light shines through

Anyone that knows me, knows I am a lover of sunshine. I can't go without it. We get the most warm, beautiful beams through our kitchen door. I often find myself lingering in the rays as they invite themselves into our home. I had a special moment with my baby today, amid those warm rays.

It's been a bit of a roller-coaster these last few months. I have had some of my happiest moments, and some of my most discouraging ones. Matt has had a difficult time lately, but things seem to be getting much better. This afternoon, I sat in the sunshine, listening to uplifting music, reading inspiring words, and reflecting on my blessings. The little one woke up wanting my love. I picked him up and cuddled him in that warm place by the kitchen door. I marveled at his perfection, soaked up his wonderful smell, and thanked my father in Heaven for such a perfect, healthy, happy baby. I kissed on his cheeks, and couldn't help but smile as I rubbed his chubby bare legs.

No matter how tough an individual day or moment is, there is always something to testify of God's love, of the little gifts and blessings of each day. Whether it be a chubby baby leg, a warm ray of sunshine, or a sweet husband so willing to serve his family, moments of joy and the footprints of blessings are surrounding every sorrow we ever feel. I am grateful.

Amazing Matt

I just copied this from Traci's blog (Matt's mom). I teared up when she told me this story. Sort of makes us stop and think about what really is important. I love my sweet, sweet Matt.

I was feeling blue. I drove 7 hours to Colorado on Tuesday in bad weather, going 35 mph for several hours of it because the roads were so bad. After I turned onto Matt's unlit road, which was snow packed (over ice), my car started to slide and would not make the turn. I slowed to 10 mph, but hit the guard rail and smashed the front end of the car. When I got out of the car I nearly skated because the road was pure ice with 1/2 inch of snow on top. A goodly neighbor pulled me out and towed me back near Matt’s house. It snowed all night. The next morning Jessica went to exercise, and I got Matt's lunch ready and watched him walk out the door to the bus stop. The bus makes a special stop for him, but he has to walk down his road and then cross about 20 feet of mud and snow and over a cattle guard to get to the road where the bus will stop for him. Three weeks ago he fell through the cattle guard and was stuck for 45 minutes until someone saw him and brought him back home. Jessica had looked out the window and thought he’d been picked up. The bus driver didn’t see him, so she drove on by. I decided to follow for a few minutes after he left, just to make sure he had mad it OK with the new snowfall (once a Mom, always a Mom). At the base of the street I noticed that my lights on the wrecked car were blinking, so I went back for my keys, feeling really mad at that dumb car. When I got back to it I saw what had set the lights flashing... Matt had written "I love you Mom" in the snow on the window. Suddenly I remembered that my life was good and that wrecked cars can be fixed. Matt's life is harder, but he has a good attitude. Lesson learned.

Matt never complains about going to work although he stands all day and his foot aches from his brace. He is glad that he can make the house and utility payments on his own. He works five days a week including Saturday as a door greeter at Walmart and doesn't brood over his former career path in computers. When he gets home he pitches in with the kids and always does the dishes. Sometimes his lack of memory is beyond frustrating - for others, but especially for him, but he maintains a good attitude. His spirit is as tall as his body, and his mom looks up to him!

little sunbeam

My handsome boy is a sunbeam. He is growing up too fast.

Very Merry

This cute face pretty much says it all. We had a wonderful Christmas--the first in our house. Everyone came down to celebrate with us. I deeply missed my Papa and Nonie, as they were a fixture every Christmas, but other than that, it was perfect. Our special traditions make me so happy. Seeing Kaden get excited made me more excited. Beckham smiled and was happy all day; it was like he knew that is was a special day. I love that our celebration and present-opening goes well into the afternoon. We take our time, we take turns and watch each other open gifts. I can't imagine not doing that. One of my favorite things is seeing the surprise, excitement, and gratitude of someone receiving something special.

I hate this picture, but it's the only one we got together. It was so cozy cuddled up right there with my mister.

These two pictures make me laugh. Michaela gets away with anything with Dad. She teases him and gets him to go along with things none of us ever could. This look on his face is classic--it's just him.

My very favorite tradition. A special, clever poem on nearly every package. It started with my great grandma. The very first poem, "something pink and tiny to cover your heiny." We have taken this to a whole new level. Some are short and sweet, some epic sonnets. Some serious, some sentimental, and some downright hilarious. I save all of my poems every year. Someday I will put them into a book.

It was a beautiful day. I am always sad to see the Christmas decorations go down, and to bid farewell to the season, but there is also something so refreshing about a new year. I am looking forward to a new, better year.

Pre-Christmas festivities

The weekend before Christmas we drove up to Utah to spend time with Traci and Dave. All 11 of the kids, plus spouses were able to make it. It was a great time. We started off up in Midway at Soldier Hollow. I had never been there before and I loved it. It was fun to do something Matt could enjoy so much. He plowed through the boundries at the bottom nearly every time he went down and was threatened of being kicked out. He thought it was funny. Kaden was in Heaven riding down in his own tube. I thought he would be scared going so fast, but he loved it. By the end he was so tired he was falling asleep in the tube. When we went into the lodge it was due-time for a meltdown.

While the boys were snowmobiling the girls stayed at the cabin. I loved being with Kara, Heidi, Brittany, and Christine. I feel so lucky to love my in-laws so much.

One of the best parts of the weekend was one evening when Dave gathered us all together and read a few Christmas stories. He proceeded to tell us that we would be paired off (9 groups) and be given $100 to share with someone we felt inspired to give it to. When we got there Matt and I wandered around looking for someone. We both felt impressed with one particular lady and her son and followed them around for quite some time. It felt so wonderful to give her the card with the money. We didn't see her open it, but got to witness a few others open their cards; it was such a special experience. When we got back to the cabin we all shared our experiences and why we chose the people we did. It was the perfect Christmas activity and one I will never forget.

Back at the cabin we were thoroughly entertained by Luke. Heis so hilarious; I love that guy.

Luke is 5'1" and Matt 6'5". I am not sure what they have spilled all over their shirts, but this just cracks me up.

He was the best Santa. Grant and Brittany got a video and it is the funniest/best thing ever. I laughed so hard.

It was such a fun time to be able to all be together, have fun, get to know each other better, and share in the Christmas season. Ican't believe how much I absolutely love David's family and it's been so fun to get to know them all. I hope we can do this again, soon.

welcome little McCoy

Heidi and Trevor welcomed McCoy Keith Wood on December 27th, 7 lb 3 oz, 21 inches. What a cutie pie. I am in love with his name and those chubby cheeks! Matt and I are so bummed we won't get to see him for a while.

Here he is with cousin Ruby Rose.

Congratulations sweet little family!

chubs

Becks is 4 months old, and getting chubbier every day. Who would have ever guessed he was so tiny and skinny when he was born? I love the chubby cheeks, rolls on the wrists, and frog belly. He is smiling all the time now, and starting to laugh. He finds me in a room and watches my every move. Beckham is such a joy in our home. He is a little furnace too. I tend to always be cold, but when I snuggle with him in a blanket, he toasts me right up. He is such a good, mellow, easy-going little guy. He's been sleeping through the night for about a month now which is the best thing. I am so in love with my cute little boys.