"If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first."

Daren and Marlene brought little Emma for a visit.  It was sweet to have both granddaughters here.  Maya and Emma are so fun as they smile, play, and make faces.  We can never get enough of being with them.  They are precious little darlings.  We are so proud of the daddies our sons have become.

Empty Nest

We are finally experiencing the days of being empty-nesters.  We have enjoyed having Rod, Steph and Maya with us for the past two years, but they are moving into their own home.  When they bought their house, I told them they were going to miss Maya, but they could visit her anytime they wanted.  That didn’t happen and they took her with them.  We are excited for this time in their life for them. 

Reed has also bought a new home just a few blocks from them in Summit Park.  At least they are close by and we can make visits often. 

To celebrate Doug and I made them a housewarming gift.  We hope it will decorate their home and remind them of family.

Forget-Me-Nots

In September 2011 at the General Relief Society Broadcast, President Uchdorf gave a talk and used a metaphor of the little blue flower called the “Forget-Me-Not”. He said, “The five petals of the little forget-me-not flower prompt me to consider five things we would be wise never to forget.”

1. Forget not to be patient with yourself.

2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

3. Forget not to be happy now.

4.  Forget not the “why” of the gospel.

5.  Forget not that the Lord loves you.

Last summer I had a small package of forget-me-not seeds that I planted at the farm in a large tractor tire by the trailer.  Little green plants grew all year but never flowered.  I decided that it was not the climate for growing this delicate little flower and that I would need to plant a different variety in that planter the following summer.

When we moved the trailer to the farm this year in early May, I was surprised to see green plants in the planter.  I didn’t think they would winter through and still be there.  I really thought if anything it might just start from seeds again.  This weekend when we came up, there were little flowers blooming already.  I hope that they will continue to bloom each year and be a reminder of the lessons taught by President Uchdorf.

Mother’s Day and Skype

It was a wonderful day of family and church.  Casey and Cindy Denning spoke in church today and it was one of the best “Mother’s Day” meetings and talks I have heard.  They were so positive and thoughtful.  It was the beginning of a great day. 

We got to talk with Scott today.  He has been transferred to Ocala, Florida and found a nice family that set up for us to Skype.  Brother and Sister Brueggar is a convert of about 3 months.  Their own son is serving a mission in Arizona.  I was able to Skype with her the night before to set things up and make sure it was working.  We used Stephanie’s big computer monitor and everyone was able to see and visit.  It was fun to hear all of the conversations and listen to the boys interject their teasings.  Just about like having them all back together.  Daren and Marlene couldn’t be there (Daren is working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico).

Scott has been out for almost 10 months.  He is really doing well and enjoying his mission.  He looked really good and loves the area, gets along well with his new companion, Elder Holder, and cares about the people.  We are happy for him.

Daren and Marlene sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers to the school on Friday.  It was gorgeous and smelled heavenly.  Taylor came over on Sunday and brought a pretty bouquet as well.  I felt truly spoiled and loved.  Maya even made me a card with her little hand print.  She is growing so quickly and that is a treasure.  The best was having the family together as much as possible.  I am grateful to be a mother.

Winter Get-away

Last year we enjoyed a trip to Nevada with Jody and Donna Denning.  Jody’s brothers, Mike and Booner, along with their wives (Lisa & Lisa) go on a camper trip each year.  We decided to tag-a-long again this year and Art and Joyce Knowles came as well.  Because of my school schedule, our time is limited, however we were able to spend a couple extra days because of President’s Day Weekend.  The weather was nice and it was great to see and feel the sunshine and leave the cold windy winter weather of Idaho behind. 

We went to Logandale, Nevada for the first couple days and rode four-wheelers through the red rocks.  Then we traveled to Temple Bar Campground along Lake Mead.  Everywhere was packed with trailers and campers because of the holiday weekend, but we decided to try a campground about 23 miles off the main road and found our little place of paradise.  It was early for the boating season and no one was in the campground except us.  It was beautiful and well maintained and we enjoyed eating and visiting and one more ride. 

It is so fun to have such wonderful friends to spend time with.

Riding with the crew!

While riding we saw petroglyphs, mountain sheep, lizards, and beautiful scenery.

Little Red Jeep

Doug showed up at school one afternoon after the kids had left.  I was surprised to see him there and wondered if there was a problem or something.  He said he just came to get me to go for a ride.  I asked where we were going and did I need to leave things for a substitute.  No, it was just for a short ride.  So, I cleaned things up and we headed to the parking lot.  As we left the building, I looked around for his pickup and couldn’t see it.  I thought maybe he had taken it in for some repairs and was driving something else.  He said his “outfit” was over there and after looking more closely I saw a red jeep parked with dealer plates.  OH NO!  I had asked him to go buy Reed a birthday present and he explained it was my fault that this jeep was on the way to the store.  And…it was red, and a hard top, and just what he had always wanted.  He traded off the car Scott had driven and bought this jeep.  Crazy!  Plus, his reasoning is that I will have something to drive to the farm this summer.  Always thinking of me!

Emma’ s Blessing Day

Emma Marlene Rockwood was given a name and blessing by her dad, Daren John Rockwood, on January on January 13, 2013 in the Townsend LDS Ward.  Most of the family was able to travel there to be together.  We missed Grandma and Grandpa Rockwood.  They weren’t feeling up to the long ride.  The kids and us spent Saturday night at a motel in Helena, Montana.  Maya liked the swimming. 

It was fun to see our sweet little Emma again and be with everyone.