Memorial Day, a day filled with lessons of Love and Service

Much to our surprise this day turned out to be a wonderful example of love and service. Our spirits have been filled in ways we could have never imagined.

First we had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy breakfast provided by the Young Women for their girls camp fundraiser. Before the breakfast they had a flag ceremony that was wonderfully prepared and deeply moving. After the flag was raised, then lowered to half mast, Chris Farrell spoke on the importance of Memorial Day, the importance of remembering those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms. Satan is always trying to destroy those freedoms, to destroy what is good and it is important for us to teach our children, to raise them in goodness and service so that they may be great examples of good.


We then were treated to a delicious and filling breakfast provided by the Young Women and their leaders. Pancakes, eggs, fruit, bacon, orange juice, oh my! I loved how the leaders allowed the girls to so fully participate in their fundraiser.


Alexandra loved making all of those pancakes and shared with me later how generous our ward had been. I still cry, feeling such a great love and support for our youth from our ward family. When I asked her how that made her feel ... important. Oh how wonderful for her to know how important she really is to people whom she doesn't even know well. It was such a wonderful teaching opportunity, for her to know that even though she may not know everyone, that we all as the adults pray for, and have such a desire for, these wonderful youth to move through such a trying time in their lives with grace and strength.

Shortly after breakfast Alexandra had an accident in which her fingers on her left hand were badly crushed. Our day of work and movies turned into a day spent in hospitals awaiting surgery. The fear I originally had when I got the phone call was replaced by a sweet blanket of peace and hope when we said our first prayer, asking for understanding and a miracle. It is amazing how such and accident can bring so much spiritual learning. All that was done for our sweet daughter was clearly directed by God. The sweet reassurance we felt as we drove to meet her at the hospital; the powerfully direct priesthood blessing she received; the move to the Children's hospital directed by inspiration, which in turn caused her to have a hand specialist do her surgery rather than a general surgeon; the surgeons guided hand; and on and on. Our surgeon has commented to me twice that he 'amazed' by the integrity of the inter workings of her hand. He is surprised that the nerves were so well in tact. He is thrilled that she not only kept her two middle fingers but should have a full recovery. Clearly, the miracle we prayed for was granted to our little (big) girl.



What is deeply touching is the love and service shown to our Alexandra, and our family, for the second time today. We have had numerous dinner offers, and Grace and Trevor were well cared for as we focused our attention to our oldest daughter. The calls of concern, the prayers being offered, the quiet conversations of love and concern that never reach us directly. All of this is felt by our family and we find strength in the love we are shown. This goodness is clearly the work of the Lord's servents and it has been such a blessing to us to feel his hand in such abundance.

Behold you little ones ...

I recently had a deeply spiritual experience that caused me to realize that I have such little understanding of what truly great beings my children are. I look at these wonderful, talented people and wonder what I must have done to be so blessed to be their mother. As little ones we think we can see who are children are, what their talents and gifts are, what they might offer this world. As I have seen my children grow I am realizing that my parenting is just guidance as they become someone much bigger than myself. My children often amaze me with their goodness, service, and deep understanding of a Father in heaven who loves them. I learn more than I teach, am blessed more than I can give, and have a much better understanding (although still small) of our Lords plan for us, through these, my glorious children. I am so grateful for this moment of spiritual understanding, I look at my children in a way of wonder and amazement more than ever now.

Our Little Ballerina

Grace had her recital today and it was so darling. She and I went early (1pm) for her to practice and do her hair and 'make-up' with all of the other girls.




By 2:30p she was all made up and went to sit and watch the other girls practicing. She was so darling, so nervous and already a bit tired. I could hardly get her to eat or drink anything because of her nerves and was so grateful that her teacher took her out of the auditorium to stretch and relax before their big number so she could laugh and giggle with the girls.



Ken's Mom, Dad & Stepmom, Sister Jessi and brother-in-law Chris, all joined our family to support our little Grace. She was so excited all day, asking if it was time to get ready yet. As soon as her dance was over she came and sat in my and Ken's lap, curled up in a little ball, to watch the rest of the dancers. Oh how fun this day was for us. Thank you Gracie for all of your hard work.

Mothers Day

Oh what a beautiful gift Mother's day is. I didn't want to journal my day until now because it is one of those days that I love to ponder in my heart, savor even, before I put it into words.

Ken is a wonderful husband who listens to my desires and makes them happen. I am not a women who wants dinner, jewelery, flowers etc... and I have learned that if I want Mother's Day to be even more magical than what they try to make on TV then I need to ask for it, in detail. What is most wonderful to me is that Ken hears what I want them makes it better than I could have come up with.

We went to church in the morning and the children did the most beautiful series of songs. I am the music leader for the children and they made me cry. They sang 'Mother Tell Me the Story', 'Mother I Love You', and 'Love is Spoken Here'. My friend Julianne had substituted for me in April while I was in FL and came up with some darling hand movements to go along with 'Mother Tell Me the Story' that made it even more precious and I had Alex and our friend Ana sing the mother's part. Oh what a joy that was for me. Alexandra was so nervous but she couldn't have given me a better gift. One of my favorite songs to sing to the children at night became a beautiful gift they sang to me. Ahhh, what joy.

When we got home we gathered in the living room for the children to give me their homemade cards. Their cards were a series of cards in a lovely box, several written by each child, each one listing two specific reasons why they appreciated me. Ken followed up that night by pointing out that it is easy to forget all of the things I do for them. I cried after I began the first one. The love that the all three had in their eyes while they crowded around me to listen as I read each one filled my soul. Oh what a gift the Lord has given me, I am so blessed.

I enjoyed my nap while Alexandra and Grace made cookies that I later took to some ladies I visit teach and then I snuck in for a visit with a dear friend. When we got home Ken grilled up dinner (a dinner he thought up-my least favorite part of cooking :)) and we enjoyed our wonderful family time before bed.

My children are my soul, my family the greatest gift I could have ever hoped for. Mother's Day for me is a time to reflect, to take a moment out of my busy schedule and remember how much joy I find in all I do when I am focused on my eternal goal. Oh thank you Ken, Alexandra, Trevor and Gracie.

Oh My!

I cannot believe that I haven't posted in almost a month. I feel overwhelmed with all that I want to say and haven't yet so here is our last month in a nutshell.

We went to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as a family for the first time and had a wonderful wet time.

We met up with Sarah, Brian and Timmy in New Orleans (see post below).

The kids and I drove to FL to spend 5 days with Elice, Brayden, Jared, Camille and Jackson.

Came home to the opportunity to foster an abandoned puppy and took it much to our hearts joy and sorrow (she just got adopted).

We enjoyed time with our friends at an Elders Quorum BBQ and have had every Saturday booked since. I think we are free the second weekend in June. :0

Mother's Day was wonderful!

Our lives have been filled with so much joy, and some pain of leaving loved ones behind for the time being. I feel so blessed to be so busy with service, learning, and family time. I cannot wait to take a moment to expand on each of these wonderful memories. I'd hate to forget the blessings that are such a rich part of our world.