Mother’s Day had quite a bit smaller share of my available brain space this year. I knew what was coming for me on the actual day and it was a lot: Neil was released from his job as Bishop which meant we both spoke breifly in church, Garyn gave his last talk before leaving on his mission, and it was Mother’s Day with all the feels that usually come. That may not sound too epic, but it was so many big emotions to live through. Luckily, like I said, I knew it was coming and was as ready as I could have been. I decided to be really proactive this year. My feet desperately needed some attention so Friday before Mother’s Day, I took my kids with me for their first professional pedicures. They all loved them. Also the guy doing Layna’s feet got the biggest giggle out of how hard she laughed because it tickled, and that made me smile. Neil’s Dad came down to see Garyn speak so the next day we went to lunch with my dad and then the zoo (more on that in a later post). Day of, I made a killer trifle for dessert, my husband took a nap (and a selfie) with me, and my sweet babies made me cards. Naomi said I’ll always be taller than her in her mind even if reality says otherwise. It was perfect.

A lot about prepping for Garyn leaving is about what do I want to do with him before he leaves. He doesn’t actually have a “bucket list” or anything specific he needs to do one last time. So I’m deciding things and seeing if he’s cool with it…Like today’s last beach trip for two years.

It was cloudy, the water was cold, and the day was awesome. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. We are really loving this “older kids” chapter, and I think it helps that they still play in the sand and Garyn chose Kung Fu Panda for our family movie night. It’s in my top 3 favorite movies, so naturally we all can quote the whole thing. But our kids are all the good things about being older while still being playful and silly and fun. Sigh. Life is so good right now. It’s poignant and complicated and all the big emotions…but so good.

Tomorrow I set up the office to be Home MTC because by 3:00 pm we will have a missionary in residence. Very different kind of Sigh.