A Nadauld Weekend

Today Aaron and I headed to California to attend the sealing of our newest nephew Kirabo. Aaron's parents and five of his six brothers and wives came for the big event. We got to gorgeous Orinda in the late afternoon, checked into a spa hotel in Lafayette, which is so breathtaking, and hung out together at James and Rebecca's for the evening. We had a little discussion to prepare the children for the sealing and some very wise words from my extraordinary father-in-law, whose birthday is TODAY! Steve has a real gift for the patriarch role. I love watching him speak to the family and counsel together. I could listen to him for hours. Happy Birthday!!!

I find it most amazing to contemplate on the great journey James and Rebecca have had in order to bring Kirabo here. It has been a very bumpy road, and it took a lot of faith, patience, sacrifice, and persistence on the part of each family member. I have also pondered on the great opportunity and blessings Kirabo will now have in this life, especially the gift of the gospel. Just six months ago he was left and forgotten in an overcrowded orphanage. Now he is happy and growing in leaps and bounds. While my heart aches for all the neglected children each time I see pictures of Kirabo's home; I find peace knowing that our Heavenly Father has not, nor will He ever forget, His children. He knows and loves each of us with an infinite love. It's been a beautiful process watching God's hand in this adoption and watching James and his entire family bring so much joy and love into Kirabo's life and he in theirs.

On another note, Mary had her final recital of the school year. Grandma and Grandpa Idiart, who are watching our crew, called to tell us about the great job she did. It is hard being away from our children, I miss them always. But I am so happy and overjoyed to be spending time with Aaron and his wonderful family.

Happy Birthday Tiff!

Tonight we celebrated Tiffany's actual birthday at the Twin Creeks Pavilion with cake and ice cream. The kids ran around while the adults chatted. It was very relaxing. Tiffany is the kind of sister-in-law everyone dreams of. She is always willing to help me with my kids or projects or whatever it is, and I count her as one of my greatest friends.

I think I really lucked out in the sister-in-law department; between my side and Aaron's I have nine of the most amazing women I know. Each one teaches me something about how to be better and more Christ-like.

Happy Birthday to one amazing lady!

Kiss the Owie

Nicole got hurt outside and Cameron listened to her tell me what happened then went up to her and kissed her on the head. He then said, "Okay, Nicole?" Nicole then told him she had an owie on her foot, so he kissed her foot. Then she told him it was in a spot other than where he kissed it and so he kissed it again. And again, and again, and again. Most of them were actually injured areas; some of them were not. Fortunately, it gave me enough time to grab my camera. It was so tender. He was really worried about her and Nicole loved his genuine compassion.

She's Home!

There was great excitement today when Mary came through the door after school. All the kids were anxious to play with her. Mary grabbed a snack and started coloring upstairs with Nicole. Nicole was in pure heaven! This was one thing Mary wrote. I thought it was so sweet and a good reminder of what it's all about. I can only imagine how exciting our return to heaven will be someday . Perhaps I got a little glimpse of it today?

"We all should walk in the light of Jesus and follow his example. And the Holy Ghost will comfort you. Then we will live with Him again."

A Wet Memorial Day

We woke up this morning and ran some errands. Then we all met up at McDonalds before we hit the movie theater to see Epic. It was a darling movie and again it was so fun bringing all of our children. All this week Aaron and I debating on whether or not we should throw a Memorial Day BBQ. Since the weather was rainy we thought we would just skip out on doing something. Plus, our house was a disaster from the 90 something rolls, mango salad, and 15 lbs of potatoes I made the day before.

But we couldn't pass up the opportunity...even if it was only two hours before showtime and it was raining off and on. So, Tiff took our kids, we cleaned up, ran to the store and texted as many people as I had in my phone. We ended up having about 10 families come. It was so fun, especially being so last minute like that. And you would have thought everyone planned the menu..the food coordinated so well and there was the perfect variety of deliciousness.

When Aaron and I were just getting to know each other over ten years ago we would do potlucks all the time. On Sunday we would pass around notes at church that said, "P-luck tonight? What can you bring?" It was easy to see even then that we made a good team.

Aaron also grabbed some flags he had in the garage and hung them up outside. I love that he thought to do that and it made me feel patriotic. I am just so grateful to live each day with so many freedoms. I recognize the lives of many soldiers and God's hand that have made us a very blessed country.

Happy Birthday!

Today we celebrated my mom's and Tiffany's birthdays. I am so grateful for each of these amazing women who love and serve me and other people all the time. Love you!

A New Milestone

We've entered a new era. All of our children were able to sit through an entire movie today. We have never even attempted to bring all of them, but it was relaxing and entertaining. I remember bringing an infant or two into a theater and it was always a challenge. Today was so easy.

In the future I will need to come prepared with more snacks and drinks stowed away in my purse since sharing a 6 dollar medium drink and a 6 dollar medium popcorn was a little tricky, especially for our ever thirsty Cameron. We had a great time though and plan on going again soon, like Memorial Day in fact.