Day of Service 2010 Ft. Myers, FL Stake, "Immokalee Beautification Proje...

What a nice surprise to see this video tonight with Aaron and other missionaries in it! He is shown at three different times: 5:47, 6:20 and 8:00. You've got to love the green paint on his face. Six more weeks and he will be home. Happy day!

Happy Mother's Day 2010

This is a new moment for me. I'm home alone on a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do! No meal to prepare (thanks to Ben) and not even a grandchild to entertain (thanks to Tim taking Eva on a stroller ride). This morning in church I was released as the YW secretary and sustained with Trudy Meacham as another ward organist. Hopefully I'll learn how to play those pedals soon and to set the register, but I'm sure it will come. It was funny because Trudy was leading the singing today and we both wore our matching Chico jackets to church. It seemed quite appropriate for the moment. And while I slaughtered the easy hymns they had selected for me to play, I also thought that my ward family loves me despite my inabilities and they will be patient with me as I learn, especially knowing it will only be once a month that they must endure. I will certainly miss the young women and other leaders but I'll find a way to stay involved with their lives I'm sure.

After our meeting Tim and I went to hear Adam speak in his ward. It was such a tender mercy for me to hear a wonderful son speak in such loving and powerful ways about his deep feelings for his little daughter, his beautiful wife, his learning mother, and his Heavenly Father...all while holding baby Livvy who randomly would giggle out loud at me while trying to suck on her binkie.
I think she could feel my stomach jiggling as I laughed at her and she responded right on cue with a belly laugh of her own. What a doll. I am very proud of Adam and told him afterwards that I think his purpose in coming to our family was to bring me joy. I felt pure joy today holding Livvy, sitting next to Tim, behind darling Becca and listening to Adam. What a great day so far.

I'm so grateful for my mother and all she taught me growing up. I still remember her telling me "how well I washed my hands." I must have only been 3 or 4 years old. It's such a good reminder of the importance of "small and simple" things.

I remember that sometimes I used to dread mother's day. . . something about being "in the thick of things" made it hard when the kids were growing up. Now as I am older I realize that I should have enjoyed the journey more. Of course I made lots of mistakes as a mom---some of them probably pretty significant, but as I age I realize that the reason why the scriptures can say that "her children arise up and call her blessed" is because they seem to forget the mistakes, or at least act like they do....thank heavens! And I too, can forget the hard times they might have put me through.

Today I told Adam that there were three times I was really worried about him. Once was at the end of his ninth grade year when he had a bad case of acne that took us awhile to get cleared up. Another time was when he first arrived in Taiwan---struggling with Mandarin and homesickness. He tried guessing the third time I worried and "guessed" that it was just a couple of years ago. This guess was wrong, since it was just another high school experience he went through. Interestingly, I find myself not worrying nearly as much when the kids become adults. Although they might face issues, even very serious ones, I have confidence in their ability to figure things out on their own and know they will eventually be successful and happy despite any trials. It is a comfort too, to know that they have been taught truth---maybe not taught perfectly, but at least I know that the values and gospel principles we tried hard to instill in them are perfectly true.

Today day ended with a yummy dinner cooked by Ben and Shara, great phone calls with both Lisa and Aaron, and beautiful flowers and a card from Megan. The ending highlight was the utube video with Aaron doing service in Florida. From now on I will always look forward to Mother's Day, if only to remember this special year.

My New Life

An amazing and inspiring story that reminds me of all the things I need to remember today.
My New Life

Ten Reason Why It Was a Very Good Week

1. Ben graduated from BYU Law School (Sharalee is the champion of support)

2. Lisa didn't get too hurt when she got hit by a car. (Some birthday Lisa!)

3. I went to Wiley's soccer game and watched Pirate take Rosie for a jog.

4. Mom and I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at Becca's mother's day spa.

5. I taught my last New Testament and American Studies class for the semester.

6. We celebrated Adam's 28th birthday and rejoiced in his new job opportunity.

7. I watched Megan look beautiful in ALL of the wedding dresses she tried on.

8. I attended women's conference with my sister Denise and good friends and while there listened to Arlene Heiner and Julene Judd give wonderful talks.

9. I went to Shara's fabulous RS luncheon that she planned and organized and that night had a fun dinner with our friends Adam and Amber Abel.

10. I felt JOY.

Ten Reasons Why Today Was a Perfect Day

1. I tended baby Olivia ALL DAY!!

2. I talked to every one of our children at least once. (Except Matt and Aaron, but they emailed)

3. Tim and I went on a great 45 minute walk in the cemetary.

4. I turned in all of my grades.

5. Almost everyone in the class got a good grade.

6. My nice friend and student Joanie stopped by for a visit.

7. Shara found some fabulous dresses for the wedding.

8. I visited with Marge Carroll at the care center.

9. Tim and I discussed 3 Nephi 3 for FHE.

10. I stayed on my diet!!