A Miracle

Yesterday we decided to bust out and take advantage of living in a beautiful place in the mountains.  We loaded the car and much to the kids dismay, we drove to Estes National Park.  The weather was absolutely beautiful and the temperature was in the mid 70's.  I tried to be the mom that talks up the excitement about what we were about to experience, but I'll be honest, I don't think one other person was looking forward to a nice hike in the mountains.

(When did I become the outdoorsy one of the bunch??)

We ended up having a nice time and I would post pictures, but my laptop is broken and since I don't want to download our family photos on Romney's work laptop, I will save the pics and details of our day for a later post.

The drive home was unreal and my stomach still drops as I think about all that could have gone wrong.  We miraculouslyavoided a deadly car accident.  It is truly a miracle that we drove away from scene with our car and family intact. 

On the drive home, the traffic was steady on the 2-lane canyon road.  I carefully drove down and tried not to pay too much attention to the steep cliff on my right  As we carefully made our way down the winding road, I noticed that the huge semi-truck behind me was getting really close to my bumper.  I was a little concerned.  Suddenly the truck got really close to us and then swerved left into the lane with on-coming traffic.  Then the truck swerved back into our land then and we heard this huge scraping sound.  

I turned around and saw the truck was scraping along the steel barrier that separated the road from the cliff.  Smoke was billowing out from the tires.  Fortunately, there was a pull-off spot right in front of me.  I somehow made my way into the pull-off spot and watched the truck slam into the steel barrier.  I was sure that the truck was going to roll off the cliff.  Smoke was everywhere.

Romney got out of the car and ran to see if the driver was hurt.  The truck was literally hanging off the cliff.  We learned that driver’s quick and careful reaction saved my family. 

His brakes went out and he swerved into the barrier with the hopes that it would slow him down.  He said, “I knew that you had a family in that van and I did not want to hit you”.  He was literally willing to sacrifice his life by possibly toppling over the cliff in order to avoid ramming into us.

We got several pictures and my stomach still turns as I think about all that could have gone wrong. It was quite humbling to realize that we had been protected.

We were part of a miracle.  I still can’t believe it.

Romney and I profusely thanked the driver.  I even hugged him as we left the scene.

 

Getting Old and Life Lessons

I have injured my back.  I am not sure how it happened, but I am in pain...a lot of pain.  It started about 10 days ago.  I moan.  I wobble.  I feel old.

Alecia at 38 years old.

I went to a chiropractor for the first time ever.  That was interesting.  The best thing was getting samples for this Bengay type stuff.  I learned that the heating pads and long baths were not the right approach.  So now I am glued to my ice pack and I smell like Mentholatum. Am I going to be one of those ladies who takes a pillow with me wherever I go?

Between Romney's aching knees and my bad back, we now make a lovely, going to bed early, propped up with pillows kind of couple.  WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED??

Except for my back, things are going well in the Williams' household.  The kids are getting settled into their routines and homework at night is getting less painful.  (Thank the good heavens above for Romney and his patience and ability to do math with the kids).

Lauren tried out for another musical.  A local theater company is putting on the play Seussical.  I have no idea what it is about, but she wanted to be a part of it, so she tried out and got the part of a "Who."  The cast and most of the speaking parts went to high school aged kids.  She was a little disappointed, but I guess after "Annie," anything will be a let down.  She is having fun.  The performances are in November.

The same week at school, she also tried out for a group at school called Percussions.  It is a really impressive musical group that plays all different kinds of drums.  We went to a couple of their performances last year.  I was blown away.  She has wanted to be a part of it for over a year.

She tried out.  She did not make it.

She was so sad.  I felt so bad for her.  No matter what I said, I couldn't help her feel okay.  I tried to help her focus on the positive, but she just looked at me like I don't get it.  Maybe I don't.

As her mom, I just wanted her to realize how talented she is and to focus on all that she has going for her. She couldn't see it.  It kind of broke my heart for her to experience a "real life, grown-up" disappointment.  Disappointments are a part of life, but focusing on the disappointment can be devastating.

She is finally over the pain and now actually feels happy for her friends that got in.  Valuable life lessons, but we both still agree that getting older can suck sometimes.

Seeing Past What it Seems

Photo from bravegirlsclub.com

The other day, a friend of mine on Facebook posted a link to this story.  I highly recommend taking a second to read this girl's inspiring and life changing experience.

I have not been able to stop thinking about it.

It is situations like this that make me realize that blogging can be a powerful way to touch lives.  Sharing stories and experiences can inspire other's to try harder.  To be better.

I truly appreciate this stranger for taking the time to sit down and write her family's life changing experience.

I am determined to let it change mine.

Life Changing Moments

Over the weekend, our friends unexpectedly lost their newborn baby girl only 18 hours after she was born.  It was heart wrenching.  The delivery went well, so well in fact, that we heard that the delivery was so smooth and beautiful that the doctor actually thanked the parents and said, "It was a pleasure delivering your daughter."

Pictures were taken with beaming parents, siblings with proud smiles and all those tender newborn poses.  The next afternoon, the nurse came in to do routine mom and baby check ups.  She listened to the baby's heart and thought she heard a faint flutter.  They decided to check it out in the nursery.  Within minutes it was determined that she only had 3 chambers in her heart.  The doctors scrambled furiously to save her, but 4 hours later, little Maren suffered severe heart failure and peacefully passed away in her mother's arms.

 I couldn't sleep for the first few nights.  I kept imagining the mother's empty arms.  I imagined the ache of trying to recover from labor and engorgement without a newborn baby.  It was difficult to realize that this sweet couple's lives will never be the same...and there was nothing that could be said.

Romney is their home teacher and was asked if he would be the only speaker at the funeral.  I did not envy him in this task to prepare words of comfort for broken parents.  He did a phenomenal job as he paid tribute to her tiny life.  He gave an exceptional talk filled with words of comfort and hope as he focused on the Savior and the gift of resurrection.  I was in awe of him.

I am so grateful for the gospel.

I am so grateful for Romney.

***

I bring up these events not to focus on the sadness, but to say that with everything that has happened the past few days, I have learned so much and I hope I never forget.

I serve in the Relief Society Presidency.    I had never done anything like this and I was wondering if I would be able to give in a way that was sufficient.  I was quickly blown away by the number of willing women who volunteered their time, food, talents and hearts to help ease the burden of this family.  The Relief Society in action is amazing to witness.

The night of the viewing another woman from the ward and I prepared a few refreshments in an adjoining room.  As I stood there, I was overcome with a tremendous amount of love for this family and love for this other sister who was standing beside me to help with the details of the night.  I felt a true change in my heart.  It was a powerful reminder that service changes our hearts in a way that nothing else can.

I also realized that this family called upon Romney to pay tribute to their child because he had been faithfully serving them for months.  They felt the love he had for them and they knew that he was the person they could trust with such an important role. I couldn't help but ask myself, "What if he had not been there for them when times were easy?"  I suddenly knew that had he not been there for them, they would have never called on him when things were hard.

As the evening of the viewing came to a close, I was touched that one other woman from the ward stayed to help the other sister and me pack up my car with the flowers and dozens of refreshments and trays to be used for the funeral the next day.  They were both there until the very end.  I couldn't believe how powerful that was for me to realize that I was there because I had been asked to be, they were there because they wanted to be.

I hope that I will be this type of person in the future.

These kinds of events are heart wrenching and testing, but the reality is that I left with a greater resolve to enjoy each day.  I will hug my kids tighter and let them know that I love being their mom.  I will love my husband more.  I will be better to my family and friends.  I will do my best to be a kinder person who is more aware.

Life changing moments.

Wearing one Roller Skate

Romney is having to travel a lot for work.  This is not typical, but he has been gone a lot this month.  We are talking Tuesday - Saturday, two weeks in a row.

I always hate it when he travels.  The kids and I are all off balance.  I always feel like I am trying to do my job wearing just one roller skate.  Lots of tripping and lots of wobbling.  I am never in the mood to make dinner, homework assignments always seem longer, my patience seems short lived, disciplining is exhausting and to top it off, my nightmares that have plagued me for years seem to be in full swing when I am home alone.

I have been thinking a lot about what it would be to be a single mom.  I am lucky because at least I know that things will get back to normal.  Romney gets to come home...this is not permanent.   I think of my sister and dear friend whose husbands spent months and months deployed in the Middle East, I think of my friend who is raising 3 boys after her husband Rich passed away nearly 3 years ago and I think of several women in our ward who are raising young children by themselves.

We have some friends in Boston who are really hurting this week.  The husband Mat, lost his six year battle with cancer.  He died on Valentine's Day...of all days.  Kimberly is now a single mom with two young boys.  She is now obligated to wear just one skate and I am sure that her future seems blurry and uncertain.

I have been thinking about her all week.  My heart aches as I wonder how she is going to face homework, discipline, solitary TV watching, learning how to laugh again and mostly the task of raising her boys wearing just one skate, but she is a strong woman and I know that she is already being blessed with a strength that is not her own.

So in honor of her, I have been determined to make my "One Skate" week better.  I have made dinner almost every night, homework has been done...without tears, Annie practices have been attended, Act 1 is memorized, Thomas made Basketball practices, and somehow my nightmares escaped me.

The week is almost over.  Of course we hobbled, but we did it.

Romney gets to come home tonight.

Valentines..Not Just for Lovers

I have a great visiting teacher.  She comes.  Every month.

Yesterday she stopped by and as we talked, she asked me if I have ever had any positive experiences with a visiting teacher.  I told her about an amazing woman named Cindy who several years ago, changed my whole attitude about the monthly visits.  She came every month.  She was sincere.  She cared about me.  She became my dear friend.  I knew that I could call her anytime and sometimes I did.  I had never experienced that before Cindy.  We moved away from that ward 2 1/2 years ago and she still sends me text messages telling me that she is thinking of me.

I also asked Linda the same question, if she had ever had a really positive experience with a visiting teacher.  She said that several years before she moved to Denver, she spent some time in Wyoming.  She said it was a very difficult move.  She was there for work and did not know anyone.  She has never married.  She was alone and she felt it.

Her visiting teacher however, recognized Linda as more than assignment and on Valentine's Day, she plastered Linda's front door with hearts.  As Linda told me this story, tears streamed down her face.  She said, "You have no idea how much that meant to me."

How simple was that effort?  And yet, how huge was the impact?

I can't help but ask myself, Am I that person to anyone outside of my family?  Several years ago, a girl made a comment in church that I have never forgotten:

"Never Reject An Impulse To Do Something Good."

It is almost Valentine's Day, how about we all go spread some love.... 

Potential

I am not a Katy Perry fan.  She bugs.

However, her song Fireworks is one of the coolest songs I have heard in a long time.  I love the message.  Thanks to the Glee episode last night, this song is stuck on the brain.

"You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July...

"Even brighter than the moon,
It's always been inside of you,
And now it's time to let it through."


I was on the phone with Romney last night and we were talking politics...(confession, we are political junkies...) and he casually told me that I should start a "Moms for Mitt" campaign here in Colorado. 

WHAT?!?

Now, this is not to say that I am going to accept the challenge...I am after all a crazy mom who can some days barely make all my appointments, make beds, successfully feed my kids just 1 vegetable and let's be honest, keep it together...but I'll admit that I have been thinking a lot about what he said. 

Mostly, because I took it as a great compliment that he thinks I still have the potential to do something on that grand of a scale.  He still sees a potential in me that I have long forgotten.  Believe me, I am right where I want to be...happily married and able to stay home with 4 inspiring kids...but thanks to Romney's challenge, I think it might be a healthy exercise to ask myself every now and then:

"Have I reached my full potential? Am I still a firework?"

A Man Who Had the Courage to Change the World

The older I get, the deeper my respect grows for Martin Luther King Jr...a man who had the courage to change the world.  The hatred and divisiveness in the country was beyond anything I can imagine, but he stood up for what he knew to be true...that we are all children of God.  And despite the resistance he faced, he persevered and succeeded.  He changed the world.

One of the most powerful things he said was, "History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."

I love that my kids are growing up in a world where the color of one's skin is irrelevant.  We have immediate family members and close friends of various races and my kids only see them as people they love.

Thank you Mr. King for having the courage to resist the hatred against your message of peace and acceptance...(I have a hard enough time trying to establish "sibling peace" in my own home let alone taking on the contention in the world!) 

Our country has a long ways to go, but I think we are closer than ever to the reality he hoped for which is that, "One day we will live in a nation where we will not be judged by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character."

Embrace

I am a big believer that there is power in a hug.  Sometimes when Romney gets home, I tell him that I just need his hug.  Feeling his strong arms around me for just a second completely re-energizes me and gives me the ability to refocus.  There is something so strengthening about being pulled in and embraced.

I have thought a lot about the coming year and what the future holds.  I have decided that if there is one word that will help me get the most out of whatever is in store, that word would be "Embrace."

Sometimes I find that my execution in all aspects of life is done with straight arms.  I can execute, but how often do I embrace the tasks I am given?

I want this year to be different.  I want to embrace my role as a mom.  I want my kids to feel that I am available and eager to be there for them.

I want to embrace the ages of my kids.  I am shocked how quickly their childhood is beginning to fade.  How many times did I complain when they were younger and being obnoxious and pooping and crying and whining and making messes?  My heart pangs a little as I realize that those days also represented a time when they were dependent, believing, needy and mine.  There was joy in that journey too.

I want to embrace my callings and responsibilities in my church.  So many times I find that my ability to give is also with arms out straight.  I give just enough to do my job, but without embracing those callings, I fear that I am robbing myself of the joy that comes from giving with my whole heart.

Lastly, I want to embrace the relationships in my life.  I am fortunate to have great and inspiring people who surround me.  I am determined to embrace and cherish those relationships better.

2011 Blank Canvas...Embrace Life

I need to remember that to embrace requires more...  

Here's to 2011 and the chance to start anew.

A Blank Canvas

We had a very relaxed New Year's.  We stayed home and just enjoyed each other.  We did pull out the Martinelli's and took turns talking about what was our favorite thing that happened in 2010 and also one thing that we hoped to accomplish in 2011. It was a really nice way to end a year and I hope that we make it a new family tradition.

The tree is gone, the wrappings are tossed and pretty much all remnants of the holidays are gone.  I love the decorations for the holidays, but I have to confess that I LOVE putting it all away.  (I think that my mom is a little concerned that one of these years I won't even wait for Christmas Day to put it all away.) 

I love the cleanliness and the emptiness of my space.  There is something so invigorating to me about having a clean slate.  It seem so appropriate to start a new year with a blank canvas.

2011

A decade has passed--a significant decade in my life.  It kind of overwhelms me to think what this next decade will bring:  teenagers, Jr.High, teen love, kids driving, kids attending and graduating from high school, Thomas serving a mission, two kids in college, turning 40, etc. (I think that means that I will officially be a grown-up?)

I have been thinking a lot about my life and the direction I want to go this year as well as what I want to do with the next ten.

I love the freshness of starting over and the excitement of filling my blank canvas.  I can't wait to see what the future holds.

Happy New Year's!

Christmas Greetings

Christmas cards are out.  That is always a relief.  Every year I promise myself that I am going to be on top of things and not allow myself to get stressed out by the demands of the holiday season and for what ever reason, so far this year, I have been able to do just that.  Not that I am claiming to be Martha, but, the shopping is done, my cupboards are stuffed with baking supplies and I have one item left to assemble and wrap.  What is wrong with me?? (Well, I am quickly reminded that I am not Martha when I see that I accidentally put that Sophie is 6 on our card.  I guess that a little dose of embarrassing humility never hurt anyone...)

It has been an amazing year and we have so much to be grateful for.  We have felt the Lord's hand protecting us in countless ways.  Here are a few of the things that top my list of things on my 2010 grateful tree:

1) After a year and half of stress and anxiety, a job.

2) I am so happy for Romney.  It seems like it has been years since he has been able to work for a company that appreciates his talents and recognizes him for his abilities and integrity.

3) I am grateful for a healthy body.  We have had several friends who have been challenged and ultimately defeated by debilitating diseases and sickness.  And after having been sick a few times this year, I am reminded of the gift of an able body and mind.

4) I am grateful for laughter.  I love hearing my kids laugh.  I also love staying up in bed and laughing to the point of tears with my love, Romney.

5) I am grateful for the power of prayer.  We have witnessed miracles that hopefully have changed our lives and perspective forever.

6) I have been blessed with amazing parents who are unceasingly supportive and still believe that I can do anything with my life.

7) I love my siblings.  I love that when we are together, we are instantly reminded of how much we love each other.  There is never a need to warm-up or catch up.

8) I love my in-laws.  Romney's parents did a phenomenal job raising a son with such a kind and loving heart and I get to be the recipient of it for the rest of my life. His siblings are amazing.  I love the laughter that is inevitable when we are all together.

9) I am grateful for my kids.  I have a lot to learn from their enthusiasm and love for life.

10) As Lauren so beautifully acknowledged at Thanksgiving on our Grateful Tree, I too, am grateful for second chances.

I hope this week is filled with the magic of the season.  Merry Christmas & Memory Making!

Not Just A Mom...A Mother

I stumbled on the mormon.org website this morning and I have been glued.  I sort of need to pull myself away from my computer.  There are these little two minute clips on different members of the church and their life stories.  It has been so inspiring to watch. 

This little clip on Jane Clayson really spoke to me.  In my teenage years and into my twenties, I always thought broadcast journalism was going to be in my future and Jane Clayson was a true role model for me.  I was so inspired by her achievements and I was always pulling for her.     

Shortly after 9-11, she walked away from her career in journalism, so that she could fulfill her lifelong goal to be a full-time mom.  Her peers thought she was crazy and she was warned that if she left, she would never be able to reclaim her status in journalism.  Well, she left anyway and she says that she would do it again in a heartbeat.

I always wondered what it would be like to be in her shoes.

Watching this clip of her life made me realize that ironically, she wanted to be in my shoes.  So, I am now in her shoes, but just in a different capacity than I had hoped and I too, am right where I want to be.

It was a good reminder to enjoy the here and now...this season of my life.

A Cozy Sunday Gift

Yesterday after we got home from church, Romney pulled all the kids into a bedroom and shut the door.  A few minutes later, I was basically tackled with hugs and ordered to get cozy in my PJs.  The covers on by bed were pulled back and I was presented with a diet coke and told to get in bed and relax.  Bliss.  It took me a minute to give in and allow myself to enjoy the gift I was given, but I finally did and I spent a couple of hours to myself.  I read a great book and I slept.  It was heaven.  At one point, cute Christian even came in and turned up my electric blanket to a 3.  He said, "Here mom, that is so you can be extra cozy."  It was so sweet.

It was such a thoughtful gesture for Romney to do that for me.  He just gets me and understands that sometimes a closed door and a fluffy bed and of course a diet coke, is all that is needed to reboot to my "Mom System."

It was interesting however,because as I laid there enjoying the warmth and quiet, I could hear the laughter of Romney and the kids in the other room and I actually felt a little jealous of what I heard happening outside my bedroom door.  They were playing games and it was obvious that the kids were in heaven.  They had their dad all to themselves.  No cell phone.  No TV and let's be honest, no mom.

In giving me that cozy time to myself to reboot, it was more than the quiet and relaxation that gave me the strength and determination to be a better mom this week.  It was hearing Romney choosing to spend time with his kids and the sounds of happiness coming from kids who felt loved.

It was a good reminder.  Thank you Romney for the "reboot" in so many ways....xoxoxo

Maybe Facebook isn't a total waste of time...

My parents bought their home in Holladay in February 1989.  I remember this vividly because it meant that I was going to have to start school...in the middle of the year.  I was going to be a sophomore at Skyline High School and I was dreading it.  I did not know a soul and let's just say for the record that high school sucks.

It was not a welcoming environment.  I still laugh when I think of the day that my mom drove me to the school and she thought that just because we pulled up to the drop off that I was actually going to get out of the car.  She literally had to pry my fingers off the door handle.  I was laughing and crying at the same time...I think we both were.  She gave up and drove home with promises that we would try again the next day.

When I finally started school, I was dying inside.  I HATED IT!  There was one class however, where a nice, somewhat quiet guy went out of his way to make me feel welcome.  His name was Ryan Palmer and he ended up being one of my closest friends in high school.  We had a few classes together and one of those classes was debate.  Our time in that class and traveling to debate tournaments sealed our friendship.  Ryan was a great guy and was always looking out for me.

Skyline High School's Debate Team 1991

During our senior year, Ryan found out a few days before the senior prom that I had not been asked.  He said that was never going to happen.  He came up to me after class and said that although he did not have a lot of money, he wanted to take me to the senior prom.  What a guy!  We ate sandwiches from Subway with cans of Hawaiian Punch on the hood of his car and laughed as we listened to NPR.  We joined up with a large group at the dance for pictures and games afterward.  We had a great time and it was by far my favorite high school dance.

Senior Prom 1991

A few months after we graduated, Ryan was in a terrible car accident.  He and a friend were standing on the bumper of a suburban and holding onto the luggage rack.  They were riding through a quiet neighborhood and tragically the weight of the two boys caused the luggage rack to break and Ryan fell back directly on his head.  He suffered massive head injuries and never regained consciousness.  Sadly, he died a few days later.

For years, I felt like Ryan was sort of like my guardian angel.  He would show up every now and then in my dreams, but he was always trying to hide and stay out of sight.  There was one particularly challenging time for me in college when I was feeling a little lost and confused about my future.  It was at this time that Ryan came to me again in a dream.  He was following me in a crowd and again trying to stay out of sight.  This time I approached him and asked him if he was Ryan.  His response was, "Of course."  He then asked me why I was making the decisions I was and he reminded me that I was better than that.  I woke up feeling like he was once again really looking out for me and helping to make sure that I was staying on the right path. It was a very powerful experience and one that I will never forget.

I bring this up only because I have always regretted that I lost contact with Ryan's family.  They asked me to speak at his funeral.  It was such an honor to pay tribute to such a great person and friend.  As the years have passed, I have always wondered if his family really knew the influence for good that Ryan had on my life...even years after his death. 

Well, today I was on facebook and noticed a suggestion on the friend suggestion tab.  I clicked on it and there was Ryan's brother's name.  I contacted him and we have exchanged emails back and forth today.  I mentioned to him this guardian angel experience and it felt nice to let him know the influence that Ryan had on my life.

So, I guess facebook isn't a total waste of time....

Everyday is a gift

The other day we were driving home from church and we drove to a section of the road that splits in two ways.  Both roads lead home, but one has proven to be a little faster than the other.  Despite Romney's never ending quest to find the fastest drive home, he took the long way and I turned right.  

I had Lauren and Sophie in the car with me.  As we continued home, I could see up ahead on the opposite side of the road, that there were several police cars surrounding a nice SUV that had been carelessly pulled over.  As we approached, I saw an attractive 40-year-old woman wearing one shoe and stumbling as the officers placed handcuffs on her wrists.  It was obvious that she was either high on something or heavily intoxicated.

I have been thinking about that scene a lot.  I have replayed the "what-ifs" over and over.  What if those officers had not been diligent in keeping our roads safe?  What if my van filled with my precious cargo had been the force to end to her drive that day?  What would Romney have done if I had not pulled in one minute ahead of him?

I guess what it comes down to is that we just never know.  As I drove past that woman, I remember thinking how grateful I was that I got to continue to enjoy that perfect autumn day with crystal blue skies surrounded by my family.  I remember feeling gratitude to those police officers.  I remember feeling gratitude that I got to make it home to my family, my plans, my life. Oddly enough, I was grateful that this woman was in a police station hopefully on a path to get some help.  I was grateful that her actions did not involve a horrific tragedy.

I read this article last night in the Salt Lake Tribune and my stomach dropped.
 
Life is fragile.  I am trying to remind myself as often as possible that everyday is a gift and that life is meant to be enjoyed.  I think that the dishes can wait...Sophie is saying that she wants to read books.

What does it mean to "Live Rich?"

Several years ago, a dear friend of ours Rich Lloyd was diagnosed with a stage 4 malignant brain tumor.  He was 35 years old, had 3 kids, a darling wife and had just started an exciting business career opportunity.  Cancer did not fit into his plans, yet despite his valiant fight, he died 8 months later. Those who followed his journey to beat his cancer were in awe of him.  It was an inspiration to watch as he reflected on his life and shared his perspective on life's purpose. During his battle with cancer, he and his family came up with a slogan.  They used the term, "Live Rich."

They made red wrist bands for all his friends with this slogan on it.  I thought it was interesting however, that Rich was always quick to remind us that the slogan was not meant to be words of encouragement for Rich to "keep living," rather they were words to remind us how we should be living our own lives.    

I bring this up today because last night we heard about another young dad who is also fighting his last battle with a brain tumor and like Rich, he is losing that battle.  (His name is Ben Jacobsen.  We don't know him personally, but he is the cousin of one of our friends.)  Cancer did not fit into this guy's plans either.  He wrote on his blog some of the things that he will miss in his life.  I thought it was interesting that his list focused on the little things like soccer games, hikes with his wife and making Christmas memories with his kids.  It was obvious that he will miss the things that have made it possible for him to "Live Rich."

I am not trying to be "Debbie Downer" so please forgive me for the heavy post.  I have just been thinking about this guy all day.  It has made me feel more determined to enjoy the little and let's be honest insignificant things in my day.  Every now and then I have to say to myself, "what will my kids say about me?"  Will they say that the way I "Lived Rich" was to have a clean house?  I hope not.

My kids have a remarkable way of enjoying life.  I watch them make a game of everything.  Their laughter is contagious and their imaginations are inspiring.  No wonder that their days are full of laughter and fun.

I can't help but think this is probably why kids are rarely diagnosed with high blood pressure. They truly get what it means to "live rich."

A Job, a Move & Stability

Colorado State Flag

So, we have moved...again. How can it be that 3 moves ago, I vowed that I had one move left in my body and mind and yet, here we are again? We have dozens of unopened boxes in our basement and my kids are once again the "new kid" at school.

Romney has always apologized that he is a gypsy aka an entrepreneur. But somehow I thought that at the end of our amazing Boston experience 6 years ago, we would be able to settle down and grow up with our kids...in Utah. We were there, our family was readily available, easy lunches with high school friends, cousins around the corner, Sunday dinners with in-laws. We had it pretty great....except  the job situation for Romney was far from invigorating and certainly not an ideal situation. So when the opportunity was presented to Romney that he could be the president of a promising start-up with funding and revenue Colorado, I began to understand why Romney apologizes for being an entrepreneur.

Romney took the job working at a company called Lautriv Systems. It is a software company that provides an essential solution for insurance companies. He commuted for a few months and came home on the weekends to help me prepare for yet another open house. The limbo was killing all of us. The housing market in Utah was stagnant and we could not find a home that fit our family's needs. I was wondering if the move was actually going to happen. But we felt the Lord's hand guiding us as we took the leap of faith. We found a perfect home to rent and then, two days before we moved, dreamy renters signed a two-year lease for our home on Kensington Avenue.

Our Home

We now live in a newer subdivision just northwest of Denver. The kids have adjusted incredibly well and thanks to a fantastic ward, we are quickly adjusting to the changes that have come.

They have all made friends. Here are pictures of them on the first day of school. Lauren (4th grade) and Christian (1st grade).

Thomas (6th grade) on his first day. (He was a little reluctant to get out of the car.)

It was such a treat that my parents and my sister Kara and brother Christian were able to come to Denver last weekend for a few days. Months ago, they had purchased tickets to the Denver pre-season game. And much to our surprise, a distant cousin Karen Shuman who lives here in the Denver area, called me a few days before and offered me two tickets to the game. So, Romney and I were able to attend our first NFL game with my family. It was a treat and we all had a great time.

My sister Kara and I have always loved purses. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to purchase another set of purses together from a vendor in downtown Denver. LOVE IT!!

We painfully miss our family in Utah, but know that the closeness we felt while living there will continue, but with just a little more effort. I look forward to sharing our Denver adventures with you and I hope this blog will help tighten the gap that is betweenp us.