When Life gives you Lemons, Remember This

Lemon Preserves

The lemon is cut, smothered with salt

then smashed into a jar

covered with more salt 

then left  in a dark place

for months

Once it is ready

and the lid has been opened

The salt will block your tongue from tasting 

the sour

 It is still there

but all you taste

 is the lemon

When in your personal brine

hurting and 

feeling alone

the Lord acts like the salt

 blocking the sour and pain

It is still there

but you are strengthened  

and suddenly you are able to bare it.

 "..the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease. "Mosiah 24:15

Almost 5 years

I cant help noticing the tingling in my toes

 and butterflies in my stomach 

when I think about 

Mesa Falls

Saturday we took the girls

to the exact spot my novio proposed

 five years ago

I cherish the little memories of that night;

sounds of the water rushing

the cool night air

the warmth of his hand wrapped around mine

and my pounding heart

Everything is better

with him

Mothers Day

All through

Elementary, middle, and high school

I have received heartfelt notes from my Mom.

Always tenderly set on my pillow,

eagerly waiting to be read.

In every single note

I would often read,

"I love being your mother".

I have always known that my mother

 loved being a Mom.

She loved being MY Mom. 

Now I am a Mother

and I wonder, 

do I love it?

Catching Finnley leaning over to kiss Aven.

Feeling the weight of her sleeping body, as I carry her to bed.

The way she says "Mommy".

Aven's little arms and legs kicking as I prepare her food.

The way her fluffy hair blows in the wind.

How she silently watches the world around her. 

Catching these little tender moments,

bring tears of joy to my eyes.

Knowing that my Mother 

loved being a Mom 

Made a difference,

because she chose to be with me.

Now I want my girls to know,

I choose them.

Because I love being their Mom.

Just Aven

I love all of you

Those chunky legs

with countless rolls

fluffy hair and ten tiny toes

I love all of you

your toothless smile

with constant coos

blue eyes and little button nose

Cinco De Mayo

Tacos with the Millers,

and the traditional Cinco De Mayo Dance.

Every Cinco De Mayo 

since Finnley was born, she has been dancing to traditional

hispanic music with my novio.

This year we were happy to add little Avie to the family tradition.

The sound of music and laughter filled our home.

We had a real party. 

A prompting

Leaving the apartment takes an absurd about of time.

including  multiple trips up and down the stairs.

Yesterday, determined to only make one trip

 I had both arms full:

three jackets

two bags

one HEAVY car seat 

a handful of snacks

and a toddler already racing down the stairs

A gentle thought whispered,

Grab the Ensign.  

Frustrated I took everything down to the car.

Buckled both kids in,

then ran back up the stairs to find the magazine.

After a long morning playing, I pull into our complex

look over my shoulder

to a miracle. 

Both  of them, OUT!

“Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.” —Doctrine and Covenants 8:2

She is my helper

Mornings are my favorite

I love the warm morning snuggles with my novio,

the cool brisk air

and the peace that comes after reading the Book of Mormon.

Next is the breakfast rush, goodbye kisses and working out.

This morning I had a plus one for my workout.

Sometimes she gets a little distracted. 

Jacob 7:14 "... And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine."