The Letter is "C"

My sister gave me this letter a while back to pick my ten favorite things that begin with it. I guess a friend of hers gave her the letter "M" to do the same thing. She gave me C. So here are mine:
1. Christmas - I believe this is the perfect one to start off with because one, I love this holiday and two, having Christ as my number one priority in everything I do and in making every decision has been key to my happiness. Having a Christ-centered home and "Celebrating" it couldn't possibly go together better. Decorating at Christmas time is limitless now. You don't have to stick to red and green anymore. You can use blues, silvers, golds, and I've seen some pretty pink and white trees that I thought were just so fun. Can't you tell I'm excited for Christmas to be here already. "Cards," paper "Chains," "Colors" "Cuddling" with Hot "Chocolate." What could be better?

2. Common Sense - Anyone who knows me, knows what a big Glenn Beck fan I am and how much I love and advocate for "Conservatism." Big government is just not for me. Please hop on board the 9/12 Project if you haven't already. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, Glenn Beck's Common Sense is a nice short easy read of a book with Thomas Paine's original Common Sense attached to it. He's the reason politics have become so easy for me to understand.

3. The "China" Study - And yet another book I've fallen in love with. It doesn't really promote a specific diet of any kind. It does however, encourage Veganism and Raw foods. I'm no animal rights activist of any kind and do on occasion indulge in cooked foods but as of late, I've become aware that a high percentage of the food I eat is dead. Good science has proof. Statistics are proof and for me, there is no greater proof than the China Study. It's so simple and yet it has been a challenge. But I will say this, eating more plants boosts energy. I mean real energy and you really do feel full. I've also noticed my skin and hair have a nicer glow. Green smoothies have been a great help.

4. Cleanliness - Cleanliness is next to Godliness right? Did I spell that right? Anyways, I think I may have an OCD problem and Gio will understand this I'm sure. Once I get into Cleaning mode, I get addicted to it, so much so that I actually take out Q-tips to clean things like the dirt on computer keys and the crevices in tiles or vents of any kind. Well whatever my problem is, at least I'm growing closer to God right?

5. Cuddles - I know only my siblings will understand. And I feel deprived as of late because I haven't gotten my cuddles from them for a few years now. But when I was single, I loved cuddling with my little brother and sisters in front of a good movie. "Cuddle?" These days, I suppose I do most of my cuddling with my super handsome and huggable Hubby and my Cuddle bugs Orion and Chrysalis. But hugging and cuddling bring me a sense of "comfort" I can't live without.

6. Charity - I find that this word merited being up here because it is only when I do service for others that I find myself to be a brighter person. Yes there are times when I wonder if my service is really needed or if I'm trying for a worthless cause, but I have never felt down about myself after having done such charitable deeds. Whether it be babysitting, or helping someone with homework, or washing their dishes. Also, this has significance to me because when my son was given his blessing, his father spoke of all the charitable works he would bring about and even though he is only 2 right now, I've already seen how loving and giving he can be. He has taught me more about Charity than I cared to know about. In the way he shares his cars with his sister and tells her, "Don't Cwy." In the way he comes to tell me that "Cwis hurt a head," when she bumps into a chair. And when I am crying for whatever reason and he sees me, he crawls into my lap and with a quizzical expression asks, "Mommy, wattza madder?" Yes, charity is without a doubt one of my favorite things. Both in giving service to others and in receiving it.

7. Chrysalises - This may be a given. But I have always loved butterflies and have been fascinated with the process of metamorphosis. To me, there is nothing more beautiful and magical all at the same time. To me, a Chrysalis represents so much. A new birth. A new phase of life. A transition. A new awareness. A new perspective. I love it. It's the reason my little girl has the name she has. She is my Chrysalis bug and she is one of my favorite things.

8. Corn Chowder and Cauliflower Soup - How's that for "C's?" So I've been experimenting with more Vegan foods and these two are some of my favorites. Nothing like them. I know they are cooked but who can resist these yummy hot soups? I'm on the verge of something new. Maybe I'll try making these raw in a Vita Mix. I think they might be just as good.

9. Chocolate Chip Cookies - Okay, so this doesn't really fit into Raw or Green Foods. It's not even Vegan. But since I haven't been Vegan all my life and am still in the transition stage, I couldn't resist. And this is the one thing I will allow myself to indulge in every once in a while. But for a long time it was probably my biggest vice on the planet. Nothing like baked butter with tons of sugar, refined flour, and chocolate chips thrown into the mix. Yup, sure sounds healthy. Let's just all be thankful that I've gotten addicted to mangoes and spinach lately. I'm gonna learn how to make dehydrated cookies with almonds and dark chocolate instead. Anyone interested in learning with me?

10. Cooing - I guess at this point in my life this is definitely one of my favorites. I love my babies. My son may not coo as much as he used to but I loved it when he did. I love it when my little girl does it too. What's not to love? Can you tell I'm a Mom?

And lucky number 11 cuz I had to fit this in, goes to (and G, I know you were wondering how I was gonna fit dance into this with the letter "C"):

11. Cirque du Soleil - There is no greater fusion of "Contemporary" Art, Music, and Dance. Enough said. Those who know me need no explanation. This has always been a part of me. Always will be. Surreal in nature. As surreal as being a wife and mom are now. These things I couldn't live without.

Now, who wants a letter? I know you want to do this too.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

This is my attempt at using the manual settings on my little unprofessional camera. My good friend Kira and I went to the Arboretum today and found it to be a perfect spot for honing some photography skills. Okay, so these aren't like the photos that Megan put together for our little family, but I tried. If anyone has any suggestions compostionally, I'd love some constructive criticism.

She's just such a flower to me.

Bracken and Chrys. I think I really like the angle of this one.

They are just such a sweet pair of babies.

I just loved this sculpture. It encompasses everything that I felt after delivering my little girl at home.

This flower was just so huge.

Fascinated with all the water fountains that were there.

A little toad. I will miss these little guys when I leave. I think they are darling.

Quietly reflecting in the Japanese garden.

I like how this one turned out because it feels like Heaven is watching over my fragile creation.

A Waterfall that Orion was so excited to see.

Kira and Bracken.

I love their expressions in this one.

Bracken giving his sweet Mama a big kiss.

Kira took this one of us.

This rose is called the Julia Child rose.

I love purple flowers.

This rose looks as though it was splattered with paint.

Getting his little feet wet.

This time she has a real flower in her hair.

Thanx Kira for coming with me to enjoy God's most vivid creations. I really had so much fun. I love nature and all too often I walk right past it without truly appreciating its visually calming effects. Anyone with stress or depression should come here. It is absolutely beautiful. 1000 plus acres of gardens, wetlands, plant collections and woodlands. Makes me want to learn how to landscape and grow things of my own.

The Last of our Days in Minneapolis

So, from Left to Right, we have Gray, Orion, Chrysalis, Bracken and Kason. We've had fun visiting this new place, but our time is nearly up. Here is a fun shot of some of the kiddos we've hung out with. We probably should have gotten a photo sooner as we're missing quite a few babies and kids. They've been fun and it'll be interesting to see how much they change whenever and wherever we go out next summer, assuming most of us are all in the same office. Last year my son was still somewhat a baby. This year, he is clearly a big boy. Last year, Chrysalis and Bracken were the size of peanuts and look where they are now. Hopefully some of us will remain in the same office so we can take similar photos and see how much they've grown together.

There have been a lot of families out here this year to get to know and I am so grateful to have had this experience yet again. Yes, I hate packing and moving but I love seeing new places and meeting new people and if it's through my hubby's job that I get to do all the traveling I've always wanted to do as kid, then by golly, I am going to enjoy it. The office wives that I've had the opportunity to learn different things from, that inspire me in so many different ways have all been uniquely engaging. So this post is my way of paying a small tribute to them and the people of Minneapolis.

Thanx Jenny for teaching me how to make those diaper wipe cases. It's become my new obsession. Thanks to Brittney for showing me how to make flower bows. I have nearly 30 of them now and it's still not enough. To Heather for all her fun recipes, inspiring me to workout more, and just helping me to realize that having a quiver full of children is truly a blessing. She makes it look so easy sometimes. To Kira for teaching me new things all the time in the ways of natural remedies and for taking walks and going on runs and outings with me all over. For Mary who makes me feel like it's okay to have awkward moments and laugh about them together. For Tiffany, whose calm and quiet demeanor reminds me that it's okay to hang out and not have much to say. Sometimes it's just fun to have others present. For Megan's gift of photography because now I want to become a photographer too. For Jacey's work ethic. How that girl can haul around a toddler, keep up at her job and grow a baby all at once is amazing to me. To Erica for being put through trial after trial and still not losing faith. Her strength lifts me. This one's for Jenevieve who has recommended some great reading that has totally changed my outlook on food. To Marissa and her crafty cake-making, knitting and I don't know how many other skills. I still want to learn how to make cake flowers. I guess maybe eventually we'll get around to it. To Angela who has made me realize that it's in the small little details, like taking care of your hair, that you keep from becoming that frumpy old mom. For Jessy who has served and been so devoted in her nursery calling at church because she deals with my little boy so that I can deal with others' kids in the primary. Go figure. But being in the primary, even as spontaneous substitutes this summer, has really enriched my life and taught both my husband and myself quite a bit of patience. For the Bloomington ward and all the friendly people that came to welcome me and offer up their services so willingly so as to make me feel like being in this ward was my home. For the missionaries who gave me an excuse to try fun new recipes and an opportunity to serve. For the many Sunday game nights with the Greenburg boys and for their willingness to babysit for food. I've never known such brothers as these. They even did our dishes for us. For my in-laws visits because I just love them. And for the people of Minneapolis who have both challenged and pushed my husband to become a better salesman. They may not have been easy to sell but they make it possible for him to have a decent job.

I know there are some people I didn't really get to know very well this summer and maybe a few others I didn't even meet so I don't mean to leave anyone out, but I know that everyone around me leaves their mark in some way. I know everything happens for a reason and everyone I come across in life touches me and leaves an impression no matter how big or small. I enjoy people watching and sometimes just seeing a person for a few moments stirs my mind in some way.

For a lack of better words, Albert Einstein said it beautifully when he said this:

"Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people - first of all for those upon whose smiles and well-being our own happiness is wholly dependent, and then for the many, unknown to us, to whose destinies are bound by the ties of sympathy."

I leave my piece and close this chapter of our lives knowing all too well that a new one is about to be opened and that our next adventure holds many new friends, lessons and experiences. Thanx to all who made our stay in Minneapolis that much more pleasant.

Family Photo Time Again

They have such unique personalities and this picture says it all.

I loved making wishes as a child. I think my son does too.

Momma's boy.

My dancer's legs. Here's to hoping she loves dance as much as I do.

My Chrysalis bug in a bed of beautiful flowers.

So here are some beautiful photos that we had taken by a friend we made out here in Minnesota. She has captured my little family so beautiully. I know I will cherish these for years to come. Today they are mine and when the day comes that they fly away, I will always have these precious memories of them. No one can take that away from me. Even if my computer crashes. Hope you all enjoy these as much as I did. Look at my little doe.

Girl with a flower and boy with a toad.

"You and Me?" Who can name that movie?

A Proud Papa and his seed.

My little Chrys.

Snakes and snails and . . . Frogs?!

Leave it to my son to find every creepy, crawling thing absolutely fascinating. Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails, right? He loves to find ants and even bees to poke at and just the other day, we were at the park when he found these tiny, cute little frogs to play with. They were so tiny I was afraid for them because Orion didn't seem to understand that if he held them too tightly, he would easily squish them to death. He held on to this one very tightly at times because some of the other boys he was playing with sought to take it away. Not to worry, though. No frogs were squished in the making of this film. Anyways, I guess they just come out when the ground is wet and it had previously been raining so they were everywhere. I didn't realize they could be so small and they obviously weren't babies cuz they were frogs and not tadpoles. I wonder how they survive. I must be ignorant because I thought all frogs lived in a pond or lake where there are lilly pads everywhere. I guess that's what "civilization" has taught me.

...Thou shalt run and not be weary, and walk and not faint...

So I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and everything, but for some reason, I don't know if he knew about go-carts when he wrote this revelation. This last Monday, we had an office party at a place called Pro-Karts in Burnsville, just outside of Bloomington. It was awesome! The carts went about 40 mph, which may not sound like much, but on a low cart with no seat belt, it's pretty quick. Anyway, we didn't take a camera with us, so unfortunately we don't have pictures of the course. It was pretty fun though.

So, to make a long story short, I was really improving my speed around the course and then we started a race. On the very first lap, I was in third or fourth place near the end of the lap. Some tool in front of me spun out and started a wreck. The car right behind him hit him and started a pile up. Then I came along and hit the car in front of me, although I managed to slow down for the most part. The driver behind me, however, some how didn't manage to see the pile up. He hit me going somewhere between 30 and 40 mph. These aren't bumper cars by the way, these are "precision instrument[s] built for speed and aerodynamics" made out of metal. When he hit me, I flew out of my chair about two and a half feet and the thing that stopped me from falling out of the car was my leg hitting the steering wheel. I think that I pulled a muscle or something. These past few days walking has been a real chore and though I'd hate to admit it, it does make me weary. Anyway, enjoy the pictures! By the way, if any of you have good ideas for treatments of this, let me know.

Sunsets

This is just from off of our little balcony. I absolutely love sunsets. This particular one was so colorful I had to take a picture of it. But my photography skills and camera definitely don't do it justice. I will eventually learn how to take better photos. In the meantime this will do. I liked it because it was so colorful and then just off to the left you can see the moon traveling across the sky to welcome the night. Just one of God's many gifts I don't want to take for granted. "He gave me my eyes that I might see. . ." the colors of this magnificent sight.

Every Mom's Dream

I'm usually the one to put them down for a nap, but on this particular morning, I felt driven enough to get them both up and take them for a morning run. They seemed to be more tired than I was after that run. I didn't have to put them down for a nap that day. They both fell asleep on their own while I was doing the daily morning chores.

Guess it was a Kodak moment. At least it was for me.

Guess this means I'll be going running more often. This is probably every Mom's dream come true.

Bow Means Chrysalis

Since we've been working on learning new words lately, one night Alex pulls out this one and without too much thought, Orion automatically says, "It's Chrynonis!" That's how he says his little sister's name. But I guess I can't blame him for associating Chrysalis with bows. After all, I've only made her about 30 of them. We laughed so hard. This is probably one of those things that was really funny to us at the moment, but I still wanted to document it here because it was one of those moments we don't want to forget.