My Life, My Heart: May 2009

Friday, May 1, 2009

Kirtland and Headlands

This past Sunday we went to Kirtland after Church. We drove up with Our family plus Mya's friend Jordan, in one car and my mom drove with all 4 missionaries and their investigator Larese and my brother John. We packed a picnic dinner and went on our way. When my brother arrived at our house these are the first shots he took of the twins playing in the yard with a tennis racket. It turns out we forgot our camera so all of the following pictures were taken by my brother and he e-mailed them to me so I could blog them. I am so thankful he took so many GREAT pics. We were sad we did not have our camera but it turned out to be OK because we got all these great shots that we would have probably missed. We went to Kirtland to see the Bronze statue exhibit showing different scenes from Christ's Life. It was so beautiful and very moving spiritually. I am so happy we were able to go up. The statues are amazing and so full of emotion. We walked a bit around Kirtland. The kids and the Missionaries went on a brief tour with a SIS. Miss. guide. We set up and had a picnic then we did not want the day to end it was a sunny warm day and the sun was staring to set. My brother had the idea to go to Headlands Beach to watch the Sunset since it was only a few min. away. Before we left to go to the beach we stopped at the Kirtland temple to walk the grounds. Then it was off to the beach. We arrived there and took of our shoes and walked barefoot through the warm sand. I love Headlands it is like going to the ocean. It is a nature preserved beach with seashells in the sand and driftwood on the beach. there is a really cool lighthouse and it is just gorgeous. The babies loved playing in the water and the sand. I had to watch them so close they wanted to just swim in the water. They have no fear, they would keep walking in the water till it was over their head if I did not stop them. Mya and her friend Jordan tossed a beach ball around. All the boys were skipping rocks. The sunset finally came and it a perfect end to a perfect day. Great idea John!

The twins are 2 1/2 now WOW

Harmony and Grandma, so sweet. Harmony is so picture perfect.

These flower pics are from my yard. I love my tulip garden. There is a ton of them.

In the cloud pic. note the dog face with a heart shaped nose.

This plaque is located inside the visitors center in Kirtland. I feel so blessed to live by such a remarkable place in church History. The spirit is so strong there. I love how my testimony has grown just due to these sacred places.

These pictures are of the amazing bronze sculptures.the one above is Mary and Martha listening to Jesus.

This one is my favorite it is the First Vision.

Jesus in the Garden.

Jesus in the temple with Mary the adulterer.

I love these ones, the expression on his face is so precious.

This pic. does not do this one justice, it is Jesus walking on water. It was really big and the water area was a large square with waves. I love the expression on his face here too because he looks so determined and faithful.

The missionaries with their guide and Larese.

This is my brothers hand and a flower he held up. I love this shot.

We saw this on the beach, a child made it. It was so cute

These sunset pics are so great, with a black silhouette of everyone. I love them. This one is Forrest and Chad skipping rocks.

Forrest watching the sunset.

Linnea and Larissa. So so cute.

They loved the water and the sand in their toes. They loved it a little too much. Its s good thing I brought their jammies to change into because they were covered in sand.

Me and the twins.

My mom, Harmomy, me and Linnea walking away. My brother John fianlly got in a picture.

Me and Harmony. I love this picture, Now I wish I would have taken one with all the kids. I love these pictures because none of them are posed its all natural interaction between us. I did not even know john was taking most of them. That's why I did not get the other kids in. Sorry Jordan, Mya and Liam. Going to Kirtland is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and Headlands is fantastic way to end it. Since the weather is nice we are planning lots of Sunday getaways. We visit state parks and take a picnic. We stroll, read and spend time together. I look forward to Sundays. They really are or can be with planning a day of spiritual renewal and physical rest.

Need I say more...

Mya Carter

Singer, Poet, Friendly. Sensitive, Caring, good friend. She is the softness in our home. Mya is my little mother she helps so much with the babies. They love her like a second mom. I always call her my queen, and she reigns surpreme sometimes even with a little attitude. Her strength will carry through the temptations in this life. She is firm in her beliefs and I am so proud of her. I love her warm smile. She looks so much like her late Grandma Marsha, which is such a blessing. Now her dad can see his mom in his beautiful daughter.

Harmony Carter

Fashion designer, Trendsetter, Go getter. Loving, Huggable, smiley. She is the Light in our home. Harmony will go far in life she is determined and will work hard for her success. She is driven and studies hard in school. She likes things organized and neat. She is playful and sometimes has us laughing at her silliness. I am so grateful for her. I prayed for another girl when I was pregnant with her because I wanted Mya to have a sister. I hope she knows how special it is to be a sister and to be a good one. She radiates and we are blessed to have her.

Liam Carter

Artist, Writer, Comedian. Intelligent, thoughtful, cool. He is the truth in our home.Liam is starting at Canton Country Day School this year.We are so proud he was accepted in. He is a rare gem with great potential. He is our little einstein. When he was little he did not talk much he used to play thoughfully and examine things. he was always anxious to get bigger so he could do big things. I hope you never lose your fire to be big Liam. Liam collects build a bears. He also writes and illustrates hilarious comic books. As long as he keeps believing in Himself he will go far. He is ma-ma's heart.

Linnea Tsoufiou

Happy, loves books, Cautious, Girly, Passionate. She is our sweet angel.God bleesed Linnea with a twin now she will have alife long friend who will be so close to her heart. Linnea looks out for Larissa she tries to keep her out of trouble and leads her into trouble too. She moves non-stop when she is awake, and tires mommy out. She is going throught the taking off clothes and diaper phase. Does anyone know of any escape-proof clothes? I feel overwhelmed alot but alos overwhelmed with good feelings for my glorious blessings.

Summer News

The summer is here, and already going fast. Forrest, Mya, Harmony, and Liam are all in Reseda California (LA) Visiting with dad Travis, step mom Marika, and new baby brother Mattias. They are also spending time with cousins and uncles. They are having a great time. We all talk everyday. I miss them tons. I do not breathe the same because 4 pieces of my heart are missing. I am getting lots done here though and trying to use my extra time wisely.
My mom got us ALL a membership at the Massillon Recreation center. She is SO awesome. I honestly do not know how she keeps up with needs of all her children and grandchildren. THANKS MOM!! We have gone quite a bit. The babies are warming up to the water and starting to have lots of fun. I like summer but I do not love it. I prefer fall and winter but I plan to make this a great summer, I might even let myself get a tan. I usually hide from the sun…I don’t want any wrinkles!!!!