Mentors and Inspiration

Dear Gabriel,

There are many times in your life when you are going to be presented with mentors that will guide you and teach you things that your dad and I never can. There are people who are meant to be your friends, your teachers, your coaches, your mentors and your inspiration. Please, make sure to see them when they arrive for you throughout your life.

I have had the opportunity to have MANY mentors throughout my life, which has just shaped me and molded me. I just finished with one of the top 5 people (besides family) who has shaped me and guided me in ways that I can never repay. I am so grateful for her. I can't even say. How blessed I am to have her as a mentor, a teacher, a guide and a friend.

During this time of year it is time to get back in touch with those people who have touched you in ways that inspire you, guide you, teach you, train you and mold you. When I think about mentors I think about Christ. What a mentor He was and continues to be. All my mentors, and the one I was able to spend time with today, most of all have testimonies of Christ - which makes the friendship even more special and solid.

Keep your mentors close by your side and heart - especially the One who can teach you the most.

I love you,

Your Mom

The Simple Things

Dear Gabriel,

You are right beside me eating some apples and cheese. You have stuffed as much food in your hands as possible and are grinning from ear to ear. What a gift to be reminded to be happy about the little things in my life. You do the simple things really well. (This phrase from skype is perfect!)

You are always happy about the simplest things. You are excited and thrilled to see rain coming down, taste something new, play peek-a-boo, get a kiss on the cheek, sing with us as choir, run around the yard, play with a simple toy, run as fast as your legs can carry you, laugh with your dad, spend time with cousins, and enjoy food stuffed in your hands - and you do all this so well with a laugh and a smile on your face.

This time of year is perfect to remember all the simple things and how amazing it is that I have the gifts around me - especially those not wrapped under the tree. I am so grateful for clean water, a place to live, family that loves me, clothes to wear, make up to put on, people to serve, scriptures to read, and a prayer I can say anytime I need to. I am so grateful for simplicity - especially a son who reminds me of it everyday and how to do it well.

I love you,

Your Mom

Home For The Holidays

Dear Gabriel,

It is so fascinating at this time of year the feelings of joy, peace, happiness and HOMESICKNESS that take over. I just can't WAIT for Christmas to be around my family! The song 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' has completely taken on a new meaning since I have been away from home. I LOVE my family so much. They are my best friends and I never feel like I get to see them enough.

I can't wait to have you play with your cousins, to have you talk to Grandma Mi Mi, to see you cuddle with your Grandpa, to see you laugh at your uncles, to hear from your aunts how much you have grown... I just can't wait to be around everyone with you there by me. All of these thoughts cause me to think about OUR family in 20 years. I hope you will feel the same way about 'coming home' for the holidays. I hope you feel the protective power of our family, the love and the joy we can have together and the feelings of peace, joy and happiness.

Creating our own 'Home For The Holidays' is a completely new culture. Just like I can't wait to be home with my family, I also can't wait to create that same feeling for US. As the years go by and the memories are created, I hope you and your future siblings all will feel the nostalgic glow of being home.

I love you,

Your Mom

Why?

Dear Gabriel,

So your cousin, Gavin, has been here this week while his mom is gone to Arizona. It has been fun, interesting and frustrating at times with him here. Mostly, I am amazed at how fast his little mind works. He is a good little boy, always wanting to help and always eager to find out 'WHY?'.

He is always asking 'Why?'. For everything. He wants to know 'Why' to my responses. He wants to know 'Why' you aren't bigger, 'Why' I am cleaning, 'Why' Brent is working, 'Why' the chair moves like that, 'Why' there is a bug.... Everything is 'Why'.

More than anything it has helped me look at a lot of things around me and ask 'Why?'. 'Why' do I do things a certain way? 'Why' is that my opinion? 'Why' I did or didn't say 'hi' to my neighbor? 'Why' do I believe and hope? That is a great exercise.

So when you get to the stage that Gavin is in, I am sure I will ask myself some more 'Why's' ... and all of them - in my opinion - being a good thing to ask and a good self check.

I Love You,

Your Mom