Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Random Rachel Random-ness


I think the word "random" is my new favorite for this quarter. I have started over-using it in my conversations, and as I went to type in the title of this post, I found that there was a long list of posts beginning with the word "random." Food for thought.

In other news, we are moving-- again.

Ha-ha.

Yes, I know the thought is mind-boggling.

Why are we moving again? Some days I pretend that I forgot why and whine a whole lot. Other days, I spend the entire 24 hours allotted me with my teeth clenched. (Maybe that's why I had a headache yesterday. Hmmm...) And today, I've thrown all worrying to the wind, and have peace in my soul. And a song in my heart, of course.

We are moving because God said we should. That's it.

Oh, I could ramble on about how we will be closer to family. How it's cheaper to live up there. How much I have missed being part of the drama that exists in family politics. (I was just kidding on that last one.) But none of those could actually get me to move out of this place I love.

But God can. And boy, He is.

What's surprising to me, is how okay I'm feeling about it all now. Don't get me wrong-- initially I went through all the phases of grief. Denial. Sadness. Anger. Temper tantrums. Extra-helpings of dessert. You know what I mean.

Then, I got a blessing or two. And I went to the temple. And though the circumstances that truly merit my freaking out about this whole "issue" were still there, I could smile and say, "It's okay. It will all work out."

Some days, I'm such a stubborn pain in the neck, I don't know why the Lord Above puts up with me. What's amazing is that He does-- AND that He still loves me; kicking and screaming and all.

God loves you, too.

That may also be a "random" thing for me to say, but it's the honest-to-goodness truth.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

A Family Vignette

Just some random family photos and thoughts for the day...

Morgie did not want her picture taken. I made her hold still and show off how cute she looked in her outfit that day. She thinks her mother is silly. And she's RIGHT.



This child, my "benevolent dictator," is not prone to drama at all. Nope.



Our Funny Man, Lliam. What more is there to say?


Bon-bon was born to dance. I'm thinking she might even be ready for lessons soon.
(I have pretty strong opinions about parents providing too many activities for really young kids. But she's 10 now, so I'm looking for a ballet class to fit her needs. Excitement and rejoicing at our house!)


Gavin wants to be a Jedi.


Serious Miss Dee-dee wants to follow in Bonny's dancing footsteps. We shall see...



Ronan being silly!
(His brother took this picture. I'm sure he would have been too shy to make this face for me.)



Our "Terrible Two": the most adorable trouble-makers you will ever meet!


Miss Ava was soooo tired.
("Mom, cut it out with the pictures. How about putting me to bed, already?")

Mommie-hood is just the bestest.
:-)

Monday, June 01, 2009

Avalon's Blessing Day

(All photos in this post taken by the wonderfully talented and amazing Jill Rich.)

On May 2nd, 2009, our little Miss Avalon finally received a baby blessing and had her name placed on the church records.


It was a quiet affair, since we don't live close to family,
with only Russell, the bishopric, and Brother Brady Eaves in the circle.
(Well, quiet except for the part where Avalon decided she wanted to scream in protest... Her blessing was rather short as a result.)



This blessing dress is very very special to me. My Southern gentleman grandfather ("Big Daddy") bought this cotton, hand embroidered dress for me when I was born, and I wore it at my own baby blessing. Then, my two younger sisters, Gina and Abby, also wore it. When I had my first baby girl, I didn't want to use any other dress for my precious Morganne,
so she was blessed in it, too.


Since then, all 6 of my daughters-- including Miss Avalon Noelle-- have worn it for their baby blessings, and my wonderful mother has embroidered everyone's names in the hem of it, along with the years they were blessed. It is a treasured heirloom.



I wish Big Daddy could have seen all these little angels dressed up in it.
Thank you, Big Daddy!


Avalon Noelle ~ May 2009