Mother's Day week-long celebration

Last Sunday, my sweet James told me that he was sad his former Primary teacher had been having shoulder problems and was going to have surgery soon. In various occasions she had sent James by mail cards, letters and sometimes simply word puzzles (James's favorite) inside an envelope. James always felt loved then, and now he wanted to return the favor. He and I brainstormed ways we could help her feel better, and James came up with the idea of bringing her dinner, writing her 'get-well' cards, and making dessert for her. So when Monday came rolling in and the kids were done with school, homework, and swimming, James and Gillian wrote their cards, and Jefferson helped with the assembling of the dinner. (Charlton enjoyed participating in our service project by eating a cookie.) His teacher was very grateful for our thoughtfulness and kindness, but what makes me even happier was the fact that my kids are learning to think of others and giving of themselves. I know from personal experience that sincere service brings true happiness to the giver and the receiver. I hope this desire to help others continues throughout their lives.

On Tuesday, we cleaned the whole house, did laundry, went grocery shopping, attended swim practice, participated in chorus (Gillian), visited the library, and ate out. On Tuesdays Elijah serves in the temple till after 10 p.m., so the children and I try to finish as many chores and fun activities as possible, so when Wednesday comes we can spend time with dad. And since he isn't home all day that day, the kids help out with his chores as well. Here is Charlton taking care of watering the garden all by himself (he wouldn't let you even if you wanted to help):

On Wednesday, since it is short day for them at school, the children had a play date for a couple of hours. After that, we each found our own little corner and either napped or read. It was a beautiful day outside so we each fought who would use hammock first. Charlton and I decided to take a nap there. Afterwards, Gillian used it to relax and write in her journal.

After dinner, Elijah and the children spent some time together reading, playing and later watching an episode of Star Trek. My mother and I went out and watched "The Avengers" (one of the best action movies I've seen in a long time), followed by dessert and discussion, a family tradition. I was grateful to Elijah for taking care of the children while I was out. Life is such a beautiful thing when we share it with others. I'm grateful for my husband who so sweetly wants to be with his family at all times, and enjoys being with us. I also know he wanted to spend the evening with me that night, but desiring to make my mother happy he encouraged us to have a good time.

Thursday came full throttle with homework, swim practice, piano, Gillian's friend 's play, and preparations for the next day's trip. Elijah had made plans to take me up to Ashland, Oregon's Shakespeare Festival for a relaxing week-end with him as a Mother's Day gift.

However, adventures awaited us even before we departed for our trip. During the play's intermission, as we were waiting for Gillian's friend's play to continue, I noticed that James's face had begun to swell and burst into a hive. I became frightened, so I asked my friend about it. The more we looked at James the more we became convinced that he had some kind of rash and needed immediate attention. Her husband, who is a doctor, checked him really quickly and stated that it looked like James had strep throat. He prescribed some penicillin, told me James would be okay as long as he took his medicine, and then suggested that I follow my week-end plans without reservations.

I was worried leaving James sick, but my mother promised me she would take good care of him, so the next day, on Friday, Elijah and I headed to Ashland. The scenery toward Oregon was very beautiful with green rolling hills and vast orchard fields. Mount Shasta stood majestic as we left California and entered Oregon.
Ashland itself was a small, quaint town with a nice university and plenty of wonderful things to do. Of course, it is well known all over America and in the world for its first class Shakespearean entertainment. The festival runs year around with shows from Shakespeare and other classics, being played each afternoon and evening. Elijah, as always, had outdone himself - from finding a very relaxing and luxurious hotel room (with its own jacuzzi) to buying the best seats in the theater to making reservation to a fancy French restaurant. I felt not only loved and cared for, but truly spoiled. Thank you, Elijah. You are one in a million.

We watched Romeo and Juliet with a different kind of take from its usual productions. The story was set during the 1840's Alta California and the young couple's families had a feud over land. It was unusual but in a very good way. I had seen this play a few times before, but I really liked this production. Having lived in California for a couple of years now and having studied its history alongside Gillian, the way the play was set out was very refreshing. I enjoyed the acting tremendously, especially Romeo's portrayal. In the past, I had seen him a bit older and more mature than Shakespeare had intended it to be, so when you would hear what he had to say about Rosaline and then Juliet, they all sounded cheesy. But this Romeo was beautifully done. The audience fell in love with his young and naive affections, his playful heart and sweet spirits, and then we all fell tears falling as Romeo cries over his misfortunes and the misunderstood death of his love, following her with his own death. Shakespeare would have been proud of that Romeo.

Beside watching plays, eating good food, and relaxing in the jacuzzi, Elijah and I enjoyed walking about town and taking in the scenery that it had to offer.

When we came back on Sunday, my mother had made a special dinner for us, the kids all were well and excited, and we were rested and refreshed. After dinner, we shared our gifts with them and they gave me their homemade cards and gifts that they had bought with dad a few days before. This had been a wonderful week full of love and kindness. I'm grateful to be a mother and to have the children I have. Without reservation, being a mother has made me a much better person than I could have ever become on my own.