A Prayer of Faith

This is dedicated to my parents, particularly to my dad to honor him for Father’s Day.

As a parent, sometimes I wonder what it is that my children will remember from their childhoods. I reflect on my own childhood and struggle to remember specific details, but some memories are embedded in my soul. I remember things like family vacations (to the cabin and the beach — to this day two of my favorite sounds are the wind rustling through aspen trees and the sound of waves crashing). I remember family game time and family home evenings every Monday. (Mom’s testimony of FHE still resounds in my ears: The prophets have promised blessings to families who hold FHE!) I remember birthday bashes and Christmases where Santa was always a little (or sometimes more than just a little) out of control (Mom always went all-out for holidays).

I also have fond memories of talking with my parents through the years while I sat on the kitchen counter or plopped on their bed where I would decompress about my day, about my life. There are few memories I treasure more than conversations where the gospel was the focus and perspective on the stuff of life was gained. Read the rest of this entry »

Rebekah (4 yrs) had her first ballet recital on Friday. She made us laugh when she periodically went into turbo speed during her routine. While we were at the recital, Daniel introduced me to a colleague from work just as my wrap around pants fell off!

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After leaving a friend’s house, David (5 yrs) told me: “I’m sick and tired of not being able to make my own choices. I can’t choose when I leave or when I go. I can’t choose whether I clean my room or not. I want to move out!”

Me: “I would be really sad if you moved out. I really enjoy having you live with me. How would you move out anyway?”

David: “I would need a house, so I’d need money; I guess I’ll get a job.”

Me: “Do you think a 5 year old can get a job?”

David, laughing: “No! I guess I’ll just have to build my own house. Don’t worry mom, I’ll just build it across the stream.”

I wonder what life will be like when he actually reaches his teenage years?

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Lenora’s 18-month appointment revealed that she is in the 100% for height and weight. . . .

A few weeks ago my oldest son and I exchanged good-bye waves and smiled at each other as he backed out of our driveway for the last time. My husband and I had sold our house, and were moving out of state to live nearer our grandchildren.

As he drove off, my son’s head was held high, and he didn’t look back.

He had recently been laid off at work; but he was now excited about beginning a new career as a writer. Despite the known difficulties of breaking into the ranks of literary professionals, his success in getting several stories published during the last few years spurred him to consider the loss of his increasingly joyless job as an opportunity to jump wholeheartedly into that other field. With concerted effort, determination and a bit of luck, he was hopeful that he would soon be able to make his living doing what he truly loved to do. Read the rest of this entry »