Today is Mother's Day, May 8th, and just two days ago was my Birthday and Anniversary. On that day 27 years ago I was married to my best friend! I am so grateful for the life we have found together. I really didn't ask for anything for my birthday. It was a Friday. Early that morning I was up cleaning the kitchen and had the back door open to let the cool morning air come in. Darling Sara came into the room and looking out the door, gasped a little. I asked "What?" Then she turned a little and together we noticed that there there three pair of shoes outside the door that didn't belong there. A red pair of men's tennis shoes, and two pair of women's shoes! I questioned something that "those aren't Samuel's?" She said "No!" Together we determined that Chandler and Liesl had come home! :) I ran upstairs to find Liesl peaking around the doorway smiling! I ran to her embrace! After celebrating her here, I ran to the basement to see a bundle on the bed! He was completely covered in the covers, but under that blanket, I found Chandler there! :) Oh what joy! I am so blessed! They had left Rexburg after work on Thursday and drove most of the night to come spend the weekend here at home. I am so grateful!
That morning Annie was graduating from Dixie State University with her degree in Elementary Education. We were helping with a wedding in the ward, and had to drop off some things that morning before we were to be in our seats not later than 9:45 a.m. to support Annie. Loading the wedding easels, punch bowl, and other items they had asked to borrow into our truck, we made our way to the college for graduation.
Jed was there saving seats for us, and we sent C team to deliver some leis we had made with school supplies to Annie when she was standing waiting for other graduates to walk in. I am grateful to have little people who can get past the boundaries to deliver hugs! :) They did perfect! We had made three leis for her, smart Sara and Brinley had then in different lengths so they wouldn't be too bulky in the same ring around her neck. It was a perfect touch to show her we loved her!
That morning, I realized that I was going to have an opportunity to have all my kids together for a few minutes that afternoon. Annie was having dinner with her family who had gathered to celebrate her success, but I carefully found an hour from 2:30 - 3:30 so we could sneak a photo in! :) I called a friend from our Santa Clara ward, Lauren Wriggley to meet us for that blessing! Miracles happened and she was available! Then miracles happened because as the appointed hour arrived, a storm was coming! The wind was blowing and Chandler called from the Dixie Center and said it was raining on him there! We had people coming from four directions to meet at the temple. We changed and thought maybe the park would have less wind. As I drove alone to the park, to meet all the members of our family, I prayed for miracles that the wind would not be an issue and the rain would be diverted from the park where we were trying to get a family photo. I testify that the weather was tempered for me! We had an hour of beautiful photos! Lauren was happy and cute about taking our photos! I am so blessed! I don't really know how much a photo session for family should be. She said $50 but we paid her $260 I think. I am excited to have some new photos to print large for my home!
For the past many years, I have printed the photos I take and put them on the cupboards in my kitchen. My kitchen is covered with photos of fun memories together! I started when Liesl left on her mission. Jed was gone to Virginia at the time, and far from home. Then Liesl left, and Chandler's mission followed quickly! I wanted my little ones at home to know who those great siblings were, so I put their photos up where we all saw them often! It worked! Little Sophia was born after Liesl left on her mission! When she came home, she ran to greet her off the plane because she recognized her and knew her! I am so grateful for technology of color printing, cameras to capture the moments and details of life! I am grateful for computers where we can see each other across the miles so we aren't so far away! On this day for the past 5 years I have had kids away from home on Mother's Day. I have prayed for weeks before that the phone lines will all work to their highest ability so that I could talk to and even see my missionaries serving the Lord around the world. I am so grateful! Today I pray for that miracle even though I was the lucky Mom to have all my kids together! Jed and Annie didn't come to our ward this morning, but the rest were all there together! Jed and Annie were here to dinner last night with everyone! I am so grateful!
That morning Annie was graduating from Dixie State University with her degree in Elementary Education. We were helping with a wedding in the ward, and had to drop off some things that morning before we were to be in our seats not later than 9:45 a.m. to support Annie. Loading the wedding easels, punch bowl, and other items they had asked to borrow into our truck, we made our way to the college for graduation.
Jed was there saving seats for us, and we sent C team to deliver some leis we had made with school supplies to Annie when she was standing waiting for other graduates to walk in. I am grateful to have little people who can get past the boundaries to deliver hugs! :) They did perfect! We had made three leis for her, smart Sara and Brinley had then in different lengths so they wouldn't be too bulky in the same ring around her neck. It was a perfect touch to show her we loved her!
That morning, I realized that I was going to have an opportunity to have all my kids together for a few minutes that afternoon. Annie was having dinner with her family who had gathered to celebrate her success, but I carefully found an hour from 2:30 - 3:30 so we could sneak a photo in! :) I called a friend from our Santa Clara ward, Lauren Wriggley to meet us for that blessing! Miracles happened and she was available! Then miracles happened because as the appointed hour arrived, a storm was coming! The wind was blowing and Chandler called from the Dixie Center and said it was raining on him there! We had people coming from four directions to meet at the temple. We changed and thought maybe the park would have less wind. As I drove alone to the park, to meet all the members of our family, I prayed for miracles that the wind would not be an issue and the rain would be diverted from the park where we were trying to get a family photo. I testify that the weather was tempered for me! We had an hour of beautiful photos! Lauren was happy and cute about taking our photos! I am so blessed! I don't really know how much a photo session for family should be. She said $50 but we paid her $260 I think. I am excited to have some new photos to print large for my home!
For the past many years, I have printed the photos I take and put them on the cupboards in my kitchen. My kitchen is covered with photos of fun memories together! I started when Liesl left on her mission. Jed was gone to Virginia at the time, and far from home. Then Liesl left, and Chandler's mission followed quickly! I wanted my little ones at home to know who those great siblings were, so I put their photos up where we all saw them often! It worked! Little Sophia was born after Liesl left on her mission! When she came home, she ran to greet her off the plane because she recognized her and knew her! I am so grateful for technology of color printing, cameras to capture the moments and details of life! I am grateful for computers where we can see each other across the miles so we aren't so far away! On this day for the past 5 years I have had kids away from home on Mother's Day. I have prayed for weeks before that the phone lines will all work to their highest ability so that I could talk to and even see my missionaries serving the Lord around the world. I am so grateful! Today I pray for that miracle even though I was the lucky Mom to have all my kids together! Jed and Annie didn't come to our ward this morning, but the rest were all there together! Jed and Annie were here to dinner last night with everyone! I am so grateful!