portland and had a sweet and memorable family day. Thanks to a dear friend's generous offer to watch Eliot for us in the morning, Grant and I were able to attend a temple session at the Portland Temple, the first time we've been back to that particular temple since I was expecting Eliot. What a peaceful, calm experience. An even greater blessing was to find out that Eliot napped the entire time we were at the temple, which, as any young mom knows, is a great blessing in and of itself. In the afternoon, we went and explored Portland, which we haven't done yet since we've been in Oregon. We browsed the famous Powell's bookstore, which takes up an entire city block in downtown Portland, and got even more excited about a "Container Store" look-alike, Storables, which had some amazing organization ideas (I know, simple pleasures!). We then managed to get ourselves lost, which is inevitable in Portland, but took advantage of the detour and picked up one of our family favorites, some DQ blizzards, and then ended up at the Portland Children's Museum (look for pictures on Eliot's blog, coming soon . . . which may sound like an empty promise coming from the mommy who has yet to post her almost 16-month-old's first birthday pictures). The Children's Museum was incredible, but a bit overwhelming that particular evening since it happened to be free admission night. We got enough of a taste to whet our pallets and tempt us to go back. It was a full, but wonderful day. I learned the important lesson that families need those "time outs" every so often to just be together, enjoy one another's company, try something new. Despite the day being rainy, rainy, rainy, it brought sunshine to my soul to have that family time.
More sunshine came to me this weekend as I was able to listen to the prophet and leaders of our church in the general conference that was held and broadcast on Saturday and Sunday. Talk after talk seemed "just for me" and spoke peace and comfort to my heart and to the world, for that matter, at a time of great unrest and uncertainty. I gobbled up that spiritual feast and couldn't seem to take notes fast enough. Powerful, inspired, uplifting messages, combined with a rainy, cozy weekend inside with my boys made for the restful weekend that our little family and my soul have desperately needed. Sunday was the best of all -- I got up early and made homemade cinnamon rolls, Grant kept himself occupied putting together a puzzle, and Eliot was surprisingly content to play with his toys and do laps around the kitchen and family room. A little piece of heaven in our home. No wonder Monday morning Grant and I woke up feeling the most rested we have in a long time.
There is sunshine in my soul today . . .
And hope and praise and love
For blessings which He gives me now
For joys laid up above.
Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,
When the peaceful happy moments roll,
When Jesus shows His smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.
Pinch Me, Please
Here are some shots of some of the beautiful views we get to enjoy from the place we're staying. Could it be any more beautiful? Grant took these pictures -- turned out nice, huh?
The view out the family room/kitchen windows. Probably the number one thing I'm going to miss when we leave. I love sitting next to the huge windows in the morning and reading my scriptures as the sun is coming up over these beautiful trees.
Absolutely love the hydrangeas.
I wish I could say we're the ones responsible for keeping the yard so nice. There's actually a wonderful man, Milo, who keeps the yard in gorgeous shape. I should be watching and taking notes, since I'm clueless when it comes to yard work/gardening.
This time in blue. These are probably my favorites.
Just a hint of color. The chill is in the air now and autumn's on its way in. Can't wait to see the beautiful Oregon evergreens against the fall colors.
And yes, we're still trying to bribe people through pictures to come see us! We promise you can't beat the view!
The view out the family room/kitchen windows. Probably the number one thing I'm going to miss when we leave. I love sitting next to the huge windows in the morning and reading my scriptures as the sun is coming up over these beautiful trees. 
Absolutely love the hydrangeas.
I wish I could say we're the ones responsible for keeping the yard so nice. There's actually a wonderful man, Milo, who keeps the yard in gorgeous shape. I should be watching and taking notes, since I'm clueless when it comes to yard work/gardening.
This time in blue. These are probably my favorites.
Just a hint of color. The chill is in the air now and autumn's on its way in. Can't wait to see the beautiful Oregon evergreens against the fall colors.And yes, we're still trying to bribe people through pictures to come see us! We promise you can't beat the view!
Armies of Helaman
On Sunday afternoon, I experienced a sweet moment with Eliot. Grant had left for a church assignment, so it was just me and Eliot, getting dinner together and enjoying a peaceful afternoon. I had some music playing in the background, and as I scooped Eliot up to get him a snack, I realized the song that was playing was a piano solo version of "The Armies of Helaman." In that moment I felt the great strength of my little son and the missionary we hope he will someday be. And I felt the strength of all of the other little "warriors" in my life that make up a part of the modern-day Armies of Helaman.
As many of you know, Eliot has a little "twin" cousin, Michael, who was born within the hour that Eliot was born. The experience of expecting our little boys together was quite spiritually significant for me and my oldest sister, Sherri. But to have them literally come to us from heaven, practically hand in hand, has led us to believe that there is a special connection between those two little boys. I can't wait for the day when we can dress them up in oversized suit jackets and put their daddies' name tags on them and take pictures of them as our future little missionaries. And I await with even greater anticipation the day when Elder Dickinson and Elder Wiltbank will serve missions, simultaneously we hope, just as they entered their mission into mortality together. And they, along with all the other swarm of baby boys that seem to have come into the world within the last little while -- Jackson, Bryce, Benson, Charlie, Jack, Trevor, Cole, Lach, Crew, Morgen, Zayne, Everett -- and those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head -- that will go out someday as a powerful force for good in a world that desperately needs them. They WILL bring the world our Savior's truth.
When I was pregnant, I expressed somewhat bashfully to an aunt that I was a little disappointed that my first wasn't the sweet little girl I'd always dreamed of. My aunt wisely assured me that my heart would change forever once I held that little future missionary in my arms for the first time. And my heart did and has changed forever. I am so proud to have that little future missionary in my life. I feel the strength of his spirit. I now watch and reverence with greater appreciation the deacons and priests as they attend to their sacrament duties each week in church. As I am blessed by the priesthood power that Grant holds and uses righteously in our home, I am in awe that my son will possess and bless with that same power someday. As will all of those other sweet little members of the Armies of Helaman.
Thank heaven for little boys.
As many of you know, Eliot has a little "twin" cousin, Michael, who was born within the hour that Eliot was born. The experience of expecting our little boys together was quite spiritually significant for me and my oldest sister, Sherri. But to have them literally come to us from heaven, practically hand in hand, has led us to believe that there is a special connection between those two little boys. I can't wait for the day when we can dress them up in oversized suit jackets and put their daddies' name tags on them and take pictures of them as our future little missionaries. And I await with even greater anticipation the day when Elder Dickinson and Elder Wiltbank will serve missions, simultaneously we hope, just as they entered their mission into mortality together. And they, along with all the other swarm of baby boys that seem to have come into the world within the last little while -- Jackson, Bryce, Benson, Charlie, Jack, Trevor, Cole, Lach, Crew, Morgen, Zayne, Everett -- and those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head -- that will go out someday as a powerful force for good in a world that desperately needs them. They WILL bring the world our Savior's truth.
When I was pregnant, I expressed somewhat bashfully to an aunt that I was a little disappointed that my first wasn't the sweet little girl I'd always dreamed of. My aunt wisely assured me that my heart would change forever once I held that little future missionary in my arms for the first time. And my heart did and has changed forever. I am so proud to have that little future missionary in my life. I feel the strength of his spirit. I now watch and reverence with greater appreciation the deacons and priests as they attend to their sacrament duties each week in church. As I am blessed by the priesthood power that Grant holds and uses righteously in our home, I am in awe that my son will possess and bless with that same power someday. As will all of those other sweet little members of the Armies of Helaman.
Thank heaven for little boys.
Seriously So Creative
We had the funnest, most creative Enrichment last night, and I thought I'd share the pictures that we all received this morning from our R.S. Secretary, most of all for any of you who need or will need in the future a really creative idea for Enrichment. We had a "Back to School" night, and got to relive our past by having a cafeteria-style meal of Sloppy Joes, carrot and celery sticks, applesauce, cookies in individual paper sleeves, and even a carton of milk! The rest of the evening included a spelling bee, oral reports from various "students," in which sisters shared memories of a favorite teacher, what school was like in a different country where they grew up, etc. We even played "Heads Up Seven Up" and had a pop quiz from our "student teacher." It was too cute, but the pictures really show off all the hard work and creativity that went into it. A great and fun reminder of President Hinckley's challenge to "Be Smart" and to keep learning throughout your life! Way to go, ladies! You are seriously so creative!
Our Salem "5th Grade/5th Ward" class picture! I'm not in it (sad!) 'cause I had to leave early. I have to give credit to the evening's photographer/our R.S. Secretary, Laura, for these pictures and collages! Wish I were this good at photography!
Some samples of our yummy school lunch and Deb, our Enrichment Counselor/P.E. teacher. Too cute!
Here's Martha (our bishop's wife and another of the counselors in the R.S. Presidency that I serve with), our trouble-maker in the corner with her dunce cap and all, as well as the cafeteria line and Pippa (and baby) getting her tardy slip from the student teacher for coming in late! Over the course of the evening, Martha almost got sent to the principal's office (aka the bishop's/her husband's office!), I got in trouble for passing notes, and our R.S. President almost started up a food fight. Way too funny!
More of the creative touches that made the night so fun. Don't you LOVE the lunch ladies, especially their hair nets?! In the middle is Ruth, our R.S. President.
Our Salem "5th Grade/5th Ward" class picture! I'm not in it (sad!) 'cause I had to leave early. I have to give credit to the evening's photographer/our R.S. Secretary, Laura, for these pictures and collages! Wish I were this good at photography!
Some samples of our yummy school lunch and Deb, our Enrichment Counselor/P.E. teacher. Too cute!
Here's Martha (our bishop's wife and another of the counselors in the R.S. Presidency that I serve with), our trouble-maker in the corner with her dunce cap and all, as well as the cafeteria line and Pippa (and baby) getting her tardy slip from the student teacher for coming in late! Over the course of the evening, Martha almost got sent to the principal's office (aka the bishop's/her husband's office!), I got in trouble for passing notes, and our R.S. President almost started up a food fight. Way too funny! 
More of the creative touches that made the night so fun. Don't you LOVE the lunch ladies, especially their hair nets?! In the middle is Ruth, our R.S. President.
Round 2, Take 3
Here we are again! Grant's no longer a lowly "1L" and has moved up to the impressive ranks of a "2L" or second-year law school student. So, in our tradition, we took our picture at the beginning of the year, and will take another next April when he finishes his second year. Only 3 more of these photos to go . . . practically half-way there! Right?!
A Day at the Beach
I'm a beach girl at heart. Don't get me wrong, I'm obsessed with my Utah mountains, but I also love the ocean. One of my favorite times of life was when I was in college and had a few roommates from southern California, one of whom was generous enough to invite me down to visit every summer, where we would usually stay in her aunt's beach house. It was heaven. So now I've got the perfect setup living in Oregon, where I've got mountains AND the beach! Though the water is almost never warm enough to do more than dip your feet in (and even that is FREEZING!), I still welcome any chance to go soak in some sunshine, hear the lull of the ocean waves, and just enjoy the view of crashing waves against a beautiful blue horizon. Our ward had a beach activity over Labor Day weekend, and here are some of our favorite pictures:
Me and Eliot playing in the surf. Until it got too cold, Eliot thought this was the best! He would giggle and squeal when the tide rushed out from under him. So much fun to share those big "firsts" with my little boy! And what a lucky kid to get to live in such a beautiful place for the first few years of his life!
A view of Neskowin Beach, just north of Lincoln City.
"Proposal Rock." Apparently lots of couples hike to the top and get engaged here. Grant told me that one of the other men in the ward weirded him out by inviting him to climb it with him . . . fortunately, he was joking (I'm so gullible).
My little beach bum buddy. Once he got used to it, he thought the sand was great ('til it got in his eyes, but even then, he couldn't seem to get enough!).
Me and Eliot playing in the surf. Until it got too cold, Eliot thought this was the best! He would giggle and squeal when the tide rushed out from under him. So much fun to share those big "firsts" with my little boy! And what a lucky kid to get to live in such a beautiful place for the first few years of his life!
A view of Neskowin Beach, just north of Lincoln City.
"Proposal Rock." Apparently lots of couples hike to the top and get engaged here. Grant told me that one of the other men in the ward weirded him out by inviting him to climb it with him . . . fortunately, he was joking (I'm so gullible).
My little beach bum buddy. Once he got used to it, he thought the sand was great ('til it got in his eyes, but even then, he couldn't seem to get enough!).
Our First House Guest!
My sister Mary was the first person to come visit us in Oregon now that we actually have room for visitors! She came for several days in mid August, and we had such a great time. We ran all over the place and had picnic lunches at the park, shopped the outlets and finally found berries at the farmers' market after a long, somewhat disappointing quest, went out to the coast, drove through Portland and went hiking in The Gorge -- it was a whirlwind, blast of a few days!
The best part of Mary's visit was the news she gave me right after I picked her up from the airport . . . she and her hubbie Scott ("Louie") are expecting their first baby in March! I was the first of all my sisters to find out about Baby "Raffi," which is what they're calling him/her for now because of all of the baby giraffe decor and clothes they've fallen in love with. He/she could not be a more fortunate baby -- he/she (which we won't know 'til Baby Raffi's born . . . it's killing me!) will have the best parents ever! Mary is truly remarkable with children, and Eliot had an absolute ball with his Aunt Mar Mar, who's much more of a natural when it comes to interacting with little ones!
We are so grateful you came to see us, Mar! And hopefully these highlights will tempt more of you to come visit us!
Eliot with his buddy Aunt Mary. Eliot could not get enough of his Aunt Mar Mar. He especially loved playing with her in "his corner" at the house every morning after breakfast. We sure missed her the morning after she left!
"Hands in the air for Aunt Mar Mar!" Eliot practicing the trick his Uncle Louie (Mary's husband) taught him back in Utah. Unfortunately, Louie couldn't make this trip because of work, but we're so grateful he was willing to share Mary (and Baby Raffi!) with us for several days. We had a great time!
A sweet moment before the trauma. On Mary's first afternoon here, we went down to the Riverfront Park and had a picnic, played on the playground and then took Eliot for a ride on the carousel. I figured he likes the bouncy horse at his grandma and grandpa's house, so he might really like the carousel. Well, he did . . . until it started! The lights, music, and up-and-down was a little too much for him, and he started bawling! Poor Mary had to try to calm him down until it stopped. Good idea . . . sad ending!
One of the lighthouses in Newport. We stopped here and had a picnic lunch before heading off to the aquarium.
"Swimmin' with the fishies." We took a trip to Newport, where they have a nice marine life aquarium. Here, Eliot and Grant are inside a display where you can put your heads into a glass inset of one of the huge fish tanks so it looks like you're in with the fish! Eliot thought it was pretty cool, but I think Grant had the best time of all of us!
Grant touching a Manta Ray (kind of like a sting ray, which we also touched) at the aquarium.
A shot of one of the super-cool jellyfish exhibits (yes, they're real!).
Beautiful Multnomah Falls, just outside of Portland, on your way into the Columbia River Gorge. We had driven by the falls lots of times before this trip with Mary, but never got out to hike! It was so gorgeous!
Grant and Eliot at Multnomah Falls.
Mary and Me at the falls. Mar, you were one serious trooper letting us haul you all over Oregon!
Mary and me at the outlets in Woodburn. The flowers were amazing!!
The best part of Mary's visit was the news she gave me right after I picked her up from the airport . . . she and her hubbie Scott ("Louie") are expecting their first baby in March! I was the first of all my sisters to find out about Baby "Raffi," which is what they're calling him/her for now because of all of the baby giraffe decor and clothes they've fallen in love with. He/she could not be a more fortunate baby -- he/she (which we won't know 'til Baby Raffi's born . . . it's killing me!) will have the best parents ever! Mary is truly remarkable with children, and Eliot had an absolute ball with his Aunt Mar Mar, who's much more of a natural when it comes to interacting with little ones!
We are so grateful you came to see us, Mar! And hopefully these highlights will tempt more of you to come visit us!
Eliot with his buddy Aunt Mary. Eliot could not get enough of his Aunt Mar Mar. He especially loved playing with her in "his corner" at the house every morning after breakfast. We sure missed her the morning after she left!
"Hands in the air for Aunt Mar Mar!" Eliot practicing the trick his Uncle Louie (Mary's husband) taught him back in Utah. Unfortunately, Louie couldn't make this trip because of work, but we're so grateful he was willing to share Mary (and Baby Raffi!) with us for several days. We had a great time!
A sweet moment before the trauma. On Mary's first afternoon here, we went down to the Riverfront Park and had a picnic, played on the playground and then took Eliot for a ride on the carousel. I figured he likes the bouncy horse at his grandma and grandpa's house, so he might really like the carousel. Well, he did . . . until it started! The lights, music, and up-and-down was a little too much for him, and he started bawling! Poor Mary had to try to calm him down until it stopped. Good idea . . . sad ending!
One of the lighthouses in Newport. We stopped here and had a picnic lunch before heading off to the aquarium.
"Swimmin' with the fishies." We took a trip to Newport, where they have a nice marine life aquarium. Here, Eliot and Grant are inside a display where you can put your heads into a glass inset of one of the huge fish tanks so it looks like you're in with the fish! Eliot thought it was pretty cool, but I think Grant had the best time of all of us!
Grant touching a Manta Ray (kind of like a sting ray, which we also touched) at the aquarium.
A shot of one of the super-cool jellyfish exhibits (yes, they're real!).
Beautiful Multnomah Falls, just outside of Portland, on your way into the Columbia River Gorge. We had driven by the falls lots of times before this trip with Mary, but never got out to hike! It was so gorgeous!
Grant and Eliot at Multnomah Falls.
Mary and Me at the falls. Mar, you were one serious trooper letting us haul you all over Oregon!
Mary and me at the outlets in Woodburn. The flowers were amazing!!
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