Do-Over

Recently I was asked how I felt about not having any more babies after Hailey. That sounds like a strange question but it was part of a conversation with a friend and something that for her has been heavy on her mind and heart.  I wanted to comfort her, help her know her feelings were not unusual and find a way to tell her of things I have been learning.  Really, I wanted to throw my arms around her but there were others around so I didn't.  I wish I had been able to express my feelings better than I did.  I answered with "I have mixed feelings," and then proceeded to ramble on making no sense I am sure.  I would like a do over.  This is what I would tell her.

After Robyn was born the doctors told me I would likely not have anymore children. I had mixed feelings. I was thrilled to have a babe in arms and heartbroken for the ones I thought I wouldn't hold. I was excited to share my life with that sweet little bundle and disappointed that my kitchen table would be small. I was proud to be raising a brilliant child and angry at the stupid people who made insensitive and ignorant comments.  I was then amazed at the growth and eruption of personality from my daughter and sad that the time was passing so fast.

But then, medicine is not always an exact science.

There are now five children with three to four years between most of them.  It just worked out that way.  There is one that we didn't have to wait for and one who was a surprise.  I did not expect the second, how could I have possibly expected number five?  Looking back, I should have known she was coming.  She fills up a spot in our family we truly would have missed without her.  They all have been that way.  I can't imagine my life without them.  I know they are gifts.  I am happy to make room for them at the table.

I think no matter how many children a mother has, if it is one or many, she is filled with mixed feelings.  Joy, worry, pride, frustration, elation, and fatigue.  That is the nature of motherhood.  I never would have guessed that I could get so frustrated with some one whom I loved so much.  Some say I gave up too much of myself to stay home and raise my kids.  I say, "You weren't at home with us.  You don't know what you are talking about."  Sometimes I dream of the career I could have had, or the travel and glamour but those feeling are gone in a moment when I think of the life I have.  Nothing is worth more to me than my time with my family. It hasn't been easy and I don't see that it really will get much easier.  I do know that it is completely worth it.  Have I given OF myself? Yes.  Have I given UP myself? No Way!  I have learned about myself, grown, developed and thrived as a mother.

 So now as my children are getting older and leaving I am again filled with a mixture of emotion. There is a wonderful sense of freedom when the children can get in the car by themselves, but there are no more 2nd grade Mother's Day Tea Parties.  I can go to the grocery store by myself, but  I have long days alone while the kids are at school.  My laundry basket is not as full with children gone from home, but there are fewer voices laughing with each other.  There is less bickering but fewer hugs.  I have more freedom to explore hobbies, education and other interests though I miss going to the park with the mothers who still have small children.

As my house is emptying I have often wished I had more children to keep it full, but my older kids would still be leaving and it would still hurt just as much.  It is fun and satisfying to see them grow and accomplish so much and I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of being their mother.  I am a better person having known them.

My kitchen table has a few empty seats on most days but I have had a glimpse of the future when this table is  filled to overflowing as my children bring home spouses and children of their own.  Being a grandmother will bring other mixtures of feeling I am sure, but I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Water Damage

So clear back in January Brook woke me up in the wee hours of the morning to inform me "There is something going on with the ceiling downstairs."  Seriously, that is how she said it.  I didn't get a picture of the ceiling hanging down, frankly in my sleep stupor and anxiety to get the mess cleaned up I didn't even think about it.

We don't know how long the ice-maker was leaking but I am just grateful it wasn't as bad as it could have been.  (A few years ago a friend had a water problem while they were out of town.  That was a houseowners nightmare, this was nothing in comparison.)

We pulled up the floor under the stove and fridge.  (I used this opportunity to clean along side the appliances and the cabinets beside them.  It always amazes me how yucky those places can get.)

 Took down the wet ceiling.

( I wish I had a pretty office area.  I try but my whole family uses this area and it doesn't stay looking nice for long.  I just remind myself that I would rather have my family around than have a perfectly kept house.)

and let it dry out using fans for a week or so.  We were really very lucky that the damage was contained to a small area.  We didn't have to take out the cabinet to dry it out or demolish the pantry wall.  Having it open underneath in the family room did the trick.

Everything upstairs was put back in order long ago, but there is still a gaping hole in the ceiling of the family room.  It's been 6 months, I don't even notice it anymore.  I realize that is not a good thing.  The time to fix it is well overdue! And now that it is hot I am REALLY missing the icemaker- maybe I'll scoot on down to the Sonic and pick me up a bag of ice!

Graduation Day!

Congratulations Brook!

This is the dress she made for the occasion. It was made from a skirt - an idea she found on Pinterest.  It turned out super cute!

Yeah!

The next two pictures are from the slide show at the beginning of the evening.  The first one is from the first day of Kindergarten and the second is her senior yearbook photo.

Proof it really happened!

Returning to her seat with her best friend Alex M.  I love you girls and can't wait to see what you do next!

Track and Field

Go Cole!

Lewis and Clark, (clap), Clark and Lewis

Every year in our school district the 4th graders put on the show "Lewis and Clark".  All my children have preformed in it so I have the script pretty well memorized.  I was excited to see Hailey play President Jefferson but sad to have this part of my mothering life end.

She looked cute in her brother's suit, tights, slip-ons and her hair tied back with a black ribbon.  The boys to the right are also presidential and are good friends of hers.  (Both CJ and Conner are some of my piano students too.)

The Organist

I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It is a church that is run entirely by volunteers.  There are no paid ministers to run the everyday workings of our congregation.  This means members are asked to participate and help out. Over the years I have helped in many different ways.  My volunteer time for the church is a way of life and a large part of life that I enjoy.  I am happy to serve wherever I can.  Sometimes a job is something I am familiar and comfortable with, and other times it is a struggle to learn my role and duties and to perform them well. It's never perfect but always an adventure.
Recently my "calling" (job assignment) changed.  I was asked to play the organ for Sacrament Meeting. Some would think this is no big deal but here is the catch.  I don't know how to play the organ!  What are all those buttons for?   I have two left feet, am I supposed to use those feet on giant pedals to make music?  I am good at playing the piano but the organ has different techniques.  (Think skiing and snow boarding.  They both have the same principle, to get you down a snow covered mountain, but they use very different techniques to get there.)
I have experienced challenges before in a new calling and I have a testimony that when I put effort into it and do my best then the Lord helps me accomplish what needs to be done.  Prayer, lots of prayer is usually the key.  I knew the same would be true for playing the organ.  I got a key to the church and started going to the chapel to play most everyday.  There has been a lot of experimentation with the sound and it is becoming fun. It has been 6 months now and I am getting better.  I wouldn't say that I was good, just better.   Some of what I fear as the organist is that my mistakes will be a distraction from the spirit and if I am going to be completely honest, I fear making a mistake in front of all those people.  I have had to swallow my pride, grow up a little and just deal with it.  Interestingly enough I have found that when I make a mistake the congregation just keeps singing and most of them don't even notice.  I am a lot harder on myself than anyone there would ever dream of being.
A couple of weeks ago a family in the ward was looking to get rid of an organ they had in their home and offered to give it to me.  Wow!  This has made practice time a lot easier and I am grateful for the gift.

Isn't it pretty?

It is a top of the line organ from the late 1960's- early 1970's so the technology is really charming.

Thank you Cindy and Ken.  It has made my practice time scheduling much easier.  

Hopefully one day I will become an accomplished organist.

Odds and Ends

Brook had to make a bridge from toothpicks as part of her Physics class.  She won the competition for the bridge that could hold the most weight.  Congratulations.

Hailey got to spend some time with Dad on the "Snow Machine." 

(That is a snow mobile for those of you not familiar with Idaho vernacular.)

We rented a machine to de-thatch the lawn. 

 It works pretty slick except for all the raking that is needed after!

Tetris.  The game I turn to when I cant sleep.

216 lines level 21