For Better or For Worse

(I warned you I couldn't stay quiet for long!-But what else am I going to do at 4 something AM!?)

Dear Prince William and (Should be Princess) Kate:

What a HAPPY, HAPPY day--and it is only 4:24am!!
I've spent the last hour or so, smiling as I watch the events of your blessed wedding.

Oh what a grand occasion.

I kept thinking about the scrapbook that lies carefully in my cedar chest at the foot of my bed--that my dear Auntie Sheila gave me back in 1981.  It was my role as a proper little English school girl to vigilantly keep newspaper clippings, postcards, and even a Buckingham Palace stamped letter from your dear mother, Princess Di herself.  I have a commemorative spoon and a beloved make-up bag marking the special July 1981 day.

Fast forward thirty years!
It is your wedding day!!  I can remember excitedly watching the television screen as your mother presented you to the country (and world!) outside the hospital doors, almost twenty nine years ago.  And now you are getting married!

I don't have a scrapbook, I have no newspaper clippings, I have no commemorative spoon.  And I certainly have no make-up bag  to remember the occasion.  But, I did dutifully awaken (before my alarm even!) and with a huge smile on my face (and I admit a few tears in my eyes) am watching your special, special day.  Although I am sorely disappointed that you couldn't overcome protocol briefly and 'Kiss The Bride' at the traditional time.

I loved your little brother's sneak peek at the bride, I loved your determined and traditional not seeing the bride until she was by your side, I loved the simple vows, and I loved your nervous smiles.  I loved the presence of love in your eyes.  And, I loved the thought I had, that of course your mother was there in spirit.

What beauty, grandness and patriotism present on this historic day.  And whether or not the bizarre regulations of royalty grant Kate the official role of 'Princess' or not, she's pretty darn close to one.

What a delightful morning!

My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes go out to you.  It seemed like the perfect occasion and I am so happy to have been a part of it.  I briefly question the craziness of waking up at such an hour, but really, how could I not have?  It is my continued duty of a once-proper-English-school-girl.

I must also take this moment to send my sincere apologies for my husbands rudeness for such a grand occasion.  My dear husband lay in bed next to me throughout the whole event, with snores sometimes overcoming the sounds of the royal music.  I am so sorry.  He doesn't understand one bit the grandness of the occasion.

And now as the sounds of 'God Save The Queen' ring out through my television, I must end this letter to sing along.  (On the bright side, my singing should cease the snoring.)

Congratulations Your Royal Highnesses!  I'll look forward to the 'Kiss The Bride' scene on the balcony in just a little bit.

Best wishes and much love,
A Former English School Girl

No Resting

I need to get back to real life, and though I have plenty of things mulling about in my head, I have other more urgent things to get to.  And not because I think anyone is still interested in our trip, but for a permanent family record, I'm going to post the rest of our trip pictures for the next few days.

I'll be back before too long--after all, I always lost the game "Who can be quietest the longest" when I was younger.  I would still lose at it today...

DC Trip-Sunday, April 24th:

Of course our Easter Sunday did not start out with our typical Easter traditions, and that's okay.  We attended the Chevy Chase Singles Ward that Laurie & Steve regularly attend as part of their missionary duties.  The seven of us, in our family clan, sang a musical number in Sacrament Meeting.  Of course, Luke was not excited about this, but I was proud of both of my kids' efforts.  For Luke, the singing was made up for by the fact, we only had to attend the Sacrament Meeting portion of church as obviously there was no Primary (children's class).

Arlington National Cemetary-Luke should know every detail there is to know about this national site, if you consider the 5,671 questions he was asking either Grandpa Steve or me.  But considering I was the one answering the majority of the questions... well it's no surprise he didn't come away too well educated.

Iwo Jima Memorial-Apparently there is a rumor that there are thirteen hands on the memorial.  Although six men would accurately produce twelve hands not thirteen, it is not unrealistic to consider that the thirteenth hand could well have been the hand of God.  Grandpa said that he has tried his best to count thirteen hands, but in all the times he has visited the memorial, he has never been able to count thirteen.  Of course Luke upon hearing this 'legend', proceeded to count the hands.  After his third try in less than five minutes, Luke is convinced he counted thirteen hands.  (FYI-according to Snopes, there are only twelve hands on the memorial.)

The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial was very touching.  It was quite simple yet full of symbolism and meaning.  Each victim from both the building and the plane have a symbolic memorial marked by the year of their birth.  Megan was touched by the memorial of the young child born in 1998--the same year she was, that was a passenger in that fateful flight.

The beautiful Washington DC temple.  While I have thoroughly enjoyed the history and richness of the country these past few days, I felt 'at home' as my kids played amidst the temple visitor center exhibits full of familiar scripture stories and scenes depicting our knowledge and beliefs.  We are truly blessed, in more ways than one!

An Ordinary Day

Having been gone from home for a week and missing my young children and Mike desperately, I was very excited to return home.  Our plane sat on the runway at Washington National Airport last night for two hours before we took off, which of course made our arrival into Utah much later than planned.  Combine that delay with a very turbulent flight, a nervous traveler, severe nausea and the constant pondering of how quickly I could possibly be meeting my Maker, I was thrilled to see Mike standing grinning, just outside the security checkpoint when we came around the corner.   I was sad my children were at home asleep in bed.

This morning started about 6:37am, with all of our children congregating on our bed.  I felt like I needed extra arms to hold and hug the three kids who didn't want to leave my side.  Thank goodness Megan and Luke had seen enough of me this last week, or the arm shortage would have been much more urgent.

This morning in the morning chaos to get kids dressed, fed, and out the door.  I paused as I listened to the familiar sounds of Luke practicing the piano, I had more patience than usual during the morning routine of "I need more juice" or "I want another piece of toast" or "Where is my..."  Amidst all of the hussle and bussle of this morning's typical before-school-day, I was reminded of one of my favorite books and certainly my very favorite 'You Tube Video' based off of the book, 'The Gift of an Ordinary Day.' (The video is a MUST see!)

Yesterday at this time I was on a private tour of the Senate Office and White House, today I am back to my ordinary life.  I have spent the last few days visiting some of the most historical and important places in American History, today I am trying to go through all the emails I put in my 'Action' folder this past week, I'm trying to get all the laundry done, I want to upload and sort through my photos, my phone keeps ringing with people who now know I'm home, yet I'm still trying to find time for reading Chick-A-Chick-A-Boom-Boom type books, child holding and extra hugs.

The sights, sounds, lifestyles and surroundings of the last week seem quite magical compared to my ordinary life, but the repeated thought going through my mind all morning has been, "This is an ordinary day.  This is my ordinary life."  And guess what?  I wouldn't trade it.  (At least not right now, I may in a few more days...)

Even with my toddler's (new in the last week) independence to do everything himself (including removing wet/soiled diapers), and Joshua crying because his towel fell off of his wet naked body, and then a sandwich being deemed inedible because it was cut into fourths instead of being left whole, and toys being thrown out of the open family room window, the events have solidified the beautiful theory of 'ordinary days.'

As I began typing, Joshua was holding a 'bouquet' of suckers he received from the Easter Bunny.  While Drew naps, I told Joshua he was to have quiet time for one hour.  He is currently on sucker number three, I'm attempting to turn a blind eye, after all sucker eating is a quiet activity.

Quiet time is officially over according to the four year old--as all of the suckers have been consumed.

Welcome home.
Back to the ordinary I go.

Random

In no particular order, here are some random thoughts and impressions of my trip.

#1  Bless Luke's heart, he has taken in a lot of museums, memorials, monuments and history!  For the most part, his attitude has been great.  But for him, forget history, just give him the grounds of the Washington DC temple to explore, the animals at Mount Vernon, or some climbing rocks of the beaten path at Gettysburg.    All of which (bridges, muddy swamps, rocks and animals) he can find just a few miles from home!

#2  My mother-in-law has visited Washington DC many, many times.  She has also lived here for a few years throughout her life.  However, not a drive goes by that she doesn't pull out her camera and continue to capture the beauty of the city around her.  It is perhaps one of her top favorite places in the world, and though she probably has albums full of DC pictures from years past, she appreciates each sight and moment as if it is her first time.  It really is very inspirational to see her love of the history, beauty and culture around her.

#3  What a brilliant idea to have a personal chauffeur.  Steve has seen this city just as much as Laurie, and drops us off at entrances and then circles the blocks, takes a nap, or parks and comes to find us.  Even though I'm really not much of a traveler and I don't foresee too many trips in my near future, I may still have to look into a personal driver for my day-to-day errands.  How perfect would that be to never have to walk into Walmart in the rain, or return a cart to a cart return at Costco, or carry toddlers from parking lots to buildings.    A personal driver!  I could get quite used to that idea.

#4  I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but after spending a week in these luscious green surroundings, the barrenness of the Utah desert is seeming less and less appealing to return home to.

#5  I am more than anxious to see my three youngest children and my dear husband.  I have never been away from any of my kids for more than three days, and I miss them and Mike something terrible.  I will need a reminder of how much I miss them right now next week, when rest assured, they will all return to their proper roles of making me CRAZY.

#6  So, as you read this I will be returning home to Utah across the friendly skies.  Wish me luck!
xxx

Saturday in PA

I have envisioned and been fascinated by the Amish lifestyle ever since reading an Amish novel, years ago.  I have read many since.  So it was with great anticipation and excitement that we approached Amish country mid-morning on Saturday. It was rainy and cold, but worth every goose bump to see such a quaint and unique lifestyle.

Steve treated the three children (Megan, Luke and Cousin Emily) and me to a buggy ride. It was absolutely charming and thrilling to be driven by an Amish man, as he gave a commentary on the surrounding farms, homes and landmarks, including personal details of his family. I found myself imagining him and his family being one of the characters my favorite novel series. We were able to meet his little grand-daughter and his son. Oh what a thrill! I wish the weather had been slightly warmer, and I wish we had had more opportunity to wander and see roadside stands, but all in all it was one of the definite highlights of my trip. Kind of nice to realize we aren't the only 'peculiar people' in the world...
(Out of respect for the Amish and their beliefs, I took few photos, and none of the people.)

As we walked out of the last shop, the Amish farms and fields in the background were stunning.  Except the picture didn't quite tell the real story... there are cars in the background and we all have our tacky 'buggy ticket sticker' still on.  Oh well.  The best pictures are in the mind!

My sister-in-law, Kristin loves Gettysburg. (She has visited many times before.)  She has mentioned more than once she would like to live there.  My mother-in-law shares similar sentiments.  Their anticipation and enjoyment of Gettysburg was a direct contrast to mine.  Suffice it to say, my children didn't have a very good time there either.  They had both been told the pretty steep payment they owed me for their behavior on the ride there.  To pour salt on the wound, I was feeling pretty car sick--due mainly from my constant turning around to the two bickering children in the far backseat.

(Luke's face accurately portrays all three of our moods--Megan is TOTALLY faking it!)

Just as every other landscape here that I've seen, the Gettysburg scenery was every bit as beautiful.  What rich history.  I can truly say I have learned more about US History in the last few days than in the thirty six  (and a HALF--my half birthday was Friday--and how thrilling to have received a text Friday morning from my friend Terri, bringing it to my attention!!) years of my life.

As I keep saying, there is so much beauty and rich history here.  I am continually touched by the poignant reminders of sacrifice and extreme efforts to fight for the freedoms we so easily take for granted.
And as my mother-in-law keeps saying, "Visit places always thinking you will come back."

I will come back!  Either when my kids are beyond the arguing stage, or better yet, I'll leave all the kids at home.

Not Today

Fourteen years later, two thousand miles apart and Easter Sunday celebrations taking precedence... Guess we'll celebrate some other time.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my husband.

Happy Anniversary!

Old History and New

History was certainly remembered, reviewed and made today. . .

First of all, I must mention I have become quite the traveler!  Six states (well if you count Washington DC and I know that is NOT a state!)  Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and my kind in-laws drove over the bridge to New Jersey just for my sake!  It was a toll bridge no less.  What nice people.  (The in-laws, not the New Jersians.  Not that I have anything about the New Jersey, people, I just didn't interact with any, so I can't correctly assess whether they are nice or not!)

It was very touching to go to Fort McHenry--the place where Frances Scott Key penned The Star Spangled Banner'.  We watched a re-enactment movie of the events of that day/night, and as the movie ended, the Star Spangled Banner played, the screen rose up and out the window we saw the flag flying over Fort McHenry.  It was very touching, and I was moved to tears.  I hesitated slightly about stopping and taking a picture of my children during such a respectful event, but figured if the non-respecting citizens (appalling!) were staying seated, I could certainly snap a quick picture of my kids (from behind) watching the flag with their hands over their hearts.

What great fun to ride in a carriage around the historic district of Philadelphia.  As the carriage driver pointed out the Philadelphia Bible House as being the first place in America that the Bible was printed in english, I was reminded of the time period of George Washington, and the parallel events going on a few states away to bring about the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Certainly no coincidence!

And perhaps, one of the most important places in all of American history... Independence Hall, where the declaration of Independence was signed.  And of course, the historic and symbolic Liberty Bell.  I'll tell you, like I told Luke 4,289 times, I DON'T KNOW HOW THE CRACK GOT THERE.

Valley Forge is a beautiful, beautiful place.  But after hours in the car, bickering children, cold weather, hungry people and a little car-sickness, it didn't quite have the effect it surely could have had under other circumstances.

We've stopped the night at a hotel in Valley Forge, PA.  Laurie, Steve, Kristin and Emily are in one room.  My kids and I are in another... So, if you're still with me at this point in the post, you'll learn of the event that is sure to become a treasured memory in our own personal family history.  BUT, this is a very public forum, and I must protect the guilty, so...

Suffice it to say:
a hotel room
a visit to the bathroom
an inch of water all over the bathroom floor
a clogged toilet
the delivery of a non-high quality toilet plunger and extra towels (that one day a guest will use to dry their body with!!!!!!!!  I don't care how much bleach the hotel staff will use, if I ever visit this hotel again, I will NOT use a towel)
the guilty culprit sent to summon grandpa
grandpa and the guilty culprit returning to room: grandpa with a big smile, making a joke, the guilty child with their head hung low
me glaring at the joking grandpa
grandpa attempting to plunge toilet
grandpa making an SOS call to front desk and requesting a room change
me letting grandpa know that if any charge shows on his credit card, to bill mike, and mike will consequently bill the guilty culprit
a new room
the promise that one day (probably as soon as tomorrow) I will be able to laugh at the last couple of hours of my life.
Enough Said!

Happy Travels.