How to help?

This morning I got a phone call from Maddie Huested asking if I could make dinner for one of my primary student’s family because his mother passed away last night. I couldn’t believe it. Jaxxon’s mom had lung cancer, but she had mostly recovered and back to work. Apparently, last night she had some internal bleeding and died. So sad. I am so sorry for Jaxxon, the first and last conversation I had with Jaxxon’s mom was about Jaxxon and what a great kid he is. She said he had a pure heart and is seeking to learn what is good. He would bring her scriptures he found on his phone and share them with her. I am glad I could hear her say all those nice things about Jaxxon. This way I can remind him of how much his mom loved him.

Lauren found out about this at YW activity tonight and wanted to help in someway. She was saddened and shocked by this news and wanted to know as much as she could so she could understand. I think that is a normal reaction. Lauren likes to understand and then help in whatever way is best for the one that needs help.

This morning I also planted a rose bush I bought for my mom. I accidentally bought the wrong color rose bushes. So I tried to exchange them, but couldn’t for this one. The other 2 bare root roses came today. We will plant them tomorrow, hopefully. I love these David Austin roses and I hope they flourish here.

This morning my dad came into the kitchen mildly worried about my mom. Since November her memory has been failing her. She often forgets what she needs to do for the day and other short term memory items. Today, she and my dad went to the airport to pick up Leslie. Then they came here to pick up Pico and then they dropped Leslie off at home. A few hours later my mom asked my dad if they needed to go pick up Leslie today or tomorrow. She had completely forgotten that she already picked Leslie up. My dad and I are pretty worried, but it doesn’t seem there is anything my mom wants to do about this. We made her get an MRI, but it didn’t show any damage from a stroke. With her memory going we have had to streamline her finances. She had over 8 credit cards all for different purposes. Now she has 3, soon to be 2 bc my dad is closing accounts left and right. There is no way any of us can understand the way she does her finiances, so my dad is changing her system of 60 years. It is a bit painful, but she knows she can’t keep track of things the way they are.

Sam is huffing and puffing right now. About a year ago he started exercising. He is very lean and muscular, but so skinny you would never know unless you feel his arms, which he would never let you do. Anyway at school they have a PowderBuff volleyball game, Senior vs. Juniors. The kids take it very seriously. He is ‘training’ about 3 times a week with the other boys and 3 girls from the volleyball team. I love his friends and Chloë loves his friends. She says that a few times a day. “Mommy, I LOVE Sammy’s friends.” That is what I hear all day everyday. Anyway, Sam has a great little routine that really has paid off. He is very strong.

Sam's 18

Today is Sam’s 18th birthday. He is such a great kid. I invited some of his friend’s over for cake after his volleyball practice was over. He was so happy with his friends. It makes my heart happy. He turned in his mission papers about a week ago. I can’t wait to see what happens to him on his mission. 

 I know Olivia is having a hard time. The language is so hard and she is always so worried about what people think of her. So I think she is being very hard on herself and yet, maybe she isn’t hard enough. It is hard to say... I really don’t know what she is thinking or feeling. All I can do is pray for her... I love her and want her to be the best person she can be. I pray she is preparing herself to be a good mother and wife. 

 Lauren stayed home from school today bc she was having allergies and then she didn't wake up in time for school. They are doing state testing. If she goes to school late it would have been in the middle of testing and that would mean she would have to stay after and get caught up. Where as if she doesn't go at all she would just never take the test. Consequently, I put her to work at home and she said she is never staying home again. I love all my kids and pray for their testimonies. I have started telling them they have to be good parents and very direct about their testimonies and when teaching their children.  

We moved in with my parents October of 2020. I love living with them for many reasons. Just now we had Sam’s friends over for cake on his bday. My parents joined in teh celebration. I love that my parents are a part of my kids lives. I love that we have space in their big house. I love that we have a fire pit. I love that i can help my parents and my kids see me helping my parents. I love that my parents can help me. I love that Daniel is less stressed over money. We pay rent, but it is different than having a mortgage and being responsible for home repairs and such. I love the sunny warm weather and I love that we are so close to a temple. I am so blessed. I love my life... even though there are some things I wish I could change, I love where I am in life.