Talia Deciding Mimi Is Her Idol and Example

 Dear Kids, 

Talia last night while I was tucking her in said to me, "Mom - who is your idol? I want to have an idol and I just can't decide who it should be." So then I told her about how my idea of an idol has changed over time. When I was a teenager the way I thought famous people were my idol's and examples, and how now I know that I actually want an example of someone that I want to be like that is spiritually healthy and strong. 

I told her, "Maybe instead of searching for an idol, you need to decide 'What do I want to be like? what characteristics do I want as part of my life?' ... then after answering those questions find someone in your life with those characteristics and they can be your idol and example."

Talia decided to think about that one for a minute. I went over to sit with Gabe for a few minutes. Then Talia turned over and said, "Mom! I've got it! I was sitting here thinking of the kind of characteristics I want and the talents I want and then I realized 'Mimi has all of those things!'... Mimi can be my idol! She was a great dancer, she loved music, she was everyone's friend, she was organized and loved binders, she loved planning things out and putting together parties, and she loved Jesus! She and I are so much alike already....She is my idol'!". 

That made me really emotional. I just cried and I said, "Talia... I think you are exactly right! You and Mimi ARE so much alike and have so many of the same talents and gifts."

It warmed my heart SO MUCH that my mom had made such a huge impact on Talia's life before she passed away. I KNOW my mom was there in the room when Talia was talking about that and feeling all of those emotions of love about her. Little does Talia know that Mimi prayed about her specifically. 

When we were in Idaho living with Papa and Mimi before she passed away, there was a morning that she walked out and said, "I have been praying about Talia and about how I can help her. I was asking Heavenly Father what I could do for her. I think I'm going to let her decorate the house and take charge of that and then I think I'm going to do some girl movie time with her everyday."

That was my mom. She would pray about people that she knew were possibly hurting inside and figure out a way to love them and include them. She was a master at that. And Talia felt it. She knew that Mimi was doing something to love her specifically, especially because while we were there Talia was having a hard time with missing her friends and being away from St. George. There were a lot of big emotions Talia was feeling and my mom knew that, so she prayed for a way to LOVE Talia. She could have been frustrated with her. She could have been SUPER bugged with Talia's attitude. But instead she figured out a way to love her and connect with her. 

And those memories and love deposits have stayed with Talia. What a gift that my mom gave to her. I'm SO GRATEFUL for it. So grateful. 

And yes, Mimi is the perfect example and idol of someone to look up to. 

I love you kids, 

Your Mom

(Here are a few pictures: Mimi and her family party planning, profile picture, Talia at the princess party Mimi planned, and Talia picking raspberries at Mimi's house, Mimi and Papa at our house in St. George after Elijah was born)