Close to Home

Sunday evening a violent tornado ripped through the southern part of Joplin, Missouri. For me and my family this disaster has hit very close to home. Many of my mothers extended family live and work in Joplin. Also most of my dad's family lives in the surrounding areas. So we have discovered that everyone is safe. My uncle, who lives about a mile away from St. John's Regional Hospital was spared both him and his home. My father's family is dealing with debris. Unfortunately some family members lost their homes and livelihoods. They are alive and as my mom put it is it really all that matters. While I miss the Midwest I do not miss the horror of tornadoes. They are truly the most violent thing nature can produce. From the moment a funnel cloud forms in the sky to the time that a tornado as touched down and done damage all one can do is pray. You learn to respect and read mother nature in a way that never leaves you. Do this day when the sky gets angry here is Utah I still pray that nothing horrific will come from the impending storm. I am thankful for the miracles we had felt in this disaster and hope and pray that others too may feel of the love and compassion of the Lord as they being to rebuild their lives.

Motherhood is...

All of my life I have wanted to be a wife and mother. Yes, I went to college and received a degree but my greatest desire has always been to be married and raise a family. I am  not the conventional mother. I don't adhere to social norms or standards. I follow my heart and am constantly praying. I have the simliar struggles as others. Children not listening, making messes, etc. But I revel in these moments. You see I was older when I had the blessing of getting married almost three years ago. I waited and did everything I could to support my friends who were married and had children. Even so I yearned for it for my own life. When it finally came I made a covenant with the Lord that I would do everything in my power to raise my children as he would have me do. I am anything but perfect. I have a temper that I am learning to control. However, I am trying so hard. Everything I do during a day has my husband and my children in mind. I hope and pray that I can continue to be worthy to listen to the spirit and live my life in such a way as to teach my children eternal truths through word and deed.

Funny Thing Happened At the Doctor's Office

So I just have to say I have a very sweet little girl.

Yesterday we went to the doctor to make sure she didn't have an ear infection or anything else. While there Eric in his infinite wisdom decided why not have her 18 month check up and shot. The doctor was all for it. Well Mackenzie was not. She clung to me like the stethoscope was a torture device and when the nurse gave her the one shot she needed she glared at her daddy. If looks could kill. Well after a new toy and many hug and kisses and a sucker from the ob clinic secretary she was fine. Until today...

Now you have to understand our family doctor's office is on the same floor and in the same office as my Ob. So we had warned Mackenzie that we were going back to the doctor's but to see mommy's doctor not hers. She seemed OK with it until the nurse began taking my blood pressure and then all bets were off! What was she doing to her mommy! Well after that little drama they turned on a video for her and we waited to see our midwife. Then it was time for mommy to lay on the table so we could hear the baby's heart beat. Well Mackenzie was not going to have. She had to sit (stand) on her daddy's lap and make sure that the doctor did not hurt mommy. She did seem fascinated by the baby's heartbeat and the fact that the baby was kicking the heart monitor (siblings). However, she did not smile again until mommy was safely out of reach of the doctor.

I have to smile at how protective Mackenzie is. She has finally figure out that her little brother or sister is in mommy's tummy. I think this might be part of her need to protect mommy. She won't even let Eric put his arm on my tummy. Only Mackenzie can lay on the tummy and kiss it. She is going to be the best big sister ever! I am so grateful for her.

Life

So in the past few months things have changed a lot. Eric now officially done with course work, Mackenzie is running everywhere, I am officially in the Master of Education program at the U, oh and we are pregnant again. The last one came a pleasant surprise. We had just started trying but I know it is when the Lord wants it to happen. I am excited for Mackenzie to have a sibling and for Eric and I to add to our family. I don't know how I will get everything done that the Lord wants me to do, but that is where faith steps in.

This past week Eric turned 30 and it made me stop and think about life. He doesn't look thirty and he doesn't act thirty. I know now that my Great Grandpa Baker was right. It is just a number. It matters how you feel and that is all about perspective. For example Mackenzie has had a cold that last couple of days and of course she gave it to mommy. It is not a big deal since that is how family works. I could just walo in self pity but instead I am trying to get well. I also have the best nurses ever. Eric is wonderful in helping me rest and making sure I eat. Mackenzie is just as sweet as ever. She always comes in to check on mommy and make sure I am ok. She has even given me kisses.

One final thing Eric is almost an official life guard for the summer. Just one more week of class. He passed the pre-test and has been loving the things he is learning about helping others. This is his finally internship before he is completely done with his degree. What is really nice is that he will be working at the Magna Pool. He is going to be very close to home. Also it is an excuse to take Mackenzie to her favorite place in the world the pool. Our girl could live in water if we would let her.

I hope everyone has a great week-end and is loving the warmer weather we are getting in Utah. Also those of you around the rest of the country please stay safe!