Life is always changing. Plans are often altered. Purposefully taken paths are sometimes just detours, to unexpected locations. I know we are meant to be prepared for unforeseen events, so that we do not need to fear. But I think what that means is, we need to be prepared for constant and continuous change, because change is the only thing that is certain. And if we can live with a "change is good" way of thinking, maybe some of the fear of the unknown can be enveloped in greater faith in a bright future... no matter what happens.
Somehow, if we can plan for continuous and unexpected change, somewhere within that mindset, I believe, is a sense of peace and freedom. What I am trying to say is to simply "plan" for change, because change is inevitable in life. I am trying to learn to have a more "go with the flow" kind of mentality, because it is either that, or I will lose my mind, because life keeps changing so quickly!
I would
prefer to keep my sanity, thank you.
So, in the last post, I wrote about signing-up for online dating. Well, after a very short time, I realized quickly, it is
not for me. It just isn't. Have you ever seen the video called
"Wrong Roads," by Elder Holland? For me, online dating felt like going down that wrong road. And the wrong road made the right road become more clear to me. But I had to go down that wrong road, to show me that I do not need to go down that path... there is another path for me to take.
I knew, quickly, that I should turn around, and head in a different direction.
I wrote about it on my Widow and Widowers Facebook page. I post on that site often, because it is a place where the feedback is from people who fully understand the path I travel as a widow. At first, I wanted nothing to do with the Widow/ers site, because I did not like the thought of being part of a "labeled group."
But then, somewhere along the way, I realized that being a widow is
not a label: it is a
Superhero status!
I feel it is being a part of a group like the
Justice League, or the
Avengers. And you better believe I want to be part of
that action! I draw so much strength from my fellow Widows and Widowers, who fight so valiantly, each and every day. I wish
everyone could take a glimpse inside this World of Widowhood Warriors, so they could see just how strong and brave these people really are, while battling the darkness that threatens to destroy them.
Please, if you know anyone who has lost their spouse, oh please, please,
please... reach out to them in love! Even Superheroes need love, and especially support, so they can carry on dealing with their monstrously difficult duties, that they often must face alone.
So, here is my updated plan for my life... and just so you know, the plan could change at any time. ;)
That is right. I am going to date myself, and my children.
And I could not feel better about it!
So, onto pictures from life...
Sammi and Daniel went to a
Star Wars themed youth dance. They had a great time. They are always up for dressing-up and having fun with friends.
Daniel is preparing for his role as Quasimodo in his upcoming concert. We pulled his costume together. It is based off of the stage musical, not the Disney cartoon. He is really getting his song down, and it should be a great concert of all Disney music! Fun!
The biggest brother, and the littlest brother. They actually look a lot like each other. Daniel's friends think Henry is a mini version of him. I love it when they smile and laugh together. I always think, well, Henry may not have a Daddy in the home, but he does have a Danny. :)
I wanted to share this picture, so you know what scripture study looks like at the van Ormer house. If you are looking for an Ensign picture-perfect family, you have come to the wrong house. I do not think the scripture message quite sunk into their hearts!
It is not just the boys who wrestle! Sammi gets in there with the boys, and shows them what it means to wrestle like a girl! She is fast, furious, and feisty, and I love it!
Brother-pile on Sammi!
Love is spoken here. ;)
Speaking of love... my parents sent me these cool projectors that have slides for all seasons.
We are sporting our Valentine hearts now. They are so cute! I love it! Thanks Mom and Dad!
William had his final Pinewood Derby. He was super excited about it.
Henry is hanging with his friend Kellen. They loved watching the car race.
William loves cars, and building, and so building a car was super fun for him.
Our friend, Tyson, spent his precious time, and helped William make his car. They got 3rd place! Woo Hoo! Teamwork makes the dream work! :)
William was super happy to win a medal.
Henry likes to play with playdough. I found his creativity sticking on the wall.
I love it when the sun shines through the window.
I also love it when there are drops of rain on the trees.
On the same night as the Pinewood derby, Daniel had a Barbershop competition. Their group got fourth place, but they were competing with high schoolers. They were the first place group out of the junior high competitors. I missed the performance for the Pinewood Derby, but Sammi went to show family support, and she said it was awesome. Daniel is obsessed with Barbershop music. He listens to it
all the time.
My herbal tea is speaking truth to me again...
I keep getting this message... hmmmmm???
We have had some sickness in our house lately. Coughing and chills. No fun. But it is that time of year. Henry looks especially cute when he is sick.
Sickness sleep.
Henry is my travel buddy. I spend a lot of time going to and from places during the day. I am grateful for good music to keep me going as I drive.
You know Henry is sick when he lays on the couch. He almost never just lays still like that.
Sometimes Sammi joins me in my bed to talk. She comes in to snuggle with me, and we talk about everything... especially boys. I sure love my Sammi. I am not sure what I will do when she goes to college. I will miss having another girl in the house. I am very aware that she will need her freedom, and I will be her most ardent supporter as she starts to spread her wings, and fly away from home. But still... oh, my heart hurts if I think about her leaving. I try not to think about it too much. I will refer again to that "go with the flow" life attitude, as I take life as it comes. Because who knows what will happen between now and then?
Everyone is just kind of burnt out lately. They do so much, and then come home and rest.
Daniel was watching a little
Star Wars during his resting time.
Henry loves to build his Legos. He got some sets for Christmas, and he rebuilds them almost every day. It is so cute to watch him use the manual and follow the directions. Can you tell this little guy is sick? Poor thing.
I am starting to get my Valentine's stuff out to decorate the house. I love making our home a little extra special for the holidays.
I keep running on my trails.
And just like the twisting and turning trails I run on, life has proven to be full of unexpected paths. The paths have brought me to places I never thought I would go. And I am becoming someone different, than I ever thought I would become.
And I am good with that.
Keep moving forward in life, because moving backwards isn't an option.
Onward!
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