Every thorn has its rose.

Hey friends,

We just came home from a whirlwind trip to Utah.  My kids battled the stomach flu for the majority of the trip and just as they were recovering I threw out my back.  (It's almost laughable how creatively we find adventures when traveling.)
On Saturday, the last day in Utah, I was in pain--and feeling confused!  Before coming to Utah, there had been endless debate about whether to come to Utah for a few days (just for my brother's wedding) or to stay an extra week to attend my cousin's wedding as well.  (I love my cousin dearly and really wanted to support her and her family on her big day, but weighty matters hung in the balance.)  I like working in absolutes but when we tried to come to a solid decision regarding this trip there was no clarity.  We decided to stay the extra week.

Back to Saturday, there we were, aaaall the way in Utah, but still missing events we had stayed for.  Present but not present.  My mind reverberated, "our family was definitely not meant to be here this week!  Everything is going wrong! Why didn't I receive a clear nudge in one direction or another?"

Since returning home, my mind has continued to wrestle to understand.  Isaiah's words (a scripture mastery scripture :) came to mind:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts your thoughts."

I think, sometimes information is withheld from one party or another to get them to move in a certain direction.   I believe in God and that He knows what His people need and may omnisciently facilitate scenarios that meet the needs of other people.

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There is an interesting juxtaposition that at any given point during life, negative things occur simultaneously with positive things.  Just as "every rose has it's thorn" the opposite is true.  

Some of the things that occurred within that 2-week time frame.

• We spent a wonderful evening with Button's birth mom and grandparents.  (We are extra grateful we had this opportunity as, at the time we weren't aware, it will be the last visit for some time.  S has since asked for some closure to the open adoption to heal and focus on her family.  We are glad that she is finding a measure of peace that she greatly deserves.  We are grateful for the level and depth with which we feel we know her.  Not many adoptive families have the opportunity to know and love their baby's birth family in the way we do.)

• We got to be there when Button's birth dad and his sweet wife had their haaandsome baby boy dedicated in church. 

• We celebrated my birthday. 
•  We celebrated our anniversary

• I felt increased love and gratitude for my family.  Giggling with Gen.  Big heart of my brother-in-law.  Kates voluntarily scrubbing up trails of Beau's diarrhea.  My mom coming to the rescue with super power mother strength (and putting up with me greatly loving me when I could neither sit nor stand without bawling)
• I received a beautiful priesthood blessing from my Grandfather and Uncle as I prepared to board the long flight home (in pain with 2 little children--one a lap rider).  I felt good getting on that flight, was blessed to sit by a guy who eagerly entertained my children.  I felt very sustained up until the last portion.
• I more deeply appreciate modern medicine, the ER, being able to stay in bed for days, and the friends who appeared without being asked and coordinated with each other who would care for our children and even brought us food
• LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST, we witnessed my younger brother, beaming from ear-to-ear as he was sealed in the temple to his beautiful bride. I loved watching how he adores her and tenderly cares for her.  It is as if he would topple mountains to provide a smooth path for his sweetheart.  (Hmmm, I'm sure he's embarrassed that I'm writing things like this but their love for each other is just so genuine and contagiously happy.)  It is such a blessing to have this cheerful, enthusiastic, happy, fun, spontaneous, loving, accepting beautiful person join our family.  We love her and her dear parents and sister, very much.  See Pictures

Okay, time to work.  

We leave for Dallas in 2 weeks.  I have yet to begin packing up the apartment and "Pierre" is booked solid with papers, presentations, meetings and finals.  Wish us luck!