Our Legacy

What are we leaving for our kids? What will they say drove our hearts? Was it praise of men, or serving our neighbor? Was it a bigger house, or giving shelter to those in need? Is it the trendiest clothes or giving to the poor?
I am not working for my salvation. I am not trying to "please" the Father. My debt was paid by the Savior on a cross over 2,000 years ago. And it's my faith alone in him that redeems me. But as time marches on, quite quickly these days, and as I say goodbye to more and more loved ones as they cross over to eternity...I have to say. What am I driven by and what do I live for?
Will our kids go through our drawers one day and find old paid bills or a pile of thank you cards? I am saddened by so many who when asked to serve or help..."don't have the time." And I know, because I was like that once.

This is my challenge to myself...what will my kids remember of me? Will they love community and service? Or will they seek after abundance and entertainment?

Oh the heart of a servant. That is what I want to leave for my girls.

Dance Baby

First Day at School

It does not seem like Elizabeth should be in school...how did this happen so fast. Aftern I picked her up today, she said her favorite part was being a line leader...that's my girl!

Fun Day

We had a great day today, spent it with our friends the Mortimers in AL. Enjoyed following my girls around and taking some photos.
E visits her new school tomorrow....

My Girls

As I watch my girls play, it fills me with all measures of joy. but sometimes a little longing as well as I look at them with my mother's eyes.
Trying to imagine them growing up makes me realize the love my mother must have for me. And when I hear her reminisce over my little girl days, I can now imagine what she must be feeling.

I know she is proud of me. Proud of the sister, wife and mother that I have become. But I also know she can't help but hear my giggle as a little girl and miss my snuggles and hugs.

I have carried Elizabeth wrapped in a towel, after every bath, to go say "Hey Daddy" to her daddy since she was an infant. Now she hardly fits in my arms and I don't know how much longer I can carry her as a towel bundle to "see her daddy". She's not a baby any more and it makes me think..."does my mom feel this way?"

Mom recently wrote me a beautiful note, recounting all the things she loved and missed about me as her daughter still living at home. But also thanked me for her granddaughters that now bring her so much joy.

What an amazing, painful, lovely, longing, beautiful and precious full circle we must come. From daughter to mother to grandmother we must travel to fully comprehend the love we take for granted. My little girls will always be my little girls, I will imagine this is how I will feel even when they become mothers one day.

I love you mom.

Remembering with so many Mommy friends that I love....

Anna is 2!

Happy Birthday Anna. And thank you to all my friends and family who came to celebrate with me. What a great time we had. And THANK YOU Mesa for all these incredible memories in photos. Show your love by visiting her at www.mesacolephotography.com