Priceless

Bella Bean Photography

Ashton recently had his pictures taken.  They are priceless. His sweetness and purity were captured perfectly.  This never would have happened if it were just up to me...scheduling and arranging for a newborn photoshoot.  Although I wanted it done, my "pregnant brain" was never on track to actually get it set up.  If it weren't for my dear friend and talented photographer, I would have missed out on getting these special pictures.

Good friends....they're priceless too!

I've had other "priceless" moments recently. 

While at the dentist, the hygienist was complimenting Madelyn and telling me how sweet she was as she cleaned her teeth the day before.  She went on to tell me about their conversation concerning Madelyn being the only girl with 3 brothers, not having a sister and how unfortunate or unlucky that is!  Madelyn's response was, "But I have my mom so it's okay!"

That made my heart melt. I hope I will always be her friend and someone she truly enjoys being with.

Jalen has had a rough time with our transition to 8:00 church.  Usually, the kids get to bed later on the weekends so to be up and ready in our Sunday best by 7:45 while Alan is at meetings is a challenge!  After much prodding and persuading one morning, I finally had Jalen out of bed and dressed but it wasn't easy! He kept falling back in bed, or crying and whining telling me how tired he was and he just couldn't get ready. He just couldn't do it! Here's part of our conversation:

"Mom, I just don't want to go to church! Why do we have to go to church? I'm just too tired!"

"I'm sorry you're tired. I'm tired, too. But we still need to go."

"But why can't we be like our neighbors and just not go to church?"

"We just can't. Our family goes to church. That's what Heavenly Father has asked us to do."

"Well, I dont want to go. I'm just too tired to be a Mormon!!"

It took everything in me to not laugh out loud.

I love Jalen's outlook and perspective about life.  He always has a way to make us laugh.  In reality, he is right on...being a Mormon sometimes is exhausting and the easier way would be to not do the many things we do.  But of course, I wouldn't have it any other way.  The blessings are worth all the sacrifice and work, even the early Sunday mornings getting up for church!

Last week, I geared myself up to head back to church...you can only stay home with a new baby for so long without people (namely husband) giving hints and remarks that it's time!  Anyways, of course I knew it would be challenging to do the Sunday morning routine on my own and with a newborn this time so when we were in the car at 7:50 all ready, I was proud of our accomplishment!  I was really looking forward to being there.  Maybe that's partly why I hussled Mason to get ready and slightly ignored him when he told me his tummy hurt.  After he ate a huge bowl of cereal, I figured he was okay. So off to church we went.  But as the meeting started, Mason became more fidgety and I could tell he really didn't feel well.  I kept asking him if he was going to throw up. He kept saying no.  But as the sacrament bread was passed and he didn't want any,and then his face became pale, I knew we needed to take him home.  Alan was blessing the sacrament so my thought was as soon as he gets done, we will figure out who will take him home and what we'll both do with our classes.  At one point, I had the thought that I should just take him out in the hallway and Alan could meet us when he was done. I ignored that thought.  Unfortunately, that's when Mason did throw up...all over himself, the bench, the floor and the bench in front of us. Poor little guy. I didn't know who to feel worse for...Mason or everyone around us...for the disruption we caused and the smell we left behind.  Then I just felt guilty.  I kept reviewing all the signs that I ignored that would have saved Mason from this experience.  Next time, I will be much more cautious and lenient with a child when suggesting their sick.

Motherhood experiences and memories, good or bad...priceless.

In the last couple of months, I've lost my Grandpa Jack after an unfortunate burn accident, and my Aunt Debra from cancer.  They were both such amazing people and great examples to me. 

My Grandpa was the hardest working man ever known! As one of my cousins said so well, "Grandpa's legacy is one of work and productivity.  When he worked it wasn't first gear, second gear or third gear.  It was overdrive! Grandpa has taught us the value of hard work and his example will be remembered for generations."

I will always cherish the memories I have of watching old western movies while eating black licorace; his endless and fun teasing; his dress attire of cowboy boots and wrangler jeans at Lake Powell; and the many times of enjoying the farm with him...riding his horses, looking at the new baby lambs, collecting eggs from the chicken coop and swimming down the canal.  I love my Grandpa Jack. I will miss him.

This is a picture of my mom (she's in the red dress) with her family when they went to Disneyland.

At the end, Grandma took such vigilant care of Grandpa. She would hardly leave his side.  They were high school sweethearts and loved each other dearly.  One of the last things my Grandpa said was,

"Lois, you are the love of my life."

He will be anxiously waiting for Grandma to join him someday.

My Aunt Debra was one of the most sweetest and kindest ladies I know.  She was genuinely so good and saw only the best in others.  Her son told a story at the funeral that describes his mom perfectly. 
During a trip to Hawaii, Aunt Debra and some of my other aunts and uncles were walking home from dinner.  They came upon a group of women (hookers) all dressed to fit their part.  At the next corner, another group of women.  And at the next corner, another group.  The family continued on, not saying anything about the women or surroundings until they got back to the hotel when my uncle finally said, "Well, it sure looks like the hookers were out tonight!"
Aunt Debra said, "What? There weren't any hookers!"
Everyone else, "Debra, you saw all those women working their corners!"
Aunt Debra, "What?? Those nice young ladies? Surely they weren't hookers!"

She truly did want to see the best in everyone, no matter what!
She has a beautiful family, who my heart just aches for. We will miss her terribly.

With the passing of two family members, I have experienced overwhelming feelings of gratitude for the knowledge I have of the Gospel plan...knowing there is a plan and purpose for each of us that includes life after this one.  Knowing we can be with our families forever someday.  For me, there is nothing of greater value than this.

My sister, Natalie, posted this statement below from Debra's funeral. It fits pefectly with my thoughts so I had to include it here. (Thanks Nat!)

This is a picture of Aunt Michelle and Aunt Debra several years ago-- now they are both in heaven.  At the funeral they had this picture and A. Michelle's daughter Mckell said this, " I can't imagine heaven looking any different than this picture right about now".. .. priceless:)