In Memory of Shirley

Memorial Day has never been about loved ones who have passed away for me. Mainly because I have never lost anyone close to me. You see, I am fortunate enough to have even my grandparents alive and well. I realized a couple of months ago that this is not the case for my children. Corey lost his grandmother, Shirley, when he was serving an LDS mission. She died of cancer. When Ethan was just a baby my Mother-in-Law gave him a little teddy bear angel bearing the name "Grandma Shirley." I have always kept it with Ethan's stuffed animals and he has always known it was special. A couple of months ago I went in the help Ethan clean his room. When I walked in he was sitting on the floor holding the angel teddy bear and reading the name on it. He said, "Mom, I don't even know Grandma Shirley." And very softly he started to cry. I was so taken back. Ethan is a tender-hearted boy with emotions very close to the surface, but somehow this reaction to his teddy bear shocked me. I hugged him and told him that I never knew her either. I told him that his daddy would be happy to tell him all about her. So, he put the bear on his bed instead of the normal stuffed animal box so he would "remember to ask Dad about her."
I think he forgot about it the rest of the day, but when we knelt down to pray he began to cry again. He told his Dad the samething he told me about not knowing "Grandma Shirley." Corey and he hugged and cried a bit before Corey began to tell him about his grandma. I stayed there on my knees watching this interaction and I began to miss a woman I had never known. From what I hear about her she was amazing! I would have loved to have known such a woman.
Corey and I have not been to Shirley's grave our entire married life...at least not together. I am not sure of the times he has gone without me. But we knew we needed to go this memorial day...for Ethan's sake. He is filled with so many questions about death that it is hard to answer them all. We decided to take him to see where Shirley is buried. It was a great experience for Ethan.

Izzy (2), Ethan (6), and Ellie (8 mos) in front of the tombstone.

Izzy looking at the flowers.Ethan drew a picture for her. We tied a ribbon around it and he put some plastic carnations in it.

Getting a little emotional.

While we were at the cemetary Corey's grandpa said, "Ya know, she's just not here." He smiled a knowing smile. I thought about the peace knowing the gosepl brings to those who have lost loved ones. That statement would sound so lonely to anyone else, but here was a widower who said it with a smile. Although I am sure he would much rather have her with him, those words expressed a silent gratitude for a loving Father and his perfect plan. I would think that such knowledge is what will sustain me when I am faced with such a challenge.

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

Opposites Attract! At least that's what "they" say. I don't know who "they" are, but "they" got it right in mine and Corey's case. Seriously, we could not be more different. However, we are alike where it matters.
My husband rocks because he embraces our differences and does not try to change who I am. I know I can drive him absolutely crazy sometimes, but he never loses his temper with me. He is definitely the patient one and since we are extremely opposite you can guess how I am in the patience department. In fact, instead of losing his patience and getting upset, he seems to really try to understand my thought process (which is an exercise in futility).

SO...Thanks Babe for letting me be me and loving me anyway.

Family Home Evening: Aquatic Center

I think this is the only smile we got from Izzy. She was terrified of the water!! It was actually quite comical. Look at Ellie just relaxing in the floaty. Oh to be a baby!

Ethan is a water bug and always has been.
He is a pleasure to swim with because he absolutely loves it.

Ellie got a bit too relaxed. I think it's time to go home.

My Hubby

MY HUSBAND IS AMAZING!!

Corey is a remarkable business man. I think he has got to be one of the most driven people I know. He works so hard and lights up when he sees success. Corey's always lived by the mantra "It's okay to fail." That is the precise reason he is such a risk taker. He rarely voices his discouragement or setbacks, but I know they come. Corey is a very positive person and always willing to serve. He loves the Savior and the gospel. I have never seen anyone retain information so well. Corey has a fault in that brain that somehow holds everything he learns, as well as all the lyrics from every 80's song ever written. He is amazing at trivia, especially pop culture trivia.
Corey is a wonderful father. I can not think of anything that means more to him that his children (okay, maybe his wife;)). He plays with his kids whenever he gets a free moment. He is his son's hero and his daughters' shining Knight. They adore him almost as much as he adores them. He prays for them, laughs with them and secretly hurts when they are hurting. I think he will make a great father of teenagers, too. Let's hope at least one of us will handle those years well.
Corey is my perfect match. Neither Corey nor I believe in a "soul mate," but if I did he would be mine. I am sure no other man can bring me such happiness. I smile when I think of his laugh and the silly things we've done together. He is so loving and involved. Although he could seriously care less about my various crafts and creations, he is the first with a compliment. He cares about my happiness and wants me to succeed in every and any endeavor. Corey is 100% understanding of me having to have a night out. I could have three in one week and he would be fine with that. He may not understand why I have to go out; the fact that it's important to me is reason enough. I love him!

And those are just a few reason why my husband is amazing!!

Thoughts on Mother's Day

Can I just say what a wonderful day I think Mother's Day is? I really enjoyed reflecting on my calling as a mother. I think it is a wonderful thing that Heavenly Father made such a role as MOTHER for human-kind. Not just because that is the vessel by which we are born, but because of how unique a mother's role is over every other person in our lives. (I hope I am making sense.)
I have teachers, friends, and leaders who have touched my life in remarkable and wonderful ways, but there is not a soul on this Earth who has influenced me and guided me and loved me like my mother. For that (and so much more) I am incredibly grateful! Thanks, Mom!

"My Husband Rocks" Friday!

My husband rocks because one of his favorite movies is CASABLANCA. I love that he watches it with me. We snuggle on the couch and talk about the time when movies used to be truly great!

See why other hubby's rock at Love Actually...and join in the fun.