Earth's Angels

Two things you need to know about this post:

1. This is not a post about The Penguins' song Earth Angel (and I am sorry if it is now stuck in your  head).

2. This is a long post but, please, stick with me and read to the end. I promise you won't regret it. 

Who They Are and Why They Are Important

Have you ever met someone that you just instantly like? Not because they are trying to be likable, even though they are very likable, but because there is a certain spirit about them? No malice. Just humility, love, kindness and a touch of gumption. That's how I felt when I met Neil's cousin Jaiden and later, the girl who would become his wife, Beckah. But let's start with Jaiden. Neil had told me story after story about the two of them growing up. Neil would always say how much more of a brother Jaiden was than a cousin. Naturally, I was excited to meet Jaiden and have been grateful for the opportunity to know him ever since. Jaiden is the kind of man who can roll with the punches, he is quick witted but never unkind and he has one of the purest hearts I have ever known. He respects his mother and his wife and all women and isn't afraid of showing tough love when it's needed. But what makes me admire him even more is the fact that my husband does. My husband loves his cousin and has said time and time again how grateful he has been to have Jaiden there in his darkest moments even when Jaiden didn't know it was. Neil has said how much he hopes to be like Jaiden because of his genuine goodness and much more. On top of everything else good about Jaiden, how can I not love someone who my husband looks up to in that way? It would be impossible.

Then there is Beckah. Words cannot describe the purity of this wonderful woman. I don't remember exactly when we met, unfortunately, but I do remember what I thought of her. I remember thinking, "How is it possible that someone that good exists? No wonder she and Jaiden hit it off!"

We've been asked by numerous people if we are sisters and someone once even asked if we were twins. It tickles me every time it happens and every time I want to shout, "YUP! And she's a darn good sister, too!" Every single time I am flattered beyond words. I would absolutely claim her! I want to be as closely connected to someone that pure of heart, that righteous, that patient, that genuinely kind, that good as I possibly can. I still do because it rubs off. Not in a magical, stand-next-to-me-and-I'll-become-like-you kind of way but in the way that when you surround yourself with people like her, and you want to stay surrounded by them, you have to choose to become better. And you have their example right there, smack dab in front of you to teach you how. 

These are two of earth's angels. Flesh and blood angels. And I am beyond blessed to have them in my life. I mean, look at them! They radiate the love of God. They carry Christ's countenance with them and share His light with anyone and everyone who they encounter.  They are supremely, genuinely good. It is with their permission that I share the story that follows a bit later in this post. 

The Tale of Two Babies

 Back in May, when Neil and I found out that we pregnant, we couldn't wait to share the news with Jaiden and Beckah. Beckah and I had talked a few times about my worries that it might never happen for us. Two years is nothing in comparison to so many others' stories of infertility but for me and Neil, it was hard. Really, really, hard. Beckah listened every time I needed to talk about it and never disregarded my feelings. So, naturally, I wanted them to be some of the very first people we told but I wanted to do it in person. Jaiden's sister Anna was getting married soon and so Neil and I decided to tell them then. When we did, the amount of pure joy they had for us was off the charts. We could feel that they were excited for us, genuinely and perfectly. It was amazing to feel that and share that with them. Little did we know that a few weeks later, they would be calling us and sharing the good news that they too were pregnant! 

 It was soon discovered that our due dates were 9 days apart. I was over the moon because I knew that our babies would grow up together. We all talked about the excitement we had and then they told us they would be having a boy!! The anticipation for us to find out the gender of our baby was too much to handle and soon enough we were making that call to them. There was never a moment's thought of jealousy either direction. There was never a day that I didn't pray for them and their little family. Our joy for them was full and real and I was grateful for them. It's a feeling I can't really explain. 

Our joy is still full however, due to circumstances no one could've seen coming, it is full in a much different way. 

The Tale of an Angel

Just last week, early Monday morning, Jaiden called Neil. Beckah's water had broken and they were at the hospital. 

Neil drove to where I work, and when I saw his face, my heart dropped. Then he told me what had happened and together we cried for our cousins and their baby boy. 

We cried and prayed. It was all we could do. 

Jaiden shared the following just a few days later:

"Samuel Olsen came into and left this world yesterday. Beckah's water broke early Monday morning. Almost 50 heartbreaking hours later, we welcomed our perfect tiny baby boy. He weighs a shocking 15.1 oz and is 11.25" long (for only being 21 weeks he was a big boy). We are so lucky to be the parents of such a perfect little boy who only needed a body to finish his work here on earth. It is comforting to know that we have an angel in heaven watching over us and giving us a little extra motivation to be a little better. We are so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful family and friends. We thank each of you for your love, prayers, and support. We miss you Samuel." 

The Rest of the Story

Honestly, there isn't an end to this story yet. Jaiden and Beckah laid their son to rest and continue to be genuinely at peace with the Lord's plan for them. They continue to embrace and have faith in the Lord's Plan of Salvation. They continue to walk in righteousness before the Lord and they continue to inspire me. They have expressed to me and Neil that they are still excited for our baby boy. They want to be involved and see our son grow up as they would have seen Samuel. They are still cheering us on even though it would be so easy for them not to. But there is no malice. Just humility, love, kindness and a touch of gumption. There is an army of angels carrying them, I am sure, but most importantly there is an angel waiting for them, watching for them and loving them from afar. His name is Samuel. 

I am grateful for two earth angels who, despite this heartbreaking and what could be faith shaking experience, have remained by the Lord's side and shown me what the true meaning of faith is. My admiration of them and my love for my Heavenly Father has grown over this last week. I know that Christ lives. I know that because He lives, we can live with Him again and Jaiden and Beckah will be reunited with their precious Samuel.

That Little Sister of Mine, Wittle Wahwen

Yes. 

I just outed your nickname, Lauren. Or one of them at least.

And it's because this post is ALL ABOUT YOU! (Sorta.)

You and your habit forming ways that are way too easily passed off onto me. 

You see, I've become increasingly attached (we're gonna avoid the word "addicted") to certain things that YOU introduced me to.

Here is a list to name a few:

Revenge (TV Show)

Pretty Little Liars (TV Show)

Gossip Girl -or was that Kimberly? Eh, I'll just blame you. (TV Show)

The Selection Series (3 Books)

The Prophecy of the Sisters Series (3 Books)

Entwined (Book)

The Book Thief (Movie and Book)

That's not even a complete list, my dear sister. 

Let me just tell you two quick stories. Okay, maybe four. 

Story 1- Revenge

"You won't be able to stop watching it!" Well, by George, you were right. Only, I watch what there was on Netflix and became increasingly annoyed with the way TV producers/writers seem to think that a BAZILLION seasons with little to no plot progression is desirable (ABC, I'm looking at you! LOST? Once Upon a Time?? Revenge??? C'MON!!!) So, until the series is either cancelled or actually comes to an end. This one is on hold.

I like endings. I like them when they are well written, planned out before hand, make sense and don't throw random Polar Bears into the mix. My new catch phrase is "Don't worry because in the end, we'll find out they're all dead anyway." Stupid.

Story 2- Pretty Little Liars

Now, this. This is just mean. When you told me to watch this on Netflix, I naively believed that the four seasons on Netflix made up the entire series. Meaning, I'd see the story start to finish. But, no! No, they just happen to have another 3 seasons ahead of them! Just end it! "A" can't keep slipping through the cracks like this, Ali just makes me want to punch her in the face, the other girls must be REALLY naive if they think sticking by her is somehow going to help her or them, and I'm just tired of everyone being dumb. Just stop. Alas, I still watch it, every week, with the hope that the ABC Family writers will get their junk together...*sigh*

Story 3- The Selection Series

This series was good. Really, really good. What I didn't know and wasn't informed of, little Lauren, was that it was part of a SERIES and that series WASN'T EVEN DONE BEING WRITTEN! How could you do that to me? You're like a drug dealer but instead of illegal substances you "Fox Books"ed me! ("sell them cheap books and legal addictive stimulants"-You've Got Mail). Only you deal in books and tv shows! I loved it though. When the 3rd book came out, I was on my way home from a girl's trip, in the car and used my phone as a hotspot to buy and then download the book to my iPad. I don't think I've ever read a book faster. No, not "read", devoured. It was so good! Everyone should read it. The most bizarre mix of The Bachelor, Cinderella and The Hunger Games.

Last Story- The Prophecy of the Sisters

Now, this was more recent. You suggested it, I bought the book, but it sat on my shelf until just a couple weeks ago. I decided to take this book with me to Lake Powell so I had something to do when I wasn't in the water. Well,  you have a bad habit of not telling me when something is part of a series so I, yet again, flew through this book, this really interesting, really intriguing book just to come to the end and realize that it's a part of a trilogy! To make matters worse, of getting the next two books! Though I will say that I was happy to find that this trilogy was completed. When I got home, I downloaded the next two books. It's insane how I let you do this to me. 

In the end, however, I have enjoyed this roller coaster and will probably listen to you the next time you tell me to "read this" or "watch that". Only, I'm gonna get wise and ask you, "Is it a part of a series?" and "Is that series completed?" because, truly, you have great taste. So thanks!

Olsen Family Reunion, Year Two

The Olsen family is a boat and lake family.

I am also a boat and lake person, so I guess it's a good thing that I am now a part of the Olsen Family!

Every year, we have a small family reunion down at Lake Powell here on the Utah side.

Basically, it's just a really great time playing in the water, hiking, learning (for me at least) water sports and
getting some much needed vitamin D.

Though I didn't get up and STAY up on the wake board, I did try my best and made a lot of progress. I now have a lovely tan and can't wait to go back next year.
I love my family!

A Cousin Vacation

So, sometimes I have lofty goals. 

For example: An Olsen cousin "vacation".

It started out being a trip to  Lake Powell over Pioneer Day weekend. 

But then we didn't have access to a boat. 

So we decided we could rent one for one of the days we'd all be there. 

But then we only had 4 cousins who could actually make it. 

So the four of us decided we could go by ourselves. 

But boat rental is expensive split two ways (two couples, you see.)

Then we decided camping up north would be just as fun. 

But then there were other hiccups. 

 But Neil and I were up for the challenge. 

You see, Jaiden and Beckah,(the other cousins) needed emergency assistance in regards to their town home, so Neil and I rolled up our sleeves and went to work.  But, we also rolled up our sleeves and went to play.

Work hard, play hard. 

There is no try. 

Yoda said that. I promise.

Anyway, it was quite the adventure and packed with FUN every step of the way. (Even though I was low on sleep and somewhat grouchy at times...Sorry, guys!)

Bear Lake back to Logan back to Bear Lake back to Provo. 

Two Year Anniversary

We still need to take our family pictures (like the ones we took last year) but aside from that, Neil and I recently celebrated our first two years of marriage.

We wanted something low key, not too expensive but FUN so we decided to spend a day at Lagoon!

When I was a kid, I got scared on roller coasters, as a teen, I couldn't get enough of them and now that I'm a little older, I'm having a hard time enjoying the adrenaline of roller coasters (and even bouncy boats! See the Lake Powell post coming soon!)

That being said, we did have a great time! We played in the water park, we ate deliciously fattening park foods, we rode a LOT of roller coasters and I even convinced Neil to go on the twirly swings. (He's not a fan of things that go around in circles. He prefers up and down rides.)

My Old Kentucky Home Vacation: Day 6, 7 and 8 Heading Home

Sunday we started heading home. 

On our way we passed through Indiana and I asked if we could take a detour to visit my Grandaddy's grave site.

Before we arrived there though, we found ourselves in the town of Santa Claus, IN. It has a massive amusement park and is THE place to go to find any and all Christmas decorations you may be looking for. Kristen was in HEAVEN.

We found ornaments, Christmas paintings and....SANTA!!

He was really there! But he was, of course, on vacation. It was so cool.

After we'd had our fill of Christmas in Springtime, we headed for Evansville. 

After some looking, we found the family grave site. My grandaddy and his family were buried  by one another and it was an emotional but happy happenstance.

It meant a lot to me to spend time there and tell some stories about him. 

We finished with a picnic and hopped back in the car with our sights set on Kansas City, MO but wanted to make one last pit stop to see the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

We thought we'd get there before closing but we we just a few minutes too late so we gazed at them through the gate. They were still beautiful.

  After dinner, we made our stop for the night at a cousin's house. It was so nice to stretch out and get some sleep knowing we still had a ways to go.

Monday we woke up early and visited the Independence Visitor's Center and Liberty Jail. I'd never been to either location before (that I can remember) but it was such a beautiful spiritual experience that I was grateful we decided to go.

Day 7
We made it all the way to Denver, ate some Chinese food to "celebrate" Cinco de Mayo" and found a place for the night.

Day 8- Home Again, Home Again!
Though it was a most splendid vacation with just us girls, it was really nice to finish that last leg of the trip. We all returned to our homes, families, pets and BEDS. Hopefully next year brings about another fun adventure.

Maine, anyone?

My Old Kentucky Home Vacation: Day 5

So, you know, just catching up. 

Day 5 of our adventure was really a lot of fun and quite educational. 

We decided that we wanted to go and tour a horse barn. We were in Kentucky, so why not?

Well, Thoroughbred "Barns" aren't all to common near Louisville. Lexington, yes, however, Lexington was farther than we were willing to drive AND it was Derby Saturday so we didn't think any tours would be taking place. But that was only after we'd set up the tour at Undulata. 

It was such a beautiful estate. 

We got to watch the horses being trained and warmed up. 

We toured the house (and I was geeking out about all of the FABULOUS furniture.)

AND we got to see a colt that had been born mere hours before we had arrived.

 
 
After our tour we headed to the Louisville Temple and then to Downtown LaGrange. It was great, only everything closed early for the Derby so we didn't get to see much. Not even a train!


 

Following our visit to Downtown LaGrange, we headed home, placed some at home bets for the Derby and watched. We all picked our top 4 and my number 2 horse came in first, so it's a good thing there wasn't any money placed for these bets because I would've lost. After the Derby I made a quick visit to a friend (Hey Alisa!!) and then headed back home. 

It was a crazy long, beautiful day of education and fun.

My Old Kentucky Home Vacation Day 4:The Kentucky Oaks

This day. 

There were so many crazy, funny, exciting and awesome things about this day.

Day four of our vacation was the whole purpose of our trip. 

The Kentucky Oaks!

Just as fun as the Kentucky Derby but NOT just as expensive. 

It was an absolute joy to have my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt-in-law and Grandmama all there for this occasion. I'm really blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Before we left for the races we decided that some good, old fashioned Southern "porch photos". Or at least, that's what I call them!

When we felt that we had our fill of pictures we headed to the races!

The official color of the Kentucky Oaks is PINK in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. There was plenty of Pink to be seen. It was truly a beautiful day.


Now, for the "butt" story of the day. I mentioned in my Day 3 post that we saw a lot of butts on this trip. Well, here is today's story.
 It's no secret that there is plenty of booze to be had at the Downs during the races. Though none of our party drinks, plenty of people around us did. There was a particular group of beautiful young women sitting in front of us that had...probably way too much to drink. Lily after Lily after Mint Julep after Beer...They were delightfully fun to watch as they got more and more excited about the races. During one particular race they started to stand up on the bleachers, like the rest of the crowd,  but for one lady in particular, it just wasn't meant to be.
As she stepped up onto the bleacher, she wobbled, steadied herself but wobbled again and back to the ground she went. She landed on her feet but her her skirt didn't make it. She was wearing one of those skirts with the zipper all the way up the backside and when she fell BAM! Out came her bottom. 
It was thoroughly entertaining to watch her friends laugh and wobble as they gathered around her to fix her skirt. I don't know how long it took them to fix it but I'm sure good times were had by all. 

 


Finally, it was time for THE race. The Kentucky Oaks race. I will admit here and now that I did indeed place a bet on a horse. I figured, I'm not a gambling girl and, in fact, it kind of scares me to bet on things I have no control over. But I decided that I was there, dressed up, hat and all, I might as well complete the experience by placing a bet. So, I bet on the favorite to win because it seemed like a safe bet. I placed a $9 Win (First) Place (Second) or Show (Third). Meaning, if the horse I chose came in first, second or third, I'd get something back and not lose my entire $9. 
 
 And what do you know? My horse won! I won $15 and was very satisfied. 
We all had such a wonderful day and I am so happy that we got to experience the thrill of the Downs.