Why Are They Smiling?

I started writing this post almost two months ago, the day after my little nephew, Dexter, died. I never published it because I had trouble expressing my feelings in words. Today, because it's Memorial Day, I'm trying again.

I've been thinking about a question that Corinne asked recently. She was looking over my shoulder as I read my sister's blog, anxious for news about little Dexter and his progress. Corinne was aware of his medical condition and had been praying for him daily. She saw a picture of Monette and Aaron with their three children. "Mom, why are they smiling?" "What do you mean, Corinne?" "Why are Monette and Aaron smiling when baby Dexter is so sick? It's really sad, but they look happy." I told her, "They are happy because they love Dexter and they're so glad that Heavenly Father sent him to their family. They're happy because they know that Dexter will be their son forever, even if he doesn't get to live on the earth for very long." How thankful I am for the restored gospel that helps us answer hard questions.

After learning that Dexter had died, I had many more opportunities for sweet conversations with my children about the plan of salvation and trust in our Father in Heaven and the eternal nature of families. I will always be grateful that we traveled to Denver for the funeral. I have many poignant memories from that special day.

• I remember the grief that overcame me as I looked inside the little casket at this beautiful baby, and ached for his parents who could no longer hold him.
  
• I remember the tangible peace and comfort that enveloped all of us as Monette and Aaron stood at the pulpit and spoke with conviction and composure of faith, prayer, and hope.

• I remember the words of their bishop who felt inspired to say that one of Dexter's missions on this earth was to remind us of what is truly important in life and to help us recommit to living in a way that will allow us to be reunited with him someday.
  
• I remember the beautiful prayer at the cemetery and watching in awe as the little Dahle family sat serenely beside the casket. I can still hear Elodie's sweet voice: "Goodbye, Dexter. We love you!"

• I remember the tears that poured down our faces as we watched Monette and Aaron cling to each other, crying softly, as Dexter's casket was lowered into the ground.

• I remember the love and the laughter and the hugs and the tears as we spent the day together.
• I remember hugging my children a little tighter and vowing to "teach (them) all that (they) must do to live with Him someday".
• I remember the example of my little sister and her faithful husband who showed us that the Lord will never leave us comfortless and that He will sustain us through the challenges of earthly life as we put our faith and trust in Him. Our Heavenly Father loves us and has a beautiful plan for us. Corinne, that is why we smile.
  

If You Chance to Meet a Frown

Evan, Grant, and Jillian spent the evening creating this little surprise video for Corinne. I love how it turned out. And I'm getting ideas...like putting Evan in charge of digitizing our old home movies and editing them to music. He'll have lots of free time this summer. Is there a Family Movie merit badge he can earn??

I Blame Her

How can I blog (or do much of anything) while holding this little mama's girl? It's a good thing she's cute! She is a little angel as long as I'm carrying her around, but put her down or hand her to someone else and she lets me know she's not happy about it. Lately all I can manage are the basics--meals, laundry, and a partially-clean house, not to mention chauffeuring and helping with homework, so the rest will have to wait for awhile. Except for the 4 dresses I decided to sew for Mitchell's wedding on Thursday. What was I thinking???

Generation Gap

Corinne: My grandmas are a lot more fun than you!

Me: Maybe I’ll be fun when I’m a grandma.

Corinne: Probably for my kids, but not to me.

A Story Problem

Grant:  Mom, can you give me a story problem to solve?

Mom:  Let me think for a minute…

Corinne interrupts:  I know the story problem, Grant.  I want Mom to read me lots of stories but she always says she can only read one.

Mom:  Go ahead, Grant.  Let’s see you solve that one.

March Madness

Around our house, anyway.  Three of our children are currently rehearsing for three different plays.  For those of you who are local and would like to attend (this is for Grandma and Grandpa Church, but all of you are welcome) I’m including the dates of the shows.

Alyssa is a daughter of the modern Major General in her school production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance.  This play is one of my personal favorites because I played a Keystone Cop when my high school performed it.  After reading over the score with Alyssa I have discovered that all of those songs have been buried in my brain for over 20 years and I still remember all of the words!  But now they won’t leave—they are running through my head over and over, just so I can annoy impress my children with my musical talents. 

April 23rd and 24th at Midvale Middle School

Grant landed a part in the 5th/6th grade production of Dear Edwina Jr.  He plays Lars Vanderploonk (sp?) and loves his part because he breaks his ankle in the first scene and gets to use crutches for the remainder of the play.  He was very relieved to discover that his character does not have to kiss any girls, but he is a little disgusted with one particular hugging scene. 

March 19th, 20th, and 21st at Jordan Ridge Elementary

Jillian told me months ago that one of her life goals was to star in a play.  At seven years old she is well on her way to that dream because she landed a leading role in a community theater production of Disney’s Aristocats.  She is “Marie”, the cute little white kitten.  When people find out about this they ask, “Jillian?”  Most think of her as quiet and soft-spoken but she comes alive on stage.  She memorized all of her lines in the first week and she’s been singing and dancing her songs from the show every chance she gets.  We can’t wait for her debut in two weeks.

March 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23 at South Jordan Community Center.  Tickets are $6 and go on sale Monday March 2nd--they are expected to sell quickly.

And now you can imagine that the madness of January and February is spilling over into March.  Some days it seems like everyone needs to be picked up at the same time but they’re all in different places.   Evan adds to this mix with his own “plays.”  You probably won’t find him on a stage—he’s more comfortable on the court.  His basketball team registered for two super leagues and he’s now in the final tournaments.  We love to watch him play, and he puts up with us attending if we promise not to embarrass him too much.  Brian almost crossed that line yesterday morning.  When he walked out the door to drive Evan to his game,  Evan took one look at his dad wearing a suit and tie (on a Saturday morning) and said, “Dad, don’t wear that!  And don’t sit there reading your scriptures!”  Objection overruled—Brian was speaking in a baptism immediately after the game. 

Would you like to join us for March Madness?  We can get you some great seats.  It’s all about who you know.

My Kitchen Help

I get to add the sugar—you add the flour.

Okay, you stirred 10 times, now it’s my turn!

Let me smell the vanilla.

Can I crack the eggs?

I want to lick the spatula. 

No, I want to! 

You always get to—it’s my turn! 

I know, let’s share it.  You lick this side and I’ll lick the other.

How could I bake any other way?  I love these helpers.