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.
July has a built-in firecracker start (get it?) 4th of July is just a great holiday. The patriotism brings the emotion. Red, white and blue are snappy colors that don't get worn enough. And the city plans the party for me. All I have to do is provide the food. The secret that can't be underestimated, however, is that the celebration must be with loved ones. I guess that's the secret to every special day. I'm very thankful to Nathan and Ariane and Caden for driving the 3 hours to be with us. They were the highlight of the holiday.
The celebration of freedom began with a musical fireside at our church on Sunday night. Paul and I were singing in the choir. (The choir needs Paul and I need choir.) Gabe was part of the flag ceremony and played the snare on 2 of the songs. He came in strong.
Monday was the day Nathan was off of work, so Monday was the day we had our family celebration.
We can always use a little more music
Caden wasn't feeling great, but would rise to the occasion when he could.
Signs that a grandchild might be in the vicinity.
Ladder Ball-my first time playing
2 lovely people + one on the way
What Dad's do on 4th of July. The blow torch leaves no doubt.
Nice form,
Our family had to leave us, but Paul and Gabe were good Independence Day sports, and we went to the famous Peachtree City golf cart parade. It's a beautiful thing. Not too far away. Not too long. Not too crowded. We salute the flag, say "Hey" to the people we know, cheer the floats and then go home when we feel like it. Happy 4th of July, USA. Consider yourself celebrated.
The next amazing summer event was planned by my sister, Carrie. She texted us and said, "We're cleaning out Mom and Dad's house and having a yard sale. If you want to help, come to Manti, UT on July 13-15. I did want to help. I especially wanted to help Carrie and her husband Gabe because they know how to get things done.
I got on the plane and then the train and then my daughter's sweet roommate picked me up and took me to their apartment. It was so fun to meet one of Rebecca's favorite people. That evening we attended to Provo City Center temple. It was wonderful being with those beautiful, kind girls.
I stayed with my brother-in-law and his family and then headed out to Manti. I remember driving to Manti from Provo to see my Grandparents when I was a little girl. The road was soooooooo long. When we finally saw this come into view we would jump for joy. Well, it was actually more like a small, car hop.The Manti temple beckons us from its place on the hill, not just to Grandma's and Grandpas', but to our real home in heaven.
When I arrived, of course everything was well in hand. Gabe was running the yard sale. He seems harmless, but somehow people walked away with many more purchases than they had planned. And they felt good about it. Those are skills, people. Carrie was cleaning like a mad woman. Megan and Travis and their kids came to work, so there was plenty of help to go around. And, bonus-I was with some of my favorite people. That's why I did more talking than working. Sorry not sorry.
Megan's Susie and Ivy, Megan, and Carrie
Megan's Eliza, Miller and husband Travis
Megan, me and Carrie
Gabe
On Friday night, there was a knock on the door and this sweet neighbor came by to say "Hello." In our conversation she mentioned that her husband's family had homesteaded my parent's place. This was meaningful because my Dad had painted a picture of this family and it seemed to just belong to the land. It didn't feel right taking it away. What would be the meaning of it in GA or any other state? I was happy to give it to her so it could be with the right people in the right place.
Saturday, Carrie and Gabe finished up and I drove over to visit my parents in Richfield. My mom took me for Chinese Food. I remember her taking me for Chinese food when I was a little girl. Mom always ordered root beer.
Saturday night I drove back to Provo area and visited my sweet niece and her husband . She was courageously living in the hospital while her little momo twins were growing. They're here now. I'm so proud of her for living with faith, hope and courage.
I was also able to spend a bit of time with my sweet Lucy and Red. They and their beautiful mom, Clarissa, were staying with their other grandparents who are fantastic people, by the way. They are now living altogether with their dad in North Carolina, (who stopped by my house on the way) and I hope to see them again very soon.
Sunday, I went to church with Miss Rebecca. I enjoyed listening to her teach Sunday school. I was then treated to an afternoon jam session with our family friend, McKay. All in all, a wonderful day. And then I got on the plane and then the car and drove home.
For years, my sister, Mary, has been inviting me to join her at BYU-I education week. This is something I've wanted to do since I went to BYU Provo ed week as a 17 yr. old. I hadn't been available till this year. Getting to Idaho Falls is tricky, but I decided to go for it. The weekend didn't disappoint. The classes were inspiring, the concerts-terrific, and the company heavenly. We got to visit with another darling niece and her baby and husband. I'm definitely looking forward to a repeat.
We had one last visit from Carrie and Gabe and kids, and I took one last trip up to Detroit and now the summer is over.
