FIRST DAY

New Beginnings

This time of year kills me every year. Seriously, I am an emotional wreck. All over Facebook mom's are shouting out exclamations of excitement that their kids are returning to school, and although I can see the reasoning behind their excitement--sometimes I need a break too--my sorry over my kids returning to school far outweighs any desires I have for a break. 

A new school year marks another year gone, and new year beginning. Time passes so slowly, yet so quickly. In the day to day moments, time can seem as if we aren't accomplishing anything; however, when a new school year begins, my eyes are opened to just how much time truly has passed, and I feel my children's childhoods slipping through my fingers. I bemoan the first day of school that happens at a college or a University, and as each year passes, time slowly pulls me to that inevitable solution. Of course, I want my kids to progress. Of course, I want them to go to college. Of course, I want them to make a mark on society, and become something great. However, as each year passes, I also want those pursuits to come in the far far distant future, because for now--I want them right here with me. I want one more year of laughing at home, one more year of soccer games, of gymnastic meets, of bike rides around the neighborhood, of family vacations, of memories under the umbrella of "home". As time marches on, the process of life marches forward as well. As my children grow one year older, they get one year closer to the inevitalbe day when they will leave home and become all that I have ever imagined. And although I will be so happy for them, and for all that they will surely accomplish, my mom heart will pull a bit, because I know that I will miss all of the moments I have cherished up to that point, and my heart will want to do it again. 

Thus, I do not celebrate in my own heart, the start of each new year. No--I (quietly) cry as I smile big smiles, as I hug and kiss my kids good-bye, and...as I hide my true feelings from my sweet little monkeys. And with each tear I shed, comes new resolutions to love them more and more with each passing day.

Elkington Family Reunion @ Lagoon

Elkington Family Reunion

After Kalli's wedding, we spent the following day at Lagoon for our Elkington Family Reunion. 

Going to Lagoon for a family reunion wasn't my favorite idea. It was Brandon's turn to plan a reunion, and since I was next in line--I got the opportunity to make arrangements. I had originally planned on having our reunion in Featherville; however, going to Featherville and then to a family wedding the following week seemed overwhelming. The entire family was planning on making the trek to Utah for Kalli's wedding, and since Kalli was getting married on a Friday--Saturday would be open for a reunion. Thus, Lagoon became the chosen destination for the reunion.
We had a great day at Lagoon. I never thought I would say that I enjoyed standing in lines; however, I did enjoy standing in the lines talking with each of my siblings. All of our kids were old enough to ride most of the rides, so we didn't separate between "little kid" rides and "big kid" rides. This allowed us to spend the entire day together.  I was sad to the day come to a close. This was probably one of my favorite activities shared with my Elkington Family, and it was in a place I had originally tried to avoid. It goes to show that it doesn't matter where you are physically, what matters most is what you do with it.  

Kalli's Wedding

TRENT AND KALLI GET MARRIED

My sweet niece, Kalli, got married on August 22. As I try to contemplate the best words to describe my feelings, it's difficult to put into words the thoughts of the heart. Being in the temple with two amazing young people brings my heart such joy. To attend the temple, to be married in the temple--is not a simple feat. It takes the preparation of a lifetime, and a dedication to the Lord's commandments. Keeping the commandments of God creates an inner beauty that glows. This was true for Kalli and Trent on their wedding day. They glowed with their testimonies, their faces emanated the joy of their decisions leading them up to the moment of their marriage in the temple of the Lord.

Kalli has always been an example of the believers. She has always had the courage to Stand for Truth and Righteousness. She is a valiant servant of God. She knows who she is and where she is going. Pure joy shines from her very being, because of the decisions she has made in the past and the present. Kalli is the type of person everyone wants to be around, because they feel so good in her presence--because she shines with God's love. A thousand little decisions led her to being who she has become, and I am grateful I get to be a part of her life!

I am so proud of the decision that Trent and Kalli made to be married in the House of the Lord. As I think of their decision, I pray for my own children to follow in their footsteps...in a very long time. As I watched my older sister, give her daughter in marriage, my heart strings held to my own kiddos for just a bit longer. If I could freeze time, I would. I wish my kids could stay young forever. For now, I will bask in their youth, and pray that someday--a very long way off someday--they will too, choose to be married in the temple.

Payson, Utah Temple

This picture emanates the love that Kal shares with everyone. Even on her wedding day, she chose to take a moment to love her little cousin. President Monson has said, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved" (President Thomas S. Monson, Finding Joy in the Journey). Kalli had many people waiting to greet her, but she still gave love to even the smallest of people--who just happens to be a BIG PEOPLE  in my eyes.

Again...

The one instruction I gave Jake: "Please don't spill on your suit."
I had to laugh when I saw  him eating his ice cream cone...

I absolutely loved dancing with my boy. Someday I won't have to bend over... For now, I love that I do.

Family Trip to Featherville

The time we spend as a family is becoming more and more precious. It seems that as the kids get older, their activities take up more and more time. I am learning that although these activities are good for my children, if I am not careful they can squeeze out what matter's most. Thus, our lives have become extremely planned, so I can maximize the most time together as a family. Because I study our family calendar, I am maximizing our free time. This trip was one of those moments--we had a day open, so we went to the cabin. Every day is precious. Every day counts. And family time is the most important thing to accomplish amidst all of our activities. If family time doesn't come first, then something will have to go... For now, we are succeeding.

Swimming

Natatorium

We had to take the opportunity to go to the pool one last time before the summer ended. We were so grateful to have our good friends, Julia Neiderer and Taylor Harris join in on the fun!

Swimming

IVY WILD

I am so proud of Jacob for his courage to face his fears. This summer he continued to face his fears of swimming, and he is definitely mastering the skill! Any chance we can get to go to the pool--we try to take it!