Happy Feet

16 years

Wayne and I celebrated our

16th wedding anniversary in Newport, RI.

It's amazing how a simple 24 hours of

"just the 2 of us"

time was like a second honeymoon...bliss.

We can recommend:

• the Hyatt at Goat Island (used Priceline for a killer deal)- we ordered lunch at Pineapples on the Bay (by the pool) and ate on adirondacks overlooking the bay
• The Black Pearl tavern for delicious clam chowder
• The Adirondack II schooner 11am sailing time....perfect!
• window shopping through downtown Newport

Such a great little getaway....

...so in love after all these years.

The rest of my Reunion weekend...

Saturday I got to spend the day with my brother, Jon and his family---Ange, Mia, Claire & Owen. Holding Owen was dreamy and those little girls were so much fun, just like my Grace & Caroline. We had a fun Easter egg hunt, the confetti filled eggs were a huge hit.

Ange is the funnest mom I've ever met. She didn't blink an eye when Mia dipped her elbows in the Easter egg dye. Mia ended up making colorful egg soup.

I'll never forget Claire's joyful squeal every time she found an easter egg. SUCH a doll.

...and Owen, I let my arms get tired holding him. I fed him a bottle and he spent half the time smiling at me. I'm so glad I got to meet him while he's baby size!

Sunday I went to General Conference & then to my sister, Sara's house. My sister, Julie's family, and Jon & Ange's family joined us for Easter dinner. It was so great to see everyone. I met my sister's daughter, Yadia for the first time. She was adopted into the family a few years ago. It was so fun meeting her! My niece, Lauren and her roomies from BYU showed up too...yeah! Sara did a great job with grandma's rolls & Peepshi's were a hit.

Homebase for me was the Halversens' home. Ann is one of the great, loving influences in my life. She, Gary & I had wonderful visits when I wasn't running around everywhere else.

Monday, Wayne's mom & her hubby, Kelly picked me up for an afternoon of power shopping, mostly girl talk, and Cafe Rio.....icing on the cake for me.

As Leilani and I sat next to each other on the flight back to Boston we both felt recharged and ready to get back to work in our everyday lives.

Lesson to my kids: I've had a lot of different influences in my life. The best relationships I've ever had are ones where after spending time together I leave feeling better off than when I arrived.

Some days this is who I see in the mirror...

Last night I woke up Christina and Thomas at 10pm to clean their rooms which strangely looked worse than when I gave the 1st "clean your room" order at around 3pm.

Yep, I'm a mean mom, even witchy at times.

My mean mom lesson for the day...the HARD way is overrated.

Thank Heavens for 1/2 Birthdays!

I'm finally at a good place mentally to write about my 40th. I'm still more than fine with turning 40, but the actual date was something else....

We have a standing tradition that there is some flexibility as to when we celebrate. Sometimes we've spread out celebrating over a week due to work schedules, trips, etc. In the case of my 40th, someone was sick in the house nearly every day that week. As I've already mentioned, things were messy around here.

So, my birthday came up and it started off great. Lots of birthday notes, wishes, a couple surprise visits, cannoli (chocolate covered mini's are my new favorite treat---better than cake!)...so fun! After Wayne got home from work, our family went out to dinner and the kids all behaved; it was wonderful....no messy kitchen, no dishes to wash, no coaxing kids to eat, etc.

We pulled in the driveway and Wayne said, "Everyone go to the family room!" The kids gathered 'round, and as I walked in the room, Thomas threw up---in a huge way. I hurried him to the bathroom where he threw up all over the floor, all the while apologizing for getting sick on my birthday. I felt so bad for him. We were all gagging, so I cancelled any dessert party. Wayne was busy cleaning up the front room while I was on my knees cleaning the bathroom thinking, "This is what I signed up for." ...and as gross as that moment was, right there I felt completely satisfied with my choice to be a part of this family through thick and thin. (Although I saved my birthday cannoli for breakfast)

Although he wasn't feeling great, Wayne took me out on a birthday date on Saturday. As we sat there reviewing the week and my birthday, the barf toll was at about 35, including locations like the grocery store floor and all over Christina. Clearly there was no party at our house, so I asked, "Can we just scratch that celebration and do something fun like go to the beach on my 1/2 birthday?" Wayne was on board (& I sensed relief too).

The moral of this gross story is, sometimes the pressure of making YOUR day full of celebration is just not going to happen for one reason or another. Sometimes your birthday week may be out of the question as well. Sometimes it's best to pick another date all together when the sun will be shining and it's not the middle of stomach virus season. I'm starting a new family tradition of celebrating my birthday in July from now on....and now my future grandkids will know why.

Healthy Wishes to all,

Rebecca

Celebrating 40

Most birthdays seem to come and go, but this one, my 40th, has brought lots of reflection and fresh perspective.....

No doubt about it, I may wear the same size clothes I wore before having kids, but they don't fit the same. I wake up in the morning to dark circles and extra cargo under my eyes. Even short jogs test my bladder control. Let's not get started about the belly that refuses to tone....SO stubborn. Aging is no picnic. I know that. However, something changed in my soul recently in church when a young 13 year old, David, gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting. He shared that just the other day he was sitting in school and glanced at his hand, and appreciating the miracle of his body, he was reminded of the reality of God. I wondered how often I look at my body as evidence of God's existence. I'll continue to look after my health, but the aging microscope seems to have softened, bringing the aging process into a healthy, spiritual perspective. I'm thankful that David shared this simple, profound experience. I've taken it to heart.

This morning as I was showered with birthday kindness, Grace said, "The best birthday gift in the whole wide world is LOVE." My heart feels like it could burst when I contemplate the love I have in my life within the walls of my home, among my extended family, and my dear friends. I'm looking forward to going out to dinner with the family tonight and sporting my birthday down coat, but Grace is right on....Love is the greatest gift.

(Photo Credit: Macy Robison Photography)

While for just over a decade I've loved welcoming our 5 beautiful babes into the world and mothering them, this coming decade will bring mothering changes.....I'll have 2 kids in college! I love every day I have to mother my children. My mom died at 49, and I just know that each day is a gift.

I'm excited to fulfill a personal dream of going back to school once my kids are all in school---this is the year! I'll get started once Wesley enters pre-school in the fall. I'm thankful for my family's support. I have no idea what I'll study, but I'm hoping to find an avenue I love.

So, here's to 40---to more hopes, dreams, blessings, hugs & kisses, & lots of love! I don't care if 40 is the new 30....I simply and deeply appreciate being in a good place for this birthday. I know that the good in my soul and in my life comes from a loving and merciful Savior. The path He has blessed me with is far richer than any I would have made on my own.

Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday & Happy New Year, Julie!

I made my sister, Julie open her Christmas present early.... I just couldn't wait:) Julie sells {at least some of} the Sandi Henderson fabric I used at her Dizzy Daizy quilt shop. The quilt pattern is called Topsy Turvy & calls for a jelly roll + some additional yardage for borders. I found the pattern at Quilter's Way in Concord, MA. I used a jelly roll of a combo of Sandi Henderson's Ginger Blossom & Farmer's Market fabric, plus fabric from Ginger Blossom for the borders. The blocks came out a bit smaller than the pattern said, and I can't remember the final measurements, but it's a good size throw.

I love the fun, bright fabric....it's like sunshine. I machine quilted it---just stitch in the ditch & big x's through the blocks.

My sister, Sara, sells Sandi Henderson's flannel at her flannel fabric shop...I've got plans for that flannel, let me tell you.

Mr. Romance

Friday night my sweetheart and I were at Target on the ultimate romantic date. After wrapping a soft, pretty grey scarf around my neck, I turned to Wayne and asked, "What do you think? Is grey my color?" Without missing a beat {& with a smile because he KNEW he'd come up with something spectacular}, Wayne said, "Babe, every color is your color."

Objectivity can be overrated.

I'm thankful for my Mr. Romance.

Sisterhood

Last night we had a preparedness Relief Society meeting and assembled about 120 72 hour food kits in just over an hour. We took a moment to snap a group picture before our dear friend, Connie moves on to Michigan, and every time I look at this shot, I'll feel the sisterhood of Relief Society. What a wonderful group of women! I feel so blessed to know each of them, and those who couldn't be there as well. After serving and love, love, loving primary for 10+ years, I never thought I'd get so attached to Relief Society....it's all about sisterhood.

{Me and my RS sisters}

Another gem from my mom....

"No beautifully sewn dress or perfect loaf of homemade bread is worth a confrontation that robs us of our compassion and our sisterhood.

...there are many things over which we can be divided, but one thing is needful for our unity--the empathy and compassion of the living Son of God. Conversely, our unity brings us closer to truly following our Savior."

I {heart} Relief Society.

Just for me

I'm not a seamstress, but I can sew a straight line....lots of them when needed. After eyeing Amy Butler's Mid Mod quilt for quite some time (the pattern is on her website under "free pattern downloads."), I purchased the fabric and started sewing....lots of straight lines. When I got my quilt back from the long arm quilter, Christina admired it and asked, "Who's this for?" "Me!" I answered, anxious to bind it and put it to use. Christina's reply was a very sincere, "That's awesome."

I've made lots of quilts, mostly crib size, but it's nice to have one of my quilts to snuggle up in while I get lost in my current read, or in the quaint town of Cranford. Of coarse I'm happy to share my quilt for bird watching & swordfights in the front yard.

I'm thankful for my very own quilt. I'm thankful to pass on to Christina something that is easy to lose sight of once you take on the role of "mother"--- nurture yourself regularly. Trust me, it's good medicine for mundane housekeeping, whining, & potty training.

Blessed

So, we're kneeling down for prayers this morning and Wesley looks at me and says, "Mom." I reply, "What, Wesley?" He sat there for a moment, clearly without a planned follow-up to calling my name. Then he looks at me and blows me a kiss. Melt my heart! I'm pretty sure that's the first time Wesley blew me a kiss first. Blessed is how I'm feeling right now & I honestly think that kiss will keep my heart happy and content for a very long time....even through a full day of housework & laundry.

Do you feel blessed today? Go to the very talented, Angela Henrie's blog...she's got another giveaway going on.... a "blessed" charm on a very pretty necklace!

PS. Laura, I'm counting this for my thankful post! I'm sooooo thankful for a sweet kiss from Wesley to get me through a day. :)

My 1st 10K

I ran the Tufts 10K for Women on Columbus Day with over 8000 other participants- mostly runners, but some walkers as well. The route is a great one, starting at Boston Common, crossing the Charles River, running along the river on Memorial Drive, and then crossing back over to Beacon St.

For my first 10K race, I started out great and ultimately did O.K. I tried to focus on other things besides considering bladder suspension surgery after having to take a pit-stop 1/2 way through the race. Aside from my stop (SO frustrating!), I ran the whole race. Seeing Wayne and Thomas cheering me on for the last stretch put a smile on my face for that last quarter mile. So much of my life is focused on my kids; it's nice to work at a personal goal, go for it, and have the support of my family. They're pretty amazing.

PS...That evening, Wayne and I met up with his cousin, Stephen & his wife Michelle for a lobster roll and NE clam "chowda" at the Barking Crab on the Boston Wharf, and then a cannoli at Mike's Pastry in the bustling North End. We're so glad we got to visit while they were in town for the weekend! Needless to say, any calories lost during my 10K were quickly replaced...what's a diet anyway?!

Ready, Set, GO!

Wayne and I competed in our second Sprint Tri last Saturday. It was the Hyannis Sprint II located at Craigville Beach. The Hyannis Sprint I is in June and I told Wayne I wanted to do the Sprint II because the weather is usually better in September. Well, sure enough we had LOTS of rain on Friday and the roads weren't safe for the bike leg of the race Saturday morning. SO, we ended up doing a swim/run.

Wayne's mom, Ama came to hang out with the kids at the hotel while we raced. The kids were over the moon excited to see Ama again. It's been over a year! Wes was so shy (all weekend)...he clearly needs more Ama time! As we got ready at 5:30am to race, I realized I forgot my running shoes! Wayne was doing such a great job packing I just assumed he was doing it all:) I tried on his extra pair of running shoes and tied them as tight as possible. I looked like a clown, but was ready to go. As we walked from the car to the race, we ran in to our friends, the Petersons. Judianne happened to have a pare of cross trainers in my size for me to borrow. LIFESAVER! Judianne had planned to do a relay with her her son and she was going to do the bike leg, but because that was cancelled she switched to the swim. We were in the same wave. The announcer pointed out how strong the current was and gave some pointers, etc. Just before we started Judianne said, "I didn't even train for the swim!" We swam together for the most part. I didn't realize how close behind me Judianne was and at one point I kicked her in the head. SO sorry!!! As we turned the last buoy, I swam hard and all of sudden I heard Judianne yell, "You're going the wrong way!!!" I looked up and was swimming completely away from the race (as fast as I could:)) and a lifeguard on a surf board was swimming toward me to point me in the right direction. The rest of the swim I had my head out of water a lot just to make sure I was going the right way. So, Judianne ended up beating me even though I trained and she didn't! What a crazy swim.

Wayne had a great swim. He knocked quite a bit of time off his last tri swim. We were both surprised how much we didn't miss the wet suit. The water was a bit cold at first, but we quickly adapted.

The transition was much shorter wearing a tri suit and NOT wearing a wet suit. The run was uneventful, which is a good thing after my swim. Wayne and I both agreed that the very last few feet when you run on the sand to the finish line is brutal! But it feels so good to finish and to know you've pushed yourself and reached a worthy goal.

After the race, I made Wayne take this paparazzi photo of Joe Kennedy. He's the guy with the great head of white hair in the background. He could market Joe Kennedy wigs and make a fortune.

After the race we meandered up to Chatham. Across the street from Chatham's Lighthouse Beach is the Chatham lighthouse. That's it for photos on race day. It was just too overcast. Chatham is a lovely beach town. We're dreaming of coming back for a week one summer. We stopped at the beach where they've spotted 5 great white sharks. Lots of people were out there with binoculars. We walked on the beautiful soft sand and collected sea shells and crab shells until it started to rain. If you've been to the Cape, I'd love to know your favorite beach. We haven't explored nearly enough!

That we may be filled....

July 29, 1979

Another rough Sunday. I have trouble with Sundays in they're more work than ever. Things have been creeping in on me for some time now. I keep finding myself wishing I were alone away somewhere for a long time. It's hard for me to actually face up to and admit to the fact that I'm only me and not Deanne, Jeanine, Chris Cottam, Jeri Edwards, etc. It seems all I can do physically, mentally, spiritually, etc. is to take care of my family and home - just the routine chores and daily demands. Pres. Munns described it once as feeling like a rubber band, stretched to capacity, unable to stretch further without breaking; needing to ease up a bit before trudging on....

[I] read a couple of excellent articles in the August issue of the Ensign. One on dealing with ambiguity and the other on family planning. Just what I've been groping for. The Lord is so helpful to me. He must love me to keep working with me as He does.

--------------------------

My mom wrote this journal entry when I was 9 years old and we had 8 children in our home (or maybe it was 9 kids- what year were you born, Jon? :)). We went to church each Sunday and I remember the Sunday Morning Hustle...."I can't find my other shoe!" "Do you have a slip I can borrow?" "You spilled your breakfast on your Sunday shirt!" "Where's your belt?" Add to this nursing babies, changing diapers, bottles, church talks and lessons, and meals. I know my mom was sharing her honest self in her journal. Most moms know exactly how she felt. I do.

Last Sunday our family attended the missionary "farewell" of a young man, Kyle, who Wayne taught in the Young Mens program in our former ward/congregation. The meeting started at 8:30am, so we had nearly everyone showered, and clothes ready the night before so we could get up, throw ourselves together and head out the door by 7:30. Had to stop for gas, but hey, we were out the door by 7:39 A.M...fully dressed- all 7 of us!

We arrived a few minutes early and had the chance to say hi to dear friends. Kyle's sister, Erin gave the opening prayer, and expressed gratitude for eternal families. Their dad passed away when Kyle was just 5 years old. In her beautiful prayer, Erin prayed that "we might be filled." Sacrament started and our little Wesley piped in, so I took him for a walk up to the temple which is next door to the chapel, and then we walked back to the church to the nursery so Wes could play while I listened to Kyle's talk.

Kyle felt impressed to talk about his dad; how after his dad died for a long time he felt like God owed him a vision of his dad, but he has come to realize that his testimony of eternal families is more important. He graciously acknowledged the impact his leaders had on his life; his YM leaders who showed him how to honor his priesthood and respect a wife. He acknowledged his family; brothers who served missions before him, and beautiful sister who has always been a good example. He praised his mom as an angel on earth and said he knew that his Heavenly Father's love must be incredible because he can't imagine love greater than his mom has for him. She never remarried and has raised her 4 children on a school teachers' salary, always faithful in paying tithing. Kyle's talk should be in the Ensign; it was so heartfelt and profound. He'll make an amazing missionary! I sat in the nursery with a tissue box in my lap, overjoyed for the Kyle & his family, & with a heart FILLED & determined....

After all of the rush, struggle, and craziness that happens in the 24 hours leading up to entering the chapel, I want to enter the chapel doors with an honest, broken heart, (even if I'm 5 minutes late) ready and expecting to feel the Lord's love and truths in my heart. I have yet to meet a mom who doesn't know the "Sunday Morning Hustle," and even wonder if all of the effort is worth it. It absolutely IS worth it. I'm o.k. with Wesley having to leave sacrament meeting because he wants to talk rather than be still, and I'll continue to work with my kids who turn around and whisper to a friend, get restless, or fight over a pen during sacrament meeting, but I'll also strive to nourish my own spirit each Sunday, even if it's just a key sentence or two I hear from a talk. I need that.

Beyond nourishing my soul, I find that connecting with others and nourishing one another makes up for the Sunday Morning Hustle. I seek out friends and people to talk with. The support is essential.

I love that my mom acknowledged finding answers and guidance in the Ensign on a particularly rough Sunday. I too am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who offers nourishment without price. He his there to feed our spirits and nourish our souls when we come to Him with a broken heart, seeking to be filled.

Signing off now....it's time for the Sunday Morning Hustle!

With love,

Celebrating 15 Years Together

Reminiscing....

For our honeymoon we drove up the coast of CA. (Funny note: We chose this honeymoon thinking that whether we were rich or poor we'd be able to come back anytime, as opposed to say, Hawaii. Fast forward 15 years...other than an unplanned overnight layover in SF on our way to HI, we haven't been back to No. CA, but have been to HI twice). We stopped in beautiful Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel, San Fransisco, Salsalito, & Yosemite. We took in the beautiful coastline, yummy chowder on the SF wharf, didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or scream (speaking for myself- I did all of the above) while driving 5 miles/hr down the hills on the streets of San Fran while Wayne LAUGHED & recorded this scene from the passenger seat, ...& we hiked Half Dome...

For the family journal....I thought we were at the top of Half Dome about 1/2 way into the hike....Not so! When we finally got to the face of the mountain the last leg was straight up with metal rods connecting a rope for us to pull ourselves up to the top (click HERE & scroll down for a visual). I knew I was going to die and never have children. As I stood staring at the last climb/pull/death, I saw some women in long dresses coming down and thought that maybe, just maybe I had a slim chance of survival. If they could do this, I could, right? Well, we made it to the top, and I told Wayne to never let me do that again! It was hands down one of the scariest (but admittedly most amazing) experiences of my life. The view from the top is breathtaking!

We've had our share of frustration, heartache, uncertainty, tears & loss....but JOY has outscored those moments with many more days of peace, kindness, respect, fun & beautiful memories. A blessing fulfilled.

Discovering Hawaii together ('08)

Hyannis Sprint Tri - We each have completed 1 & for our 15th anniversary we'll compete together in September...can't wait! (Don't you love dragging out celebrations?)

Summer '06 - one of our many cross-country excursions...together!

Grace graduating from CICU 8/02. Making it through...together.

Our FULL hearts welcoming Wesley & closing a chapter.

All of the moments, big and small from "I do" through today.

15 years ago as we left the temple (and before a stop at Tito's), going forward with faith hand in hand felt new & exciting. I love who Wayne & I are individually more today than I did back then. It feels good to progress on our own and still be the love of each other's life. Our marriage is no longer new, but I feel that same feeling of moving forward with faith. I feel that same excitement for what lies ahead for us. Together.

Happy Anniversary, love.

xo,

becca