It's a Wonderful Life: July 2014

It's about time someone posted! "I feel so happy this morning I want to share my happiness with the whole world!" I really am feeling very tender and blessed right now, and who better to share my happiness with than my family? My baby Meg is here, Shane and mom are at church with the kids, my house is quiet and clean and life feels very sweet. I know when mom leaves at the end of this week I most likely will have a new story to tell...of chaos and laundry and sleepless nights and hormones- but there will still be blessings. After crying all through a Mormon Message this morning, "Finding Joy in the Journey," I am reminded how important the simple things and moments in our lives are- how they make up the things of Eternity. As I reflect on the past couple of weeks, blessings that I took for granted and perhaps down played are brought to the forefront of my mind as "the things of eternity." A visiting teacher bringing pop-sicles to my kids and I as an excuse to check on me when she knew my baby was overdue; my relief society president bringing pizza one night so I didn't have to cook dinner; a friend mowing my lawn with her kids as "a baby gift." Shane taking us on a 12 hour camping trip with a sore back, and taking the kids fishing in order to keep tradition alive,( though he would have loved to just relax after baling hay night after night for two weeks;) countless phone calls from loved ones checking on me...(I think every one knows I get a little crazy the end of pregnancy-thanks everybody!) A calming, reassuring priesthood blessing before Meg's birth, and an overwhelming feeling of the Lord's love and awareness of me; another beautiful, healthy little girl joining our family, humbling us already with her purity and sweet spirit. The afternoon after Meg was born, my mother in law brought our kids up to the hospital to see her. As my children entered the room with shining eyes and soft voices, I could hardly keep myself from bursting into tears, though I wasn't sure why. Now, upon reflection, it was one of those "Moments that make up the things of eternity." The spirit was there helping me to recognize the precious love I have for my family. Though they left much different than they came-(hyper, silly, and excited,) I was reminded for a moment how much I want to be with my family forever. It felt so right and good to have us all together. The kids were so happy to meet their little sister and to see Shane and I. Just as Shane and I felt automatic love for each of them when they were born, they felt the same for her as their new sister. Family is so precious, and I'm so grateful for all the Lord has taught me by blessing me with such a wonderful family growing up, and now, as a wife and mother with my my own family.
Whoo! Talk about sentimental! But it had to be said. I hope you all know how much I love you, and how grateful I am to have you in my life. I look forward to seeing lots of you at the reunion in August. Love and miss you all.