LIFE IN THE "NOT SO FAST LANE"

Wow!!

When did it happen?

You know..

a dozen minus one kids to keep tabs on,

to teach,

to rejoice with,

to cry about...

Marc and Jasmine are the only ones home.

Juan left for Alaska

and took a piece of my heart.

Anyway,

a part that was left after everyone before him took a piece.

I have empty rooms

waiting for company.

I have a huge garden for just 4 and

that I will now share with neighbors.

Life that was a struggle

and

the struggle taught children

work,

obedience,

consistency,

independence

has been traded for

things a bit simpler.

No more rocks to gather from the lawn.

More time to be super involved in activities that stretch

mind and body.

There are still chores and plenty to keep all busy.

Upkeep is traded for starting from scratch.

Two or three of more different worlds.

All are good.

And I (we) move on!!



Changes...

Things keep changing..Good things but they really rock my boat...Juan graduated tonight!

   How can that be...!
And from Seminary as well..
I believe I am going to have a midlife crisis! 
  Juan is a good kid and will be missed in our home
  In June he goes to Alaska and then

    on a mission.
Who will mow my lawn?
He is turning into a man too fast.
Eleven years ago, I couldn't imagine the love I would feel for him.
That love has grown to be unmeasureable!
And I haven't regretted a moment of him in my life.
Make your mark, Juan. 
You have what it takes.

Love,

Mom

Emotions on Mother's Day

Emotions!
My view of Mother's Day has changed over 58 years of my life
   and 31 years of motherhood.
I use to feel so guilty on mother's day because I wasn't that wonderful mother I pictured my mother.

Now on mother's day I focus on what makes me a mother.

The flowers say it pretty well...

   11 different children--all different! t

(There are 12 flowers; I got one from church)

I love my 11 children!

  I love my 5 grand children + 1 to make her appearance.
    I love my 3 son-in laws and 1 daughter-in law.
      I love the friends of my children.
         I love my Mom, Shawn's mom and other mom-NaThel.
           I love the families of those great mothers!

How is all that possible?  I don't know but it happens!!

I am very blessed.  Yes,  I AM very blessed.