Our Week

This week has been a really crazy and busy week. We have had one thing after the other. On Tuesday my brother Andrew got married. He married a girl named Camille (Cami). They were married in the Salt Lake Temple. The reception was beautiful. They had all of the girls wear yellow dresses. (There are only 3 girl grandchildren on my side, and Morgan is the oldest by 6+ years.) The bridesmaids all wore purple dresses. When we showed up to the reception, and Morgan was wearing her yellow dress. She says, "Mom! I am taller than all of the girls wearing purple- why am I dressed like a little girl?!" I think we are done with the cute flower girls here at my house. :) Morgan is taller than Cami- and they look like they could almost be the same age. :)
Yesterday we had scout day camp. That was quite the experience! The boys had a great time. Dillon was able to go and had so much fun. His favorite part was shooting the guns and the bow and arrows. I was the only leader that went. (We did have 3 other mom's volunteer to come-thank goodness!) One of the scout leaders had a baby a couple weeks ago, so she had got someone to cover for her. However, all of the other leaders just flaked out last minute. It was a joke. We had 20 boys there and with the attitudes of some of the boys, we could have used a few more hands. Oh well- the boys did seem to have a great time, so I shouldn't complain....

Our good friends moved, so we had a going away dinner for them. We are so sad to see them leave. We also had dinner for Matt's mom's birthday. Dave and DeeDee were able to come down from Idaho, so it was great to see them. The Bishop also stopped by and asked if Morgan would sing in the children's choir for General Conference. She is THRILLED! Seriously- she is so excited to be singing "20 feet from the Prophet- and in front of everyone."

We've also had a lot of other things going on this week, so I am a little worn out! Hopefully I will have something new and more exciting to post about next week. :)

Why I am blogging...

"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experiences. "--Gordon B. Hinckley.

I loved this quote by President Hinkley. This is why I am trying to blog every so often. I may not write the most interesting of stories, and experiences. I have missed out on too many of my kids every day milestones, and I don't want to forget them. They grow too fast, and I always think that I will never forget this particular moment, and then I do. I want to remember them and have stories to tell them when they are older. I wish I had been a better record keeper of my own growing up life. So now instead of just wishing, I am trying to "do."

Breakfast

Today Morgan came into my room and said she had a surprise for me. She told me to close my eyes and she led me to the kitchen and sat me down. When I opened my eyes, this is what I saw.

Talk about a feast! I usually only have a protein shake for breakfast, so she decided I needed something different today. She also decided to clean out the freezer and organize it. What a sweetheart. I appreciate all her goodness, and all that she does. She is such a blessing to me.

Tender Mercies

Lately I have been thinking about the tender mercies of the Lord. I see His hand in so many instances. I was remembering back to last year when Matt was so sick, and we didn't know what what was wrong. He had his gall bladder removed, and shortly after, seemed to be doing better. Then, in early April he started getting sick again. The doctor's were baffled, and doing every possible test, and still couldn't figure it out. I was 8 months pregnant, and still throwing up daily. Still, throughout April and May, he remained sick, and undiagnosed. The day that I delivered Camden, Matt was as sick as I remember him being. I remember looking over at Matt when I was almost ready to start pushing, and his Dad was massaging his back and asking what he could do for him. What should have been a happy moment, was clouded by Matt's sickness. (It was an incredibly happy day, but I was worried sick, and also wondering if I was going to be raising this baby, and my other kids on my own.) Matt has always been an extremely helpful husband, and father. So, when he went to bed the day we came home from the hospital at 7:00- I knew whatever he had was just taking over his body. The day that Camden was blessed, Matt carried him to the front, and gave him his blessing, and winced in pain as he held him up for the congregation to see. He was so sore for days after this. He literally couldn't hold him, or help take care of the kids. He continued to be sick and deteriorate until the end of August. We went to the specialist that he was seeing, and he told us that everything had been ruled out except a rare cancer, and Sarcoidosis. Through this whole experience, I think that was the only time I cried in front of him. (I did cry at night a lot- while Camden was awake at night, I would just rock him and hold him and cry- but Matt never saw this. I didn't want him to know how scared I was- or how alone I felt.) Through a chest and lung biopsy, they were able to determine that Matt didn't have cancer, but Sarcoidosis. We never would have thought we would be so happy for that disease. It is not a walk in the park- but compared to terminal cancer- we'd take it. Matt started feeling better by the end of August.

I relate this situation, to explain where I am coming from. It was a really hard year, with big changes, because of the new baby, and Matt's sickness. However, through it all I really felt the hand of God in my life. It is hard to explain, I just know that He was there helping carry my burdens. Helping me take care of my children and husband. It wasn't easy but He lightened my load, through his tender mercies. I remember the song "When I Feel His Love" coming into my head over and over again. It was as if I needed reminding that tender mercies were being shown to me daily. I can honestly say that I felt Him there helping me, more than any other time in my life.

The verse that kept popping into my head:

Quiet times of revelation tune my heart to see
Tender mercies of the Lord ,are daily shown to me.
As I feel the love of God I seem to understand
I can be an instrument in Heavenly Father's hands.


Quiet times of inspiration touch me and I feel
God's pure love is guiding me, His promises are real
As I nurture those I love, within my daily sphere
I feel strength beyond my own and know that God is near.

Recently, I have been reading a couple of very inspiring blogs. They are both from amazing LDS women, who recently lost their small children. It has given me a whole new perspective on things. It has been so edifying, and inspiring to read. They have been through so much adversity, and heartache. It is hard for me to even comprehend. However, through their writing, I have been able to see some amazing examples of the Lord's tender mercies. I have come to realize that He will help us carry our burdens, and make our loads lighter, but He doesn't take them away. He makes us equal to our tasks or burdens. I have noticed his tender mercies, more often lately, and have witnessed so many examples of them. I hope that I will continue to seek out His goodness, and recognize His tender mercies in my life.

Kangaroo Zoo

This morning, we decided to try something we hadn't tried before. We heard of a place called Kangaroo Zoo, but we had no idea what it was. We decided to go anyway. I think the kids thought we might actually see Kangaroos- or some type of animals, but we didn't. At least not live animals. It actually is an inflatable playground type place. They also have indoor mini-golf. They had tons of fun, and wore Camden out. We stayed until way past his naptime, so the ride home, we all had to sing "Camden" songs to keep him awake. (If he falls asleep in the car- he will not transfer to his bed.) They had lots of fun, and are already planning when we can go back.

Camping in the basement

Notice how they moved the trees, so it would look more like they were outside? :)

The kids wanted to go camping last night. They didn't think of it, until it was night-time. So we set up the tent in the basement, and that sufficed. It's funny, Morgan doesn't usually want to sleep anywhere near the boys. She likes 'her space'. But- when you're 'camping' I guess it doesn't matter, because they slept by each other all night. They had a great time, and Logan said, "It would be perfect if we could have made smores!" When they woke up this morning, they wanted pancakes and eggs served in their tent. Because, "We always have those when we are camping." They did have pancakes and eggs, but served in the kitchen- not the tent. :) Maybe next time we'll venture to the great outdoors!

Surf 'N Swim

Matt's Grandma had her birthday yesterday, so the entire family got together for a "family reunion" at Surf 'n Swim, and the park. We had a dinner, & cake, and then went to swim, where they had rented the Surf 'n Swim, for the family. The cousins all had a great time swimming together. Camden loved the water, and every time we took him out, he'd throw a complete fit, and try to get back in. He did the backwards crawl thing at the edge of the pool, and then let go, expecting someone would catch him. (We did, of course!) Logan braved the diving board, by himself. Dillon spent pretty much the whole time on the diving board. Morgan spent the whole time with Ashley. Those two are inseparable! It was an enjoyable family night for everyone.

Look Who's Walking!

Well, he decided to take the plunge. He has been able to take steps for a long time, but was too scared to try walking on his own. However, now I think he realizes it saves his knees, and isn't as scary as he thought.

Don't you just love the little Frankenstein walk? Too cute!

The Play...

The kids performed the highly anticipated version of High School Musical. They had so much fun this week at the drama camp. It was amazing that in such a short time, they could come up with so many songs, dances, costumes, and line memorization's! The play was in North Ogden at an amphitheater. There are absolutely no trees around for shade, so it was very hot to say the least. The poor kids had to wear black, and then put costumes over it, so they were all so hot. They did wonderfully though! Unfortunately, I took video, and forgot to get pictures. The video, for some reason will not show up on the blog. Grrr..... I did get a quick photo of Dillon and Logan in one of their costumes, but not of Morgan. I'm so ticked! She looked great! I was so proud of them. They did great, and most importantly, had a great time.

Matt took Morgan, Dillon, Logan, Ashley and Sydney to the drive in afterwards. I took Camden home, and Katie took Sarah and Rachel home. On the way Rachel was so quiet, but all of the sudden got really upset and crying. We pulled into my drive-way and I looked to see what was wrong with Rachel. This is what we saw:

Yes, that is baby Rachel with lipstick all over her face. I guess Sarah was bored and decided to paint her and Rachel's faces. It made me smile. :)

Camden

Camden at the park

Doesn't he have the most beautiful lashes?

Okay- I just have to say it. I have the most adorable almost 14 month old son ever! :) He is so much fun. Lately, I have just been enjoying and appreciating him so much. It's funny, because he is getting harder, and developing an attitude. (I know...it's his age!) Yet, I am still just loving every minute. I took him to the play area at the mall and he had so much fun. We haven't done that before, and he had a blast. The entire time he smiled, laughed and squealed. He kept trying to climb the slide and he'd say "Up." He was being so friendly to all of the little kids and waving at them. Then, I took him to Matt's work and when we pulled into the parking lot he said "Dada!" I had no idea that could even connect that is where Daddy goes. The entire time we were in there, he kept saying Dada?, in a questioning voice, because Matt wasn't there. He keeps us so busy, because he is into just about everything. We have definitely had to baby proof. It is a good thing he is so sweet and cute. :) Here are a few examples of Camden at work.....

We are going for functional-not stylish...obviously.

Even our fireplace got a softer 'makeover.'
He is tall enough now, to open every door, so now they look like this. :)

And more gates. We have 'baby-proofed', but I'm not sure if we are finished 'Camden proofing.'

High School Musical

Morgan, Dillon, and Logan are all in a drama camp that runs for a week. They go from 9-3 and try out for parts, learn lines, help make props, etc, and put on a play on Friday night. They also get to go swimming for the last hour of the camp. The play they are doing this year is High School musical.

Morgan was so excited about it. She could hardly sleep last night, and woke up multiple times, and then was up super early. Dillon and Logan wanted to do it, but were not nearly as excited as Morgan. She found out today that she got the part of Gabriella. She was SOOOO excited! I was so proud of her, because she is just so confident, and not shy at all about 'putting herself out there." I knew she would do great with any part, however I kept reminding her not to get her hopes up, because the camp lets kids up to 16 years old try out, so she was a bit young for a main part. She will do great! Dillon and Logan got parts, that are not actually in the movie. They have to change it quite a bit, so they got the parts of Cody and Sheriff. Logan was NOT thrilled about it, because he wanted a bigger part. I had to remind him, that the kids his age, all had smaller roles, but being the competitive child he is, he was not appeased. Hopefully this year the play will go off a little better than last time. (Last time, both Dillon and Logan got sick while on stage, and had to run off in the middle to throw up!) I will post pictures and an update after the play.

Adoption, Sealing, and Blessings

My brother in law and sister in law had been trying to adopt through LDS Social Services for quite some time. In November, they took their 3 1/2 year old daughter to Disneyland. The first day at Disneyland, they got a call saying they had been chosen and that the baby had already been born. They came back the following day and were able to take custody of their sweet little baby Alli.

All children are miraculous, and Alli's birth was the epitome of a miracle. Her birth mother had been involved in a car accident that left her mentally and physically disabled. She was in a coma for almost 2 months. She was living out of state, and nobody wanted the responsibility of her care, with her being pregnant. Her father, living in Utah, would not let them terminate her pregnancy, so she came out here to live with him, and continue her recuperation. She gave birth 4 weeks early, while she was home alone. She had the presence of mind to cut the cord, which saved Alli's life. We know that Heavenly Father was there guiding her.

On July 2nd, they were able to finalize her adoption. I was able to attend, and I was so touched, and cried the whole time. On July 3rd, their 11th wedding anniversary, they were able to all be sealed to Alli. It was such a sweet experience. Alli and Lexi looked adorable in their matching white dresses. Alli smiled the entire time. We know that Alli and Lexi were meant to be siblings, and that they were meant to come to Christa and Guy. It was such an awesome ending, to their adoption story.

Alli was then blessed on the following Sunday. It has been about 3 1/2 years since Matt's Dad was baptized. Now, whenever there is an event like a blessing, confirmation, etc. , the event means so much more to me. It is so awesome to see him in that role. He definitely has the "Spirit of Elijah". On Alli's blessing day, I realized that it was a blessing to see her blessed. However, after 42 years of marriage he became a member, so it is an even bigger blessing to have him complete what was missing in their family for so long. An eternal family.

4th of July

I love the 4th of July. I love the warmth of the day. I love living in this free country. I love the unity I feel, when we gather together to celebrate our Independence. I love the family time.

Float from the parade.


Camden 'reading' the Constitution with Uncle Dave.


It really is such a great holiday! Every year we do pretty much the same thing. We go to the parade and sit in the same spot that we have sat in, every year since I became a Graham. This year Matt took the kids to the breakfast in the park, before the parade. Afterwards, the majority of us go to the firemen's lunch for firemen, and their families at the park. (Matt's brother Mike is a fireman.) They provide a great BBQ and squirt the kids down with hoses, and set up slip 'n slides for the kids to go down. They love it! After that, we usually go home for some down time before heading back to the amphitheater for a picnic, and the symphony. There is a carnival and shops set up in the park, so the kids usually like to go check that out, and buy a treat for the fireworks. This year they came back with 10 bags of cotton candy to share with everyone. :) Then, we listen to the symphony until the fireworks start. It is a great time, and we love spending it with family.



Dillon doing the scouts salute at the Pledge of Allegiance.

Camden sleeping at the fireworks.



We did fireworks the night before the 4th at our house, and Camden was not a fan AT ALL. He was scared to death, so we weren't sure how the big fireworks would go. He sat very still on Matt's lap (which isn't like him) but he didn't cry. He eventually fell asleep in Matt's arms. (Which isn't like him at all either.) The other kids loved them, and playing with their cousins. Logan sat and cuddled with me for a long time during the fireworks, which was so nice. It was so great to have Matt healthy, and there. Last 4th, was not the best day for me, and this year was a world of difference.