Time at the barn

This morning

One of the greatest gifts my Nate has ever given me, and he's giving me so very many, was to be
born yesterday. I woke up yesterday morning with the strongest desire to focus only on him and
the blessing he is in our family. I didn't look at a single headline or turn on the television for one
second. I asked my family to let yesterday be Nate's birthday and only that. I went to bed last night
feeling happy and peaceful and calm and grateful to the Lord for everything He has given me.

I woke up this morning and took time to read my scriptures and study the gospel and pray. And when
that was over, I asked Jacob the results of the election. When he told me, a sense of peace washed
over me. And it had nothing to do with who won, to be sure. Instead, it had everything to do with
my mind and heart knowing that nothing about this election or the outcome was a surprise to God.
And what an incredible privilege for me to lean more heavily on Him and pray that this nation will
do the same. He is over all. I know that as deeply as I know anything. I feel so blessed to live in
this great country and to know what I do about my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

What a beautiful morning. I'm so, so blessed.

Nate's 5th Birthday

Happy Birthday to my incredible Nate! Five years ago, in another place and what
feels like a different life, this sweet guy joined our family. He is good and kind
and hilarious and sensitive and brilliant. It isn't possible for me to thank
my Heavenly Father enough for the privilege of being this boy's mom.

The removal of some wisdom teeth

Oh the disappointment. This boy had zero reaction to anesthesia except for being tired.
I was so excited to video his loopyness that I feel a little let down.

All kidding aside, I am so grateful this morning is over. I don't care if your baby is
17 weeks or 17 years (we've done both, plus two other ages as well), walking out of
the room as they go under anesthesia does something to your mother's heart. Grateful
to have him home and that it all went extremely well. I love this guy something crazy.

Halloween Dance

Jacob and I were in Boston when Campbell went to the Halloween Dance with a darling girl
who asked him several weeks ago. I was sad to miss it, so I was so thankful to receive the pictures
you see below, from a cute girl in the group. Her mom took the pictures and they made my day.

One year

One year. I can't believe it. I still miss her to the deepest part of my heart.
The two greatest gifts she gave me were her love that never wavered or changed.
And living a life that left absolutely no question where she went after she left
this earth and moved on to her eternal reward. Every single day, I wake up
with a desire to live in a way that would make her proud of me.

A trip to Boston

Jacob and I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting Boston this past week. He had a business
conference there and my wonderful in-laws made it possible for me to fly out and meet him for
four days. We took a lot of pictures. Which I will share, but I won't explain. Because it is enough
that our family knows what each picture means to us and represents in our life. It was an incredible
trip. I came home changed. And grateful for the five wonderful, hard, happy and heartbreaking years
we had on the East Coast. Sometimes I miss how much that time made me rely on the Lord. And the
people. Oh we miss the people that became like family to us. I always feel blessed, but this trip
made me feel blessed in a way that I can't explain. But the Lord knows. I'm so grateful.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from these hilarious darlings to you!