Making me smile today...

Lucas drinking his milk from his cereal bowl... when did my baby get so big?

August 16, 2011

Today was a special day. Today we celebrated the life of Ruby Jane. What a special girl Ruby was. I have learned so much from her sweet spirit and from the example of her mother, Ani. Today at Ruby's services her mother asked us to make sure Ruby's legacy lives on. Tonight I went about my usual bedtime routine with Lucas and found myself getting tired. I looked down at my Ruby Jane bracelet and smiled. I picked Lucas up gave him a hug and got him ready for bed. We picked out 5 different stories and read them multiple times. We sang primary songs and giggled until it was time for bed.

I now look down at my bracelet and thank Ruby for teaching me how to be a better mother. I continually pray for the Taylor family that they may feel comfort at this time in their lives.

Today the closing hymn was "I am a Child of God". The last verse was so very sweet their wasn't a dry eye in the chapel as we sang,

I am Child of God

My days on earth were few

But Heavenly Father placed me there

To spend that time with you

He'll lead you, guide you, walk beside you

Help you so you'll see

I'm in God's arms and loving you

Till you are home with me.

I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that families can be together forever. After the services Ashley and I had the opportunity to help with the reception. We felt so honored to be able to share in Ruby's special day. We were in charge of the centerpieces and flowers. We stressed about these center pieces for the past few days as we wanted them to be perfect.

They turned out just as we had envisioned. The family asked that we do potted plants so they could plant them afterwards to always remember Ruby. After the reception, we had cleaned up I looked outside as Ani and Kate were talking and giggling. Tears rolled down my face and I watched this sweet mother and daughter. I didn't want to leave. The spirit surrounding the Taylor family is so strong and you can feel the love of our Savior roundabout them.

I will always remember August 16. I will always remember sweet Ruby Jane and the impact she has had on thousands of people and on me.

If you are unfamiliar with Ruby, please read her story here.

California... So far

We have been enjoying the California weather and company for the last week. We started off the week with Shea's birthday party. Ashley and I and fun decorating for the big day.







-


Both grandparents were able to come... And my Aunt Steph and Uncle Kevin. My Aunt Steph is my moms younger sister and it is so fun to see her because she has the same mannerisms of my mom... Its like having a part of my mom with us :)
Cute Aunt Steph





Uncle Kevin loves the babies. Here he is with Zane:


Lucas thinks he is still the baby. Here he is in Zanes bassinet...


After he got in trouble for being in the bassinet... Look at that face, classic.


One night we went to the harbor and paddle boarded. It was so fun! Lucas loved it!






Lucas with Uncle Christian





Throwing rocks into the harbor








Where's Shea??





What a fun night! We Medes at Baja Fish Tacos and I think we need to go again :)

Don't mess with Texas!!

This past week Lucas and I went to Texas to visit The Barnard Family. Despite our crazy flight schedule we had the time of our lives. Kara and I were college roommates and we haven't seen each other since we both lived in Provo 4 years ago. Since then, we have both moved a million times (although I think Kara would win if we counted), had babies, and grown up a little. Although it has been awhile as soon as we got in the car at the airport we started off right where we left off. To sum up our trip we:

1. Talked. In fact, I have lost my voice.

2. Complained about the heat.

3. Ate at Chick-fil-a (everyday for lunch)

4. Had dance parties

5. Stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking and laughing. It was just like college, except this time around we had babies as alarm clocks and had to actually get out of bed before 12:00.

6. Laughed when we would discipline our children because we couldn't believe we a.) had children and b.) we don't really know what we are doing.

Here we are the one day we got ready. We ventured to the Galleria mall and although we got lost and turned around more than once... which added to the laughter... the kids did great.

My first real Texas BBQ meal.

Kara drove a Red Jetta in College and is still driving it today. It was so weird to have babies and carseats in the back of her car. No more Sunday midnight runs to Wendy's!

Bathtime!

Diaper Babies... These two played so well together.

They filled the laundry basket with books and brought it to the family room and read together.

Being mischievous I'm sure

Eating at Five Guys in the mall

I convinced Kara that Old Navy has the best flip flops. We both got a pair and were Twinners.

While in Texas we got to visit with the Perrymans. Their daughter and I were best friends in high school. Soon after we graduated they moved to Texas. I haven't seen them since my wedding. It was so much fun to see them and they couldn't believe I had a baby. Lucas loved them and Sara played with Lucas all night long. We love the Perryman Family!
I didn't bring enough toys to their house so Sara got some pots, pans, and spoons out and Lucas was in heaven playing drums.

We got home late last night and are still recovering from our adventures. I BIG thank you to the Barnards for being such great hosts.