Miracles

Yesterday was a neat day.  I experienced a few different things that just reassured that my Heavenly Father loves me.  We have a sister in our ward that has been in the hospital for 3 weeks in and out of a medically induced coma with just about anything that can go wrong.  Our Bishop asked the ward if we could have a ward fast for her.  This lady has a special place in my heart, as I was her visiting teacher for a couple years.  I gladly accepted the challenge to fast for her.  With a prayerful heart (we have been praying for her for weeks, but this was more intent), I fasted all day.  It was hard.  Being at home all day with the kids and not snacking.  I was truly dedicated.  That evening, the ward closed the fast together with a ward prayer.  It was neat to see our ward family come together and kneel to pray for this sweet sister.  I hope that she felt the love from her ward family.  The Spirit in that room was so strong.  We really do live in a neat neighborhood, and our leaders are truly inspired.  

That same day, we learned that Josh's Grandpa Hayes' health was failing, and that this would be one of his last days on Earth.  He has been in failing health for a while, but the nurses were saying that this was really it.  We included him in our fast as well, and prayed that, if it be the Lord's will, that He would take Grandpa Hayes back home.  Those prayers were answered, and Grandpa Hayes passed away that evening.  We are very sad that his earthly life is done, but look forward to seeing him happy and healthy again soon.  We were lucky enough to have been sealed by Grandpa Hayes on our wedding day.  So he holds a very special place in our heart.  This is a picture of Grandma and Grandpa Hayes holding baby Thomas.  

Here is his obituary: 

Lloyd Nelson Hayes died peacefully of natural causes at home in Bountiful, Utah on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, surrounded by his family.  He was born November 10, 1925, in Farmington, Utah, the son of Leland Norman Hayes and Olena Jane Nelson Hayes Devereaux. After the death of his father, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Leslie W. Devereaux, whom he loves.  He married his high school sweetheart, Jessie Dawna Holt, August 18, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple.  Dad served in the Navy during World War Two and remained deeply patriotic throughout his life. He attended Utah State University, receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He also played football there and was named an all-conference guard in football.  He began his career in education in Firth, Idaho. He was later instrumental in helping tp open Bountiful High School, Millcreek Junior High School, and Woods Cross High School. He was coach, teacher, and administrator during his career.  Dad later became a businessman and land developer.  He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his sweetheart served in many Church callings, including elders quorum president, bishop, and stake high councilor. He was set apart as a sealer by President Spencer W. Kimball and served in that capacity in the Salt Lake, New Zealand, and Bountiful temples. He was also a counselor in the presidencies of the New Zealand and Bountiful temples. They served together in the Church Temple Department for four years in other capacities and at the University of Utah Institute of Religion. He last served as a greeter in the Bountiful 54th Ward.  Dad was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters, as well as two grandchildren.  He is survived by a very grateful and large posterity, including children--Roger and Suzanne Fluhman, Nelson and Shirleen Hayes, Craig and Cauleen Tueller, Gary and Carolee Cox, Wayne and Kathy Metcalfe, Randy and Laura Hayes, Scott and Dawna Lou Hirschi, Tod and Denise Jones, Alan and Robyn Mortensen, and Ron and Cindy Wood. Dad and Mom have sixty-three grandchildren and one hundred twenty three great grandchildren to date.  Lloyd Nelson Hayes loved life and people. His sense of humor and contagious laugh make us anxious to be with him again. Everyone who knows him can attest to his generous heart, fierce loyalty, and deep affection. His unfailing confidence in us and his faith in the Lord empower all who are known to and love him.  The family is grateful for all who helped care for our husband and father during his illness. Special thanks go to the staff of the George Wahlen Veteran’s Administration Home in Ogden, Utah.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Bountiful 54th Ward, 540 North 1200 East. Friends and family may call Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main and Saturday, morning 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment-Lakeview Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com. This is the other neat thing that happened yesterday.  Kaley had a baseball game.  Her coach doesn't make them wear the helmets when they are up to bat, which scares me.  Kaley and I have been going the rounds about her wearing a helmet.  I felt really strongly last night that she needed to wear one.  So I stuck with it, and "won that battle."  Little did I know why it would be so important that night.  Kaley was the only girl that wore a helmet on her team that night, but she was also the only one that was hit in the head with a ball.  It was her second at bat.  Here's the video.  The "thank you" that you hear from me was just me giving myself a "good job" mom for sticking it out on this one.  Then when I got home, and had time to process, I just sobbed.  I was grateful that I was prepared to listen to the Spirit that day.  I had fasted and prayed all day.  I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father prompted me to make Kaley wear that helmet.  She may have been knocked out, or may not have.  But it still would have been a hard ball to her head.  I feel so blessed.

Memorial Day

Our Memorial Day was a nice slow morning.  We did the usual Saturday yard work and cleaned up the house.  We picked up some Arctic Circle for lunch and ate it at the park.  

 After naps, we went to Santaquin to visit the cemetery there.  I remember going to visit this cemetery when I was younger.  My Grandma Putnam would tell me many stories of my ancestors that settled in Santaquin and that are buried there.  I bet there are hundreds of relatives that are linked to me in the Santaquin Cemetery.  I chose 3 that I could most easily relate to the kids and found online where they were buried, and in what part of the cemetery.  It was a very realistic trip for my small group.  :)  I brought Grandma Putnam's book "Lest We Forget" with us, and showed the kids pictures and told them a small story or fact about each person's grave that we visited.  It is fun to see them understand how this all fits into the Plan of Salvation.  

 This is my all time favorite (can you have a favorite relative you've never met?) relative.  She is definitely the one I've read about the most.  Her name was Henrietta Taylor.  She was a brave, strong, pioneer woman.  I love her story and her faith.  I can't wait to meet her one day.  To my kids, she is their 5 Greats Grandma.  

 After our visit at the cemetery, we came home and had a nice bike ride.  The twins rode their bikes most of the way to the park, and then ALL THE WAY home!  It is so fun to have my "babies" getting bigger and being able to do more things!  

Grammie's Birthday

Sunday afternoon, we headed up to Sandy to celebrate Grammie's birthday.  We threw the kids around a bit...

 Played a little baseball...

 Walked over to the park for a bit...

 The big boys made themselves dizzy...

 The little boys made themselves dizzy...

 Sophie rode her pet Pops home.  :)  We loved her little hand just resting on his hair.  

Happy Birthday Grammie!

Life

 You might not be able to see it, but I have FIVE bike riders!  We went on a ride around the block the other day, and Jace and Sophie keep up quite nicely!  Since then, we went on a long bike ride (more on that later) and they loved every minute of it!  

Here are a couple of pics from what my life looks like right now.  I sit at baseball or T-ball by myself sometimes (because Josh has had a few meetings for Scouts) and Jace and Sophie keep me company.  Kaley is usually playing, and T and B are usually running around behind me with their friends.  Here's what the twins are doing:

 Josh and I fixed our front porch to look this way.  It has had troubles.  I've never really been pleased with how it looked until now.  I plan on adding a few decorative rocks in the strip in the bark.  I love all the color!  :)

 Josh got a new ipad app that is Mickey Mouse.  Everyone loved it!  

 We loved how Jace was resting his head on Josh.  So sweet!