Guess what?

I had a 

BABY!

He's a ninja.

15 Minutes of Mocha

We had a ward temple night a few nights ago, and Caleb, Katie and I were all set to go! Katie had found names of ancestors, the youth in our ward had done the baptisms, the other work had been done two days before by Katie and Caleb; we were set!

Then Katie got sick. 

Then Millie got sick. 

So Caleb said he would stay home with Millie, and I could just head down alone. That still works! So I started calling around to find a ride. I knew a lot of my neighbors and friends were going so I didn't think it'd be a big deal. But I couldn't find a ride! One thing after another, weird things, and I couldn't find a ride. So I finally said "It's not a big deal, I'll just drive myself down!" So I did. 

But I was late. 

I missed the session with my ward by 10 seconds. Literally. True story. 

So I, once again, said "It's not a big deal, I'll just wait for the next one." And I sat down to wait. 

A few minutes later a young lady sat down beside me, rather in a huff. I could feel the emotional heaviness she carried as she sat down next to me! I looked over at her and saw that she was crying. She looked back at me and I gave her a little smile, and she managed a smile back, and we went back to silently waiting.

Should I have said something? Yes, absolutely. But I'm shy. Which is NO excuse. *sigh*

Then our session started and we didn't end up sitting by each other.

After the session and everything was over and done, I walked out of the dressing room and there she was! Standing there, amidst the crowds of people, with a smile on her face! She walked right up to me, and said, "I'm so sorry, this is really weird, but could I have a ride home?"

"Yes, of course!" I responded, because the chances of picking up a sketchy hitchhiker inside the temple are pretty slim. I felt pretty good about this gal. She glowingly introduced herself, "I'm Mocha!"
She had ridden the city bus to the temple without realizing it would no longer be running by the time she came out!

We walked out to the car and I drove her home, with me marveling the whole time at the change that had come over her since I first saw her. As we drove, we had the most amazing conversation.
Her family emigrated to the U.S. when she was 12, from The Congo.

See? That's the Congo.

They moved to the Eastern US, and when she was grown she got a job working for Ancestry.com in Provo, Utah. She moved out west all by herself, started her new job, found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and was baptized! She is the only member in her family, and they all think she's crazy, but they have accepted her decision.

Then she bore the sweetest testimony of the temple. She said,
"A lot of hard things have happened to me this week. I lost one of my jobs, and broke up with my boyfriend. I felt so strongly that I needed to go to the temple tonight, and I'm so glad I did! When I am in the temple I can feel how much God loves me, and knows exactly who I am. I can see more clearly when I come out, and even though my troubles are still there, I know that they are there for a reason and I am grateful."

As I was dropping her off, I said, "Mocha, it was so incredibly nice to meet you" and I held out my hand. She said, "I don't want to shake your hand, I want a hug!" and we embraced across the car. She headed inside her apartment, and I headed home.
As I drove, I prayed aloud and thanked my Heavenly Father for giving me that experience. I thanked him for making sure I couldn't find a ride. I thanked him for letting me be late to my ward's session. I thanked him for giving me 15 minutes of Mocha, to strengthen my testimony and help me see a little more clearly.

Forgotten

Hello, Welcome to this Blog. It's getting lonely here. Somewhere in the circuitry and chaos that we call the internet there is a pile of dust gathered. Someday a dustpan will be brought out and the pile of blog will be swept off, maybe we will actually have a go again. But until then so long.

A little Enjoyment

There are many things our little family enjoy. I found a few to share.

Colorful finger and toe nails. I really don't know what is going on in this picture. It's cute though and that is what matters. Jonah and I also decided that girls are weird. 

 More proof of the weirdness of females. These ones sure are great though. 

We thoroughly enjoy the ocean. I am a huge fan of the Oregon Coast. Not many places are as great though as hanging out with Paul and Beth's family. We'll be back real soon. (If they'll let us.)

 Weird. I guess putting on tights and riding a bike could be classified as weird to. Fun weird. 

 Do you ever go somewhere or see something, a sign or picture or travel in a certain direction that reminds you of doing something you really enjoy? I feel that way every time I see this picture. The whole family in that little tent under the stars. I want to be there and never leave.  

 This kid is amazing. Really. If you don't know her, you should. 

 These are ok too. I guess. 

 And this one. Nice job Hanna. Now go wrassle. 

 We really like Zion National Park. CJ may be one of my favorite people to hike with. 

CJ, You and your beautiful wife should come to Zion with us every year. 

People taking pictures, because why not right? 

 Like Father, Like Son.

 I save this for last. This picture alone will strike jealousy in ever heart. Jurassic Park. Home Theater. 

Anytime. 

Yes Grandma Nette, my grammar is terrible and my punctuations are messed up to say the least, just to give more to gripe at me about. I probbably even spelled a few words wrong;)  Love you. 

Stars were Gleaming, Shepherds Dreaming (literally)

You want to know one of my favorite parts of the holidays? Kids putting on Nativity Reenactments, that's what. They're so cute, ridiculous, and completely touching and heart melting at the same time.

 Here is our holy family, complete with the cutest little lamb I ever did see.

 The donkey wasn't feelin' it, but he stayed put.

 The star had her moment of... uh... stardom.

 This kid. You can't teach kids to be like Jonah - they just come that way. And you feel incredibly blessed when they do.

 Yes, I did make this costume. The day before. Feel free to praise.

 The angel choir sang their hearts out! And I cried!

 Millie was overcome with the spirit.

Just kidding.

 The shepherds fell asleep.

This littlest angel excused herself from the Heavenly Hosts and sang from beside me on the bench. But she sang really well! 

The obligatory photo op after the performance.

The donkey's still with us! Barely!

 This is my beautiful friend, Stacey. She's the children's choir director and she is awesome. The kids adore her. And she adores them!

 I made the grievous mistake of not putting the basket of costumes away when we got home that night, and the next morning Amelia darling discovered the face paints. She so desperately wanted to be a sheep like Jonah!

In other news:

I was a little early picking up Emmy from Ballet last night, so I spied on her.  

I love my kids. So much. 

Salute!

Emmy's dance studio put on a Veteran's Day show this year, and it was so cute! Recitals can be somewhat painful at times, let's be honest. This one, however, was not. 

It was super upbeat, all the songs were patriotic, and there were two little singer boys that belted out their song louder than the entire rest of their choir, which had the whole place rolling. 

Jonah and Claire found a perch where they could see better.

As did Millie.

You need to watch this to get the full experience, which I know is what you're after:

Disclaimer: Katie was filming whilst holding a very wigglish Millie, so I apologize if you get a little seasick. 

Great job, Miss Emmy! 

We went on a fishing adventure

 Jayne and the gals headed to Salt Lake City to help give dear sister Hanna a shower. She needed it. I guess it takes a whole lot of ladies getting together to get a pregnant lady to shower. While they where off attempting to give Hanna a shower, Jonah and I spend a few estrogen free hours together. 

We had cake and ice cream and cookies and candy and watched movies and then went for a hike/fishing.

Jonah requested the camera control.

 Yep this is what we look like after a lot of sugar.

We both put on jeans, flannel shirts, muddy hiking boots and I grew a five o' clock shadow in 2 hours just for this occasion.

 Below is home. Everyone should have one of these wet things within walking distance to their homes. We drove. We could have walked but why when we have a cool truck to drive?

We did anything and everything we thought that sounded fun. We ran and played and got wet and dirty. We climbed up on things just to jump off. We threw rocks and tried to scare each other.

 Jonah had his first opportunity to cast a fly rod. I think I could just sit and watch him cast all day. If you look close, his face says everything about how much he liked it.

I sure love this kid. I read somewhere about a Mother saying her children were her favorite works of art. 

 Jonah my son, You are my favorite work of art. Thanks for being my boy. 

We're not done yet

Remember I told you that my bestest buddy DeAnn and her chosen one came to Zion with us? This friend of mine happens to be a photographer, and she just sent me her photos. 

 Feel free do die a thousand deaths of happiness with me as you gaze at her work.

 Sometimes I realize that they won't be little forever.

And I want to cry a little tear.

Then I remember that even when they're grown they'll still be mine, in a way. And I squeeze them a few hundred more times and send them out to play and be kids.

 This is DeAnn's chosen one, and he was chosen for good reason. Kids like him, which is just about the best compliment a person could receive, IMO.

 Years and years ago we had a Slade family reunion at this campground, and Caleb thought it would be appropriate to recreate a portion of that wonderful event. Specifically the part when Grandpa Tom cooked mountains of bacon.

 There was much bacon to be enjoyed by all.

 Also juice boxes, of which this child drank more than her fair share.

 DeAnn really has a knack for capturing the true character of her subjects. It's such a gift.

The characters that we had along with us were definitely worth capturing!

 *swoon*
This kid kills me. I need another son.

I love this kid! We spent the better part of our high school and college years together, and we got each other through it with style. Our own style, but style just the same.

Thank you for shooting my kids, DeAnn! You know what I mean.

Hold on, Emmy. I'm not sure I trust that railing. (breathe, Jayne)

 These two. I wish I had words for how much I love them. They are their own kind of style, too, and they fit so perfectly together it's amazing CJ ever got along without her!

 Look at this crew! This might need to be an annual thing. Way too fun for a one time deal.

And again, my dearest Hermie the Dentist - thank you for the photos!!