Seriously BLESSED

The magical iphone captured an even more magical summer outing with my chicklets. Here is a photo of the mother hen and number five chicklet getting set to tour the Beehive House in Salt Lake City. She is riding in the MOBY my lil sis gave me. I used it all the time when she was tiny, but I haven't used it much since she has grown. She LOVED it!! She is mighty happy, and so is her mama.

So the kids love to tour Brigham Young's home on Temple Square. It is such a fun outing and I thoroughly love the atmosphere. We first went to touch the Salt Lake Temple. I snapped this cute picture of my chicks. The children love to visit the temple. We found a quiet corner and sang the Primary song, I Love To See the Temple. I hope moments like this can be like drops of dew on the beginning stems of my child's testimony, planted deep within his heart.
It is no secret how wicked the world has become. Sometimes is seems the real secret is how wonderful this Earth really can be. It seems the joy we can find in the simple acts of every day life is some how hushed away into a corner, quietly waiting for the proper gratitude is truly merits.
It is this unsung joy I wish to give note to today. This outing was ordinary. Something we have done as a family numerous times. We visit the Beehive House on occasion and walk Temple Square often. The children are familiar with the surroundings we find here and the warm peace found in the shadow of the glorious Salt Lake Temple.
They enjoy the statues, seeing a bride or two, smiling at the sister missionaries, kneeling at the foot of the Christus statue, viewing an amazing model of the Salt Lake Temple, and many other rich sights for their hungry eyes.
It was indeed a wonderful day. But something extraordinary happened as we were winding our visit to a close. My dear friend called me and asked if we were still on Temple Square, and if so, we should come see her at work.
We did go see her at her "work". As we made our way to her office I looked up to see my children would in seconds come face to face with an apostle. President Henry B. Eyring was striding our way. I was immediately struck by the peace and power that hung around his whole body. I was eager and honored to have the chance for my children to meet this man of God. He shook each child's hand and then outstretched his hand towards mine.

"Hal Eyring," he said. "It is good to meet you."

What an amazing rush jolted through my body. What an amazing moment. He looked at little Norine and said she had the best "ride", referring to her being in the MOBY, and then he was off. An ordinary day, with an extra ordinary out come. Seriously so blessed.

Little Miss SUNSHINE

Little Miss Katherine is sporting a new hairdo. For awhile now she has been asking for short hair. To be even more specific, she was asking for short hair like her Grandma Cecily. We have this darling friend who has been cutting little Kate's hair since she was a wee tot.

So when is was time for back to school haircuts Miss Katherine asked again for really short hair. We looked over some options on my iphone and Katherine kept picking out little pixie cuts that she liked. Our friend went to work and created a masterpiece!!
She definitely knew what she wanted. It turned out so fun. Her older sister said there are no students at school with hair quite like Kate's. She is quite the trend setter!! But to me she looks like a teenager!!! I am not liking that one bit!!

I adore these sweet girls. They are like having real live dolls in the house. They are every bit as sweet as the seem in this picture, now if only I were as SWEET as them!! I am LUCKY.

What a kid!!

When Coulson started kindergarten I remember the excited rush of the morning. We had a great day! I do not remember what he wore or what the weather was like, but I remember kneeling down at his side to put on his shoes. He was so anxious and so happy to start school. He looked up at me and with the sweetest sincerity he said, "I hope I can remember how to spell cat." It broke my heart, he was so eager to learn and so eager to please.

Obviously, he is now quite a bit older. He is the big 12! Many new adventures come with the milestone of twelve years!! Coulson became a Deacon. He became a boy scout and now attends mutual every week. It really is unbelievable.

Here he is with a stalwart group of men who participated as Coulson received the Aaronic Priesthood. The blessing was amazing. Tyler was a bit nervous and very serious about the responsibility he carried in blessing Coulson. He had a strong group of wonderful men there to support him and Coulson.

When the actual ordination took place, I could feel the heavy presence of those who have passed on before Coulson, and would have participated in the flesh had they been given the chance. I could feel my father in the room. It was breathtaking. I can't really articulate the feeling, but I know he was there.

I was six months pregnant with Coulson when my father died suddenly of a heart attack at the young age of 50. A few months previous to his death I had had a vivid dream wherein my dad had died. The dream was so upsetting I asked Tyler to give me a Priesthood blessing of comfort.

Tyler did give me that blessing. I remember one thing in particular that Tyler said and that was my father would be here as long as I needed him. I was so comforted. At the time I had interpreted those words as a surety he would be here. I did need him. I needed him everyday, I needed his example for my unborn child. I needed to get to know my father and enjoy a mature father-daughter relationship. I needed him here.

Well, it turned out he passed away that fall. I was profoundly sorrowful and that grief was steeped with the aid of pregnancy hormones. I was stunned at his sudden departure and numb.

Somehow the years have added up, and my dad has been gone over a decade. I miss him more deeply as he is physically absent and not there, among my family, at many important events or not there for a simple laugh. He is not here to tease or tickle my little ones. So many moments of sadness are triggered around his absence.

I am sure he would be so pleased with his first grandson. I know he would have taken special time with Coulson, especially since there were some years when Coulson was the only grandson until my little nephew, Bradley, came along.

My heart wishes Coulson had his grand daddy here on Earth. I long for him to know Coulson and for Coulson to know him. I would replace any selfish time I long to have with my dad and give it all to Coulson, if only I could.

But, alas, somethings just were not meant to be. Although, I can not now understand why I must, or my children must, or my sweet husband must- trod along without the strong power and influence of my father here on Earth. I can know he really is here for me. And though I can not see him with my human eyes my heart can see him all around me, strengthening me, and setting the bar high.

Today Coulson started Junior High. I can't believe how time flies. Another milestone without my dad. But I know what my dad would say, because he said the same thing to me every day he dropped me off at school. He would say,"Good Bye!! Have FUN!!" Wise words from an even wiser man. Until we meet again dad! I hope I make you proud. I hope my boys make you chuckle, that ever distinct laugh you make, and you can watch over them. FOREVER.

Look Who's ONE

Well, it was bound to happen and it did! Our beauty, Norine Ann, is now ONE. She is such a doll and has brought each member of our family joy.

Before little Nora came into the world I was counseled in a priesthood blessing to SHARE her. If you know me, you know that I LOVE babies. In high school I would sometimes rather babysit then go out. I just loved cuddling the little ones.

When my oldest was born he cried. Let me repeat that: he CRIED. I remember thinking, is this how babies really are??? Yes, babies do cry but he was colic and a very difficult baby. With each new child I worried, a bit, if she or he would be colic.

The Lord sure blessed me to only experience one colic baby. Of course, each child has done a fair amount of crying, but not quite like my sweet first born.

Thus, my instruction to SHARE little Norine. I have tried to follow that counsel. As a result, she has quite the fan club of friends even beyond the family circle. I really feel the love of so many towards Norine. I would also hope in return she has brought joy to those special people who adore her.

Norine's first year has been bitter sweet. With each milestone I have a tinge of sadness that squeezes my heart. I just want to cherish every moment with her. Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way, but I wish time would slow down a touch!!!

The first two years of a child's life are the most rapid in growth. The change is nothing short of a divine miracle. Watching her grow deepens my understanding of our Father's love for us.

I wonder sometimes if He feels a tinge of pain pulling His heart strings as we grow into adults. Certainly HE is aware of our growth and constant changes.

For me, I still feel like I am a young girl, and so immature in so many ways. Yet, somehow I have the responsibility of caring for, teaching, loving, comforting, and shepherding my little ones. There is not a day I do not feel inadequate, small, or just right lonely in this life of motherhood. I feel my mistakes far out weigh any tiny stride on the pathway of good mothering.

But, somehow knowing my Father in Heaven loves me and loves my children I find JOY in every day I face. Sure, the making of a good mother is a life long process and the numberless things I do wrong replay over and over again, but I am plodding along.

I love being a mother. The challenges motherhood puts to head are difficult. Life swirls around, and whips the wind in my face. But many a day though the sun may be hiding there is boundless sunshine found in the deep of my children's eyes.

I am grateful I have my children, and for my little Norine. I am so glad I have my husband along side me, balancing me, and loving me.

WE ARE BLESSED. I will shout it upon the highest mountain and sing it in the quiet of my heart.

Enjoy some photos of my sweet Norine. I now share her with YOU!!

One year old.

The princess.

Sunshine.

So LOVED.

Happy Birthday, Norine Ann. Thank you for allowing me the honor of being your mommy.

Stay the COURSE

Me with my dear sweet Relief Society counselors and secretary. Norine is only one week old!!

Me and my three little dolls.

Me with my Norine Ann. She is seven months old today.

For most women pregnancy brings extra unwanted pounds that somehow seem to linger LONG after your little one is crawling, walking, and or even running!! I am finally to that "last ten pounds phase" and recently pulled all the upper muscles in my left leg. So alas, my much loved running is a no-no for a bit ( yes, it has been a long four weeks!!) I remember after I had Marshall I asked the doctor if he had any medical tips on how to get my body back to some sort of "normal". He got very quiet and looked at me with the kindest expression and said, "I have found motherhood requires so much sacrifice, on so many levels." Of course, I already knew this piece of gentle wisdom, but I was so touched by the tender way he said the words and the sincerity in his voice. Yes, motherhood does require sacrifice on so many countless levels. The unsung heros: the mothers we are.

Anyway, I was just wanting to share, with those five readers I may have, how much I appreciate the woman I am becoming because of the sacrifices motherhood demands of me. I am tired everyday, I constantly suffer weird physical ailments, I become impatient easily, I am hard on myself, I think to myself every day, 'what should I make for dinner??', I am a chocoholic, and I can guarantee none of these items are simply unique to me. But, with all these weaknesses (and many, many more!!) I am gaining much more strength as I stay the course, wake up every day and pray, "Let me be the woman, Thou desires of me to be!!"