Barnwood and Tulips: September 2015

9.27.2015

Dear Rigby in Alaska

Dear Rigby in Alaska,

Remember these adventures? To say we miss you is an understatement. I just wanted you to know what great kids you have. They have tried so hard to carry on as you would like them too. It reminds me of when you were commuting to Woodscross when we were expecting Maleck. They are such a great team and truly look out for each other.

They are working hard in school and on the playing fields. Each one has done their part at the car wash and around home. Even the morning groans have been a little more quiet .Madsen bore his testimony in church today- I was so proud of him, Emma continues to be Maleck's "other mama," Maleck did great in his flag football game Saturday, Stockton really stepped up and did a great job as varsity quarterback against Richfield, and Seleck well there is a 100 foot CV on jeep hill waiting for rock and concrete on Saturday (you better be home to help haul the rock)!

We are all anxious for your return. The delay has been hard on us all. I am sure you are going "stir crazy." We so hope the weather is better so the plane can land and get you. Our "Fab Five" knelt in prayer with me after we received word that you weren't being picked up by the outfitters today. Of course, I called your dad as you asked and he went to task. He has three contacts from Bethel ready to go after you if Papa Bear's can't pick you up tomorrow. He has been such a blessing to us during your adventure. I really don't know what we would have done without him.

I love that you have been able to go have your adventure. You deserve it. I know the outdoors bring you so much joy and well that brings me joy!

When the kids were little, I thought we would have them forever, but they are growing. It seems to be at an accelerated pace- I wish I could put the brakes on... We played front yard football in the yard tonight. We managed to get through it without anyone being overly competitive. Afterwards, we laughed and wrestled- it felt so good to my heart.

I don't really like being a single mom- so if you could stop the rain and clear the skies, I would really like that little float plane to retrieve you!

My eyes are heavy with sleep--- I will crawl in bed with our two "youngers" and hope to dream of you. I Love you!

Next time, you are taking us ALL with you!

9.20.2015

Finding James

James Weaver
July 23, 1815- July 27, 1888

It has been a year since my ancestral adventure with my parents, and I often reflect the family members "I met" on my journey. This adventure or pilgrimage changed me...

James was the first of the Weaver line to join the church. He was born in Herodforshire England. He was worked as a shoemaker. He married Elizabeth Gill and they married in Bierley Hill in Stafordshire. It was in Smethwick that he and Elizabeth were introduced to the church and baptized changing his life and the course of lives for generations. James was a leader among the Mormons in England.

I was asked at the most recent family reunion why I went to the the graves... hmm for me it just seemed I owed my ancestors at least a moment of my time- A moment to just stand at their gravesides to pause and to be still. For me, it was a moment to essentially honor them and to say thank you.

Graves are a sacred and holy place. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, graves are dedicated as the final resting place for the deceased... asking that the ground be hallowed and protected until the day of resurrection. I felt the sacredness of each of the graves I visited- it was peaceful and holy- I felt the spirit of the Holy Ghost and a kinship to my ancestor. Thank you James...love your great, great, great granddaughter!

9.14.2015

Monday Memory- When they were little

I am a mother of boys- from "son" up until "son" down. They are loud, smelly, funny and full of life and that was when they were small, but these adjectives hold true today only they just eat more.

I love these pictures that Dad Rigby took. The above photo was of Travis when he was a little boy. It is one of my all time favorite pictures of him. The bottom ones are of Madsen and Seleck when they were small. Madsen looks so much like his daddy. I am sure mom and dad Rigby adored Travis as much as adore our four sons.

There is nothing quite like watching a little boy discover the world in which he lives. It is positively delightful. And the funny thing is, my Rigby boys (Travis included) never have lost their sense of wonder for the outdoors. It has stayed with them over the years and has been their place of refuge.

I delight in God's goodness--- that he gave us such a gift as his creations to enjoy, explore and experience. Tonight I saw two FULL rainbows in the sky- it was breathtaking. The raindrops danced upon the side walk and a glimmer of sunlight shot its rays across the sky- a gift from miles away from our creator who loves us all.

Just like I love my Rigby(s). Tonight I will dream of rainbows, of adventures, and of little boys now grown tall...

9.10.2015

Summer Snapshots

I have had a hard time doing my summer in review post- its like I am having a silent rebellion with myself. Like if I don’t post the pic then its not over—the same reasoning I had for not putting away each of my baby’s newborn clothing. As if by that one act of defiance, I could keep them tiny forever.

Sadly, it doesn’t work. Summer is over. I can’t stop it anymore than I could the growing up of our children. Our oldest baby is now 17 and our youngest baby is 6. So instead I am going to Salute our Summer with the sharing of our SUMMER SNAPSHOTS!

I loved looking at these pics—it reminded me that summer did happen and that it was amazing. It had all the fixins’ for the perfect ingredients for a perfect summer.