I Told Her!

Before I really get into this post though can I just say how amazing this lady is? 

 She's recently gone through radiation therapy, had to stay away from her couple week old baby for a week, and even after all the therapy and stays in the hospital her eye sight is still warbled. It's slowly improving but it's not perfect yet. And who knows when it will be.

 And besides that recent trial, she's had 9 kids. 9 KIDS! That's a trial in itself. Guys I don't know if you understand how many crazy annoying people that is! It's a lot. Not only that but she's with them 24/7. She home schools us and I feel manages to encourage's us to be our best selves. 

 She works hard on everything she does. Raising us, loving people, cleaning the house, serving others, reading her scriptures, saying prayers, sewing, running, learning, etc the list goes on and on. 

 We've never been the richest of families. (Probably because we have so many kids) But through her example I've learned to work hard to attain the things I want. I've gotten jobs that I don't think I would've gotten if I hadn't learned how to work hard from my mother. 

The amount of love she has for each of her children and cares and helps them individually is incredible. She rarely has a moment to herself and for the most part is fine with that. I think. She's my best friend and it's nice to know that I can talk to her about anything and ask her for advice and know that her advice is genuine and sincere. 

 And through all of her struggles I've seen her pray and have faith in the Lord that he would make things work out. Her faith in our heavenly father has been the greatest example to me. Through her example I've learned that personal revelation works and I've been able to make hard decisions for myself. 

And so after teaching me to work hard, that the savior's real, and how to love people I think she deserves this. She's also turning old. 40. And she's recovering from radiation therapy and trying to get back into the swing of life. 

 So she deserves this.

 I told her that I'm taking her to Spain! We went to old town and I thought why not now? I might as well! When else would I tell her? I'm not going to be here for her birthday. Sad as that is. So I told her.

She was ecstatic! Like so happy. Smiling non-stop and really just couldn't stop talking about it. It makes me so happy to see her that happy. I want her to always be like that.

 So we're going to travel! We're going to explore! Woo! We're going to A Coruna, Santiago, Madrid, and perhaps Ourense if we're feeling it. We're going to be there for San Jaun. THE Holiday that everyone talks about. I'm so excited to see what it's like and I'm excited to experience with it my mama. It'd also be with the baby of course but whatevs.

 We're leaving June 16th and it's going to be fab. I don't know if I can express how much I love my mother and how much she's influenced my life. She's an amazing person and I'm so grateful that she's my mother. 

I'd also like to thank all of you who donated to this gift of taking mom to Spain. I've been able to buy the plane ticket and book the airbnb. Thank you so much! You made this possible! I've saved and been able to pay a good chunk but without your peoples help it probably never would have been able to happen. It's going to be so amazing and I just can't explain how excited I am!

If this post seems all over the place I apologize. It's my feeling about my mother and how much I love her. And as much as she knows all this (I think) it's just hard to put my feelings into words sometimes.

Well till next time! Love you people! 

p.s. Sorry for no reaction pic. It totally slipped my mind. It was kind of a sudden decision to tell her so I don't know what to tell ya. Ciao!

What has life contained?

Practically everything! That's what! It's amazing how fast a month and a half can go by. 

 I had a babysitting gig in Del Ray. 

 We went to great falls with grandma while she was still with us. Grandma Carroll stayed like two weeks after mom got back from the hospital. 

 I went on cool river explorations with Norbaby while mom jogged the GW trail. 

Our cousin Elise came to visit for a week after Grandma. That was awesome! I'm really excited that she's letting me live with her in the beginning of my Utah life. :) She know's how to make people happy. A.K.A. Cupcake tasting. So delicious. 

 I've spent a lot of time with this little babe. He's a pretty nice baby. 

 I watched the kids for a week while mom and dad went to a funeral for my Uncle Jamie (technically cousin) in Washington. They said it was beautiful. I only met him a couple times but he was always nice to me. 

Anyway while they were away Jane decided she was going to be a good mom to her baby doll. I guess mom brainwashed her well. 

 A few days after mom and dad got back Grandpa Done came to visit. 

We all had really fun time! (even if I missed the traditional Red Robin run) He took me, Cella, and Aislyn to see Beauty and the Beast. It was a pretty fab movie. I really enjoyed the sets and the story was pretty good. Aislyn was squealing practically the whole time and Cella claims it's her favorite movie of all time. Disney has been surprising me with its remakes lately. 

We also went to Williamsburg. That was really cool since I haven't been in a couple years. I love seeing all the actors all decked out in their old timey garb. 

 This guy shot off a canon randomly and scared me and Jane. She didn't like it one bit. 

 One of the younger actors attempted flirting with me but I have jerk brother named Jairus who ruined it. Pulled me away and started making weird noises. Thanks Jairus. Not. 

 We got to see the fife and drum band do closing ceremonies so that was pretty awesome. 

 And of course old graves.

 And cute cottages. 

Grandpa left Sunday after church and moms delicious roast dinner. Overall it was a really enjoyable weekend. 

 Isn't this fruit so Unique? Me and Jairus went on a Wegmans trip because why not? He's my hilarious store buddy. He's especially fun in Target.

And then yesterday I went to see the dying Cherry Blossoms with my friend Jane. Even though the sudden cold damaged a lot of the blooms the survivors were still beautiful to look at. I'm just worried this will be my last time I get to see them. I guess I'll find out. 

Anway that's it for chronological events. In general I've started Nannying for Dawn Hawkins. She's an amazing person! She's the Executive Director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and she's a fabulous mother all at the same time! She's definitely someone I look up to. I love her and her kids. They're pretty dang sweet. 

I also turned 19. I guess that's something I should mention. It was a pretty fab birthday weekend. I got stuffed with food. Mom made me Cinnamon Rolls and Beef and Barley Stew on my actual birthday. The day before I hung out with my friend Alena and got to eat Pho. Then the day before that I was taken out to eat Mai Thai, which is the best Thai place I've ever been to, and Las Cuates, which is the best Mexican restaurant that we've been able to find here in the East. So good birthday.

I also bought a plane ticket to Washington so I could go to my practically adopted sister Johanna's wedding. I'm seriously so hyped for this you can't even possibly know! I'm so happy/excited for her! And not only do I get to go to a wedding I'm going out a little early so I can see some of my friends I haven't seen in ages. It's going to be a fun couple weeks. Fo Sho.

And after that fun couple weeks I'm headed directly to Utah to start my life as a young single person. Woo! Speaking of that if you readers would be willing to be on the lookout for jobs and cheap cars out there that would be great. Just let me know. I'm actually really excited to go out there though and be with all my family. And I don't know if I told you people but I've been accepted to Utah Valley University and will be going there in the fall. 

Anyway I think that brings you up to date. Mom's eye looks almost normal now and the baby is getting fat. So good progress there. Till next time!