Helping Hands

So this is a bit of a serious post, but I thought this picture was really funny and went well with the "hands" theme, so there you go.

This week has been the definition of crazy.  As most everyone knows, and as I have mentioned before, my parents are in the middle of a move to India.  My dad is already there and having a great adventure (you should read his blog if you are not already doing so).  My mom is working hard to sort and pack or sell all their earthly possessions and it is a bit overwhelming to say the least.

Last Sunday things seemed particularly challenging and we were able to have a sweet experience as Jeremy was able to give my mom a priesthood blessing.  I won't go into it too much, but he told her that her family and friends really wanted to help and all she had to do was ask.

It was amazing to watch this week as this promise came to pass.  All week family and friends have descended on the house ready to help.  We have sorted through the vast majority of the house and while there is still a lot more to do, the progress has been phenomenal.

I know my mom still feels overwhelmed and like the weight of all of this is still on her shoulders, but I also know she, as well as the rest of the family, appreciate those that are trying to help ease her burden.  My mom has always been quick to provide a helping hand to those around her and has always been a great example to me of selfless service.  It is nice to see others serving her.

Graduation Day(s)

Today is Father's Day so I would be remiss if I did not wish a Happy Father's Day to Jeremy, my dad, and Jeff.  I so appreciate their love, support, and wisdom and want to thank them for being the truly great men that they are.

Now on to the original subject of this post.  This week was a big one for Merrick.  It was graduation time at preschool and when your mom and Nana own and run the preschool and you are drug along for the ride you get to be apart of all of the classes and therefore all of the graduation festivities.  We had a small little ceremony for each of the classes where we called each child to the front for a hug, a certificate and a spotlight moment.  Since the vast majority of those who will read this blog were not in attendance, here are the things we shared about Merrick:

-His favorite color is green and when given the choice of color of paper, crayons, markers, etc, he will always choose green.
-He was everyone's friend.  He was willing to play with anyone and everyone liked to play with him.
-He was the youngest (in the afternoon class) but he fit right in.
-He was the only lefty
-He loved to dress up and was part of the "fire fighter crew"
-He made great progress over the course of the year in his cutting and coloring

While that is all we shared as part of the ceremonies, I could says so much more about him.  He has been such a trooper all year long; being apart of all classes, prep, and clean-up.  He has learned so much and come so far.  I am unbelievably proud of him as both his preschool teacher and his mom.

(p.s. Please excuse my horrible face on the third picture, it was unfortunately one of our only pictures of the am class graduation...at least Merrick looks cute.)

One Month

This week we celebrated one month of Carrigan being on this earth.  I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by.  Everyday she becomes more alert, more vocal, and more active.  Sometimes she will look at me or look around and I can practically see the wheels turning as she does her best to learn everything about everything.

Here are some of the highlights of Carrigan at one month:
She can roll from her back to her side and her tummy to her side
She can make cute cooing sounds
She can smile an adorable smile (unfortunately I think all her smiles are still gas related at this point)
She can make anyone around her happier in an instant (I dare you to look at the pictures below and not smile)

Happy one month birthday Carrigan!

Love and Family Pictures

Since Carrigan was born, I have been so amazed at how the love we all have for each other has expanded.  It seems like we not only love her so much, but love each other more too.   Despite the changes it has meant for him, Merrick loves her as much as anyone.

Yesterday Carrigan decided to test just how strong Merrick's love really is.  It was first thing in the morning.  I had just finished feeding Carrigan and was working on a burp.  Merrick was sitting on the floor next to the bed playing a game on the iPad.  The burp was being stubborn so I handed her off to Jeremy, he has become the burping pro.  A few seconds later I heard a retching sound as Carrigan projectile vomited over the edge of the bed and all over Merrick.  After having a bath Merrick came to snuggle up with Carrigan and me.  It seems that there is no love lost.

Last weekend we had Carrigan's newborn pictures and family pictures taken.  They turned out really great.  I think I love them so much because you can physically see both her sweetness and the love we have for each other.  I am so grateful to have these pictures to help us always remember this special time in our lives and the love we have for each other as I am sure that yesterday mornings adventure will not be the only time that love is tested.