Joy and Love

Today, I have a bit of a heavy heart.  You see, we moved most of our stuff this weekend to a new apartment where we will begin a new a very different life. One for which I am both grateful and nervous.  Not only that, but I am realizing how very much I will miss this place I have called home for a little over a year.

I know that with every change I come across, I will first feel the sorrow of leaving behind that which I have come to love.  In the moments before the change, there are things that may be difficult and I hope and long for the change.  Then, when it actually comes to fruition, I mourn over the loss of what was once.  Now is no different. I am still quite ecstatic, but realizing, that the joy of leaving is somewhat shadowed by the reminiscing and the notion that things were probably not as 'bad' (definitely a relative term) as I had previously thought.  In reflecting on those things, I have much for which to be grateful.

I do not believe I could have grown more, and our family could have grown closer, through any other situation we may have experienced in our young lives.  We have had our fair share of challenges; even in our short 3.3 years of marriage, but this has by far brought us the greatest challenge and the greatest joys.

It's the simple things in life for which I am most grateful now.  I know it may sound silly, but I am grateful for a kitchen that will be within 50 feet of me, the opportunity to get up early (yes, I did just say EARLY) and make breakfast--a REAL breakfast--for my family, being able to take care of my child's needs almost immediately instead of having to delay him for several minutes (or hours) while I keep the schedule needed with the elderly couple, being able to show up at Devin's school just for a surprise, or baking cookies on a Sunday afternoon, etc. etc.  It will be wonderful to go into the fridge and know what is there and realize that the couple's children haven't just come and used what I was going to use to make dinner that night.  It will be fabulous to be able to leave the house at my will and pleasure to go to the grocery store or just to take a stroll.  No longer the worries of elderly bowels, medications, finances, home care, extended family's wishes, particular meals, doctor and therapy appointments, therapy homework, life cards and DNRs, bills and mail, lost items, constant repetition, late night changes and fall recovery, cleaning, organizing their affairs, etc.  But the chance to be our own family.  A family without another family's everyday concerns in addition to our own.  (Though, if I had to apply before I became a mother, it would have given me the very best practice and qualifications to do so.)

On the other hand, I am going to miss them.  The cute little couple that has become rooted in my heart and soul forever.  The adopted great-grandparents that Camden has come to know so well.  The little family that has taken us into their home and made us a welcomed part of them.

They have taught me so much about life--not only through their spiritual strengths, but also through their challenges.  They have given me more patience than I ever thought possible.  You see, I can be a quite heated individual if you put me in the right situation.  It's always been a concern I've had, but I have, believe it or not, learned patience--something so very pertinent, in my mind, for raising children. 

They have taught us how to work together as a family.  We have truly learned the intricacies of family patterns.  Give and give, and give some more; even when you thought you had absolutely nothing left.  Devin and I are such a team--and it has only been enhanced by the child that has entered into our lives.

They have taught me about perseverance.  My goodness, I have never seen a man who is in so much pain working as hard as this 92 year old man!  He will not let up!  If his yard isn't in perfect order, he will do all he can to ensure that it is improved--even at the expense of his general health (indeed, there have been a few falls and some bloody messes; along with me trying to stop him in the first place because there are a lot of dangerous things for a 92 year old man to get into--much like a two year old).  His is a physical endurance.  One where you do not give up on your body; but rather, your body gives up on you.  You push it and push it until the life just runs out.

Then, there is the mental perseverance of the woman.  I would never last in her current condition.  My mind is too overbearing.  She continues to keep an optimistic outlook and attitude with life, though most would find nothing positive.  She is grateful and complimentary in even the worst and most embarrassing situations.  She has lost much of the dignity she once owned, due to a miserable disease, never to return.  And yet, she continues.  Head held high and forward pressing (figuratively speaking, of course, since she is mostly wheelchair and recliner bound).  And she focuses on hope for healing, but faith in Jesus Christ if it is not so. Her plan is the Lord's plan through and through.  She knows her purpose and destiny.

I've learned to talk a little sweeter, be a little more humble (or really a LOT more, since you can never be too humble really), fill myself with more gratitude, and never take for granted the smaller things life offers. 

I have loved this opportunity.  It has been a great service to them, but also to us. I will miss them something terrible.  I also know this new chapter in our lives will create more learning, more opportunity, and a peaceful feeling of following the Lord's plan for us.  He brought us here so we could be a family, so I wouldn't have to work away from home with a new baby, so we could have an ease from certain worldly concerns.  And He will guide us further.

I have full faith in Him and know He will direct our path.  As much as I have learned about love in this past year, I still cannot begin to understand the love which our Savior and Heavenly Father has for us.  He loves us! And with that (and with the full intention of sounding cliche), I know anything is possible!

Funny

Last night, I was whining to my husband about how I don't have any talents like all these other wives I see around me.  I guess I must be having some sort of identity crisis or something.  Just feeling a little bit useless.  All of these women are making businesses with their cake decorating, sewing, food preparation, house warming talents and well, I'm just not one of them.  I was even reading of one wife's budgeting talents on her blog and the following convo between Dev and I ensued (picture us in bed, Devin trying to fall asleep, and me going on and on about my lack of talents-nighttime seems to be my favorite time of the day to endlessly chat):

Me: "I don't have the talent of budgeting even."
Devin: "Yes, you do."
Me: "Dev, we don't even have a budget."
Devin: "Sure, we do.  It's called, Spend Nothing."

We had a good laugh about that one!  It's really, SO TRUE!  I know exactly what our fixed costs are each month and plan for those; otherwise, we really don't spend anything.  And I mean ANYTHING--except diapers, wipes, and an occasional bit on dates (but even then, we get buy 1 get 1 free meals or something cheap).  So, I guess you don't need a budget when you don't have any money after all...

Camden's so cute half birthday

 Blog title courtesy of Devin


Today is Camden's half birthday.  We didn't do anything out of the ordinary.  Except watch the madness that is March, that is.  I am currently ahead--and at this point, shouldn't have a difficult time winning the whole shebang.

Little tidbits about the half birthday boy (and this is more for me than for you):

• He rubs his eyes ferociously when he is tired.  Got that trait from his momma
• It's not quite crawling yet, but he has been up on all fours for a few weeks.  Just rockin' out
• The simple toys are his joys--none of those hit a button and the toy plays with itself kind of deals
• It's not too difficult for him to "egg on" his dad to the point of play--and play, they do!
• Light green and Camden do not go well together.  He is automatically mistaken for a girl when he wears that color.  And here I thought he was ALL BOY.
• He loves to EAT!  He'll go to the doc on Monday, and I'm sure we'll get the A-OK to feed him solids (I've already bought some carrots and bananas for the grand event)
• Sleeping at night has not been as much of an issue as of late.  He falls asleep and stays asleep (except for one feeding--which I'm hoping will change with more solid foods and juice), well now that his two bottom teeth have broken through.
• He's definitely letting us know when he dislikes something, such as when I take my cell phone back after he talks with Grandma
• There are only a few things that make him laugh hysterically!  And he really does sound like he's going to hyperventilate--or cry.  One of the two. I am not sure that I have ever seen a child laugh as hard for as long.  You know when you have one of those laugh-so-hard-I'm-gonna-pee-my-pants moments?  It's like that, but WORSE!  It's hilarious to watch, but there are only a few random things that have set him off.  And he will only laugh at it two or three times that way and then is seemingly annoyed that we continue to do it.  So we have yet to catch the real craziness on tape!  
• He is getting excited to move.  He doesn't know it yet, but every fiber of his being is jumping ecstatically.  Possibly because we're about to have more fun with one another.  It's all happening April 3rd (as long as this apartment doesn't fall through like the others--please pray for us--we are getting a little nervous about being homeless come April 5th)

And there you have it!  A happy, healthy, packing, and exhausted Romney family!

:-(

I'm not going to get smiley pictures of this toothless grin for much longer...

He's sproutin' teeth!

Confession

So, I have a somewhat weird confession to make on blogspot....

I notice all blogs with a tracker...you know the thing that tells them who visits the site.  Once I see it, I can't allow myself to look at the blog anymore.  It's like, I don't feel like an obsessive lunatic, but I don't want THEM to feel that way either.  Sometimes, if I REALLY like the blog, or it is close family, I may still show up once in a while.  But that is once in a GREAT while.  Is that crazy?!?!

So you want to know something CRAZY?!

We're moving.


I don't know where.  I don't know exactly when, and I don't have time to write about it...but let me just tell you--I couldn't be happier! (And yes, you can sing that to the tune from Wicked if you please :O)

Musings

Ok.

So I'm sitting here super late at night just loving my family.  I sit here and think-- How will I ever be able to stop having children?! I look at the younger pictures of Camden and they just break my heart...but in a good way.

He is growing up quickly and I am loving every moment of it, but then I read the Nienie dialogues (see page 4-the video) again and know I should give just a little more.   I should just squeeze him a little longer.  Who cares if the laundry gets done?!

Let's be frank.  Life doesn't drag on and on when you have this much happiness surrounding you.  It will pass so much like that ride at Disneyland--you know, the one that is moving so slow but simulates moving so fast at the same time?!  It's old and gone now, which I'm sure dates me to a degree.  But seriously, if it goes so fast already, why do I try to speed it up by filling it with the unnecessary?

I realize how much I have to offer my sweet boy and how much he has to offer me.  It's almost scary how quickly they learn to follow your example.  It was on my mind today, in fact, that Camden has already learned to drink out of a water bottle--and has known since he was 3 1/2 months old.  Why you may ask?  Because he saw his mother do it.  Time and again.  And knew he wanted to do it, too.  Why is it that he goes to eat something whenever I put it up to my mouth?  Because it is something he has seen his father and I do habitually.

Now, I can only hope and pray that the other--more important things--in life will rub off in much the same way.  With us doing them well, and him wanting to follow...

Please, Lord.  Help me to do those things well.

Today

Today, I looked at this little guy and thought to myself

How did I ever get so lucky?!

His smile melts my heart.













I will always <3 love him.














What a beautiful baby

Graduation is in sight!

Along with all of that other random stuff, Devin and I are excited to be drawing our time to a close here in Provo!  I think it will be very bitter sweet, because I have grown to love Provo, but I will be excited for what life will bring to us in the future.  Devin will graduate August 13! We have a countdown chain made.  Each has the date we can rip off, as well as a little compliment to Devin to keep him going up until the end!  It is exciting!  So I am putting a countdown on our blog as well!  So feel free to cheer him on in his last 6 months of school!

 

 

I love my hubby!

A bunch of Random

I have SUCH a sweet boy!  Here are a bunch of pictures of him over the last couple of months. (P.S.  Bear with me....since my last post, blogger has changed dramatically or something, because it is definitely different from the last time I used it.  This will make for a not-so-good post because I don't have the time to put into it since I need to stop to figure this out).

Camden at about 3 1/2 months.  He's growing so quickly!  He has had some really bad cradle cap/eczema (I have heard different diagnoses), so those are the red spots you see on his forehead and cheek.  The spots are disappearing as long as I remember to put hydrocortizone cream on it everyday)  He's still a cutie, but he started becoming quite the drooler, so since I liked this particular outfit so much, I wanted to put a bib on to keep him from drooling all over it.  Unfortunately, I went to take a picture of him in the outfit and forgot to take off the bib!! ha ha. Oh well.  We'll get it some other time.

My dear Grandma Larson sent this outfit up with my cousin Shelise when her son pooped out of his outfit!  It was WAY too small for him, but just right for Camden.  It has a cute pair of pants with a dog on the bum, but he didn't have them on here.  He is about 4 months 1 week.

  

He loves his books!  Here he shows off his mad still-learning-to-sit skills.  Obviously, this is a while ago, cuz now he sits up by himself like a champ! (Without leaning so far forward)

Happy to have that book open and reading it!

Oh! My sweet boy!  Got a little tuckered out and just laid there staring and smiling at me.

About two months ago, Devin and I went bowling for one of our dates.  BYU is wonderful because they have pretty inexpensive bowling and we had a BOGO free pass.  Look at my husbands GREAT form.

 

It had been a while since we have gone bowling. But we made a little wager anyway.  Oh, it looks like hot mama won! (And so she was treated to a NEVER ON A SUNDAE at pizza factory.  If you haven't had it and you are in Provo, you  MUST)

Happy Birthday Grandpa Waters!!! 

We love You!

This is terrible because these pictures are so blurry.  But if the room is too dark, the flash on Devin's camera will still just not help it.  I really just wanted to show that last weekend (right at 5 months old), Camden's grandparents came.  We didn't get pictures, but we did get some video.  Unfortunately, our video doesn't connect to the computer, so this is all I have!

Surprised!  But he's still just too cute!

I still want to get our December pictures up on here, I just don't know that it will ever happen. In comparing them to the above pictures, I just can't believe how quickly Camden has grown!  Here is just one because I don't have time to put up the rest. This was just after we got home from our Christmas in Las Vegas. Camden's Uncle Dallin set up this gift for him. He loves it! (3 months)

P.S.  Can anyone tell me how to upload a video now?