Princess Aurora's Royal Birthday Party

Aurora turned 5 last week and I am really late posting about it!  (I'm really late posting on a lot of things. :S)

Our princess invited her royal friends to come to her party dressed in their Princess/Princely best.  (Princesses had the option of wearing their own dress or borrowing one of Aurora's, and all of the princesses were given a tiara of their own to wear and then take home.  The princes were on their own. lol) 

In addition to Royal friends, some of Princess Aurora's Royal family attended, as well... Including the Royal Family Unicorn!  What?  You've never heard about the Royal Unicorn in any of the fairtales you've read?  You really should pay more attention. ;)

We had a lot of fun!  They played some games, had a little "tea party" with cookies and punch, played more games, including a freeze-dance game where at first, Rori was the only one who would dance, though later the rest did, too, and Rori was always the first one out because she never wanted to stop dancing! lol 

The cake was bigger than we usually get, but when Rori saw that castle, I knew we were going to get it. lol  When taking requests, my uncle, Matthew, said, "More cake, less ice cream."  Ryan thought it would be funny to give him a huge double-decker section of the cake... so he did! lol  Matthew loved it!  Didn't finish it all, but loved it. ;)

And then there were presents...

Rori ADORES the Princess Ariel doll that her cousins got her!  She wants to take it everywhere, sleeps with it; it is her favorite birthday present, I think.  I think it is because it looks so much like her!  She likes Ariel but doesn't normally prefer her, but that doll... Good call, Sarah!

Aurora had a great party.  Then, later on her real birthday (we had the party early because Acadia was at Girls Camp during her real birthday and we wanted her to be there), she had fun with just Ryan and I, opening gifts from Grandmas and Grandpas and eating leftover cake. 

She's excited to be 5.  She tells everyone she sees that she's five years old, even strangers. lol  But she did ask me a few days ago, how long it would be until she is six.

LOL

Happy belated birthday, Rori!  You will always be OUR princess!  :)

Harry Potter Spoiler

But only if you've never read the books.

I took Cadi to see the last Harry Potter movie.  I am sad that it's over.  It is such a great series!!!

We knew it would be emotional and came prepared.  We both required Kleenex.  There are lots of moments that I found teary (and sometimes even choked up and near sobbing) about.  But the one that has stuck with me into today is Snape.

Severus Snape.

You start the series not sure what to think.  Some moments you absolutely HATE him!  Sometimes you think you might like him.  Sometimes he makes you laugh.  But no matter what your overall feeling about Snape is, you never truly begin to understand him until the very end.  Then all of a sudden, you see him differently (even if you already liked him).  All of a sudden you see a new side to him, the part that was desperately in love.  The part that required so much courage.  You see just how much it cost him to fulfill his duties and promises.  And in the end, he died friendless.  No one understood him, until it was too late. 

I just wonder, are there Snapes in our lives?  Are there people around us that bug us, maybe even make life miserable, that have their own tragic story to tell and if we knew it, we would find ourselves feeling compassion toward them?  Would we honor and value them if we only knew?

It's just a story.  Snape was a made up character and his story wasn't real.  But I love him.  I always liked the character and thought he was funny, but when I read the end of the series, and again seeing the story play out on screen, my heart goes out to him.  He never got the girl.  He never even had a friend besides said un-won girl - until Dumbledore and then he has to kill him!  He was hated for being the exact opposite of what he was but could not tell a soul or defend himself in anyway.  He just had to let people hate him and think he was evil.  Sure, he did find enjoyment in tormenting Harry (and others), especially in the early years, but really he was the good guy.  Really, he was one of the best guys in the whole series.

I *heart* Snape.  ... *tear*

Kindness Begins With Me

Today, Acadia gave her very first Sacrament Meeting talk.  Knowing she would be on the Trek, she prepared early in the week, then left room to add experiences that she was sure to have along the handcart trail.  The following is the talk she gave today:

Good morning, my name is Acadia Roser and I have been asked to speak on Sister Cook’s talk in the last General Young Women Meeting called, “Remember This: Kindness Begins With Me.”

Sister Cook begins by defining the word: benevolent. She says, “Benevolent is a lovely word that we don’t hear very often. It means ‘to wish someone well.’ To be benevolent is to be kind, well meaning, and charitable. Many of you learned about the idea of benevolence when you were in Primary and committed this song to memory:

I want to be kind to ev’ryone,
For that is right, you see.
So I say to myself, Remember this:
Kindness begins with me.”

A perfect example of kindness is the story of the Good Samaritan. In the story, we know that the man was visited by three people, but only one stopped to help him. The Samaritan didn’t have to stop to help him, he could have just walked on by like the other two, but he knew the man was hurt and wounded and needed help.

This applies to us because when we see someone in need, we can choose to stop and help them. It’s not something we have to do, but showing an act of kindness can mean the world to another person. And it doesn’t have to be something big, it can be a simple, small thing; like a smile, a kind word, or as simple as sitting next to someone who is sitting alone at lunch.

President Monson said, “I plead with you to have the courage to refrain from judging and criticizing those around you, as well as the courage to make certain everyone is included and feels loved and valued.”

As you probably know, this week the youth went on the Pioneer Handcart Trek. On the first day, one of the families lost some critical pieces to one of their wheels on their handcart. They had to stop to look for the pieces. The family behind them stopped to see if they could help, and began to look, too. Pretty soon, several families were helping to look. Often when one person does something kind, others will follow their example and do the same.

On Friday, during the Trek, there was a point where we faced a big hill. After we went up and down the hill, there was a little party. At the party, there were stations where women, some from our ward even, came to wash our hair and feet. It felt so good to be pampered after such a long and challenging walk. Everyone felt grateful for those volunteers who came to serve us, and we felt refreshed and ready to continue on our journey.

In our Trek family, I noticed that everyone was willing to help one another and share the work so it lightened the load for everyone. Because everyone was willing to help one another, it brought us closer together.

Sister Cook said, “Benevolence can bring joy and unity to your home, your class, your ward, and your school... Expand your goodness to many. Old and young can be greatly blessed by your kind service.”

I know that Jesus was kind to everyone and if we want to be like Him, we need to be nice to others, even when they aren’t nice to us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

She did a GREAT job!  So many people commented on her talk and how grown up she is getting.  Several people mentioned how she didn't even appear to be nervous.  I couldn't tell if she was, either!  But I asked her later and she said, "Heck yeah!"  She hid it well. 

I'm proud of her.  It's really scary to get up in front of a large group like that.  But she did it!  And she'll do it again. :)

Welcome to Zion!

I hadn't been asked to drive kids home from the trek since I had been asked to drive up, but I wanted to do it, so I volunteered and thankfully, they still needed drivers so I got to fill one of those spots. :)

You never know when they'll actually arrive at the stopping point, it all depends on how well they do on the trail that day.  But they were expected between 1 - 2pm, probably closer to 2, so I got there around 12:30.  I wanted to be sure to see them arrive so I could cheer them on and take pictures. 

At 1:10, we found out that they weren't even close.  It would be another 3 hours.  Time to get comfy and wait!  Note to self: next time you go pick up kids from Trek, take a book, a chair, and food.  ;)  Thankfully, the weather was beautiful and the surroundings were pleasant and the company was great!

Around 4, when we expected them, we heard back that it would be another hour.  From then on, anytime we heard anything it was always the same, "About one more hour," no matter how much time had gone by since the last time they said the same thing. lol

Finally, just before 6pm, they rolled in!!! 

You can see Cadi next to her Trek siblings in the big picture, pushing that handcart those last, final steps. They were SO glad to finally be there!!!  On the lower left, we got a picture of Cadi with her Trek Ma and Pa, a couple from Hood River in The Dalles stake.  They were so nice and Acadia loved them!  I was so grateful and got to give them a hug to thank them for taking care of my girl.  The lower right is Cadi in front of the handcart that she helped push for almost 30 miles over the last 3 days.

The kids were treated to a well deserved meal!  It was supposed to be lunch, but those tired, sore, dirty, and hungry kids were getting it as dinner instead.  Many pioneers had to learn to live on just one or two meals a day and that day, these kids did, too.  But the delicious chicken, corn, potato salads, fresh fruit, and of course pie were worth the wait and there were only smiles as the kids found a place to sit (mostly on the ground, but by then they were used to that and didn't even bat an eye at it, lol) and relaxed, visited, played, and ate with people that 3 days prior they didn't even know but now considered family.  I was able to meet one of Cadi's Trek sisters from The Dalles as they ate their meal together, sharing riddles and remembering funny stories from their journey.

Once they were fed, we loaded them and their gear up and took them home.  Before we got into the car, I gathered what youth from our ward that I could find (two cars had already left so it is not a complete photo) to get a picture:

Behind the kids is Justin Green, one of the young men who grew up in our ward, served a mission, and is now attending college at BYU but came back to spend the summer home.  He and his friends were vital in helping Trek run smoothly.  They arrived one day early to camp over with all the gear, assembled the handcarts, drove the outhouses to each stopping point, assisted in setting up/cleaning up for all gatherings/activities that took place along the trail, and helped to take down the handcarts and clean up at the end of the Celebration at the Valley.  Even though he has grown up, we still claim him and were glad he agreed to get his picture taken with the kids.  He's a good role model for them.

Several of the kids mentioned how weird it felt to be in a car again.  I offered to let them walk the 100 miles back home if they wanted, but for some reason they decided to relearn how comfortable it feels to sit in a car with shocks, cushy seats, a/c and heating, a radio, etc. lol  Since more than half of my car contained girls, I heard a lot of fun stories and participated in sharing riddles, apparently a very popular Pioneer pasttime as they all had learned several and found it a lot of fun to share.

I am so proud of Acadia for going on this Trek.  I'm so proud of her for keeping a good attitude.  All of the leaders who worked with her told me how great and positive she was.  They said she was helpful and a good friend to others.  She was brave and participated fully.  I know it was hard but I also know it was worth it.  I'm so glad that at the end, she is able to say the same thing.  :)

Faith in Every Footstep

Every year, our stake has a big activity for the youth.  This year, it is a re-enactment of the Pioneer Handcart Trek.  A 3-day journey on Mount Hood, walking approximately 30 miles while pushing huge handcarts that would carry their gear.  And doing it all in period clothing.  That means the girls are all in full length skirts and button up shirts, they are also wearing bonnets and aprons.  They do all get to wear modern, well-worn footwear.  :)  They would be divided into families consisting of a Ma and Pa and about 10 - 11 kids.  There would be about 5 families to a company and a total of 5 companies in the whole group.  About 300 youth from 2 different stakes are participating.

They have been preparing for months and turned in their gear on Tuesday.  They were limited to one 5 gallon bucket filled with limited necessary supplies (an extra pair of shoes, toothbrush/paste, hairbrush, sunscreen, chapstick, bandaids, moleskin, gloves, poncho, hoodie, socks, underwear, a small flashlight, and a Book of Mormon) and one pillowcase filled with sleeping bag, tarp, blanket, and sweats to sleep in.  They will sleep on the ground with only a tarp to cover them in their sleeping bag, even if it rains.  They will prepare their meals as a family using a cooking gear their Ma and Pa brought.  Along the way they will have tough hills to climb and streams to cross, all while pushing their handcarts.  Also along the way they will have devotionals, fireside chats, and music.  It will be a very challenging, but also a very rewarding experience.

Yesterday morning I dropped Acadia off at the church and then I drove 2 sets of Ma's and Pa's up to the starting point.  We know that Acadia is the only youth in our ward in her company, so there is no chance of having someone one else in our ward in her family.  Except that both of the sets of Ma's and Pa's from our ward are in her company and that gives her a 40% chance of having one of them as her Ma and Pa.  The families within the same company primarily stay together.  They have to have room between them on the trail, but when they stop to eat and sleep, the are together, and my friends, the Ma's and Pa's from our ward, all promised to watch after her for me.  :)

Right before I left to take the Ma's and Pa's, we did find out that a friend of ours from another ward in our stake will be in Cadi's company, too, so there is a chance that she will be in her family.  That would be really nice, especially if Cadi doesn't get a Ma and Pa from our ward.  But no matter who she is with, I know she will build strong and loving relationships.  They will be forced to work together and rely on one another.  I know it will be a great experience for her and all the other youth.

Pictured:  Cadi with her gear before turning it in on Tuesday.  Then pictures from when we dropped her off at the building yesterday morning.  Finally, a picture of the Ma's and Pa's from my ward when I dropped them off at the starting point. 

I've volunteered to pick kids up on Saturday, so I'll be able to meet them at the end of their trail and "welcome them to the valley"!  I am looking forward to it!!!

Through thick and thin, we are always stronger when we're together.

One year ago yesterday, I received for my birthday two friendship bracelets from a sweet young lady that I know.  She intentionally made one blue, representing Ryan, and one green, representing me.  She had made me friendship bracelets before and I had them tied to my wrist and left them there until they fell off - always within 2-3 weeks.  This time, since there were two, I had them tied together with one knot.  We were about to leave for the beach for several days and I wasn't sure they'd last.  If they somehow did manage to stay on, and hang on for another couple of weeks, they would surely fall off during our second week-long beach trip scheduled for the next month.

Shocked, I continued to wear these two bracelets for days... weeks... months!  I blogged about it in October last year for our anniversary, including my theory and a little photo montage of Ryan and I thru the years.  Yesterday, one year after being tied on, they were still there, faithfully tied together and secure on my wrist.  I decided to cut them off.  I have loved looking at these two bracelets for the past year.  I love what they represent to me.  And I want to hold onto that forever.  So I've saved them as a reminder of just how strong we are and how much we can go through when we stick together, supporting one another, holding onto each other, and just being each other's best friend. 

It's my birthday!

It's been a great day!  I don't ever expect much for my birthday because Ryan usually works and I am content with just having a relaxing day.  But then all sorts of fun surprises pop up out off nowhere and I always end up feeling so loved and blessed. :)

It all began exceptionally early.  I woke up at 3:45 am!!!  Not intentionally.  At first I really didn't think it was fair, but then I realized that it was a great gift from my Heavenly Father: about 3 hours of peace and quiet before the rest of the house got up.  Wonderful!  And then, I heard the rain and knew that Heavenly Father was also watering my garden for me!  Doubly wonderful!  Whenever my husband or kids asked me what I wanted, I told them one thing: I just don't want to have to do any chores!  I knew my family would probably help me out with the house, but I assumed I would still need to make sure my garden was cared for.  But Heavenly Father took care of that for me, so I got the whole day off! :)

At 7am, my aunt knocked on my door to take me out to an early breakfast.  It was so great to visit with her and hang out, just the two of us.   I was touched when she admitted that she isn't a morning person, but that she loves to take her kids out early for breakfast on their birthdays.  It was a sincere act of kindness and love and I felt so special that she would want to do it for me! 

When I came home, I found that Acadia and Aurora had cheerfully done some chores and had made some other birthday surprises for me.  Rori gave me her homemade card right away, but Cadi waited until later.  Cadi volunteered to watch Rori for me again while I went out shopping with Susan.  We went to Kohls.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Kohls?  Well, Kohls loves me, too!  They gave me these for my birthday!

Hello!  SUPER CUTE!!!  I love them!!!  I did have to pay a teeny bit, but after using the discount and gift card in the mail, plus another gift card that they really did send for my birthday, I brought the price down to about $6 - after tax!  Not too shabby.  I can't wait to wear them! :D

The rest of my afternoon was quiet and lazy.  Then Ryan surprised me by coming home from work early!  Acadia gave me her homemade card plus 3 watercolor paintings that she made for me.  My favorite is the one on the top:

We ate one of my favorite homemade soups that I had simmering in the crockpot all day, and finished it all off with some strawberries and cream ice cream cake and a few more birthday gifts.   It has been a fantastic day, full of love, smiles, and surprises.  Just what every birthday should be filled with. :)