A moment in time -

This is not a very "polished" set up - I was cleaning the glass in a photo montage we have - but I was thinking that this is truly a "snapshot" of a particular time in our lives.

A year after these photos were taken, we were at another "crazy spot" in our lives:  one in college, one in high school, one in middle school, one in elementary school, one in nursery school, and one at home in diapers!  Now that was a hectic, busy time!!

But all too soon it seemed that everyone had zoomed on to new horizons, and we were empty-nesters.  We still are in fact!

Sometimes I look at or listen to young moms, and I want to say, "It's not earth-shattering, what you are fretting over. It will end all too soon.  You will look back and see it as the easiest time of all!"

When we were at the U, and we only had Bonny, our bishop said, "You are not going to believe me, but these are the easiest times of your life.  It is only going to get harder, more complicated, more difficult - and you will look back in longing for these slow, easy days!!'

He was right - we didn't believe him.  I thought he was just waxing poetic for effect.  And he was right - they were the easiest times of all.  I look back on them fondly.

I mostly wish I could remember more details - wish I'd kept a journal, taken more photos, stayed in touch with everyone - but the memories that do linger are lovely ones.

As are the memories of having six beautiful children under one roof for a brief but happy time.

Thinking thankfully -

I absolutely recall the night this photo was taken.  Bonny was home from school for a weekend or something and everyone was kind of horsing around.  Then we decided to take a photo and someone suggested a pyramid shot - this was as close as we could get!!

Having children spread out over 17 years can be challenging - but it can also be a blessing.  I'm so grateful that our kids chose to see it as a blessing.  And grateful that they love one another!

A month of Thanksgiving!!

So I was thinking that with a new month,  I would try each day to think of something I am especially thankful for - and maybe find a photo to go along with it.

I certainly have more than 30 blessings, but I'm thinking it will be good to reflect on them all - and maybe ferret out 30 of them to mention specifically.

Blessing number 1 - the gift of motherhood.  I am pregnant with Eliza in this photo.  And I'm pretty sure that is Jamie in the photo with me.  Pregnancy has its ups and downs.  It's mostly a positive state - but nausea and swelling and other discomforts can get tiresome.  Except in retrospect. And then you wonder why you complained because the result was always so worth it.

Being a mother is a wonderful blessing in my life.  The older I get, the more I value my own mother.  The more I see in her the great love and sacrifice she endured for each of her children.  And the older I get, the more I love and value my own children.  What a joy when they call and express their love and appreciation.  What fun it is to see them and play rounds of Golf with them - or Scrabble - or just laugh and joke - especially the esoteric family jokes that no one else understands.  What deep and abiding satisfaction comes as you see your children becoming wonderful parents and adults themselves.

Children - truly an heritage of the Lord!

At the close of Bontober!!

We do have a family full of folks born in October - but only one who celebrates Bontober - with such vim and verve too!!

So let me just say Happy Bontober to you - it's been a good month - hope the memories last all year!!

Thoughts about baby Jonah

Four months ago today, our sweet baby Jonah returned home to his Father in Heaven. I was asked to give a talk in the Mountain View Ward on seeking guidance from the Lord. So I talked about our family's experience with Jonah, and how we had all needed continual guidance as we navigated the days we had here with him.

The days after have required navigating also. I came across this poem a few weeks ago - I had thought about it but couldn't recall enough details to locate it. I found it somewhat serendipitously - and thought I would share it. It is by Carol Lynn Pearson.

To A Child Gone

I thought I was ahead of you in line.
You would take your turn
After I took mine,
Like we did before.

I guess you don't need new shoes
For starting heaven
Or a light left on against the dark
The way I always did.
But I'm so used to parenting
I wanted just to be there -
To do whatever needed to be done.

But you went first.
And now, my little one,
Suddenly you are my senior.
Morning, I know, will come.
But bring close your light -
This time it is I who fear the night.