November 22, 2017

I took Julia and some friends to the temple this morning for baptisms.  While I waited, I walked around the temple with Mom and Sunee.  We walked and walked and talked and talked for over an hour.  It was a fantastic way to spend the morning.  When the kids were done, I took them to Einstein Bagels.  They had a great time.

Back at home, we rushed to get ready to go to the show.  Mom came with us and we went and saw, "Wonder."  I have read the book and absolutely adore it.  Emma, Julia, and Miles have all read it, too. Austin's teacher has been reading it to his class.  I think every single person in the world should read that book.  It is such a beautiful story about being kind.

I could hardly contain my emotions throughout the movie.  Every bit of it made me emotional.  Greg says I've been really emotional for about three months now.  I think I've been this way since my Dad died, which was just a little over two months ago.  But Greg thinks it's a hormonal change.  I told him that all of the anger and frustration I used to feel with my monthly cycles has been replaced by my tender tears.  So he might be right.  But I guess I would welcome tears, sorrow, and a tender heart over anger any day.  I've definitely noticed a change.  I cry so easily now.  I cry when I talk to people.  I cry when I'm cleaning.  I cry at the temple.  I cry in the movies.  I cry when I remember my dad.  I cry when I'm having a presidency meeting.  I just cry.

When I came back home, I worked a little on the letter we are sending out to fundraise for Jaron.  He has had a really difficult time lately.  He has suffered so much from blood clots and headaches and pain.  Greg and I have really tried to help out financially.  Our hearts are just so broken for the suffering that they are enduring.  Mom and I worked together to get the letter all ready.

The kids spent the whole afternoon in the backyard, playing their little hearts out.  They were in the zone.  They had some big game going and it was running and playing for hours.  I love it when they play so happily like that.

As the day started to wind down, we all got excited because it was time to bake!!

So messy...so happy!

The whole kitchen was mess, but I had so much fun baking up a storm with the Christmas music playing.  Owen helped me with the Chocolate/Oreo pie.  Julia made her very own delicious-looking apple pie.  I made two pans of my raspberry pretzel jello and two pumpkin pies.  Emma worked on a big bowl of my mom’s famous peach and cream jello.  The kids rented the new Despicable Me 3 movie and watched it by the light of the Christmas tree.  It was dark outside, but warm in our home.  

Owen had a little too much fun baking his pie!

Julia and her yummy apple pie.  Both are beauties!

As a mother, my heart is so happy and full.  I have so many blessings.  I loved the slow and easy pace of the night.  I loved the clear schedule and the full ovens.  I loved the licking of spoons, and the sound of the mixer, and smell of the pies.  Greg was working away in his wood shop.  We had the fire going in the fireplace.  The boys were laughing at the movie.  I could have stayed at my counter whipping up yummy dishes for many more hours.  

Oh, how I love being the mother in this story.  It’s not easy.  But it’s a blessing beyond my wildest imagination!  Happy Thanksgiving to my beautiful family.