I seem to have deleted my pictures. I will fix it later. Told you I needed help.

And another thing...

If someone could tutor me in the ways of blog, that would be great. I have no idea how to put friends' links on here or how to put a playlist. I would really love that. I also don't like to ask for help so this is a huge step for me. Don't make it a wasted one.

Remembering the Little People

Gracie and I went to see Amanda Kirkland and her little ones. Gracie and Emma Mae are almost the same age and Gracie just towers over her. I'm pretty sure Gracie tried to eat her. She kept trying to hug her and pick her up. She isn't usually such a brute but I think she was feelin' in charge. Amanda said she wouldn't hurt Emma Mae. I just didn't want her memory of Gracie to be this monstrous thing comin' at her.

Laura Leigh Kirkland

As most, or all, of you know; my cousin died tragically in an automobile accident the night of March 24th. She had just turned 25 the week before and seemed to be in the prime of her life. Being so far away from Georgia when I initially heard the news, I was shocked. I barely shed a tear. I immediately made arrangements to return to my home town to attend the services. I arrived in town just in time to go to the funeral home to attend the viewing or wake. That is when the mourning truly began. I was overwhelmed when I saw her sister-in-law, a friend and now cousin to me. I hugged her and wept, feeling almost ashamed of my sorrow. I was not a sister or a mother to her. I just loved her. It was all and still seems so unreal to me. A beautiful young girl, I always took for granted would just always be around, is no longer. I kept thinking, if I had just known, I would have called. If only... But, that's just not how it works. We never know when something so sudden or tragic will occur and a person we have dearly loved will be taken. Her mother told me, "take care of those babies." So, I'm gonna love my babies, and I'm gonna love my Ryan, and I'm gonna do my best to live this life as if every day is my last. And just be a better me. We are sent to this earth to prepare to meet our God. But, something I often forget is that there is Joy to be had. This life doesn't have to be a drudgery, there will be times of sadness; trial; and tribulation. But there will also be times of happiness, laughter, peace, learning, inspiration, and more. So, I don't know what I am exactly trying to say. I just know our family brings us the greatest joy. My Ryan is an amazing man who makes me laugh and smile and teaches me all the time. My Gracie is a beautiful girl who brings me incomprehensible amounts of joy. And no matter what happens in this life, they are mine forever.

Victorious!

My night stands are refinished, and I am very pleased.  They look great. Now I can go buy all kinds of cheap, used furniture and make it what I want.  They won't be masterpieces but they'll be mine.  Hopefully I will continue to get better.  Gracie is doing great and getting so big.  Ryan is doing great and pushing through to the end of the semester.  He really needs a break, he is exhausted, and rightfully so.  I am serving in nursery and it is hard work.  Large chunks of the time is spent consoling crying children.  But, the older kids enjoy it and have a good time playing.  I am pretty tired by the time I get home, but I have fun too.  I hope you all are doing well. 

Random

So, all is well.  Crazy, but well.  Ryan is busy, busy, busy.  Gracie is busy, busy, busy.  So, Rachael is tired, tired, tired.  But we're doing well in this, the bricklaying phase of our life.  The snow is melting and I am totally excited about that.  I decided I am not a white winter person.  We are beginning to teach Gracie sign language, we will see how that goes.  I have been called to serve in the nursery, we will see how that goes as well.  Ryan was released as the Gospel Doctrine teacher.  If he were to finish this year he would have taught all 4 of the standard works.  He could use a breath as he finishes this semester.  I am continuing on with my new found hobby of stitchery, and I am going to learn how to refinish furniture this upcoming week.  Gracie is working on some molars, that makes for fun evenings.  This is the conclusion of my random blog, and I support this message.