Today I went to a funeral. His name was Mitch Menlove and he was only 36 years old. He has a beautiful wife Elizabeth, three children and another ready to be born any day.
As I was sitting there listening to his family and friends honor his life, it hit me hard to think how quickly life can change. To go one day from trying to swim through the often mundane-ness of every day life to being thrown into a new world where you are now a single mother trying to figure out what to do next. Suddenly you are in an alternate universe where worry seeps into every inch of your body and your heart can't seem to stop aching for your husband and friend.
My heart is breaking for Elizabeth. I can't even imagine being in her shoes. A different life has been unexpectedly thrust into her lap. It makes me want to hold tight to the gift of each day that is "normal." It makes me so greatful for my husband and that I get to enjoy simply another day with him.
It is times like this that remind me of the love and encouragement from Above that becomes so plentiful when we are in a dark, deep trial. It is wonderful to be able to cling to the knowledge of our loving Savior and his amazing plan of salvation that he created for us. And to know that He is watching over all that we do. No matter what trials we may face in life, no matter how we may not really deserve that guiding, comforting hand at times, He's still there.
So, I know things are going to be ok for the Menlove family. Not the kind of "ok" I'm sure they had always envisioned, but the kind of "ok" that is so good...the kind of "ok" where you are going to learn much more than you ever anticipated and that will give you the potential to become that much stronger and that much better. That is the power behind change.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Blessing Day
Today was blessing day for Joshua.
How fortunate we were to be surrounded by loving family on this important day. Jeff's mom and step dad were there. As well as my entire family - although Scott was late and didn't get to stand in the circle.
Jeff's blessing was beautiful. He told Joshua that he would be an example to those around him. And that he should learn from others examples as well. That he should learn from the mistakes that we have made so that he will not make the same mistakes. He blessed him that he would go on a mission, and get married in the temple and someday have a family of his own.
Our biggest blessing is having this little guy in our lives. We are so greatful for him. We are lucky to have him in our family and has made it complete. We couldn't love him more.
How fortunate we were to be surrounded by loving family on this important day. Jeff's mom and step dad were there. As well as my entire family - although Scott was late and didn't get to stand in the circle.
Jeff's blessing was beautiful. He told Joshua that he would be an example to those around him. And that he should learn from others examples as well. That he should learn from the mistakes that we have made so that he will not make the same mistakes. He blessed him that he would go on a mission, and get married in the temple and someday have a family of his own.
Our biggest blessing is having this little guy in our lives. We are so greatful for him. We are lucky to have him in our family and has made it complete. We couldn't love him more.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Don't forget
As a new mother you quickly learn that there is nothing as sweet and pure as a new spirit from our Heavenly Father. And you can't help but have some of that rub off on you while you are holding a little baby in your arms.
I have often wondered how thin the veil is for a baby. To me it seems like heaven eminates from every pore just like that wonderful newborn baby smell. Here is one of my favorite stories that helps illustrate that point. A mother had recently brought a newborn home from the hospital. Not long after, her three-year-old sister said, “Mommy, can I go in and see my baby sister?” The mother replied, “Surely, take my hand.” The little girl replied, “No, I want to go alone.” So the mother opened the door to the nursery and stood by the door watching her little daughter. The little girl approached the crib, looked down at her little sister and said, “Tell me about Jesus. I’m beginning to forget.”
I have often wondered how thin the veil is for a baby. To me it seems like heaven eminates from every pore just like that wonderful newborn baby smell. Here is one of my favorite stories that helps illustrate that point. A mother had recently brought a newborn home from the hospital. Not long after, her three-year-old sister said, “Mommy, can I go in and see my baby sister?” The mother replied, “Surely, take my hand.” The little girl replied, “No, I want to go alone.” So the mother opened the door to the nursery and stood by the door watching her little daughter. The little girl approached the crib, looked down at her little sister and said, “Tell me about Jesus. I’m beginning to forget.”
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Life with two
A little over a week ago, July 1st to be exact, Josh turned 3 months old. I once again survived the newborn stage.
It seems like milestones are something so many moms look forward to. I was one of those moms too, with Juliette. But something was different for me this time. With Joshua I seemed to sink into a baby bliss. No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to soak in this baby enough. His expressions. His curled up body. His little noises. Surprisingly, while dealing with a newborn, I was hit with wanting another newborn. I am not anxiously looking forward to his next milestones. I just want him to stay little.
Don't get me wrong. I was in love with Juliette from the start too. But as a new mom, never having raised a baby before, there were many days I didn't think I was going to make it. I learned that the days may go by slow, but the weeks and months fly by with lightning speed. I also learned that if you don't take it one day at a time, all the years ahead can seem overwhelming.
So I guess I am truly greatful to Juliette for teaching me about the greatest and most important thing I have ever attempted in my life - being a mother. She made me realize what I wanted to be when I grew up, and that I could enjoy being just a mom.
Those three little words used to bother me - just a mom. But now I love that that is what I am. And I wouldn't trade being just a mom for anything in the world.
Before having Josh, I heard many pros and cons of having a second child. Thankfully it has turned out much better than I could have ever hoped for. I know there will be plenty of crazy days in our future. But I can't help but look at these two faces and smile - because I love them both so much. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
It seems like milestones are something so many moms look forward to. I was one of those moms too, with Juliette. But something was different for me this time. With Joshua I seemed to sink into a baby bliss. No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to soak in this baby enough. His expressions. His curled up body. His little noises. Surprisingly, while dealing with a newborn, I was hit with wanting another newborn. I am not anxiously looking forward to his next milestones. I just want him to stay little.
Don't get me wrong. I was in love with Juliette from the start too. But as a new mom, never having raised a baby before, there were many days I didn't think I was going to make it. I learned that the days may go by slow, but the weeks and months fly by with lightning speed. I also learned that if you don't take it one day at a time, all the years ahead can seem overwhelming.
So I guess I am truly greatful to Juliette for teaching me about the greatest and most important thing I have ever attempted in my life - being a mother. She made me realize what I wanted to be when I grew up, and that I could enjoy being just a mom.
Those three little words used to bother me - just a mom. But now I love that that is what I am. And I wouldn't trade being just a mom for anything in the world.
Before having Josh, I heard many pros and cons of having a second child. Thankfully it has turned out much better than I could have ever hoped for. I know there will be plenty of crazy days in our future. But I can't help but look at these two faces and smile - because I love them both so much. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
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