Yesterday I got a huge surprise. My mom was on a walk in Hooper and she went past the cemetery. We hadn't expected to see the headstone in place until the spring, so when my mom saw it sitting there looking beautiful, she just fell to the ground and cried her eyes out. She called Stalee, who rushed to be with her. They admired it and cried together. When Stalee sent the pictures out to all of us, I think it started a chain reaction.
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| J.B., Sunee, Katie, Rindi, Stalee, Joni, Judi, Millie "Families Are Forever" |
I sat down at my kitchen table and let the tears just spill out of my eyes. It surprised and shocked me so much to see it. I loved it, but it felt so real, so final. My name is on a headstone in the cemetery now. I texted my family to say that I'm so thankful to be etched in stone with all of them. I can't imagine how mom must have felt seeing it in person. Because it nearly broke my heart just seeing the picture. I kept thinking, "Poor Dad." But I know that's not right. I know he's happy. I just feel so sad that he's not here with all of us anymore. I feel so sad to think he's missing all of this. But I know it's more like we are missing him.
I miss you, Dad!!
Greg took the day off today so that he could take Julia to California for her basketball tournament. But they ended up not needing to leave until after lunch, so he got some work done, and then took the little boys to the hardware store while I went visiting teaching. I had such a great visit with Rose Mery. She is such an amazing woman, and I love hearing about her life. She also gave me some great service ideas. I love her example.
On my way home, I stopped by a house of a girl in our ward, whom I do not know. I had to take a deep breath and put on my friendliest face. When she opened the door, I was surprised to see a nice-looking young mom standing there. Ha ha! I guess I had anticipated someone scarier! We had a good visit at her front door. I'm slowly making sure I know every woman in our ward.
Greg and I took Owen to Kindergarten and then went out to lunch at Jimmy John's together. It is Lance's FAVORITE place. He is such a fussy eater, but he will always eat a Slim 4, with turkey and cheese, from Jimmy John's. Sometimes when I worry that Lance might starve, I go get him a Slim 4. As we walked in, Lance screamed excitedly, "We're HOME!" So funny.
I got Greg and Julia out the door--complete with snacks and advice about posting up and boxing out. Then it was off to Austin's basketball practice. I took my computer to get some work done, but I couldn't keep my eyes off of the practice. Austin is so cute out there on the court. And SO tall. If he keeps working hard, he'll dominate. His first game is tomorrow, but I'm keeping low expectations. He tends to start off a little timid. I'm mostly looking forward to his huge smile. I've decided that I need to just be happy letting my kids enjoy playing. With no agenda. No big sports goals and dreams. Greg and I love sports so much, and we were both very successful players. It's hard not to want that for our kids. It's hard to see that they have that potential, too, and not get too crazy about wanting them to work really hard for it. I love how Emma and Julia are completely driving themselves. They are earning exactly what they are working for. And they love it. But my boys are still little. And they deserve to play and have fun. I love that I get to watch it all unfold. Tomorrow should be fun!
I took the kids to a pizza parlor tonight. We ate wood-fired pizza and drank root beer. It was so fun. Back at home, we turned on the fire and they watched a movie while I caught up on a few things.
I could do this everyday. Again. And again. I love my little family.
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