The Orchard Team Huddle

It seems to me I have spent the past year and a half running faster than I have had the strength. Life is busy, babies are hard, baseball is fun but VERY time consuming, and it has taken a toll on me, our home and ultimately, our family. I have been saying to myself, "It will get easier when Mason is a little older." Well, now he climbs up bar stools , turns on water faucets, makes MONSTER messes. Some things are easier but many are much harder. "It will slow down when baseball season is over." It seems baseball season is never over and basketball follows baseball and Young Men's are on Thursday nights and Cub Scouts are on Friday afternoons. Piano is on Thursday and homework is every day of the week. I have had my epiphany and realize that this is just normal life at this time and I had better conquer it rather than letting it get the best of me. As I have pondered what I need to do to be a better Mom , Wife , Homemaker , Friend and Daughter of God I ...

We are HUGE Disneyland fans. We like to get there twice a year but usually get there at least once. It had been 18 months since the last time we went and I was pregnant at that so even longer since I could really enjoy all of the rides. We were MORE than excited to go. I knew it would be tough with Mason. He is not a good sleeper outside his crib. He doesn't sit still for long and he is all over the place. Nevertheless, I was prepared to have the time of our lives and for the most part we did! The week started off with a short little plane ride from SLC to John Wayne Airport. We usually do LAX since it is cheaper but we opted for SNA this time. I loved it. The rental car was right at the airport. No shuttle, no hassle. It was wonderful. Mason was wiggly and didn't nap as he should have but still okay. The older boys are pros by now and the whole thing was really not too stressful. Just a few minutes after leaving the airport we were to our hotel but it was too soon to check in....

Although I am sitting in a hotel room at the "happiest place on earth" I couldn't let the birthday of my sweet little Lincoln (click here to read the whole story) pass without acknowleding the blessing I feel I received 7 years ago. It was such a hard and wonderful experience Russell and I had with this little boy but I will forever be grateful that my Heavenly Father loves me so much that he sent a perfect little spirit to our family. He filled my heart with peace when it was aching and he gave me a small little glimpse of heaven. My life is forever changed and I am so grateful for the gospel knowledge I have. Happy birthday my little Lincoln.