Little Rylee

I love that we call Riannyn, Anny. I love nicknames. It sets those who know you apart from those who don't. They're sweet, and personal. Liz is short for Elizabeth of course. My Dad says you can make more nicknames out of Elizabeth than any other name. He called me by as many as he could think of. Betty, Liza, Beth, Bethy-sue, Eliza, Liz . . . Those who have known me for a really long time remember my "Lizzy" days. When I told my husband I could recognize friends who have known and loved me for years because they still call me Lizzy, he decided he too should be a part of that group. When he proposed, he said, "Lizzy, will you marry me?".

I wanted a nickname for Merrylee, but couldn't think of one. Thankfully I have a very creative sister (thank's Buggy), who immediately came up with one- Rylee. Like Anny is taken directly from the spelling of Riannyn (RiANNYn), Rylee is at the end of Merrylee (MerRYLEE). We held off calling her that for a little while so we could get used to her beautiful full name. (by the way, it's pronounced like the word "merrily", some of you still seem confused by that. My fault, the spelling is confusing . . .), We also waited because Anny couldn't pronounce her "l's" or "r's". Rylee to her was "Why-wee". Not quite so cute. However our brilliantly advanced eldest daughter can now pronounce her "l's" quite proficiently! So we're taking the leap, and are going to start using Merrylee's sweet nickname, Rylee. Feel free to use it too! Here's some sweet photos of the little darling herself.

He Lives

As I post these sweet Easter photos of my family, I feel it only appropriate to include my testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose resurrection is what we truly celebrate on Easter. I know Jesus Christ lives. He is the son of God, and our spirit brother. He lived a perfect life here on earth. He loved and blessed both those who loved him, and those who hated and betrayed him. He was baptized in the river Jordan. He cleansed the temple. He healed the sick, and even raised the dead. He taught lessons of forgiveness, and service, sacrifice and love. He suffered for the sins of the world in Gethsemane. He died on the cross. However the plans of our Heavenly Father cannot be frustrated. After the third day, the Savior's body and soul were reunited. He left the tomb, and walked, talked, and ate with those he loved. He conquered death, and because of this, we too will be resurrected after death. I love our Savior, and am so grateful for what he sacrificed and did for me. I will always try to follow his perfect example. I know that when I do I and my family are blessed.

My testimony is not complete without mentioning my knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I can personally witness that Jesus Christ's church is on the earth again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that one true church. It is led by a modern day prophet, who answers to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and directs this church as they would have it led. Part of this restored gospel is the Book of Mormon. It is a true and wonderful book, filled with further testimony of Jesus Christ. That book has brought me comfort, strength, and direction my entire life. Joseph Smith was God's chosen prophet to restore his church to the earth. Through the power of God Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates. He then through the guidance of God organized this church.

I know these things are true not just because they were taught to me by those I love and trust, but because as they were taught to me, my heart felt full, and warm. I knew without a doubt that these things were true. Every bit of joy and happiness I have felt in my life come back to my knowledge of the Savior and his restored gospel. It is my deepest hope that my family I cherish and my friends and neighbors whom I love are blessed with and will live by the knowledge that I have. I end my testimony in the wonderful name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lovebug

There's just something about a WWII love story that pulls at my emotions. It was the era of innocence, family, big bands, and pretty dresses with matching high heels and lipstick. Then there were those heartbreaking goodbyes as brothers, husbands, and fathers left for the war, knowing full well that goodbye can be the last. This music video captures some of that in a sweet way. I like it. Maybe it's silly of me, but I tear up just a little every time I watch it.

Alternative to Spanking

I received an email from a friend with this little story and photo. It's not about me, obviously, as I don't have a son. Some of you may have already seen it, but I thought it was worth posting. This is a well timed post for me, as Anny has been driving me crazy this week. She's definitely testing her limits. Here's to all you parents in the same boat as me right now, or have been there. If you can handle the suspense, read the email before you check out the photo.

Most of the American populace thinks it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of 'those moments.' One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk. Some say it's the vibration from the car, others say it's the time away from any distractions such as TV, Video Games, Computer, IPod, etc. Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together. Eye to eye contact helps a lot, too. I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique.

Sincerely,

Your Friend

Ode to Teenagers (the good ones)

I will shamelessly admit I am a fan of High School Musical. While I confess I like cheesy storylines and pop music, I think I'm drawn to the movie for different reasons. It illustrates a high school experience completely different from my own, and that's a good thing.

There is no shortage of cute high school flicks, with generic geeky and popular clicks. Sometimes the popular group is mean, but still these movies don't capture what high school is really like. They leave out the constant flow of profanity in the hallways. What about the never ending waft of marijuana coming from the bathrooms? Occasionally a film or TV show will show the metal detectors at the doorways, but they don't illustrate the regular violent scenes that forced the school administration to install them. What I saw growing up, were little girls, ages 14, 15, and 16, wearing skimpy, tight, and revealing clothing. I wish I could forget the nauseating displays of much-too-public affection in every corner. Now add hormones, insecurity, low self esteem, and make the halls more than a bit overcrowded with awkward bodies. The supposed role models that were my teachers and administrators spent more time teaching about "personal expression", "free speech", and "self discovery" than history and literature. Books with high morals were taken out the school library for fear of "offending". Required reading often contained language and scenes most of the students couldn't legally view in movies without a fake ID. What about Prom night, when the kids are dressed up and supposedly displaying better behavior? The girls came dressed in trashy, too short gowns, showing off their much too young, not-quite-adult bodies. There weren't sweet and romantic slow songs. The kids were bored by those. They demanded from the DJ fast trashy tunes so they could try out the latest dirty dance move they saw on a rap music video. Not a recipe for positive growth, or "best time of your life" experiences. Some of you may think I'm describing some scary inner city school. I'm not. I'm describing what I and 2,000 other students saw everyday in the 3rd richest county in the United States. And that was what it looked like 10 years ago. I can only imagine what the high school experience has become now.

Yet still, amongst all the sleaze, there were and still are boys and girls who refuse to join in. They too are tempted to use profanity when they're frustrated, embarrassed, or angry. But they don't. They have the same awkward bodies as their peers, but keep them covered, and treat them with respect. The same powerful hormones pull them towards the opposite sex, but they keep their feelings in check enough to control their actions. Instead of making fun of others in an attempt look better, they avoid gossip, and encourage their friends to make good decisions. They don't know the taste of beer, and have no idea how much cigarettes cost. No one even invites them to parties with alcohol and drugs, and they're grateful for that. After school hours for these few are filled with practicing sports and musical instruments, volunteer work, service projects, and regular studying for classes. They don't know who they are any more than the other kids. But they know who they want to be, and they make their decisions accordingly. They are often lonely, and rarely respected or praised for this continuous battle they fight everyday. Their drive to live better comes from great faith in God, and their strength is fueled by loving parents and family. They are happy, and everyone can see it. If they are remembered in any way among their peers, it's how they were positive, uplifting, and cheerful.

Here's to those boys and girls who made it through those horrible 4 years unscathed. You may have felt lonely then, but you definitely weren't and are not alone. And to those still living the nightmare, stay true to your faith, and never forget who you really want to be after graduation. Because much to the disappointment of those who in some twisted way hope high school will last forever, it doesn't.

Chairs that Spin and Applesauce

My best friend from highschool, Stacey, came to visit with her husband, Tait, and their two kids, Chase (3) and Izzy, (1). Anny and Chase are like 2 peas in a pod, and had so much fun. Here's where they discovered the joys of a spinny chair and a friend.

Our growing baby had her first taste of real food a few days ago. We gave her applesauce. It wasn't a big hit. We gave her sweet potatoes the next day, and she liked those a lot better. Here are some photos of the dissapointing applesauce.

It's a Love Story

Our "Love Story" isn't unique, or heart wrenchingly dreamy. I suppose there is some romance to being married to an Air Force pilot, but no happy couple likes to be separated by hundreds of miles, no matter how patriotic the cause, and that's what pilots do. They fly away. However despite the heartache I know will come with my husband's first deployment, I can still say with all my heart it's worth it for the moments he's here. He really is my Romeo, knight in shining armor, and Prince Charming all in one. Not to mention he's very much a hero in our daughters' eyes. I love Taylor Swift's song Love Story, because despite its unrealistic lyrics of princes and princesses in love, it still reminds me of our own story. Probably because underneath all her pretty descriptions is a song about real, intoxicating, everlasting, butterflies-in-your-tummy love, and that's what we have.

Minnie Mouse Cuts In

Merrylee was chattering away today in her swing, of course until I pulled out the video camera. Then she looked at me curiously, and silently. Anny was also curious about what I was doing, and brought a little friend with her to check it out.

Look Anny, snow!

We drove to New Hampshire last week to attend the funeral for my husband's Uncle Carl. While it was a sad ocassion, it was nice to see so much family, and the girls got to experience that neat white stuff that comes with really cold temperatures! Merrylee didn't seem too impressed, but Anny, who sleeps with a stuffed snowman, was very excited. She's here with Grandma, and her Aunt Felicity. Grandma is holding "Snowman" Anny's stuffed friend.