Moment of Joy

My moment of joy arrived early this morning.  Today started around 5:30 AM-- much too early for a Saturday.  However, since I try to be a good mother, I conceded to taxi David to the school so he could catch the 6 AM bus for his wrestling tournament.  Just before he shut the car door, I said, "David, I love you."  David smiled and acted a little embarrassed, but I could tell he was touched.  Even a big tough wrestler like David appreciates his mother's expression of love.

Since I was already up and dressed, I headed straight for the gym.  I had to squeeze a workout in between dropping David off and getting Max out the door.  My workout was grueling, but it was sure nice to have it done for the day.  

Today was a big day for Max-- he was headed to DC to participate in sacred temple ordinances.  As I raced home from the gym, I thought, "I hope Max is up and showered."  Just as I walked into the kitchen, Max strolled around the corner, showered, dressed and looking like a million bucks.  I almost cried.  He looked so old and handsome.  What happened to my little boy that was always running around the house planning his next battle strategy.  Oh my-- he is growing up!

I still needed to make sure Bram was up.  He had a basketball game at 10 AM and needed to have his chores done before leaving.  To my surprise, Bram was up and cleaning his room.  He scheduled a play date right after his basketball game and knew that chores had to be done.  Bram was a highly motivated little boy-- never does he get up before 8 AM to clean his room!

My day was just beginning, and I experienced some of the sweetest joy a mother could experience.

Moment of Joy - March 7, 2010

Today, Taylor found me in our mud room putting stuff away. She spontaneously gave me a hug and said, "I love you!" What can be more joyful than your teenage daughter extending her tender mercies.

--March 7, 2010

Moment of Joy - 2/28/10

Today during church, I looked to my left and saw Taylor and Bram both reading their scriptures. I looked to my right, Max was not only reading his scriptures, but was marking them. My heart was overcome with joy as I witnessed my children internalize gospel principles.

Moment of Joy - 2-26-10

Today was another snow day! It was another typical snow day for the Top Family-- we all had breakfast in the kitchen, the kids suited up and played in the snow. Later that day they returned home all wet in cold. Hot chocolate was on the stove ready to warm up cold bodies. What more joy can there be in a snow day.

Moment of Joy

Max, Bram & David have built two large mountains of snow in the back yard. The goal is to dig out the center in an attempt to make a snow cave. They plan to sleep in the cave tomorrow night. It was joyful watching the boys work and play in the snow