meeting nie nie

You may or may not know that I am a huge NieNie fan. Who isn't though, really? I found out about her blog the same week that their plane crashed and have followed diligently ever since. Along with thousands of others, I was praying for her recovery, my heart aching for their family. I rejoiced when she came out of her coma and was so excited to see her blogging again. What a gift for us. Her words and stories have made me laugh, made me cry, and mostly have inspired me to try harder to be a better wife and mother, despite any challenges I may be going through. I love her positive attitude, sense of humor, testimony, and her willingness to share it. What a great example to us all.

Just a few days ago, she posted on her blog about an event she would be speaking at in Loomis. I bought tickets immediately. Because, it wasn't heavily advertised, there was a very small group of people. It was a nice intimate fajita dinner on a beautiful ranch.

Her speech was awesome, and here are a few things that really hit me. She was asked if she could go back to that day before the accident, would she still get in the airplane? She said she would. She said, "I am grateful for this trial. There are lessons I would have never learned otherwise, things I can teach my children." She said, "Do not let your trials define you... It's what we do with these hardships that matter."

She talked about how she felt knowing that she was probably going to die. She thought she lived a good life and tried really hard. That also stuck with me. I could be called home at any time. No one knows for sure when their mortal sojourn will end. I don't want to have regrets. I want a clear conscience. I want to know that I've tried really hard. I want the people in my life to know how much I love them. I have some work to do. :)

Overall, I learned that life can change in a second. I'm grateful for what I have now. And, I'm so grateful I got to meet Stephanie Nielson. She radiates goodness. Ohh, and did I mention she has the cutest little baby bump ever? And, that she hugged me twice? I told her I was going to bring a sign that said, "NieNie's #1 fan!" She and Christian laughed, and she said she wishes I would have, but since I didn't, she'll put it in her memory that I did. haha. Darn it, I should have.

I'm sure most of you read her blog, but if not, you are missing out! I have especially enjoyed reading her pre-accident archives. I hope I can be as strong a woman as her, so that when the winds of life come, I will not fall.

Thanks for coming to California, NieNie! xoxo

P.S. Don't you love how our outfits totally coordinate?

pucker

Yesterday was a no good, terrible, really bad day. I'm not even being the slightest bit dramatic. My kids didn't nap, they created one monstrosity of a mess after another, I had a million things to do and no energy to do them. By the time I was done cleaning up one disaster, they were on to the next. Because the boys didn't nap, they whined and cried all day. Seriously, all day. Does this sound familiar to you other moms? Or do I really have no control?

At one point, I decided to just turn on a movie for them, and *hopefully* relax. I figured I'd edit some photos, go read a book, or write in my journal (therapy). I made it half way through my room, when I just plopped on the floor. Yup, that tired.

I don't know how long I was sitting there with my back against the wall, staring into space, but I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself, a little inadequate for this motherhood job... okay, a lot.

Then Harper waddled in and puckered his sweet little drool-ey lips on my cheek. I beamed. He nonchalantly waddled back out (probably onto the next mess). But that sweet little kiss made me feel better. Much better. Things like that make this job oh-so-worth-it. I am blessed.

oh, happy day

Remember this post?

When a virus deleted all the pictures on my laptop? 

My wedding photos and all of Landon's baby pictures.

 I was devastated.

Well, I have the happiest news...

 My cousin, Steven fixed it for me!!!! He's a genius. 

I rejoiced when I saw all of the pictures of Landon as a baby.

He was kind of a chubby little guy. 

Anyone else remember how chubby he was?

It's okay, if you don't. 

 At four months, his head reached the size of his mother's.

(that's when you know you have a genius baby)

Check out those thunder thighs,

and behold...

 the chunkiest chunk in the world.

It's sad they have to grow up,

lose the chub,

and get all too cool for you.

But this stage is fun, too.

The kid still blows me away.

<3