Life is so short

Today I visited with a family that lost a son, a grandson and a brother in a car accident due to a drunk driver. I just can't stop thinking of this family and the sweet 16 year old girl who held onto my hug for a long time and just sobbed. What a sad day and such a hard thing to explain. He was only 25 years old and had been married just under 2 years with a 3 month old little girl that will never know him. As I think of the perplexities and complexities of it all I am angry, sad and yet at the same time comforted and so grateful for the knowlege that I have in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I try to wrap my brain around what the plan could possibly be for this young widow and baby girl. I know that the Lord is in control and that there was no doubt a great reunion on the other side of the veil. How can such a great reunion on one side bring such pain on this side. Please, understand that I do not doubt, but greive with every mother that loses a child of any age. I have seen mothers lose children and children lose mothers. It is so sad to say goodbye for what is no doubt a short time in the eternal perspective yet seems like eternity in the earthly perspective.

How does a mom, dad, spouse, sibling or child gain the strength to continue on when it seems like all has been taken from them? I have been so sad all day and yet gently reminded that the Plan of Salvation is real and in progress.

I have not lost a child, and yet as a mom my heart breaks and aches for my dear friends who have passed through this trial. I have helped a mom dress her 3 year old for the last time and I have felt the pain that this loss brings. I have also seen an unbelievable strength in average people that I know can only come from our Father and Savior.

I know that life is short and for some it is even shorter. I am reminded through sad days such as today that I have been given so much and I need to cherish every moment with my family.

My heart felt prayers go out today to my friends who have lost so much for a time.

Nathan's first 3 years

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATHAN

At 2:27 this morning I woke up (potty break) and realized I was 2 minutes away from Nathan's 3rd birthday. He was born 3 years ago at 2:29 am at home in the same place that I was laying this morning. Most know my story of my really fast labors and how that allowed us with what was a scary and awesome experience of Joe delivering Nathan unassisted. (OK...so as you all have heard me say....give credit where credit is due.... I delivered him, Joe caught him....but caught him well :o) I wouldn't change a thing about it. It happened exactly as it was supposed to and it is an incredible memory for Joe and me. What a fabulous and fast 3 years it has been.



We contemplated for some time whether we were done after Jenna so Nathan is 5 1/2 years younger than Jenna. I remember the morning that he was born saying to Joe " I can't believe we almost let him go to another family." My friend, kasey, always says in response to that "it's a good thing he went to your family because he sure looks a lot like you guys." (which still makes me chuckle).



I don't even know how to sum up these past 3 years other than Nathan completes our family. He is adored and loved by his brothers and sister and brings a whole different light and life to our family. I feel so very blessed to have all of my kids, but Nathan seems to be the link that finished our family circle.



Happy birthday baby boy! We love you!!!

Guess who is FINALLY potty trained!!!!

He woke up monday morning and said he didn't want a diaper and has not had an accident all week...even when out shopping. Maybe it was worth the wait because it sure was easy.

YAAAY FOR NATHAN (in case you were wondering who was potty trained :o)

Nathan's new shoes

Nathan really hates wearing clothes...which is obvious by the fact that this is the second post featuring a "Naked Nathan". However, we finally found an article of clothing that he likes....his new shoes. He thinks these are the coolest things, and he LOVES the fact that "Michael got them for him". (Yes, Michael picked them out, but I still had to pay for them.) Well, at least he's wearing something now :O)