Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Happy Birthday #1 Son!
Tom's birthday is today. I can't believe he's already 31 years old. In some ways I feel like it was long ago and in other ways I remember it so vividly that I can't believe he's 31 already! What a beautiful baby boy he was. (And a handsome man he is.) He was born on a warm, sunny day in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah Medical Center. He was such a strong, healthy baby and he absolutely wore me out. Feeding him was like wrestling a little bear cub! He developed a delightful personality (which he still has). He was funny and so smart and enthusiastic about life. I feel like he's a wonderful blessing in my life. Happy Birthday Tom and thank you for 31 wonderful years!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Our Baby, My Dad, and a Paper
I've been extremely busy this past year. Lorena is continuing to grow and become more of a personality than ever. Christmas was so fun (it will be even better this year as she is able to understand what is going on). We had a great time at the beach in July. She is such a little comic and knows just how to capture your attention. When she see family members she lights up and reaches for us. When she sees me she reaches for me and wants to play. She knows I'm good for a cookie, a story, and some fun. She already knows where Gr. Grandma keeps cookies at her house and she checks out anyone who goes near the cookies to see if they are bringing one for her.
New Glittery Shoes!
Dad passed away on Aug. 23, 2010. I knew he wasn't going to be with us forever because he was so ill but I dreaded the parting. Dad was a wonderful man. He was a spectacular father and he understood the order of the priesthood and the calling of husband and father. He fulfilled those responsibilities so well. He was very intentional about what he did for us and how he did it. Just prior to the birth of my first child, Tom, he reminded me that being a parent was the one calling I would never be released from -- now or in the eternities. Dad set the premier example for following the Savior. John said it, "Grandpa knew how to follow the Savior." Dad was real. What you saw was what you got. He loved our mother with complete faithfulness and fidelity. He was fun and funny. He was kind about people yet he was real. He recognized a person who was a problem but he never treated them badly. In his passing I've found myself reflecting on how I can be more like him in the way of being kinder. (Not losing my sense of reality and calling it like I see it but doing with it with greater kindness and patience.)
I have also marveled during this time at the comfort I've received from the Holy Ghost. It's been interesting to observe what it's like to go through the grief process and to see how the Atonement blesses us and provides the peace that I've needed during this time. My faith has deepened and been strengthened about the Plan of Happiness and I now understand why it's referred to as the Plan of Happiness in the Book of Mormon.
I will never quit missing Dad in this mortal life. He did so much for me all through my entire life. The world was always safer when he was in charge. I found I needed him as much as an adult as I did when I was a little girl -- just in different ways. He has always been a source of advice and counsel. I could talk to him about important decisions and ask his opinion about how to handle difficult situations and he always supported and guided me in a loving and respectful way.
I look forward to greeting him when I walk through the veil some day. That will be a joyful day.
Now, for wonderful things of lesser importance: I am almost finished with my doctorate degree. During this past year I finished my research and data collection. I received approval from my committee to move ahead last March and I wrote my dissertation through the spring and summer. The month of July was devoted to the majority of the writing. Writing this has been a great experience. I experienced the tender mercies of the Lord during this time. My mind was enlightened. I found that information I needed would come to my mind and I was reminded through the promptings of the Spirit about pieces of research and data I had collected that I needed to include. For example, I had forgotten about a staff survey I had given to my staff a year before. I couldn't recall immediately where I had put the data. Just when I needed it-- I remembered where it was! That is just one little example of the help I received. I found the words, I recalled information, I was guided to check things, and I was able to do the difficult writing much more quickly and more ably than I would normally be able to do. It was a witness to me of how we are helped when we invite Heavenly Father to help us.
Dad passed away on Aug. 23, 2010. I knew he wasn't going to be with us forever because he was so ill but I dreaded the parting. Dad was a wonderful man. He was a spectacular father and he understood the order of the priesthood and the calling of husband and father. He fulfilled those responsibilities so well. He was very intentional about what he did for us and how he did it. Just prior to the birth of my first child, Tom, he reminded me that being a parent was the one calling I would never be released from -- now or in the eternities. Dad set the premier example for following the Savior. John said it, "Grandpa knew how to follow the Savior." Dad was real. What you saw was what you got. He loved our mother with complete faithfulness and fidelity. He was fun and funny. He was kind about people yet he was real. He recognized a person who was a problem but he never treated them badly. In his passing I've found myself reflecting on how I can be more like him in the way of being kinder. (Not losing my sense of reality and calling it like I see it but doing with it with greater kindness and patience.)
I will never quit missing Dad in this mortal life. He did so much for me all through my entire life. The world was always safer when he was in charge. I found I needed him as much as an adult as I did when I was a little girl -- just in different ways. He has always been a source of advice and counsel. I could talk to him about important decisions and ask his opinion about how to handle difficult situations and he always supported and guided me in a loving and respectful way.
I look forward to greeting him when I walk through the veil some day. That will be a joyful day.
Now, for wonderful things of lesser importance: I am almost finished with my doctorate degree. During this past year I finished my research and data collection. I received approval from my committee to move ahead last March and I wrote my dissertation through the spring and summer. The month of July was devoted to the majority of the writing. Writing this has been a great experience. I experienced the tender mercies of the Lord during this time. My mind was enlightened. I found that information I needed would come to my mind and I was reminded through the promptings of the Spirit about pieces of research and data I had collected that I needed to include. For example, I had forgotten about a staff survey I had given to my staff a year before. I couldn't recall immediately where I had put the data. Just when I needed it-- I remembered where it was! That is just one little example of the help I received. I found the words, I recalled information, I was guided to check things, and I was able to do the difficult writing much more quickly and more ably than I would normally be able to do. It was a witness to me of how we are helped when we invite Heavenly Father to help us.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Contemplation
I didn't realize it had been so long since I had posted on this blog. Time flies when you're having fun!! What an eventful summer and fall we've had. The culmination of the events came on Oct. 17th in the Columbia River Temple in Richland, WA when Lorena was sealed to her parents for time and all eternity. She looked like a little angel in her white dress. She was so peaceful as I held her at the altar and placed her hand on her parents hands. She was so peaceful and just looked around -- leaving her little tiny hand where I laid it. Her mother and father were so joyful and I was reminded of the beautiful day they were married in the Salt Lake Temple 5 and a half years ago. They've waited for this little princess for so long!
I love each one of my sons and daughters (including in-law children) so much. I am so happy to have each of them in our family. I take great joy as each has come into our family -- whether I've given birth to them (as in the original 3) or through marriage and now adoption. There is so much happiness as I get to know their personalities and develop an appreciation for their talents and gifts. I want every single one of them and I don't know what we would do without each of them. I can't believe how blessed I am.
Lorena is a beautiful little girl with dark brown eyes, dark hair, and golden brown skin. She is half Mexican. Her biological father is a very dark Mexican man -- probably with a lot of Lamanite or Indian blood. Knowing this about her genetic heritage has caused me to think and ponder about the fact that I know she was intended to be in our family. I received personal revelation about this and I know that she was prepared in the Spirit World to be in this family. I've thought about the prophecies in the Book of Mormon about the dispersed House of Israel, including the Lamanites -- that kings and queens would be their (referring to the dispersed house of Israel) nursing mothers and fathers. I have to believe that this is literally being fulfilled in this adoption -- because Abby and Jeremy have entered the House of the Lord and made a covenant and have been anointed to become a King and a Queen to the Most High God through the order of the Priesthood. They are literally the nursing mother and father to this precious little Lamanite daughter - and she has become part of their royal priesthood line and restored to the Household of God.
Ok, maybe I'm waxing eloquent -- oh well... but I have pondered these thoughts repeatedly and I cannot ignore the actuality and fulfillment of these ancient prophecies in our own family.
Nevertheless -- gratitude continues to fill my heart. My prayers each day are that my sons and daughters will always turn to the Lord and follow the Savior. I know they each have challenges and problems but I also know that they can be faithful and true if they are obedient and determined to honor and keep their covenants and focus on the Savior.
I love each one of my sons and daughters (including in-law children) so much. I am so happy to have each of them in our family. I take great joy as each has come into our family -- whether I've given birth to them (as in the original 3) or through marriage and now adoption. There is so much happiness as I get to know their personalities and develop an appreciation for their talents and gifts. I want every single one of them and I don't know what we would do without each of them. I can't believe how blessed I am.
Lorena is a beautiful little girl with dark brown eyes, dark hair, and golden brown skin. She is half Mexican. Her biological father is a very dark Mexican man -- probably with a lot of Lamanite or Indian blood. Knowing this about her genetic heritage has caused me to think and ponder about the fact that I know she was intended to be in our family. I received personal revelation about this and I know that she was prepared in the Spirit World to be in this family. I've thought about the prophecies in the Book of Mormon about the dispersed House of Israel, including the Lamanites -- that kings and queens would be their (referring to the dispersed house of Israel) nursing mothers and fathers. I have to believe that this is literally being fulfilled in this adoption -- because Abby and Jeremy have entered the House of the Lord and made a covenant and have been anointed to become a King and a Queen to the Most High God through the order of the Priesthood. They are literally the nursing mother and father to this precious little Lamanite daughter - and she has become part of their royal priesthood line and restored to the Household of God.
Ok, maybe I'm waxing eloquent -- oh well... but I have pondered these thoughts repeatedly and I cannot ignore the actuality and fulfillment of these ancient prophecies in our own family.
Nevertheless -- gratitude continues to fill my heart. My prayers each day are that my sons and daughters will always turn to the Lord and follow the Savior. I know they each have challenges and problems but I also know that they can be faithful and true if they are obedient and determined to honor and keep their covenants and focus on the Savior.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Whole New World!
Becoming a grandmother is wonderful! My daughter and son-in-law have a brand new baby daughter. She is absolutely amazing. What has surprised me is how deeply moved I am by this experience. We've waited a long time and they became eligible for adoption last winter. We had no idea that it would happen this soon. I think we were all thinking it might take several years before they found a baby.
Anyway, I was not prepared for how emotionally and spiritually this would impact me. As I've pondered this wonderful experience, I find myself thinking about my own grandparents. I find myself feeling joyful that our family is continuing into the next generation. I am in awe of the wonderful Plan of Happiness that our Heavenly Father has put into place to exalt and bless families. What a wonderful and glorious plan!
I can only imagine that this is just a little tiny taste of what it means to have eternal increase and to experience a fullness of joy. I have a sense that my grandparents and other ancestors are nearby and that Lorena was prepared in the Spirit World to come to our family.
I am filled with gratitude that this wonderful, long awaited blessing has finally come to Abby and Jeremy. Oh, how their lives are changing. I know they are ready and I'm excited to watch them grow and develop as parents.
This is what life is about!
Anyway, I was not prepared for how emotionally and spiritually this would impact me. As I've pondered this wonderful experience, I find myself thinking about my own grandparents. I find myself feeling joyful that our family is continuing into the next generation. I am in awe of the wonderful Plan of Happiness that our Heavenly Father has put into place to exalt and bless families. What a wonderful and glorious plan!
I can only imagine that this is just a little tiny taste of what it means to have eternal increase and to experience a fullness of joy. I have a sense that my grandparents and other ancestors are nearby and that Lorena was prepared in the Spirit World to come to our family.
I am filled with gratitude that this wonderful, long awaited blessing has finally come to Abby and Jeremy. Oh, how their lives are changing. I know they are ready and I'm excited to watch them grow and develop as parents.
This is what life is about!
Monday, June 22, 2009
AAAHHH, Summer is Here!
Oh blessed summertime! Finally, the last day of school arrived.... when the final bell rang you could feel a surge of energy through the building and the gleeful (mostly) squeals of students being released from the daily schedule of school. I have a feeling there were some squeals of glee from the teachers as well. Children don't realize that the grown-ups are as ready for the break as the kids.
People who don't work in schools don't understand what it takes to make it through a school year -- the intensity of the work; the sheer exhaustion from dealing in such a people-intense environment; the pressure educators feel to make progress for every child; and the patience required day in and day out to help students learn. People outside of education don't understand what it takes to close down a classroom and a school for the summer... It's kind of like packing up your house for a move. Other professionals work hard - but few work in an environment that requires so many life altering decisions for another person. Very few come under the intense public scrutiny and judgment that schools are subjected to.
This year we did some great work and some great things for our students this year. Our teachers made great professional growth and developed increased capacity for working with challenging situations and students with many challenges. More kids achieved the benchmarks in reading; more students were socially successful (they behaved well); and we did more to reach out to our families.
Now, if I can get through the coming days I may have some time to relax and recover!
People who don't work in schools don't understand what it takes to make it through a school year -- the intensity of the work; the sheer exhaustion from dealing in such a people-intense environment; the pressure educators feel to make progress for every child; and the patience required day in and day out to help students learn. People outside of education don't understand what it takes to close down a classroom and a school for the summer... It's kind of like packing up your house for a move. Other professionals work hard - but few work in an environment that requires so many life altering decisions for another person. Very few come under the intense public scrutiny and judgment that schools are subjected to.
This year we did some great work and some great things for our students this year. Our teachers made great professional growth and developed increased capacity for working with challenging situations and students with many challenges. More kids achieved the benchmarks in reading; more students were socially successful (they behaved well); and we did more to reach out to our families.
Now, if I can get through the coming days I may have some time to relax and recover!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Education and Stuff...
I realized that I have written for such a long time! I guess between finishing up the class I'm taking this semester and the usual demands of work I've just been busy. So, anyway, here's an update.
The best news recently is that John has graduated from BYU. He earned a bachelor of science degree in computer science. This means he's a software engineer. Now the job hunt is on... He's spent the last week kind of recovering but starting this week he's looking. He's anxious to get to work and start using the skills he's learned to earn money. His graduation was wonderful. Tom and Amy were there (so was his father and paternal grandmother)and I was able to be there. I so much appreciate the example John set in perseverance and determination to get through the program. It's been an ordeal because he had health problems which caused him to lose time. I'm so proud of him.
I have often told my kids that the difference between those with degrees and without degrees is that those with degrees stay with it and do whatever it takes. John's a total example of that.
Jeremy (Abby's husband) is now back to school and he's getting a degree in computer science from WSU Tri-Cities. He's still teaching and it will take a few years. Abby's trying to decide what she's going to do about more school. And, I'm about a year to a year and a half from finishing my doctorate. I won't know what I'll do when I finish... I'll have free time again and I can't remember what that feels like!
Tom is freelancing as a writer and he's very talented and having a great deal of success. Amy's so supportive and recognizes his talent and is working along side of him to make this happen. More power to them.
So, for awhile, I have a roommate. I've just become used to living a lone (it only took me about 5 years) and now John's here for awhile. I am actually enjoying it. I'm in no hurry to have him leave.
The best news recently is that John has graduated from BYU. He earned a bachelor of science degree in computer science. This means he's a software engineer. Now the job hunt is on... He's spent the last week kind of recovering but starting this week he's looking. He's anxious to get to work and start using the skills he's learned to earn money. His graduation was wonderful. Tom and Amy were there (so was his father and paternal grandmother)and I was able to be there. I so much appreciate the example John set in perseverance and determination to get through the program. It's been an ordeal because he had health problems which caused him to lose time. I'm so proud of him.
I have often told my kids that the difference between those with degrees and without degrees is that those with degrees stay with it and do whatever it takes. John's a total example of that.
Jeremy (Abby's husband) is now back to school and he's getting a degree in computer science from WSU Tri-Cities. He's still teaching and it will take a few years. Abby's trying to decide what she's going to do about more school. And, I'm about a year to a year and a half from finishing my doctorate. I won't know what I'll do when I finish... I'll have free time again and I can't remember what that feels like!
Tom is freelancing as a writer and he's very talented and having a great deal of success. Amy's so supportive and recognizes his talent and is working along side of him to make this happen. More power to them.
So, for awhile, I have a roommate. I've just become used to living a lone (it only took me about 5 years) and now John's here for awhile. I am actually enjoying it. I'm in no hurry to have him leave.
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