Ducks in a Row

Can you believe that I actually took this photo with my iphone? Can you believe that I caught this little moment in nature? Love this picture. Notice: SIX little ducks...all in a row. My sweet friend, Lynn, and I were driving down a busy road a couple weeks ago, and there was a mama duck on the road by the island, trying to get all her little ducklings to follow her and to keep them from getting hurt. We stopped. Lynn helped get all those little ducklings to follow their mama on the other, safer side of the street. It's so natural. So instinctual. That mama knew every one of her babies and those babies knew their mama. When they were finally all reunited...we sighed. Everything was right again.

I feel that. Even though it is total chaos when we're all together, it's just not the same if one, two, or...say, FIVE are missing. Summertime--so much to do, so little time. I have a million field trips floating around in my little head, but reality sets in and a trip to the pool sounds just so delightful. Today, I was determined though to take the trip down to L.A. to IKEA for some needed (?) items. (btw, I don't know if it's nation-wide, but our IKEA is offering free children's lunches now until July 5th). None of my older children wanted to go with me, so the 5 of them went to play at a friend's house. Erika and I took the field trip. My my...does that girl have...spunk! We pretty much made a scene throughout our entire shopping experience. I was tossing "IKEA" cookies at her, trying to keep her from falling out of the cart and breaking all my items in the cart. I was exhausted. What the? Having all six together is just easier. Crazy, I know. It's like Yin-Yang. We just go together. Me and my little ducklings. (Adam is standing right behind me at the moment, wondering where he fits in in this picture. He's suggesting that he's the dots on the Yin-Yang...giving everything balance. I would agree. You're so clever dear).

And speaking of husband, after reading my last post, he said, "We've come a long way baby? Isn't that from a cigarette commercial? You know, 'You've come a long way baby'?" oops. I knew I had heard that jingle before. I just didn't know where?? Now I know. And so do you.

One more thing I have to write, so I don't forget it. Last week when my two older girls received trophies at school, my Kate was muy disappointed since she did not get an award. The next day, Annie and Savannah were whispering with Adam about what type of trophy they were going to get for Kate. I eavesdropped, "Let's get her a really big one, like that soccer trophy, that says 'Best Sister in the Whole World'." Payoff. They get it. I was so happy and touched. Thanks for letting me tell you that.

And now let's see...what field trip for tomorrow? Any ideas???

xoxoxo

We've Come a Long Way Baby!!

June 8, 1996

June 8, 2010

First day of school 2008

My three youngers


I'm here, I'm here, I'm here!

I'm sitting here with my Costco-sized bag of Nestle chocolate chips and the front of my shirt is sufficiently covered with traces of the day. It's been a good day. Everyday is a good day when you're married to a man like Adam (Can you tell that I have recovered from my last S.O.S? I think I was also suffering from the lack of ZZZs...and chocolate).

Last week we celebrated our fourteenth anniversary! We started a new tradition. Adam took the day off from work and dropped off our little ones with a good and true friend. We spent the morning down in L.A. at the temple which always, of course, puts everything into perspective--especially our marriage. Then, we spent the rest of the day down at Disneyland. Yes, that's right! Just him and me at Disneyland. It was a dream. A lot has happened in fourteen years. We've moved 9 times, had 6 children, finished 2 degrees, been so poor that lunch would consist of the free popcorn served at the bank (pathetic! but true), completed 20, 647 loads of laundry (or at least it feels like it), eaten thousands of dinners at the table together, dreamed hundreds of dreams together, laughed at our funny and clever children together, kissed goodbye in the morning and at night--who knows how many times?! That is the beauty of marriage. To me, this kind of love has roots. It grows and deepens. It's an amazing thing really. Here's to another fourteen years...and many more.

Tomorrow is the last day of school. I'm always nostalgic around this time. It's now when I realize just how fast life is ticking by and another school year is behind us. Today their school had an awards ceremony. After none of the girls had received an award during the time their teacher was handing out awards, and the three youngers were getting mighty restless, I left. weird. That afternoon when I picked up the girls, Annie and Savannah told me that right when I left, their principal gave out awards. She gave out the "Top Dog" Award--two from each grade. Annie and Savannah both received it. Kate received a Talent Award for her piano piece in the talent show. That's super! I'm glad for them. Mostly because they are all kind and good girls.

This past month I had a tender experience that I'm still thinking about. So, one overcast morning ("June Gloom" as California calls it--the marine layer) a couple weeks ago, Erika and I were sitting outside watching the birds hop around our backyard. It was a delight to see her face watch each of these little birds perch in the branches and swoop down onto the grass. After a little while, I left the back slider open and went upstairs to get ready for the day. As I was upstairs getting dressed, this bird came flying in and crashed into my bathroom mirror. I screamed! Then, Joseph, Austin, and Erika joined me in trying to shew this little birdie out of my room and down the stairs and out the front door. This hopping, screeching, and laughing (mostly nervous laughter with a few ignorant squeals from Erika) went on for about 15 minutes. All at once, the bird saw the the outside window from our bedroom door and flew at it with full speed. As you can imagine, the bird then crashed to the floor, it's wings spread out on the floor as if they were broken. We all ran down the stairs and realized the bird was still alive, but just couldn't move it's crippled wing. I started to cry. Joseph looked at me and said, "Mom, are you crying about this bird?!" So pragmatic. I carefully picked the little birdie up and took it outside on the grass. All four of us knealt down around this sweet little thing. I told the kids that we should pray for this little bird, so it could go back home to its family. We said a simple heartfelt little prayer that the wing would be repaired. The second we said amen, that little bird took flight. I couldn't believe my eyes. I learned two things in that moment that I keep thinking about:

One, that all living things are truly His and He knows each one. "He who notes the fall of a sparrow, surely hears the pleading of our hearts" (Pres. Monson). Two, I am so glad I can be at home with my children-all day. It is in these brief, impromptu moments that I get the best teaching in.

Summer starts tomorrow! Time for some serious swimming and sunshine!

Loves...