Seasons of Life

I have been recently reminded how thin and close the veil is that separates our world from the spirit world. The birth of our son Dewey and the passing through the veil of my Father were both beautiful, difficult and profound experiences for me. At the birth of Dewey I felt the presence of angels and the strength and comfort of Christ. The morning of the day my father passed on, I had the impression that he would pass away soon. I had a strong reassurance that everything was ok and that this was all how it should be. That day and the following day I felt his presence strongly.
These two beautiful events happened so closely and reminded me how short life is. That this life was meant to be enjoyed and to learn and grow and then we move on. We move on but not as far on as some might think because there is really so little that separates us.
It was so wonderful that my father was able to see his last grandchild for the first and last time in this life. I am absolutely sure that he will see his grandchildren (those present and yet to be born) while he is in spirit form. I am grateful to have spent two weeks with him before his passing. I think that was a tender, kind gift Heavenly Father planned for me.
I am thankful for the gospel in my life. I feel like it has helped me to have the perspective I needed to experience the beauty of these spiritual experiences. I am thankful for My Savior and My Father in Heaven and their sweetness in helping me be able to witness their hand in these tender experiences.

Passing Of My Father

Rachel: "My idol during childhood, my mentor during my formative years, my friend, my dad. I am a better because of him. I love him dearly and miss him."
Aunt Lois: "Our hearts are heavy because you are gone from this earth. You were a wonderful example of faith, strength, hope and love and so much more. You learned much and taught us all. You live on in the lives of your eight wonderful children. We will see you again dear brother."
Rick: "Today one of my hero's past away. I will always love my father. — feeling sad."
Caleb: "My dad understood the responsibility that comes with being a father. I cannot count the hours and days we spent working together. He taught me how to break wild horses, swing a hammer, weld and build, shoot and hunt but most importantly he taught me to work hard. Thanks dad for the hours of late night talks, the wisdom you shared with a young teenager and the love. Thank you for your time. You understood that it was the most important and there wouldn't be enough of it so you spent it with us.
I wish he could have been here to teach my children some of the things he taught me but now the responsibility is mine. I am not worried, I have a great example to follow. I love you dad."

Amanda: "Its going to be sad and hard getting use to my new reality. I cant believe my dad is gone."

Jacob: "So yesterday my father pasted away. He has taught me how to work with a smile, a joke, and to tell a good story (weather it is true or not, it gotts to be a good story). He taught me how to look at things in a good way and to make good decisions. Even though he will be missed I take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place."
Seth: For you all who don't know, My Father past away last Thursday the 29th. Elder Vaughn J Featherstone & President Spencer W. Kimball once said:"Make no small plans, they have no magic to stir men's souls." Another quote which i don't know the reference says, "There are two types of people in this world, those who act and those who are acted upon, My father was one to act" This too was my father, he made no small plans, he was a man to act and he has stirred many souls including my own. love my father so much and will miss him emencly, he has shown me so much love and support. He taught me how to dream big, to rely on the Lord, to work hard and never give up, to be adventures, to be a problem solver, to be a creator and to build it strong, tough, practice and not aesthetically pleasing. ;) I know i will see him again. We will be united as a family again and then he can teach me all that he didn't get the chance too. I have the privileged of going out now and letting others know that there families can be together forever also. This Gospel is Amazing and it is true!

Angel: "My strength, my example, my comforter, my father but most of all my hero. Im grateful to have had such an wonderful man in my life. He was such an example of strength and courage and I woulnt be the person I am today without him. I love you daddy! Tell we meet again."

Overheard

Hannah: "When I grow up I don't want to move out of house. I want to stay with you. Because I can't move my bed all by myself... and I don't have a truck to move it."

If Heber turns out a bit girly, we'll know why

What's in a name? Part II

So I kept thinking that our baby seemed like a wise spirit and needed a strong name. I kept thinking that Emerson was a better fit. But I was reluctant because it was so long and I didn't want anyone calling him Emmie for short.

Talmage was definitely Team Dewey. But as the last week rolled by my will for Emerson was stronger. We were still conflicted as I went into labor. At that point Talmage said that I could have it my way. The midwives later commented that he was a wise man to not push it at that point. So when we filled out the birth certificate hours after birth it said "Emerson Dewey".

However, he later convinced me on Dewey Emerson and we changed it on his birth certificate paperwork three days after. I am not bitter at all and Dewey Emerson does feel right. I feel like Emerson reflects him more, but middle names can hold a special spot in in one's heart.

So yes, Talmage wears the pants in our relationship. And yes, three out of four of our children have names that come from his side. And that is all fine with me. He has promised me though that I get to pick our next and last two children's names. 

Heber, Hannah and Olive's Reaction

I was antipating the reaction of the kids to seeing their new baby brother. I was wondering if they were thinking that having a baby inside their mommies tummy was going to be a life long thing. It turns out that they really like their baby brother.

I love seeing them kissing him and wanting to nurture him. They seem to be on binkie and blankie patrol and are so willing to help. It is so sweet to see them interact.

Recovery

I prepared so much for birth that I forgot how much work recovery took. I think I just assumed I would be back to my normal self in a day or two. The hardest part is not being able to do everything that I am use to doings—like not being able to care of Heber, Hannah and Olive. Also not being able to cook and clean. And not being able to really move about freely. It's hard to be lazy because you can't take a break.

I am so grateful my mom was here for the first day of recovery. She is so helpful and her years of being a CNA show. She seemed to have things ready for me before I even thought I needed them. My parents were also really helpful with the kids that first day as well. I am so grateful for them.

The timing was perfect. The same morning my parents left was when Talmage's parents arrived. One midwife was so impress that after 27 grandchildren they still make it a point to fly half way across the country and help us. The have been nothing short of amazing taking care of the three older kids, making meals, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. I feel like I have been able to concentrate on recovering and nurturing Baby Dewey because of them. They really have helped this first week of recovery.

And finally, my night in shining armor. I have been so grateful for the help of Talmage. He has been nursing my back to health, bathroom breaks, keeping me fed and hydrated and all. He has been a huge mental support to me, keeping me laughing and happy. I feel like the spirit of the man in this film really portrays the sweetness Talmage has had when caring for me.