Sunday Morning Thoughts

Max has been practicing his letters so he helped me make this sign for Ephraim's homecoming. I can't describe how surreal it is that this deployment is actually coming to an end. Its hard to focus on anything besides the fact that in a few weeks I'll have my husband back.

In the 11 months since Ephraim left for Iraq, I've felt so much support and love from family and friends. I really need to say thank you. Thank you for sacrificing to come visit us, for opening your homes to us, for prayers, letters, calls, emails, boxes of treats, and blog comments letting us know that you're thinking about us. Thank you to everyone who listened when I needed to vent about my kids, my calling, or my dirty house or just when I was feeling lonely.

I also have to express gratitude to my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I've felt the hand of the Lord in my life and seen His tender mercies. I'm grateful for the influence of the Spirit that's brought me peace and motivation. I'm grateful Ephraim has been protected.

This last year has taught me that I can do hard things. I can't do everything or please everyone but I can do my best and that's enough.

I'm overwhelmed with how much I love these boys. Even on the craziest days, I'm so happy to be their mother. I'm grateful they're healthy, happy, and that they love each other. The other day Max hugged Ezra and said "Best brothers forever!"

We're so proud of Ephraim and all those that serve our country. Even from a distance, Ephraim has been a wonderful dad and husband. We're thrilled to have our little family together again soon!!

And to thank everybody who made it through this lengthy and mushy post, here are some bonus pictures of the boys. Ephraim sent them an inflatable super suit with big muscles. Enjoy!

Toy Story Tribute

Yes, I'm biased but I thought Max and Ezra made a pretty cute Buzz and Woody. Ezra got the hang of trick-or-treating really quick and wanted to eat each treat immediately. They both had a blast emptying their loot and I had a good time confiscating the good stuff.

Carving Action

The boys and I enjoyed carving scary faces on our pumpkins. I'm more excited about the toasted seeds myself. I thought the boys would love the squishy pumpkin guts but Max informed me they don't like getting dirty (I don't buy that one).

Virginia

The boys and I had a fantastic time visiting Ephraim's family in Virginia (the 35 pictures below are evidence). The boys loved every minute with Grandpa and Grandma, Aunt Hayley, Uncle Adam, Uncle Jake, cousin Ellie, and all the dogs. The trampoline, the Smithsonian Zoo, and the beach area in Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood were also big hits. We were so glad we had the chance to celebrate cousin Ellie's first birthday and spend time with Uncle Jake before he headed off to El Salvador on his mission. Thanks for a great vacation! Can't wait to see you guys again!

P.S. I was blessed on the drive home with angelic boys. In a 10-hour stretch we only had to stop once. The whole trip was a miracle straight from heaven.

P.P.S. 5 (ish) more weeks until Ephraim comes home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Exodus Interruption to Introduce.......

Our new camera. After 4 years of marriage and 5 broken digital cameras, we decided to invest in something we would love and take really, really good care of. We love our new Canon Rebel and the boys love having their own cameras to play with (actually, they have multiple play cameras now). Ephraim wanted proof that the camera's working great so, here's a slew of pictures for you, my love.

Washington DC Exodus: Part One

I loaded up the boys and spent most of September trekking across the country to visit Ephraim's family outside DC in Virginia. I was a little nervous about doing this solo but miraculously, the boys were angels in the car. I guess with enough snacks and movies, anything is possible.

We made our way across Texas and Louisiana then stayed the night in Mississippi. Anyone ever stayed in a hotel alone with two crazy boys? I thought by requesting an "accessible" room on-line I'd be getting a ground floor room that would be more convenient. Instead, we were still up a few floors and the "accessible" part really meant that everything was lower, therefore at toddler level. So, my brilliant idea backfired. The boys got into everything and drove me slightly crazy but we survived (and the room did too, somehow...)

Next we drove to visit Ephraim's brother Alex, his wife Sara and son Jensen in Alabama. The boys loved playing at their house and antagonizing their sweet Shitzu Kiki. It was so nice to see them. Thanks for having us, Alex and Sara!

We forged ahead to Savannah, Georgia to Ephraim's brother Philip and his wife Paula's house. The boys had a blast with their cute cousins Isabella and William. We had a great time at the beach at Tybee Island and as always, enjoyed Paula's fantastic cooking. Homemade pralines and cream ice cream is to die for.

We survived our next day of driving up to Grandma and Grandpa Garner's house in Virginia and were excited to spend a few weeks with them. Look for details to come in Exodus: Part Two.

Max and cute cousin Jensen

Izzie and squishy-faced Ezra

Izzie and Ezra at Tybee Island

Don't be fooled by the boys' expressions, they LOVED the beach as much as I did.

In case you were wondering....

....we had an awesome summer. Brace yourselves for the re-cap!

Our 6-week-long trek West began when my dear friend Corley and her cute boy Asher flew in to help me drive over to Arizona. We enjoyed the Riverwalk and Alamo in San Antonio and had great time watching the 3 crazy boys roughhouse together. The pool was a big hit. Not only did Corley volunteer to help me on a really long car ride but she even mowed my lawn while she was here. I couldn't ask for better friends. Thanks again Core!!! Come back soon!

The next stop for us was my sister Lindsay's house in Arizona. We celebrated the 4th of July together (here's a shot of me and Ezra looking patriotic) and tried to beat the heat at lots of fun pools and with lots of yummy treats (Ezra's ice cream melted a little too fast for him I guess, hence the goatee). We got to meet cute baby Mason and go to his blessing. Thanks for having us, Lindsay and Russell!

My mom was kind enough to make the drive from Arizona to Utah with us. Had she known how much vomit was going to be involved, she might've thought twice about it. Here's hoping Ezra grows out of his carsick phase soon. Anyway, we made it to Utah to my parent's house and we were lucky enough to get to spend time with lots of grandparents, cousins, and friends.

We went for a hike and picnic at Silver Lake up Cottonwood Canyon. The boys loved it and I can't wait to send them on Father/Son Campouts with their dad.

These two crazy guys had a blast in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard and got to share lots of chocolate donuts with Grandpa.

My sister Jamie invited us to Lagoon with her family and it was a hit. Max couldn't get enough of the kiddie rides and Ezra loved the waterpark.

The dollar I spent for these crazy teeth was easily the best dollar I've ever spent.

We toured the gorgeous Oquirrh Mountain Temple (we're posed by the painting my brother did for the Open House) and also headed to Thanksgiving Pointe's farm where Max discovered he LOVES to ride ponies. Any chance you'll settle for a pony instead of a dog, Ephraim???

After almost a month in Utah, we headed back home to Texas, this time accompanied by my great friend, Katie. Like I said, I really couldn't ask for better friends. So, thanks again for taking time out of your busy summer to be with us, Katie! Katie got the royal tour of Texas. We went to our favorite museum in Waco where they had a cool DaVinci exhibit, ate great barbecue, visited the sights in San Antonio, explored the state capital, watched the famous Congress Bridge bats (1.5 million of them go out every night), and even took an improptu trip to Corpus Christi beach.

The boys would've played in the sand and water forever. Katie couldn't get over how much they enjoyed being dirty.

Our last special treat was a scrumptious breakfast at Mimi's Cafe. I'm pretty impressed with Max's photography skills on this one. Thank you for coming and having so much fun with us, Katie!

And that wraps up the summer I guess. We're pretty thrilled that Fall is around the corner and that December is getting closer and closer!

How We've Spent Our Summer So Far..By Max and Ezra

We've been swordfighting,

building boats (Max insists on being Nephi and Mom has to be the mean brothers),

napping (notice how GIGANTIC Ezra is getting!)

jogging (when Mom feels up to pushing 70 lbs of boys in the heat),

riding the spaceship,

lots and lots of swimming,

and general mischief and mess-making.

Happy Summer!!!

I Won!

Thanks for the votes! I won the quiet book- what a great Anniversary present! We were married 4 years ago today in the Jordan River Temple. Although we've only spent one anniversary together, we're already planning our celebration next year (rest assured it will include steak).  

Spending time apart has added a unique dimension to our marriage that I'm grateful for.  I can't say I'm grateful we're not together, but I am thankful for the experience of realizing how much we love and need each other.  As cheesy as it might sound, I really have learned to be thankful for every single moment we have together.  We're half-way through this deployment and we can't wait for our family to be together again.  

Calling all family, friends, and anyone else who cares about my sanity at church...

Hi. This is me shamelessly requesting you click here (you'll have to scroll down) and vote for me to win a quiet book give-a-way my crafty friend Anna is doing. If you've been to church with us, you know how much I'd love to have a quiet book as a new trick up my sleeve. Thanks for humoring me by voting! Let me know if I can ever return the favor.