Monday, July 6, 2009

My head rests again on my own pillow

I only have a few minutes to try and write an update before we turn over the computer for a few weeks, so I won't be able to post pictures until then...

Two weeks ago my little gals and I boarded a plane headed to California to surprise my Grandma and Grandpa (who are serving as full time missionaries there) and visit uncles, aunts and cousins (most of whom I haven't seen in years). After a few savoring days of just being together- talking, swimming, playing, laughing, boating, etc...we drove with family to St. George where all my siblings (except Seth on his mission) and their families were waiting for a good time! We played night games, did silly improv skits, sang, laughed, went to the temple, raced mini cars, discussed the gospel, hiked the narrows at Zion National Park, took in "Annie" at Tuacahn, bumper boated, bat swung and thoroughly enjoyed just being together! Spence was able to use a voucher to fly into St. George for a few days before he had to return to take a final on his Birthday.

Then we headed up North since I would be flying out of Salt Lake on Friday, stopping along the way for a quick visit to old Provo and sleeping in Park City. I had planned the trip a few months ago and was so sad to learn on the day I was leaving that I would be missing my nephews baptism and a chance to see more family that would be driving down from Oregon a day later. I contacted the airline only to find out that it would be an additional $374/per person to fly out Saturday or Sunday. I was heartbroken and felt sick that I was clear in Utah with my girls and would have to leave before they could see their Great Grandma Lake, my parents-in-love, my brother and sister-in-love and have a chance to enjoy being with all their little cousins- whom I knew we probably wouldn't be seeing for another year and a half.

For some reason it was a particularly big deal emotionally to me, and against my wishes- I was crying before we drove to the airport and got on the plane. I felt so sad for my girls having to miss out on being with more family as I was taking them far away back to Texas.

We waited for about 45 minutes on the plane before the pilot came on and said "all flights in and out of Denver have been grounded due to thunderstorms". With no explanation of what that meant we waited in the plane another hour before I heard "Those of you who were connecting to San Antonio will most likely miss your connecting flight and you may wish to rebook your flight for another day".

That flight was the last one into San Antonio that night and the next flights for the next day were booked.

So, needless to say we were able to see all the Lake family that came in and be there for the baptism. In addition we were also able to see all the extended family on my Dad's side for the 4th of July.

Heaven is definitely aware of the details of our lives. And I apologize to those people who had to sleep over at the Denver airport or wait all day to try and get on a flight on my behalf, but those thunderstorms were a tender mercy for me and my gals.

And although we had another rough day of waiting, grounded flights, racing and barely making our connecting flight by seconds, making it home around midnight,-we spent last night in our own beds. I slept in a room without my children and before I fell asleep my heart was filled with gratitude that we had been able to spend time with people so dear. And I slept wonderfully comfortable in my own bed.

19 comments:

Lakes are Great said...

so glad we got to see you! someday i have faith that we will all be neighbs and can have fun family days all the time. love you!

Jared and Delia said...

What a neat story. Our Heavenly Father truly does care about us. Thanks for the reminder.

Groovybears said...

What a sweet story! I a glad you got to see the rest of your family.

~Sherry (Bear) and Stephen (Wolf) said...

Sorry, was logged into the wrong account, Groovybears is just my junk mail...it is really me, Sherry.

rachel said...

Tender mercies.

Nothin better.

Jenessa said...

We were so glad that we got to see you and your girls! Heaven really is aware of us. Love you guys...

jamiegilson said...

What a beautiful story. I always look forward to reading your uplifting messages. You amaze me Sara.

Maxmomma said...

That is a tender mercy! I have felt a lot of that same sting having my kids away from family, grandparents, and cousins out here in CA. We love the Skype thing though, do you guys have a web cam? We try to do it often, and I have found it really helps.

Your girls are darling and good luck with #3! We're having a girl, due Oct. 24th, so who knows- maybe we'll be our kiddos will be on the same delivery bus from heaven!

Josie said...

Hi Sara! I'm so glad you wrote that down so your girls can see Heavenly Fathers hand in their life even at a young age. So sweet. And congrats on baby number 3. How exciting!

Elisabeth said...

What a blessing. IT made me so happy reading about this expirance, you are always so uplifting a possitive. I love reading about your sweet family.

Zwick family said...

Sara,
Congrats on the new baby you're expecting. We just had our third on March 24th and it was another girl. She is so much fun! I will say that 3 is A LOT harder than 2!!!

Love,
Andrea (Zwick) Fredric

Eme said...

WOW, what can I say more????! The Lord's tender mercies are real and non-coincidental! Thanks for the spiritual boost!

Anonymous said...

Hi!

I'm Anne Stephanie Cruz, one of your blog followers. I work for www.ownadaycare.com, it's a site dedicated to giving useful information and advice to people who are passionate about having their own daycare business - but don't know where or how to start.

Anyhow, I sent you this email to ask if you would consider having me write a guest post on your blog. It can just be a short article about child care, parenting and daycare, setting up a daycare center - or really anything that you might find interesting.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks in advance!


Sincerely Yours,

Anne Stephanie Cruz
www.ownadaycare.com

Steph@Ownadaycare.com

Zwick family said...

How are you guys doing? I love going on your blog and seeing your cute girls!!! Hope all is well. We love you guys!

Love,
Andrea

Jared and Delia said...

FYI...
I changed my blog address to:

http://establisheddec2002.blogspot.com/

Why? Long story...don't ask. :)

Robnz Fam said...

Sara! Have you had your new baby yet? We need an update here ;0).

scrobins.blogspot.com

We changed our blog too!

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful story. Found your blog via someone I think you know - Elder Probert here in Brunswick, GA. He is a wonderful missionary - full of the spirit. Such a great example and so fun to be around. Hope all is going well for you, your family, and your new baby.
Take Care,
Bro. & Sister Jongejan

Zwick family said...

Hi Sara and Spencer! We are so happy for you and your sweet baby BOY!!! I saw pics posted on Spencer's blog. What a sweet boy! I bet that you're just loving him to pieces.
How did the delivery and everything else go? Well, just stay down and recover slowly. THis is a nice time to do that, because there's lots of good food to eat and holiday shows on t.. to keep the other little ones entertained. Welcome to the life of 3 children!!!! It has it's moments.

Love,
Andrea

Mel said...

wow! i seriously need to check blogs more often! guess you've had your baby by now. hope all went well. just wanted to say hi, and that an old friend was thinking of you!