A Little Visit

On Sunday, after church, Braxton quietly drove us to the rest home.

We were all in our church clothes still.

Not really sure why we were pulling up to the rest home.

We went inside, following Braxton.

He asked for Ned Christensen.

She told us where to go.

I know that name from my boys.

Each Sunday, my boys have taken the Sacrament to Ned's home.

They have mowed his lawn for him.

They have gone to visit him, just because.

A couple of weeks ago, before Elder Jorgensen left, Braxton and he went to Ned's.

There was no answer.

They could see his walker.

They could see other things through the windows, but no Ned.

They were worried.

Braxton asked the bishop where he was and the bishop told him that he had been moved to a rest home.

Yesterday, Braxton felt it important that he visit him. That we all visit him.

The last time they saw him, he didn't recognize anyone but Braxton.

He was very lethargic, forgetful.

Yesterday, he recognized Braxton right away.

I came around in front of him and introduced myself as the boys' mom.

He immediately asked about Jackson and his mission.

It was pretty sweet.

I could tell that he loved my boys so much.

He asked them to go visit him more.

He said that he is happy to be safe in the rest home, where he has help.

He said that they bring him the Sacrament each Sunday.

He said that he gets to spend Christmas with his family.

And he asked us to tell Jackson "hello."

As we left, my heart was exploding.

 Literally exploding.

You know, when I was young I dreamed of being a full-time, stay-at-home mama.

I dreamed that we would go visit the lonely in rest homes every week.

I dreamed that we would go do good deeds everyday, me and my kids.

Literally.

I'm not a stay-at-home mama, although I am a full-time mom.

We don't go to the rest home every week.

We don't do all that I had dreamed of.

But these boys of mine do so much more!

I was so impressed that my 17 year old felt a need, and listened to that still small voice.

I was so impressed that my boys drove us to another house after the rest home to serve the Sacrament to another elderly person unable to leave their home.

I am beyond grateful for these boys.

I am beyond honored to be their mama!

Blankets

I was told that the NICU at Ogden Regional Hospital was out of blankets. We had to get right on that! As you know - 27 surgeries... days and nights in hospitals... holidays in hospitals... grief and pain... exhaustion... my boys and I understand, truly, what it is like to be in the hospital. Gestures as small as blankets are such a gift, such a blessing. They are a bright spot in rough days. So, we made seven blankets that are all ready to go wrap babies up nice and warm.

Our Trial and Triumph - Service

Over the past week, I have been researching volunteer opportunities for the boys and I. I came across the Family Connection Center. I emailed them and told them that we don't have much time to donate between school, my work and Jackson's work, but that we want to do something. They asked that we put together toys or craft kits for the kids who are there. Perfect!

Except that last night was a nightmare. My boys were out of control. I'm pretty sure no one heard any of the scriptures! They were fighting over touching each other's feet, who farted and why, who took whose soda... It went on and on. Right after dinner, we loaded in the car and went to the Dollar Store to get supplies. I seriously wanted to tie them up and duct tape their mouths, but I resisted. UGH!

When we got home, I took everything out and organized the boys into groups. They loaded their craft bags. We ended up with 32 craft kits to donate. We will take the box this week.

This morning, when we knelt for family prayer, Kaydon said to me, "Mom, you're doing great. I'm really proud of you. I tell everyone at school that I have the best mom." Thanks KK. We are all doing just fine.

Christensen Family Day of Service

I woke up Saturday morning feeling strongly that we needed to do a morning of service. We don't have much, but we have sufficient for our needs and we are constantly blessed with the ability to pay our rent, our utilities, make sure our children have shoes and coats, and that we have food on the table because we pay a full tithe. I asked Josh about doing a morning of service and he was behind it, so we told the children to get ready. They were NOT excited. Therefore, I had a little "coming to Mama talk." I explained that their grandparents are taking them on a freaking cruise for crying out loud... the least we could do was serve. Hugs! We started at Walmart. We bought five $25 gift cards, one for each child. Then, the children went on their way and gave them to someone who they felt guided to. Jackson came back 15 minutes later with his card still in his hand. He said that he just didn't feel right about anyone yet. Then, an elderly couple walked in the front doors. I watched as my 15 year old son walked toward them. With one hand, he showed them the gift card and with the other, he rested it on the shoulder of the woman. He said to them, "My family is doing a service project this morning. We want to give you this and we want you to have a merry Christmas." The man was not fond of the idea. In fact, he kept telling Jackson to give it to someone more in need. Jackson explained that he couldn't do that because he knew he needed to give it to them. The sweet old lady took it and cried. Jackson cried too. I was a standing in a puddle of my own tears.

Next, we went through the drive-up at McDonalds. Don't judge! There isn't much out where we live! We ordered drinks, then told them we were paying for the car behind us. Wouldn't you know it... the car behind us ordered two drinks for a total of $2! However, as our kiddos watched out the back window, they noticed that she then paid for the car behind her, and that car paid for the car behind them. Service is contagious! People were blessed that day, but not as much as our family. After McDonalds, we went home and I made neighbor gifts, after which Brooklyn ran up and down driveways to deliver. She slept sooo good!