Polly's World

Oh September... you've been so good to us. Great weather and all.

I wished so badly today I remembered my camera. We went to the Reservoir. Played in the sand, dipped our legs in the water, built rivers. It was weird being in the mountains amongst the red/orange tree covered hills, while enjoying 90 degree temperature on a pretend beach.

Although judging from my ridiculously tired body, I think I need some cold temps so I'll have an excuse to do nothing.

In other news... Whitney scored a goal in her last soccer game. She was so excited. Her eyes were lit all night! But the best news was that Grandma showed up the next day with the promised bribe if she scored, Mrs. Polly Pocket.

Oh how they have been glued at the hip this last week. Whitney insisted that I take pictures of Polly so she could decorate her house. House you ask? Yes, my living room shelf is now Polly's house. With necklaces, pictures, furniture and the works.

Hailey is still in constant motion. She's becoming more brave at her attempts at mobility.

And lastly, I had to take a picture of this. Whitney has had quite the entrepreneur spirit lately. Her and Travis had a mush mixture for sale, which I promptly guided to be a small toy sale (no doubt the juice and everything in the fridge mixture would send some kid to the hospital!). Then a couple days later they held a true lemonade sale. Problem - location. They live in a spot and pick times when there is NO ONE in sight. Bless our neighbor across the street for always being their lone customer and boosting their spirits! (look closely and you'll see thier prices are very fair)

After the reservoir we decorated for Halloween. I should say we started decorating. I have bigger plans this year for the yard :) Welcome wonderful Halloween!

Decade

It's been on my mind frequently the past couple months. What I was doing ten years ago. Ten years ago I attended BYU Jerusalem. Today in sacrament my neighbor sang a solo. It was my favorite song, one that grabs at my heart every time I hear it. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

Every morning while running I realize it's not truly just the exercise or even mental health I am gaining from it, but the connection with nature and being outside that I love. There is something about the outdoors that puts life into perspective for me. Maybe a river, perhaps watching the leaves turn colors, or a sunrise/sunset. It sends a reminder down my nerves of the creator. Why I'm here. How blessed I am. I felt the same way tonight watching my kids play on the trampoline with their dad outside while I held my baby, glancing at the sunsets reflection on the gorgeous mountains.

Tonight as I pulled my Jerusalem journal out and read some of my feelings I made the connection. That same awe I feel outside, is just a glimpsing reminder of how often and strong I felt the spirit while in Jerusalem. I never prayed so much, felt so much, accomplished so much in so short a time. Honestly, it changed me deep down. Deep enough that a decade later, while listening to a 10 year old sing a song that I once sang in the JC Center, overlooking the old city, it was all I could do to not cry. Ironically, the entry in my Journal talked about how much I loved that song. How connected I felt to some of those words.

One more random thought. Today I taught my primary class about talents. As I read my journal I was reminded of some things I wanted to become. I still haven't done many things on my list, and it seems my list keeps getting longer while my freedom to do (or develop) them keeps shrinking :) I hope I don't loose the insight and motivations that I felt back then. I hope my life the next ten years proves as good if not better than the last. I have no doubt time will probably go by twice as fast! And there you have it, my inner ramblings. Good night.

6 month mark!

Oh how I live for this - to say I made it to the six month mark. Actually, Hailey has been pretty easy, so the month mark wasn't as significant. She's amazing. I love that she loves life. How it melts my heart when she looks me in the eye and I see her light up. I love watching her explore the world around her. She is such a blessing. I love you Hailey! Happy six month birthday.

routine

Are we exhausted? Thank goodness Hailey thinks stroller time is nap time. We've spent a lot of time in this puppy lately. Between running, kindergarten pick-up, and soccer games, I've got more exercise in lately - hallelujah for my mental health! We've enjoyed good food :)

learned how to sit

and snuggle.

enjoyed the fruits of our garden

and found the perfect baby entertainment. Twizzlers are not messy like red vines!

We've watched and played football. Go Cougs!

Had picnics

And, thank goodness, haven't had to give up the summer fun yet.

I've ran more, done more sword fighting and football with Travis, heard kindergarten stories and songs from Whitney and loved every minute of this September stuff. Life is good.