"Fall"ing into it...

Last week it rained and rained. It was still hot and the humidity became an assault to our minds. Everyday, I would wake up and look at the gloom and rain outside and expect the weather to be cold. There is something in the air. You can feel the subtle changes that heralds autumn's splendor. Maybe it is the aisles and aisles of paper, pencils, backpacks and school lunch boxes in the stores that tells our minds that fall is here, but I don't think so. You can feel the changes in the air. All around you screams that change is coming, it is already beginning. It is like your whole being bristles with the excitement that the cool is coming. The beautiful scenery is going to become even more beautiful. Colors are going to explode. We are going to glory in cooler weather, pumpkins, watching the children go to school and back. We can hear the cheers from the football field. Apples crisp our taste buds and gourds are found on doorsteps and tabletops.
We took Tanner and Emma to the lake Saturday, late in the afternoon. The beach was nearly deserted. The wind was blowing so hard that each little pebble on the sand had its own hollowed out ripple. The water looked so cold and gray, a big contrast from the lively blues just a few weeks ago. Tanner picked up sand in his fists and as he raised his hands to look at it, the wind blew it into his eyes. He had to rub his sandy fingers into his eyes to relieve the burn. Emma went straight for the water. It had to be so cold...no one was in the water. But it was warm enough that it took only a few minutes to get in and wet. I sat on the beach and marveled at the splendor. The sun sparkling against the water, the wind blowing so strongly. Sailboats whipping back and forth, taking advantage of the day. We are falling into autumn. It is hard to say good-bye to summer, so very hard. I don't want to let go of it. I look again at the world around me trying to align my heart and mind to the change that is inevitable. It is unmistakable. It is a glorious time of the year. The transition is so subtle, so gradual. Yet whether we are ready or not we fall into the next season effortlessly. And as I fall into autumn I fall in love with it all over again.

My Kids

My Kids...they are just what I hoped they would be. They are working hard at living their lives in caring and responsible ways. They have an enthusiasm for all the right things. I observed so many things to be proud of during this reunion. I got so sentimental and reflective while we were together. I remembered each of them when they were little. I took a sacred walk through each stage of their youth. From diapers to driving to college, missions and marriage. Look at them now!
I remembered a conversation I had with my mother back in 1982. She said she didn't want to be my mother. She wanted to be my friend. She didn't want to wipe my nose or take care of me anymore. I don't relish the idea of wiping any of their noses, especially Kaleb's, but I will always want to be a mom...their mom. That particular role will always be my favorite one. The role of mother goes on through eternity. I cannot imagine being anything else in regard to them. As I have visited each of them, I have enjoyed them as adults but continue to love to be their mom. I know they don't need me much anymore but I love the opportunity to serve in that capacity when and how I can. They don't need me at all anymore but I value that relationship as a divine calling. It has been the greatest honor in my life, to be their mom. And as each of them marries, I appreciate the chance to be a part of their spouses lives as well. They are so dear to me.
I thought back to the history of this family and was left with so much gratitude.
I am so grateful to be sealed to these people. So grateful that through all the ups and downs Heavenly Father has been constantly there to help and guide me. So grateful for the testimonies that my children have grown into and continue to develop. So grateful for their love and support. So grateful for their diversity and differences...their common interests and love. Like their mother, they are far from perfect...but they are striving to get a little closer each day. My kids...I sure love them!!!!!!

A Lot of Choice Memories

It was such fun times.
Being with my children (and by that I mean their spouses, too).
Being with my grandchildren.
Being with my sisters and their families.
Being with my whole, entire family and watching them spend time with each other.
Getting to know each other again.
Simple pleasures...
I am left with choice, delightful memories.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!