“You have nothing in this world more precious than your children.” Gordon B. Hinckley

We were blessed to have a visit from my daughter and her family this week. She and her husband and their four young children were on their way home from an extended stay in a cooler summer climate, and more “open” environment, and we enjoyed a couple of days with them. I soaked in the baby snuggles, childish squeals, game playing, and family church. How I miss having small children in my home; they vibrate with energy, joy and innocence. 

“As the world grows ever more threatening, the powers of heaven draw ever closer to families and parents.” Boyd K. Packer

Each morning my two-year-old granddaughter joined me in my room to play with the baby (doll) stuff.  She was happy for hours laying her babies on the blankets, tucking them in my bed, changing their clothes, and giving them bottles. I could listen to her bright and cheerful toddler voice all day long. Whenever I helped or gave her anything, she quickly responded, “That’s so nice!” or “Oh, thank you, Gran.” Sunday after church, she sang “I Will Walk with Jesus,” as she scurried about taking care of her babies. I felt such joy listening to her sweetly sing the comforting words of her favorite song to herself, “I will walk with Jesus, and He will walk with me.”  My mind travelled back to times when my children were little and I taught them to sing, “I Am a Child of God,” and “I’m Trying to be Like Jesus.” I was thankful for the reminder that I had given them the same gift my daughter is giving her children—a knowledge of their Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ. As I heard that beautiful, innocent little girl sing the words she loved, which made her so happy, I felt the Spirit remind me that those things learned in infancy stay with us all our lives.

“Teach your children when they are very young and small, and never quit. As long as they are in your home, let them be your primary interest… 

“The proverb spoken of old said, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’” Gordon B. Hinckley

I also had the opportunity, rare and cherished, to sit with my daughter, my first born, and talk with her about life, change, and troubles. I loved hearing her plans, hopes, and struggles, and was thankful for someone to listen to mine, as well. At one point, as I shared with her, she gently counselled me not to let fear be my ruler. I saw her, then, as the wise woman, the friend, the sister in God’s family, that she is to me now. It humbled me and reminded me how blessed I am to have seven loving, talented people to forever be my best friends because my Heavenly Father sent them to my family, allowing me to be their mother. I love to help and serve my children, but each of them also does so many things for me to make my life happier and better.

They:

• Help me “lighten up” and “hug it out”
• Teach my youngest things I don’t know how to do
• Do the heavy lifting for me
• Help me feel safe
• Teach me how to use my computer and phone
• Come to my rescue
• Play my favorite songs on the piano
• Send me pictures and videos of the cute and funny things the grands do
• Pick me up at the airport
• Listen when I need to talk
• Sew quilts, do drawings, and loan stuff to us
• Play games with me
• Hold me when I cry
• Share inside jokes
• Text me when they arrive safely
• Snuggle on the couch and make popcorn

“The older we grow, the more precious our family becomes to us. We come to see more clearly that all of the wealth, honor, and positions of the world pale in significance when compared to the precious souls of our loved ones.” M. Russell Ballard

I often think of how my life would look if I didn’t have my two youngest with me.  They aren’t children anymore, but I love sharing my daily life with them here in our home. My youngest daughter has been my special companion from the day she was born, but having all grown siblings can get a little lonely for her. Since we’ve moved to our new house, we have felt like we’re still getting situated—still making it “home”. It’s cozy and beautiful, quiet and easy to keep clean.  There aren’t any little ones to make eternal messes; I remember those days. Since the actual move, when my daughter and son-in-law came to help us, and putting the house together, making it ours, my other children haven’t been here yet. I realized as my grandchildren came and made noise, left messes and fingerprints, and laughed and cried here, that our new house seemed to absorb those sounds, emotions, and living, making it feel more like home. The new memories of all my precious family have begun, and they will continue as the rest visit soon and as we have holidays and special occasions here, and my heart and my home will store them up and hold them dear.

“Most of what I know about how our Father in Heaven really feels about us, His children, I have learned from the way I feel about my wife and my children and their children. This I have learned at home.” Boyd K. Packer