Sunday thoughts for Mother's Day

I was blessed with both a mother and a grandmother who are women of faith. They love the Lord, they love each other, and they love me, and I consider all of those things to be gifts.

 

Grandma taught me about how the Spirit spoke to her frequently. She once told me that she didn't need an alarm - the Holy Ghost would wake her up whenever she needed to awake. I was a bit skeptical then, but I have experienced the same thing enough times now to know she was right. From her, I learned that our Heavenly Father cares about us and our lives, and that the Spirit can help and comfort us in endless ways.

My mom also taught me about promptings from the Spirit. She would return home from the grocery store and start putting things away, only to exclaim, "Oh! The Spirit told me to buy butter! I knew I should have gotten some!" Again, I doubted that the Holy Ghost would be concerned about her grocery list, but now I know from her example and from my own experience that the Lord cares about everything that matters to us. She taught me not to doubt, and to follow promptings.

Recently, I was reading the comments for the daily reading of @bofm365 (on Instagram, I highly recommend it). There was some discussion of Mosiah 3:19, one of my favorite scriptures. A commenter said something that really struck me: she said that she has learned to say "yes" whenever she receives a prompting from the Spirit. If she doesn't understand, or doesn't see how it is possible for her to act on it, she quickly prays, "Yes. How?" or "Show me." Almost immediately, the way is shown to her.

This pretty much rocked my world. I feel like a whole new perspective has opened up to me. I just need to internalize this, to shift to an instant willingness to be shown the way. It's not really my nature to be positive, optimistic. But I am absolutely going to work to adopt this "yes" attitude.

one year ago

It's hard to believe that one year ago today, my darling grandmother died.

I count it among my greatest blessings that I was able to be with her at the end, even though she was not conscious. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many family members who all loved her so much, and I am glad I was able to say goodbye to the woman who was so influential in my life.

And to hear the sweetest goodbye that her sweetheart offered.

Today I looked through the pictures I took at the hospice and during the funeral preparations. I decided that those were too sad. I prefer to remember her as she was right up until the end: vibrant, witty, unselfish, supportive, loving, refined.

Denise had the brilliant idea of marking this occasion by doing something that Grandma would have done: baking and then taking the goods to someone who could use a lift. I made her buttermilk bread (for the first time), and I will be delivering it tomorrow morning to the women that I visit teach, along with some Conference note-taking sheets.

My mom sent several of us a package, to be opened today, in remembrance of Grandma.

I think it's just perfect. I hung it up today above my kitchen window. Even though I think of Grandma often (maybe even more often now that she's not with us), I don't think I can have too many reminders.

Tonight when I got in the car, instrumental jazz was on. Normally, I would hurriedly switch the channel. But tonight, I left it on and just remembered how much she loved it.

I thought I might even do some ironing today. But then I thought, let's not get crazy...

Today was a happy day. I love remembering CJP, and how blessed I am to be a part of her family, and to be the recipient of her tutelage. Besides, I know she would want us to be happy.


p.s. Tomorrow starts General Conference weekend, one of my two favorite weekends of the year! www.sugardoodle.net has a bunch of printable packets for kids, an awesome packet for youth, and even a great page for adults taking notes (packet #10)! Now, off to mix up some of CJP's doughnut dough...

five for Friday

In addition to Jill's, I got another belated Christmas gift this week: my grandpa gave me a copy of the book Charlotte made about our grandmother's life. (She interviewed her before her death and transcribed the tapes into this book for all of us.) It is such a treasure!

I read it immediately. Although I already knew most of what she wrote, there were a few surprises, and it's just wonderful having it all documented and available for re-reading. I only wish it were longer! A big thank you to Grandpa and Charlotte.

I made a treasure chest cake for New Beginnings. The YW/YM theme for the year is the 13th Article of Faith, and we have decided to focus on the seeking good things and to be treasure-seekers. Although I made this cake 3 times in a row for Lucas's birthday with great success, the one I made yesterday started to completely fall apart in back.

I thought we were going to serve it after our program, but the advisers brought brownies and I came home with the cake intact. Max was shaking his head over the apparent inability of the young women to eat brownies and cake. My family was not complaining, though.

I have been wearing these shoes a lot (highly unusual). I have physical therapy three times a week now, and I felt rather foolish wearing street shoes.

I was measured for custom knee braces, only to find out that they are going to cost $380. Each. Out of pocket. (Insurance pays 80%.) I've had to think on that. I don't want to forego an important part of the treatment, but I also didn't factor in another $800 in our FSA! The jury's still out. The injection portion of the treatment starts next week!

Emily came over on Saturday to hang out with us and she's coming again tomorrow. It's really not too exciting around here, but I'm always glad that she wants to be here. She's so entertaining, and a great sport. She's content to do errands, cook together, or just hang out and knit. She pays attention to the kids and she likes to play games. She even offered to do some cleaning. You can see why she's always welcome here!

A little neighbor wanted to borrow a yarn needle. I gave her one and told her I would love it if she brought it back when she was finished (for some reason, I am always losing them). This is how she returned my "neetle." Love it.

p.s. I took the kids to get haircuts the other night and heard Eva telling her stylist that a boy in her class is a bit of a tomgirl. That's a new one.

Charlotte's wedding!

Last weekend, I was able to go to Denver for Charlotte's wedding. It was a most enjoyable, happy, emotional time.

Shortly after my plane got in, we went to the temple to go with Charlotte as she took out her endowment. It has been a long time since I had attended a session like that, and I was a bit taken aback by how meaningful it was to me. The crying had started not two hours after my plane landed! Being in the temple with loved ones is a wonderful experience.

The adorable gift basket that Denise left for me in my room!

Denise, whipping her hand around in the sign meaning, "Wedding week! Don't ask me to do anything else."

On Thursday night, we had a dinner catered by Senor Burrito, a local Mexican restaurant loved by us all. Good call.

As we drove to the temple on Friday morning, it started to rain. As the wedding photographer, I was in distress. Fortunately, it stopped before we went outside for photos!

There was an empty chair next to my grandpa in the sealing room. He later told me that he knew Grandma was there sitting beside him. More tears.

Bouquets for the bridesmaids. My mom did all the flowers – she has such a way. For the life of me, I can't figure out how she has such a magic touch with so many things.

The happy couple emerges!

Charlotte with her immediate family. (Denise made all of the dresses except for the bridal gown. She is a wonder.)

Charlotte with her sisters Sarah and Emily and best friend Rachelle, who stepped into the Sneelock role during wedding week.

Charlotte with her two new darling sisters-in-law, Estee and Nicole.

Denise and Mom, examples of sisters who love and support each other in everything they do. (Denise also made Mom's skirt!)

Check out Charlotte's fabulous shoes!

I just love how happy Charlotte looks.

It was a real challenge to get photos without cars, houses, stop signs, etc. in the background, but we got a few.



After the temple festivities, we all went back to Denise's house for lunch.

provisions for the crowd

And after lunch, it was time to decorate the reception hall! It took a lot of man-hours – good thing there were so many on hand to help!

Mom made about 20 different centerpieces. I've never seen floral arrangements that I like better than hers.

my darling parents

Charlotte and Josh had their own table. Charlotte tucked a napkin in her dress, because, "There's no way I'm getting barbecue on this!"

Possibly the most beautiful wedding cake ever. Definitely wins my vote for best cake topper!

Sign in area with the cutest book that Jessie made. Seriously, a guest book with photos and the story of their courtship in their words – brilliant. A guest book that they will actually want to look at again and again!

Cutting and feeding each other the first piece of cake.

Miranda and Nate with Z-cakes. I love that girl! (Miranda, as well.)

When Charlotte and Josh left, I felt stunned for those left behind. As the oldest child, I was never really in that situation. John, Sarah, Emily, and her parents are feeling the loss keenly. Of course, they are incredibly happy for her, but also realizing that she's not their little girl anymore. She'll never live at home again. At that moment, as well as in the temple, I found myself wondering how it would be to be the mother of the bride or groom. I'm so not ready for that!

Funny side note: when Charlotte was modeling her going away dress for Emily, John asked what that was for. Emily whispered to him that it was Charlotte's "sex dress," to his mortification. Hilarious.

Just a few of the hundreds of tea lights providing ambience.

another of Mom's vignettes (incidentally, she brought all of the glassware and candles with her on the plane!)

As things started to wind down, Denise and Mark took a few turns around the dance floor. Here, she models the twirl factor of her stunning dress. Impressive!

Mom's princess shoes. I'm sure Eva will be painfully jealous.

Mark danced with Sarah as well, which I found adorable.

Josh's cute family came back later to help take all the decorations down, so nice. I think Charlotte scored big-time with her in-laws!

On Saturday, we washed all of the glassware for shipping back to Pennsylvania and my dad packed it up (a nasty job).

I had really wanted to visit my grandma's grave, and my dad suggested we take Charlotte's bouquet to place there. We all wondered why we hadn't thought of it!

Charlotte's flowers on her namesake's grave. It was really the perfect way to end wedding week.

Since the newlyweds had already departed for their honeymoon cruise, we opened their presents for them. Did you know that Bed, Bath & Beyond will take the gifts you received from their store, re-stock them, and assemble the whole lot at the store nearest your home? Brilliant.

Mom's fingers sustained some damage from all the floral work. They were cut up, swollen, and pulsing with pain. I hope that neosporin did the trick, because she was going right back home to set up all of the Christmas decorations in her store!

It was so fun to be a part of the celebrations. I'm so happy for Charlotte & Josh, and wish them every happiness in their new life together!

momentous day

Yesterday would have been my grandmother's 84th birthday. I thought about her even more yesterday than usual, which is quite a lot. So many things remind me of her, whether they be physical gifts she gave me, recipes she passed on and/or taught me how to make, or the wisdom she freely shared. I sure do miss her.

Emily and Denise came up with the idea to start a tradition of baking one of her cakes on her birthday. I think it's brilliant. I couldn't squeeze it into my day this time, but I'm definitely planning to participate in the future. (The German chocolate cake she is holding in the above photo is my very favorite.)

The newest addition to our family was also born! My brother Ryan's baby Collin was born yesterday. I'm so happy for Ryan and Sam.

My emotions are so close to the surface. I just can't help thinking that Grandma is up there helping us along...