orchid appreciation

Lately my days have been filled with endless opportunities for me to increase in patience and long-suffering. Children have had their share of quarrels - and then some. And instead of expanding in virtue I feel as though I have been letting it get the better of me. The other day when Darren told me that he had yet another church meeting, I groaned. He has been working away long and hard at his many obligations, and where normally I support him, especially in regards to church responsibilities, I must confess, at that moment I thought only of myself. 

Later that night, after children were finally tucked in bed and the house was in some sort of order, I fell into bed. 

That is when he walked in with orchids. 

I do not need to be noticed. I do not need to be praised. I will carry on because that is what has to be done. And I remember: It was I who chose this life with 5 kids and all kinds of crazy. And when I step back and priorities are put back in proper place, burdens are made light, not because they have been taken from my shoulders, but because I see, once again, the value of my mission. Days that feel empty of any sort of production, yet filled with guilt and exhaustion, are not so at all. My efforts, whether great or meager, are vital to this small world of which children think they are the center - and they are! These are the things of eternity. 

Even though efforts seem to go unnoticed, all these unseen tasks that fill my days, they are not. He is grateful. 

Now, everyday, when I catch a glimpse of my orchid, I remember his appreciation and I feel buoyed up. So although I do not need these simple, lovely gestures, they make a world of difference.

Thank you Darren. Love, your adoring wife.

{insta} double date

I have a confession: Darren and I have never been really great at having regular date nights, especially during those years we were having all our children. But now, with an incredible 12 year old babysitter in the house, we have been making a bigger effort to get out more often. In fact, I got 2 date nights this week. I feel so spoiled. Last night we were able to go on a double date with 2 of our most favorite people.

Getting ready.

We spent most of the day at the beach, and by the time we got home and cleaned up, 

we didn't have much time to prepare a proper dinner. 

The kids informed me that they would be more than happy with cold cereal!

Saying good-bye.

Nya and Tate both have to give me a thousand hugs and kisses before we go anywhere. 

I feel very loved.

 Dinner at Just Jakes.

Darren and me

 Gerry and Debra

After dinner we walked around downtown. 

Duncan Days started yesterday. There were a lot of people out and about and there was much to see.

Gerry taking a picture of us taking a picture of them.

 The weather was perfect. the sky was beautiful.

The story behind the picture below -

Darren: Stand in front of that bike and let me take your picture.

Me: okay.

Darren: (laughing out loud at me) It's so not you.

Me: I know. That's what makes it funny.

Darren laughing

Me: Hurry up and take the picture before the owner comes walking around the corner!

My dad would be so proud!

As things began to close down for the night we decided last minute 

to go and see the new Spiderman movie. I actually kind of liked it.

Gerry and Debra, thank you for the fun last night. We had a great time.

{insta} date night

Daddy's Day

To the giver of horse rides, and piggy backs, to the pusher of swings, to him who teaches little hands how to throw a ball and ride a bike, for the one who puts the worm on the hook, and carries sleeping wee ones up to bed, for the man whose heart was stolen the moment he looked into his daughters eyes and whose footsteps are followed in by the little red runners of sons, to our superman and our prince charming, for the one who picks up the sad and fallen and puts them back on the horse - your role is immeasurable. Your daughters need to believe that you think they are beautiful. They need your protection. Your sons need to know that you are a man of honor. They will grow seeing, not a man of perfection, but one being perfected through Christ. They will see the goodness with which you love their mother, and the endless sacrifice you make so that we can enjoy a most beautiful life. To the man that I married, to the father of our 5 children, I am so grateful for the hope you hold in your heart of something grand, I am grateful for the strength you share with us all - In the words of Nya, "Happy Daddy's Day"

All Darren requested for Father's Day was a cake. I had big plans to make one from scratch,
but when the kids saw this while we were grocery shopping they thought it was just perfect
for their dad - the blue icing reminded them of waves. When we got home a lego surfer was
added by little boys with big imaginations!

And to my own dad, 

I am glad we both survived my adolescence to be able to really like each other. 

Happy Father's Day! I love you dearly.

This brought tears to my eyes. The kids kept looking from the video to me, trying to figure out why I would feel emotional about this.
Simply, it is the sweetest idea ever! I wish I had seen this before I had my first little baby. But it's never too late, I suppose.
Dads, your love and kindness is so important to your children.

"Young men, you are your father’s pride and joy. In you they see a promising future and their hope for a better, improved version of themselves. Your accomplishments are a joy to them. Your worries and problems are their worries and problems.

Fathers, you are the primary model of manhood for your sons. You are their most meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero in countless ways. Your words and your example are a great influence on them."  


~ M. Russell Ballard ~

"God bless you, dear fathers. May He bless you with wisdom and judgment, with understanding, with self-discipline and self-control, with faith and kindness and love. And may He bless the sons and daughters who have come into your homes, that yours may be a fortifying, strengthening, guiding hand as they walk the treacherous path of life. As the years pass—and they will pass ever so quickly—may you know that “peace … which passeth all understanding” as you look upon your sons and daughters, who likewise have known that sacred and wonderful peace." 


~ Gordon B. Hinckley ~

April Showers

We have many birthdays in this family in the month of April, 2 of them belonging to Emma (April 14th) and Darren (April 22nd).

Emma is 9 years old - FINALLY! She has been counting down to this day for longer than I can remember. Why has this one been extra special? Because it means the end to the booster seat. I guess this is big business when you are small.
Everyday I am grateful for Emma. In many ways I regret having named her that. Not because I don't love the name, but simply because of its popularity. I feel as though I've failed her in some way - silly, I'm sure, but the way I feel nonetheless.
But as I have watched her grow I have come to realize that she doesn't need a unique name to make her so. She is, through and through, one of a kind! Thank you Emma, for blessing my life with your ginger hair, your silly sense of humor, and your sweet, sweet heart.

Darren is 37 this year, and somehow that makes me feel old. But young or old, I can't imagine anyone I'd rather be with, from now through to wrinkled and white-haired. 

Thank you for spending your life with me, and sharing all that you have. 

Happy birthday!

I love you both.