Morning Glories

Couldn’t get back to sleep way too early this morning so I finally picked up one of the books I’ve started recently, Austenland by Shannon Hale. I’ve read a couple of her young adult fictions and never seem to be able to find her Newbury Medal Princess Academy in libraries. Still real popular, I guess.

Anyhow . . . Austenland was a slow starter for me earlier this week, or perhaps I was just too tired whenever I picked it up before bed. Until this morning. Way too early this morning! But I thoroughly enjoyed finishing it! A cute, fun, clean book about a girl who thinks she’s done looking for love but finds herself plopped down in Austenland where she actually finds herself and what she truly wants.

Just as I finished, Morgan was wide awake and frisky. We nuzzled each other and then she was off to kiss her stuffed toys good morning. Not fifteen minutes later, McKay was up and ready for kisses and cheerful banter. It was fun to have some cute things to kiss on after the fun book, but it also had me asking why such little ones wake with all the morning joy. Ya know, why is youth wasted on the youth? Easton seems to have already outgrown the early bird phase and he’s nearing six. It truly is fleeting.

But then I was awash with gratitude for the gift these little babes are to me. They brighten my day from the get go, even though I don’t always wake up nice and chipper! Sure, they’re hard work and we trudge through tantrums now and then. Our days are often emotional roller-coasters. But if I make it a priority to soak up the many moments in our day when my babies are sweet, want me to snuggle and read a story, nuzzle nose to nose, allow them to climb all over their siblings for prime lap real estate, and just plain listen to their questions and thoughts . . . this is one of the best times of life! Such fresh innocence.

And now I’ll give in to McKay’s pleadings to read Easton’s school library book. Eastman’s “Are You My Mother” but McKay says ‘Muvver’ which I absolutely love. He and I read it at least three separate times yesterday. And I’m sure we’ll probably read it a few more times again today before I descend into a sleep deprived cranky mom who will have forgotten this morning’s treasures.

Here's some goodies from the past couple days here:

Ryan with Easton after finishing in yesterday's 10k Pumpkin Run. I'm so proud of my man getting out there on a whim and pounding out a 10k after not having run once since his marathon! He's dreaming up his next conquest. I hope I can be like him when I grow up!

After the run, the kids were given these hats and some little teddy bears. McKay loves his hat and put it on first thing this morning. I love this spunky kid!

I'd already posted my "Happiness is" by the time Easton got home from school but this truly deserved to be in that post! As he settled in to play his video game while McKay kept napping, he thought he'd enjoy some solitude. But Morgan had other ideas. She came up behind him and kept leaning in giving him kisses on the shoulder. He tried to shrug her off and ignore his admirer. I asked Easton to let her give him some kisses and then I assured him she'd be on her way.

I was wrong. Once she got him, she wouldn't let up! She climbed up in the chair next to him for better positioning. He desperately wanted to be left alone like I'd promised! She was loving his attention! At one point she'd climbed out of the chair and was trying to climb up on him in his chair to give him some more lovin'. Finally, I came to his rescue so he could play his game. The picture doesn't capture her aggressiveness, but it was the best one I caught and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it! He's such a good big brother!

Happiness is . . .

Happiness is not having to leave the house in the dark of morning to scrape ice from the van to get Easton to the bus stop. HURRAY for Ryan being able to take over that now as he heads into work!

Happiness is keeping a snotty-nosed, coughing 3 year old home from kindergarten so I could snuggle and read to him on the couch instead of bundling him and the baby up to walk to school. Instead we're still in pajamas at 1pm and he's crashed on the couch taking a nap after eating chopped up celery with spritzes of balsamic dressing! This kid's food choices amaze me sometimes!

Happiness was earlier watching this 3 year old show me how fast he can run in his Super Suit, ie. the thrift store "Incredibles" costume for $1.50, while having to hold up his breeches since it's a 5T size. Heaven smiled on me Monday when I found this steal!

Happiness is having a full spread enchilada, bean dip, spanish rice, cheese sauce, chips and guac dinner ready for the missionaries tonight done by noon! I'd make salsa but haven't found a recipe I like yet. Got one?

Happiness is being Morgan's favorite playmate and jungle gym because I can be home all day with her! Of course, today that requires having her snot and drool all over my shirt because she's teething and her preferred method of contact is smashing her face into wherever suits her whim. Her giddy chatter and giggles make my day every day!

Happiness is knowing all library items were finally returned and I found two fun books to read if I so choose! I'm needing a breather from Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling which I'm enjoying but it's a thick, long read. So now I've got Austenland and Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World. Liking them both so far. The other night as I began "Four Seasons", Ryan and I got some good chuckles remembering our own transitions moving our real young family to a foreign country and all that entails in the first few days.

Happiness is knowing Ryan gets to come home every evening to our family and be my best friend and a fun daddy to our kids! We are blessed!!!

Happiness is feeling like we're getting a good education at FPU developing a sound financial plan together so we can be ready for rainy days and make our money work for us.

Happiness is being spun in circles in the Man Chair by Morgan getting her laps in while I finish this.

Happiness is those darn delicious brownies Ryan makes calling for my attention! I'll have to catch ya'll later because happiness is eating them, not listening to them . . . unless you're my hips.

Feel 'da love!

It got real cold at the end of this week and we pulled out the winter box. To get us ready to walk to Easton's bus stop one afternoon, I put Morgan in her new snowsuit which she did not appreciate very much. On the other hand, McKay acted like the winter box was like Christmas and has enjoyed picking which hat to wear for each outing. As Morgan was beginning to have a meltdown in her marshmallow suit, McKay came over and started giving her sweet, gentle kisses which she leaned into. Ahh, he's finally finding his groove with his sister! He's always tried to give her attention but has often been a little rough. I catch them giving love a lot lately and oh how I LOVE IT!!!

While we were getting ready for church this morning, McKay started counting in German! Phonetically, this is what he sounded like: "Ine, zwi, thumb, fair. . . Mom, I count German wike my teacher, of it!" (The "of it" is his characteristic way of ending each thing he says and Ryan and I get such a kick out of it still we haven't worked on correcting him. He can thank us later!) We practiced counting to ten in German as a family on the way to church and Ryan mentioned at dinner when McKay pulled it out again that I should make a sign for the dining room for us to practice with. I think it'll be fun !

One of the missionaries serving in our ward gets the biggest kick out of the faces McKay pulls when doing his kung fu moves. Each time we see this elder at church, he gives McKay a high five and asks him to show off his moves. Too funny. I took some pictures tonight of my little man doing his moves! Enjoy!

On Friday after school, Easton told me his classmate Olivia asked him to marry her. I asked, "And what did you say?" He meekly replied, "I say, 'Oh.'" Then he asked when we'd be going back to Virginia because he missed his friends there, especially Isabelle (Washington). We do have great friends there for sure and I miss them too. Then Easton told me that when he grows up big like daddy and gets married to a girl, he's going to have a hundred babies because he loves babies and wants more than me and daddy have. Oh, he's such a sweet boy!

Morgan woke up with the funnest bed head this week! Peacock, cockatoo, or punk rocker chick? I don't know, but boy did I LOVE IT!!! Made me smile all day long!

Last night we watched Ratatouille on AFN. I made Ryan take this because I keep having moments where I can't get enough of these kiddos at these ages! They're just too cute, precious, they ask to snuggle up like this and we all fit together onto one love seat! Feel the love, man! Copa girls - does it qualify for the coveted love feast name? Time's passing too fast for this happy, very grateful mom!

My blonde baby is ONE!

Showin' her spunk and trading squawks with her dad! A favorite past time.

Our Morgan Jane is a year old! It's been fun to read over her arrival from last year's post. My friend Heike had asked what time Morgan had been born as we were walking kids home from the bus and I honestly couldn't even remember! Here's the scoop from a year ago.

The boys were so excited to celebrate another birthday with candles and were even happier we did cupcakes. You can see Morgan's reactions to her first birthday's cupcakes - it's a mixed bag!

She sure likes the candle lit on top!

What's this pink stuff on top of my cupcake?!

That's my sweet baby girl! Oh how I love my babies and having a girl has been so much fun! She's not so much into dresses because they get in the way of her crawling. The ladies at church have gotten a good chuckle out of her bear crawl down the halls, bum high in the air to keep up her pace!

She's really into kisses lately which is just too fun! I was sitting on the floor helping McKay with his socks and shoes and she crawled up, scaled my lap and planted a kiss on my cheek. She also did this to Easton as he was playing his Xbox game. Oh she's so sweet! She's a true momma's girl, loves snuggling and smashing nose to nose with giggles.

She loves her brothers and tries to keep up with them. Easton loves to tickle her belly and play peek-a-boo. McKay's still a bit rough and likes to tease her to screams, but it's outta love and cute in its own way. He doesn't hold still enough for her to get in her kisses, but I love watching her be affectionate to her brothers. She's fascinated and energized by their crazy, silly rowdy games!

Both boys were walking at a year old and she's done a couple steps unknowingly so she'll get there soon! I really enjoy watching her make her rounds in our apartment, a.k.a. Morgan's circuit gym:

- Kiss her babydoll and other stuffed animals as well as test drive whatever cars suit her fancy in the playroom. To chill her out, I either go for her blanket or a soft plush toy to kiss - works every time!

- Crawl into the laundry room to check on the washing machine spin cycle.

- Check out the living room for any leftover toys or interesting objects like Ryan's water or milk glasses left on the floor. (not my favorite)

- Give the Man Chair a few go-arounds being sure mom or dad plays her peek-a-boo game as she comes around.

- Check under the table for any leftovers.

- Take the tupperware out of the cupboard and the silverware out of the dishwasher if it's open. - Crawl into her room to pull her blanket out of her crib for a few comfort munches.
- And play with the boys' letters and the door stop in the entryway.

She's a busy low-maintenance gal and meant to be in our family! We can't imagine life without her! She's my least sound sleeper and sure enjoys sprawling on me in my bed when I'm too tired to stick to my guns in the wee morning hours. Aggravating and pure sweet joy in the same weary moments! Oh I love her and can't wait to see what she'll become as the years will roll by too fast!

** I would have gotten to this last night after putting the sugar-highed kids to bed, but Ryan and I were riveted on the runaway hot air balloon that possibly held a six year old inside. I'm soooo relieved the little guy was found at home where he'd been hiding in the attic from getting in trouble earlier. PHEW! Kids!

Buyer's Remorse

Now that our little lives are on the move a bit more, the necessity of having portable snacks becomes all the more imperative. Baggies or anything else works pretty well for the boys, but Morgan requires a bit more supervision. I've had my eye out for those little covered snack cups that allow little fingers to grab a cheerio at leisure without spilling the whole kit'n'kaboodle. Shopping at the commissary and PX are the most affordable while the dollar is down, but you never know what necessities will or will not be on the shelves. I haven't seen these handy little cups there in the four months I've been watching for them.

Yesterday, I went shopping "on the economy" with a friend. We both had our babies with us. Hers slept quite adorably in her cute pink fleece. Mine had melt downs even though, or probably because, I tried every cute girly headband and hat on her. At the tail end of our adventure, we'd gotten to the store I thought might have these cups. Morgan was DONE so I swiped the cup and we headed to the register after looking at some really adorable baby snow suits! Because we were in melt down management mode, the price didn't even register in my head, but it came outta my wallet with way too much ease!


ONE darn snack cup was 9,99 euro! Today that's $14.86! I don't know if I'd even pay that for a three pack! Good grief! Yet another reason shopping with children is not my favorite!

Later that day I realized my blunder but the thought of heading downtown again to return it with TWO children in tow that desperately needed naps made the idea seem just short of insanity. It also deterred me from heading to the commissary for the necessities of milk and eggs.

Why is it when you're out of something, you crave it? I wanted oatmeal for breakfast but don't like it without milk. I was able to trick the boys into eating my dad's favorite fried egg on toast rather than whine for cereal. For lunch I really wanted tomato soup which requires milk -- no watery tomato soup for me. Bleh! The agony will end when Ryan saves the day this evening! My knight in shining armor!

Of course, milk to him is as water to a camel. I can't help but share how when we got married, I think we went through a gallon a day! My morning milk on cereal and a glass at dinner didn't make much of a dent but I'm not pointing any fingers. Did I mention we were both working full time so these weren't dainty daytime sips here and there? I think we're down to about three gallons a week now, mostly because they're sold as half gallons. Our own little portion control system! There could definitely be worse habits so I count my blessings!

Rice Krispie Treats - Carter Style

Some people make these and put them into a buttered pan and cut into squares. Ryan, and now the kids, like to keep them wild and messy. He's perfected the microwave method and then they all dig into the big popcorn bowl, some up to their elbows!

Born to Run?

I've had a couple questions about the book I mentioned. Ryan and I have both really enjoyed it. I'm not kidding when I say it makes you actually feel like going running and I can't even remember how many years it's been since I have run! Great story telling, irreverent humor, and lots of interesting research to tell us why we were born to run.

Watch clip of the author summarizing his book, Born to Run.

When I say irreverent humor, there's a little swearing now and then.

"A friendly suggestion," he said.

"What were you thinking for dinner?" He said.

"I wasn't," she said.

Rummaging commences in the fridge and freezers.

"What about . . .???" The name of one of his all time favorites escapes him.

She waits and enjoys seeing him struggle because she's usually the one who can't remember the item name on the top of her tongue. Finally, she surrenders,"Chicken alfredo?"

"Yeah!" he grins.

Having spent two hours that morning cleaning up the weekend's delicious baking and cooking, the last place she wants to be is in the kitchen! She arrives in the kitchen a few minutes later to find all the ingredients laid out on the counter. Hmmm, apparently he's serious. She peaks out to give him a hard time and he just smiles over his book from his comfy Man Chair and says, "A friendly suggestion?"

Good thing it's one of our easiest fast meals! The bowling alley pizza is still digesting, how can anyone be hungry yet?! Happy Columbus Day!

Nothin' says fall like . . .

Soup's On!

Beyond my obvious love of fall follaige, when autumn arrives I must make soup! In the past couple years I've begun collecting my favorite recipes because apparently, I'm an adult who cooks now. (Oh, it hurts sometimes!) Last week I busted out with a potato, cheese and broccoli soup. I was so relieved it turned out just as tasty as last year! Then we did the obligatory Campbell's tomato soup with grilled cheese. This past week was time for homemade chicken noodle soup for my sickies and yesterday was beef stew. I have yet to make my other favorites - Pumpkin, Taco, and Linnea's kielbasa sausage and bean soup. Oh how I love fall! If you have a favorite, do pass it along this way!

Pie Dream!

Autumn also means Ryan's pies! HALLELUJAH!!! Unfortunately, he loves them as much as I do. He granted my wish and baked our favorite apple pie last night. Our kids love Ryan's pies as much as we do and Ryan and I have debated at length whether this is a good thing or not. I was all excited this afternoon to have a final slice until I found the empty pie plate on the counter! How could that be?! I was crushed. Deflated. In despair. But at least there's another pie shell waiting in the fridge for his fabulous pumpkin pie - my second favorite with lots of homemade whipping cream!

Hello Cuties! So long, Moon Boots!

Due to a multitude of factors yesterday, we didn't head to Munich to meet up with Ryan's brother and sister-in-law that were house hunting. As I drove to base to get groceries in the pouring rain enjoying the perfect peak folliage, I thought, "Man, I wish we were off enjoying a drive today!" Oh wait, I was! And even better, no one was needing anything from me! Ahhhhh . . .

In that same spirit, I also stopped by the PX to actually take the time to try on running shoes. It's been so tortuously long since I've done so. While in Italy last March, I threw out my NINE year old pair because they made my feet hurt in one hour while my sandals helped my feet last all day! Yup, those sneakers had had their day. I tried on and padded around in various pairs to my heart's delight because I was on my own and could! The pair I liked totally doesn't conform to what I've absorbed from that great audiobook "Born to Run," but the likelihood of me actually going running is slim. I just want a good sturdy pair for my walks and adventures. Hold the presses! I also spotted some cute winter boots! The last time I wore boots was borrowing a pair of monstrosities known in my childhood as "moon boots" from my parents' collection. It was for a worthy cause - a family sledding trip at the lodge! At least ten plus years ago!

Last winter I was frustrated that I didn't own boots to enjoy playing in the snow with my boys compounded by the deplorable dollar-to-euro exchange rate. Not this year! I'll be a fun mom if it kills me! Bring on the snow! I bought those boots and can't wait to see if they're as fun to wear to/from kindergarten and the bus.

Fretting over Halloween Costumes

I wish I liked planning costumes. I haven't. Ever in my life. I hope I don't pass this along to my kids. I hope they enjoy it. I've begun collecting random costumes at yard sales and such but we still have slim pickings, although they loves dressing up in what we've got now and then. I don't sew and can't claim the crafty gene just yet. Luckily, Easton wants to be Indiana Jones again this year! We're not sure on McKay, but I think Morgan's crazy wispy blonde mullet could make for a great 80s punk rocker chick with some bright pink chunks! Ideas?

GC snuggling at home!

We caught up on General Conference this weekend as well. Easton enjoyed classic Conference Bingo for a session yesterday and mazes from the packet for today. Ryan made what my family always called "coffee cake" - the yummy Bisquick streusel cake where you double the cinnamon topping. Unless you're my brother Chris who once 7x'd the topping! No joke! At the very end of the last session today, all three kids were snuggled against Ryan's chest in his "man chair" and it was just too adorable for this gal!

How blessed we are now to be able to enjoy General Conference from the comfort of our homes, where ever in the world we are! Technology ROCKS!!! And after many trial and error trips to MediaMarkt last spring, we finally found the laptop-to-tv hookup! Yahoo!!!

"In closing," as the kids ask for the millionth time if they can have their habitual daily popsicle, I wonder which is worse for them - ice pops or hot chocolate with marshmellows? I foresee Easton becoming a microwaving aficionado in the near future. With nachos under his belt already, heating a cup of water a little can't be too far off!

Catching up with home-bodies!

Home Sick:

While I was homesick last week to be with my family and send Matt off on his mission, I got to experience the other home sick instead. Easton caught a virus at school and it's been making its way through the family for the past week. Our week has seen variations of the following: headaches, fevers, coughing, runny noses, tissues, naps, scratchy voices, too many midnight wakings, meltdowns a plenty, too many kid movies and cartoons, Vicks vapor rub, Tylenol, Motrin, Robitussin DM, a doctor visit, reading books, and lots of snuggling!

Ryan took this unflattering picture weeks ago, but it captures our rag-taggle sick bunch this past week pretty well. It's moments like these where I feel claustrophobic and complete joy in the same moment! I can't get enough of McKay's hugs and affection!

A couple days ago in the wee morning hours when McKay had woken up every hour coughing with a 103 fever, he totally freaked me out! He'd finally settled in on the couch and I was in the laundry room close by when I heard his clear voice (not his sick raspy voice) say like he often does, "I love you, Mom." It scared me so bad I had trouble getting back to sleep the rest of the night for fear that it was a farewell. Needless to say, with a few H1N1 virus cases and a case of tuberculosis here, we saw the doctor that morning! A friend even told me last night their family got whooping cough these past few weeks!

The plus side of this, I must admit, was how nice it was to have a break from our morning flurry of activities to get everyone out the door! I even cajoled Ryan into letting me go to German class in the evenings for him so I wouldn't have to miss class or find a sitter willing to watch my sickies. After long days at home with sick babies, I was always dying to get out and he was happy to be home after work even if it meant he had to cover the bedtime and medicine routines.

Autumn is Here!

For the past few weeks, I've enjoyed the changing view as I'd leave to trek over to get McKay from kindergarten or Easton from the bus. Such great colors and everything seems to be peak right now!

And coming home . . .

McKay insists on riding his scooter to and from the bus pickup. This requires a supreme dose of patience on my behalf, but he's a determined little guy! The wrist band isn't for wiping sweat away. Oh no! It holds all his super powers and boy does he use them!

Brothers are the best!

Seeing these two laughin' it up together, the best of friends, makes my day -- even if they're not allowed to sit on top of the couch! Since McKay likes to avoid giving good smiles when asked, I had to post this one and also show how he likes to dress himself!

I knew the boys were feeling better for sure when I found them dragging each other back and forth across the apartment floor last night without someone descending into a meltdown every couple of minutes! Notice the cushy booster seat they used to make the ride more comfortable. McKay definitely got the best of this game since Easton was too heavy to pull for long.

When the brothers leave the door open to the back yard, Morgan makes a bee line over to it and out she escapes! Last week I found her rolling this car across the lawn, happy as a clam, still in her pjs!

I had the scare of a lifetime yesterday when I discovered they'd let her out without me knowing and the gate was open! The boys had already headed back inside to continue a game they were playing and I'm not even sure they knew she made her way outside. Luckily, she enjoyed pushing the gate back and forth and hadn't made it far!

Time to Report:

I finally did it! Ryan was genuinely pleased with our little birthday evening for him a couple weeks ago! The boys rolled the roulands down so it was completely dark in our apartment. We sat in the dark for a half hour until Ryan got home because they were so excited and wanted to practice jumping out and surprising their daddy! McKay unwrapped one of Ryan's presents before Ryan got home and then once again before we sat down to eat. He just couldn't wait to show dad what we'd gotten him! I was once again reminded why I never got picked for singing solos in elementary school like my best friend. I can't even sing "Happy Birthday" in tune! These kids better grow up fast so they can drown out my voice. It hurt my ears!

The picture above is the birthday boy with this goods. His favorite dinner - roast beef enchiladas with fresh guacamole, sour cream, tortilla chips, and Rotel cheese sauce. I surprised him with a German chocolate cake. No one else but Ryan likes the coconut-nut frosting so I never make this. Turns out I made it just right - HURRAY! Thank you Trisha Yearwood for sharing Garth Brooks' favorite recipe on some cooking show!

We LOVE Autumn!

We made a short trip down part of the Romantic Road this weekend to enjoy the changing colors. It was a fun laid back drive through cute little towns while listening to Ryan's first audio book subscription title I got him for his birthday. (FINALLY, I picked a gift he enjoyed! HURRAY!!!) It's called Born to Run and can be a bit irreverent, but it's pretty entertaining and informative. What I've loved about it is that the most successful ultra runners share a common attribute - love and kindness.

We made our way to the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. It was hopping with tourists so we were glad we'd done the tours last winter and just got to soak up the crisp air and gorgeous scenery! Too bad the castle was covered in scaffolding! The bright blue sky looked like it was raining parachutes and gliders - I'm too much of a chicken to ever even think of doing that! We took the bus up to Cinderella's castle (Neuschwanstein) and walked back down. The only way we could get McKay to keep walking was to bribe him once again. This time he was allowed to take pictures if he'd keep walking. Whatever it takes!

We bribed them with frosted animal crackers to let us have the time to soak up the view. The flat valley below is so beautiful. Then it gives way to the Alps and we just love it here!

Ryan got to brush up on his Portuguese with a nice Brazilian couple who offered to take our picture. He felt a bit rusty, but I thought he did pretty well! My brother Matt just flew out this past week to begin his two year mission in Brazil so this hit home.

My cute boyfriend and I with the castle above my head. I wish it came in clearer!

I love how this kid hugs me! I positively crave it! Hohenschwangau behind us.

Here's Morgan giving herself some eye to eye lovin'!

Once we checked in down in Garmisch, we headed to Ryan's little slice of heaven for his favorite steak. Yummy! He let me finish my food by taking a VERY uncooperative Morgan back to our room. She had thrown just about everything imaginable to the floor. She redeemed herself just now as I was writing this by sitting in the doorway of the kitchen clapping, dancing on her haunches, squealing and giving kisses as I made her a bottle! She's so funny and loves her food! I think all moms should receive this hoopla treatment while preparing food for the youngin's!

After dinner the boys got to go swim until 8 when "Bolt" was on TV. What a fun filled day! We enjoyed a leisure morning splitting up the breakfast into crews -- early risers McKay and Morgan with me, then sleepers Easton and Ryan later. I love that this hotel has a breakfast buffet with eggs made to order!!! It's one of my favorite things. I'm very easy to please!

The kids got another swim in before we spent SIX HOURS in our first horrible German traffic stau. The trip should have taken three hours. Good thing we liked our book and the boys had their dvds. While at the pool, Easton amazed me by swimming the length of the pool. It wasn't far, but he jumped in and swam across completely unassisted except for the cheers of ecstatic parents! He's such a good boy and I LOVE HIM!!!

Can you tell Morgan was NOT too thrilled to be sharing her daddy? A couple pictures later she's got a fist full of Easton's hair in her clutches with a full on banshee scream in progress!

Ahhh, daddy to herself in the hot tub. Life is right again!

In the right place . . .

I had some totally sweet experiences last week. On Sunday evening, I was telling Ryan I was really struggling to prioritize and manage my time in what has become rather chopped up portions of time between school drop offs/pickups and our classes. I love to have down time as a family. I love to learn. I love to make new friends. I love to help someone. I love to have a clean house. I love to be cooked for . . . but I digress.

My friend's lil' three month old had to go back in the hospital last week again. The invasive scan performed yielded more questions rather than the expected result. My friend was totally deflated and I felt the sorrow down deep, having been there before. Time and again, my ulcerative colitis has helped me empathize and gain greater depths of friendship which I hold as some of my most cherished life experiences thus far. Sharing life's joys and sorrows is truly one of life's greatest gifts. Connections.

The next evening, I was able to spend an evening with my friend in the hospital with her little girl. Thank you, Ryan!!! I got lost asking for directions a few times from different staff. Humbling. I was pretty proud of myself for being able to ask for room 304 in German, but hadn't yet learned how to understand directions. Minor details! Hmmm, something to ask Frau Schill this week in class and yet another way I'll take the class off on a tangent! Last time I did this was to ask how to say "Excuse me" and "I'm sorry" -- very helpful when carting my kids around and letting them steer the stroller or shopping cart. Not always my finest moments.

My friend and I ate, we laughed, and I got to hold and play with her cherub! For being a sick little thing, she sure looks healthy and isn't missing a single yummy roll! I introduced Dawn to my favorite guilty pleasure -- dark chocolate covered almonds. They're so pretty and shiny. So sinfully easy to eat one, and another, and another . . . She may never forgive me, but misery loves company!

At the end of the evening, I got to hold and feed Sophia. The hallway ceiling of this ward has all these carved out circles of varying sizes and Sophia was mesmerized by them. She'd be throwing a fit and all you had to do was stroll into the hallway and she'd instantly chill out! Quite funny actually. Until she fell asleep in my arms. One of the sweetest things ever is to lull a baby to sleep. The sense of peace, love, and accomplishment all rolled into one! Man, I love babies!

I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for seeing fit to bless me with moments last week where I knew I was doing what I was meant to be doing at the right time and place. It is so great to have sisters everywhere I go!