Bradley's Baptism

Bradley's baptism day was beautiful. 

 Aunt Josie captured the gorgeous sunrise on his special morning.

Tom and I left the kids with Grandma while we made preparations.

Tom filled the baptismal font and I prettied things up.

Bradley was really nervous...so when everyone was busy mingling before the program began, I took Bradley into the Primary room and we said a prayer together that his nervousness would subside and he would be full of faith and confidence and know that every person in that room loved him.

Our prayer was answered and he walked out with his shoulders back and head held high.

They were so handsome.

 I can't believe this little boy.....

turned into this young man.... Over Night.

Bradley was so touched that Uncle Mark woke up at 5 am to drive all the way from Kansas City with 5 of the cousins in order to be there on his special day. He was also thrilled that his friend Emily and her mother, Marie, chose to come and share such an important day with him. The room was full of people who loved him and wanted to show their honor, respect, and support for the decision he made to be baptized.

The program was beautiful. We sang "When I am Baptized" and Courtney gave a beautiful opening prayer that got me crying before anything started.

Grandma A. gave a sweet talk about obedience and told a story about when she was a little girl and ignored her Mother's counsel to wear a scarf over her face when she walked home from school in the cold Wisconsin air...and how her nose froze and turned completely white. She talked about the safety that comes from following the Lord's commandments and obeying his parents counsel.

Tom baptized Bradley and then confirmed him a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and gave him the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Those in the circle were: Daddy, Grandpa F., Uncle John, Uncle Mark, Uncle Bart, and Brother McGary.

The words spoken were beautiful and reminded me of what a choice spirit Bradley has and what a tender heart he has.

During intermission we showed this beautiful video by President Uchtdorf about "The Ugly Duckling"and wrote notes to Bradley.

Grandma F. shared a talk ont he Holy Ghost that she had found in a file that my Dad had written years ago. It was neat to feel both Grandpa's presence at the baptism and especially cool to actually hear words that my father had written. 

The closing hymn was, "I feel my Savior's Love" and Aunt Josie closed everything with a heartfelt prayer. It was such a beautiful, precious experience that I will always remember. I am so proud of the person Bradley is. He wasn't "raised" to be such an amazing boy...he just came pre-programmed that way and we count ourselves blessed to be able to have him as our son.

We love you Bradley, Boo!

So happy for you!

Ups and Downs

As we are driving to Donkey Hill...the radio is usually playing...kids singing...everyone talking...

But as soon as we pull in...everything settles down...the windows are rolled down (even if it is FREEZING outside) ... and we take it all in.

It's when the deep thinking begins.

Even for the 5 year old.

Now on to a topic that's not as cute.

Drowned Squirrels.

Sometimes I think "rural life" is not for me.

Finding drowned squirrels in the watering tank is one of those times.

Karah found the first one a few weeks ago. She was getting ready to clean out the corral and dumped water that had collected in the manure cart. Out came a squirrel that had failed to enroll in swimming lessons. She gave him a name and delivered him to his resting place.

It was my turn a few days ago.

Another one.

It was a sunny afternoon and Courtney and I were up brushing Cajun.

I emptied the water barrel and out he came.

I pushed the dead squirrel, which I will refer to as "Gerald", around with a shovel...trying to scoop him up.

Courtney grew agitated and said, "Just give it to me!"...and then set out to show me how simple it is to scoop up Gerald. After all, he wasn't fighting against me or anything, right?

She scooted Gerald all over the place, struggling to get him "loaded" on the shovel.

Her punishment for mocking MY lack of squirrel scooping skills was that she had to carry him down to the woods, while he was balanced half way on the end of the shovel....while wearing flip flops :) 

We were both wearing flip flops. Why? Because we are idiots.

One day we will get stomped on and that will be the end of the flip flops in the Donkey Hill wardrobe.

I can't wait to permanently be on Donkey Hill so I can start teaching the squirrels swimming lessons or perhaps sewing them life jackets.

They think they are invincible, but clearly...they are not.

They also say drowning is the most peaceful way to go...but judging by the frantic claw marks inside the bucket, I would have to conclude that *they* are liars.

RIP Gerald.

And a big "You're Welcome" to Cajun, Popcorn, and Peanut for thoroughly disinfecting your water tank. It's the least I could do.

-p.s.- 

Our house is finally on the market.

One step closer to Donkey Hill!!!

Bryce Declares a Party

This morning I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Cranky...irritable...frazzled...and generally not handling life very well.

 was a busy day. We were scheduled to meet with a Realtor to put our house on the market. We were rushing around, finalizing everything for the walk through, when Bryce told me that it was the 1st Birthday of three of his favorite stuffed animals and they needed to have a party.

I heard him walking around and making a list, out loud : cupcakes, candles, plates, streamers, and Legos.

My list of things to do is a mile long right now. As it turns out, putting a house on the market that you have been living in for 12 years, is no small feat. I was stressed and overwhelmed with all I needed to get done and I certainly didn't have time for a stuffed animal birthday party....aka Dust Mite Convention.

Thankfully. I had one of those Mommy moments, when I realized that I could ignore him...put it for another day/..and likely never get around to it------OR I could take an hour out of my day to make his birthday party dream a reality and let everything else go.

It was one of those "Good, Better, Best" situations and it was almost like I could look into the future and see the regret I would feel if I didn't do this for him...this day.

So I did.

He invited Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa wasn't feeling too hot, so Grandma dropped what she was doing and came to celebrate the birth of his fluffy friends. He was over the moon.

It was a great party. Penguino, Monkey Monk, and Stuffy were thrilled that ALL of their closest friends made the effort to come. Just look at this crowd.

They were especially touched that "Dino" came. He recently had a freak accident which resulted in the loss of an eye...and he still managed to make it to the celebration.

All three of them made a wish. Bryce was sweet enough to blow the candles out for them since their mouths were sewn shut.

Piper was invited to the party, too. She tried to convince us that chocolate doesn't kill dogs and it's just an urban legend. We didn't fall for it. She was stuck with a dog biscuit.

Penguino, Monkey Monk, and Stuffy were a little annoyed that I bought them a Lego set. They thought I was taunting their lack of opposable thumbs. Bryce had to put the set together for them...but they had fun watching.

Post cake face.

 Karah brought "Barry"...her first and only stuffed love.

We were all so happy to see "Mr. Cwanky Pants"...the Angry Bird.

He usually avoids these types of events.

That bird is, indeed, and angry bird.

I am so glad that Bryce declared it a party day. It ended up being just what my mood needed.

It was such a gift to be able to sit with my family and laugh and be silly and put everything else aside.

Who cares if the house sells this month or a year from now?

This is what it's all about.

Sometimes you just need a 5 year old to remind you.

*not pictured: Bradley and Daddy...dropped by the party and had to leave for a Pinewood Derby paint trip to Lowes*

A Beautiful Day

The kids always want to go to Donkey Hill as soon as I pick them up from school...but especially when the weather is nice. And it has been NICE!

I look forward to the day that we pull in the driveway after school and park in a garage...that is attached to our HOUSE...where they can run in, drop their backpacks, grab a snack, and run back outside to play. Sigh.

For now we will have to survive the phase of "throw the backpack in the backseat, stop at the gas station to pee and grab a drink, head to the hill to play, load back up in the car...grassy and stinky....rush back home to do homework and throw dinner together"....you get the picture?

I've never been known for being a patient person. I tend to err on the impulsive side...and in the words of Veruca Salt,  "I want the golden goose NOW, Daddy!" Sometimes I fall into the old saying of "Giving up what you want the most for what you want in the moment."

Over the past year, I must admit that I have gained not only an acceptance but an appreciation of the Lord's timing. Turns out, He knows what's best for me. Praise be for that.

I really have felt such peace as I have been learning to let go and just trust Him. One of my favorite Gospel hymns is "I Surrender All".

1. All to Jesus I surrender;
   All to Him I freely give;
   I will ever love and trust Him,
   In His presence daily live.
   • Refrain:
     I surrender all,
     I surrender all;
     All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
     I surrender all.
2. All to Jesus I surrender;
   Humbly at His feet I bow,
   Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
   Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3. All to Jesus I surrender;
   Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
   Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
   Truly know that Thou art mine.
4. All to Jesus I surrender;
   Lord, I give myself to Thee;
   Fill me with Thy love and power;
   Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5. All to Jesus I surrender;
   Now I feel the sacred flame.
   Oh, the joy of full salvation!
   Glory, glory, to His Name!
   
   
   I thought I would bring my camera to capture the images of this gorgeous afternoon. It's crazy to think that one day it will be hard for me to imagine what it was like to not have our home there. I look forward to that day....patiently, or course.

  
After reading this article...I have made a greater effort to take pictures WITH my children....not just OF them. When I do...I'm always glad I did.

Donkey Hill is such a special place....not for the home it will someday hold...but for the time we have to feel apart from the busy world we live in and for being able to  enjoy each other without distraction.

We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father for the blessing we have of spending so much time together in such a beautiful, peaceful place.

Please remember these days, little bear cubs.

I love you.

-Mama