Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Dreams

Dear Ava,

"A dream is a wish your heart makes."

That quote is from a song in the Disney movie Cinderella, a movie I'm sure we'll watch together one day. The soon-to-be princess in that story lived in such sad circumstances, but she never let it break her hope, her heart, or her dreams. She was still kind to those around her and made best with what she had, and eventually lived out her dreams...all while singing happy tunes. :) The song she sings of dreams being wishes our hearts make is a simple, but incredible sentiment! Aves, your heart will drive you to take risks, love deeper, make changes, and dream big. Your heart, and my heart, is where I feel our faith lives...even when our once-burning faith--in ourselves or in those around us--is just a glowing ember after life's storms pour down on us. The dreams we have for our lives take faith and passion and dedication on our part, but the people we surround ourself with also influence how those dreams unveil themselves and eventually turn out.

I hope you surround yourself with people that lift you and encourage you to dream big! Your Dad, older brother, and I will always be some of those people. Even though you'll have hard seasons in life, and you'll walk through frigid, snow-packed trails (like our wintry walk we took last Sunday), you may feel like your dreams are frozen and they'll never see the warm sun. Sometimes we'll carry you over the ice, like your Daddy as he wore you in the sling. Or we'll hold your hand to keep you steady, like we did with you brother. And then one day I know we'll have to watch you fight for you dreams on your own. But we'll always be here for you, cheering you on as you reach for your dreams. That's a promise. I see a strong woman in you Ava, and I'm so excited to see what dreams are in that beautiful heart of yours! 

Love,

Mom

PS - Watching Dad wear you makes me melt every time! Thanks for making one of my dreams come true...to see my love raise a daughter. He cherishes you Ava. So much.

** I am participating in the Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries, sharing thoughts and photos of our baby wearing adventures. See my other Sling Diary entries/letters to Ava here. In these photos Adam is wearing Ava in a Sakura Bloom Simple Silk sling in Bittersweet. And please excuse the poor quality of some of these pictures, I take all of my photos with my iPhone, and when I lose day light I lose quality. xo

Sunday in the Mountains

A few Sundays ago, Adam and I decided to go for a spontaneous day trip to his family's cabin, just the kids and us. It was gorgeous and we were so glad to be able to enjoy the last of the fall beauty up there! Upon arriving, we hoped in the jeep parked up there, and the bumpy ride up the mountain made for some good laughs. :) We soaked up the view of the valley, it was breath taking to say the least. Brooks could've stayed up there all day, just throwing rocks and saying, "Whoa! So far!!" :) Ava stayed cozy in my sling. And I stole some kisses from my sweetheart. All of that combined with the fresh mountain air, it was good for the soul. And on our drive back to the cabin, we spotted the bull moose (after which they named their cabin "Moose Mountain Lodge")! The kids loved it, and I'm wishing I had captured their farewells on video, "Bye Moose! Byyyye!" We ended our day on a sweet note by playing around in the newly built treehouse, and sipping on hot cocoa on the back porch. It was one of those days that wasn't planned, but turned out to be one I'll never forget. 

That's how I think it often happens--our best adventures are the ones we never planned on, but treasure the most.

Mother's Day 2013

This past Mother's Day was simple and sweet. The best kind I think. Being with my Brooks and Ava, and their Daddy who is my number one supporter in being a Mom, on a gorgeous Sunday was just what I needed. Along with that delicious brunch Adam made for us. :) It was a good day! 

Easter and Living an Abundant Life

^^ Brooks enjoying the Easter Bunny's leftovers ;) ^^

After my last post, I am feeling especially happy to think back on our little Easter Sunday, it was such a good day...filled with sunshine, an inspiring day at church, finding the eggs Brooks had painted and the Easter bunny hid, making festive deviled eggs (that took for-ever. haha), a lovely dinner at the Kjars, Brooks an Ava enjoyed time with cousins, and of course time spent thinking about and discussing the love of our Savior and His Resurrection and Atonement.

I'm so grateful to know that "the miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can live after we die but that we can live more abundantly"...such an inspiring truth from His Grace is Sufficient, a devotional speech given by Brad Wilcox. That is what I want. I hope and pray that I'm creating and living an abundant life, for me and especially my family, filled with real joy and time spent doing things that are lasting and that make a difference.

With Him, I know we will. :) 

Happy (belated) Easter everyone!

This chapter...

I loved this quote my awesome team teacher gave our Sunday School class:

"No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations."

-- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

And then the Relief Society's message was 'Be of Good Cheer' so it got me thinking... I feel beyond blessed that I can look at this "chapter of my life" and know that it is such a wonderful one. Brooks and Ava are still my babies (what am I saying...they'll always be my babies right? Right?), Adam is working and finishing school so we make it even more of a priority to make our time together count, and I have a young, healthy body that has more than enough energy [most of the time] to take care of those two littles I mentioned. I truly love it, and I'm trying not to take it for granted. But there are days and moments that seem "bleak"...especially when I struggle with patience and being selfish, and I feel like I'm failing at this balancing act of being an individual and being a mother and being a wife. No matter how big or small my low moments are, I know that Jesus Christ understands what I'm going through and He is waiting for me to confide in Him. And then, He has promised that if I stay faithful and follow in His footsteps by doing my best to lose myself in the service of others, the ending to my book of life will be incredible, and better than anything I could hope or dream!

I really needed that today...

6 things making this Sunday pretty wonderful

1 // Our shoes we wore to church, all lined up. :) The two pairs on each end won't fit the feet that wear them much longer...so bitter-sweet.

2 // The leftovers of last night's potato and corn chowder (my best yet!) is what's for dinner, which means no cooking and minimal dishes (yesssss)...that may change if we bake a chocolate cake later.

3 // A new bishop was called to serve over our congregation at church...he is an incredible man and also happens to be our family doctor. :) Kind of neat to think the same person will help us maintain our physical health and spiritual health.

4 // Brooks saw his nursery teacher right after Sacrament meeting, ran to her, and they walked out holding hands. Goodness I adore my boy who was once timid and anxious, but is now brave and outgoing and loves nursery. :)

5 // A family walk outside, bundled up in coats and hats, followed by a nap inside, bundled up in warm blankets, is on the agenda.

6 // My co-teacher in Sunday School shared a sentiment I really loved...instead of just trying to "Endure to the end" she strives to "Enjoy to the end."