My Tae Tae

My little babes is 3. It seems like she was just born. It seems like I was just 14. It's so weird because I still feel like the same person I was when I was 14...perhaps a tad more mature, but not much. Where does the time go?
I love these of Tae and wanted to share...
Doesn't frolicking in the meadow look fun?
That look....she is getting to fiesty. Hands on hips ordering me around. The girl means business when she wants something. But mostly she's just such a sweetie.

Mother knows best

I called my mom today to chat. She is such an amazing, kind, exemplary mother. While we were talking about her own baby getting ready to get married, she got a little choked up. After talking for a while she said through some tears (I'm paraphrasing) " I wish I could just back to Payson when you were all so little". Now, this statement is to me a very powerful one. Because- when she lived in Payson she was raising small small children. As in, she was 32 years old (my age) and had 7 children, 12 and under. We lived in a very modest house. The main level was something like 1000 square feet. We had a basement that was partly finished a couple years before we moved. And we only had one bathroom.

I said, "really?" "Yes, in a heartbeat. You were all so good. The only thing I had to worry about was how wild Eric was." One day I'm going to say that. Of all of the time spans of her life, that was the one she wanted to go back to. I of course, started to cry. I think we both needed a cry. So often I think I neeeed a bigger house, this or that. But I don't. It's not what's important. I never felt like that house was small. Ever. Until I drive by it now...I'm sure if I was to go in I'd be shocked at how small it really was.

I do love how right now my kiddies are all at such a great age. They're happy, they love me, they adore each other, they're so teachable, humble, and full of spirit. In a few more short years, I won't have total control over their coming and goings, or the choices they'll make. I'm going to wish for a dirty house. I'll wish for a house full of little voices asking for things, tattle telling and wanting kisses on their owies.

The second statement that spoke to my heart, was when we were talking about my dirty house. Really dirty today. I won't go into details. :) But she said, well you can either clean up or do something that will be make a difference. Now sometimes we have to clean. That's a given. But so many times, I choose to clean, or do other things, instead of making a difference- an impression, grasping an opportunity to teach, or just to scoop up a child and cuddle. I must constantly remind myself that a clean house is not my top priority. So I will cherish my babies and leave the couch cushions strung across the living room floor. For a little while anyway.

It's strange how whenever I speak to my mom it's like I revert back to being little. I feel safe to cry, safe to just be me. When I was in labor with Maddie, she was flying in to try and make it there for the birth. I went the all natural route and was having really good contractions. But I was a quiet laborer. No crying, no noise really. She called to see how I was, and as soon as I heard her voice, broke down in tears. Something inside me just gave in. It's so funny how that happens. I think we always want our moms to be proud, to be there to pick us up when we're sad. Sometimes I still want to just crawl on her lap and nuzzle into her neck. Get ready mom. :) I hope that my children will all feel as safe as I do with my mom. So for those of you who don't have a mega supportive, loving mama out there, you can borrow mine. She will love you.

There were more bits she said to me that I really needed to hear today. So thank you mom. I feel so blessed to have you as my mother. One day, maybe I'll be just like you. I can only hope...

What was all that shouting?

A friend emailed me this and I loved it so much I had to share:

"This life is the second estate over the prospects of which we once shouted for joy (Job 38:7), even though there may be brief moments when we might wonder what all that shouting was about." Neal A. Maxwell

France

We just got back from an amazing trip to France. Jaspers brother was married in Villefranche- a little town that overlooks the Mediterranean. It was gorgeous. I was only going to post a few pics but I know myself...if I don't do it now I won't... EVER.

We of course took baby Chase. He was a trooper. Slept most of the time. Never cried once on the flights to France, and just a bit fussy on the way home. He'd wake up to smile and coo at us. Most of his time was spent in the Baby Bjorn on Jasper. We went with Jaspers parents, brother and cousin.

This was one of my faves of Ry and Chase...can you say Tender?

We stayed most of the time in Mougin- in south of France right near Cannes. We had a lovely view of this quaint little city. Chase was adored plenty this trip.

Right after a bath- looking at Jazz. He's such a good good baby. Only cries after he's politely let you know he needs something. I love you Chasers.

We went to Cannes one of the first days there. It was really pretty...We spent a lot of time in round-abouts. And I seriously ate more fantastic food on this trip than I have in a long long time.

Moving on....a day before the wedding we went to Nice and stayed there a couple nights. Rams came to hang out with us....we did lots of eating that day. Hot chocolate, baguettes, chocolate croissants for breakfast (healthy hey), frog legs for lunch- surprisingly good! Then a rehearsal dinner that night with more amazing amazing foooooood. I think I gained like 10 lbs. But really I don't care because I'm already having to loose over 20 lbs, what's 10 more?

A marvelous cathedral in Nice...
This was the view from our hotel room...how awesome is THAT?! To the right...
To the left. Ry and J stayed next door to us.
And straight ahead. I think people were spying on us from those windows. If I lived there, I'd spy on everyone...all day long.
So on to the wedding. It was so beautiful. The place they were married was tucked away on a hillside over looking the sea. This was the view from the terrace where they were married. Seriously.

The always stunning Ashley. I'm so happy she's finally "offically" my sister. It's taken way too long. :) She's such a beautiful person inside and out. I love love love you Ash!!!
The boys...This was the only "normal" photo of them, they're always pulling crazy faces.

The day after the wedding...at the brunch. We took a normal pic first, then I looked at it and couldn't believe how SHORT I was...OK, am. So they all came down to my level. Thanks guys.

Later that day we went to Monoco, to Monte Carlo. It was a really pretty city, but kinda boring...so we got a little hyper and took loads of retarded photos. I'll spare you the rest. Jaspers cousin Lissa and hubby Jason hung out with us that day. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. brrruuuuhahahahaha!



What?! What's this...Chase is awake....
Next was our very favorite place: Antibes. It was so beautiful! cobblestone walkways, amazing little houses and streets. A huge market place, with every kind of good food imaginable. A Picaso museum, and of course, a fabulous beach.

This city is over 200o years old...it's so amazing... beautimous I say.
If you look really closely, you can see the Alps in the background....



We also got married while we were there. My hair was especially hot. And my cleavage was a little out of control.

The seat belt laws in France are a little more laid back. hahaha, joke.

Goodbye my favorite little city!

The day we left...Chase was even sad.
I will miss the chocolate.