Back Home on the Range

Ah, rural Arkansas. We made it home alright. Brady was great, as usual, on the airplane. Mommy was definately more excited to be home than Brady was. I had to promise myself not to cry as I said goodbye to the family so that my mascara would stay in place and I'd look hot (as hot as I could look) for Carl. I didn't cry but I did end up getting bananas and spit up on my shirt. I was going for the "Mommy in action" look. Life here is getting back to normal. The grocery shopping resumed on Monday, the finances updated and laundry is on deck for tomorrow. Yup, life is good. Although I hear we missed a pretty killer halloween party.

I do want to apologize to those that I didn't get to see while out in Utah. I felt like a chicken with its head cut off. I needed another week to actually have some relaxing vacation. I loved my time out there, don't get me wrong. So, throw eggs at me, curse me or shake your fist at me. Just forgive me after you do such. Thanks.

This is Brady seeing daddy for the first time. It took a few times of being playfully, but gently, raised into the air for the cobwebs to be shaken. Now they are good buds again.

How time flies...

I can't believe it's almost over!! Pretty soon Brady and I will be in humid Arkansas. We are both very excited to see the Daddy-Man! I picture a sweet reunion of slow-motion running, arms held our for each other, our hair flowing behind us, one of us tripping and smacking our faces on the ground....Is it it romantic??? I think so.

We went to a Chinese Restaurant (family tradition.) It was pretty good in my books. We had lots of fun visiting different people. Today we went to old workplaces and showed Mr. Brady off. We have done LOTS of driving around. I feel like I should put Brady into another carseat for weeks after we get back. I got to do some scrapbooking yesterday. I'm not real big into it, but it was fun. If it didn't take this and that, and some of these and some of those that end up costing you a bunch, I'd do it everyday. I think I am going to start out small and get a few supplies when I get back home.

We also went downtown to the Family History Library. It is amazing!!! I could do that for hours on end. Although, I found out my father-in-law passed away in 1965....which kinda freaks me out cuz he seems to be alive and kickin' to me. Any ideas on how that happened???

Brady has been quite the ladies man out here. He has met at least 3 other little girls. He gets very excited over each of them. Already our little heartbreaker. You mommas and pappas better watch out for your girls. There is one good looking boy comming their way. And he knows how to flirt.

To those in AR, we'll see you soon.

To those in UT, it's been a blast and we hope to see you again soon.

Airplane!!

We made it to Utah all safe and sound. I think Brady had a good time on the plane.
There was this great old man behind us on our last leg of the trip who played with him. It was nice for mom to get a little break and browse through the Sky Mall magazine at all the unitaskers and must-haves for any rational human begin. (note the sarcasim)














So far we have visited Grandpa Johns workplace, went to the D.I., Macey's, and Suhmifs (as I said when I was a wee one), we have visited friends and played with these awesome foam blocks from Hobby Lobby. We have many more fun-filled days ahead of us and can't wait to see more family. The time is passing all too quickly for us, but not fast enough for Carl. We miss you daddy!

Conference

One of the perks of having a nursing wife is the mothers room. Since Conference isn't broadcast on public TV out here, some of the members go to the church house to view it. A handfull go on Sunday to watch the morning session then have lunch. Carl took the opportunity to take advantage of afore mentioned room. He and Brady had a good time.

Are you feeling tired, worn down, underappriciated??

I heard this talk from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf at the General Relief Society Confrence. It was an answer to my prayers. This is just a little blurb from the talk, a teaser I guess. The things he spoke of had me going "Yes, yes I feel that! I'm not alone! Even a Man understands what I'm feeling! If he is speaking about it, there MUST be others who feel how I do. I am not alone. Not only are there other women going through most of these same struggles, but God is also here to help lift me up."

To All Who Are Weary
Today I would like to speak to those who have ever felt inadequate, discouraged, or weary—in short, I would like to speak to all of us.
I also pray that the Holy Ghost will amplify my words and bestow upon them additional meaning, insight, and inspiration.
We know that sometimes it can be difficult to keep our heads above water. In fact, in our world of change, challenges, and checklists, sometimes it can seem nearly impossible to avoid feeling overwhelmed by emotions of suffering and sorrow.
I am not suggesting that we can simply flip a switch and stop the negative feelings that distress us. This isn’t a pep talk or an attempt to encourage those sinking in quicksand to imagine instead they are relaxing on a beach. I recognize that in all of our lives there are real concerns. I know there are hearts here today that harbor deep sorrows. Others wrestle with fears that trouble the soul. For some, loneliness is their secret trial.
These things are not insignificant.
However, I would like to speak about two principles that may help you find a path to peace, hope, and joy—even during times of trial and distress. I want to speak about God’s happiness and how each one of us can taste of it in spite of the burdens that beset us.

To read the rest of this wonderful talk click here. Now as I set the dinner table, I try my hardest not to apologize for my percieved inadequate cuisine. Thanks, President Uchtdorf!

Less than 24 hours...

OH THE ANGST!!!!!

I am torn! Torn, I tell you! I am soooo excited to be out there with family and friends, yet, I am painfully aware that Carl is not going to be with me for the trip. I guess I really do love him.

I've spent the last few days cleaning the house. I don't want anything to be dirty or left undone for Carl. I want him to be able to relax as much as possible. I feel like I'm leaving a child. I went grocery shopping yesterday and got all sorts of food for him. I'm sure he's fully capable of feeding him self enough to sustain his life for 17 days. I probably could have not gone shopping and let him do that this weekend (there really wasn't any food to eat for myself, so a trip we made.)

In my head are the many things I think about and do everyday. Just buzzing around in there. They never come out though, because when they want to it is always a very inopportune moment. Like when it is midnight and hubby is lightly snoozing on his way to dream land. What kind of loving wife would wake him up to tell him "please clean out the litter tray thing that the cats walk on as they get out of the potty." It wouldn't do me any good because he wouldn't remember anything I said the next day. Breath. The house will not fall apart while you are gone. Right???

Are you dead, mon?

No, we're not dead. I'm just BUSY BUSY BUSY!!! This week has seemed SO long. What have we been up to lately? Well...

• Lots of MOMS Club activities. We went to the park again on Tuesday. Brady loves to swing. He had lots of fun with his (I think) 6-weeks-to-the-elder friend Kason. I'm glad he has someone to watch and learn new feats from. MOMS Club has helped save my sanity. It has provided a variety of women to connect with. If you're feeling alone and you find you're needing a reason to get out of the house a couple of times a week, I highly recommend checking out your local chapter.
• Going, then not going, then going, and then not going again to Baton Rouge, LA to help with the hurricane relief. Carl was schedualed twice to go, but alas the trips have been cancelled. Do we still get the blessings? (please say yes!)
• Packing for the BIG TRIP. Imagine me standing there wide eyed, perplexed about what in the world amd I supposed to take with me on this trip?? I've packed myself for long trips before. But what in the world do I and don't I need for Brady? I've seen lists that give general examples, but what about his books for nap time? What about his light-flashing, sound-making toys? Ahh, my brain is spinning.....Will one of you pack for me? Please?? Pretty please????
• Reviewing where our hard-earned money has gone, and where it needs to go to. Darn Budgeting.....
• Enjoying the new things Brady is doing. From practicing his high voice, to doing downward facing dog, and taking the long way around the couch it has been a blast.

So, we've been busy. We are happy here in little ole Arkansas learning and growing and experiencing a brand new way of life!