Some Things Never Change

After church today Zach came around the corner from nursery hand in hand with Grandma. He took one look at me and came running with a big smile on his face, giggling. As soon as I had him in my arms he held onto me and his precious blanket (that I had kept for him) and his two fingers went into his mouth. Then he heaved a huge sigh. He had made it through church and the new nursery and now he was safe with his mama. All would be well.

Brandon, I think, felt similarly this week after experiencing middle school for the first time. Every day he has come home happy to see his family and after setting down his backpack, he seems to sigh a big sigh of relief that he made it through another day. He is happy to be in school, but it is a huge change. It is just a comfort to know that family will always be there. Mom will always be there.

(By the way, Brian and I wanted to continue homeschooling Brandon because of the flexibility it offers. But, Brandon very much wanted to see what middle school was all about. He made a great argument, accepted all of the responsibility, and has proven to be up for the challenge. He is doing great managing his diabetes on his own, and is proving to be responsible with homework and time management. We felt he should be able to make this decision himself and now we are supporting him. We are so proud of him.)

I had a similar experience as Zach and Brandon this week when I picked up Mom and Dad from the airport. After driving through a big and strange city, taking three different freeways and battling traffic, I finally reached Mom and Dad. I parked the car and ran around to give them a big hug. They had arrived! Now, this crazy city, this huge new state of California, all of it, suddenly seems okay because Mom and Dad have arrived. I just feel better knowing that they are here, even if it is just for a few days.

Another thing that brings me comfort and makes me feel that everything will be okay is that there is a temple here only 20 minutes away. Brian and I got to go on Friday night. It felt like I was home again, even though it isn't the temple I have been used to visiting. It is still the House of the Lord and the blessings of the temple never change. I have felt His presence and it was such a relief. I feel that all will be well.

Then today I attended Relief Society. When Mom leaves this week, I know I will still have a whole room full of mothers to bring me comfort and "relief." I am not alone. Some things, thank goodness, will never change.

I have so enjoyed Mom and Dad's visit. It is exactly what I wanted for my birthday. Yesterday we spent the afternoon at the beach. It was so fun to watch the kids play in the ocean. It was the first time Josh, Amanda, and Zach had ever seen the ocean. They loved every minute of it. We enjoyed just watching them. After we got home we watched the BYU game and Brian's yelling and cheering. It was such a fun day. Here are some photos.

Yes, this is Grandma. She said the other day, "I'm 72 degrees and still ticking!" I think she meant years, but then she might have been thinking about the great weather we will have here all year round. She is 72 years young--especially around all these grandkids.

I wish you all could join us! The Wilhelmsen Inn is open...Better make your reservations!