the MOST amazing weekend

Have you ever had one of those choice experiences in life when you think about it, tears well-up in your eyes and you get all choked up? That was our weekend! Writing about it doesn't quite do it justice - trying to put words to heavenly things just doesn't seem to come out right - but I'll make an attempt to describe what happened. Know what I mean? My feet haven't quite touched the ground yet - I'll come down in due time.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2010

I knew it was going to be a busy weekend - just couldn't figure out how we would be able to be in two different places at the same time as Whitney would be going into labor any second! We traveled south, a task I always love doing, to be with our granddaughter Leah on her baptism day! We left early in the morning so we could spend most of the day with Leah and Cameron. Grandma traveled with us - she was very happy to leave the confines of our little town!



We spent the afternoon just 'hangin'' with each other - just being - one of my most favorite things to do! The magic started happening when Cortney, Ashley and family showed up to join the 'hangin'' and before long more family - Shawn, Kandee and family arrived! We enjoyed each other until early evening when it was time for Leah's big day! In our church, baptism happens around the age of eight but Leah and her dad decided twelve was the magic number for her. She was ready and excited for the moment.

When we arrived at the church, it was hot - little/no air conditioning but it didn't seem to dampen spirits. More family joined us - the Gee family had arrived and with our combined families and friends the room was filled to over-flowing. Everyone was so excited, you could feel it in the air - words of love were delivered to Leah in so many forms. Cortney, Leah's uncle, gave a wonderful talk that brought this wonderful ordinance to a level Leah (and so many of us) could understand. I loved the way he, so often, made eye contact with her and flashed his amazing smile her way.

Cameron led Leah through this beautiful ordinance in a way that only a father can do. As a mother and grandmother I was reduced to tears and a prayerful heart - thanking my Heavenly Father the opportunity to watch a heavenly act filled with love and hope. On so many levels my heart with LEAPING for JOY and those who know our story know why! I was proud in a very humble way. With family and loved ones encircling Leah, a blessing was pronounced on her that was breath-taking - with great strength and authority. It always amazes me how spiritual things can be felt - literally.

Family and friends gathered afterwards and people I hadn't seen in over ten years were there! I love a gospel that teaches to forgive - to lay differences aside and to love each other! That's what I felt in that room, that day. Everyone gathered together for a common cause - Leah. It was so good to see Leah's mom, grandma-grandpa, great grandma-grandpa, aunts and uncles. Neighbors that grew up with our kids were there to support our family - how cool is that. The Bishop had to finally 'flick' the lights to let us know we were being invited to 'go home'!!! I loved every minute.

Cameron had a fun 'rest of the night' planned for our family! On a warm summer night we all headed to the pool for a night of belly-flops and pizza.

September 5, 2010 - HAPPY 87th BIRTHDAY - Grandma Alice

Sunday we were all slow to rise as recovery was necessary from the swimming the night before! After church, a BBQ was planned and everyone, once again, gathered at Leah and Cameron's for a potpourri of deliciousness! I took Leah and Morgan out back for a quick photo-shoot when a call came from Whitney that she was in labor and we needed to come now! We were two hours away - so we packed up, gave hugs and kisses to all and we were once again OFF!

As if we hadn't been 'fed' enough spiritual food for the weekend - more was on our way! Could it happen? Could Whitney's baby really be born on Grandma Alice's birthday - Whitney had a feeling this would happen! She emailed me a month ago and wondered if I would be willing to take photos of the birth of her baby! I, of course, said "Yes!" - but would I really have the nerve when the time came? Could I stand to see my child in pain with the birth of her child? I wasn't sure! As we were only miles away from Whit's home, Schuyler called asking where we were - were we close? "Hurry! We have to go - it's time - please hurry!" Bodin was confused as we charged through the door - he was frightened. Whitney came out and had several hard contractions that made my eyes well with tears - (would I really be able to do this?) Schuyler took charge and whisked Whit and baby off to the hospital - only minutes away.

Once they were settled in their room and finding out Whitney was now dilated to an (8), I decided to head to the hospital - leaving Bob, Gma and Bodin home. I was excited, nervous all at once as I navigated through the twisting streets of their little town in search of the hospital where my daughter and her amazingly supportive hubby worked to get their new son here.

This is what I found and I'm happy to report that my energy did not go into nervousness but joy in the sights and sounds of a baby being born - and here's a snippet of what I witnessed:

Happy Birthday baby-Toren and WELCOME to the FAMILY!

No, I have not touched down yet - maybe soon but, I'm in no hurry! LIFE, my drug of choice!