Who are all those beautiful girls? Neil, my brother-in-law, who is running for congress. He has a huge convention this Saturday, watch for that fun post. I just love this picture he is so cute with his little kids. MJ, the beautiful I love my little girl, but she has been so clingy ever since we came here. I love these little ones. They looked so beautiful in their simple spring dresses. A dear friend to my mother, Sister Field, saved her by finishing these gorgeous little dresses. Sister Field's made six of them. She said she was in the bathroom at 10:00pm at night, brushing her teeth, and she heard the spirit say, "Call Liz Craven." She picked up the phone and called her. My mother was so overwhelmeld with the wedding. She was so grateful for the call. She was her angel. The girl's loved there new dresses so much. CC, the beautiful. I haven't seen this little on for more than a second since we arrived. She is always running around playing with her cousin's. I can only kiss her in passing. My wonderful sister Jennifer. She has blessed my life in so many ways. I admire her in all ways. I love her and her cute new husband Derrick. Aren't they the cutest? Phillip and Katrina didn't have a wedding cake. My twin sister's whipped this beauty together the day before. They insisted they wanted to, even though they had never made one before. I must say it looked really good and better yet, it tasted amazing.
It was such a beautiful day. It was bitter cold, but the overcast skies made for amazing pictures. The snow was glistening on the tulips and it was gorgeous to look at. Our entire immediate family was in the temple, minus Tam and Kim because they aren't old enough yet. It was a beautiful ceremony. Phillip and Katrina were glowing warm with happiness and I don't even know if they noticed the sting of the cold. Madison fell asleep in the car and it was so fridged I didn't want to move her, so my husband stayed with her during pictures. These are my father's parents, my grandma and grandpa Craven. I love them to pieces. I hope I can grow up and be like them. There is such a special spirit in their home. They are definitly some of the most Christlike people I know. I cherish them. I also need a picture of my Grandma and Grandpa Hair, who were both angels during the whole day. I feel so blessed to have both my sets of Grandparents live close and long, so they both could have such a large impact on my life.
Phillip and Katrina had a beautiful dinner that night at my Grandpa and Grandma Hair's home. My mother made a yummy Mexican dinner. I got to meet all of Katrina's wonderful family. They were so sweet and after meeting them I understood why she is so great. Nate flew in that afternoon, so he got to participate. It was fun having our whole family there. All of the parents got up and said something touching about there child. It was cute. This is my father. He was the first man I truly admired and absolutely loved. I still think he is so handsome. When I was young I use to think he was the best looking man I knew. I loved it when people told me I looked like him. He was and is the best father any child could ask for. He was and is perfectly kind to me and absolutely supportive. We, all of his children, fell blessed his is our Dad. Phillip and Katrina are such wonderful people. Jennifer, my sister, shared a story about Phillip when he was younger. He, Jennifer, and I went to Los Vegas. Phillip kept tripping on the back of Jennifer's sandals. She kept getting upset. He finally explained that there was so much pornography the only place he could look was up. It touched both of us that he was so concerned with being morally pure. There are so many stories of his goodness. I am grateful he is my brother. I was so happy to be there.
Emma and CC are the best of friends. She loves her cousins. Emma is such a little mother to all of her younger cousins. She was helping Kate onto her rocking horse. MJ loved raiding Uncle Michael's and Aunt Chrissy's apartment. There are a lot of fun toys. New baby Colton is so precious. Chrissy let me play with her camera and I couldn't get enough pictures of this little guy. Don't you just want to squeeze him? Tyler is always the comic relief. I love two year old. I was trying to take his picture and he kept diving under the counter. Uncle Michael swigging a bottle of Welch's. Yummy. We were laughing our heads off.
My sister's recital was the night of the day I flew in. I was exhausted, but it was worth it. She has the voice of an angel. She is so talented. It was her senior recital, the night before graduation. She graduated with her music degree at the University of Utah Valley. She sang several difficult opera songs. Wow, she is AMAZING! (The woman in red is her music teacher.) After about three numbers MJ wanted to join in singing at the top of her lungs. It was cute but distracting. Her music teacher had lectured us that if the kids started to make noise they were to be removed immediately. I took her out in the hall and hovered near the door. We made it a few more numbers and her teacher stuck her head out the door and said she could hear us and we needed to move further down the hall. I didn't move. A little while later Kimberly joined me with Tessie in tote and a short while after that Michelle joined us with Tyler in tote. Then MJ found a can of tomato paste, in a welfare basket, and threw it at the door. I picked her up and we all ran giggling further down the hall. Emily was really frustrated with her teacher because she wanted us all there to listen and didn't care about her nieces and nephews making noises. Afterwards Paul, Emily's honey, made yummy cookies for us all to enjoy. As the evening reached an end, Tyler came running out of a backroom and stopped stretched his legs and reached his arms up and exclaimed, "Mommy, ME FOUND A POTTY AND WASH MY HANDS." He was recently potty trained. We all burst out laughing and hoped he really did.
Well, the flight was easy. The girls were great. We did leave for the airport at 4:00am to make our 6:00am flight. I left the luggage with Nate. I just brought a backpack because he was following the next day and I just didn't want to deal with luggage. When I got to the ticket counter the line went on forever. I was grateful I didn't have luggage. I just skipped passed everyone, printed my ticket, and headed to my gate. I was so happy. Then I got to the gate and they explained the reason behind the long line. The flight was having mechanical problems, they were expecting a part for the plane from New York. It would arrive at noon. Sigh. They rerouted me on Delta. My flight left at 8:00am, which was better than noon. I was happy. However, these are the times you need a cell phone. I tried calling on those pay phones to let my family know, but they were ridiculous to use and no one would answer because they didn't recognize the number. When we arrived in Utah, there was no one there to greet us. Sierra exclaimed, "This is a stupid way to come to Utah. No one is here." (She took both pics.)
Well, yesterday we ran out of milk. I asked Nate to pick some up on the way back from a friends home. He said he would. He forgot. I could of asked a friend to pick me some up while she was at the store. I thought about it but didn't. I told Nate that MJ wasn't going to be able to survive with out her milk. I woke up early. MJ woke up and wanted milk. I got Sierra's three wheeler and the stroller and walked to the nearest convience store a mile plus away. I wasn't prepared for the cold wind. When we rounded the final bend to the store Sierra said, "Mom, it is freezing. Why did we walk? Why couldn't we take the car?" I said, "Because Daddy took the car to school." She said, "No he didn't mom, I saw it while we were walking." Yes, folks Nate was kind and took the bus, so I could take the car to get milk and I walked past my own car without realizing it. However, we got to go and visit this little lady on the way back from the store. Isn't she beautiful? Good job Sarah. Sarah let me hold her for a long time and she was so fun to hold. I always forget how tiny newborns are. She has such a perfect little head and face. She was so alert and smiley. She has so much hair, by the time she is MJ's age she will be sporting ponytails. She was just perfect. MJ decided to fight over a toy with this little guy. They are only a few weeks apart. I remember saying to Sarah, right about the time we leave they will be playing together. Now they are both in nursery together and so grown up. Sigh, time passes to quickly.
My sweet friend Ashley invited us over for a BBQ. The food was delicious. It was fun to hangout with some of my favorite people. Of all the people who began this dental school journey with us, they are simply my favorite. I often feel it was Our Father-in-Heaven's guiding hand that brought us together. Here is CC playing with her little friend. They were racing back and forth across the yard. This is Ashley's little boy. When I look at this little one's eyes I often think I cannot be completely happy until I have a son. (I maybe jinxing myself with that last sentence.) Peek-a-boo. CC was convincing the kids to run around the house, through the back door, then through the back yard, and then into the front door, all while sporting muddy shoes. Sigh. No, no. One of the cutest boys I know up to his knees in mud. This little puddle of mud was a huge source of pleasure for him. MJ and the cute boy decided to help undo some of Jev's hard work by rearranging the mulch. Sigh. Nate's buddy Ryan thought it was hilarious that Nate doesn't like to be photographed, so he tortured him. Ryan and the kids had a lot of fun playing together. He is like an uncle to all of them. He tortures them, rough houses with them, and tells them how it is. We all think he is the greatest.
This is my favorite book. It has blessed my life richly. It is another book of scripture, given to us by a Father-in-Heaven who knew we would need it to give us strength in our day. I don't know how I would journey through life without its messages of hope and the direction it affords my life. This book is a book about our Savior and along side the Bible testifies of His divinity and his mission.
Some of my favorite versus are found in 3 Nephi, chapter 17 which read...
Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold, my time is at hand. 2 I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time. 3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again. 4 But now I go unto the Father, and also to show myself unto the lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them. 5 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. 6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you. 7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
I am grateful there ia a prophet today on the earth that leads and directs us, that we are not left alone to wander. I am especially grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith, who dedicated his life and even gave it in protection and defense of a book and a church, which I belong to and love.
I wanted to get outside today but I have too many projects that have kept me in. I have so much to do before I leave and know it is going to come sooner than I have realized. Panic has started to set in. The girls needed mommy time. We all went and piled on the bed and played airplane. Sierra wanted to do it over and over again. (Yes, those are my nasty feet. Do not enlarge the photo.) I complied because the other day we played for fifteen minutes and the next day I felt like I had done some insane ab exercises. I have checked out my abness in the mirror and I think I saw some improvement. What could be better than exercising while you play with your kids. Sign. Nothing.... Okay, maybe being at the ice cream parlor with your kids. Sierra kept floping down on the bed and it would slightly bounce MJ and send her into giggling fits. Then in all the hilarium CC stopped and pointed to the sky and said, "Mom, look at that. Wow. It is so beautiful. Let me have the camera, so I can take a picture." This was her picture.
I saw this really beautiful bird across the park. I had to snap a picture. As usual CC was climbing on everything in sight. MJ was picking up acorns. Her little patty cakes were filled to the brim with them. Then my girls shared a banana. Yummy. Sierra ran around and played hide-and-seek, practiced exercises, and dug in the dirt. MJ walked up and down this plank of wood. It was on a slant and she felt so brave as she steaded her steps. I applauded her little efforts. When she would reach the top again she would say, "yeah," and give me a big kiss. She is so precious.
Well, for family night we talked about the Plan of Salvation. We pulled out a roll of paper and stretched it the length of table and we talked and drew. Sierra loved it. MJ wasn't really having any of it. However, I think it made an impression on my little girl.
Well, several weeks ago Sierra asked me about the "Castle on a Cloud" song. She said she remembered it and wanted to learn how to sing it. I was tickled. Remember back about nine months ago I took her to Les Miserable and I thought it was a bad idea, maybe it wasn't after all. We looked it up on YouTube. She watched the video over and over again. The more she learned, the more she wanted to share. In the elevator or just on the street she would point to a random stranger and whisper, "I want to sing my song to them," and then launch in singing. I tried not to show my mild embarrassment. (My embarrasement was not for her lack of talent, just for the unusualness of the situation and the sometime ackward reaction of the stranger.)
Anyway, it was announced that there was going to be a ward talent show. She asked if she could sing her song. Of course I encouraged her, I want to encourage her in every new thing she wants to try, but I didn't think she would go through with it.
Well, today she wanted to practice over and over again. She then wanted me to video it, so she could compare it to the video on YouTube and see where she messed up. Her idea not mine at all. Sometimes I can't believe she is four. I videoed it for her several time. We never did get a perfect take. Then we went to the church. I wasn't fully convienced that she was going to get up. She has never gotten up one time to give her part or even stood to sing in any primary presentation. She loves to play shy for some reasong. (Deep down I know it is an act, but sometimes she is very conviencing.) Anyway, I read a children's story and she got up right after me. She was amazing. I am not just saying that because she is my daughter. She was amazing. I mean she sang at the perfect speed, she got every word perfectly, and from what I know of music most of the notes. She didn't twist her shirt, or play with her hair, or spin her broom around. Some of the comments I got were, "There is no other word to describe her performance other than precious." "I am sorry, but your daughter blew you out of the water." "Wow, I taught voice to young children and for being four she is really good." Anyway, this post is way too long but I just love her so much and feel so blessed to have her as my daughter. I wish I could have vidoed her live but here are some of our fun bloopers and one of her singing it all but super fast and with Madison pushing the stoller through the picture. Enjoy.
TAKE 1 I love this little girls laugh.
TAKE 2 Love the little side-kick
TAKE 3 Mom what's my part? Hilarious
TAKE 4Madison went into the kitchen and retrieved the mop and came to join her sister.
TAKE 5 Now we have to start back.
TAKE 6Wow turbo. Madison what are you doing again? She is so precious. I could go on and on.
Who are all those beautiful girls?
Neil, my brother-in-law, who is running for congress. He has a huge convention this Saturday, watch for that fun post. I just love this picture he is so cute with his little kids.
MJ, the beautiful
I love my little girl, but she has been so clingy ever since we came here.
I love these little ones. They looked so beautiful in their simple spring dresses. A dear friend to my mother, Sister Field, saved her by finishing these gorgeous little dresses. Sister Field's made six of them. She said she was in the bathroom at 10:00pm at night, brushing her teeth, and she heard the spirit say, "Call Liz Craven." She picked up the phone and called her. My mother was so overwhelmeld with the wedding. She was so grateful for the call. She was her angel. The girl's loved there new dresses so much.
CC, the beautiful. I haven't seen this little on for more than a second since we arrived. She is always running around playing with her cousin's. I can only kiss her in passing.
My wonderful sister Jennifer. She has blessed my life in so many ways. I admire her in all ways. I love her and her cute new husband Derrick. Aren't they the cutest?
Phillip and Katrina didn't have a wedding cake. My twin sister's whipped this beauty together the day before. They insisted they wanted to, even though they had never made one before. I must say it looked really good and better yet, it tasted amazing.
