Also, Lance is loving nursery. That makes a huge difference. We are all able to enjoy our Sunday worship without Lance making it miserable. Today as we entered the chapel, Lance got ahead of us and ran right to our bench, saying, "C'mon, guys!" We all hurried to keep up. It was so adorable!
I made chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, jell-o, and warm rolls for dinner. As the kids were all digging in (including Lance, yay!!) someone said, "This is my favorite dinner ever!" My heart beat a little happier. I so badly want my children to have all the fond memories of Sunday dinners and a loving family. We aren't perfect. But we are working on it.
I've missed my Dad a lot today. There's no reason. I just do. I can't stand to think how long I have to go without talking to him. The littlest things make me miss him. Like when I rocked Lance before bedtime and I started thinking about how Dad loved Lance's middle name, Haws. Dad would call him, "Haws," and I thought it was so cute. When we first hung our stockings after Lance was born, Dad took a sticky note and wrote, "Haws," and then stuck it on Lance's stocking. I thought it would be super cute if that became Dad's special name for Lance. And Lance loved Grandpa, too. As I laid Lance into his crib, my tears dripped onto his face. I know he won't even remember my dad. Things like that break my heart a little. Or a lot.
We are still praying like crazy for Jaron and Joni. They are just waiting for Jaron's brain surgery at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Center. In the meantime, they are on an all-expenses paid family trip to Disneyland, courtesy of Jaron's employers. It makes us cry to even think about it. I'm so glad they are making these memories and having fun together.
Well, the weather is so beautiful right now. We can't stay sad for long. In fact, I am nearly overwhelmed with the beauty of life. I climbed into bed and wrote a quick letter to a few of my missionary nieces and nephews. Here is an excerpt from what I wrote to James. He's such a good boy. And we all miss him dearly.
Dear Elder Eardley,
You sound so great in your letters! All of your adventures as the Assistant sound exciting and busy. I’m glad you are gaining good skills driving large white vans. That might come in handy someday. ;) We’ve all had you on our minds lately. We missed you terribly at Grandpa’s funeral. But I want you to know how beautiful the weekend was… The spirit was strong, and we all felt comforted. Grandpa has always been so very, very proud of you.
I was just reading in the Book of Mormon, in 2 Nephi 1:21, when Lehi is exhorting his sons to be righteous, prior to his death. He encourages his sons to “be men,” lest he be brought down with grief and sorrow to his grave. I’ve thought about our last few moments with Grandpa. It was so incredibly powerful to kneel in prayer together, but also to know that he went to his grave knowing that his sons, his son-in-laws, and his grandsons are “men.” I’m so grateful that Grandpa didn’t die weighted down with grief and sorrow about any of us. What a blessing! What a miracle!
I am so very thankful for our blessings. We have the most amazing family. I am so glad you are part of it.
I am, and will always be, so very grateful for my testimony, for the strength I get from the scriptures, for the blessings of family and faith. I love the Sabbath Day. I love the chance to worship and be with my little family. God is so good. He is so very, very good.
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| I love this picture from my birthday. I'm so glad I asked Mom and Dad to hike with us! |
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| Dad and Lance 💕 |
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| Lance, getting a ride on Grandpa's legs. |
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| I love seeing this picture of Dad. He is proudly taking a picture of Miles up on the rock. He thought Miles was such a good boy. We will always miss Grandpa. 😢 |
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