Saturday, January 26, 2019

Cruising Wiff my Peeps

Once upon a time I made a plan to take mother and my sisters on a cruise.  Natalie was the only sister that made it work.  So we went! On a cruise!  Just the three of us!
As soon as we arrived, we headed to the buffet.  Yum.
Miami weather was rainy and cold and wet, so we found our room and warmed up. 
This is how we left the port.
The cruise terminal was covered in lovely palms.  Why is it that palm trees = vacation to me?
Formal came, so we decided to awaken and pretend to get dressed.  First selfie attempt.
Second selfie attempt.
This is how we spent most of Monday, asleep.
And we read. 
Off to the really not spectacular show with three seconds of 3-d effects.  Instead, we found a band and listened to them play for hours every evening.  Natalie correctly concluded, "The real entertainment is this live band."

We awakened in the port of Roatan, Honduras -- lots of palm trees, blue water and white sand.
We found the shade.
But we also found a taxi driver that gave us a tour of the flowering and green peninsula.
The best part was that mother spoke to him in Spanish.  He learned of our devotion to Jesus Christ, and took us to visit the local church.
The next day we landed in Belize.

We caught the water taxi to the port, but it was a bit scary so we left quickly after mild shopping.

We tired ourselves out talking and laughing and 
playing, "Cruise."  This delightful game allowed Natalie to lie still while I piled up every pillow and created an illusion that she weighs 400 pounds.  Here she is piling up her "chins" as well.  Great game, I tell you what.  I felt sorry for all the other passengers who were watching an awful rock band show.  
We had to try the game from the back as well.  It worked.  I love her tiny hands and feet poking out.  Mother looks so proud of us.
Off to Cozumel for a day of shopping and eating.
We're very good at that.
It was hard to be awake more than four hours at a time, so we used the afternoon to rest up and read.  I think we each read a novel.
Our last night we found the band and sat to listen.  We knew all the words and music and loved it.
Mother was in fine form listening and loving all to whom she spoke.  I've decided that she loves with her eyes, which is why all people are instantly drawn to her.
Saturday came and it was time to.  I used Braille to make sure we were leaving the correct room, then we headed to that palmy airport.

Here we are using our sailing cards to make sure that we saw, spoke and heard no evil.  Phew.

They went one way, I went another.  My best tip was using earplugs and the travel pillow to continue sleep on my voyage home.
This nice husband met me at the gate and took me to a dinner.  I missed him.
During this week of total relaxation I felt the love of my Savior so tenderly as Natalie and Mother ministered to my mind and soul.  We connected eternally which lifted strengthened me.  I have a greater desire to be better and do better when I am with my mother and sisters.  I have no idea how we were really able to pull off our cruise, but I am game to go again!

Sunday, January 20, 2019

January 20, 2019

I was really ambitious, and we three made sugar cookies Monday morning.
 Ryan used up all the sprinkles.
 Molly used the same cookie and alternated spreading frosting and licking frosting.  Yum.
 Andy and I had a few moments of driving.
 Post dinner grins and
 Dracula teeth.  (Ryan looks so happy.  I love him.)
 Friday finally came, and Austin was home.  We were very happy.
 Saturday Nick played two games of flag football; we had perfect viewing weather.  Nick played very well.
 Then, I loaded up the big kids and headed to do baptisms at the temple.  This was Nick's time, and he reported that Andy was a very good guide.  He also said he felt the spirit and the power of the temple.  I am blessed to have such obedient children.  (It was a 4.5 hour adventure.)
 Maisie looked so grown up today.  She's a peach.
 So did I.  I really wonder how I make it all happen.  Well, I really don't.  I know angels surround me and lift me up.  So, I'll take it.  That divine help is what keeps me lifted. 

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Happy New Year!

Our first week back into the swing of things proved to bring with it lots of laundry.  These two kept my company by watching a show cozy in laundry baskets.
 Everyday I nap, and Ryan nestled in the crook of my legs.  I sure love him.
 We watch the "Come Follow Me" movies together, and they sit on me.
 Andy passed his driving permit test.  Here we go!
 Ryan's dream came true and Grandma B. had him over for "Grandma's Day."  They made these cute butterflies and filled them with after-school snacks.
 Friday we drove to St. George for Taylor Cleverly's mission farewell.  Saturday morning we chose to worship in the temple.  Austin's family is easy to love.
We ate at In-n-Out for lunch; this place never disappoints.

The rest of the afternoon we went swimming.
The adults went to dinner.  I strategically placed myself across from Taylor, and I enjoyed the entire hour chatting and listening to him.  He loves the Savior and is prepared to teach all who listen.
 Back to the Cleverly's for more chatting and just being together.
 It really was lovely.

 Sunday we heard Taylor powerfully testify that Jesus Christ is our savior and redeemer.  He glowed.  Then a belly full of cinnamon rolls and fruit made the drive home easier.
 Taylor certainly has many people that will be praying for him. 

Sunday, January 6, 2019

The Final Days

Our Christmas break is over, and I'm very sad about it.  We had three final days together.  
I sewed leather on the bottom of my slipper socks, because I couldn't wrap my brain around white socks on my floors.
 We've been studying the scriptures together -- this is what our "Come Follow Me" looks like.  We are learning gospel truths.  YES!
 Maisie paints with Bob Ross.  Maddie decided to join the fun.

 Then Meg and Austin joined in as well.  I am actually quite impressed at their work.
 Over the break they managed to watch three season of "Avatar."  Saturday night was epic because they finished just in time.
 These four boys all needed haircuts.  Check.
My house seems empty with all the decorations put away.  My heart seems empty tonight because seven people are leaving me tomorrow.  We really had a lovely break filled with happy familial moments.  Austin and I left our chores and lists behind to simply be nice and flexible.  The kids reveled in the love and laughter, so did we.