Happy Mother's Day

I'm a girl who has always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and also someone who makes a difference. Four years ago I began feeling insignificant for not climbing a ladder of success or being known for good by the world. As I contemplated my smallness, I pictured how I would feel and what I would do if I only had one year left to live. It was then that I realized it's totally enough that my purpose is my kids. They are truly my purpose and my joy. On this Mother's Day, my heart goes out to them. No matter how intense and time consuming fighting cancer is, I'm never distracted from how much I miss having my four kids together.  I ache for Chandler who won't be getting a hug from us for two years. I feel for Morgan and Ethan who are adjusting at home without their mom, sister, and brother. My concern for Ashtyn is ever present as she faces a physical feat very few have ever done. Even with all these emotions, the feeling of gratitude trumps them all. I'm grateful for my kids who I get to teach, learn from, and experience life with. I'm grateful for my mom who has never had a focus other than to serve and help me. My sisters, who love me unconditionally. My girlfriends who fill my soul and uplift my days. Teachers and coaches who support and stand by my kids. Doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and others who have been a part of Ashtyn's team and given her such remarkable care. I'm grateful for the many women I've crossed paths with through the years. My life and the lives of my children have been changed and blessed because of the goodness of others during the ups and downs of life. What a wonderful day to celebrate the unselfish, thoughtful, loving, giving nature of women.

The Five Of Us Together

Chandler was able to spend most of Mother's Day Skyping family. Three states and three time zones makes the bond that much stronger. Chandler loves being a missionary in Florida and is making the most of his time there. Ashtyn is totally ready to tackle the bone marrow transplant and get it done. Morgan and Ethan feel peace. They know this time will pass and we'll all be together again. While talking and listening to my kids, what caught my attention the most was their happiness. Our situation may not seem ideal so why do we feel such joy? President Nelson once said, we "can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year! The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives."