Divorce-aversary

It may seem weird that I am acknowledging my divorce-aversary today. Most people acknowledge and celebrate their anniversary and remember how many years they have been married. They reflect on all the great times and maybe even the hard times. They thank God for their marriage and hope for many good years to come. Divorced people acknowledge, celebrate (some do), and count the years they've been divorced. We too reflect on the good times(though few), but mainly the heart wrenching times, and then we celebrate and thank the Lord that we are free from decade(s) (some longer, some shorter) of growing pains.

 With all this being said I do not believe in divorce, I believe in marriage between a husband and wife, but sometimes the Lord tells us to do something we don't want to do. He knows the hearts of the individuals involved. He knew that I needed to let go because the heart of my spouse was turning to things that were not conducive to a marriage and a family. As hard as it has been I am forever grateful the Lord endorsed my decision, helped me let go, and has healed me from a chronic broken heart and shattered dreams. The children are the innocent victims, but the Lord loves the little ones with a special kind of love that will bind up their broken hearts. "...the Redeemer was annointed to bind up the brokenhearted"(Doctrine and Covenants 138:42). He loves to mend broken things and he is mending us. It was the perfect time for me to "get out" for the children's sake. A time that would be less painful for them, if that's even possible, but it is because the Lord endorsed it. He knew we would come out stronger for having the experience. He knew our hearts would be more compassionate towards others who suffer. He knew we would love each other and hold on tight to what we had left from this experience.

It has been 4 years since I have been officially divorced. It's been six years that I have been a single parent. Six years ago Peter was in Iraq for a year, and then we were separated for a year; hence six years as a single parent. I must say it does get easier in some ways. The only thing that is constant is not having a companion to share the responsibility of parenting- a calling "that was always meant for two". Sure it gets lonely, but I would much rather be a single mother with my peace, joy, and love intact than miserably married with no peace, joy, or love.

I have incredible hope for future blessings of marriage and possibly more kiddos whether I carry another child or become a stepmother or both. :-) Yes, I do want another one. It's in the Lord's hands so it's going to take time. I'm willing to wait because his timing is always right. I'm willing to wait because the boys and I deserve the best. The best is yet to be...

Special Kids!

So this morning we had a wonderful Spina Bifida support group activity 

at the bowling alley. I love going to the different events they offer through-

out the year. It's nice to connect with other moms that are going through the

 same things. It's also really nice to get advice and tips. I always learn some-

thing new when I am with  these moms. It's funny how in the Spina Bifida

community we know each other by our children's names. For example,

"Oh, you are Josh's mom"... and... "Hi, I'm Josh's mom".

 There are many different levels of abilities with each Spina Bifida child

depending on where their lesion was on the spine. So one can never compare,

or wish that there child was doing what this child over here is doing because

it might not even be possible. Each child does the BEST of what they can with
the abilities they've been given. SB(Spina Bifida) kids are fighters and that's
what makes them so special.

This September we are having a fundraiser 5k/10k for Spina Bifida, in Utah County.

I am going to start training for it in June. I do exercise daily, but as we all know running

outside is a different story. I ran the other day and it was hard, but I also felt a sense of

pride that my body could move that way. However, the next day I was in so much pain I

could hardly walk. My body definitely needs to get used to it. Thank heavens for

doTerra essential oils and their Deep Blue Rub. I've never had ANY desire to run outside.

The only reason I am doing this is because I want to support my son. Josh can't run

or walk without assistance so I have no excuse not to participate in this cause because

 I have full functioning legs. The cause is worth it and who knows maybe I will become

a lover of running... NOT... I love my yoga and aerobics classes too much.

Pictures from the bowling alley :

                                                                Watch me bowl

                                                   There goes my bowling ball

                                                            One of his SB friends

                                         Another SB friend! They have matching canes!

Spring in Utah

Spring is one of my most favorite seasons in Utah.
The lush green, pinks, and yellow on various bushes and trees
are breath-taking. I also love the white blossoms on certain
trees that truly make the song "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree"
a reality. The weather is cool and breezy and we spend more time
outside enjoying the beauties that surround us.

Today the homeschooled boys and I went up to Nunns Park
to walk the paved trail that passes Bridal Veil Falls and winds
through Provo Canyon. It was refreshing to be in the canyon
and hear the rushing water from the river and hear the birds singing
their happy songs.

After the the canyon experience we went to play softball. I love softball.
I love how it feels when I strike the ball with the bat. I especially love hearing
the cracking sound of the ball hitting the bat. You know what I'm talking about?
I get a rush from it. Might sound crazy, but it's true. It's fun playing with the boys.

We learned a lot on our adventure today; real life lessons that textbooks can't
teach you about because life experiences are our greatest teachers. Enjoy the pictures
from our "ideal" homeschool day! Wish everyday could be like today. :-)

PS This is the first year we planted a garden. We all helped till the ground to get
it ready for the garden. It took a few Family Home Evenings, but we got it done. Matthew
helped me plant, I was so grateful for his help.

PPS I thought I'd throw in a Mother's Day pic of me too.        The boys aren't in the pic because
a few weren't cooperating, and we were running late for church. I know, how dare they
do that on Mother's Day. :-)

                                                        The Mother

                                           The garden angel Sue gave me

                                            

                                            The bridge at Nunns Park

                                                                 Bridal Veil Falls

                                          A friendly and very muscular stranger offered
                                                to take a picture of us by the Falls!

                                                       The Walk

                                                  Stopping for a photo op

                                                          Crazy kid!

                                                         Isn't it beautiful

                                        Josh was pitching to Andrew while balancing
                                                        on one forearm cane.