All for you...

I need to reconsider my thoughts a few more hours before I type them, but I wanted to record that I had them on this night for the fist time, it may be significant.

 

 



Make sure you ask

These are the words of your mother who begs you to consider this that you might avoid the terrible sadness that I must endure because I thought that I believed better than to think this was necessary. Ask your prospective spouse how many children they intend to have.

To this day, I still feel heart broken because I do not yet have my family. I tried and always knew exactly what I intended it never changed, but it was never spoken of. But it really is important to know before you fall in love.

Family Fun Center

Joseph had an invitation to a birthday party of one of his good friends from Church. I was as thrilled as he was because the boy's mother is one of the most incredible people on the face of the earth. She is beautiful to boot, too, not that it matters, but anyway. Joseph was so excited all week. Each morning he would ask if it was the day to go to Graham's party yet.

Finally, the day arrived and I got to teach him how to read the clock because he was so excited for time to go.

The place was so perfect. But, then, I would expect nothing less from this woman. The place was like a Chuck E. Cheese on steroids. We had brought Mary Anne, too. They played wildly for hours on the bounce house equipment, and in a little place called "pirates cove". And the best was these little air guns. I got into a fight or two with children. It reminded me of the time I took the girls to a park in Mississippi (a church activity in Corinth) and as I played the other kids tried to sneak through the fence, but I just climbed after them and they started screaming, "Sister Brawnner just climbed through the fence! Run!" It surprises kids that an adult would dare stoop to their level. As if some social norm protected them from me cause I was a mom. Mwaaaa haah haa!

But, most importantly, I wanted to record how moved I was by watching Mary interact with another little girl named Betsy. She was so kind and loving and tried to be helpful. Mary actually tried to lift her up to climb on equipment that she could not reach. They played for hours. Betsy's mom is another hero of mine. She has a son in class with Joseph, too. Who is such a role model for Joe. He comes and walks with Joseph to primary each week, which helps us Sooooo much. Because he kicks and screams and refuses to go to Primary when we take him. Betsy's mother is also 37 weeks pregnant, but you would never know by the way she acts and holds,herself. I mean, definately, she has a large growth in her tummy, And said that she gets plenty of comments and belly rubs. I told her that I was so glad to not be pregnant with her because she would make me look so bad. Ofcourse I was usually on bed rest, anyway, but she is amazing! A super mom though I haven't figured out where she hides her cape yet.

More later...

So, one night this now pregnant mother took us (Joseph, Mary, and I)home in her van. It had automatic doors so Joseph was so impressed. She commented on Mary Anne being a perfect visiting teacher when she grows up because she is so openly kind and caring.

It was awesome, too one night as we were coming home from a trunk or treat we decided to go out and let the wee ones gather more candy. They love to visit their house, so we did just as they were leaving, but the mom climbed out of her car and gave Joe and Mary some of their children's candy. How incredible. They were on their way to go visit a grandmother with cancer, but still stopped to make
my kid's day.

Also, for Christmas, her kids gave my kids Christmas presents. Sooooo thoughtful. And I told her how every time we visit I get more ideas of cool things to do. One day, Joseph kept announcing to the whole Jr. Primary that his mother made play dough. An idea I got from the kids begging after a playday with their friends (so I could mop the kitchen floor).

Anyhow, full circle to the party. As we arrived so did this other pregnant lady with her minimal full of kids. It made the whole event extra special for Joe and Mary to walk in with their friends.

Every morning now, Joseph wakes up to ask if he can go back and play. I wish he could. Both children slept so well the night they went to the Family Fun Center.

Birth of a New tradition

It starts here.

I was thinking about doing for others the things that made Christmas so wonderful for me when they least expect.

The tradition would be to, as a family pick an individual or family each year.

Potty training

There was a brilliant moment this evening where Joseph (taking a,bath) announced that he felt his pee coming and jumped out of the bath to use the toilet.

To me that is the key. Otherwise, potty training is like trying to teach others how to receive revelation. You will feel it, but feel what? I was so glad that Joseph knew!

A bit of advice

I doubt it will ever be asked so I will be proactive. Here it is for whenever you wonder: Do not ask what could happen. Thinking that you are above hardship or mishap. I thought it was a done deal being sealed properly in the temple and even discussed as much with Brandall. Maybe that was the trouble I let the idea even get it's foot in the door and get comfortable. Years later, it still hurts to have my dreams crushed.

Sarah Lena

She has taught me so many incredible things.

Yesterday, someone said this, "I wonder who learns more in the relationship, parents or children." How profound!

Anyway, I was reminded of this lesson because Joseph was watching Mickey Mouse and he was calling everyone friends, Joseph is developing his vocabulary and he has assigned the word friend to mean people in general. Which is somewhat true, and it is so cute to hear him refer to others as his friends. This reminded me of Lena who had a,best friend who had cousins their own age, too. So she referred to any playmate as a cousin. One day, at the park, she was playing with some other small children who were black and she brought them to me and introduced them as her cousins. I had visions of a "Desiree's Baby" scenario, and then explained what a cousin is. She said, "they are my cousins."

This morning It reminded me of the teachings of Jesus and how he asked very wise,men who their neighbor really was. I was caught up in teaching a vocabulary lesson while her lesson was much more profound, they were her cousins.