My Heart is Full of Joy

Breakfast in bed, cards, a new purse, and flowers were wonderful gifts, but the highlight was talking to my three boys who are away from home. Steven was scheduled to talk to us at 12:10, which was right in the middle of sacrament meeting. So, after taking the sacrament, we left church early. On our way home, he called on my cell phone and we got half an hour to talk to him. Steven was full of excitement and had so much to say. He compared learning the language to drinking out of a fire hydrant; so much information at once. The first Portuguese phrase he was taught was "I'm excited", which I thought was so neat. He and his companions enjoy spitting out of there bedroom window as it makes an echo sound when it splats on the pavement below. Steven feels he fits right in with the  Brazilian Elders as they are goofy. He even got one of them to call him Superman, which he is proud of.  One day, he said that their schedules got mixed up and his companionship found out they had to teach a discussion in 5 minutes with no preparation.The Spirit helped him through the gift of tongues and he was able to speak words h didn't know he knew and was even able to testify in Portuguese. Overall, Steven is loving his experience, even if each day feels like an entire week. 

Our next conversation was a three-way Skype call from James and Justin. It was so much fun talking to them. Loni, at times, made conversing difficult, but I think it was fun for James to see the "Lonster" side of her personality. James is doing well. He's happy that another area has been added for him to proselyte in as his current area is dead. He loves his mission, but is anxious to get away from the Mississippi River, as most of his mission has been spent there. 

Great Mother's Day!

A Day for Mothers

In the middle of sacrament meeting my phone began to vibrate. The number calling was unfamiliar to me, but I knew that my Elder Zinn could be on the other end so I stepped out to answer. Sure enough, it was James wishing me a Happy Mother's Day. I motioned for David to step out into the foyer with me and the three of us arranged a good time to Skype after church. 

I can't describe the rush of emotions that were flowing through me when we finally got to Skype him. Pride (the good kind), love, and heart ache were at the top of my feelings. Pride because in every word he said, I knew that being obedient was his way of life. He mentioned that his mission president is known for being one of the strictest out there. He doesn't allow i-Pads, listening to Mo-tab other than on Sundays, etc. However, James has no problem following what is required.  They are also an all tracking mission (the opposite of ours here). They missionaries do service once a month and track the rest of their time. This is tiring and hard especially without the use of a car for half of the time, but James is willing to do the hard work. 

Love, because I love this boy so much. I love how he is a shining example to his family and friends. I love that he is growing and learning to trust and depend on the Lord and the Holy Ghost to guide and comfort him. 

Heartbreak because, well. I miss James and my heart aches every time I think of him.

Later in the evening, Dave-o commented to me that James hasn't changed very much. 

Then he said, "I just hope he doesn't come home bald."

After saying good-bye to our missionary, we drove to Santa Cruz for an evening exploring the tide pools, collecting shells, relaxing in the sand, and eating S'mores. It was the perfect Mother's Day.

Loni didn't want to leave and Dave-o said that he wished we could live here forever. 

My Birthday Wish for Mom

(Mom and my brother David: 1971)

This is my favorite picture of my mother. Her expression is beautiful and serene. The peaceful moment was captured perfectly by the camera. In fact, I almost feel like I'm intruding when looking at the photo (which is why I love it so much). Her bed hair tells me she is human and not perfect. Mom's hand resting lovingly on David's head testifies to me a mother's love that is unconditional.

As you celebrate your 70th birthday I wish to give you the ability to see yourself as others see you, then you could really see how very special you are. You come in and out of our lives, leaving footprints and memories engraved on our hearts forever. I could not have asked for a better mother to raise me or a more loving grandmother for my children.

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!