Best Day of My Life and Visiting Angel's New Baby

I woke up this morning with the news that Angel had delivered her 5th baby boy at 4am! Although I tried so hard to be able to be there in person and would have LOVED that experience, I am sooo happy for her! She did it all almost completely solo (no help, no epidural) and she is a warrior! I then had a wonderful workout with Parker and got a sweet text from Amy with a beautiful conference talk linked (Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear). She is my sage friend and everything she sends my way is much needed and appreciated. She is worth her weight in gold!

I then came home, kissed Tanner goodbye as he sped off to work, and got the kids ready for school. I love our new routine of doing some spiritual thought/scripture study/song/Come Follow Me on the way to school. They really are feeling the spirit. The other day we sang, "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" and then Jack said the prayer. He prayed that they would listen and learn and that their teachers would be able to teach then well. He also prayed for us to be gentle and kind and loving. He is remarkable and I love him.  Anyhoo, I dropped them all off at school/preschool and when I got home, I had the 4 Elders standing on my front lawn ready to do some yard work! Parker helped them mow the lawn and do some trimming while I cleaned up the kitchen. Thank you, awesome Elders!

I went back to the school to pick up Jack and sign out Rayleigh early (since we would be gone later in the day). When we got home, I took a quick shower and grabbed a bite to eat before leaving to pick up Ella. Before we arrived home, Audrey was there to babysit. (She's the best and the kids had so much fun with her swimming and playing!). Parker and I jetted off to Newport and met my parents and Josi at the temple. What a sweet and miraculous experience it was being in the temple with my parents, Josi, and Parker! Tanner flew in by the seat of his pants and after my Dad was done baptizing Josi and Parker, Tanner baptized me. I felt so close to him and serving in the temple in that capacity was so fulfilling! I was on cloud 9!!!!

After the wonderful experience in the temple, I took Parker to lunch at our favorite place, Islands. Yum! Then we ran to Target and bought a few things to make a basket for Jana who flew in that day from Germany with her husband and 5 daughters! Her husband finished up his military tour in Europe and they are staying with her parents for the Summer until Jake finds a job. I got her some American themed towels and snacks, including tuna fish, Wonderbread, and Cheetos to remember our own childhood days! I'm so excited to have her close by for a little while and to play!

I dropped Parker off at MCO and went back to my parents house to chat about our amazing day. My heart was soooo full! But I started to get some very hurtful and disturbing texts from Kari which I ignored. (She got mad that I did that). After our visit, I picked up Parker and we went home. Audrey had to leave a little early to attend institute class so Livvy came over to fill in. The kids were so happy! I took Livvy home and ran to Book Club. I was an hour late but was so high on life and we spent the next 2 hours talking and laughing. I told them how I became a doula, and how my friend had a baby. I told them about our magnificent time in the temple and asked for some advice about Kari. 

The next day, a friend from Book Club, Diane, said her daughter in law was pregnant and living with her and wanted to know if I could scan her because her ultrasound was canceled. Absolutely! AND, Billie dropped off baptism names for Parker to take to the temple (he went again with the homeschool group to the Redlands Temple on Friday morning). 

I truly believe God was smiling down on us and saying, "Yes! This is what it's all about! You're doing it, together and with love!!! You need each other and I'm so happy you are gathering and finding strength and joy by your associations!"

I was glad I had such a great day on Thursday because Kari was quite the challenge on Friday. She was mad that I didn't text her back and when I finally DID text her back, she thought I was being self righteous and condescending. She's mad that I won't just drive HER to Chris' memorial service and is assuming I'm being disloyal to her because she does NOT want to drive in the same car as Jon (I volunteered to drive the entire family in my car). She was nasty and went on and on, yelling at me, and I yelled back, and my pulse was 157 just sitting there talking to her. After a long time, she calmed down as I apologized for not texting her back and that I came across as "Holier than thou". We still haven't worked out any real issues. She's exhausting.

But Saturday I was able to drive up and spend the afternoon with Angel! I held the baby and Luis made us yummy food. We chatted and laughed and I slept so good!  Sorry, Ang! They put me on the opposite side of the house so I never even heard the baby cry! I didn't want to leave but the next day I got up and drove straight to church. It was good to be home and i'm sooooooo happy that Luis got a job in SoCal so they can move down here and be closer! I'M SO HAPPY!!!! Angel and Luis are such incredible parents and those 5 boys are so cute and fun! I can't wait to have more adventures together and make more memories!

Sunday was sooooo chill and nice. We went swimming and relaxed, ate Chicken n Rice and the missionaries came over late at night to say goodbye. Elder Hill has been in our ward for 7 months! He's like a member of the family! We love him so much and we are so proud of him!

I don't know why we are being blessed so abundantly right now but I am so extremely thankful. My heart is full to bursting and I know where much is given, much is required! I'm ready! Let's Do THIS!