47 Years

Today is my parent’s 47th wedding anniversary.  Almost every year in the past, my parents have gone away together somewhere for a weekend to celebrate.  Although they cannot be together this year, it is still a celebration.  What a testament to my parents that they have been married for so long.  What dedication and devotion they both showed to stay together for so long, through all of life’s challenges.  I am so grateful for eternal marriage and for the knowledge that my parents are married forever, because of righteous choices that started their life together 47 years ago.  One of the greatest gifts I have ever been given was to see my Mother love and revere my Father and my Father to love and revere my Mother.  In my life I have learned that love is more often an action than a feeling.  The feeling only seems to come after the actions.  I saw times where my Mother had to care for my Father and times where my Father had to care for my Mother.  In the tender times that have existed in the last month or so, I still see the love that exists in my parent’s marriage.  I cannot express my gratitude to my parents for all that they have done to make it together for the last 47 years. 

Baby Jonah is Here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our little Jonah is finally here!  Grandma decided that after a breezy 22 1/2 hours of labor, she would allow him to make his appearance in the world.  He showed up at 5:27AM this morning.  Mom and baby are doing really well.  He weighed in at 8lbs. 3 oz. and was 22 inches long.  We couldn’t be happier.  He has brought such a peace with him and we can’t wait to take him home.  We love you our little Jonah!

 

(I composed the following poem while we were waiting for Jonah to be born)

 

Grandma! Grandma! You’ve come back!

I’ve been waiting to see you all day

To feel your hugs and your kisses too

And most of all, to play

Come into my arms, my little one

I’m so glad to hold you again

I sure missed you, my sweet child

Tell me: How have you been?

I’ve been watching from here above

I saw all that you were willing to give

You did so much in your time on earth

I learned from you how I should live

Give one more hug, now let’s play

We can play games or throw a ball

I will read to you, and sing you songs

We’ll take time to do it all!

We’ve now had time to play my child

Come sit on my knee, and let’s talk

Your short time on earth, is about to begin

It’s the place where you’ll play and walk

But, Grandma, you just got here

Can’t I stay for a longer while?

I love to be held, tight in your arms

And I would really miss your smile

I don’t know how I can leave

I just love you so, so much!

I want to be right by your side

To feel your gentle touch

My sweet child, it’s okay

There is no need to cry

You need to live in morality

But this is not goodbye

It will only be a little while

Before we can play some more

I will be here to welcome you home

When you come through the door

Until then, I’ll be in your heart

Watching you grow from above

I’ll walk with you, each new day

I’ll send you all of my love

So you must go, this is your time

There are angels down on earth too

They’ll wipe your tears, and give you comfort

Whenever you’re sad, hurt, or blue

Your Mommy and Daddy are so excited

So many want to give you their love

You even have a couple siblings there

Your family will fit like a glove

Please take with you, all my very best

My husband and family were hard to leave

You’ll bring peace from Father’s home above

And it will help them as they grieve.

When your earth life comes to an end

I’ll be waiting like you were for me

We’ll share some new stories

And play together, throughout all eternity

Now is the time, you must go

I’ll never be too far away

Just follow the path the Savior laid

And you will find your way

Let’s you and I, share one last hug

Before the start of your earthly phase

I’ll be your angel up above

I’ll love you all of your days

MOM–June 9, 1944–June 23, 2011

 Late yesterday afternoon my angel Mother slipped quietly out of this life and back into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.  While she had been battling cancer, at the time of her death, she was cancer-free.  Everything was very normal with her even in the early morning hours when my Dad was helping her.  But suddenly things changed.  My Dad rushed her to the hospital and she was given hours to live.  Her bowels had died and there was no where for the toxins to go.  They simply overwhelmed her body.  There was nothing anyone on this earth could do, and our Father in Heaven had decided that he needed her to come home.  Surrounded by our family, she slipped back into his arms.  While her death was a sudden shock to each of us, her pain had gone on for years now.  What a blessing it is that she can be free from her broken body and now let her spirit soar. 

As she was passing through the veil, I said a quiet prayer that someone would be there to greet her and lead her back to the Savior.  My mind flooded with the image of a little boy rushing up to greet his Grandma, hug her, and pull her by the hand. 

I am sure that in the tender mercies of the Lord that my angel Mother and our soon to be born son will get to spend the next couple of days together before his time on earth comes.  I hope that she gives him her love and compassion for others.  I hope that she gives him her sweet natured spirit and goodness.  I hope she teaches him how to quietly serve others as she did, and I hope that she instills in him the importance, and her love for the Gospel the same way that she has to all of us.  Lastly, I hope that she teaches him love.  The last thing to quit working on her mortal frame was her heart.  That big heart that beat so hard for each one of us for so many years.  That heart that viewed all of Heavenly Father’s children equally.  That heart that poured out so much love, yet still constantly over-flowed. 

I miss my Mom so much already, and it will not be the same without her.  However, I know that she is with our Heavenly Father now and spending some time with her Grandson as he prepares for this mortal life.  This makes me so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord, grateful for the plan of salvation, and the knowledge that we can all be together again. 

Love you Mom!    

Midnight Musings

 

Okay, so it isn’t midnight.  It’s 5:00 am in the morning and I’ve been awake since 2:30 am.  Why you ask?  Because I have a pair of feet stuck under my rib cage that continuously like to stretch and move.  Fortunately for me a rain storm took place around 3:00 am and I wandered outside with my camera to see if I could capture the lightening.  No success.  One of these days I really need to figure out all of the settings on my camera. 

Until then, here are some recent updates:

Treven finally grew his hair out.  He looked so handsome and had his first salon hair cut at the age of 7 1/2.  Unfortunately, it didn’t last long and is back to being shaved.  Doesn’t he look cute?

 

Ady had her year end dance recital and performed a number to “Cruella De Ville”.  She was excited for weeks leading up to the recital and performed the number several times in the living room.  She is a very serious performer!

My good friend, Amanda and her family, have been in town this past month giving me the opportunity to take my family to their condo in St. George!  Thanks Amanda.

Kent became a human surf board for the weekend.

My parents got a puppy and named him Toby! He is currently being potty trained and learning important things, like his name.

Nesting mode is in full force.  Bedrooms are being rearranged and cleaned, baby items are being sorted and put in place, the crib is set up, the swing is set up, and the bassinet is by my bed.

Now all I need is for the little tyke to finish baking.  Twelve more days!!!

Dilemma #3

The High Chair

I plan on being the milkman a la cart if you know what I mean.  Can I hold off a good 4 to 6 months to replenish the savings account before buying this gem?

Dilemma #2: The Stroller

I’m fairly certain my mind is set on a double stroller.  I don’t see a point in buying a single stroller when I will need a double stroller in the future. If someone thinks this is a cataclysmic mistake please let me know. I understand I may look a little freakish walking around with only one kid in the stroller but I figure the other seat could be used for my purse, shopping bags, coats and sweaters, a niece or nephew, or one of my girlfriend’s children.  Plus who doesn’t need an extra cup holder on the days you need two Diet Cokes?

Strollers make my head spin because there are so many different kinds. 

Front to Back ?

Side by Side ?

Stand On Tandem Stroller?

One of my friend's, Leslie, has a Stand On Stroller.  She loves her stroller and suggested this for me.  I pretended I knew what kind of stroller she was referring to but actually had no clue! (Amanda, don’t tell your sister!)  Is this a double stroller?  Does your toddler stand on a ledge in the back and hold on to the sides?

What do you think about strollers?

The time has come

for me to start registering and buying baby gear.  Unfortunately, I made the mistake of calling my husband during the middle of the day to discuss what I considered a nugget on KSL.com.  I found a unisex infant car seat with two bases for $50.  I wanted Kent to shout praise and throw out accolades on my great find.  Instead I got a technical conversation about weight limits, rear facing versus front facing, safety laws, and warranties.  

Marriage 101:  My husband will never be my girlfriend.  I should have called a female!

As a result of this conversation, I am taking my baby buying questions to the mattresses as Tom Hanks would say.  So please be ready to disclose all your personal thoughts and feelings on a series of blog posts that will be coming your way.  Every woman, mother, aunt, girlfriend, and sister please leave your opinion. 

Dilemma #1:  The Car Seat

Infant ?

Convertible ?

Or Both?

Please note the following assumption: I will have another child in 2-3 years. 

Alright, leave your comments!

And now a commercial break…

 

Are you experiencing constant headaches, nosebleeds, swelling of the abdominal region, restless legs, acid indigestion, frequent urination, sleepiness, insomnia, gas, lack of iron, constipation, lower-back pain, bleeding gums, weight gain, irritability, crankiness, emotional highs and lows, followed by a waddle in your stride?

If so, these could be signs indicating you are six months pregnant and ready to hoist your white flag and surrender. 

Tips and advice on how to survive the last trimester with grace and human dignity are gladly welcome!

Baby Bump

At 25 weeks I officially have my first baby bump!  I have worked hard for this bump and I’m happy to show it.  The first trimester I lost weight and was skinny as a pole thanks to my daily up chucks.  Even my mom was worried about my lack of curves and supplied me with several bottles of Ensure.  Then one day it happened.  Just like everyone told me it would.  I woke up to a round tight stomach. 

I now feel I can legitimately justify things due to the bump.  I can say things like, “I’m hungry, this bump needs food” or “This bump is growing and making me tired.  I need a nap”, or “Look at this bump, I need new clothes” and “I’m crying.  Look I have a bump”. 

Honestly, isn’t this a pretty cute bump?!!!

Mom Update

Despite some set-backs, Mom looks good.  Less than four days after getting released from the hospital, she was readmitted.  She had developed an infection and her pancreas was leaking.  The doctor told us this could be possible.  He compared stitching up a pancreas to stitching up a stick of butter.  She stayed at the hospital for about a week.  They immediately stopped tube feedings and started doing IV feedings through a PICC line.  After this second stay at the hospital, they moved her to a skilled nursing center.  She will hopefully be done with IV feedings and return to tube feedings within the next 7 days.  She hopes to come home a couple of days after that.  Despite being in great pain, she is sweet to us each time we visit.  I am sure she is feeling some depression and anxiety, but only shows concern and love for each one of us.  We are extremely thankful for the kind words spoken, and prayers offered in her behalf. 

Mom

My Mother is an amazing woman. She is very artistic. She has painted every painting that hangs in my parent’s home except one.

She raised all seven of us well, and I am not sure she had a lot to work with. She continually teaches us the Gospel and a love for others. She taught us that Heavenly Father loves each of His children, and no one was created any better than another. My parents have been there for each of us, despite so many children, and so many of life’s challenges. My Mom connects with each one of us in a personal, special way, even though we can be so different.

I now see the way she loves and cares for her many daughter-in-laws and her 20 grandchildren. She did not raise these women and she did not bear these children, but she loves and nurtures each as her own. She has never been selfish with those she loves, and she wants nothing more than for us to be surrounded by others who love us as she does. It means so much to me when I see the way that she nurtures and loves my wife and children. She is always worried about the happiness of others.

My Mom is not a public figure by any means. In fact, she probably prefers to stay near the shadows. She quietly serves people and gets to know people in a very personal way. She can see the human heart more than almost anyone I know, and seems to sense the feelings of others.

Each holiday, big or small, my Mom spends countless hours designing and creating a card for each of our families. Each one is beautiful and has a sweet message or poem. Below are just a few that we have received.

She hurried to finish and mail off this Valentine’s Day card the first week of February. I received it the day after she was admitted to the hospital for surgery for stomach cancer. In the surgery, they removed her stomach, her spleen, and one-fourth of her pancreas. When I saw the card laying in the mailbox, I cried. I could not believe that my angel Mother, in extreme pain, could only think of her children and grandchildren. When I mentioned it to my Dad, he said that she couldn’t sleep because she was so sick. I found out that she had made the cards in-between running to the bathroom to vomit.

Whenever I have visited her, I have asked her how she was doing. She has given a very brief response and then asked how Ashley is feeling, how the pregnancy is going, and how we are doing. Another time, she interrupted me and asked if we were excited to be having a boy. She is now home from the hospital and seems to be doing very well. She will start chemo and radiation therapy in about a month. My heart aches to think of her in any pain, but she is one of the strongest women I know, and I am extremely hopeful. She is a fighter and she has already overcome things that I thought were impossible at the time.

I am so grateful for my Mother. I love and appreciate her more than words can say. Through this tough time, we will all be here for her, just as she has always been there for us.