This may be my favorite picture yet from this project. Taken during a pit stop while passing through the Glen Canyon Dam. I see each of my children's personalities in this photo. More so than just a regular "hey stand here and smile." I see Lincoln's wide eyed expression of excitement. I see Ella's profile and her sweet inquisitive mind. I see Dallin wanting to be a little crazy and stand out. I see me blending into Jeff. I see Christian laughing and smiling on shoulders. And I see Jeff being the entertaining Dad that he is. I love this photo. I see us. 

So on to November. It was probably our busiest month this year. Strike that. It was the busiest month this year. Full with homework, helping in classrooms, walk jog run club, carpool, cub scouts, music lessons, the Gilbert Temple groundbreaking, stake conference, birthday parties (forgot one though), a baby shower, loads of family photo sessions, photo editing, card making, scout campouts, lesson planning, doctor appointments, Christmas shopping, driving to Utah, Thanksgiving, time with grandparents and cousins, missionary homecoming, family photos, driving home from Utah (in a blizzard), and not a whole lot of sleeping (on my part or Lincoln's).  

I'm definitely ready to slow. it. down.

As I have thought of all the things that have happened this month. One experience stands out in my mind. One experience that lasted maybe an hour. But perhaps was more important than all those other hours combined.

It was a visit with someone dear.

Aunt Shirley.

We drove cautiously through blizzardy weather trying to race the fading sunlight. Knowing we would be in much worse road conditions if we stopped to visit, there was no question in our minds. We needed to stop. I knew her health was fading and tried to prepare myself. Jeff went in first while we waited in the car. I wondered what to expect. I was feeling a little nervous. He came out and I went in.

I walked into her bedroom and took her by the hand. She smiled a beautiful smile just like she always does. My worry was gone. It was Aunt Shirley after all. She could make a doorknob feel right at home. I held her hand tightly as we talked for a while. We laughed and I listened as she told me about the things she has learned through this trial. About forgiveness and love. We talked about our children. She wanted to know all about mine. So I told her about each one…how Dallin is in his role as a big brother, how Ella loves to have a captive audience, how Lincoln can be a sweet spitfire, and how cute Christian is when he says his new word "happy." 

Then she said how she would love to see them. I hesitated about bringing them in. But then she asked again. Almost pleading. Of course I would bring them. I ran out to the car and we all came in together. She smiled as big as ever when she saw them. I couldn't help but think this was truly our gift to her.

We talked a little longer. We gave her hugs, she gave us apples. And then it was time to go. A few tears were shed as we said goodbye knowing this might be our last.

As we drove away, I was grateful. More grateful than I had ever been during this month of Thanksgiving. Grateful for this meaningful experience that we were blessed to have. As I look back at November and ahead to the month of December, I know that I want more meaning in my life. More experiences that teach. More experiences that uplift. More experiences to give and receive love. More experiences that bring the Spirit into my life and to my family. I know they can happen if we seek them.

Thank you for giving this to us, Aunt Shirley. We love you!