What sleepless nights?

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.

Triple threat celebration

You probably heard, because it was a pretty big deal, there were huge happenings in Beaverton, OR on the weekend of May 6-8, 2016. Miss Annabelle was getting baptized, it was Brandon's birthday and Mother's Day. Not one to miss a party with loved one's involved, I made my way across the country to get in on the fun.

I went to Beaverton by way of Washougal to spend some time with this terrific sister and her truly fantastic family.

These are some of her cute kids:

Susie and Miller

 And speaking of childhood responsibilities, have you ever seen such a beautiful diorama? Where is the visible Nike swoosh and Lego guys with a few leaves strewn about and a rock glued but nonetheless rolling around on the floor? I would put this on a living room table for all the world to admire.

Ivy

Tommy graciously gave up his room for me. His bed was super comfortable, but the best part was getting a glimpse of the good things that are happening in this family.

In my opinion, if a teenager's bed stand contains The New Era, scriptures, his scout book, a Newberry honor reading book, and a mission savings bank, this is a pretty great teenager. But it's not surprising with a Dad that motivates like this:

I had a great visit with Megan. We talked into the night. Then it was on to the grandchildren.  oxox

Josh

Isaac

Eli

Okay, this is a bouncy house, in the living room. Genius. Why didn't I think of this when I had a house full of rowdy little sweethearts?

At the Brandon and Mallory Stoker house I learned about the"Kids Baking Championship" TV show. It's a favorite watch for them, and that's why my grandchildren use words like "savory" and "fondant". Then I was treated to a demonstration of their yard baking skills.

Cake

Taco

I was also privileged to be shown the secret hideout, but I can't tell you the password.

Sometime in the night the cousins and Mallory's sister and brother-in-law came. They heard about the celebration also. That ramped up the fun and brought the reveler count up to 13. Saturday morning started early with the mom's going running, (not the grandma) wheat pancakes for the kids and a birthday date for Brandon and me. We went to "La Provence" for delicious poached eggs on croissants and butternut squash hash browns. We stopped by REI where outdoor dreams come true and got home just in time to get ready for the next event.

Mallory's parents and Megan and her girls joined us at the church for Annabelle's baptism. What a special day. Not only was my granddaughter getting baptized, but this was the first time I witnessed a son baptizing his child. I was not prepared for the overwhelming feelings of love and gratitude I felt as a mother and grandmother.

We all gathered back at the house for a very nice lunch that Mallory prepared and even got to watch the streaming BYU track race from CA. This was exciting because Mal's brother Marcus was running, and although he isn't related to me, he's related to my relatives so I was still proud.

Baptism-check, lunch-check. On to the next celebration...Mother's Day! A babysitter came in to take care of the kids and the adults went out to dinner at the best restaurant in town...La Provence. Who cares if we had just gone there for breakfast? The dinner menu was completely different. It was so fun to be with the Dickson's. We hadn't been together since the kids got married. I'm thankful for special events that give us a reason to see each other again.

Sunday morning brought more Mother's Day. I watched this sweet son out my window, gathering flowers for the mothers in his life and teaching his sons to do the same.

happiness

And how about this amazingness?

Made for mom by the birthday boy. That's love.

After church I got in a great game of "Pretty Pretty Princess" with these studly cousins.

And then it was birthday celebration time with more delicious food, outdoor dining, and presents.

This tribute to Brandon was my favorite: Bikes to work really far. Awesome. Helpful. Dad. Owns a swing set. (He's definitely arrived.) Never mean. Thanks for everything.

That night I flew to GA full of gratitude for these wonderful people and the good things that are happening in their family. And can I say, Mallory handled a lot of excitement and people and food with love and amazing skills. She's the best.

And because I had an awesome substitute who is a very kind friend, I came in to seminary the next day to this: