Beautiful

I don't really have anything in common with the late John Lennon. Well, except two things: He loved music, I love music. He loved his boys, I love my boys. I love them so much it hurts sometimes.

I enjoy "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)" -- I can relate to the hopes and dreams John Lennon had for his son, which he expressed so beautifully in this song. I remember my own parents comforting me after I'd have a nightmare, and now I do the same for my own children. It's pretty universal, this desire parents have to help their children feel safe, and the hopes they have that their children will grow to be beautiful adults. And yes, there is a lot of prayer involved.

Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)

Close your eyes,
Have no fear.
The monster's gone,
He's on the run and your daddy's here.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful boy.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful boy.

Before you go to sleep,
Say a little prayer.
Every day, in every way,
It's getting better and better.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful boy.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful boy.

Out on the ocean, sailing away,
I can hardly wait
To see you come of age.
But I guess we'll both just have to be patient,
'Cause it's a long way to go,
A hard row to hoe.
Yes, it's a long way to go,
But in the meantime...

Before you cross the street,
Take my hand.
Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful boy.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful boy.

Before you go to sleep,
Say a little prayer.
Every day, in every way,
It's getting better and better.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful boy.
Darling, darling, darling,
Darling Sean.

Joy

There are lots of days when my kids drive me crazy. This was not one of those days. Today, I was very proud to be the mother of Parker, Jack, and Luke.

Parker stood up during sacrament meeting (the family worship service at the church we attend) and I thought he was going to leave the chapel to get a drink of water or something. Instead, he went up to the pulpit and shared his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (For those who aren't familiar with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a fast and testimony meeting once a month, usually the first Sunday of the month. Those who are able to fast come to the meeting fasting, and any who feel inspired to do so may share their testimonies.) Parker talked about some chapters in Helaman (in The Book of Mormon) that he read yesterday which pertained to missionary work, and he talked about how he is preparing to someday serve a mission and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. I didn't know he was going to share his testimony -- I don't think he even knew he was going to until he did it -- and I was very proud of him. He is such a good boy and he has such a strong desire to do what is right. He is a very good example to his younger brothers.

Then, in Primary (the children's worship service), Jack gave a talk on the importance of families and how families are ordained of God. He wrote the talk out in his own handwriting (he has excellent penmanship -- Tim says Jack's is neater than his) and he did such a nice job. Sometimes Jack can be a little silly, but he was very serious when giving his talk today. I was very proud of him.

And then there's Luke. He is 3 1/2, so obviously there are days when I don't know what to do with him. But today, he tried very hard to sit in Primary and be a good boy. It's hard for the little Sunbeams (the name of the class for the 3-year-olds) to sit still for that last hour of church, but Luke is getting better and better at it every week.

The feelings I had today about my boys reminded me of a scripture from the Third Epistle of John 1:4, which says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

I recognize that Tim and I have a huge responsibility to teach our children the gospel in our home and teach them right from wrong. I pray that they will continue to choose the right long after they leave our home and go out on their own to forge their way in the world. I pray that they will continue to walk in truth.

Boys

They are my reasons for waking up in the morning, partly because they come in our bedroom and literally wake me up. They make my days both hectic and fun, but mostly fun. They are really good boys. I hope I tell them that enough.