Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Houston Highlights

In the Seattle Airport waiting for our flight to leave to Houston. Ruby had just eaten and Nick was playing with her over his head. This was the result. I laughed so hard and immediately got out the camera. It was about time she puked on someone besides me.

"What? Did I do something?"

One of the days all of the guys went to the Texas Longhorns football game in Austin while we girls stayed and played with Caroline, Sarah and Maren.

Sweet Caroline (bah bah bah) in her blessing dress and headband made by yours truly. Isn't she beautiful? And I can't even describe what an angelic baby Caroline is. I think I heard her cry once the entire time we were there. And that was for about .5 seconds. She is so sweet! She just hangs out and falls asleep without making a peep. What a blessing she is! And her siblings ADORE her. Especially Sarah.

Maren, Sarah and Nathan cruising around in their new motorized truck Grandpa Butler gave them. Sarah has a hard time getting around, so this allows her to have some adventure. Look at the neighbor kid. He totally wants a ride. About this time this kid's sister began to ask me a series of questions about Ruby.

"What his name?"
"HER name is Ruby."
"He like Hannah Montana?"
"No... SHE is still too young to know Hanna Montana."
"He like High School Musical 3 and stuff?"
"Not quite yet. SHE'S just a baby."
"Oh. Cool. Can I ride in Nathan's car?"

An exciting moment! This is the first time Ruby really sat up by herself without falling backwards. She's so proud of herself.

Me and the wee one.

Ruby and Uncle Greg. Tell me that this isn't the CUTEST picture you've ever seen. I dare you. Ruby had been a little clingy on the trip due to the fact that she hadn't seen any of my family in a while. But the minute she saw Bart & Greg sitting in the row behind us at church she was ALL smiles. She was giggling and smiling and just LOVING them. She even let them hold her. Here Greg is reading her stories and she couldn't get enough.

Grandma Giles & Ruby right before Mom flew back home to UT. Too bad Mom's eyes are closed, but no surprise. That's just how it works. It was so cute--when she (my mom) was about to leave, she waved bye-bye to Ruby and she waved back! I'm glad that she got to see one of Ruby's first, since we don't get to see her very often! Ruby has been waving at everyone ever since. We'll go to Costco or somewhere and she just waves and waves and waves!

Sarah holding her baby sister Caroline. Such a proud big sis!

From the minute Sarah first saw Ruby up until we left, she wanted to do everything with Ruby. She loved handing her toys, tickling her belly, swinging, and most of all--holding her. She'd look up at me so sweetly and ask, "I hold her?" "I hold Baby Ruby?" It was the most precious thing in the world. Sarah always wanted Ruby to be by her. During Sacrament Meeting on Caroline's blessing day, Sarah traveled back and forth between rows so she could come and "sit by Ruby" "hold Ruby" and hand Ruby toys.

Sarah kissing Ruby's little hand.

This picture is definitely my favorite. Ruby and Sarah both are just so happy. I promised Sarah I would send her some pictures of her with Ruby. This one is going in a frame.

Ruby chillin with the remote in our hotel room.

Sarah holding Ruby one last time before we left to come home.

Before we flew out, we stopped by Brian & Christine's house to say goodbye. Sarah wanted to swing with Baby Ruby, so we went outside and strapped the girls in. It was a beautiful day-- sun shining, a little breeze in the air. I looked over at Sarah. The sun was hitting her beautiful little face just perfectly. Her hair was blowing a little in the breeze as she went higher and higher. She was laughing and having the best time. At that moment my eyes filled with tears. I really felt the love of our Savior. And especially the love He has for little Sarah. How He really does have a plan for her-- which, sadly for us, does not mean a long earth experience. How she will be missed. She adds so much silliness, love, joy and light to the world.

When we told Sarah we had to leave, she didn't want us to go. I say us, but really Baby Ruby. She said, "No...watch Chip N' Dales with me." I about lost it. I had to leave the room. The lump in my throat was getting exponentially larger by the second.

I cried the entire way to the airport. I didn't want to leave her. Our fun had just begun! I didn't want to accept that it would most likely be the last time we would spend time with her here on earth. However, I felt so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to be in her presence for a few days.

Life Lessons I learned from Sarah :
  1. Find joy of the simple things in life.
  2. Stay cheerful through adversity.
  3. Keep trying, even if my body doesn't do what I want it to do.
  4. Pure Christlike love for everyone.
  5. How much the "little things" mean to people.
A couple more memorable moments:
I loved pulling her in the wagon to go pick flowers for her mom. When she saw THE ONES, I'd stop the wagon, lift her out and then we'd pick as many as she could fit in her hand. She got so excited to give them to her mom--she'd immediately start walking as fast as she could with her flower-filled-hand outstretched.

I can't even explain how tender it was to see how much Sarah loved Ruby. Her face lit up when she saw her. Christine said she talked about her nonstop when we weren't there. Ruby loved being with Sarah too. They had a special connection.

Occasionally Sarah would get tired and a little upset. Remedy: her daddy. She is Daddy's little girl. It was so sweet to watch him with her. He would sit her on his lap and tell her stories and make her giggle. She was totally fine after that!

Thanks again, Brian & Christine for such a wonderful time. We will never forget the sweet memories! Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you! You all are amazing.

Love Aunt Carrie #2

12 comments:

Heather E. said...

Wow Carrie. That made me cry, but in a good way. I'm glad that you highlighted those moments with Sarah so that I could relish in them even though I've only met her once. I just keep thinking about that trip to Mesa and how miserable it was for me and how Haven got Allen and my Mom sick and then I realize that it was my opportunity to meet Sarah. So worth it.

Mackey Family said...

Carrie!!! You are such an awesome blogger!!! I love to see those sweet pictures of your cute family. Ruby is a doll and that story about her and Nick's little accident is priceless! Many more of those to come I can promise you!! Miss you guys!!

Schoenstars said...

oh my gosh, the puking picture is great!! ryan is prone to lalea throwing up on him. his defining moment as a father was when she actually threw up in his mouth. SICK!!!

The Harris's said...

Ruby is getting so big. How fun to be able to spend time with your family. it is very true that Heavenly Father has a plan for little Sarah and your family will be blessed. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers, let me know if you need something. I am here for you. LOVE YA

Annette said...

I love reading your blog and seeing all the latest going on with your family. Your entry truly touched my heart and made me feel much gratitude for our friendship with you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Mark and Kristen said...

I was just thinking about you when I was brushing my teeth tonight. Happy Birthday tomorrow!!!! Old lady. How many months is that, now? Thank you for the words about Sarah. You ripped my heart out. I haven't been able to forget about her since you first posted, and she has definately changed the way I see my time with my girls. Even though her life will be short, it is important and one of influence and will make the world a better place. Oh yeah, tell Nick to cowboy up. I've had my mouth puked in, too.

M-Ware said...

wow, so much to say about this post. first of all, the top picture is priceless. i have chuckled about that since i saw it a few days ago. i love the look on both their faces. and the pics of ruby and sarah are OH so priceless. they are really great buds. how beautiful. ruby will cherish those someday.

M-Ware said...

oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Jen said...

Carrie,
I am speechless! (I know that's shocking with me) Sweet Sarah....my heart just breaks in pieces thinking about you all at this difficult time - I cannot even think about it without getting teary eyed! My prayers are with you all.

Jen (O'Camb) Coy

Marcae said...

What a sweet post. I'm glad you guys had a good trip. And Ruby...look at those chompers? She is to die for. I do love that picture of her and Sarah...priceless!

Unknown said...

Sounds like you had a great time. I wish I would have been able to see you while you were in Houston. I'm glad you left a comment on my blog so I could look at yours. I had been thinking about you lately so it was nice to see what you've been up to. I can't believe how big Ruby is. She's a doll!

Jen said...

Carrie,

I'm so sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. Our prayers are with you all.