Southwick: Our Forever Family: Dallin's ordination and Mother's Day

For years, my parents, nieces and nephews have made Mother's Day a special day for me...even if I wasn't what is considered to be a traditional "mother". Yet, this year tops all previous years combined! Some people think that a child's love for a mother depends on the biological connection children and mothers share. I know differently. There always comes a moment in a child's life when love becomes a choice; not a factor of DNA or biology. A child will choose to love the women who have cared for, sacrificed, nurtured and loved him or her. I feel so grateful to have 4 children who have made the choice to love me. I know it hasn't been the easiest transition, and I realize they went through a lot of trauma before I stepped in. I realize there are still unresolved emotions, but these children are simply amazing! They are resilient and strong enough to choose to love a woman who has been in their lives for less than a year. I am eternally blessed to hold the divine title of mother...even before I married Jeff. There are so many women out there who have loved a child and earned that child's love in return. That is what it means to be a mother. This year's Mother's Day was also special because Dallin received the priesthood (and because my mommy was here to celebrate it all with me). I woke up that morning and wandered into the living room where I discovered a large candy-gram from the kids. They were quite creative and even a bit sentimental. I loved it!

I then peaked in the kitchen where I saw Jeff and the kids furiously working to prepare a pancake breakfast and start preparations for lunch.

After breakfast, it was off to church. Krystle and Jordan joined us for the day's events as well. I feel so blessed to have a family and to have married into a family that is so supportive. I was also excited to spent Mother's Day with Krystle, who is pregnant with her first child. During the third hour of church, Jeff had the privilege of conferring the Priesthood of Aaron on Dallin and ordaining him to the office of a deacon. The Spirit was subtle yet powerful. It was undeniable...and Dallin felt it too. I felt tears sting my eyes as Jeff blessed Dallin with a sober mind, strong testimony and respectful nature. I heard Dallin receive counsel to be wise and to be a leader to those around him. I have no doubt Dallin will do just that.

Two of my handsome boys. What a great picture!!

All those priesthood holders that stood in the circle.

My happy family.

Everyone who was present.

After church, Jeff had to stay to finish some church obligations so I went home with the kids to help make a yummy lunch of grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and (of course) veggies. For dessert, Laurin (with Dallin's help) made, what she has named, Krispy Cream (not to be confused with the donuts). It's basically Rice Krispies soaked in butter and brown sugar on top of vanilla ice cream. It has become a family favorite. Finally, Danny couldn't wait any longer and started to present me with gifts. Earlier in the week, he gave me a card he made with cutouts of his hands in the shape of a butterfly. He also picked me a bouquet of wildflowers at scouts earlier in the week. Today he gave me a tin can he had decorated and inside was a homemade coupon book for things he will do for me (e.g., make breakfast, do the dishes, vacuum my room, etc.). Then came the best gift I'd ever received. The kids worked together to make a picture book of their growing up years. Each kid had a picture page with a paragraph that Jeff wrote about his memories of the children. At the end of the book, each child wrote me a letter. The book was professionally put together and bound. I cried (and still do) when I saw it. I feel like I missed out on so many things, especially for the girls, and this book helped me catch up a little. I know I may not have cradled the kids as infants or kissed their wounds as toddlers, but I feel I've known them for much longer than I actually have. These four beautiful children are the best gift I could have ever received for Mother's Day. It was an amazing day. I think it ranks up there with my wedding day. Thank you kids for your love and your sacrifices. I love each of you so much!!