Goodbye Dear England

Dearest England,

You and I have had our ups and our downs; our highs and our lows. One minute I am basking in your green, lush countryside and the next minute the explanation of your leafy abundance is given by unrelenting rainshowers. However, through it all I leave you with my heart heavy with gratitude and sadness.

Years to come I will look back on my residence here with affection. One of my greatest treasures were the moments I had when running through your countryside and by doing so I discovered the unchartered path, the unmarked roads that I will cherish in my memory forever. The other treasure with which I will hold closely to my heart are the friends I have made while residing here.

Dearest England as you have proven your value in beauty you have also proven it with the incumbents that you securely and safely hold. Our English friends have provided me and my family with a home away from home. Although it took an unusual lofty season; we have learned that once your friendship is proven they are most devout. We have grown to love them and will miss them terribly as our next sojourn here may be a lengthy time to come.

So please accept these words as I am leaving a big piece of my heart with you. You have always been a part of who I am, but now my devotion to you is stronger than ever as I can now call you my home.

Love,
Lindsay

(Here are just a select few of my favorite running roads)

Merry Christmas!

Okay so I am a little lame this year. I tried to get cards out failed leaving it at 20. With Family taking precedence, we were not able to get many cards to friends this year. So please, accept this as our family ecard and know that our thoughts are centered around the ones we love during this holiday season. We miss you all. Have a very Merry Christmas! Also, take note that not only was I horrendous at getting cards out this year, but I also managed to get the ecard out late as well!

Dearest Friends and Family,

As we end this chapter in our lives and look to the next, we realize how much our lives have been deeply enriched with the people that have come and stayed, and come and gone. Our hearts our full of gratitude for the one sure thing that we have in this life; our family and our friends. We have blessings in abundance and four beautiful children that prove it everyday; with their smiles, their love and even their bantering. We don’t know what 2009 will bring, but we do know this, that it will take us on a new adventure, meeting new friends and experiencing new things; Virginia style. So goodbye to 2008, a year full of lessons learned and blessings gained, incredible trips taken throughout Europe and England (wonder if we will ever have that chance again) and hello to 2009 with an adventure waiting.

Merry Christmas everyone and may you too have new adventures as you bring in the New Year!

Love,
Harvey, Lindsay, Savannah, Madison, Carson and Rylie

My Little Red Shoes

My little red shoes

So shiny and bright.

I don you from morning

into the night.

I am not sure if it is the sound

you make on the floor

Or the bright color

that I cannot help but adore.

Some little girls have their wands

or their crowns,

Some may have their fairy wings

or their beautiful gowns.

I only need one thing

and that is for sure

It is the shoe that adorns

I pray you can endure

I take you to parks, to church

and to bed.

You never leave me,

that is the day that I dread.

So be with me forever

my bright tiny shoes.

For you are the one I will

invariably choose.

What lies within...

Where do we go? How is this going to happen? Is it right? Is it wrong? Will Harvey have a job in 3 months? Will we be okay?

These are just a few of the questions that have been plaguing me lately. We are supposed to move Dec. 31st, but we aren't sure where to. For 10 1/2 years, Harvey and I have had the advantage of strongly being directed to our next whereabouts. But now we have the map laid out in front of us and we aren't sure where to go.

Through prayer I have no doubt we will be taken care of, through prayer, I know all will be right in the end. I feel everyday that positive encouragement that we are being watched over and guided.

BUT...

Then I think of my kids. And the questions plague my mind once again. Is this hard for them? Is this an "unstable" environment? Can they cope?

And that is when I read this quote...I love quotes.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I discuss what is happening with the kids their responses have been, "Of course Heavenly Father will take care of us." "You know Mom Heavenly Father will guide us?!"

As I hear these words come out in sweet tiny voices, I realize what lies within them is not as tiny, but it is powerful, mighty, and unbreakable. Their faith really could move mountains. And again, I feel we will be okay.

As we were driving around accomplishing our many tasks for the evening. The moon was big, round and brilliant. It was hard not to notice and Carson shouted out, "Mom look it is the moon! I want to go there!"

I thought it was so cute how easy some things seem to him. So I asked him, "Okay buddy, but how are we going to get there?"

He thought for a moment. I could see the wheels turning; it was adorable how serious he was taking this assignment. Suddenly it came to him, "I know we can get a ladder!"

Amused by his excitement over this genius idea, I asked again, "Do you think it will reach high enough?"

He quickly replied, "It will if it is on the roof!"

Oh I love this kid!

A Christmas Poem by Savannah

Christmas is the best time of year,
Singing and dancing, but mostly cheer.

Christmas is laughter and fun,
Christmas is for everyone.

Santa is always cheerful,
But it's wierd, I've never seen him tearful.

Once I heard a raindeer on the roof,
Now that's proof.

This is my christmas poem I write to you,
Do you like it? I hope you do!

We are homeward bound...

As many of you know; Harvey and I have been struggling lately with not knowing where our future has been headed; that is assuming you can call a month a "future". Well we got news today, our future is calling us home.

We have had a whirlwind of emotions as we sat contemplating the decisions that need to be made over the next month. Where in Virginia should we live? Should we buy a home? Or should we rent? Where will the girls go to school? Which grade will they be in? How in the world are we going to work this all out in less than 4 weeks? We are sad to leave our new English friends, but excited to be closer to some of our old American ones. But no emotion we displayed could equal that of Savannah's when the news of our departure was given to her.

Her heartfelt tears she shed over leaving her best friend were enough to make us all cry. So to Savannah I devote the remainder of my post:

Dearest Savannah,

I write this to you because you are probably the most affected by our move back to the United States. I am sorry that you have to leave your friends and venture down a path that seems utterly scary right now. Your daddy has often quoted President Packer when he said,

"It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and step into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two.”

It is scary to step into the unknown. We have now moved 11 times and you have been there for 8 of them. I know it hasn't been easy and you have been amazing and supportive throughout all of it. I watched you as you shed your tears and I stand in amazement as you pick yourself up again and willingly move forward; trusting in your parents as you are once again pulled out of your comfort zone. We have no other choice Sav, we do this because we have to. Since we have no control over this, there truly is only one thing I can leave with you Savannah as you cope with the changes that are about to occur. And that is faith. There is only one person who could possibly love you more than your mom and dad. Your Heavenly Father is fully aware of your life. He is fully aware of the feelings that you are having. He will not leave you at a time like this, in fact, He is longing to console you. He wants you to be happy and I know Savannah if you put your trust in Him; we cannot fail. The path will not be easy; there is so much we are leaving behind. But when we arrive at the end of our journey we will find happiness.

You are the most capable little girl I have ever known. I truly believe, as Madison so eloquently stated, "Heavenly Father will guide us and lead us." I am sorry that we all must go through this Sav, but I do know it is right and when we do what is right we will be happy. We love you so much and we will always be there for you. And although this may give you little comfort right now one day you will appreciate it when we say, there is one friend who will never leave you. Whether you are in Japan, England or the USA, there is someone you can always count on, your adoring fan; your little sister Maddie.

Love,
Your mommy and daddy

The Isle of Wight

On Friday November 13, 2008, we took a trip to the Isle of Wight.  Why the Isle of Wight?

Well there is a few different reasons actually.  The first being, it is a really cool island off the southern coast of England, which sits nicely in the English channel.  The second, it is slightly warmer than our Northern temperatures. And thirdly, my name.  

When my mom was growing up she often heard my Grandma and Grandpatalking about her cousins from England, one who was named Lindsey.  My mom instantly loved the name and decided to name her first born daughter, that's me, Lindsay. Changing the spelling to appease my father who had a slight Hollywood crush on Lindsay Wagner. Well, my mom's cousin Lindsey happens to live in the Isle of Wight, which is the main reason we ventured down there.

It is strange meeting family that is so removed from your own.  I believe Lindsey's children are my third cousins.  But what made it more interesting is how instantaneously we connected.  It truly was as if our Spirits had been reacquainted after a long years absence.  Introductions were pointless.  Even my children felt comfortable the moment we arrived.  Before we knew it we were letting ourselves in the door, and our children, which would make them 4th cousins, were having sleepovers.  

Lindsey had stacks and stacks of family history done.  I can't describe the excitement I felt when I sat reading of my Great, Great Grandfather and his conversion to the LDS church, and his trek over to America.  I was able to find out names of the missionaries that baptized him, anybody have a Grandfather named Moses Edwards that served in Ipswich, England?  I was able to find out the name of the river they were baptized in.  It is overwhelming to think of my ancestors that left there homeland to live on foreign soil and to connect with those feelings as I have done the same in leaving my home country and returning back to the land they once called home. I realize the significance of the location of Savannah's baptism as she is now the only one since my Great, Great Grandfather to be baptized in England.  And this is a fact on all branches of our family tree.  

I just want to thank Lindsey for her kindness, her love, and her hospitality.  I now value my name more in knowing that it derives from such a wonderful lady.  

Lindsey and her husband Phil, with their daughter Marie and her husband Paul (Of course not in that order, but hopefully you can connect who belongs to whom).

Sophie adored Rylie. It was nice having her take care of Rylie every now and then.

Here we are taking our first ferry ride. The kids loved it.

Here is Carson crying on the beach. He still hasn't gotten over the last time he was on it. If you don't know what I am talking about read this

This is Cory! He didn't like to smile, especially for the camera!

Thanksgiving Evolution

When I was younger Thanksgiving was a holiday I never thought much about. When I was little and Thanksgiving would come around it represented family and food.


When I ventured into my teenage years, I developed the typical adolescent mentality of negativism. I regarded Thanksgiving as the precursor to Christmas. Something we had to get out of the way so we could finally put the tree up. I would often state Thanksgiving was my least favorite holiday.

When I got married and started a family of my own; my feelings towards Thanksgiving reverted back to my childhood feelings, except for us being away from family we soon had to replace that with friends. I looked forward to the time spent with friends and of course the table rich with Thanksgiving delights.

But after spending the last three Thanksgivings abroad I have come to view Thanksgiving in a whole new way. Of course my initial thoughts on food and friends remains the same, but it is the feelings that are different.


I have come to truly understand the story behind the holiday. I have come to acknowledge the exemplorary act of kindness the Wampanoag Indians and the famous Squanto had in reaching out and sharing their knowledge and saving the lives of the very people that came to stake claim of their land. How their hearts must have indeed been softened as they watched the pilgrims go through the first death rendering winter. And as those Pilgrims were placed into childlike position as they were taught the basic principles of farming on foreign soil. As they tasted for the first time the fruits of their labor, and how their hearts must have been bursting with gratitude as they watched their new but strange looking indigenous friends save their lives.


What an amazing holiday Thanksgiving truly is. A day that only we as Americans have to come together and reflect on the blessings we have been given throughout the year. The only one that holds no selfishness. The only holiday that gives us time to look around the table and express our gratitude out loud to all those whom are present. Gratitude, the real formula to leading a happier and more fulfilling life. Our beloved Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley shared his thoughts on the meaning of the word Gratitude once when he said,


"Cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving for the blessing of life and for the marvelous gifts and privileges each of us enjoy. The Lord has said that the meek shall inherit the earth. I cannot escape the interpretation that meekness implies a spirit of gratitude as opposed to an attitude of self-sufficiency, an acknowledgment of a greater power beyond oneself, a recognition of God, and an acceptance of his commandments. This is the beginning of wisdom. Walk with gratitude before him who is the giver of life and every good gift."


As I get to experience Thanksgiving again in the land that the Pilgrims once called home. I will do so with the Spirit of Gratitude. I am grateful for these years abroad that have opened my mind and my heart to the things of old, and of course to new and wonderful traditions. Also, to traditions that were once just a routine but are now essential and exciting. Happy Thanksgiving all!

Happy 9th Birthday

Dear Savannah,

Today is your birthday. I can't believe you are 9 years old. It seems like just yesterday I held you in my arms for the very first time, only to have you poop all over me. How is that for a thank you for having just given birth?! Gratefully you don't have any inclination to do that anymore. But now as I snuggle next to you I look down at your long arms and skinny legs, your feet that are nearly as big as mine, your hair smelling of the outdoors as you have chased the boys all day at school, your black rimmed glasses, and your sweet blue eyes. I tend to wish back the years that have flown by so quickly, but not today. Today, I am in love with who you are and who you are turning into. I love that I have a 9 year old that reflects sweetness and love. I can't possibly long for the years that have passed when I have such a girl at present.

Savannah, I am so proud of who you are. Often people state that it is good parenting that makes you who you are, but I can honestly say you are one of those special children that under any circumstance would still be Savannah. Sweetness and kindness is innate for you.

I often get joy out of watching you with your siblings. When Carson is in his "mood" and neither myself nor your dad can get him to cooperate; in you come, and with your gentleness and kindness. Somehow you can melt him and break down his walls and magically get him to do whatever we need him to do. I love that one compliment from you can light up Madison's entire world. I love that you try to include her at all times. The other day one of your friends was having a party and they had one slot open and you offered up Madison's name as a possible attendee. I admire your maternal instincts as you care for Rylie and do those disgusting tasks like changing diapers.

I am amazed at your character. Your so mature in your thoughts and feelings. One day you gently urged me to keep my patience, "Mom what is wrong? Why are you so grouchy? And when I wasn't receptive you demanded to be treated with more respect, "That still gives you no right to talk to me that way!"

I love that you have the ability to "Stand for Truth and Righteousness". You already know how to listen to the Spirit and are willing to let it guide you in your actions and choices. You asked your teacher to church the other day because you were heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost and although Sunday's were a busy day for her and she had to turn you down it pained her to do so. She came up to me feeling so bad that she had to let you down. You have that affect over many people. It is so hard to let you down.

Savannah, your dad and I love you so much. We are so grateful we have had 9 wonderful years to share with you. Please relish in these last years of your childhood. Be a child, be free from stereotypes and insecurities. Indulge in your imagination and have fun. These next few years will fly by and all too soon you will have to say goodbye to all the simple things. Happy Birthday my Savannah Banana and enjoy being 9; all too soon the double digits will hit you and after that they will never leave!

Love you so very much,

Mom

My Domestic God!

The other day I had a boat load of chores to do. We were leaving for a long weekend to the Isle of Wight (post pics later) and I was desperate to get the house clean before we left. Harvey took notice of my running around and asked if he could take some of the burden off me and help out.

So...

I told him; I finally got the gumption to do it. After 10 1/2 years of marriage I finally told the man exactly what he could do;

CLEAN THE BATHROOM!

After 10 1/2 years of marriage I have never seen Harvey with a toilet brush in his hands. He has never cleaned the bathroom. So instead of resuming my own chores I stood by and watched while taking pictures at the same time. I had to document this, I don't know if it will ever happen again!

(I am not sure if anyone looks natural holding a toilet brush, but I have to admit you can tell from this picture harvey doesn't quite look like he is comfortable doing what he is doing!)

10 Things I love most about Michelle!

1. That all my kids call her Shell.

2. Her incessant giggling. It really is a constant giggle. When the room is silent you can still hear Michelle in a corner giggling at nothing.

3. She makes you feel like you are the funniest person in the world. She laughs at everything anybody says!

4. She is REAL! She tells you her faults, lists her dislikes, and tells you exactly how it is. Of course, with a giggle and a smile!:)

5. She has Grandpa's eyes. Eyes that are filled with kindness and love, but quickly darken when fury sets in. If she discloses anything you can find out what you need by looking into her eyes!

6. She gives you compliments by making it appear as if she is criticizing. "Because Lindsay's perfect!!!" "Lindsay can do no wrong." "Lindsay is mom's favorite." At least I think those are compliments, I'll take what I can get.

7. She will never, I mean never let you forget your wrong doings towards her. Although she may forgive, she will never forget! I will be hearing about "What not to wear," for centuries to come.

8. Although she is soft spoken and shy, she can suddenly surprise you with her wit and humor. The girl is witty!

9. It is ridiculously hard to try to serve her. She rarely lets anyone do anything for her, yet, she will drop anything or rearrange whatever she has to in order to serve you.

10. She is central to most of my wonderful childhood memories. And although she may get sick at having to say the words, "I love you," there is no doubt in my mind that she loves each and every one of her family members!

Happy Birthday Shelly! You are an amazing person. I am so happy you are my kind, giggly, opinionated, and sarcastic little sister!

Love, your not much older than you,

Sis

Sister Missionary

One day I was sitting and mulling my thoughts over and over and stressing about everything when suddenly I remembered the bravery and more importantly the faithfulness of a little girl...

One day a little girl named Savannah came home from school. She had something important she felt she needed to discuss with her mother. She decided the quickest and surest way of finding her was to go towards the sounds of the crying toddler; knowing that it was this noise that beckons her mother from any room in the house.

She found her mom trying to ease her baby sisters crying rage. She went alongside her to try to help and soon her sister settled and went off to play with the other children. Savannah realized this was her moment to talk with her mom and unload all the thoughts that have been dominating her mind lately. "Mom," she said, "I have had this feeling lately that I need to ask my teacher to church. This thought comes into my head so much and I am not sure why."

Surprised by a little girl having such a prompting her Mom immediately turned towards Savannah. "Wow Sav, that is amazing! That is exactly how the Holy Ghost speaks to us. I believe it is the Holy Ghost telling you, you need to ask your teacher to church!"

"Yeah, I thought that was what was happening," was Savannah's nervous reply. "I am kind of nervous about asking her though."

"Sav this is one of the most wonderful things about prayer. When we feel scared to do something we know is right, we can pray for courage."

"I am not sure when I can do it though. There are always people around her," Savannah anxiously replied.

"We can pray for that too. We can pray for the opportunity and we can pray that we will know when that opportunity has come."

Not entirely sure if she felt better she gave her mom a quick response, "Okay I will pray tonight," and she galloped off hoping some TV would relieve her concerns.

That night she prayed. She prayed to know if this is what she was supposed to do, and for the right opportunity to do it.

The following day Savannah came running out of her classroom in an excited hurry. When she found her mom she exclaimed, "Mom!!! I did it, I asked my teacher. I was so scared but I did it! I had a chance when all the kids were gone and I took it! I asked her mom, I really did it!"

Savannah and her mom walked away from the school. Savannah feeling weightless and proud and her Mom feeling overwhelmed by her daughters courage to do what even most adults fear; that is, to do what is right, even when you're scared and unsure of what the outcome will be.

As I am reminded of my daughters' courage and faith I realize that though these times for our family are filled with uncertainty, I will proceed with courage. I will have the courage to take that giant step forward into the unknown. I will have the faith that the Lord knows what is best for our family. Each one of us our placed so delicately near his heart.

Guy Fawkes Day

When we first came to England we were hit with an unsuspecting tradition, Guy Fawkes Day. Having never heard of such a holiday it instantly captivated me. I did a little research and wrote my own story on Guy Fawkes and how he came to be one of Britain's biggest names.

It was the night of November 4th, he had come down to the cellar to claim his mutinous postion. Tomorrow was the day that all their plans would be carried forth. He glanced over at the 36 barrels of gunpowder he had acquired in Flanders and he began to feel the excitement increase. All the years of hostile treatment they had suffered, all the years his fellow Catholics have been tortured and discriminated while under Protestant rule, were coming to an end. He looked down at what he carried in his hands; his slow matches and touchwood. He gave a slight laugh as he realized the power he held in his hands. Tomorrow Parliament would sit and there they would meet their much fated doom.

As the night wore on, he glanced down at his watch, it was just after midnight; November 5th. Suddenly he heard footsteps. He reached for the lit torch just as Sir Thomas Knyvett, a Westminster magistrate and his men entered the cellar. Surprised by the intrusion, he searched quickly in his mind to devise a way out of the situation he was just now placed in. Sir Thomas Knyvett had his men search the cellar, it was then that they discovered hidden by the piles of billets and faggots the barrels of gunpowder. They then grabbed him and on his person found the slow matches and touchwood. They were left with no doubt of his intentions and arrested him there on the spot. Unable to fully comprehend his fate he ran towards the barrels intending to throw his torch and blow up himself, the house of parliament and all. His cause was too great, his heart to fully devoted to its purpose to give up now. Just as he was about to let the torch loose a man came from behind and snatched the torch from his hand. His heart was deepening with sadness and fear but he quickly resolved to never give in.

The following morning he was taken to the King’s bedchamber where the Privy Council was to assemble. It was there he remained defiant. He was now fully aware of his fate; he was to die a martyr. When the King questioned, how any man could commit such a treason, he answered in a way that could best describe his allegiance to his church, he maliciously replied, “a dangerous disease required a desperate remedy.”

After 3 months of torture and confinement, his body weak with affliction and sickness he was scarce able to go up the ladder. He made no infamous speech for he knew his martyrdom was to be his great discourse. And on Friday, January 31, 1606, Guy Fawkes along with 3 other conspirators were hanged, drawn and quartered in the very place where their great demolition was supposed to have occured.

Little did Guy Fawkes know that centuries later his name would still cause a stir amongst the British people. A national holiday would surround his actions and a celebration of his capture would be ignited throughout this great nation. Every year on November 5th, bonfires are lit in most villages and fireworks are displayed. For the first couple of weeks in November distant thunderings caused by the fireworks are heard as a reminder of what could have been. Whether it was Divine Intervention or an ill-devised plan the outcome was still the same, and Guy Fawkes will continue to go down in history as the man who never got to release the power of his gunpowder but his message was heard loud and clear.

"Remember, remember, the 5th of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot ;
I know of no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot."

Rylie Jane

Rylie more than all my children has found immense joy in music. At first it was the Mormon Tab. And then as she aged somewhat her tastes changed. Although she still enjoys hearing the Mormon Tab at its best she has also become a fan of pop. Yep, she loves a good beat, some rhythmn, and that bass, she can't get enough of it. Her most recent fav is,, "No one," by Alicia Keys. She will walk around the house singing, "No one, no one, no one." All in tune, and perfect.

At first it was shocking, then it was funny and now it is the sweetest sound in my ears. I love you Rylie Jane!

Proposition 8

Today is the big day. Are there perks to living abroad during election year? Well I certainly don’t get caught up in the media’s bias. I don’t get caught up in what the US population views as political correctness. I have to do my own research and form my own opinions.

Lately I have been reading friends’ views and opinions on Proposition 8. I have not really thought anything about it until recently. I have been surprised to read members of the church’s opinions about Proposition 8 and their irritation towards the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints involvement. From their views I have decided to come out of my ignorant bliss and gain knowledge on this subject and why it directly affects me and why the church feels it is so important. I decided to do some research. I read several articles both for and against the Church’s stance. After much research, and thought, it suddenly became clear.

First of all, the leaders of our church are asking its members to do something. When have I ever doubted it or questioned it before? The leaders of our church are calling its members to action, why then, would I not act? If the leaders asked us to pack up and move to Missouri, I can ensure more members would be willing to listen their leaders then. Or would they?

So why does Proposition 8 matter? Who cares if two gay people want to get married? The media has turned this into a case of bigotry and hatred. As far as I knew our church has always taught to Love One Another. And I believe it remains true to that. The Church isn’t asking us to hate, it is asking us to protect.

However, I am not one to be led blindly and the Church has never been one to ask its members to do so. So after my RESEARCH, I PRAYED and I CONTEMPLATED. Through this experience I have come to agree with my Church leaders and I will stand behind them. I trust that they know more than I do, they are educated men and women in the Gospel and they know the future circumstances of our nation.

I plead with you to have faith in your church leaders, do as they have asked, and more importantly PRAY about it, do not be led blindly FROM EITHER SIDE, form an opinion based on prayer and if that is not enough then fasting as well. It is that serious.

This may give you clarification on why the Church has decided to step forward.

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage

The Extent of our Halloween

We have missed the American crazy way of celebrating Halloween, but I have to admit our Great Britian friends are catching on. It was really fun this year! We started out the festivities carving our pumpkins for family night and eating our traditional caramel apples, and roasted pumpkin seeds!

Halloween night we had a great time at the ward "trunk or treat." Which has been a tradition in the ward for two years now! Thanks to Rachael! You are awesome, all the work you put into Primary astounds me!

Here we have the scariest 8 year old in the world. How our sweet Sav could ever pull off being a demon prom queen is only something a holiday like Halloween could produce. She's freaky, isn't she?!

And now for the one you have been waiting for all night, let's put your hands together for the one the only, yes, it's HANNAH MONTANA!!!

Armed with powers, he's on the case
Fighting off evil from Earth or space
He'll never stop till he makes them pay
'Cause he's the baddest kid to ever save the day
Ben 10″
(Yes, Carson was dying to be Ben 10 this year. Here's a shout out to all mothers, this is the easiest costume known to man, and it generated the happiest little boy in the world!)


And now for the 4th and final child. It is the snot infested princess! We love you Janey!

Portugal and Spain

We were able to take a wonderful family trip to Portugal and Spain. We spent 4 beautiful days exploring and "experiencing" (as read in my previous blog entry), and spending time in the most interesting little towns. Here's a recap and a load of pictures!


We flew in to Lisbon, and drove 1 hour North to the resort, where we stayed for a few nights! We were hoping for the weather to be warm enough for outdoor swimming, but unfortunately it was a wee bit cold!!! The water was anyway. So we swam in the indoor pool and visited a town just South of us called Peniche.


Peniche had these amazing cliffs that dropped right into the ocean. To see the water hit those rocks and spray 40 feet in the air was intimidating! The kids and I could barely managed to look over the edge. We did find the lighthouse there and climbed down some stairs that led us to a cliff below. It was so nice sitting there watching the ocean and feeling the sun beat down on us, it made a great shield from the wind!

Later that night we forced ourselves back out to the beach to greet the ocean and form a truce. Rylie cried the whole time and Carson panicked. But we managed to collect our shells and thank the ocean for making such a wonderful treasure for us to take back with us. Sort of helped Carson, but Rylie's opinion of the sea is forever tarnished with the memory of it blasting her down!

The following day we visited what I consider to be the highlight of the trip, a small medieval town called Obidos. It was built in the 1300's and a stone fortress was built around it. All of it still standing. The streets remained the same as well, cobblestone streets in place and small town shops lined up the small narrow streets. The girls bought the cute hand stitched bags, Carson bought his very blunt (thank goodness) wooden sword, and Rylie, well she is too young to care so we skipped her in the gift giving.

Later that day, we drove 3 1/2 hours inland and crossed the border over into Spain. We stayed in a cigarette invested hotel, but it was only a walking distance from the most amazing Roman Ruins. Which brings us to the following days events!

The following day we walked to the Roman Ruins and gazed at structures that were over 2000 years old! Unbelievable! It is hard to describe the feelings that arise when you are gazing at something built by man in 25 B.C. Respect, Admiration?! And then Wonder, as you try to imagine what life was like back then and the events that took place.

Afterwards, we drove another 2 1/2 hours back to Lisbon, where we boarded our plane and left our balmy 70 degree weather and were met with our 40 degree weather!!! So in 4 days, 2 countries, 5 hours worth of flying and 7 hours worth of driving, we have come to the conclusion that we are TIRED!!! But we had a blast and made memories that will last forever!

Thalassophobia

The sight was a oceanic splendor. As we came over the hill we could see the ocean waves down below. The waves were unlike anything I had ever witnessed before. They were colassal in size, their sound was deafening. The sand were we stood was white and as soft as powder. I began to feel excitement swell within me. As a child I started to squeal with delight and encouraged my own children to explore and take advantage of this beautiful opportunity to be enveloped in another of God's creations.

I placed Rylie down in the sand and observed her awestruck expression. She stood hypnotized. Suddenly the idea formed in my head, the perfect picture, a child gazing out at the granduer of the ocean. I carefully placed her and took a few steps back to formulate the perfect picture. In the meantime the other children were playing tag with the ocean waves. As Harvey began taking pictures of Rylie, I could see it off in the distance.

Realizing I had seen this wave before I was assured Rylie would be safe as she continued her hypnotic sight see. However, the distance wave suddenly turned into a Herculean tide. Shocked by the enormity of it I began to feel uneasy. Soon that wave not only proved its strength in size but its speed was gaining triumph as the kids continued their game of tag. I began to see things in slow motion.

First, Carson's leisurely run failed him and he was taken down by the sea. Savannah was starting to gain victory but as she saw Carson's defeat she turned around to save him and soon the aquatic beast took her down as well, covering them both. Madison had claimed her victory and stood on safe ground anxiously awaiting the results of the scene that lay before her. At the acknowledgement of this waves power; Harvey heard my desperate cry and raced to save Rylie from her inescapable peril. As the water overtook Rylie it seemed as if it was bowling and she was the pin. It knocked her down and swept her up further towards the beach. Head over feet she came tumbling towards Harvey and I as we raced towards her. Harvey being the faster between the two of us, grabbed her just as she the water was about to take her to join it's oceanic world. Tossing her to me, he then went to save Carson and Savannah.

This was our introduction to the ocean's power and unrelenting spirit. Showing no mercy for the child gazing at its wonder or the child playing a carefree game of tag with it's tides. What did we learn from this tale? Never trust the unrestricted ocean and mom really does move in slow motion as the child's doomed fate is moving at warped speed.

(I look angry, but that look you see is pure guilt. I am having the thoughts of why wasn't I faster? Why did I leave her to gaze alone? Why didn't I grab her as soon as I saw that wave?Etc...)

(We took Rylie to the ocean several times during our stay to help her overcome her fear of it. But this was the result every time. The look on her face says it all, she never took her eyes of the ocean, never trusting it. And she cried the entire time we were there. Poor baby!)