Haven

I am in love with the view out my front door.  The storm door makes it possible to keep the front door open most of the time and allow for this lovely view throughout the day.  Especially in the late afternoon/early evening, the sunlight trickles through the trees in my front yard, making the prettiest patterns throughout the main floor.  The movement of the leaves and the warmth of the sunlight add their own unique design element in my home.  It makes my home even more peaceful.  That serenity of the sunlight coming through the front windows of this home contributed to a sacred moment when I had confirmed to me that this was the home we were to buy.  Even in moments when I have questioned the decision, the peace I feel when the sunlight shines through my front door and windows takes me back to that revelatory moment.  I don't always understand the Lord's workings.  To be very honest, I don't know why we're in Lehi, and sometimes I don't even know why we're in Utah for that matter.  But I do know that in quiet moments, the spirit speaks peace to my heart, and I have learned not to question the Lord's answers.

My patriarchal blessing talks about my home and the temple being my havens.  I think "haven" perfectly describes how I feel about this new home and really all of our homes since we've been married.  It is a place of shelter, refuge, comfort, and peace.  Last week while spending another short stint in the hospital with Zachary, I realized that I often take for granted plain old boring days at home.  It took the somber reminder of being locked up in a hospital room with my baby to realize how much I longed to be home, eating PB&J, with Jake and the Neverland Pirates in the background and toys scattered about the family room.  On more than one occasion, as I have carried Zach into our home after a long day of errands or outings, I have literally felt his body relax when we walk through the door.  I think my spirit does the same thing.  I love being home.  I love the peace I feel in my home (most days ... we are real people with crazy, busy boys, after all!).  I love quiet moments in late afternoons when I feel warmth and reassurance and peace.

Eliot's First Day of Preschool, 2012

School is back in session, and we have a very happy little camper!  Here are some favorite photos of our preschooler Eliot:

Our decision to have Eliot attend preschool one more year has been nothing but confirmed by the awesome experiences he has already had at "Ms. Jen's" preschool.  His new teacher is, as Eliot says, "Awesome!"  She is the perfect balance between pushing the kids academically and being an absolute teddy bear of a sweetheart.  As an example, Eliot came home from his first day with his own copy of the book, "The Kissing Hand," all about a nervous little raccoon's first day of school, along with a little baggie of Hershey kisses, a picture of him wearing a raccoon costume, and a few raccoon-themed activities they had worked on that day.  So cute and so detail-oriented.  I can already tell just from the few days we've experienced with Ms. Jen that she puts her heart and soul into teaching, which is more than I could hope for and an absolute answer to my prayers.  I think with Ms. Jen as Eliot's preschool teacher and the awesome music class we've got him signed up for, this year will be the perfect preparation for Eliot starting Kindergarten next year.

Thank heavens for amazing teachers!  As someone with an education degree, I have a pretty good understanding of how much work and energy goes into doing a good job of it.  I have an added appreciation for those angel people who have the stamina to teach young ones!  It is not a skill I feel I'm naturally blessed with, so I count on those angels in my village to help me raise my young ones.

The only tough thing about Eliot's preschool experience?  His little bro misses him terribly when he's gone!  Zach inevitably gets bored and looks at me with eyes that undoubtedly communicate, "So you're really all I've got, huh?"  These boys love each other to pieces and miss each other when they're away!  I do admit it has been nice to have some one-on-one time with Zach.  Last year during preschool Z was always napping, but now that he's older, I get to have time with Zach while he's awake.  I feel somewhat awkward getting down and playing with a little toddler, though ... it's been a few years, and I've realized I'm a little rusty!