Coming Home is one of life's best moments. I believe it will be one of the next life's best moments also. So this blog is dedicated to what I view as the best moments of life.
I know I had some rough days and crazy nights raising 9 children. I could tell some stories that would amaze, but believe me when I say that the predominant emotion in my mother heart at this stage of life is gratitude.
This is the feeling that was spilling over this weekend--my birthday weekend, my can-a-day-be-good enough-to-meet-my-impossible-expectations weekend. It was blessing day for our newest little Stoker darling, Jemma Nicole.
Gabe and I dressed in church clothes, packed some snacks, loaded Papa Stoker's rolls into the car, and commenced the 3 hr. journey early Sunday morning. Gabe took the opportunity to solidify life skills by driving on the freeway through Atlanta. Luckily, traffic is decidedly light at 7:00 am on Sunday.
We drove right to the church to meet up with #3 son and his beautiful family and my friend, his mother-in-law. A few minutes after we arrived, #4 son and his beautiful family joined us on the pew. I had been looking forward to the event, but I was not prepared for the joy that burst in my heart as I sat in church, surrounded by my posterity. When my 2 valiant sons joined in the circle as Jemma's father gave her a blessing, I wanted to shout to the world the happiness that awaits a mother who accepts the challenge of inviting children into her home to love and teach. Loud crying and tantrums and insanity? I vaguely remember it. But guess what I have now? Lovely adult friends who's company I thoroughly enjoy and grandchildren--beautiful, squishy, brilliant, hilarious grandchildren.
Since Caden and Lucy were going to the nursery class during Sunday School, I decided that's where I would be going also. I tried to be helpful. I tried to not play favorites, but Grandmas know what Grandkids need so that's where I tried to be the most helpful.
Lucy's toys of choice: goggles, cell phone, baby and thermometer.
Cars for Caden
So stinkin cute
After church we went to the house and had a delicious lunch, took some pictures and relaxed a bit. My birthday needs had been met by the association with loved ones, but my friend had made a fabulous birthday strawberry cheesecake which blew the top off of the party, and I was favored with a magical rendition of "Happy Birthday."
Baby Jemma in the blessing dress her mother wore.
Meet Redmond.
Daddy's little girl
Grandma Black knows what Jemma wants.
Jemma's all changed into something more comfortable.
Couch Picture!
Time passed quickly and then it was time to end the fun until next time. Impossible expectations met.
PS My birthday continued to surprise and delight as phone calls, gifts, cards, etc. arrived. Thank you, kind loved ones.
Last week I recognized that I needed to exercise, for sure, today. I decided to walk down to the lake and back. I pulled up a conference talk on my phone and set out. When I got to the lake parking lot, I stepped off of the sidewalk and onto the black top and made an about face. As I did, this impression came to my mind, "Are you going to come all that way and not be healed?" I had reached my goal, but was going to skip the best part, the lake. So, I turned around and went the extra mile, er yards, to stroll along the dock, gaze into the water, feel the breeze, and look for turtles.
As I walked back through my neighborhood, (up some very challenging hills) I thought of other applications for this principle. When I read my scriptures do I get to the next chapter and close the book, or read until I feel something and learn something and change? When I go to church do I turn around in the metaphorical parking lot or go all the way to renew covenants with the Savior, remember Him, receive and share his love, and let it heal me.
My to do list is a great tool. I just need to remember that I want to do more than check things off. I want to grow into something beautiful, loving and good.
