Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Thank you





***I got these pics from my Uncle's album. Blogger is treating them oddly. Click on the picture if you want to see the full image (it is only showing you half)***





Dad's 60th Birthday Party- James Bond style, Hale Center Theater, PF Chang's, Characature artist. Camille, you're a rock star.



My incredible Aunt Ali for whom Ali is named (Ali means Noble and Kind, by the way)


This past weekend we took on the crazy task of driving to Utah just in time to throw a baby shower for my best friend of 24 years, celebrate my father's 60th birthday, and bless little Alison with an open house afterwards. If I have ever felt richer or happier, I don't know when it was.

This is one of those moments in life where I honestly feel that even if I never received one blessing more in my life, I'd have still been given more than my fair share- unbelievable family, incredible friends. Around them I am the happiest I know how to feel. I just had a weekend packed SO FULL of being with all those people I love and adore back in Utah that I am reminded of the promise that "their joy will be full". What makes this even sweeter is that as we return to California, I am so excited to see my California family that I am not hurting at the separation. I feel twice blessed. Literally, I can never remember feeling happier. I keep saying that since Ali has been born, but I feel it over and over. May the Lord know of my gratitude and willingness to do what He may ask of me for His great generosity.

I daily think that these are the golden years of my life. Since Ali's birth, I have been trying to cherish each one of these days so I can remember them when the seasons change and there are other tasks at hand besides those I am blessed to have now. Ali continues to be pure sunshine- all smiles, sleeping through the night, and so bright behind those eyes.


***I wish I had photos of the shower and blessing open house! We were so busy doing, I forgot to capture it in pictures- DANG!***

It is a different day than when I originally wrote this entry, and while less sentimental, I thought I'd share a few other thoughts/stories from the trip.
  • Cory and Camille transformed the entire upstairs of my Dad's house for his birthday. It's incredible.
  • My mother and father-in-law were absolute saints, making the whole weekend not only possible, but happy.
  • The kids got sick on our trip. 4:30 am on the way back, Jonas started throwing up all over. "Oh crap!" is all he had to say! Poor kid, cute little raspy voice. Good thing I don't use stronger language... Jonas picks it up fast! I was so grateful to be with our brother and sister-in-law to break up our trip. Just wish we'd had more time together (when my kids aren't vomiting all over!) The day after we got back to CA, I spent the night in the ER with Max who was having breathing issues from a virus he caught.
  • We left my wedding ring in Utah to add two little princess diamonds for Ali (we add onto the ring for each child to show they're adding to the richness of our family and marriage- it is a tradition from my parents).

I think that is the end of this random post. I better post it now or it will pile up with the rest of my well-intentioned posts in "drafts"!

13 comments:

TM CLAN said...

Great moments you are creating. Sounds like a fun filled time with family. You are richly blessed with more than diamonds...

Brooke said...

How fun! I'm so glad you got to go back to Utah for so many amazing experiences! And I as well am just cherishing every day with my little girl. I agree with everything you say with life being such a joy. I'm so glad California is also feeling like home to you as well.

Shauna said...

What a sweet post! Hope your kiddos feel better soon so we can have a playdate! Hope you are still planning on Tuesday- yeah!!!

Lauren said...

What a beautiful trip you had. You made lots of wonderful memories! I love the pictures! Such fun! I love the one of Ali holding Ali! :) We have such an amazing family! Love you!

Jen said...

From the wedding dress photos every anniversary to your wedding ring additions, I think your creativity in commemorating life's joys takes the cake. Thanks for sharing the sweetness and your testimony with all of us.

Karalea-Karalea said...

Oh, isn't it wonderfully lovely to return to your old "home" to people you love. Isn't it bliss to be warmly welcomed back and to visit old friends and old favorite restaurants and such.....and isn't it wonderful to return "home" afterward to your new wonderful ward and new wonderful friends and such? Isn't it just wonderful!

Morgan and Joel said...

Grandma Tanner always tells me that these are the real golden years. They are truly golden...

Sheri said...

What a cute, cute family you are creating Kristen! It's so fun to find your blog too. And thank you so much for your sweet comments on my blog. It was everything that I really needed to hear right now. I hope you can enjoy the upcoming weekend knowing that you made my day quite a bit brighter. So fun to be in touch again!

melaniegrover said...

It was so great to catch up with you guys (once a year is hardly enough). What a beautiful blessing, thanks for letting us be apart of it. So sorry to hear about Jonas and Max, hope they are feeling better. Keep us posted, wish I was closer to help. Love you guys.

Dinah said...

Kristen, you are so great! I love reading what you have to write. I'm so glad that you are so happy!

TysonandMarthaGerber said...

What a fantastic time. Family is so wonderful - it makes eternaty seem just long enough. Please post more pics.

ali said...

It was a whirlwind weekend and you accomplished so much! I LOVED holding little Ali! I can't tell you what an honor it is to have such a beautiful, talented and delightful namesake! You and Glenn are not only fabulous parents, but you also take good care of your Dad. His 60th celebration was a rare and wonderful time. His life and legacy were honored. Bless you and your awesome family!
Aunt Ali

ali said...

P.S. Why is your Dad smiling?
Love,
Ali aka Earl's little sister!