Tuesday, November 20, 2012

For posterity's sake!

(Gramps with Liam)

There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about my children's future. I wonder who they will become, the choices they will make, the mark they will leave on the world. I contemplate my role as their mother and the influence I have. On one of our early-morning walks, I expressed to my dad the concerns I had about the world my children are growing up in. I asked him what he thought was the best thing I could do to help them be strong. His answer was "Teach them that they are children of God, that He loves them, and that you love them." I admit I was a little surprised that was the extent of his advice. Is it really that simple?

(Baby Finn)

I sincerely believe everyone of us is a pioneer in our own way. We may not be asked to trek thousands of miles on foot, but we are required to trek everyday through good and bad choices, relationships that are sources of joy and heartbreak, and hardships that result from unemployment, sickness, and/or death of a loved one. In the midst of such a loud, negative world, the threat of falling into a spiritual drought or crisis becomes increasingly possible, and unfortunately, normal.

(Grandma with Finn)

As I pay attention to those around me, specifically close relatives and ancestors, I force myself to take note of their legacy. The trials they endured and the choices they made are not parallel to those required of me. But, I honor the trek they made, because there is no doubt in my mind that some of the decisions my grandparents and parents made have had direct effect on the life I live.

(Baby Liam)

Today, I am grateful for parents. I am grateful for grandparents. I am grateful for ancestors. I am also grateful for posterity. What choices do I make today that will influence the lives of my children's children? I must recognize that a legacy is being built, even within the monotonous day-to-day. For posterity's sake, I put my shoulder to the wheel, for there is no greater work I can think of.

Monday, November 19, 2012

St. George called. Bring them babies back!


I convinced myself and B that we should take the opportunity to travel to St. George, UT with my family to see my grandparents. There was much hesitation, mostly due to stress that accompanies any travel time with two 4 month old babies. But, my parents were willing to stop any time we needed and Parker and T were great help with feeding, changing, and holding.

(Gramps with Liam and Grandma looking at the tree with Finn.)

It was Grandpa Day's 80th birthday and we surprised them by coming down with the babes. They were excited to see us, but Liam and Finn were definitely the main event. I will never get over the joy of watching people love on my babies.

(Saturday morning. The Johnson family all together.)

So, how did the babies do? I can honestly say they did great for a majority of the trip! Poor baby Finn was a little constipated and couldn't poop the whole trip. Sleeping in a play pen was also a little weird, but they were smily and happy most of the time. Advice for traveling with twin babies? No matter how much you plan, make lists, and try to organize...just remember you WILL forget things. It is bound to happen. It WILL happen. Also, your babies run the show. You will strive as hard as you can to stick to the schedule you've worked so hard on for the past couple of months. Don't get discouraged if the schedule is thrown out the window, because chances are it takes a vacation while you do. But, you do your best. And your babies still remain happy and content...for at least 2 days. We aren't brave enough to venture any further at this time.


This is the last time P will see Grandma and Gramps for 2 years. He leaves for the MTC next week! 



Today? I'm grateful my babes are doing this. (side note: what is it about sleeping babies that is so angelic?) Anyway, B and I laid them on the bed while we packed up Sunday morning. When we went in to check on them, this is what we saw. Man, vacations are a lot of work. Especially when you're 4 months old. Grateful for a safe trip to St. George. Grateful for good weather. Grateful to spend time with extended family. Grateful to be home.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

I've got the POWER!

(Baby Liam and Baby Finn)

Yesterday morning the babes and I were finishing up our morning routine when the light went out. I checked around the house and awoke my sleeping husband to announce "Brand, the power's out." After B checked the power box, walked the neighborhood, and called Rocky Mountain Power, we loaded ourselves in our car and headed to my parents' house.

When the power came back around 10:00 pm, we loaded everyone back in the car and headed home. On the way to our house, I kept thinking in my mind how inconvenient this whole day was for me and my fussy babies. Then, my mind filled with images from recent Superstorm Sandy and the many, MANY people without power still...weeks later. I felt embarrassed.

I snapped this picture this morning. Obviously, things returned to normal very quick. The babes slept through the night and are pretty happy today. I am grateful for a warm house with power, food, and lots of love. Life gets inconvenient. Be grateful anyway.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Family Night is a special night.

(Grandpa Johnson watching Liam and Uncle Shane holding Finn.)

When I was pregnant with the twins, we would go to dinner on Sundays at B's parents' house and I would joke how different things would be when the babes arrived. No surprise that I was correct. We still enjoy having Family Night at the Johnson's, even if one or two of us must postpone eating dinner to feed a baby, lessons are interrupted by crying, poopy diapers, or a smile or coo that must be recognized at that moment, and entertainment is pretty much just babies on the floor. Yeah, things are different. But, it's terribly wonderful.

I never thought I would find so much joy in watching people kiss, cuddle, and interact with my children. The minute we walk through the door at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house, there is no doubt these babies are loved to the moon. I watch my father-in-law's eyes light up as he welcomes each baby to his home. He makes sure to talk to each baby individually, which I love. My mother-in-law kisses my babies all night and it makes me so happy. I think one of the best parts of staying home with my kids all day is kissing their cheeks, feet, and hands anytime I want. It's glorious. I can't get enough of them. Neither can B's mama. If Shane isn't at the door right when we walk up the porch, he makes sure to be one of the first as we walk in the house. He is so good with the babies, it's amazing. (Ladies, listen up!) He loves to get down on the floor and play with them, even if just letting their little hands grab his fingers. I love it when he gets his camera out to catch a little smile or funny expression. My babies are so adored and it's fantastic.

Today, I'm grateful for in-laws. I'm grateful for unconditional love surrounding our little family. I love feeling like rockstars every time we leave their home. It's a good "refresher" as we start another crazy week.

Friday, November 9, 2012

You know that life we wanted? We're living it.

(Baby Finn with Brandon)

October is over and November has begun. It's the month we celebrate giving thanks for our bounties. Right now I am on the computer and my little babes are playing on the floor next to me. They are kicking their legs, smiling, and looking around. During these moments I remind myself that all the long days and nights are worth it. As the weeks pass by, I am continuing to learn the sacredness of the work I do. It's not glamorous. In fact, it can leave a lady feeling tired and frumpy. Fact: I don't think I've put on make-up since Sunday. Fact: My legs are hairy. Fact: The shirt I am currently wearing has a layer of spit up covering my shoulders. 

But this life I live...this life Brandon and I live? It's what we dreamed. I remember when we were first married, we would lay in bed and talk about our family. We would dream about our kids and what they would look like, act like, be like. I don't think we realized how much work those dreams would require or how much sleep or "Brandon & Megan Time" would have to be rationed. But, I also don't think we were prepared for the amount of love we would feel in our hearts or the happiness we would experience. 

That life we wanted? That life we dreamed about? We're living it. And I am incredibly grateful.