Provided for

The past month has been full of humbling moments. Moments where I knew Heavenly Father was watching over us. Providing for us, and guiding us along. These moments weren't anything HUGE, but were blessings that strengthened my testimony that He is ever mindful of my family.
I love Christmas. I loved watching Darla so thrilled when we were setting up the Christmas tree. I loved it when one of my kids would say, "Turn on some Christmas music Mom!" I loved hearing Bennett say that his favorite gift of Christmas was Jesus. I loved listening to Tate learn how to sing the "Merry Christmas song" (We Wish You A Merry Christmas) and Jingle Bells. I loved celebrating Lucille's 1st birthday and realizing that with the growth of each child just comes more and more love for them. I love Lucille. But I think that my favorite moment was looking across the pew at church yesterday (Darla's Birthday) and catching eyes with Erik - both of us full of tears as we were touched by the Spirit of the whole season, of each moment all coming together to bring us closer to Jesus Christ. The Savior of the World.

flying by

 Happy Halloween. Just had to document costumes. They had a great time, although it was an adjustment to walk from house to house, instead of core way to core way :)

 Happy 3rd Birthday Tate! We just happen to fly to Salt Lake on his birthday so he (and the rest of us) thought that was pretty awesome. I can't believe that three years ago this little guy was given to our family. Three years ago that little baby had to undergo heart surgery. To tell you the truth, I often forget it all even happened. But then I recite Tate the story of what happened on the day he was born and I can't help but feel the deepest gratitude and humility. 

 I want to be like the women in this picture. They all inspire me.

 Best baby in the world.

 Mom and Dad. Don't they look fabulous!

 Nelson Family

 Bennett loves family pictures. Lucille loves her dress.

This bottom picture is a daily occurrence in my house. Morning reading with Darla is just a precious sight to see. The sunlight on their faces is what did it for me this time. With Thanksgiving here next week I hope that will forever be thankful for the PEOPLE in my life. Like my wise sister-in-law once taught me; relationships are all that matter.

I love fall

 Family outing to Eckert's Farm today. As we were picking pumpkins, riding in the trailer behind the tractor to the apple orchards I realized, like I do every year - I love fall. I love the smells, apples, the beautiful colors, the cooler weather, the beginning of the holidays, the warmer foods, pumpkin flavors, Thanksgiving and harvest.
We are settling in to St Louis more and more each week. Erik's parents just received a mission a call as a medical area advisor - Denver North Mission. They called and said they would fly us home for their farewell so all the family could be together. That call/news came on a day when I was feeling a bit lonely, missing "the old como life", and so part of me feels like the timing of it all was an answer to my prayers that day. It will be refreshing to be with family.
Erik is loving his job and his job (and all who work with him) love Erik. Every day I know we are being watched over by a loving Heavenly Father.

playing house

Took the kids to see Erik at work. Hello Professor!

The home we are renting. It is the perfect next step for us. Small but with just enough wiggle room.

 This guy is a crack up

 Bennett turned 5 this weekend! Lego party of the century!

 Darla is LOVING 1st grade. Learning all the tricks of the trade.

 Lucille is 8 months and growing up much too fast. Crawling, exploring, laughing. She is such a happy girl. All the kids are so cute to her.

adios como life . . . meet me in St Louie

 Women, need women - especially when the women are like the women surrounding me in this photo.

 This is not a large box.

 So many friends. I LOVE these faces!

 Thanks to Erik's band of brothers for all their help. We couldn't have done it without them!!

 Lucille's face? Tate's stomach? Bennett's hand? Darla's shoulder? Great Picture.

Safe arrival, (after having the UHaul guy come and fix our truck before we left. So grateful we didn't have to reload and so grateful we didn't ever break down on the side of the freeway) empty truck.

 St Louis Arch. Gateway to the west - or our new life.

We moved out of COMO Student Cooperative July 3rd. We arrived in St Louis the night of the 4th. Entering the city was incredible because of all the fireworks that were going on all around us. I told the kids it was for them. :) Slept at my cousins house that night and moved our stuff into 833 Lanvale Drive, Webster Groves, MO 63119 - July 5th. Again, I am super grateful for Erik's brothers and all of their help. I love them. We got a little settled for couple days and then climbed back in the car and headed west. That update will come soon. The kids are incredible. They have been brave and such good sports through all the changes.

boxed in

I am sitting in an apartment full of boxes. I am tired. Part of me is excited to load up, and drive away to new places, new spaces, new faces. The other part of me is in denial that this is even happening. I have lived here 6 years. I have birthed 3 babies here. I have been served by SO MANY wonderful people. I have mastered the roads, stores, playgrounds, and surroundings. I am comfortable. I am content. I have grown. My family has grown. A piece of me is sad. Not wanting to leave the playground bench for an unfamiliar one. Not wanting to leave the community that my children feel free to run and explore and I feel comfortable letting them do so.
Even though each of these feelings are different, there is one feeling that spans throughout - comfort. I know that God is leading us. I know he has led us. Our time in Minnesota has been blessed with comfort from on High. Knowing that He is with us. He is mindful. He is kind.
I am comforted that I will love the next journey. I am comforted knowing that I will forever be a better person because of the 6 years spent here. I am comforted that friendship can remain. My soul truly has found "comfort in Christ" (Alma 31:31)

light at the end of the tunnel

 Fabulous visit from the Albano Family. Always a great time with WONDERFUL people.

As of today - Erik turned in his Dissertation to his committee.  He will defend on the 27th of June. WAY TO GO ERIK! He came down the stairs after having emailed it off - and said, "I feel like a giant has just climbed off of my shoulders. I am so glad to be done with this hurdle in my academic career!" HE IS INCREDIBLE!

flying

 East High Graduation

 BYU Graduation

 Masters

 PhD!!

 Lu and I took a quick trip to California for my nieces baptism. It was just what I needed.

Lucille is 5 months old. Why do they grow up SO fast? 

You should see my heart.

Lucille had her first road trip to Fargo for Easter weekend. We had a wonderful time celebrating with the Ohlson family. All I wanted for Easter was a picture of my kids in darling church outfits and smiling/posed perfectly. Of course because this is real life we are talking about the picture of my four kids not looking, sitting on a pile of dead grass is what we got! In a way I like it more than that photo I dreamed up in my head. That is how I have been feeling about life lately. Sometimes I look around my house at the mess, or listen to the chaos of so many little voices and think "This is not what I dreamed it would be", but then other times, more often than not actually, I think, "This is exactly how it should be." My sister-in-law has this fabulous quote hanging in her house  - If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart.
My hands are definitely full, but we are all growing - together.
Erik accepted a post doc/fellowship at St Louis University. We will be moving beginning of July. It is such a bittersweet thing. I am so grateful he got a job and we can move forward without hesitation. God has been so kind to us.