Lovely

Today was a lovely day. Really, really quite lovely. The entire day. I have no pictures to prove it, but I have plenty taken in my mind. I suppose there was nothing strikingly amazing about today but still labeled as one of those lovely days I'd like to remember. So I've decided to record it.


We kept the girls home from church.  They are both on the tail-end of sicknesses and we didn't want to share the germs {okay, or mostly pick up new ones}. So Cade and I went. Cade was such a sweet little helper. He carried my big church bag for me without complaint. The thing is like half his size and weight.

Sacrament meeting was lovely. Wonderful testimonies. The Spirit was so strong I couldn't ignore it and hobbled up to the podium in my crutches to share my own. Partaking of the sacrament renewed my hope that one day I can become the mother and wife I want to.  My mistakes of the week erased, and the chance to start anew was given.  I felt an extra dose of patience as well as the ability to notice the small things.  It was like a regular day minus the fact that I took the opportunity to appreciate the ordinary. And I think that is what made it lovely. Noticing. Appreciating. Acknowledging.  It was one of those days where I thanked my Heavenly Father numerous times for the opportunity to be the mother of my children.  I am blessed beyond comprehension that He would entrust me with His children to teach, raise, and nurture. It is by far the most rewarding  job on this planet.

Primary was lovely. The Sunbeams were particularly darling with their knowledge that Jesus lives. Even the Senior Primary was reverent during Brother Sandgren's introduction of this month's theme and the Spirit was powerfully strong, testifying the truth of his message. I'm so grateful I to know who I am, where I came from, and why I am here. Simple truths but so often taken for granted. I was reminded today how blessed I am to know those things.

After church Cade waited so patiently as I chatted with various friends on my way through the parking lot. This is a big deal. After 3 hours of church he is starving and ready to get home. But he just sat in his seat in the car until I was done visiting.  He was cute to point it out, too. "Mom, I know you wanted to talk to your friends so I decided to wait patiently and not bug you by sayin 'When are we gonna leave Mom?!'  Are you proud of me?"

At home, Cade and Savannah played so nicely. They all piled back in the car for tithing settlement without complaint. Visiting with the Bishop was lovely.

Upon our arrival home, Cade and Sav "helped" me make a cake. They enjoyed the batter, got sticky and I smiled.  Kyle grilled some delicious chicken to add to his already delicious crock pot meal.  We had my cousins over to eat and played "Woodrow's Amazing Dice Game." Kyle and I haven't played it in years I'd say.  And yes, you guessed it....it was lovely. Spending time with family over a meal.  There was no special occasion that got us together. Just the fact that we are related and living in the same geographic location. And they came.

To get to bask in the ordinary-ness of the day was extraordinary.

And lovely.