Fight the good fight.

So here we are: Covid-19, earthquakes, tornados, economic uncertainty, mental illness, injustice, addiction, cancer, violence, immorality... My wee little brain is just trying to not worry and be happy. I recognize, however, that we are part of an exciting time. An exciting time with a lot of work to do. You could say we're fighting an uphill battle. Fighting a battle isn't a fun idea or a relaxing idea, but it's an empowering idea and a proactive idea, and it helps me get up off of my scaredy-cat couch and out of my "I'm a victim" bed.

In order to have a proper battle, one must have a cause and an opponent. At first glance it feels like we're fighting to live, and we are, but I believe the cause is more than that. We are fighting to live well, not only for this life, but for eternity. And make no mistake, we are being attacked. Our families, health, religious convictions, and values all need to be defended.

My most difficult battle is the battle I am fighting in my own mind. And it changes from minute to minute. What's it going to be-perfectionism, apathy, selfishness, anger, pridefulness, appetite, laziness, intolerance, fear, discouragement?  I realize that my battle needs a hero, and I have one.

In the Book of Mormon there are two warriors, Moroni and Zerahemnah and here's how it went  down: The armies of Moroni "were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church. And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God...And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness and the anger of the [army of Zerahemnah], they were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts--yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from bondage. And it came to pass that they turned upon the [army of Zerahemnah], and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their freedom from bondage. And they began to stand against the [army of Zerahemnah] with power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the [army of Zerahemnah] began to flee before them; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon. Now, the [army of Zerahemnah] was more numerous, yea, by more than double the number of the [army of Moroni] nevertheless, they were driven insomuch that they were gathered together in one body in the valley, upon the bank  of the river Sidon. Therefore the armies of Moroni encircled them about, yea, even on both sides of the river...when Zerahemnah saw that they were encircled about by the armies of Moroni they were struck with terror."

 At this point Moroni commands the army of Zerahemnah to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed. What stands out to me is what Moroni says next:"Ye know that ye are in our hands, yet we do not desire to slay you. But now, ye behold that the Lord is with us; and ye behold that he has delivered you unto our hands. And now I would that ye should understand that this is done unto us because of our religion and our faith in Christ. And now ye see that ye cannot destroy this our faith. Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.

Our safety and sure victory lies in our faith in God. Just as He strengthened the arms and gave power to Moroni's army in his battle. He will strengthen us and send help in these challenging and overwhelming times. We needn't be afraid, only committed. We have work to do. God will impress upon our hearts what we should do with these precious minutes with our family and away from our busyness. Where is our list of good things we wanted to do when we had time? It's time to shine and fight the good fight. God is at the helm and we have a prophet to guide us. Watch for the miracles because they're on their way.  And when the opportunity comes for us to act with courage in doing good. Don't shrink. Our cause is just.                                                                                         

A long, long, time ago, actually October, 2019 when I met Rowan Thomas.

It wasn't until October that life worked out so I could travel to be with the California crew:  Nathan, Ariane, Caden, Jemma, Rowan, Jacob, Alexa, Isla, Theo, and Clementine. I don't get to see my kids and grand kids as much as I'd like, and when a new person has come from heaven, I'm always very anxious until I meet them.

I went to Sacramento via SLC where I stopped to visit my sis and family for a couple of days. On the way home from the airport we stopped at a very fall-y place for a treat for Melinda. (Dan is very good to her.) Atlanta lacks a little in the fall department where we're hard pressed to feel that nip in the air so I was loving this sight.

 There are a lot of beautiful things happening in the Christensen family. This guy for one. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him and his cute personality.  If anyone's looking for an upstanding, good hearted, handsome, athletic man who can bake, he's your guy. And did I say I wanted to feel a nip in the air? Cancel that. I'm not a snow fan.

Sunday afternoon was a blast visiting with my niece, Ashley, and her cute family. I'm thankful for the time I spent with my sister, Melinda, who struggles with many health challenges. I'm inspired by her because even though she has to rest a lot, she is still learning and improving. She shared a water color with me that looks great hanging in my bathroom-so many talents.

Monday, it was on to Sacramento where I was picked up by Ariane and her 3 darlings. Caden kept me amazed by his navigation and correct reading of street signs. Whatever he's interested in, he masters. Jemma is a beautiful princess and mermaid and Rowan-Hello really cute person. Thanks for coming to our family.

  As I recall, I didn't do much to help. Ariane had meals prepared, activities planned, laundry done and all was in order. Basically, we just played. Admittedly, having fun with 3 young children always takes a little effort and there may or may not have been a tear or 2 (just to let you know the experience was real). Ariane taught me how to decorate cookies with Royal Icing. She was patient as I attempted to stay in the lines, each cookie looking a little better than the last. Progress, right? The kids joined in and if they take after their mom, they'll be pros in no time.

On one special day we drove to Nathan's work for lunch.  Can I tell you how gratifying it is to see a son and his family who worked so hard in college to get in to med school and continued with blood sweat and tears to graduate and complete residency working as a Doctor?  I felt joyful and proud.

Then we multiplied the fun by adding the Jacob Stokers to the party. Apple Hill never disappoints. Something about fall and apple trees and fish ponds and apple fritters and family. It's one of my favorite combinations.  

I just love each of these faces

See this guy? I love watching his gentle way with his beautiful children: Theo, who's an excellent guy and irresistible Clementine.

I was super lucky to be in CA for the cute and very clever Isla's birthday. We made our own pizza which is a fancy deal with Alexa's family. You know-feta, balsamic vinegar, Himalayan salt, etc.  I got so involved with the fun process that I'm afraid I missed out on some of the magic happening on the porch where the Dads and kids were making it great.

The awesome Dad's supervising the pinata.

There was confetti cake and happiness and then it was over. See you in June at the family reunion for more spectacular adventures! OXOXOX

Sir Miles Aaron

There is a special place in NC where knights and ladies dwell, unless they're being Nala and Simba or riding bikes. This is the place to which I flew. The youngest knight in the land is Sir Miles Aaron. He is fearless and bold, making his needs known, but melting hearts of all his subjects in the kingdom.

It was a short visit, but we were able to play probably 2,000 games of "Sleeping Queens." These little cuties were worthy opponents, although I realized I needed to stay on my toes when one Redmond played 5 random numbers on the discard pile and convincingly announced, "Math." They actually play most games better than I do and I learned a lot. They taught me how to play "Lion King" which was new and I'm thankful, even though I had to be Pumba or Timone. We had a great adventure outside. They showed me how they can ride their bikes like a boss, and then we became knights.

 We each grabbed a weapon and practiced throwing javelins in the front yard. Then we fled to Pine cone Town. Lucy showed me her special place to stand which was much more dangerous than her brother's special place to stand because she's older and likes scarier things. ;) Next we ran to the back yard to fight the foe. I thought I knew what would happen next, we'd stab the bad guys and they'd be dead, but no. Lucy enlightened me with a much more civilized method. We would leave lunch on the porch. The bad guys would see it, stop to eat, and we would outrun them.

The next day their sweet Momma went outside for the adventure and I got to snuggle Sir Miles.

I didn't get to see their hardworking Dad very much. He works long hours at the hospital, but I was a proud Mom when I saw the loving Dad notes he left every morning complete with math problems and original art work.

This is a great land to dwell. See you soon.

Speaking of Grandchildren, which I will, because I have lots of time on my hands with the COVID-19 lockdown.

This is the week where we have been excused from everything; church, school, large group meetings, etc. It was lovely at first. I read, relaxed, watched YouTube. Today, however, I'm realizing I love church and the people there. I love going to the temple. I love watching sports events. I know I'll do all these things again, and I'm all about flattening the curve, but I'm just sayin'. If my posterity wants to know how I felt in March 2020 when the world was cancelled. That's how.

I've had a few stories to tell about some excellent visits in the past month or two but just haven't gotten around to telling them. So I'm taking this great gift of time to get the job done. Oh, and one more thing: I'm sick. I'm not deathly ill. I have a cough and sore throat but no fever, my voice is hoarse and I sound like the kind of person that would be beaten and cast out of society if I ventured into the grocery store during the Corona Virus Pandemic, and of course I'm not that kind of person. I'm staying in. I just wanted to make sure I didn't leave out any details of this historic experience.

My first adventure in 2020 was to Walla Walla, Washington to visit Gideon Paul Erickson.

 He wasn't the first baby born to our family this year, but he was the first I was privileged to meet. The trip started, as many do, with a Christmas miracle. I was in SLC trying to fly to Tri-Cities, WA and looking at a full flight.  Unfortunately for the family of 5 (thank you for your sacrifice and may you be blessed with excellent karma) they missed their connection and I was Washington bound. A fun surprise on the flight was that I ran into a family friend from my childhood-Kathy McCombs. That was a delightful coincidence.

 I was met at the airport by my wonderful son-in-law, Joseph, and 3 fun and adorable grandchildren. We drove the hour to Walla Walla where I saw new sights and learned that not only is it famous for onions, its real money maker is wineries. Walla Walla University is run by the 7th Day Adventist church. This makes for a nice culture, but if one doesn't plan well there can be some real disappointment when there are commercial needs on Saturday.

The greatest asset belonging to that fair city, in my opinion, is this guy and his great family.

 It was all fun and games when I arrived, books, baby snuggles, church, photo shoots, but things quickly got real.

 Hyrum had been down with a fever. My heart melted during family night where he conducted from his blanketed place on the couch.  He weakly said, "Now we'll turn the time over to Grandma for the lesson."

He went to sleep that night with a resolve to be healed by the next day which was his birthday. I went to bed with complete trust that there would be sleeping that night. At 2 in the morning I was awakened by a sweet Alice sadly crying out in the darkness. A quick investigation revealed that she had thrown up.  We got her cleaned up, soothed and put back to bed. Just as I was re-entering the land of sleep she cried out again. Same problem. Same solution only this time a load of laundry started and a new, if not mismatched, sheet. That wasn't quite enough for her body to be freed from the problem, so we had 1 more little time together and then she was asleep. I will confess that I was the one that didn't limit her hot dog intake. Grandmas say "yes" right? Another journey into the land of sleep and then Emmaline woke up. She had had an unfortunate accident also requiring new sheets and another load of laundry. I felt very needed and I'm glad there were more hands to fight the good fight that is parenthood of young children.

Hyrum's birthday was a splendid day. His genius mother had prepared, and even though Gideon came earlier than planned, we had all the supplies we needed to make Hyrum's day special. He did recover so while he was at school the girls and I prepared for his celebration by cleaning and decorating his room with freshly painted banners, rainbow pictures and streamers.

budding artist and appreciator of beauty

Is there a problem here?

A happy 6 year old

 The rest of the week went by quickly with lots of projects and fun, but this story can't be complete without sharing this song which goes to a book which we read and sang many, but never enough, times as we rocked in the rocking chair or sat snuggled in the couch. And when it all came to an end, Emmaline melted my heart when she told her mother, "I don't want Grandma to go. I want her to be ours." I am yours, baby girl. <3

 An important fact in this story is that it rained every day while I was there.

This became impactful on the day I was to return. Joseph loaded the sweet children into the car as we embarked on the journey to the airport. Unfortunately, the main road to the Pasco was closed. We took the alternate route. After driving about 10 miles we discovered that road to be washed out. It felt very adventurous. Joseph researched and found the backup alternate route and we made it to the airport at the time my flight was leaving. No go fo sho. I flew to SLC instead of Atlanta and spent a lovely time with these good friends who had been on a mission in Atlanta and whom I miss dearly. They took me in for the weekend, shared their beautiful family and then, as only very good friends will, took me to the airport at 5:00 am. Love these people.

As it tuns out, these good people live in a house built 2 blocks from where my grandma lived when I was growing up. They even go to the same church building.