Being A Mom

Its Mother's Day in a few weeks and I was reflecting on it in the car today. As I look back on my life it really seems like a roller coaster. You can have a "perfect" day & then WHAM something happens & you wonder what happened. I can't complain by any means…. I wouldn't trade my life for anyone elses', but I still have a lot to learn!! As I listen to my daughters, young mothers in the ward & read some of your blogs I remember being a mom with little children. I wondered if I was ever going to have a "clean home," if I would ever be able to "sleep in," if the fighting between the kids would ever stop, if I could just fit one more thing into one day, or if I always had to be the "mean mom." As I look back now I realize that most of "life's" lessons we learn, are from our children. All of these worries were "earthly worries" not things we'll have to worry about in the next life. In my Patriarchial Blessing it says, "Now the greatest of happiness that can come to you on the face of the earth is of raising children unto our Heavenly Father." I have reflected on this again and again & I have to say that it is a TRUE statement. Even though being a mom has been the hardest thing I've ever done, it has brought me the greatest of happiness! I wouldn't trade any of my travels, no amount of money or any worldly possessions for being a mom. C.S. Lewis said, "The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only--and that is to support the ultimate career." I'm so thankful that Russ obtained a good career so I could stay home with our kids. Life throws us all challenges and bumps in the road at times, but I'm so grateful I've always had the Savior to turn to in those times. I truly admire many of the young mothers I see now and the patience & love that they have with their children. Hang in there and enjoy the journey:)

Jacob & Janette

Last week after Jacob and Janette finished their finals at BYUI they drove up to Washington to spend a week with us. We had so much fun getting to know Janette and we already love her!!

Jacob & Janette were VERY brave and went wake boarding….the water was 53 degrees.

We spent Thursday night at the lake and woke up to a BEAUTIFUL morning. I love it when the sun is  blasting through the windows in the morning:)

Russ had a great idea to take the ferry to Seattle. We drove to Bremerton and then took an hour ferry ride that dropped us off right by Pike's Place Market.

The Gum Wall

We had LOTS of samples at Pike's Place.

We took a ride to the top of the needle and it was a great day for views of Seattle.

Mt. Rainer from the needle.

There was a group from Ecuador by the Space Needle playing music that we enjoyed listening to.

There's nothing like seeing one of your children in love and so happy! We are so excited for Jacob and Janette to start their new life together.  We're also excited to have a new member of our family that is a beautiful young woman:)

Cute Kids

I wanted to post this picture with my last post, but took this while Kristy and Wes were gone and enlarged it for them as a surprise. They received it in the mail today so now I can post it. It was amazing that we got this in their own yard in 5 minutes!! Thanks kids for being so cooperative:)

Kelston, Matsen, Shelten & Jazlyn

Kansas

Russ had a few days off so we took a trip to Olathe, Kansas to visit Kristy and her family. Its been hard having her so far away when she used to be only 2 1/2 hours away. We had a great time visiting with them and watching the kids while Wes and Kristy went on a little get-away for a few days to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I wished we lived closer to all of our grandkids so we could take them on outings frequently!! They are at the age now where its so fun:)

One day after school we took the kids to a park called "The Deanna Rose Park." Its set up like an old town with an old bank, barber shop, school, etc.  I wish we would have had more time, but it closed at 5:00 so we were a little rushed.

Kelston

Jazlyn, Matsen & Kelston

The kids love their "papa"

Matsen learned what a "dunce" cap was. That must have been so embarrassing to wear back in the day.

Jazlyn & Shelten

Kelston

They had a handcart there.

One of my friends who lived in Germany when we did, Shannon Wilson, lives in Kansas now and she came by for a visit. It was so good to see her. Her daughter, Natalie is in Kristy's ward. They were in Merrie Miss together. 

We had an Easter egg hunt.

We colored eggs & Kelston loved deviled eggs & egg salad sandwiches he had for the first time.

Mother/daughter time….yea!

My sister Delina crocheted these cute gloves for Jazlyn and she loved them.

Jazlyn looking very grown up!!

Shelten enjoying the chocolate coconut cream pie:)

Of course no trip to Kansas City would be complete without some great barbecue.

I miss these guys already!! Thanks for letting us come visit and being such great hosts!!