Family Reunification Day

Being involved in foster care is one of my biggest blessings. I have led such a sheltered and privileged life in so many respects so I’m grateful how being a foster parent has opened my eyes and my mind to the world. Sometimes that means seeing a lot of sadness and pain and horrible things and sometimes it means a lot of hope, resiliency and watching a beautiful fight and seeing the deep strength to overcome. 

Eric and I recently volunteered at a Family Reunification event. 

There were 13 families there who received recognition in overcoming some big challenges and successfully reuniting with their children in 2018.

We were assigned as hosts to a mom and her three kids. We took her around to get a family picture, face painting, balloon animals, and to eat lunch. This mom was shy, but strong. She told me that last May the children’s dad passed away the day before their parental rights were going to be severed. Thankfully the judge gave her a second chance and she was able to work hard and turn her life around and get her three children back. Beauty from ashes. I think she is pretty incredible. It was powerful seeing each family walk up onto that stage and receive a recognition. Many of them took a few minutes to say thank you to many people who supported and encouraged them. Because we all need someone. Sometimes that person was just God. But knowing you have God with you obviously makes a pretty big difference. 

It was such a beautiful experience to see these families honored. I felt blessed to be in their presence.

The next day we found the news article with pictures online from the event. You can see Eric’s back quite nicely. And I am behind him. Our claim to fame right there.

“The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” (The Family: a Proclamation to the World)

down by the river

On the first day of summer we joined some friends at the Verde river.

The boys have joined these friends a few times here at this river, but this was the first time I joined in with the little kids.

Brinny did just fine in the cold water and once Perry accepted the life jacket he was golden, too. 

Brinna makes this cute little face a lot—right before she breaks out into a huge grin. And I was happy I captured Layla’s genuine smile. L loves being a big sister!

There was a good group of older boys that spent a lot of time jumping in the river and exploring upstream and floating back down.

Kyler and Ben were pretty amazing big brothers (Ben is around enough he’s like a big brother) and took Layla and Perry on rides down the river.

There was plenty of yummy snacks for B.

It always cracks me up when she mimics my actions. I was squatting down to take their picture. So she did, too.

While there were plenty of friends her age, Layla gravitated towards these sweet big girls. They are just lovely, kind girls so I understand why. So kind of them to include her.

Brinny loved spending time with one of her second mom’s (yeah, there are a lot of my friends from the ward who she loves and goes right to) and her little friend, Alexis.

And this is when I had to yell to Kyler that, as kind as it was, no he could not jump with Perry in his arms.

The moms! 

Sweet teenagers giving Brinna some attention. I love these girls!

My friend had to jump in the river three times to help kids who went down without a paddle get over to the side of the river. She wins as best lifeguard!

I’m so glad Kacin has found such good friends.

Kyler’s last jump for the day. 

Too cool. And that’s a wrap on our day at the river. 

These Days

Layla and her friends are back at their sunday ministering. They made cookies and cards and were so excited to deliver them.





Eric and Brinna were playing with my phone during our family sunday "come follow me" lesson.



Beautiful weather inspired us to get outside one evening.





On memorial day, we had seven other families over for swimming, barbecue, and games. I always remember my camera too late to really capture the action, but you can imagine that it was bustling and fun with that many families with kids. And there was one big incident with a baby powder fight upstairs that left our loft covered in a layer of powder, but smelling quite refreshing. I love filling our pool and home up with people.





We watched a friend's daughter one morning. Brinna gave the "baby" a little too much love, but the moments she wasn't hugging (aka strangling her with love) they played side by side quite nicely.





Layla is still collecting bugs in the backyard just about every day.


I was sitting at book club the other night and looked around at these women and my heart just filled up with appreciation and love for them. And for books. I love how reading a variety of books and the discussions we have open my mind and teach me and strengthen me. I especially love that we have a book club with women of all ages and personalities and experiences. These women make me laugh and think.

If I thought we were going to take a selfie I would’ve tamed my hair a little before I went, but nonetheless here we are.

I caught Kyler using my phone as a mirror. Ha! I have so much fun with Kyler. And he is doing well with our driving lessons. He drove on the main road for the first time yesterday. He is the perfect balance of careful and confident. It’s really fun to teach him to drive!

I subscribe to the Writers Almanac which sends an email with a poem a day and interesting today in history and different author tidbits. I loved this quote about the purpose of writing.

I also LOVE the johnsonfiles on Instagram! Their videos make me laugh out loud and are so relatable. I find myself sharing their videos with so many people. The “watch this, mom” are my favorites. Because that is my life. Check them out!

And summer has officially started!! The boys each filled up our pool at different times to celebrate the end of the school year with friends. We are ready for summer!!