Extra long entry today but it has been an amazing weekend... and this photo is of Quayd in his "uncle" Kirk's yard. According to Quayd, it's the "ultimate treehouse in the whole world!!!"
Our little backyard Family Reunion took a twist this year. Doug's sister offered to host this year, so we all went to Malad, Idaho for the gathering in Anne and Bob's backyard. This was a choice experience. When Doug and I host the reunion, it's all about fun and games and food. We usually end the evening with a special focus on the family and our heritage. Anne had spent so much time and energy putting this together and totally focusing on the heritage of Doug's parents, who began their marriage in Malad back in the 50s. So, we were able to take a little tour of the town and surrounding areas to see where Doug's grandparents homestead, where the cattle ranch/farm began, many family "historical" sites. (Yesterday's photo was the location of the original family home, which has been gone since the early 1970s.) We saw the "in town" home that Doug and his siblings remembered Easter Egg hunts at Grandma's house, her garden and many other fun facts. We visited with Doug's Aunt Ilean, who shared many tales of living next door to "Grandma Mary", which were just intriguing. There were Books of Remembrance, photo albums, history books from the town of Malad and much much more. It was fascinating. (One of the most impressive stories to me was that Aunt Ilean had seven daughters, herself, to get ready on Sunday mornings for church and she took the time to go over to fix Grandma Mary's hair each week!)
While at the Divide Ranch, the homestead, Doug's cousin Kirk, (who is one of my favorite people on the earth) shared the story of being encircled by an out of control wildfire several years ago. Kirk, Uncle Eldon (his dad), Uncle Lon and a hired hand were in danger of their lives in a wind-driven raging fire that was literally encircling them and a tractor that had done a nose-dive into the ravine. Several miracles took place that day, the biggest being that a plane carrying repellent came out of nowhere with an extra bag of repellent and dropped it on them. He also shared many details of his son, JC, who was recently injured by the roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Kirk shared the importance of prayer, of living to be our best and the blessings that come with. It was so very touching.
It was awesome, visiting with Doug's family. One of my highlights was taking a walk through Bob's amazing garden! He has the gift of a green thumb and I loved that he took the time to show me his beautiful flowers, fruits and vegetables. He asked a few times, "Are you just asking to be nice or are you really interested?" I assured him, "I'm one of those who can't but would love to, so I love seeing what those who can do!!" It really was a perfect day!
Sorry, no pix of the family reunion. Doug's got a few family members who are not too fond of having their photos on my blog, so I'll respect their wishes. (I'll mumble and growl about it, but I'll respect it.)
You know how sometimes, your kids are there, but you aren't really sure if their mind is there or off in la-la land thinking about the latest Transformer movie or Nintendo game.... Well, I wondered if my own kiddos were capturing anything from the awesome family experience. And then....
We were sitting in Sacrament Meeting today. Quayd leaned over shortly after the sacrament and whispered to me, "Mom, I want to bear my testimony." (The first Sunday of the month, LDS Sacrament Meetings are an opportunity for members to voluntarily stand and share their testimony of gospel principles, of their love and faith in Christ, the scriptures and other things.) When Quayd said this to me, I could tell that he was serious. His knees were shaking so hard that the pew was bouncing. I whispered, "Do you know what you want to say?" He assured me that he did. He waited for a break in the many people who were taking turns. Thankfully, a friend, Linda, walked up just about the same time he did and she gave him a little hug, which I honestly think he needed. It's quite unnerving to stand in front of a few hundred people and speak from the heart, impromptu.
Quayd stood and shared that he'd attended the family reunion yesterday and heard some wonderful stories and experiences, he mentioned some of what Kirk had shared and expressed his gratitude for our Savior Jesus Christ and a few other very tender things from his heart. His words were sincere and heartfelt and there were many tears in the congregation, along with his own. It was definitely a proud Mommy and Dadmoment. I pray every single day that he remains such a good strong boy! I was moved to tears several times later in the day as friends even took the time to call and say thanks for Quayd's example. Have I mentioned that I love this boy? And I love that he is recognizing the things in life that matter the most.
Ouch #1: After our meetings, Grace rushed up to give me a little hug. Just as she reached me, she kicked my toe with her shoe. We hugged and I said, "Oh, my toe." We looked down and my toe was just oozing blood. I lost a good chunk of my toenail. (So much for pretty polished toes the rest of this summer.) When we got home, Gracie felt so bad that she cried. I told her, "Gracie!!! You kicked me because you were giving me a love. Lots of teenagers would be kicking their mom because they don't like her! This bloody toe is a love wound, not a war wound! I'll wear it with pride!" She was much happier then. It hurts. Bad. But, don't tell Grace. ;)
Ouch #2: I was on the phone with Denise when CRASH!!!! The loudest crash! An accident in the intersection next door. Thirteen years in this home and this was a first. I happened to be standing by the window and saw the truck spin in a circle on the street, up onto the curb, around the tree and just into our neighbors corner garden. I said, "Gotta GO!", raced outside and called 911. The man in the truck was pretty injured... the steering column was broken, the dash was bent almost in half. He couldn't speak and was holding his chest. 911 sure ask a LOT of questions! The driver of the small SUV was this delicate little 22 year old who looked 15. She was okay, but she had not even seen the truck coming so hadn't even touched her brakes. I pray for the man's speedy recovery.
Ouch #3: The BIG OUCH. Liza and Buddy's truck is packed and ready to roll on Tuesday morning. Tomorrow, they'll finish cleaning and saying their goodbyes. We'll go over for a bit in the afternoon so that Doug can tell them goodbye and they will be dropping by for one last goodbye on their way out of town Tuesday morning. When they brought their dresser by for ZJ, I just had to go into the bathroom and cry a bit. Watching Liza say her goodbyes to the whole family at the reunion was even harder. I'd hoped to spend more time with them this weekend but they've been busy packing and saying goodbyes. I just can't even think about it tonight. I'll think about that Tuesday.
Tomorrow, I'm meeting one of my favorite people, Charith, who used to be a neighbor and was my awesome visiting teacher! She's down from Washington for one day and one day only! I'm so excited to have some time together. We'll visit our friend, Sharon, who's with her husband, who's in the hospital, after breakfast. I'm so excited! It's going to be a busy and emotional week... Liza leaving, hosting a baby shower and some other good things...
If you happen to be on your knees, I'm asking for a little prayer for my sweet girl, Liza, and her hubby's new adventure and that this mama can "cowboy up" and handle it well! Thanks, indeed! Enough said!
“May our families and homes be filled with love: love of each other, love of the gospel, love of our fellowman, and love of our Savior.”
President Thomas S. Monson
I don't think there is a momma in this world that wouldn't cry when her baby leaves to go so far away. Allow yourself the tears and water your strength.
Posted by: JaYne | Tuesday, August 09, 2011 at 03:31 AM
Don't even try to 'Cowboy Up' and not cry when they leave. It's supposed to hurt (in a good way) and mama's are supposed to cry. Good-bye, so long or see you soon, what which ever way you say it ... it's sad and worth a good cry.
Just think how extra special those texts and calls will be now ...
Posted by: Nancy | Monday, August 08, 2011 at 04:32 PM