Happy Day!

My dearest friend had her baby!  I am so excited, and yet sad because she is far away.  (And I most likely wont meet this little one for a year! I am reminded today how thankful I am for good and loving friends.  M has been one of my closest friends for 24 years!  We became friends at the rip old age of 12.  We have had many adventures both together and apart. We don't always agree. (Most of the time we do!) But she has constantly been a voice of love and support over the last 24 years.  I hope that I have been the same for her.  I feel so blessed to have her in my life.

Men

The following was my facebook status this evening....

I have seen a few status updates today calling for men, fathers to "step up." It made me sad, especially considering how close it is to Fathers Day. I took a few minutes to think about the men in my life. My entire life has been blessed by incredible honorable men, starting with my very own father, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, sons and especially my own sweet husband. Then there are my teachers, seminary teachers, Home teachers, Bishops, friends, friends' husbands, and fathers, neighbors, and former co-workers. I have been supported, cared for, and loved by GREAT MEN, and I am thankful for each and every one!

What I didn't add (but really wanted too) was this..... If you find the quality of men in your life lacking, take a good look at the life you are leading.  That is where you will find the problem.  

It will never be a good idea

For me to read stories on infant/pregnancy loss.  One little story sends my poor heart back thirteen years to its familiar ache and I miss my baby all over again.  I tried once again to edit the few rather pathetic photos I have, and really I don't think there is much that can be done with them.  It leaves me feeling very sad.  However, at the time it wasn't common to take pictures of still born babies.  No one told me that I wanted a picture of each and every tiny detail, that thirteen years later I would feel desperate to know what his tiny fingers and toes looked like.

Far too quiet...

It isn't often that I am home with *only three* children.  However, all of my older children are gone.  The two girls are gone all week with girl's camp.  My son is gone for the evening playing baseball and Hubby has to work late.  Not too long ago I jumped up, thinking that I had not heard my children in far too long.  I looked around in a panic only to see that all three of the small people currently in my care were present and accounted for, but it just seemed too quiet.  I decided I didn't love quiet.  I needed some noise for my own sanity.  I don't think I will be a good empty nest-er.  The thought makes me want to cry....or adopt many many more children so that I will always have the laughter of children in my home.  I wonder if I could convince my husband.....

The story of 2000

I just finished reading Alma 56 with my children.  I have read this story so many times.  I have heard it told in church.  I have taught it in primary.  It is the story of Helaman and his 2000 Stripling Warriors.  While I have always loved this story, this time was different.  I could barely read the words on the page as emotion overwhelmed me.  I thought of my darling children and how much I love them and how those mothers must have felt as they sent their sons off with the very real possibility that they would never return.  The sons....how amazing their strength was.  I only wish that all of my children had been home tonight.  Both of my oldest two are gone.  One for baseball and one is gone for Girls Camp.  Maybe we will reread that chapter when they get home.


Ok...this post doesn't make sense.  I know it doesn't make sense.  I was totally overwhelmed with the spirit that was in our home.  That is why I don't want to delete my post.  It was just so incredible and I want to remember it.