Enjoying the Journey

Its easy for me to look forward to the next stage in life and constantly dream about being there and thinking how wonderful it will be, especially as we await the birth of our second child. I've always done this. I'm not sure what it is about the future that always seems much more exciting than the present. Maybe it's the "anything is possible" optimistic view of the unknown, compared to the realistic view of my current experiences.

Recently, I've been reminded to enjoy my life's journey, now. The prophet's latest conference address, "Finding Joy in the Journey," has given me a better perspective. There is so much going on my life right now that gives me great joy, and some of it will be gone forever in just a week or whenever the baby comes. Right now is the perfect and last time to enjoy giving all my motherly love and attention to Alec. Each day he makes me smile and melts my heart with all his cuteness and childish glory. It is deeply fulfilling watching him learn things like pouring water from one cup to another, using a stool to reach the light switch, saying "O-pen" instead of "bee-teen," and running fast with his torso held up straight (super cute, by the way). So here's to enjoying today and creating my own sense of happy contentment every day.

"big tractor!"

watching the construction

playing with Andrew

jumping out in the courtyard

riding the "horse" at the SF zoo

Tribute to an amazing sister

I feel the need to pay tribute to my wonderful sister, Tiffany. I can not put into words how much her visit while Chris was gone has meant to me. I don't think Alec or I could have survived without Tiffany and Andrew's company. It was so fun to spend so much down time together. Usually when we get a chance to see each other, its only for a few days and we pack lots of activities in. I am truly grateful to have been blessed with such a kind, sensitive, warm-hearted, supportive, helpful, compassionate, fun, and companionable older sister. Thank you, Tiffany. We've made a lot of fun memories, and I'm so glad there will be tons more to come. I've gone through some pictures of us growing up and will share some favorites here.

Day 11 - The final day

We made it! Our 11 day sojourn apart has come to an end. Yesterday, day 10, was long and fun. We just stayed at home since we could watch Conference on the computer. It was our last day with Tiffany and Andrew. Alec is going to miss having a buddy always at home, sleeping in his room and taking baths together. But the best news for today is, CHRIS IS HOME! We are all finally reunited. We dropped Tiffany and Andrew off at the airport and then parked the car and chilled in the airport for a few hours until Chris' flight got in. We watched his plane pull into the gate (the picture from my cell phone below...Chris' plane is the red one), and waited behind customs to welcome him. We first saw him on a TV screen walking down to the arrival lobby, which gave us just enough time to throw our snack in my purse and run to the opening to meet him with hugs, kisses, and tears. I couldn't help shaking from pure joy and happiness that he made it safely home; not to mention victoriously home! We are so blessed and grateful that everything has gone as smoothly as possible.

Victory in China

So, the tournament is over, and we were able to win the gold medal! I am so happy with the way our program performed, and how everything turned out. Tomorrow morning I get to return home to my Brittney and Alec, and honestly, that will be the best part of the whole trip. Farewell China, hello family!

Day 9

Wow. It has been 9 days since Chris left. Today was busy. We had conference and some community events to go to. Andrew and Alec have begun to play together really well. Alec has been sleeping much better recently, and his canker sore has practically disappeared. This means Alec has been my usual, happy, wonderful, playful little boy and it is SO NICE to have my old Alec back. I just can hardly wait to have my old Chris back too.

Day 8

Today has been a pretty good day. We stayed around home and enjoyed being together. Chris is doing well in his tournament. He's in the middle of playing what could possibly be his last match as I type this. Its late and I'm tired so goodnight all. Oh, and sorry about pictures but my computer won't read my sister's SD card so, we'll have to wait for pictures. Just imagine this in your mind: two cute little boys standing up in the bath squirting each other with squirty fish laughing crazily. It was one of the most precious moments of the week. I have the cutest boy ever.

Day 7

Well, Day 6 was so crazy that I didn't write its post until today, but marked the date as yesterday so all the posts would be chronological. Therefore, check below Chris' Great Wall post for it. Right now it is pretty late so this will be short. Last night was SOOO much better than the night before. Alec slept for 12 hours straight. He must have been so sleep deprived. Today we decided to take it easy and stay around home. We played out on the playground, watered the garden, and did some prep work for the EV Book Event coming up this Saturday. The boys REALLY enjoyed watching the construction in our courtyard and we got some cute pictures of them staring at the tractor. I'd love to post pictures, but its too late to figure out how to hook up Tiffany's camera. Alec and I have been really lucky to communicate with Chris as much as we do. I didn't expect too much since we didn't want to pay for a phone card, but it turns out his laptop has a microphone so we Skype every day and get to hear each other. Sometimes, if Chris borrows his partner's laptop we can do video too! So its been nice. Anyways, I need to capitalize on the kid's being asleep and catch some Zs myself. Goodnight, all!