General Merriment

Well, once again, I am blogging Christmas AFTER the fact. But, again, better late than never! With everything that has transpired over the past nineteen days, there is much to blog and I promise...I will get around to posting it all. But first, I'll have to blog the 25th because my battery-dead camera is holding my UT pictures hostage. So, there will be more posts to come.

When asked if we experienced any Christmas miracles this year-the answer is a resounding, "Yes." Our miracles started on December 7 and have lasted through the entire holiday season--though some miracles came in a completely unexpected way. So, what better way to give thanks to the Babe of Bethlehem then to acknowledge those miracles?

1.)Baby number 21 was born into our family, and her little angel's spirit has touched us all.
2.)Our family has become closer as a result, among many other blessings manifest by the hands of friends and strangers alike.
3.)We spent time with our UT family celebrating a mini-Christmas fest with them. We enjoyed every minute we had together and are thankful for the tender mercy our Heavenly Father showed by allowing us to be together when we needed it most.
4.)Despite mountain travel in the middle of December-we made it safely home with NO snow or other difficulties.
5.)We were able to make most of our Christmas gifts and get them sent off (with a few exceptions) in time to arrive for the holiday.
6.)Despite a severe delay upon returning home-the Christmas spirit did enter into our walls in the form of a 7' Christmas Tree for $4.25.
7.) We were able to talk to every little family in our BIG unit ON Christmas Day and share the love we each have for one another.

These are just a few of our many miracles, and we are constantly in awe of the love that surrounds us. Now-time for pictures!

Some friends from Mom and Dad's ward came to help Mom and me set up the tree before Dad got home from a meeting. It was a fabulous surprise for him. He had no idea that we'd found our tree so...he came home to a rearranged living room and a sparkly tree. Thanks Mike and Pam for the help!

So fun! It's not often anyone can render Dad speechless-but he was! It was fun to see him catch the excitement Mom and I experienced when we first saw the tree.

This is perhaps my favorite picture of the holidays at home. This tree became the one and only decoration we had in our very tiny apartment, and the joy it brought was a constant reminder of the wonder that Christmas holds. Mom came home after church and fell asleep looking at the tree. Soooo cute.

Here we are on Christmas morn...this was the only gift Mom asked for. So, Dad and I took great delight in searching one out and putting it with the other gifts. We're also taking great delight that come 2010's harvest time, apples will be soooooo much easier to prepare for canning. No more sticky yuckiness. Hurrah!

Dad was the unfortunate soul who got socks for Christmas. So Joyces...he LOVED this nifty gadget and is anxious to use it on our next camping adventure! We're also glad that he got something other than the socks (which for the record-he TOTALLY asked for) that Mom and I gifted him.

Every year, the three of us pick someone to spoil. Last year it was Mom, the year before was Dad's, and this year, despite many disgruntled protests, was mine. After all, I get Mom and Dad all year long, which I've come to realize over the past couple years, is the best gift a person can possibly desire. With us all being so spread apart, I'm grateful to be with them since I don't have my own family to raise. It makes me feel spoiled on a constant basis. So...I didn't need a Christmas spoiling too. But-they didn't listen. In a year where we each had very meager allowances for each other (our real Christmas gift is heading out to MD next month), they went $10 over-budget. I don't have a favorite gift-they are all wonderful. But the one that made me laugh the hardest---well, take a look.

Yup...it's the New Moon Official Illustrated Movie Companion. The Twilight Saga is one of my completely irrational, silly, adolescent addictions. Yes, I know I'm a nerd...and I'm okay with that. I even sport the candy cane PJ's to prove it! The funny part of this is---Mom has read more of this nifty gift than I have! So, that makes me smile...see what you started Eliza (It makes me laugh to remember how hard you had to talk me into it-and now I'm hooked. Sheesh!)

So, there is a brief synopsis of our wonderful day. I know it's long-so thanks for baring with me. I hope you each had a wonderful day full of opportunities to reflect on the greatest gift ever given-our Savior. Now more than ever, I'm so thankful for Him and the ultimate sacrifice that was given. How marvellous to know how we are loved!

Again, I'm grateful to know you all-to have you as part of my life. And I'm thankful for the opportunity we have to be on this Earth and enjoy the beauty that our Heavenly Family created for us! I'm excited to see what the future holds! Merry Christmas everyone!

Grattitude

Whew, what a week! As I look over what has happened in the past seven days, I marvel that the eternity they've contained has only been in one short week. So very much has happened. So very much has changed.

With the family experience we've had since Monday morning, life has been decidedly altered. I've so leaned on the prayers of friends and loved ones. The service that has been rendered to our family (all across the country) has been staggering. And I'm so grateful to EVERYONE, friends/family and strangers alike, for the faith they've shown.

One thing I've learned this week is just how grateful I am for my family. We are all so very different, but when it matters, we all unite to become this impressive whole. I am the youngest of five, ranging in ages from 39 to 28, born to two people who have been married for nearly forty years. We're each our own people. We each have our own lives. Before Monday, communication could have been better between us. Now-we are seven people (+ four spouses and 21 additional children-soon to be 22) united by a common bond. We are there for each other-no matter what. Despite past hurts, differences, etc., we are an amazing family. And I'm so thankful for each person in it.

I'm so thankful for the faith that my parents, Sunday school teachers, and friends have taught me. But this week, I'm in awe of my sister's faith. Despite what must be the worst pain conceivable, she stands firm in her faith. Her example has been one that will last my entire life and well into the eternities. My dear sister, playmate/photographer of my youth, she who taught me to love music and would play it with me for hours as a child, now teaches me again as an adult ,just who I want to be. And I'm thankful for her.

There are not enough words to explain just how grateful I feel. Through the sorrow of the past six days, so many teers have been shed, words uttered up in prayer, and hearts knit together. How grateful I am for one little girl who made me realize just how much love a family can have! So, I'm grateful to Mariah Grace. I'm thankful to a merciful Heavenly Family who will let my dear sister raise her perfect baby in Eternity. I'm thankful that we're all interconnected through the power of the Priesthood.

I'm thankful for the healing that comes through relying on our Savior. I'm thankful to be able to have taken time tonight to express my feelings about this experience. And I'm so thankful to be here-and to know each of you.

Truly, "I stand all amazed at the love..."

Families Can Be Together Forever

Mariah Grace Washburn

In Loving Memory

December 8, 2009

So, this has not been the best week ever. But it has been truly amazing. From finding out that my sister Catherine's baby girl had lost her heartbeat at 39 weeks, to hearing of the miraculous birth of her beautiful little body, to picking out her resurrection clothes and ribbon (for what would have been her blessing blanket), and to knowing her little body has been laid to rest, it's been quite the emotional roller coaster. I keep expecting to find out there's been some horrible misunderstanding, that I've been dreaming...something-anything other than what is. But I know this is real. And while I wish it were different, I'm grateful for what is.

In no time at all, Mariah Grace was dubbed the family's Little Angel. There is such a comfort in knowing that this beautiful and perfect little girl is with our loving heavenly family. Words cannot explain the gratitude that we all feel for the prayers and fasting that have been given on behalf of our family. Please keep praying. We know that it is through those prayers that the strength has been granted to move through this heartwrenching trial. We are so appreciative of the friends and loved ones who have been there to assist the Washburns through this time. We are so appreciative of the knowledge that families ARE forever. We are so appreciative of a loving savior who understands the pain being felt. And we are so appreciative for the opportunity we have had to feel the tremendous influence of Mariah Grace's HUGE spirit.

So, as we embark upon the Christmas season, we are more grateful than ever for the gift Heavenly Father gave us in sending His son, Jesus Christ. Without that love, this time would be so much harder. So, thank you everyone for reminding us of the awesome love shown to us by our Heavenly Family...because you've been you. We've learned how precious life is...and just how precious our Savior's love is throughout the pains of life.

Catching Up

So, it has been nearly a month since I last posted, but I think it's safe to say that I'm slowly but surely getting back on the blogging bandwagon. What's been happening in the course of the past few weeks? Well, many things. Lately, I've experienced the wonderful world of sleep deprivation due to horrendous toothaches (hence my 2 A.M. posting). Despite a visit to the much dreaded dentist, the pain still keeps me awake at nights. The next step is to pull out this dang molar that has been causing all the trouble since I was in braces a dozen years ago. Enough is just enough.

But, on a more positive note-the highlight of this month was my visit to TX. The amazingly wonderful Trevanator was baptized and it was a huge blessing to make it down to that. While Kim holds the picture of me with the awesome baptismal boy hostage, I thought I'd at least show off the rest of my limited pictures. I truly enjoyed every minute of the trip and am continually thankful to have had the blessing of seeing my family after five months.

So, enjoy some of the pics that were snapped. For more, take a look at Kim's mobile uploads on Facebook. Those were snapped one night when we both got to go out on the town. It was super fun to get all dolled up together and amaze a couple guys with out astounding hotness. :-) I may just have to copy those pictures to my flash drive and print them up. It was a great night-and an overall fantastic trip!

DISCLAIMER: There are a lot of pictures on this post. Bear with me and you'll see some awfully cute kids! You don't have to read the captions after the first six if you're not a Draper, just look at those amazing people! I'm so blessed to have them be a part of my family.

I will admit to falling in love with this puppy. He is so cute, and perhaps the sweetest canine ever. Drapers, make sure and give Louie loves from me too! :)

How I adore cuddle time!

Isn't she so darn adorable?!?!?!? It's hard to believe little La-La is three and a half. It seems like just yesterday I carried her around with me all throughout church. I loved being able to see her growing up and remembering me and just how much I love her. Thanks for being so excited to play with me Ella Baby.

And oh how that BW makes my heart swell! That sweet smile greeted me most mornings...even when I didn't realize it. Some of the sweetest moments came in the mornings when I was more asleep than not, but felt the soft touch of a little hand on my cheek. Waking up to see his angel face was definitely a highlight for me. And BW, I hope you will forever remember where you ALWAYS fit.

Our very own Beanie Babies! Both of these cuties loved Nana's homemade hats. And yes B-Man, I called you a baby...I don't care if you're a giant! 8~D

"Oh what a beautiful morning...Oh what a beautiful day." Sometimes, I really miss the sunrises. Up here in WA, there are these things called mountains that tend to block such beautiful moments. So it was nice to see this and reflect on a different kind of beauty.

Saying goodbye to the puppy. He and I got quite close. I miss that less than a pound cuddler. He gave me something to cuddle so I didn't miss a Misha dog so much.

Ah Gracie Girl, what can I say? You are such a fun girl! You made me laugh each and every day, which is a great talent. Thank you for sharing your fun spirit with me and giving me some of the best hugs an auntie can ask for. I love you Princess.

Sweet Jake-sta-roni. You are getting to be such a handsome little man. Your sweet spirit is such a comfort to everyone around. You truly made me feel adored, and I can't tell you how important that is. Thank you for your tender heart and random hugs throughout my entire trip. You're such a special boy, and I adore you for the guy you are.

Trev-you amaze me in so many ways. How you love everyone and try so hard to be the best kid out there is amazing. You taught me so much on this trip, but especially how to smile no matter what. You shared your happiness with me in the times we got to play, and even just in cuddling moments. Thank you for being such a good example Little Man. Always remember that I love you more than you can imagine.

Oh Brayden....you give the best super duper BW hugs in the entire universe! What an awesome boy you are. Thanks for all your kind notes, and especially for being my "best buddy in the world." I love ya lots and lots and lots. ALWAYS remember how special you are to all of us who know you, but especially to Auntie Rachael.

Payten Ella, you are such an angel. I treasured the time we got to spend together, just you and me, while your brothers and sister were at school. From counting down to when I got to see you all the way until I left, you loved so big. Thanks for remembering me. I love you great big La-La.

Bryan Aaron-there is so much I could say about you and how wonderful, amazing, awesome, and truly unbelievable you are. I loved our late night bonding sessions, whether it was just chatting or watching Deathnote. You are the man...in so many ways. Your huge smile makes the world so much brighter. Thanks for being who you are. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you. The world truly is a better place for having you in it. And now I'll stop embarrassing you. Love ya man.

Kim...I don't know where to start. Thank you sooooooo much for the amazing trip. Thanks for taking me to the best Mexican food restaurant. Thanks for being my confidant and friend when I needed it most. Thanks for making me get all girly and realizing that I can be beatiful. Thanks for your love, but most of all, thanks for being there...for being someone who teaches me what it is to be strong, and faithful, and kind no matter what. You don't see those things in yourself, but I see them so easily. Thanks for being my friend-for being my sister. I love you.

Happy Halloween!

So, this year we figured we'd better be prepared since we enjoy the wonderful world of apartment living. So, how did we do that you ask. We went to Costco and bought a HUGE box of Tootsie Pops---100 to be exact. The fun fact, we only gave away like 10...kids don't hit up apartment complexes like they used to. Okay---like my brother and I used to. Which is just sad.

But, there is happiness to follow. My ward was throwing a Halloween Dance on Saturday so I, along with a couple friends, dressed up and headed out. The pictures aren't the greatest, but at least they're here. Ah, the joys of being single with no children to take Trick-or-Treating! Hanging out with friends and having a justifiable reason to be goofy is ALWAYS fun.

What were these three amazingly gorgeous women you ask? Well, we have the shiny, shimmery mermaid, Julie Powell, and Julia Childs. If you click on the picture, you'll get more detail-like the factastic patches C made to emmulate the cooking school Julia Childs and her two friends were involved with (for those who haven't seen Julie and Julia, go watch it---FUN show that inspired two costumes).

Had to get a picture of K's be-gilled shirt. I very much admired her creativity in coming up with a modest mermaid outfit, and it just looked really cool too! So, you can kind of see the gill on the back---if you look really closely. :) And the shimmer was her extra touch! Loved this costume.

But-to end on a positive note---there's always next year. I hope everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed family bonding opportunities! Happy Halloween!!!

What a Saturday!!

So, for the past seven months, I've been moaning about the extreme downgrade in size I faced in terms of my bedroom. Moving from 2,000 square feet into an apartment that is only 800 square feet presented a few challenges. Being that I don't do well with cramped spaces, my bedroom has been a major bane. Wanna see why??? Here you go.

View from my doorway. I had barely enough room to walk in this little space.












View from the window into my room.

Yes...it really is just that small. I was not very happy spending time in here to relax. I couldn't relax. TOO SMALL!!!! Not my favorite.

So, I decided it was time for a major overhaul. Misha wasn't so happy with the chaos until she realized she could do this in the living room.

Yes, those are my matresses...in the living room. In order to rearrange my room, I had to mostly empty it into a different part of the apartment. So, she had fun playing queen of the mountain. Quite funny actually.








Here's a better picture of how much fun she had.

Crazy dog sat there for almost the entire time the mattresses were out of my room. She loved being up high.











So, enough about the crazy dog. Want to see the end result of most of my day's labor? Here is the new and improved (and incredibly more spacious) room. It has only been this way for a couple hours, but I super LOVE it. I now am totally relaxed when I go into my room. I love just sitting there and looking out the window or chilling out reading a book.

Look...there's LOTS of carpet. And it's really pretty. Here's the new view from the window.

And now, instead of being spread all over the room, wherever I could find a space, I have a doll wall.

 

And I love that too. So, I'm pretty happy...tired and bordering on exhausted, but really happy. All in all, I think I can say I had a REALLY productive day.

Birthday Fun

     So, Tuesday has come and gone and I am now officially another year older! And what an amazing year it has been! A year ago, Mom, Dad, and I were up here in WA seeing if maybe we really were as crazy as everyone thought we were. We saw Bellingham for the first time, spent some amazing time with our friends the Jones, the Messegees, and the Bahrts. And...as a result, I entered the blogging world so I could share what a fantastic time we had.

     Now, just twelve short months later, we LIVE in this place, and I am more in love with it than ever. I have found what I consider to be the MOST beautiful place on the planet in San Juan Island. That may have something to do with being raised on an island during my formative years...or it may just be that truly gorgeous. Add in that it's a favorite spot for orcas to play, and I'm pretty much in Heaven. See what you think.

    

     So, after a very "take it easy" kind of day on Tuesday, where Mom cooked all of my favorites and one of my dear friends dropped by with a fun birthday surprise, Mom and Dad treated me to a fun day out on San Juan Island. It was pretty darn cold and we all got too chilled (after four hours out in the northern, Autumn, sea air) to wait for Orcas to come in. But nonetheless, the day and scenery were breathtakingly gorgeous-so we sat on the cliffs and watched the tide rise and boats pass at Lime Kiln Point State Park.

     The only thing missing to make it the most perfect day ever is that we were all too thin-blooded to see any orcas. We all figured that the crazy wind and highly choppy coast-lapping waves kept them out further than we could see. But still, other than the day I was endowed (four years ago-WHOA!), it was perhaps the greatest day in memory. So, of course I had to snap some fun photos to preserve the images we saw. Hope you enjoy.

What a week!

Have you ever had one of those weeks you wish you could just erase? This has been one of those weeks for me. Tuesday night, the most evil Flu hit. Even now, I'm still not up to par yet, but I know I'll get there soon. But, being sick has caused me to have A LOT of time to think...which is not necessarily a good thing. While I won't complain about a viable reason to sleep as much as I want and spend my days in comfy PJs, I'm not so fond of the endless thoughts that pop into my head.

This week's thoughts have revolved a great deal around the people I love most. And, accompanying those thoughts came a great remorse for the stupid things I've let get me down. While some are fully justified, others are not. And I'm sorry for all the inane things I've let come between us. I will admit to being overly emotional a great deal of the time, and that probably freaks people out. Unfortunately, extremely deep feelings are a facet of my personality and I can't apologize for something that makes me, well...me. But, to those of you I've freaked out-or hurt with my over abundance of emotions-I'm sorry about that.

Now you know what happens when I get sick. I get even more emotional. And even I realize that is probably not the greatest thing ever. So, there are a few little things I've turned towards to help me combat those crazy girl emotions. One is a fabulous CD by Lady Antebellum. I've learned all the songs this week, and I really love it. So, if you're not totally opposed to country...go check it out. For the most part, REALLY good music.


















Another comfort I usually turn to is books. There are two that I've been thumbing the pages of this week. When I'm not totally pessimistic about romance and the feelings it evokes, I've been turning to Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South. I'm a succor for the classics, and somehow, old British stories always captivate me. This one is no exception. It's a fabulous piece of literary entertainment, and it makes me realize how blessed my life really is in this day and age.



I'm also a rather huge fan of Stephenie Meyer's The Host. For some reason, it draws me in and I get hooked every time. I don't know what it is about that woman's work, but I like it. I enjoy the simplistic writing style and the entertainment value it provides. And yes, that does include ALL of the Twilight saga. I don't know why I'm so hooked on her books, but I am. And I've learned to accept that adolescent facet of me. And yes, I'm very excited to know that there are now plans to turn The Host into a movie. For a girl who hates vampires and aliens (truth is they both terrify me), it is strange that I'm so enamored with these works. But I am. So...woo-hoo for The Host (book and movie!)


















And because I'm an absolute nerd, I thought I'd include the New Moon movie widget. I'm beyond excited about this. I don't know if I'm more excited for the movie itself or that my sister gets to come up from TX and watch it with me. It is truly going to be a blast.

So, yeah. Just thought I'd blog about my really weird week. It's definitely been interesting. But I'm thankful that tomorrow starts a brand new week and I can leave this one in the dust!

I LOVE the first weekend in October

For those of you who don't know why, I'll tell you. Every six months, I receive one of the HUGEST blessings in my life. The leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints gather together to instruct and edify the WORLD in five two-hour sessions spread throughout the weekend. ALWAYS, there are talks that I feel are just for me, but I know there are others equally touched by these messages.

Two of my absolute favorites this time came from Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Seventy and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency of the church. I greatly admire the mere mortals who are called to serve the world and stand as examples for each of us. And I am continually thankful to be a member of such a tremendous faith. It's amazing that God loves us enough to send modern-day prophets to provide guidance and leadership for us. I truly do "stand all amazed at the love" our Heavenly Family continually gives to each of us.

I hope you will take the time to listen to these talks when you can, for they truly are inspired words that can make each of our lives better, not just as members of the church, but members of a world-wide family. We are each a child of a loving Heavenly Father and I KNOW that he wants us all to live a happy and productive life. I am touched by all the ways EACH of you, my dear friends and family members, have impacted my life and made it better. Thank you for continually, and often unknowingly, making me realize just how precious we all are in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.

Hope you can enjoy these messages as much as I do.

Summertime

Hello Friends and Family. Yes, I really am alive, just immersed in the wonderful world of Institute, school, and church callings! Life has truly been crazy, stressful, chaotic, and...AMAZING. And I'm sad I didn't take the time to blog it when it all happened, because I know I've probably forgotten quite a bit. And now, since it has been two months since I've entered this realm, it is time to play some SERIOUS catchup.

Some of our FAVORITE summer memories:

1.) Having three adorable boys spend a fantastic month with us here in our beautiful Pacific NW home and experiencing snow in shorts and t-shirts, among so many other precious moments.

2.) Heading out to San Juan Island, not once but twice.

3.) Seeing my long-cherished ORCAS, not on one visit, but BOTH!

4.) Camping trip in UT with five-sevenths of our super fun family.

5.) Having Granny come spend a month with us and no longer thinking we're crazy for leaving NASTY TX.

6.) Remembering that there are many joys in life...but recognizing that MOST revolve around our eternal family!

So, enjoy the slide-shows. I know there are a TON of pictures, but you don't want to miss ANY.