Grandma's Visit

Grandma Powell came to visit us for a couple weeks!  It was absolutely wonderful and it always goes by way too quickly!  She came a week before Joel and I left to chaperone the Band Trip to Florida with Thomas.  She was amazing to stay home with the crew for the week we were in Florida.  The kids loved having her here, as did I!  In fact, the last few days before we left for Florida Josh would come home from school, see me, and say, "Ugh...you're still here, Mom!  I thought you were already going to be gone!"

The kids made great memories with Grandma.  They made homemade spud nuts for dinner, went to a movie, play tricks on each other, played games, alerted the neighborhood whenever Grandma was about to pull out of the garage, and lots of other fun times.  I was a major slacker and took very little pictures, though!  I'm so grateful my mom was willing to come and make it possible for Joel and I to chaperone the trip.  It was an amazing feeling knowing our children were taken care of and having a great time.  I didn't have to worry about anything while we were gone.  Love you and miss you, Mom!

Grandma's Visit

We felt really spoiled this summer with all the time we were able to spend with extended family.  Then my mom made it even better when she brought Sam & Mary back to us and stayed for over a week.  She made sure to take each of the kids somewhere alone with just her.  They all loved their special time with her and have talked about their experiences with me quite often since.  I enjoyed the time we had together as well.  I'm always grateful that we can just enjoy the simple things together...especially when we would secretly escape from the house to run to Circle K! :)  It's always hard to say goodbye when it is time to part.  It's like a part of my heart goes with her.  How blessed I am to have such amazing parents that have taught me and continue to teach me and support me and love me and our children.

Grandma brought the quilt she made for Jacob's birthday.  Our kids all have
handmade beautiful quilts from Grandma.

Grandma helped Spring & I with one of her personal progress projects.  She made these
dolls and clothes to give to homeless children.  I'm so glad she was here to help us figure it out.

Mother's Day Surprise

Every year my mom, sisters, Aunt Karen, and other relatives that live in Utah get together for Mother's Day weekend.  They participate in the Race for the Cure in memory of Grandma Mary.  I was able to go about 4 years ago after Gideon was born but living so far away makes it difficult to participate.  This year Joel told me I needed to fly out and be with them.  We decided it would be fun to surprise everyone.  I needed to be picked up from the airport; however, so we enlisted the help from Aunt Karen.  She devised a story that her daughter in law was flying in for it.  So Friday morning my Mom, Alanna, and Karen headed to the airport to pick up Katie.  Karen walked over to the curb and helped me with my baggage and Jacob as we walked to the car.  All of a sudden my mom realized it wasn't Katie with Karen.  She said to Alanna, "It's Jen!" and was out of the car running to us before Alanna could even put the car in park.  It was so worth every moment as I hugged my mom and told her "Happy Mother's Day!"  Alanna and my mom go out of their way to come and spend time with us and be a part of our children's lives even though we live so far away from them.  It was amazing to do a little for them...and making it a surprise was even better.

It was a short and quick 3 days but so worth it.  I was able to see some family members that I haven't seen in years.  I got to visit with Emily and she was able to meet Jacob for the first time as well.  It is a trip I will always remember.

Grandma's Visit

My mom changed her flights and came to help and be with us earlier due to Jacob's early arrival.  It was wonderful to have her here for 2 weeks.  The time went to so quickly and we would have loved to have her here longer.  Goodbyes are so hard for everyone.  There were many tears shed by all as we had to say goodbye. I am so blessed to have an amazing mom that I can learn from and count on all the time.  I don't know how we would have adjusted to life with little Jacob for those 2 weeks without her.  It is definitely different bringing home a preemie when there are 7 other children that have needs and wants and demands on my time as well.  Preemies require a different level of care and attention and it would have been so difficult without my mom to help with everyday life.  I am forever grateful for her sacrifice and willingness to come hang out with us.  We all loved it.

Mom went on bike rides and walks with the kids.  She and Thomas went on long bike rides of over 5 miles too.  She played baseball with Sammy many times.  Games were played, books were read, cuddles were shed, and many moments of laughing.  One evening she and Spring stayed up late into the evening talking in bed.  Spring told me that was one of her favorite times she has ever spent with Grandma.  She helped Spring work on the quilt she is making. Grandma took the time to take each of the kids out on little "adventures" with her.  She is always so great at making sure each of the kids feel special and loved individually.  I loved the time we spent together and it was quite lonely after she went home.  There is always an empty spot in my heart after she leaves.  Can't wait to be together again.

My Mom, My Hero

I have had so many thoughts the past few months and have wanted many times to sit down and record them; however, I never allowed myself the time knowing the emotions that would come as I did so.  I want to remember these last few months for the many great blessings that have been realized through the darkness of hearing the word Cancer.

 

In July my mom called to tell me she had been diagnosed with Uterine Cancer.  I can't adequately describe the feelings that rushed through me when I heard her say this.  My heart ached for her.  I could hear the fear and pain in her voice even though I know she was trying to be brave and strong for me and for all of us.  I wanted to do something to just take that pain away and make it all better.  I knew I did not have that power.  As I struggled with the feelings of wanting to take that pain away I realized that is part of the Atonement.  There was a point during the Atonement when our Savior suffered this sickness and all the heartache and pains just for my Mom.  He had her in mind and felt all she was going through.  He was the one that could truly succor her in this time.  I learned I could turn to Him as well at this time because He also suffered the pain and worries I felt as my mom was going through this battle with cancer.  I know our Savior comforted us all through this time and how grateful I am for this part of the Atonement and the opportunity this experience gave me to gain a deeper appreciation and testimony of it.

 

My mom has gone through surgery, a month of daily radiation treatments, and 6 rounds of chemo.  Twice while receiving chemo she had reactions where her blood pressure went either really high or really low.  She also went in each day following chemo for shots to boost her white blood count.  These caused her to be very achy throughout her whole body but she never took pain medication.  Through all of these treatments and procedures she was amazingly positive and upbeat.  When I would call to see how she was doing she was always positive.  She never complained, never asked, "why me?", never questioned why she was having to go through this.  Even when I knew she was sore and tired she was happy.  She always asked what the kids were doing and how we were doing.  She was more concerned with us than she was with herself.  She is amazing and my hero for all she has undergone and how positive and optimistic she has been.

 

I'm grateful for the opportunities it has given our family to fast and pray for her.  Even though many miles separate us all we have been able to feel a special closeness as we all have prayed and fasted for our mom together. I am grateful for the opportunity it gave our children to learn the power of fasting and prayer. At a very young age they have been able to see the blessings that come from this simple act of faith.  Their testimonies have been strengthened from this and I hope they remember this at times when they are struggling.  I hope they will remember the power that comes from fasting and prayer.  Sometimes I feel guilty that we have all experienced such great blessings and we weren't the ones that had to undergo the treatments and struggles. 

 

My mom completed her treatments at the end of last month.  She was told that her chances of the cancer returning are 1%.  How blessed we all are.  How grateful I am for a loving Father in Heaven that has granted us our deepest desires for Mom to be so strong through this battle in her life.  I will forever be grateful.  Mom has always been a hero to me and her strength through this all has added a new dimension to her well earned title of "Hero!"

Quilts from Grandma

My mom has learned to quilt in the last couple years and has developed this amazing talent of her's.  We are all recipients of that talent and of her love.  She made our children quilts for this past Christmas and pillow cases to match.  Since I was going to visit her this month I told her to wait and let me bring them home to save on the shipping costs.  The kids were so very excited when I came home.  I think their greatest excitement was to see Sara and to get their quilts!  They all rushed up to put them on their beds last night.  They have talked of their quilts various times in the day today.  Earlier today Sammy told me he was going up to his room to cuddle up in his quilt for a while.  Thomas was telling us that he wants to sleep with his quilt every night and if others come to visit and use his room he wants to take his quilt with him so he can still sleep with it.  Spring and Mary have been reading on their bed so they could be on their quilt and have decided that they don't want to write letters or color pictures in their bed anymore now that they have their special quilt.  This morning we found Joshie on our bedroom floor asleep (which is quite common for him to come into our room in the middle of the night) cuddled up in his quilt with his pillow from Grandma.  Gideon has finally allowed us to tuck him into bed with just his quilt and pillow.  This is a milestone because previously he wanted multiple blankets in bed and it was quite the task to get him tucked into bed.

 

Grandma wrote them each a letter at Christmas explaining how she chose the fabric for each of their quilts and to remember how much she loves them as they wrap up in their quilts.  The kids cherish those letters and they can tell you exactly why the quilt is the way it is.  My mom is amazing and she has spent countless hours on these quilts for the kids.  Not to mention, she did these all while going through Chemo and Radiation!  She amazes me each and everyday.  Our children are able to physically feel her love anytime they want...they just need to curl up in their quilts.

 

The Faith of Little Ones

Last week my Mom called with some bad news she had received from her doctor.  It has been a rough few days as I have been struggling to accept the news and also come to a realization that it is for real.  One day this week at lunch the kids and I were talking about it and Thomas and Spring suggested to me that we should fast for Grandma this Sunday "even though it wasn't Fast Sunday."  I told them that was a great idea and that my siblings were all going to fast as well.  Then they said to me, "But, Mom, you can't fast right now."  Before I had an opportunity to respond to them Sammy said, "That's OK, Mom.  I will fast for Grandma for you since you can't.  I know I've never fasted before but since it is for Grandma I'm pretty sure I can do it."  I choked back emotion as tears started to fall down my cheeks and thanked him for being willing to do that and told him I knew he could do it too. 

So this morning we gathered the kids in our room as soon as we woke up so we could open our fast with a prayer together before we got ready for church.  As we were getting the kids in the room Mary told us that she was going to fast for Grandma too.  Joel offered the prayer and the kids were all so quiet and reverent.  The Spirit was so strong and I was crying at the strength that comes from prayer and fasting.  As the prayer ended I looked around at our children all kneeling in a circle and was so grateful for their simple faith and their desire to do this for Grandma.  We got ready for church and headed off.  Not once before church, on the drive to church, or at church did any of them mention they were hungry or ask for something to eat.  Even on the drive home they never once said anything about being hungry.  Later we gathered as a family again to close our fast and as I prayed I was overcome with comforting influence of the Spirit and gratitude for our children's willingness to do something hard for someone they love so much.

After the prayer Sammy told me, "Mom, it was easier to fast than I thought it would be.  I'm so glad I did it."  A little later Mary came to me and said, "Mom, fasting is hard but fun.  I know it will help Grandma."  Spring was talking to me this evening and telling me that even though she has fasted a lot this has been the easiest time ever for her to fast and that she didn't even feel hungry at all.  We talked about it a little as to why that might be so.  She typically opens her fasts with a prayer and has something she is fasting for but she told me that this is the first time she fasted for something that she wanted so much.  Never before, she said, has she had such an important thing to fast for.

I am so grateful for this opportunity our family has had to fast together for my Mom.  I have also noticed our prayers, personal and family, this past week have been more sincere and taken on so much more meaning.  I am awed as our children each pray, without prompting, for Grandma in each prayer they utter.  Their simple faith and their reliance on our Father in Heaven is a strength and a reminder to me.  This doesn't mean I am glad for news we received; however, I can already see the hand of the Lord our lives as we are pulling together even though we are all so far from each other to pray and fast for a woman we all love and revere. 

Grandma's Visit

My mom came to visit us for a week and it was absolutely wonderful.  We decided not to tell the kids that she was coming.  I was going to be picking her up at the airport when Thomas and Spring got home from school so we arranged for them to take the bus to the MacPherson's after school.  I took the younger 4 with me.  They kept asking me where we were going and I finally told them I had a surprise for them.  As soon as we got on the Turnpike Sammy said, "I know where we are going.  We are going to the airport to watch planes."  As we pulled into the airport Sammy told the others what windows to look out to see the planes.  Then I asked them to look around and see if they saw anyone they knew.  All of a sudden Joshie called out, "GRANDMA!"  They were so excited that Grandma came to surprise them.  When we got back to town my mom went to the door of the MacPherson's and Spring answered the door.  She was completely speechless which is a rare occurrence for Spring.  She just had this confused expression on her face as she stared at my mom for quite some time.  Then Thomas came around the corner and called out, "Grandma!"  and ran into her arms to give her a hug.  I love surprises and this one was awesome!

Despite everyone getting the stomach flu except Sammy, me, and my mom (she got sick on her flight home) it was a wonderful week together.  We just did our normal things and it was so great to have my mom's help.  She went to band practice one morning with Thomas, had lunch at school with Spring on Grandparent's Day, helped in Spring's classroom one day, took Sammy shopping one day, and other fun one-on-one time with all of them.  She also taught Thomas and Spring how to make sock monkeys and some other sewing projects.  We played games and just enjoyed our time together.

It is always hard when it is time for her to leave, however.  Joshie was so upset that she was leaving that he tried to hide her Kindle thinking if she couldn't find it then she wouldn't leave.  He cried when it was time to take her to the airport and kept saying, "Never Leave!"  We've all been having withdrawals since she went home.  How grateful I am for the help she gives me when she comes and for the love and attention she gives our children.  Thanks for coming, Mom.  We miss you!

The Blessings of Grandma

With tears in my eyes I said goodbye to my mom this morning as it already was time for her to head back home. The 2 weeks she was with us passed by much too quickly. Throughout the day today I have continued to have tears come as I miss her so much and as I reflect on the wonderful time I had with her while she was here. I could never repay her for all she did for me and our children while she was here. I wish I could find the words to adequately express my gratitude to her and to let her know how special the time we spent together was. It was difficult for our children to tell her goodbye last night and again this morning. They all have told me that they just wish Grandma could stay here forever and that it is lonely without her here with us. I agree wholeheartedly with them!

Gideon was so blessed to be held and cuddled by Grandma during the first 2 weeks of his life. She helped dress him, change him, and cuddle him. He is so blessed to have had her with him so much in the first moments of his life.

Joshie was Mom's shadow the last couple weeks. He only wanted her to put him down for naps and bedtime. He would call out, "Grandma!" throughout the night as he took off his clothes over and over and finally was able to cuddle into bed with Grandma. He would tease her and make her work so hard to get him dressed in the mornings but he only wanted her to hold him and comfort him usually. He learned to say, "I love you, Grandma!" It is so cute to hear. All morning he has been walking around saying, "Grandma gone?" with such a sad look on his face.

Mary loved sitting with Grandma and having her read her stories. Mary told me this morning that she wants Grandma to live in her bedroom with her forever. She said she would share all her toys with Grandma that way Grandma wouldn't miss her house. Grandma was so good at giving Mary the extra love and attention that she needs being in the jumble of lots of little brothers.

Sammy really has grown up this past week since he turned 5. Grandma was so good reminding him he was 5 now and could be a big helper. She also was so good at pointing out the many good things Sammy was doing which would get a huge smile from Sammy and he just kept trying harder and harder to make Granmda happy. He told me today, "Mom, I'm going to be a big helper to you just like I told Grandma I would do. I want to make Grandma happy everyday!"

Spring and Thomas loved having Grandma here with them in the mornings before school. They told me that Grandma made them feel so special because she let them stay up a few nights with just her after the little ones went to bed. Grandma was so good to spend extra time with them in the evenings and when they were out of school. They had a movie night together, a game night with snacks a couple times, went shopping together, helped them with homework, and did more than I could have ever asked for. They both told me this morning that they missed Grandma giving them a kiss goodbye as they went to school.

My mom is wonderful. As I watched her with our children these past two weeks I was able to learn and be reminded of what is really important in life. I was reminded that I need to slow down and treasure the time with my little ones. I don't need to be in a rush. I need to take the time to read them stories and cuddle them after their bath. I need to sit down and really listen to their stories and their ramblings. I am so grateful for all she did to help me this week and for all she has done for me throughout my life. I wouldn't be who I am if it weren't for my mom and I hope to be half the mom she is for my children. Thank you, Mom! I love you and miss you so much! I can't wait to be with you again.

10 Days Old

I am always amazed at how quickly the time passes once our little ones are born. It doesn't seem like it has been 10 days since Gideon has joined our family. At his one week check up he was back to his birth-weight exactly and doing great. I have been utterly amazed at the ease at which I have recovered from this C-section. Only 4 days after the C-section I felt great and have been able to move around without any pain. I have been truly blessed. I wish I could freeze this time or slow down the speed at which he grows and changes. I love the time to snuggle and smell his sweet baby scent. I love his cute little grunts and noises. We are so very blessed.

Gideon is one sweet and easy baby. All of our children have been easy for us and we have been blessed to always make smooth transitions without any real change of life when these little ones join our family. Gideon, however, is by far the easiest yet. He is so calm and patient. He is easy going and so well natured. Throughout the day he will go at least 4 hours in between feedings and at night he has been sleeping 4-6 hours at a time. He is a blessing for his mommy! He is content to be awake and look around even with the craziness of all the other kiddos around him. He even patiently endures Mary's attention. Mary thinks he is just her doll and will hold him and change positions with him just as she would one of her dolls. She has scared poor Grandma a few times already! Gideon has a talent of wetting all over many blankets in a day. I think we have washed about 8 blankets just today from him wetting all over them. I don't quite know how he does that when his diaper is completely dry but his back and the blankets are soaking wet! I sure love this little man and I love that I have been able to share this time with my mom. It has been such a precious time for me and I am so grateful she was able and willing to come and help us. I am not ready for her to leave next week but then I wouldn't be ready regardless of how long she was here. I will always treasure this time I have had with her.

We love Gideon

It's been so fun to see the kids love their newest little brother. They always want to hold him, kiss him, and give him loves. Thomas loves to lay down with him and has even fallen asleep twice with him on the couch. This is unusual for Thomas because Thomas never takes naps. Joshie loves to hold him and find his eyes, ears, nose, anything. Mary thinks he is her doll and so we have to watch her closely with him but she loves him so much. It has been so wonderful to have my mom here as well. The kids love having Grandma around and she just knows exactly what we all need. He is such a sweetheart and such a dear blessing to our family. I love my time to cuddle with him and sleep with him on my chest. I love his little coos and grunts. When he stretches he looks like a little turtle poking his head out with a skinny little neck. I know this time will go so quickly and I wish I could just freeze time. We love you, Gideon!

Our Fun with Grandma

We all had a great time while my mom was here visiting. The time always goes so fast and before I know it we are taking her back to the airport. That is always the hardest part for me. I wish we lived closer but I know we all value and appreciate the time we are blessed to be together.

I was not so good at getting pictures during this visit. We were so busy. Grandma helped us carve pumpkins and make fun Halloween treats. She came to Spring's soccer game and also to trunk or treat. She took just Thomas and Spring to lunch on Saturday and they all relished the time talking and spending special time together. Thomas and Spring were talking to me this morning and told me that was their favorite part of Grandma's visit. She was a huge help to me in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday. I always look forward to having people visit us on Sunday so I can have some extra help with the little ones. We all celebrated Sammy's birthday on Sunday. Monday evening Grandma took us all to see "Where the Wild Things Are" and then out to dinner together.

Of all the fun things I greatly enjoyed being able to visit with my mom, go shopping together, and watch the love our children have for their grandma. I am so blessed to have a wonderful mom and our kids are blessed to have a wonderful grandma. I can't wait to be together again.

(I love this video of Grandma and Joshie talking to each other.)

Happy Halloween

We went to the ward Trunk or Treat for Halloween this year. The kids had fun dressing up in their costumes made by Grandma Biggs. Spring was Mary Poppins; Thomas was Burt, the Chimney Sweeper; Sammy & Mary were the penguins, and Joshie was a Dalmation. It was fun to have Grandma Powell with us for Halloween. She rescued Joshie from the Trunk-or-treat and brought him home when he was too tired to stay but the older kids weren't ready to come home. At the trunk-or-treat Mary just wanted to be with her nursery teacher. So she sat in the trunk of her car and handed the candy out to everyone that came around. When there weren't kids coming to get candy she went through the bowl and found the candy she wanted and put it into her bag. So, even though Mary didn't even go to any other car she came home with a bag full of candy.

Carving Pumpkins

We carved pumpkins Thursday evening. It was fun to have Grandma there with us. Grandma found some fun "Mr. Potato Head" type things for Sammy and Mary's pumpkins. It was perfect because they could really do it on their own. Thomas and Spring had a great time carving their pumpkins all by themselves. They still do not like getting the seeds out of the pumpkins and do all they can to have Mom and Dad help clean out the guts.

Surprise

Grandma Powell flew in yesterday morning to surprise the kids with a visit for a few days. Sammy, Mary, Joshua, and I went to pick her up. They asked where we were going and I told them we were going to get a surprise. Sammy wanted to go back and get Thomas and Spring so they could see the surprise too. I told him they would see it later. When Sammy realized we were at the airport I told him we came to see airplanes. So we looked for a while. Then he looked out the window and said, "That's Grandma!"

I usually help in Spring's classroom on Thursday afternoons so my mom came with me. We walked into her classroom and Spring looked over and all of a sudden had this look like she didn't know quite what to expect. She just smiled and was itching to get up and see grandma but wasn't quite sure if she should get out of her seat. Then her teacher told her she could come and give Grandma a hug but then she got a little embarrassed so Grandma went and gave her a hug. Spring loved having Grandma help in her classroom.

So, we told Spring she couldn't tell Thomas. We picked the kids up from school and Grandma hid in the backseat of the van. Thomas opened the door to get his surprise! It's so fun to have Grandma here with us.

Grandma's Visit

Grandma Biggs came to visit for a few days. The kids had fun playing games, reading stories, and cooking treats with her. She was even able to go to one of Spring's soccer games and also work in Spring's classroom at school. We are grateful she was able to come and spend time with us.

New Dresses From Grandma

Grandma Powell made Spring and Mary these beautiful dresses. They were so excited to wear them to church today. They received many, many compliments on them. Thanks so much, Mom, for making them for the girls. They LOVE them!

Disneyland

This past week Grandma Biggs and Aunt Emily took Thomas and Spring to Disneyland. The kids had a great time and it has been so fun to hear them tell us all about the fun things they did and the great time they had with Grandma and Emily. I am sure we will continue to hear many more fun stories. One big surprise from the trip...Thomas is quite the daredevil. He loved the roller coasters and couldn't seem to get enough of them. He said his favorite was "Space Mountain." Grandma and Aunt Em were so kind with them and really helped them have a wonderful time. Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Miller and Uncle David went with them for the 1st day as well. Thomas and Spring were able to make some very fun memories with them all. It is so fun to hear them tell us all about their trip.

My Memories of Grandma Spring

I have been wanting to record some of my memories of Grandma since she passed away and it just seems like life has been going so fast that it takes all I have to just barely keep up. I am grateful for the time to now record some of my precious memories of my wonderful grandma.

1. Visiting her in the summer and walking to the store to buy "penny" candy and bringing a bag full back to her house. She would sit with us and look through all our goodies.

2. Driving to her house on the weekends while I was at BYU. I loved the weekends with them. For some reason I always slept so much better at Grandma's house...maybe it was the special down comforter that I always used!

3. Going with her and Grandpa early in the morning when they would visit us in CA.

4. She was always up early making breakfast for everyone.

5. Visiting her at work at the cheese factory.

6. She would always send me home with frozen homemade meals when I would visit while I was at BYU.

7. The way she said "Hello" whenever she answered the phone.

8. Sitting outside in their yard in the afternoon and evening just relaxing and talking with each other. She always had time to talk and she always made everyone feel so at ease.

9. Her amazing strength and courage as she fought and won her battle with cancer.

10. Her smile, hugs, and kisses.

11. Having to tell her I left earlier than I did to drive up to visit her and then waiting about an hour after I got back home before I called her to tell her I had arrived home safely! She always thought it took longer than it did to make that drive!

12. Going to Utah one summer when I was a young all by myself and spending a whole week with her and grandpa. We went on drives up the canyon and to Bear Lake.

13. Playing card games in the evening with her.

14. Her homemade bread and jam. I still think of her when I make bread.

15. Her constant service to everyone around her.

16. Watching her love and spend time with my children. She always wanted to know how they were doing and what they liked. Our children loved to talk to her and send her letters.

17. Her amazing spirit. She is incredible. She is my hero and my example of strength, courage, and unconditional love.

It is still hard to realize she is gone but her legacy will continue on forever. I am so grateful my children were able to know her and to share in her radiant life. I hope Mary and Spring always remember they share a name with an amazing and incredible woman. I look forward to the day when we will see each other again and I will hear her say "Hello" and give me a hug and kiss again.