THE BIRD BUILDS IT'S NEST

To My Children

I have come from Sacrament meeting with Grandpa and Grandma. In one of the talks given the women mentioned a common Haitian phrase that means “little by little the bird builds its nest.” It reminded me of something I read in my book As A Man Thinketh/Eight Pillars of Prosperity while eating breakfast this morning. I actually had the book with me in church and picked it up to reread the passage and as I did I realized that it was something I wanted to share with my family. So I am doing that now before I get on the road to St. George.

“A hundred yards away is a tall tree in the top of which some enterprising rook has, for the first time, built its nest. A strong northeast wind is blowing, so that the top of the tree is swayed violently to and fro by the onset of the blast; yet there is no danger to the frail thing of sticks and hair, and the mother bird, sitting upon her eggs, has no fear of the storm. Why is this? It is because the bird has instinctively built her nest in harmony with principles which ensure maximum strength and security.

“First a fork is chosen as the foundation for the nest, and not a space between two separate branches, so that however great may be the swaying of the tree-top, the portion of the nest is not altered, nor its structure disturbed; then the nest is built on a circular plan so as to offer the greatest resistance to any external pressure, as well as to obtain more perfect compactness within, in accordance with its purpose; and so, however the tempest may rage, the birds rest in comfort and security.

“This is a very simple and familiar object, and yet, in the strict obedience of its structure to mathematical law, it becomes, to the wise, a parable of enlightenment, teaching them that only by ordering one’s deeds in accordance with fixed principles is perfect surety, perfect security, and perfect peace obtained amid the uncertainty of events and the turbulent tempests of life.”

This analogy motivates me to embrace my testimony of truth, my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are principles which govern the gospel. Just as the bird followed natural instinct and obeyed mathematical law, so we must be obedient to the principles of truth.

I recognize that each of you will come to your testimony through your own process but I also recognize that I have the privilege of being the mother of children who know and recognize truth. I believe in you and await the day when all six of you will embrace eternal truths. There you will find, as the bird sitting in her nest, perfect surety, perfect security and perfect peace.

I love you all. See you soon.

MOM

MIDNIGHT ROSE RAID

"Hey mom, I think I'll go into the neighborhood around 1:00 in the morning and get a few roses," says Ammon jokingly.  My reply, "umm probably not Ammon."  But this is what my kitchen table looked like this morning.  I used to go on midnight raids in the Calgary summers and help myself to the neighbors peas and carrots, so I guess I can't be too mad.  

I'm too old to stay up as late as my children do.  I'm always first in bed.  I think it was around 11:20 when I seem to have heard Ammon waking up his sleeping brother.  "Come on Asa we're gonna go steel some stuff."  Okay, you have to know Ammon to even think that is funny.  I might have smiled in my sleep.  

Hamilton explained the expedition.  Asa did not get up so it was just the two of them.  Ammon was the driver while Hamilton did the dirty work.  They pulled up to the house and so as not to draw attention to the car, Hamilton climbed in and out the window.  Apparently they do not know there is a dome light button that will turn off the inside lights.  The entire back seat was covered with roses as Hamilton just threw them in while Ammon sped off in the getaway car.  I opened the car door to take Hamilton to school and, betcha can guess, yep rose pedals everywhere with a heart shape on the seat.  The car smelled wonderful.  Hamilton pointed out the victim rose bushes while I drove him to school.  Sorry neighbors.  

After school on the way to soccer practice and in a totally different neighborhood Hamilton had his eye out for rose bushes.  "Oh my, that's the jackpot house," he said.

The whole thing makes me smile.  My boys are the most creative children.  But my advice to anyone else...you should definitely not do this for your mother.

Happy Mother's Day to all my dearest friends and family.    

BACKWARD VISION

The remaining days of two thousand ten will end as it began...busy planning for First Night.  Only this year the name changes to Twilight to Midnight.  A quick summary of my past and I discover that all of the moments of my life are dedicated to my children.  I live to experience joy in their self discovery.  Any parent knows that joy does not exist in every child raising moment.  But joy does exist in their positive accomplishments and the realization that "mom really does know what she's talking about."  

RAKAI - New Zealand wasn't really the place for him and rugby wasn't really his game.  He continues to search but has found St. George and the people he left behind to be an important piece of his existence. KARAMEA - One day I received a phone call from her and she said, "mom guess what I learned today?  I learned that I am intelligent, powerful, beautiful and that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to."  I'm pretty sure I've been trying to tell her that all of your life." ISAAC - He learns amazing lessons in his chosen path as a missionary, warrior and disciple of Jesus Christ.  His letters are the most inspirational part of my week.  I am jealous of his current journey and hope to one day create one of my own. AMMON - King of everything!  His passion for living can sometimes be exhausting.  I wonder if he will ever get tired. ASA - Embraces his leadership responsibilities.  Love exists deep down in his soul.  He finds strength in his testimony and willingly shares it with others. HAMILTON - His best friend is 41 year old Preston, a down syndrome man.  Hamilton spends his after school time helping Preston to read and speak.  Preston was the only friend Hamilton invited to his twelfth birthday celebration.  We went bowling.

A quick look back on two thousand ten and I discover that my life belongs to my children.  I live every moment for them.   

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DROP-OFF

And so it goes, time travels on.  There are firsts for everything and there are lasts.  Twenty one years ago I dropped off my first child for school and today I dropped off my baby at elementary school - ONE LAST TIME. 

Born - December 18, 1998

Namesake - Earl Hurst Scoville

Born only 1 week before Christmas he is our JOY TO THE WORLD. He loves sports and is really good at soccer and karate. He started violin lessons in November 2007 and enjoys playing it. He is a very good student and is kind to everyone. He teaches us love and goodness and he makes us all laugh. Hamilton loves to cuddle and he keeps me warm at night. 

 

You continue to be my JOY to the world.  Love you baby.

MOTHERS DAY!

A quick picture after church.  Karamea honored me by wearing my favorite color.  It's been a good day.

I've known for a week that Isaac was going to call at 10am.  I woke up early, made breakfast for everyone then waited for his call.  Isaac's friends James and Corbin came over to talk to him too.  We talked for two hours.  I think the hardest part of the separation is not talking to him whenever we want.  He's doing great though.  Check out his blog for the details.

I've said it before and I still feel the same, motherhood is the part of my life I like best.  To my children - Rakai, Karamea, Isaac, Ammon, Asa and Hamilton.  Love you so much, you are my joy.

SATURDAY SOCCER

Rakai is home!  I went to Vegas on Tuesday and picked him up.  He was at the curb waiting but I didn't see him.  I parked.  As I walked across the road I saw him move towards me.  We embraced and he said, "I missed you most of all."  Oh how I love my children.  It is best when they are all safely home.  But life has it's cycle and I'm afraid that the moments when we are all together will be few and far between.

If you're looking for us on a Saturday in the spring you will find us at the soccer field.  This day was beautiful.  Rakai is enjoying the warmth of the sun while Ammon uses him for a head rest.

Life seems to be crashing in around me at the moment.  My greatest pleasure is in my children.  If not for them I'm not sure there would be much to live for.  They are my life line.    

JOY FILLS MY SOUL

My Mother's Day morning has been spent looking through files of photos. I selected only a few to share in a slide show. These pictures bring joy to my soul and a smile to my face. I am blessed.

Happy Mother's Day to me and to everyone who has a mother.