A blessed life

 In life, we can choose which path to travel down. As I lay here reflecting on this last year and all the crazy events, I choose to see the good. Our family has grown tremendously this year and had opportunities to love and serve. I feel like things are going to be on the up from here too. It was just a little over a year ago when Aubree fell asleep at the wheel and totaled her car but that led to a friendship with the Dickey’s. Living out of our home for seven months has helped me become more calm in the mess still because I’m glad to be home. People reached out and lifted u; most Sundays we were invited to members homes to eat. Money taken from the hotel, a fire pit taken, and three cars broken into has helped me realize the Lord is protecting us. Things do not matter, people and relationships do. Will’s ax and black widow incident remind me he’s just a boy and after the funeral this past weekend, to always say I love you. 

A weekend to mourn and heal

I am not sure at the moment which is harder for a momma’s heart- your babies leaving home or seeing them hurt. An unexpected event led to our family of six being together for the weekend. While circumstances weren’t ideal for a visit, Ginny and Aubree  lost a friend last Saturday, and my heart aches for our girls, Jake, and all those who loved him (Dallin Floyd Baum). Jake and I know this was an important life experience that can lead to growth for our girls but mourning is hard. It was a weekend of piano, song, laughter, tears, friends hanging in the kitchen, and hugs. It ended too quickly, less than 48 hours together. I hope the mourning leads to healing quickly. It’s so hard to let them leave when they’re still mourning and sad.  I told Jake I just wish I could keep my kids with me forever. He jokingly said we could build a compound, followed by “Aren’t we glad our parents didn’t do that because I’d be missing out on the best parts of my life.”  He also said he was sad when they left too but if he has to be alone with anyone, he’s glad it’s me. 

On a side note, Saturday watching Jake on the stand, I realized even more that this is the time Lord needs him to be bishop. He is a comforter and in the almost two years as bishop now has done 8 funerals. He says the most beautiful things and shows up for people. My girls told me that he comforts and I make people do what they don’t want to do that needs to be done (I guess kinda like a reality check person). 

Aubree’s story with her singing one of the songs Dallin liked.

When Aubree arrived Friday, we took her to Gus’s friend chicken.

Saturday night group hug after a long day (funeral and celebration of life bonfire that night).

Laundry is not one of my favorite things to do but having 4 stacks waiting to be put away reminds me my little crew is under one roof. 

Ginny left right after sacrament Sunday but they all appeased me with a picture.

Happy 19th to our girl

She’s beauty but not much grace, she’s our Aubree Rae. Happy birthday to our determined, beloved, hard-working, Jesus loving, Aubree. We are so proud to call her our daughter and of the young lady she’s become. She loves fiercely and always worried for others. She has a righteous heart, loves to give to others, and scatters light where ever she is. We miss her like crazy but are so happy she’s enjoying college. 

The last two years she hasn’t felt much like celebrating with her totaling her car last year (9/3) and thus year her friend, Dallin Baum, was killed in a motorcycle accident (9/2).