It's a big job getting three littles ready and out the door for church on your own, but we did it. I made the boys some matching ties with some left over scraps my Mom had while I was at the Acreage. They turned out pretty cute, although Joe will have to grow into his. I tried snapping a nice picture of them before church, but Hyrum was in such a goofy mood so this was the best we could do!
I've had so many thoughts and emotions swimming through my head today. Last night I watched the General Relief Society broadcast with my sister. It's such a priveledge to be apart of one of the largest womens organizations in the world. I loved the talks and thoughts that were shared. I also taught Young Womens today. My lesson was on being in the world but not of the world. I asked the girls to share some of the worlds standards and some of the Lord's standards. One of the girls said that the world pretty much doesn't have any standards now days. In preparing my lesson I realized how important it is to give our children a strong foundation so that when we send them out into the world they won't be afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
I took the children to a new park around here last night before dinner. They needed to burn some energy and I needed some fresh air. The Fall weather was perfectly crisp and the sun was just getting ready to set. I felt so much joy as I watched Joseph from a distance, playing in the sand (and eating it mind you) with the sun glistening through his blonde whisps of hair. I reminisced as I watched Camilla navigate the big kid equipment all by herself and run around trying to make new friends. I smiled as I observed Hyrum playing in a big car, making sound effects with his mouth and steering like it was the real deal. I then watched Camilla go up to a little group of kids and ask if she could join in their game. They told her she couldn't right now because they were doing something cool and she wasn't allowed. My heart totally sank! She walked away and came closer towards me and sat in the wheel for the firetruck. She acted like she wasn't sad, but I could totally see through her "playing it cool" as she sank into the wheel and forced a tiny smile. I almost cried. I wanted so badly to do something or say something to those kids, but one of life's hard lessons to learn is that it isn't always fair. I then watched this little group of kids who were not much older than Camilla snickering about the other's around them and saying crude things. I was suddenly glad that my little girl wasn't playing with them. It was totally a hard Mamma moment. Of all of the places I want my children to feel loved and included, our home is at the top of that list. I never want to do anything to degrade my children or make them feel like they aren't loved at home. It is such a sacred duty and calling to be a parent and I pray every morning that I can fulfil it to the best of my ability.
I thought about this incident lots as I taught the Young Women. At the end of the lesson I presented each of them with a little handout with a special quote.
"At times you may feel lonely because you don't fit in with the crowd. Be grateful that your righteous life molds you so you don't fit in where you don't belong. This is a period of personal testing that will be replaced in time by true friends and greater happiness."
~Richard G. Scott
When I was in highschool I struggled big time with feeling alone. Although I seemed to have friends I just felt like I never really fit in. I was never a part of the parties or things they did on the weekends and had a hard time joining in their conversations on regular school days. One night after feeling particularily lonely for a long time, I stumbled across that quote and it became a huge comfort for me. I kept it on my mirror and eventually had it memorized. I testified to the girls that although things may be hard now, they will get better. I have the best friends I could ever imagine and still keep in touch with close friends from highschool. And there is no greater happiness than the joy that I have received from having a temple marriage and building an eternal family with my best friend. My greatest happiness comes from spending time with my husband and children. I couldn't have imagined being this happy way back in highschool and am so grateful for the Gospel and that simple little quote for pulling me through.
Anyways, on a happier note, church was super good and smooth considering I was solo. I sat with some dear friends who were able to lend a hand when it was needed. At one point Hyrum decided he didn't want to wear his shoes anymore. When he took them off he left a pile of sand on the bench, even after dumping them out last night when we got home from the park. When it was time to leave half the bench was covered in sand. Where was he hiding it all? In his diaper? Behind his ears? I had to smile. He is oh so boy! We are all looking forward to picking up Daddy tonight at the airport.
