Being there...

...matters.

I know I have shared this on our blog before, the story, the experience, has had a lasting impact on me and changed me for the better.

...and so, this is my experience about "Being There"...

It really matters and it really makes a difference. This video reminded me of an experience I had years ago with Lauren.

It was her habit to come home from school, crawl up on a stool at the counter while I was preparing dinner and tell me about her day. One day stands out more than others, because it was one of those "ouch" moments that parents experience when they realize they are not really being there in the moment.

I was busy doing whatever it is that I do when making dinner, when Lauren told me about something funny that happened at school. Although the story was funny, as I glanced at her, her face was serious, almost frowning.

I asked her why she was looking so sad? Her reply was that was the way I was looking at her.

"Ouch"

I realized then that my children's faces are a mirror in which my own emotions are reflected. If I am living in the moment and giving my total attention to them, their joy will be reflected in my own expression, which in turn affects the light in their eyes. Listening, really listening, requires focusing on them in that moment, because much too soon, those moments end and they are gone.

That's why I thought of Lauren today when I saw this video on the LDS website. That's why I love my daughters, they are all so wonderful at living in the moment. They are wonderful people and work really hard at being there for their spouses, their children and each other.


...and the proof is in the puddin' (whatever that means), or in the smiling faces of my girls and their babes.

Here are pictures of my girls, being there, living in the moment...

I know you can't see Lauren's face in that picture, but you can see Lauren's reflection in Carlee's smile.

...sometimes the moment is very exciting...

...sometimes it is a little scary...

...sometimes it means getting your hands (and elbows) dirty...

...and sometimes it means holding onto them for dear life...

...no matter how or when, my girls are good at being there...

Last night was typical...

...Sunday dinner at our house.


...Matthew grilled burgers...

...I love the new slider size burger buns. They are just the right size for an Emry or Sammie without leaving half an uneaten burger on their plate.

...unfortunately, I have only found these hamburger buns at Dick's market in Centerville.











Grandma Great and Logan were enjoying the mild weather with a little front porch sittin'.

The girls got out the dress-up bin and were instant princesses. Millie Jo was very serious until her mom told her to smile, which she did, then she ran away, so I only have a clear picture of the serious.

These two little girls get SO excited to see each other. I am so glad they are growing up close enough to play together often.

...we don't even have to tell Sammie to smile at the camera any more. She just knows to hurry and get it over with then grandma will stop bugging her.

...Emry loves raiding grandma's sucker jar, but she never takes just one, she always takes one for Sam and Amelia too.

...all in all, it was a perfect evening, except of course, we weren't all there. We always have empty seats at Sunday dinner right now, but only for 2 more years.


Actually 20 months and 3 weeks, then there will be NO EMPTY CHAIRS.

He's is mother's son...

...and that is pretty obvious if you knew Dani as a baby...

...Logan has a laugh, just like his mom's...




...has the most amazing HUGE grin, just like his mom's...



...and the light in his eyes brightens the day, just like his mom's...



...and we all fight over who gets to squeeze him next...





...when Jake gave him a father's blessing just a few days after his birth, he blessed him to smile...


...but the ones that are truly being blessed are all of us who get to see his smiles...


...Logan shows love in his joy for life and he is loved for being a joy, just like his mom.

Getting all I can...

...out of the last day with my sweet OH cherubs.





We have spent the morning in 30 minute increments...




...30 minutes for Porter...





...30 minutes for Carlee...




...then back to Porter...




...doing whatever they want, uninterrupted, no siblings allowed.

...time out only for an occasional sour gummy worm...(never had one before and I never will again) (I'd rather be bathing in Malley's fudge)...

...OH, no, I am being paged....





...Sorry is calling...

More than the birth of Marin...

...to celebrate on this trip to OH. I made my first trip to the famous Malley's ice cream shop. However, calling it an ice cream shop is probably akin to calling BYU a nice little college or Hurricane Katrina a spring shower. It is more like an ice cream fantasy. From the gooey praline 'n caramel to the rainbow hued Superman swirl, all topped with your choice of nuts, whipped cream, cherries or the most amazing, "just shoot me now", chocolate fudge, Malley's is worth a stop-over in Bay Village.

9 LBS....

...of cuteness!

...and if you hop on over to this, you can read all about the cute little stork scale.

She's even more beautiful...

...today than yesterday.

The anticipation began early...

...exactly 6:30 a.m. the troops were on look-out duty.





...following a wild flurry of markers, tape and glue...



...then the big moment came...

...right on hospital time...

...exactly 5 hours after the welcoming committee started watching...







...the troops were at full alert...

...checking out all body parts...

...much concern about the band-aid on the bottom of Marin's foot...

...lots of helping hands...

...the center of attention...

...big brother, Porter, is the most gentle of all, with concern for every little twitch and sound.

...and such excitement when he saw her eyes open...

...we can't believe all that dark hair...

...and how adept she is at taking the binkie...

...and Porter didn't mind sitting for an hour and a half, studying her face, fingers, toes and dimple...

...definite bonding going on here...

...and I know I saw Marin smile when Porter talked to her...

(couldn't decide which picture I liked best)

...all tuckered out...

...after her first day home.

Falling in love...

...with Marin.

...upon close examination, all 8 lbs. 11 ozs. of the little princess proved to be absolutely perfect.

It was unanimously agreed upon by all the Coil family members in attendance, that she is a keeper.

...and all have fallen deeply in love with the newest member of the Coil family.