Instruments in His Hands

Saturday, I had planned to be at the Layton Invitational Tournament all day. Plans changed when each of the kids was asking for Mom time. I obliged. We decorated the house for Christmas, cleaned, did laundry, played games, and laughed. Meanwhile, B. Beck dropped off a basket of love to Josh at Layton High for me. He brought it home for me and I cried.

B. Beck is the closest to perfect of anyone (besides my Grandma Robb) I have ever known. She is so in-tune with the Spirit, and she acts on those things. B. has been through hard times with me, dating back 15 years. She has never left me. She has loved me, prayed with me, wiped my tears, held my children, and reminded me often that I am strong.

I have said this before, but I am surrounded by angels. I always have been. Heavenly Father has blessed me with people who have done what I think He would do if He were here. And, these people have acted on those promptings. B. Beck gifted me with so many surprises. A couple of weeks ago, Miss Birdie sent me a note and a gratitude journal. Last night, Josh and I came home late from working at Kohls to find boxes of food and detergent on our front porch. Martha gets Colton home from school safely everyday, makes us homemade chicken noodle soup, and makes me laugh when I feel like crying. Family members love us and support us and care for us.

We are so blessed. And, we are so grateful.

Mommy Martha & Anubis

Colton has his Egyptian wax museum and presentation coming up at school. He has chosen Anubis. Below is a picture of Anubis. Creepy if you asked me! You didn't, but I'm going to tell you anyways. Anywho, while talking to Colton about Anubis, Kaydon chimed in about what Egyptian figure he was at his sixth grade wax museum. I couldn't remember who he was because I wasn't there - see previous post. I asked Kaydon if he was sad that no one was there to see him at his wax museum. He said, "Mom! Heidi came, remember?! I wasn't alone. She was there!!" Then I started to weep and went to my room to put myself in timeout.

Heidi is Mommy Martha. Mommy Martha was there for my boy because his mommy couldn't be there. He wasn't alone because she was there. It wasn't weird to him that his real mommy wasn't there because all he cared about was that he wasn't alone. What would I do without Mommy Martha?!

We are never alone. God always answers prayers - not in the way we might want Him to - but He does answer them. He has put Mommy Martha in our lives because I need her, and so do my kids.

Mommy Martha Haircuts

Mommy Martha cut hair on Monday night. We were there for quite some time because we have a lot of kids! Even daddy got in on the action and got the middle of his goatee bleached. The kids thought that was hilarious!

I am so grateful for Martha. She is a good second mommy to my kiddos. They love her and they know that she loves them!

Colton is 12

I am so sad that this is the only picture I got of the amazing birthday cake that Martha made for Colton! By the time I realized it was a blurry mess, it was half gone! Martha is so great! She made Colton the yummiest, cutest birthday cake EVER! I am so thankful that she loves my boy!

Colton is 12 years old today! Apparently this morning, he called everyone he knew to remind them that it is his birthday! Awesome. That's one of the many things I love about Autism! He felt like everyone should be wide awake, celebrating with him!

We are so thankful to have this little guy in our family. His life is full of adventure, love, and light. He lives in a happy world where everyone is full of goodness and love. Happy birthday, Boogie!

Swimming at Martha's House

On the 24th of July, our sweet neighbor has a big block party - complete with food, water slides and dog poop! Only a few of us showed up to it this year. After dinner, and the dogs eating the food off of the table, we opted to go a couple of doors down to Martha's and swim for the rest of the night. Some of us planned on swimming (all of the kids and Josh). Some of us did NOT plan on swimming (me). However, my husband opted to throw me in the pool (clothed). Funny.

The kids had a blast. Joshua broke the make-shift slide to the pool. Awesome. I eventually got into the pool willingly. The kids rock-climbed and jumped into the water over and over again. Mostly, I just loved being with Martha and watching Baby Brooklyn smile.

I sure love that family!

Haircuts and Baby

Last night was hair cut night for the boys. Off to Miss Martha's house we went. Miss Martha's real name is Heidi, however she is perfect in every way so I call her Martha. Because I can. Miss Martha had a baby one month ago. Her name is Brooklyn Heidi. She is perfection. Literally perfection. Kaydon wrote a paper about her at school. So sweet. Last night, Kaydon begged to hold her and loved on her, ever though he kept calling her "it." Whatever. Jackson would rub her little cheeks, but he was terrified to hold her. Terrified. Jackson is terrified of everything. Finally, I got her to hold her and feed her so that I could write Martha a check. He was SO sweet with her. He even got her to burp six times. They talked about her for the rest of the night.

Oh, and the three boys begged Miss Martha to dye their hair. They are little divas!!!!

Chicken Noodle Soup

Several years ago, when we were in our ward in West Jordan, a sweet, sweet lady brought us dinner every single Monday night... because she wanted to. My kids loved her. I loved her more. She was my solace, my safety, my calm in the storm. Every time I had surgery, she brought her homemade chicken noodle soup. It was like nothing I have ever had. It was perfect. It was amazing! I love to make homemade chicken noodle soup. My kids love to eat it. I do too. Last week, I was really sick. I asked my sweet friend, Martha (Heidi W.), to make me some of her homemade chicken noodle soup. She did and I haven't stopped eating it since. It is so yummy! There is something about chicken noodle soup that warms the body and the soul, at least mine. It seriously makes me feel loved. And, I love it right back!

This quote, which happens to be my very favorite, also makes me feel loved. And, I love it right back! I can always hear Elder Holland's voice saying it. It reminds me that this is such a small part of our immortality. We need not give up. We need not quit. We need not stop trying. There is always help and happiness ahead. Always.