A Reason to Celebrate

This afternoon, Tait and I will be getting on a plane to California where two special things will be happening. First, we will celebrate my grandma's 80th birthday. If you know my grandma, then you would know why this is such a special occasion. I had the privilege to live close to my grandma almost my entire life. My grandpa died when I was about 5 or 6. My grandma was a fairly young widow who has never fully recovered from her loss. She is a remarkable woman in so many ways.

You see, she was really only a child still when she married my grandpa.

They raised 9 children together (my mom is on the top left). My grandma had 9 kids by the time she was my age. Amazing. When her and my grandpa were a young married couple, the missionaries knocked on their door. They were soon baptized and have always been faithful members of the church. Because of their faith and testimonies my life and the life of so many others is better.

I am so grateful for my grandma and all that she has taught me by her quiet example. She is a gentle soul--a quiet servant of the Lord. I love her and I am looking forward to celebrating her life with the rest of my wonderful family who I miss so much. It's a surprise (don't worry, she doesn't read my blog) and I can't wait to see her face when she sees so many family members there from near and far.

The other reason for my visit is the baptism of my brother-in-law Scott. Anybody who has said there is no such thing as miracles was totally lying. I'm not saying that I didn't think it would happen, but I really didn't expect it to happen so soon. My sister has always said she knew he would join the church, but that it would be in his own time. Scott is such a neat guy. SO smart and mature beyond his years. We all knew that if he was going to choose to be baptized it was because HE wanted to. He has acquired his own testimony. Scott is the type of person who doesn't commit to anything unless he is willing to dedicate everything he has to the cause. He will live a faithful life committed 100%. I have no doubt.

I'm so grateful that I'm going to be able to witness this awesome event. I love Scott and I love my sister. I couldn't be more proud.

I will miss you all while I'm gone. *To my Avra Valley girls: Please don't judge me when you see my children on Sunday. I have no idea what their hair or clothes will look like. I know Rob will give it a valiant effort, but nobody does it like mama. It's also the Primary program, which I will sadly be missing.

Thanks to my awesome husband who will be tackling the job of caring for 5 crazy kids for 2.5 days. He's my hero.

I'll have lots to report when I get back.