A Mother

I woke this morning with thoughts of my mother.  I was the one who made her a mother, and throughout her life, it was this role that she poured her whole soul into.  I carefully recall tender moments with my mom and turn them over in my mind.  I do this often to hold on to the sight and feel of her, now that there are no new memories being made.  At this moment, I picture her just on the other side, radiant and lovely in her heavenly state, my brother at her side and a smile on her face.  Love for her family flowing from her and through her, unrestrained.



Left: my mom and I at my baby blessing.


Right: my mom and I just a month before she passed away.





My thoughts move on to the one who made me a mother: my Josh, far away in Korea,serving the Lord and becoming a man of faith and strength, a man like his father.  Becoming a mother changed everything, EVERYTHING.  I received an email today from Josh's mission mom, Sister Furniss, which said,

We are grateful for the service Elder Crowther is giving to the Lord here in Korea.  He is devoting a part of his life to helping others have blessings that will last through eternity. We realize that much of our thanks goes to wonderful mothers who devoted a part of their life to raising these fine missionaries. Pres. David O. McKay said, “she who rears successfully … sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages … deserves the highest honor that man can give."


Your love is felt by your son each day.  The mission can be challenging, but your love is sustaining them.  It is said that when thoughts of your child are in your heart, they are never far away from home.  Abraham Lincoln said, “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me.  They have clung to me all my life”.  As this Mothers’ Day approaches I hope you can feel assured that your love and prayers do cling to your child’s heart, and bless them as they faithfully serve the Lord.


What a privilege to be mother to my boy.


Thoughts of my girls bring a smile to my face and great joy to my heart.  Each one is a treasure.

Jenna and I when she was 11 months old.  Oh, how I love those beautiful blue eyes and smile - she warms my heart.

Kellie and I when she was 9 months old.  Kellie is joy and laughter and enthusiasm for life. 

Alissa and I when she was 2 months old.  Such a beautiful, chubby little thing.  I loved her baby cheeks!  She is a beautiful, tall, lovely lady now.

Katie and I at 6 months.  She was the last piece to our family puzzle and made everything seem complete.  How I love the kind and witty ways of my youngest.

How blessed I am for the gift of a mother who cherished her role.  How blessed I am for the opportunity to fill that role myself.  In this sacred charge is both opportunity and responsibility, joy and grief, and layer upon layer of love.  

P.S.  If you couldn't tell, I am a strong believer in the importance of mothers and mothering.  Check out this link to see a tribute to mothers.

Athletic Ladies

Our girls proved their mettle this Saturday on the track and the soccer field.  Check 'em out:

 Jenna at the start of the one-mile.

 Rounding the first corner.

 Setting a pace.

 Looking good, Jenna, keep it up.

 Passing in the last 100 meters- she loves to do that.

 New PR of 5:40 - happy girl!

Kellie at the start of the 800 meters.

 Trying to find a good groove.

 Picking up speed on the second lap.

 Passing a group at the 500m

 Taking off 

 Racing for the finish - collided with this girl and finished just .03 behind her at 2:28.

Alissa plays defender for Utah FC 

 Getting that ball out of there.

 Where will she send it?

 Everyone is closing in.

 Nice kick.

You go, girls!

I love these faces.

Paintball Hurts

We took the family paintballing.  Yes, we really did.

Let me let you in on a little secret:  paintball hurts.

The average number of hits per person:  5.  I was only hit once, right by the collarbone.  Today, a week later, it is larger than a golf ball and a sickening green color.

We bonded as a family, but I don't think we'll be doing this again.

Spring Break Stay-cation

What'd you do for spring break?  We stayed home, but not really, because we were having a stay-cation, so we did a lot of things, like:

Going to a track meet

Watching the BYU Ballroom Dance Concert "Stripz and Stars"

Swimming at the Lehi Rec Center

Having a picnic at the Orem Center St park

Sleepover with the cousins

Pedicures

And we're only half-way done!

Easter

It was such a beautiful Easter day!  For the first time in many years, we had our egg hunt outside.  All the scientists may be crying "global warming" but I am thankful for the warmer winter and spring that truly looks and feels like spring.

My girls (yes, the dog, too) - so beautiful, inside and out, love 'em, love 'em, LOVE 'EM!

Cute hubbie at church sporting the tie our son sent him.

And speaking of that son, he sent us new pictures on Easter!  Here he is with his district leader, Elder Lund, who he really bonded with.  So grateful that he is a missionary.

Then there is the reason to feel such hope and joy on Easter.  Because of Jesus, I can live, I can love, I can start over, I can become all that He meant for me to be.  

A great video

This is a video made by the church on the first Korean convert.  It is 9:26 long, but soooo worth it!  My boy is there, and I just loved this.