Behind the times Blog - Mother's Day 2009

With the overwhelming schedule I have had this past while, I completely missed blogging about mother's day this year. I had considered just letting it go but the blessings were too remarkable to not take note.

Around the first of May I began to feel a bit blue. I really miss my mom and Mom Jensen. It is sad to lose those dear souls who are truly interested in how things are going for you and your family. I am now the top of the chain and it feels a bit odd. I feel fortunate to have had such dear mothers.

For our Anniversary in January, Claigh presented me with tickets to see "Celtic Women - Isle of Hope" in Salt Lake the Wednesday following mother's day. I love all things Irish and Celtic Women have been favorites of mine. However, as May unfolded, I struggled to get on top of the demands of life and a trip to Salt Lake seemed to just add to the pile of "need to." I wanted to get out of it in the worst way.

Sunday May 10th dawned with an icy Idaho spring chill in the air. My heart ached with sadness. I not only missed my moms but I had been really missing Virginia as well. I kept trying to just get over it but somehow it all was more of a struggle for me than I felt was appropriate. I kept thinking of a Mary Englebrite painting of a woman with a stern look on her face, standing firm with her hands on her hips saying "Snap out of it!"

It just so happened that it was my turn on the teaching rotation for Gospel Doctrine Class Mother's Day Sunday as well. Whew! As I began to do the final preparations for my lesson on Tithing and the Law of the Fast, I remembered a story from President Monson's life in regards to the lessons his mother taught him in being aware and caring for those who were in need. The lesson material contained a story from the life of Dallin H. Oaks in regards to his mother who was widowed young and left to raise her three children on her own during World War II. They struggled and yet she faithfully paid her tithing from her salary as a school teacher.

I too have been blessed with strong and faithful women in my life. I once again felt the deep gratitude for my mother, grandmother, mom and Mom Jensen. I was blessed by wonderful aunts as well as some incredible teachers. Their contributions to my happiness and well being today cannot be overstated. As I reflected on my testimony and as gratitude filled my heart, the sadness began to lift.

Before we left for church, Claigh presented me with the best mother's day gift I have ever received. Each of the girls had contributed to an album sharing their thoughts on my influence in their lives. Knowing full well your inadequacies, you always wonder if your efforts have been enough to make a difference for good. The girls were very kind in their thoughts. It was good to laugh and reflect on some of the fun times of our past. It was good to remember some of the struggles we had been through as a family. It is good to be a family! How is it that I have been blessed with such a wonderful husband and five dear daughters? It is amazing to me. And to think that we have grown to include four son-in-laws that I love with all my heart and nineteen precious grandchildren - my cup runneth over!

It felt good to bear my testimony to my class that day. I know the blessing of putting the Lord first in my life. I am grateful to be blessed to contribute through tithing and fast offerings to the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth. I especially appreciate the blessings of the temple and the privilege of making and keeping sacred covenants.

Sunday came and went. Monday dawned with me still feeling overwhelmed at putting things together for a trip to Salt Lake. Claigh was unable to sell the tickets and so we put things in order to go. When we got to the hotel to check in, we found it was an old hotel right beside the freeway and we would be on the bottom floor with all of the noise overhead. We decided to pass on that one, canceled our reservation and headed out to find the E Center where the concert was to be. We hoped to find a room close by so we could check in and change before hand. Alas, we found the E Center, found a good place to eat BUT no room!

It is a very good thing we were close to the center as traffic was already in a struggle with one and a half hours to starting time. We found a good parking place and made our way into the venue thinking we might find a room on our way home after wards. Our seats were a bit off to the side but overall very good and close to empty seats in the center. We decided to take our chances an move to the center seats. Good move!

The concert began and immediately took us in. The production was incredible and the music clear and penetrating. The beautiful Irish tunes brought back memories of my Irish Grandma Hansen and my mom. The tears flowed as they performed my mom's favorite song of all time, "Danny Boy." Billy Joel's "Goodnight my Angel" brought thoughts of my mother. "Goodnight, my angel, Time to close your eyes . . . I promised I would never leave you - And you should always know - Wherever you may go -No matter where you are - I never will be far away." Though her time on this earth with me was very short, I believe a mother's heart carries dreams for her children throughout eternity. A mother's love does not die. Somehow in my heart of hearts I felt reassured by that beautiful music. "You'll be in my Heart" by Phil Collins was also very cathartic for me.

"Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" and "Oh America" were magnificently done and brought us to our feet. Our experience on September 11, 2001 and the time at The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Ground Zero last April (2008) are a part of who I am. I love this country. I mourn what is being lost as our freedoms are now under attack. I am committed to do all I can to stand for truth and righteousness regardless the cost.

My Grandma Hansen was just eight years old when she made her hopeful journey from Ireland to Canada. She did not come through Ellis Island and yet her story so closely mirrors the plight of the many young immigrant girls who did.

I lost a cousin in the Pentagon that fateful September 11th. Alyssa experienced the day as a foreign exchange student in Germany. There was grave concern for her safety and that of the other congressional exchange students because there were known terrorist cells there. The German people in general however mourned with America.

Back in Virginia, As the Relief Society President of our ward, I led the effort to provide for the 76 missionaries that had to be evacuated from the Tidewater area. We did not know if there would be further attacks targeting the naval bases. Also friends of our family lost loved ones in the World Trade Center. We were on the front lines and I will never forget the true travesty of that hateful attack.

I am deeply grateful for the prosperity of our free land and the ability it has given for us to be a blessing to all the world. I am proud of the men and women who have fought freedom's fight in not only our own national interest but also in the interest of liberty for others in faraway lands.

We never did get a hotel room and had to make the three hour trip home late into the night. (Believe me we are too old for this kind of play!) Claigh is amazingly wonderful. For all the grief I gave him through my struggling weeks and my balking at going clear to Salt Lake to the concert, he patiently remained steady and kind. Again, I marvel at how good my life is. The combination of the album created by my husband and children, the devotion and goodness of Claigh, the opportunity to serve in the Sunday School and the Celtic Women Concert brought healing to my spirit. I am thankful.

Our Girly Girl turned TWO!

Felicity celebrated her second birthday this month in Kirkland, Washington. How we love this petite little ray of sunshine. That Stewart house needed some "pinking" and Felicity is just the right one to color the situation. Her beautiful brown eyes twinkle with the love that seems to radiate from her soul. Thank-heaven for little girls!

Shine on Alyssa!

June 17th is a big day in our family as Elijah shares his birthday with his Aunt Alyssa. We are amazed to think that our youngest is now 24 years old! We count our children and grandchildren as the most prized of all blessings and marvel at the goodness of God.

Alyssa's faithfulness and diligence in standing for truth and righteousness continue to be an inspiration to us. She is currently serving as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher in Ammon 20th Branch in the Ammon West Stake.

Our move from Virginia to Idaho during Alyssa's mission was challenging to say the least. It is hard to come home to people who do not know you and were not invested in your mission. Alyssa's skill to quickly get to know people and her unabashed willingness to share herself with others overcame the challenge. Organizing the "Temple of the Month" group as well as many different activities have kept her on the move. At a time when so many of her young adult friends are without work, she is particularly grateful for her job and friends at D&L Cleaners.

One of Alyssa's best strengths is her inclusive nature. She is aware of all around her and won't leave anyone out. This sometimes complicates things for us as we try to stuff people like sardines into our home for any activity she gets up. Even though she really keep things hopping for us, we have thoroughly enjoyed the many young people she has brought into our home over the years.

It will be fun to see what Alyssa's 25th year brings her way. As parents, we are confident good things are ahead for her.

Elijah the Birthday King!

For nine years Elijah has done a good job at breaking in his mom and dad! I have always felt it takes a special child to be first and Elijah is no exception. Max and Xander are fortunate to call him "Big Bro."

Elijah has a pure testimony and readily shares it. It is amazing to consider that he will be a deacon in three short years.

As an up and coming fourth grade student, his keen intellect keeps him on top in his school studies. He is a true whiz at math.

Never let it be said however that Elijah he is just a book worm! He plays soccer, tennis, baseball and running fun with his dad, brothers and cousins. Grandpa Jensen is particularly excited to have a grandson who enjoys baseball.

We couldn't be more grateful for such a terrific grandson!