Mothers

Mother's Day this year was wonderful.  I was able to spend it with my Mom, my children, and my first grandson.  We all have many roles, and I enjoyed so much participating in most of those this day as a daughter, mother and grandmother.  When we returned home from Japan, I stayed in Utah for a while to visit Mom and Dad and to hang out with my kiddos.

I've mentioned several times the struggle my Mom has had for so long.  A stroke 15 years ago really changed her life, and she has dealt with the resultant poor health since then.  Last summer she had a critical episode, was hospitalized for over a month, and has been in a rehab type facility or care center ever since.  Luckily, we were able to bring her home a few days before Mother's Day!  Dad was able to hire a live-in CNA to help care for her.  Hopefully she will continue to get stronger and we will be able to manage her pain and other health issues.  If I had one wish, I would ask for Mom to be pain free and healthy.  She is an example of enduring well to all her children and grandchildren.  I read this phrase recently:  "There's a story behind everything but behind all your stories is always your mother's story because hers is where yours begins."  I love that.  My Mom has quite a story, and I feel very lucky to have her example of dignity and kindness as a foundation in my life.

Glad to get Mom outside.  It was a beautiful Day.  She's even smiling!

Family on Mother's Day 2013.   I finally have one of those "4 generations" shots!

Brittney and Grayson (Stu was on tour with Fictionist), Camille and Russell, and Jace also came down to Richfield to spend Mother's Day with me.  Unfortunately, Brent was home in Spokane--after the vacation he had to get back to work sooner or later!  What a treat to have them there.  We enjoyed a great day together.  I've shared this before, but a favorite quote from Pres. Hinckley says, "In terms of your happiness, in terms of the matters that make you proud or sad, nothing--I repeat, nothing--will have so profound an effect on you as the way your children turn out."  So very true.  My children (and son-in-laws--the best!) are kind, loving, faithful, strong, obedient, hard-working people.  We definitely have "joy and rejoicing in our posterity."

My three kiddos--the best ever.

Being a Grandma is everything I've thought it would be.  I have been lucky to see Grayson about every 6 weeks or so, which isn't bad considering I live 12 hours away!!  I love that little guy to pieces.  And, in the best news ever, Camille and Russ are having TWINS in October!!! ( All 7.5 of my blog readers already know this news, but this is documentation for journal purposes.)   You could say the excitement and joy in our family is at an all-time high.  We have been blessed with another miracle, and while motherhood has been quite a journey for both of my daughters, we have learned to be patient and rely on the Lord.  We can't wait to meet our little Lewis grandbabies.   Just think, pretty soon I will have 3 grandkids--so awesome.

This is how Camille told the digital world her great news!  Pretty darn cute, I'd say.

Isn't this a beautiful picture of Brittney and her baby boy?  Grayson is such a sweet and happy baby. 
Love, love, love.
 

I can never get enough of those kissable cheeks!

Happy Mother's Day!

 

P.S. Thanks to Camille for the photos.  She's got a great eye!

P.S.S.  Two blog posts in two days. . . wow!