The baptism of two cousins

It is pure JOY to watch our grandchildren join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!  Since both girls turned eight years old, the age of accountability, they chose to take this important step. Honestly, I love the simplicity of the ordinance of baptism,  and the importance of the sacred covenants that are made at the time of baptism.  Lizzie and Ada were born about 22 hours apart in age.  One in Phoenix and the other in Albuquerque.  Unseen forces have brought them together to now live in the same city.  They are the best of friends.  Their families coordinated to have them baptized on the same day, October 28.  So many family members were in attendance to celebrate this special day with them.

Lizzie was baptized by her dad R and Ada was baptized by her Grandpa John.  Grandpa Ricky gave Ada a blessing and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  We missed Ada's daddy Jake.  We talked of him, we cried, we remembered, and we know that he is so proud of Ada and so happy that she could join Christ's church.  We felt him near and know that he is aware of this special day. Grandma Barbara gave a wonderful talk on baptism and shared a touching story of when Jake was a little boy.  He made a wrong choice, repented and made it right.  It was such a great example of how to repent and change.  Grandma Vonnie gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.  I gave each of the girls a warm, comfy blanket with their names monogrammed on them with their baptism date to always remind them of this day and the comfort that comes from the Holy Ghost in times of sadness, trials, and pain (one of the many gifts they receive through the power of the Holy Ghost being conferred upon them.)  I didn't get a picture of me with Ada and her pink blanket, but hope to get one soon.   

Jake's brothers Matt (and Jessica), Christian, sister Jen (husband Taylor) came from out-of-state, along with James (and Jenny) and their family who live in town.  R's brother Westin (wife Rachel), his sister Elise (and family) and Grandpa Richard came to support Lizzie, along with great uncle Harmon and cousins. We know and love all these extended family members and love to spend time with them whenever possible. Great-grandma Pat was also in attendance and we all love and appreciate her.

It was a beautiful, fall day and the spirit was present in great abundance.  The girls were beautiful in their white dresses. Two beautiful daughters, two adorable grand daughters, a large loving and supportive family. It was just a wonderful day, not soon to be forgotten!  I love these two darling grand daughters so very much.

Blessing of grand child #10

The baby blessing of a grandchild is a very special event.  We were so happy to be in attendance as R gave his new baby daughter a name and a blessing on October 29.  Annie is the sweetest girl.  She is growing and changing daily and we are so lucky to be her grandparents.  

Dinner with cousins

On man, October was a blur.  So fun and lots of traveling. More on that later.  I'll start with the most recent and go backwards.

Last Sunday we had such an enjoyable evening.  We invited three of my cousins and their spouses over for dinner.  Steven and Elena, Rebecca and John, and Susan and Chris.  It was so fun and interesting to just visit and catch up with all that is going on their lives.  Wow.  What impressive people who are out in the world accomplishing much good.  I'm so proud of them and all the things they are involved in and all that they are accomplishing.  We all commented on the fact that we come from good stock.  Our grandparents, Ray and Mayme instilled in their children and consequently in us their grandchildren,  a love of God, love of this country, love of family and love of hard work.  I'm so grateful for these two good people, their six children and now many grand children, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  I wish they could see (and probably they can!) how their family is flourishing in spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, of honoring their parents, working towards their dreams and making a difference in the world and in their homes and communities.

I made an unusual meal.
Two appetizers - garlic and honey meatballs and coconut shrimp
Main dish - my sister Lee's butternut squash soup recipe with bread sticks
A wonderful salad was brought by the cousins and a apple crisp dessert.
It was a lovely evening and I hope we can do it again.

Kate and Tyson

So our darling niece Kate got married this summer.  She is a BYU attending girl and we have all come to love and appreciate her many qualities over the years.  She served a mission in Peru and is just a top quality young lady.  She has been in our home many times and we love her company. Her chosen husband is also a great guy.  He just graduated with his MBA from UVU and he served his mission in Russia.  They make a great team.  They are kind, helpful, smart, resourceful and fun to be around.  Kate invited our entire crew to attend her marriage and celebration and we had a lovely day with their families.  Their marriage in the Provo City Temple was beautiful on a hot summer day. Later we traveled to Noah's in South Jordan for the lovely reception.  We love this couple and wish them much happiness.

5 years down

July 2 was another milestone.  I passed the 5 year mark since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is kind of a big deal since I've read that getting this far without any reoccurrence is very good news.  I went back on July 21 to get my annual mammogram as scheduled.  All went well. Then five days later, I got a call.  Oh no.  Seriously? My heart sank.  They could see something on the mammogram that was unusual. I needed to go back for more tests.  This is how it all started last time.

Five more days passed. I didn't want to panic until I knew more.  I forced my mind to focus. I had had false alarms before and it could be nothing.  Or it could be something.  I started running various scenarios through my mind.  What would I do if I had a reoccurrence? I know pretty firmly what I would do in my mind.  I told Rick about the need for more tests, but didn't want to alarm anyone else until more was known.  We talked.  We prayed.  We waited.

The sonogram proved that the spot was just a cyst.  Nothing more.  Confirmed by two doctors.

A reprieve for now.  Hopefully forever.  That is the unknown part of dealing with cancer.

Two of my friends have recently been diagnosed.  My heart and soul goes out to them.  I hurt for them.  I know.  I know what they are going through.  I wish they didn't have to travel this road. One friend going through this trial is the wife of Rick's cousin who is my age and a good friend. Another is a friend in our area who is younger.  Two strong, brave, beautiful women who are facing this beast.

Cancer of any kind is such an insidious disease.  I hate it so much.  I hate how is disrupts lives and changes happy circumstances to trying ones.  I hate how it becomes the focus of everything.  I hate how it steals good people and carries them away.  I hate how much it costs to fight it and that some people can't afford the cost of treatment.  I hate that it leaves holes in families and heartache so profound in its wake.  I hate that it sneaks in and robs what was whole.  I hate that it robs peace of mind. I hate how it causes fear, anxiety and pain in every way possible.  I hate that it changes family circumstances that will never quite be the same if it overcomes a person's body and takes them away.

And yet, IT causes refinement in an ironic twist of circumstances.  IT causes everything that doesn't matter to fall away.  IT brings into focus sweet relationships and cherished time spent together.  IT shows us that we aren't in control of much of anything.   IT humbles us in a way that nothing else can. IT shows us that the One Supreme Being over us all knows why things happen the way they do. IT shows us our nothingness and our weakness.  IT shows us our dependence on a greater power. Nothing more can combat IT.

Peace comes from knowing, really knowing this.  God is our Father.  He knows us.  He hears our prayers. He knows our hearts.  He feels our pain.  He sends his love through many avenues and most of them appear at the front door with a flower, a plate of food, a hug, a smile, a kind act of service, a note, a call, a remembrance, a word of encouragement.  They have different names, different faces, different ways to show HIS love.  The comfort and peace that can be felt during these extreme times of anguish come through the marvelous atonement of His only begotten Son.  Would we turn to Him and this source of strength otherwise?  He is the answer to getting through this terrible thing we call cancer.  Come what may. He only One.