Overnight Getaway

For my birthday this year, Erik and I did the unthinkable: we got away from the kids overnight!
If you know us, you know that this is a huge deal. Ever since Ben was born, it has been hard for me to leave him. But, they are all old enough now and we decided that one night away was fully deserved! We called our favorite babysitter, who is leaving on her mission in a few weeks (sad for us, exciting for her), and she happily agreed to come stay with the kids while we were gone.

We went here: It was gorgeous and relaxing and quiet and I wish we could have stayed longer. Next time. :)

Here is our room. Very fancy. They even had robes for each of us. It was a great, quick (less than 24 hours) trip. We went out to eat, played cards, went on a bike ride (the pics are on Erik's phone, I'll try to get one uploaded), and enjoyed some uninterrupted conversation. I even got a massage at the spa. It was wonderful.

Our little balcony looked out over the golf course.


Next time we will have to stay longer and enjoy the swimming pools, driving range, tennis court, and more of their delicious restaurants. It was so relaxing and nice. We seriously need to do that more often. The kids were totally fine, didn't cry, and honestly didn't really seem to care when we came back. I guess it's the irony of parenthood that you worry that you need to rush home to get back to them, then realize you needn't have worried. They were just fine.

Olivia's Baptism

OK, I am so very behind on blogging. Needless to say, my life has gotten busy! It has been a long time, but I am determined to take a few minutes and catch up at bit.

First and foremost, my sweet Olivia turned eight years old and got baptized! She is such a special girl and we love her so much. My friend Julie, who is a fantastic photographer, took these pictures of her in her white dress. I think they turned out beautifully.

Olivia's baptism was so nice. Erik's mom and sister came out from Utah, and a different sister and her family came up for the baptism. One of my sisters also brought her family. It was so nice to have loved ones here to share in such a wonderful occasion. p.s. I'm wearing my giraffe dress in this picture. :o)

Olivia and one of her Primary classmates got baptized together, so we were in charge of half of the program. One of Olivia's cousins gave a talk, Grandma gave a prayer, a cousin and aunt did the music, and Olivia, Caleb, and their cousins sang one of Uncle Matt's songs about the Holy Ghost. Don't these girls look sweet in their white dresses?

I just sat there during the service and enjoyed the peace and felt the Spirit. There were many details to worry about with the dinner afterwards, keeping the younger kids revernent, etc., but I really tried to soak it all in and experience this wonderful and important milestone in my little girl's life.

Erik did a great job baptizing and confirming her. She loves her daddy so much, and it was special to see the two of them dressed in white together.

Olivia adds so much to our family. She is super smart, especially in math, and has the neatest handwriting of any kid I know. She is a perfectionist, so it's a good thing she does so many things well. She has a beautiful singing voice, an infectious laugh, and a desire to understand and follow the commandments. She is inquisitive, fun, nurturing, and super speedy--she can run a mile in 7 and a half minutes! Olivia is a wonderful girl and we love her very much.

And She's Off!

Track season has officially begun. Here is the excited girl prior to her first track meet. Spankin' new uniform, hair out of the face, and a big grin of anticipation.

Look out other Gremlin Girls, here she comes! We're excited to see how she does this year.

"That's the Most Ridiculous Thing I've Ever Heard in my Life."

Have you ever said that to your bishop?


I have.


Just a few weeks ago, in fact. He came over to talk to me and Erik one night. I seriously was not thinking it was for any other reason than to check in with us. Yes, I can be pretty clueless sometimes.


Alright friends, it's time to laugh and cry with me.


Are you ready for this? I sure wasn't.


Bishop, Erik, and I were having a nice conversation about, well, I don't remember what. Just gabbing about life, kids, etc. So anyway, out of the blue, the bishop uttered those 11 words you never EVER think you will hear:


"Cynthia, I'd like to call you to be the Relief Society president."


My response?


(filled with disbelief): "You have GOT to be kidding me."


Bishop: "Nope."


Cynthia, clearly not in tune with the Spirit: "That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life."


At this point, Erik leaned over and whispered "Honey, he's serious."


Then I burst into tears and cried for, well quite awhile. Several days, in fact. Actually it's been a few weeks and I'm still going strong in the tears department. Poor Bishop and Erik. They were both so filled with the Spirit and saying encouraging things like "I know you can do it." And there I was, basically screaming at them.


"You're insane!"


"I can't do that!"


"What are you thinking?!!"


As I think back now on how I must have looked that night, sitting on the couch in a sopping, hysterical mess, I think "Wow, I must have looked really silly." I was really a sight to behold, crying hysterically and blubbering incoherently. Seriously. It was bad.


And that, my friends, is what I have been laughing and crying about for the past few weeks. I know I used to have other stuff that I worried about but honestly, now I don't remember what any of it is. Now my brain has been consumed with thoughts like:


"RS presidents know stuff. They are wise. I don't know stuff, and I'm certainly not wise."


"What if somebody dies? What do I do?!!"


"RS presidents are grown-ups! I am clearly NOT one of those."


The up side? I lost 3.5 lbs in a week without even trying. I wasn't even eating healthy food, but I would just forget to eat. Plus, my heart has been constantly pounding all day and night. Heart rate's up! Who knew stress burned so many calories?


As crazy as it sounds, after some serious praying and crying and praying some more, I actually feel like this is the right thing. I still feel overwhelmed and terrified and incredibly inadequate, but I have a feeling the Lord will make up for a lot of that. He wants me to serve, and so I will. I'll try my best. I'll make mistakes, and I'll say the wrong thing. But I tell you what, I love the women in my ward. They are awesome. How could I not want to serve them, and serve with them? I have a feeling it will be incredibly hard... and scary... and wonderful.


I have to say, everyone has been so great. My family and my ward have been incredibly supportive and positive about this whole thing. I do think it's a little strange that other people are not freaking out about this as much as they probably should. I mean seriously folks, I am not the person you want to have in charge.


I obviously have a lot of learning experiences ahead of me. Beginning with, perhaps, How to Accept a Calling Gracefully.


I guess I'll just keep crying and praying. It's worked for me so far. Maybe you can throw in a prayer for me too. I could sure use it.

Two Years Old

I can't believe Ben is already two. It seems like it's gone so quickly, and yet I can't even imagine our family without him. Ben is such a light in our family. He brings us so much joy and happiness. He can even dispel one of Olivia's bad moods by giving her a hug or offering his pacifier as comfort. I can honestly say I enjoy every day I get to spend with him.... which is, well, every day.

I have been a huge slacker as far as taking pictures lately. This is the only one I have of Ben this month. He and I made cookies after church one Sunday. He has been really into helping in the kitchen lately. He was so excited to wear an apron and help pour the ingredients. Isn't he just adorable?

As a side note, I am wearing my new giraffe dress in this picture. If you are facebook friends with me you will know what I'm talking about. Love it.

Way Back When-sday: St. Patty's Day

Top o' the mornin' to ye, laddies and lassies!

This is from only a year ago so it doesn't really count as "way back", but it was so cute I had to re-share.... plus I don't have any other St. Patrick's Day pictures. Liv's class made these and I think they are just so adorable.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It's Great to Be Eight

My little girl turned 8! It feels like she is growing up so fast, I can't believe it. For her birthday Erik took a day off work, pulled her and her friend (also named Olivia) out of school for the day, and went to Disneyland! She was so excited. These 2 blonde Olivias had a blast together, going on rides and making up dance moves for Zip-a-dee-doo-dah. Ah, to be 8 again.

Clockwise from top left: Liv and Dad, Mad Hatter hats, watching the Star Wars show while wearing matching hair ribbons, O for Olivia, waiting in line.

Saturday was her actual birthday, so that morning Olivia and I went to get pedicures. She was so funny playing with the massage settings on the chair. Her little back was totally getting pounded. But, she loved it!

That night our family went to dinner at Souplantation, yum! I always eat too much at that place.

Then it was home for birthday cake and presents. She got walkie talkies (one of them already went through the wash, bummer), her very own scriptures, and a beautiful CTR ring.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl! We sure love you!