Turkey Day 2010

We had a delightful Thanksgiving Day.  Every dish turned out perfectly from the Turkey to the pies.  I couldn't have been happier except that Abby, Jeremy, and Lorena didn't make it over the mountains.  They decided that the weather was so bad in Eastern and Western Washington that they shouldn't come.  I had had been having those same feelings.  Their biggest concern was that they would get stuck over here and not be able to get home in time for work on Monday. (A legitimate concern due to the heavy snowfall in the mountains and on the passes this weekend.)  We missed them so much -- but Christmas will be all the sweeter.

Amy made her fabulous, yummy rolls and her delicious sweet potatoes.  Mom joined us and brought wonderful relish trays of veggies (with help from Allison).  We had lots and lots of delicious food, good company, and a very nice day.

I was concerned for my mother because this is the beginning of her first holiday season without Dad.  She's had a difficult week but she's doing OK.  I know it's not going to be easy in these coming weeks because not only do we have Christmas but their wedding anniversary is Dec. 22nd and Dad's birthday is Dec. 29th. So, we have some rough water ahead.  Mother is a trooper.  She has faith and she's filled with hope in Christ.  She just misses Dad. We all have the feeling that he's happy and very busy.  Every so often, I'll sense he's checking in on me.  Sometimes it's like I can feel his presence and in my mind will come his smiling face and his words of reassurance that every thing is ok.  I appreciate these little tender mercies of love and reminders that the veil is thin and our loved ones are right near by.

Due to the terrible weather this week, school was canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday and so I had the wonderful gift of time! I was able to work on some organization and cleaning that I had neglected for quite awhile since I've been working on my degree.  I can't stand clutter and a dirty house, so I've always done some surface cleaning but I've neglected cupboards and drawers.  Not having a paper to write, books to read, and assignments to complete was so strange and I found myself able to think about and focus on some of the housekeeping that I needed so badly to do. What a gift. On Thursday morning I looked around my house and realized it hadn't been so organized and clean and ready for the holidays in years. It felt great! I'm ready to move ahead with decorating for Christmas. Some years I've really waited until the last minute to decorate -- this year I actually have time!!! Wow!

Since finishing my degree earlier this month I've been to the temple 3 times!! That's a huge treat. Friday morning we started off with a temple session and then I spent a good part of the day shopping.  I actually made a dent in the Christmas shopping.  By Thursday afternoon the snow was melting and the temperatures had warmed enough to make the roads safe. 

Friday evening we had the first ever, "Fawcett Family Pie Extravaganza" (so named by my brother Doug).  It was a nice evening.  We all brought some pie to Mom's and spent time visiting and eating pie and having some extended family time.  Our family is now big enough it's not reasonable for all of us to get together for the day. At Christmas we'll have a cookie extravaganza.  I'm glad we thought of having a pie night so still get to see everyone.

Today I did a little more shopping and then spent some time with Mom. It's been a nice week filled with some good work, a wonderful holiday, and some family time.

This is a rambling post but I wanted to capture some of the week's events. Enjoy.

Mothers Who Know. . .

Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power. - Julie B. Beck - 

I just had to post this.  It's an important message and one all of us -- old mothers and young mothers need to remember.  Mother's who work have the struggle of prioritizing their professional responsibilities with their family life -- those mothers who know will have different priorities than their colleagues.The idea of consuming less and living on less is a challenge for everyone but one worth pursuing. Staying focused on the goal of raising a righteous family helps us stay true to our covenants.

Gratitude and Peace

This week I've been studying in Jeremiah and the prophecies that the Gospel will be restored in Fullness in the Last Days.  What is so interesting about these scriptures (as well as Isaiah's and other prophetic scripture) is that they pertain to Israel and the Church as a whole and to each of us individually.  Jeremiah wrote that the Lord would make a new covenant (The New and Everlasting Covenant) and that he would put the new law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts.  I've reflected on how He writes the law in my inward parts and in the fleshy tables of my heart.  He provides many opportunities for me to apply the law to myself and to my family -- to enter into the covenant of baptism and in the covenants in the temple.  To teach and train my sons and daughter that they are part of an eternal family and that they have a responsibility and obligation to create eternal families (which they are doing).  Each week we partake of the sacrament and we may attend the temple often -- where we can be reminded of our own covenants and provide extraordinary service to those who have passed on by acting as their proxy. As the Church or Israel is called to repentance, I am called to repentance.  As the Church is directed and guided, I am directed and guided. It's actually quite significant because as we read the scriptures we realize these prophets were writing about us and to each one of us.

As I serve in the temple I am reminded of my covenants. My understanding of the Plan of Happiness and the significance of the Atonement of the Savior for me and my family is deepened and enlarged.  Over and over I am reminded about the amazing and wondrous love of our Father. Time and again as I raised my family and struggled through the challenges of  life I have returned to the temple, to the teachings of the Savior, and to the covenants I've made, for understanding, comfort and peace.

At this time of thanksgiving I am so grateful for the temple and for the role it plays in lifting us, providing us with opportunities for salvation, and light in an ever-darkening world.

Transition and Not What I Planned but I'm Loving the Journey

I'm in another transition phase as I leave behind the years of going to class and studying and writing to earn my doctorate degree. So, now that I have some additional free time I'm going to the temple more often, getting my visiting teaching done earlier in the month, and I think I will even make it to our monthly evening Relief Society meeting that I've missed for so many months because I had so much homework.

I don't think Heavenly Father wanted me to go through a divorce. I don't think he wanted my husband to leave our family and the Church. But I think he knew I would have these challenges and he's strengthened me. I've often thought of the scripture in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 24:15, "And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." I've experienced this -- the burdens aren't removed but I've been strengthened. I call these compensatory blessings. I've been guided by the Holy Ghost as I've made decisions and choices that have led me to this place. The best blessing of all is that I really enjoy my life!

Will they Remember?

Today we had the Primary program in our ward.  The children were so beautiful! They knew the songs so well and they were so prepared.  There was a deep feeling of peace in the meeting as they sang the beautiful songs about Jesus and shared their thoughts and testimonies about what they had been learning this year.  I was so touched. The message of the Gospel is one of peace and happiness. As I watched and listened I wondered if each of them would remember the sweetness of their messages through their lives.  I wondered if the music they learned would touch them and play through their minds at important moments of choice and decision -- guiding them toward Christ rather than toward the snares of the Adversary. I know the power of the Savior is greater than the power of the Adversary but we have to feel and know for ourselves the truths of the Gospel.  I hoped that each of them felt what they were singing and saying.

A Long Journey

Well, today I took my final, final, final exam.  I defended my dissertation and I passed!  I am now officially Dr. Fawcett.  As I reflect on this experience my first thought is that it's taken me 4.5 years but on second thought i realize it's taken me many more years than this.  It started in 1974 when I was a freshman in college.  It continued in 1990 when I went back to school at the age of 34 to finish my bachelors degree and become a teacher.  Then after 5 years of teaching, I returned in 1997 to get a Master's in Special Education, then in 2000 to get an principal/administrator certificate.  Then, after 4 years of principaling, I returned in 2006 to work on my doctorate.  I've been going to school for a LONG time!

During these past 4.5 years I had breast cancer and underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I went to school in the summer as a bald woman.  I used this degree as a point of focus and hope. I remember feeling so grateful I had something to focus on and to look forward to that was uplifting and interesting and exciting while I was battling such a scary disease.

Tonight, I am filled with gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who has permitted me and guided me and nudged me along to achieve this level of education.  I am grateful for the promptings of the Holy Ghost that guided me to return to school.  I'm grateful for the blessing of having my capacity to learn enlarge and grow beyond my own natural abilities.  I am grateful that I have been blessed with the gift to discipline myself and to make myself work and trudge through nights and weekends of studying for so many years! I am grateful for the love and support of my family, including my parents and children who encourage me and love me -- even when all I seem to do is study.

My Dad was one of my greatest supporters in this endeavor.  He told me I could do it.  He was proud of my efforts.  He felt like my decision to return to school was a smart decision and that this was something I should do.  When I doubted my wisdom -- he reassured me. 

I know that today he was there and he heard and saw my defense.  My mother and sister were there and they were so supportive and kind.  I was glad to have their support.  But I know Dad was there too. The image of his smiling face came into my mind after it was over.  I knew he was pleased. I am so grateful for the knowledge that our family is forever and that my father is still my father and that my relationship with him is eternal.