Life

I am not sure how many people actually read my posts but for those of you who do, I am sorry I have been gone for so long. There has been a lot going on with the Winslow family in the past few months. Both good and difficult. All the while we have grown closer as a family and I have grown as a person.

First in December, we were excited to discover that we were expecting again but within days we suffered the tragedy that so many other have, we miscarried. While it was heartbreaking, it was a beautiful heartbreak. In all of this, I had the opportunity to see the strength and compassion my dear sweetheart as. He knew there was not much that he could do to take the pain and disappointment a way, but he did what I need, held me. I now understand why we are commanded to marry when the opportunity presents itself. He truly is my missing half. While we were only about five six weeks along the heartbreak came from having to explain to Mackenzie what was wrong. She has been talking about her baby sister being ready to come since June of last year. However, again I found beauty in the mist of the heartache, she has displayed such kindness, love and faith. She told me that it was ok, her baby sister would come when it is the Lord's time. I truly believe that this trial has been great. I have been very private about this until now because I know that there are many others who have experienced this situation as well. However, now I know that the strength and faith I have gain through this. However, with the trial comes the joy too.

In January, our sweet Mackenzie became a Sunbeam. With this she has also helped our family to become better at doing family home evening every week along with family prayer and scripture study every day. She is truly an priceless gift that I become more and more grateful for everyday. Along with this milestone in Mackenzie life, I have to officially say, watch out world, Hyrum Eric Winslow is walking!!! He is also dancing and laughing. While I miss my baby boy I am loving this stage too. He is a challenge, getting into everything and outsmarting us all. However, I love it when he smile and laughs. He is my sunshine.


This month, we encountered more joy and sorrow. First, we have finally done it! We have started doing the temple work for my family. This has been an amazing opportunity for me to see my ancestors as more than just names and also to glean all the oral history available from my dad and my grandmother. However, with this, I have also had to say good-bye to one of my dearest family members, my Aunt Esther. She is my great-aunt but I have learn so much from her about divine womanhood. She truly followed the Relief Society motto all her life "Charity Never Faileth" even though she never had the opportunity to hear the fullness of the gospel in this life. While there is a hole in my heart where is has left this life, I know that I will be with her and my Uncle Dick again one day. All I can do now, is hope that I can live in such a way as to make her proud.

Well, that bring you all up to date with the Winslows. I hope to do better about posting thoughts and also pictures and videos. I hope you all have had a wonderful valentine's day with your loved ones.

The sweetest part of my life

I love this little girl and I can not believe how big she is getting. I love how life is so simple and wonderful for her. As many of you know my daughter is never at a lose for words. Lately she has decided that she needs a baby sister and so is insisting that her daddy take her to the baby store to get one. Well when we explained that her baby sister is in heaven with heavenly father and that she would need to pray to heavenly father about she took us up on.

She is so bright and loving. She is praying very hard for that baby sister and with her simple beautiful faith I have no doubt that in time the Lord will grant her the joy of having a little sister. She has clarified that she loves her baby brother and does not want to give him back, but that he is not a baby anymore so we need a baby in the house. Oh, to be almost three and have everything so clear and understandable.

I am totally in love with my little man! He is definitely the strong silent type but has a heart of gold like his sister. He is almost walking and trying to explore and help in every way. His smile is infectious and no one who is exposed to it can help but smile, not even grumpy Uncle Jeff. What time I have to cuddle with him, since he never likes to sit still now, I thoroughly enjoy. As Mackenzie has stated, he is definitely not a baby anymore.

He greatest love as of late, besides mama is food. He loves to eat, although he really does not look like it weight wise. However, his is also trying so hard to show how much he loves his sister more and more too. Today while we were running errands he patiently sat in the back and at one point tried and succeeded in holding his sister's hand. It made my day. I hope that my kids will always be able to be the best of friends and know that this is a friendship that can last for eternity.

Finally love my husband. He is blossoming so much lately. While him and Mackenzie still have their difficult moment, I am not sure who is more stubborn, they are also so much fun. Mackenzie adores her daddy and Hyrum loves daddy time too. I have to say I love being able to talk to and laugh with daddy too. His heart is made of pure gold and is showing more and more. I know with out a shadow of doubt that I married the right man. He is an amazing husband, father and priesthood holder. I know everyone probably says this but this is definitely true in our case. Eric reminds me so much of other great men in my life. He is strong and steady and continually working hard to make life better.

All in all this year is the Winslow family has been great. We have our ups and downs, which make us stronger, but we also have sweet times that make life all worth it. I have to say that this chapter in my life makes me want to smile all the time. Not because everything is going right all the time but because I know that I have the right people in my life and they make me complete. There is more to be added but the timing is not just right. However, between Mackenzie and the Lord our little family will grow in due time. I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying time with those you love too. May our heavenly father bless each of you with joy and love even in the midst of struggles and hard times.