First Day of School

I dread this day every year. I absolutely love having my children at home. I hate when a new school year begins. Not only because it's an indicator of another year passing, but because of what it does to my poor heart. And although I am thrilled that they are so EXCITED to start school, a part of my heart is also walking through those school doors--following my children and praying for their happiness. And every year school begins, my heart pleads with my Father in Heaven for their spiritual safety. Pleading that they will remember what will make them happy. And when my prayers have been prayed, it is then that I must have faith that they will remember who they are, where they are going, and how to get there. I must have faith that they will stand strong against the temptations that will surely come their way. And, I must have faith in them. As they enter the school building each year, my mothering is less--my time with them is slipping away, and I have to trust that they know, and that they will choose to be happy. For after all--it is their choice. It is not what happens to us that makes the difference, but how we choose to react to what happens to us that will determine who we will become. And to be honest, if they can remember this, my Father in Heaven sends peace to my heart, and I find joy in their new growth. 

 There is a song by Hilary Weeks called Standing Still that seems to capture the feelings of my heart. It says, "If I could, I would ask time to stand still, so I can hold you a little longer. I would make the minutes stop, so we would always have today. I won't let the sun go down until you know how I feel. I love you so much. I wish time could stand still."

 I do love my children. I hope I always remember the precious moments, and the New BEGINNINGS. This year is full of NEW BEGINNINGS and Endings. Jacob started Kindergarten, and Hailey started 6th Grade (her last year in Elementary). All three children will be at the same school for this year. It will be the only year they will be able to share the same school. And although I am sad that time has slipped away and that my youngest is now heading off to school and my oldest is getting ready for Junior High, I am thrilled for this one and only year where my children can enjoy each other. What a treasured memory!

Jacob-Kindergarten; Hailey-6th Grade; Amber-3rd Grade

Amber asked me all morning if I was going to cry. I kept telling her that I was thrilled for her new year, and her new experiences. I emphatically determined that I would not shed a tear--today was a day of joy. As I was taking their pictures, my voice cracked, and Amber was thrilled. It was as if she needed the affirmation that mommy was really sad to see her go. I was glad I could reaffirm my love to her! I was sad, but I am happy for her too.



At Amity Elementary just before school started!

On the first day of school Jacob was talking about how much he loves his teacher. He was so excited about how nice she was and he was going on, and on, and on, and on... about his love for this new teacher. All of a sudden his face reflected worry, and then he said, "And mom, you have nice hair." To which I responded, "Can't I be nice? or kind?"
He said, "And you have a nice face."
I guess we can't have it all... At least I am pretty, right?
My heart loves this story. I hope I never forget how sincere my little boy was here, and how genuine he was when he worried about not complimenting his mom in the midst of complimenting his teacher.

At the beginning of each year, Bryan blesses the children:

Hailey:
~Be sensitive to the spirit
~Understand Role
~Know Heavenly Father love for you
~Even in times with challenges, be strong in attitude to be kind
~Be at peace with actions and understanding of own mistakes
~Understand the Atonement
~Read scriptures
~Know the path that leads to righteousness
~Help friends continue to grow in school
~Excel in subjects
~Well prepared for future schooling
~Continue to have physical strength and strong mind
~develop coordination and skills
~Sensitive to needs of family

~Help sister and brother in their needs

Amber:
~Bless You Comfort and Counsel
~Feel the Spirit
~Bless you with Good Friends who help you choose the right
~Do best
~Find success in schooling and other activities
~Grow physically and spiritually
~As you read scriptures, your testimony will grow stronger of the covenants you made at baptism

Jacob:
~As attend school, overcome fear
~Smile and Make friends
~Be a Leader inclusive of others
~Choose the right
~Desire to do good
~Listen to teacher
~Be strong around friends
~Have success
~Be able to remember what mother has taught you
~Good attitude towards learning
~Be strong
~Develop physical skills

FLOATING THE BOISE RIVER

F

FEATHERVILLE with the JARVIS FAMILY

There is a moment in our drive to Featherville where the anticipation of our trip gets the better of us all. Just as we drop into the canyon where the lake is in view, our children inevitably ask, "Are we almost there?" For the past 6 years, Featherville has been our home away from home. This drive is not a new drive--it is a memorized drive. A drive that could be done (if at all safe) with our eyes closed. Still, no matter how many times we have driven the familiar route, the anticipation is real. Not only for my children, but for me as well. In my heart I am counting the minutes, looking at the clock, and inwardly asking "are we there yet?" Pulling into Featherville feels like coming home after a long trip. Every care or worry vanishes when we enter the serenity of the mountains. Our relationships deepen, our hearts are turned towards heaven, and we feel peace. For this trip, we were grateful we could share in the memories with good friends.

 

A tree fell in a storm. My children love exploring the huge roots, and the trunk. Here they are on top of the root base.

 

The roots of the tree.

 

We spent the afternoon swimming at the river. The older children would body float in the current while Jake spent most of his time playing on the side.

 

 

 

Body Floating

 

Rich Jarvis and Joseph Jarvis.
Body Floating.

 

When we finished playing at the river, we continued the fun at the culvert. This is Michael and Brooklyn Jarvis.

This last month (right after this trip), Featherville was threatened by a forest fire. We were told that it "was not if the fire hit, but when". My sweet little family was distraught. I found myself crying over our cabin, which caused me to question my priorities--was a worried too much about the things of the world? However, this wasn't just a cabin to me--it was much more. A thousand little memories of family gatherings have been woven into the framework of our cabin. Those memories have tied our hearts together as a family, and it was heartbreaking to think of losing our gathering place... For weeks, my sweet little family prayed for our cabin. My children prayed morning and night asking Heavenly Father to "please bless the cabin". Another week would pass, and we would anxiously await the inevitable; however, the inevitable hadn't happened, so we continued praying. One day a light rain passed through Boise. As soon as the rain began, my daughter, Hailey, hit her knees and began praying prayers of gratitude to her Father in Heaven for sending the rain. The faith of a child is an amazing thing. And although I knew that it hadn't rained in Featherville, I was touched by my daughter's faith, and I learned a lesson--I needed to pray with more faith. My prayers were prayers of hope; whereas, Hailey's prayers were prayers of complete trust and faith. She had no doubt that Heavenly Father would listen--she knew it. I believe that it was the faith of my children that saved our cabin. The winds miraculously changed directions, and the fire was no longer a threat. Our cabin is safe, and our memories will continue. I am so grateful to a loving Father in Heaven who cares enough about me and my children that He can take time for the "little" things.