We’ve begun the harvest years.

As I cleared away the remnants of Mark’s homecoming party, I realized that it’s time to put away so many mission reminders, the things that encouraged me in our progress. These include the 24 little houses on the kitchen windowsill, one placed after each month completed; the sunflower art and dried sunflowers in a glass box; the small Danish flag in our front yard; and my Danish flag lapel pin that I wore nearly every Sunday for two years at church. Coincidentally, I finished the pages of a prayer journal that I carried since 2024, a record of the personal revelation I received during those years. As I emerge from the life of a missionary mom, I wonder if I should store these objects together in a special box, a memorial to the era I’m leaving behind. That sounds like something I would do. We’ll see.

A well-intentioned, sympathetic person said to me on Sunday that he was sorry that my kids were all grown up. Without hesitation, I said, “It’s okay! It’s good!” As I think about his shock at my answer (he gave a nervous laugh), I realize that he’s still raising little kids and can’t imagine not having them around. I’ve had two years… well, eleven years of goodbyes and two years in an “empty nest” and I’ve processed so many emotions and objects from our past that it feels natural for me to say now, “It’s okay!” It’s actually GOOD. Our kids are doing what we raised them to do, and and our years raising them aren’t diminished because they are over. The pareting cliches are true. The childrearing years are my crowning achievement and my children are my greatest work. The memories of my little children really do grow sweeter with time.

We’ve entered the harvest years, where we welcome grandchildren and see where our children’s lives take them. I have my own fulfilling life now, too. It’s good.

Our family’s General Conference traditions

  1. As a family, we try to summarize each talk as we go.

2. Mark has a tradition of building a block tower as we watch conference.

3. I make cinnamon rolls.

4. We watch together when we can. We saw Daniel & McKenna for a session on Saturday and Tim & Queenie for a session on Sunday. Mark was with us for every session, and all of the company made me joyful.

Perspective

Since our temple is closed for some renovations, a friend and I have taken the opportunity to visit other temples. This week, we worshipped in the Saratoga Springs temple.

I grew up at the base of the mountains in Utah Valley. From my home, school, and church, my view of the surrounding mountains was never complete, as my line of sight was blocked partially by trees or houses.

From this temple, I could see those familiar mountains from a distant perspective, whole and complete.

Similarly, the temple offers a spiritual perspective that I can’t get anywhere else. With this more complete view of God’s plan, I also become whole.

Eden trip

Gondola ride at Snow Basin
At the summit of our hike
View from our rental home

We took a quick weekend trip to Eden to close out the summer. The leaves on the mountains were just starting to change color, and we enjoyed sunshine, rain, brilliant rainbows, and the good company of our kids who could join us.

Tender

I read this passage in Isaiah today and I thought of a recent experience with my dad.

Last month we took our Paige, Michael, and their little boy to visit my parents. I learned that my dad had prepared for our visit by walking his large property, clearing paths for the little two-year old. He tried to find any obstacle that could cause a fall and removed little sticks and rocks. He went before his great-grandson and made the crooked places straight.

Somehow this makes me trust that God is removing obstacles on my path, too. He is preparing the way for good things to come.