Sunday, August 24, 2008

Sundaes on Sunday

This is wordy, and mostly for my journaling-so if you don't want to read a cheesy-long post. Feel free to skip it.



Today was lovely (aside from this freaking headache I've had all day long!). The kids slept in, meaning I slept in. They woke up happy and ready for church. They were quiet during sacrament meeting, a huge deal for us, and I heard a few beautiful messages. My heart strings were being tugged on all day long, and my tears were close the the surface.

Eileen taught the lesson today and it was about praying in Faith. The message seemed to be made just for me, and in true Eileen fashion it was beautiful. I have to admit that through all of this there are moments where I feel like I am praying in Faith, and moments where I feel like I spend to much time thinking about what if? and preparing myself for the worst. I have moments where I totally forget the comfort I have been given through prayer and through Priesthood blessings. I forget how much love I have felt through the hard times because I tend to focus on the negative-(when did I become a pessimist?). After the seriously inspired lesson I have decided to focus more on Praying in Faith, and less on wondering what if. I know that through Faithful Prayers I will be prepared for whatever comes our way, and have the comfort we need to get through any challenges we have.

After the meeting and on our way out the church doors I ran into a friend and neighbor (Christina-if you are reading this, I'm talking about your mom. Have I mentioned she is totally amazing?). Her husband has gone through cancer and if anyone knows what we are going through, it is her. She hugged me and just let me know she is thinking of us and I was once again reminded of how many people are on our side.

We invited the whole family over today to break our Fast and for Larry to give Travis a blessing. It is loads of fun for our families to get together. The moms get together and discuss their latest school adventures. They both are pretty passionate about their jobs and their shared grand kids-so they get along just fine. My dad gets teased an awful lot-and sometimes even the Kidman kids join in the tease. Larry pretends he feels bad for my dad, but I'm thinking he is just thankful that my dad takes up most of the teasing. They bond over golfing and whatever else they talk about. Those 2 are just like the same person, except Larry doesn't heart Dancing with the stars. And my dad does, but that's for a whole different post. The kids all play together, and my girls love having cousins everywhere. The house gets messy. We eat too much. And then Travis gets a blessing.

For that few minutes all is quite (except for the rock n roll chant....:) and we sit and somehow through the craziness of the day, the house is filled with the spirit. And my mind feels at ease, and my heart is full of love.

I will never be to the point where I am thankful for Cancer. I know myself well enough to admit this. But I am so very thankful that our families can come together and fill our home with peace and love. And I am very thankful that at such a young age my kids can witness the power of the Priesthood and feel in their hearts the warmth that it can bring.

We have discussed with Adyson a little bit about cancer, but obvs she doesn't really understand the extent of what Travis has, and I think she knows just enough for a 4 year old to know. But he does have a seriously gross ingrown toenail-and she can see that. So tonight after everyone went home and we were getting ready for bed, she said the family prayer. Just before I told her to pray for daddy. So in her prayer she asked Heavenly Father to bless Daddy's Toenail. It made us laugh, and I think she thought his blessing was a result of an ingrown toenail....We sure love those kids of ours!

Now I don't want to pretend that our families are perfect. We cuss some, fight some, and drive each other nuts sometimes, but when push comes to shove-we are all there for one another in a very big way. So thank you guys so much for being here today and for everything. We felt very blessed today. And Heather and Jody, I wish more than anything that you guys could have been here. You would have made the day perfect. We missed you a whole lot, and love you a whole lot! And feel better too. And hug your kids from me because I miss them a lot.

For dessert we had hot fudge sundaes. The kids had a blast making their own, and seriously dug eating their creations. And the adults enjoyed them too.




16 comments:

Letti said...

It must be nice to have friends like that. Family is so important I am glad that you were able to be together as a family. I hope that everything goes as planned too. I am praying for you too.

Eileen said...

Hayley, you are so good at expressing your thoughts and feelings. Reading your blog always warms my heart. You are way too young to be dealing with these issues. Thanks for the comments about my lesson. I really needed 10 more minutes. Just 10. I love and admire you tons! And when I say tons, I mean TONS!!!

Kristen said...

I just wanna give you a great big hug right now. I agree with the last comment..."you are so good at expressing your thoughts and feelings". I'm reading along with tears in my eyes and then the part about the toenail. I couldn't help but laugh! Kids are the best aren't they!

brandi said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to share all of your thoughts. I am sure you have no idea how you inspire touch the hearts of others. I can't imagine anyone skipping the "journaling" part of your blog. You are so amazing at it. We are thinking of you and looking forward to the good news!

Trisha said...

So honest and so refreshing. Most people don't want to open themselves like that and I really respect you for it.

As with everyone else, we are praying for you too.

Shelly Traveller said...

It's amazing how some days are just meant for us! I'm glad Sun. was your day! We'll be praying for your hubby's "ingrown toenail!" :)

hugs!

Morrells said...

I am so glad that you have the testimony that you have! You touch me everytime you share it! I love how honest and upclose you get in posts and you truly have so many on your side, and most importantly the Lord! Our prayers are with you and your family and will stay that way!

Hanne and Fam said...

You should never say you are a pessimist! You always are inspiring me to look at the brighter side. You are so awesome and I feel so lucky to have you as a friend! You know our prayers are with you.

Mortons Love said...

We'll be praying for toenails.

Ash said...

WOW, I finally caught up on your blog, and I'm even leaving a comment!!!!
I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK tomorrow, and I'll be thinking about you ALL day!
This is for Ady... Thanks so much for naming your grasshopper after me. I'm flattered!!!
Can't wait to PLAY!

Mommamort said...

Thanks for sharing your special day. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of you too. Families are blessings from our Heavenly Father.

Bre said...

You have such a great testimony, that only makes me want to get my stronger! I think you have the sweetest family and I think its great how you all get along SO great!

Dustin and Shelli Chambers said...

We are hoping and praying for the best. You are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing your beautiful testimony.

The Andersen Family said...

Sure looks like a lot of fun!!

The Wolfley Family said...

Well I'm just bawling my head off! It's always good to be reminded how great our family is -- though it's completly unfair to not be with you guys right now, I am so glad you had a great evening!
3 cheers for Trav! (and his toenail!)
love ya

Jas & Cam Fam said...

I am so happy for you guys! I really can't imagine what you guys go through with this horrible thing. I am just so happy for your good news.
I almost wanted to cry looking at sweet little Adysons face after she let her grasshopper go. So sad. We really should get our girls together (for real). What pre-school is she going to.?