Hunter's 4th birthday party

This year for Hunter's birthday, instead of gifts, I just wanted people to write a note to Hunter. I bought a little journal (which I intend to use on all future birthdays-it was way better than gifts!) for people to write their feelings/memories about Hunter in. Everything shared was so sacred and beautiful.

Every birthday Hunter has is such a blessing! I cherish each one dearly.

It was so fun to spend an evening with Hunter as the center of attention, getting showered with love by his family. It was the perfect party.

Uncle Dave and Aunt Kim
Cousin Nash and little sis (being crazy)
Uncle Jon and Aunt Sarah
Uncle Ry-Ry
Dede
Soon-to-be Uncle Spencer and Aunt Laura
Grandpa Durrant
Grandma Janeen and baby sissy with Hunter's singing birthday bear (I was ready to strangle it after one day of nonstop "Happy birthday" over and over)

Ode to the KitchenAid

I conquered a mountain in my personal life today with a little help from the glorious invention shown below...(also known as my Mother's Day present) and made my first couple loaves of whole wheat BREAD!
Before I logged in to post/brag about this achievement I ate a slice with raspberry freezer jam and it actually tastes good too! I'm so proud of myself.

Ridiculously so.

My New Life

I watched a powerful video today. It starred Stephanie Nielson who was in a terrible plane crash in 2008. I believe the Lord knew I needed to hear what this beautiful woman had to say on the day before Mother's Day. I want to paraphrase some of what she says/writes in the clip.

today I woke up to rain
got up and did the rountine
i felt that familiar sadness
it was followed by a beautiful spiritual confirmation that this is my NEW LIFE
it is good
as women, we want to be beautiful and attractive
beauty and motherhood are one
i'm grateful I'm here on this earth and that I have the opportunity to be a mother
i view my role now as more divine
it's a priviledge

I couldn't stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks. I think it is natural to have a plan for our lives. Even though we are taught from an early age that trials are a universal part of our mortal existence, I believe it is dangerously easy to begin thinking that if a person is righteous the Lord will "bless" them and spare them any serious difficulty. Hence, no need to include any challenges in that "plan". (Phew!) I think one of the hardest things I've ever had to do (and I think this is true for many people) was accept the NEW LIFE Heavenly Father had for me, and to be able to say, it is good. I know that the challenge of having a disabled child has made me eternally grateful for every second I am given with my precious children in this life. I'm humbled that He would trust me with His precious spirits. A deep, sweet testimony about my role as a mother has given my life different meaning than it had before. The difficulties that I've passed through have been worth the earning of that testimony.

To see the clip go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHDvxPjsm8E&feature=player_embedded

Baby Bennett III