One Trillion Percent!!!

The next night after Rhett's graduation, our exchange student from Brazil graduated from Higley High School! Eric came to the U.S.A. on August 7th and as I have said before he was with an other family in the beginning. Do to some changes in that family Eric was no longer able to stay with them. As I said before a few post back, President Pugmire had met Eric and was aware of his situation. President Pugmire told Rhett and Tom and I that he had prayed hard that he could find a home for him ,where Eric would enjoy living there and became part of a family! Pug also told us that Eric was one of sweetest boy he had ever met! He told us we would love him! Again as I said I was not sure if President Pugmire truly received revelations or he was just desperate to find Eric a home! I felt like it was more desperation! We said we would be happy to take him! I now know it was a divine revelation that President Pugmire received! Eric was suppose to be in our home! He came the end of October. From the minute he walked into our home, it was as though he had been there forever! It was wonderful for Rhett to have Eric there! Rhett and Eric soon became one! We never had to tell Rhett to take Eric with him where ever he went! And soon all of Rhett's friends became Eric's friends. Eric played football, he was the kicker. He did not get allot of playing time but always gave it his all to the end! Then soccer started, being from Brazil you can only imagine how much he love that! Eric also did track, shot put and disk and a little high jump. Track was not his best sport! Eric made many friends at school! Anyone that Eric met and talked to, LOVED him! Eric is always willing to help, and ask what he could do to help. At Eric's graduation, there were so many kids that hugged him and told him how much they were going to miss him! I know Eric touched so many student, teachers and coaches! Eric did well in school, especially since he knew just a few words of English when he arrived. Yesterday Eric and I were able to spend the day together by our selves. We both cried all day! Eric told me at lunch that he find his angel since he met me! Eric always had a smile on his face and appreciated every thing we did for him! Eric had the funniest sayings! He would always ask us "What percent you like" When ever I knew he liked some thing a lot I would always say,'For sure 100%" The boys would say "No that is the worst it is only 3%"! Everything was a %! Eric would also say ! "Its da best" An other thing he would say was "Very Nice"! and he would say "Its the worst! there was not a day that went by that Eric did not tell Tom and I "I love you"! I will say though Eric could be a "Wendy Whiner"! When ever I picked him up from school or if Rhett did, he would get into the car and say "My legs hurt,to much run today! Or he would limp, but most of the time something hurt! Eric has made a deep impression on all of us! Eric we are so proud of you! Congratulation!! Now on to great things! We know you will be successful in what ever you do! We ALL LOVE you so much!

My Precious!!!

Pops is Proud!!

Rhett's exchange brother, Eric!

Pops was excited last high schooler! Sad for me! My Baby!

Joe and Erin made Rhett a lei.

My baby graduates? WHAT... Are you kidding me! The little boy that called me "Precious" all the time when he was little, is now graduating ... It just can't be!!! When Rhett was born he truly was a special little boy! There is a big age difference between Walker and Rhett due to the fact that I was told not to have any more kids after I had Walker because of my health problems. But I never felt like our family was complete! I remember telling Tom there was another baby that was waiting to come to our home, and Tom said he felt like there was too. It did not take long for me to get pregnant. My doctor was not happy I was pregnant. The pregnancies was difficult and high risk. But all along we knew we were to have this special spirit in our home! There was a point in my pregnancies that the high risk doctors told us that Rhett might not make it. I had been exposed to a virus. The doctors told me if I had come in contact with it before I got pregnant the baby would be fine but... if I was exposed during the pregnancies the baby might live just a few days or less. Then there were problems with the amniotic fluid, it was very low. The high risk doctor told me if it got to low they would take the baby quickly. So I would have to go to the doctor every week to have the fluid checked. Five weeks before I was due the news came that Rhett needed to come that day. The doctor told me to go straight to the hospital and he would meet me there in an hour. As I started to drive to the hospital I had an over whelming feeling that I needed to have a priesthood blessing! Tom was not a member at this point so I went home and called our good friends Brenda and Art Sanders! I explained the situation and asked him if he would come give me a blessing. I called Tom to come home and he was there in a heart beat! In the blessing Art gave me, he reassured me that all would be fine and that I would recognize the Lords hand in all things. He also said that Rhett would be healthy. After this blessing there was so much peace and my worries seemed to fade. I decided that I would shower do my nails and make up and pack my bag in no hurry! I can tell you when I got to the hospital the doctors were scrubbed in and waiting! They were not to happy with me! I remember looking at the clock when I walked in and it was a little after four and Rhett was born before five by C-Section like my other kids. AND... yes he was perfectly healthy! A bit small but beautiful. The only sad part was I had a temperature four about five days and it was not clear why I had it so the doctors would not let me see him him up close or hold him. The nurses would take pictures and bring them to me so.... when my temperature broke I could not keep my hands off him!! With the age difference between Walker and Rhett it was like raising an only child! And then as always the baby of the family is always spoiled a little bit! Rhett was for sure my little side kick. And what mother's heart would not melt if their child called her 'PRECIOUS'!! I would always tell him "Rhett are you my precious" and he would put his hand on my cheeks and say "No you my Precious"! I remember on e day when Rhett and I were at the grocery store and he was sitting in the basket and we were in the check out line waiting. I realized I forgot on thing and it was down the aisle right behind us. I decided I would run and grab it quickly. I could see Rhett in the basket as I walk quickly to get what I needed! But... I guess Rhett got nervous with out me holding on to the basket or with in touching range. All of a sudden Rhett yells at the top of his lungs.... "Precious Where Are You"!! I ran back as quick as I could reassured him every thing was fine! The man standing behind me said to me, "Did he just call you precious"? As I was answering him, Rhett's says "Precious don't ever leave me"! Needless to say the man said that is so cute. As we checked out and left the man said 'By Precious" and Rhett waved good bye! I truly enjoyed the one on one time I had with Rhett. Something else about Rhett was he was a climber! He could get on anything including the to of the refrigerator. Tom and I were out with some friends and they asked Tom how Rhett was doing! Rhett was about two and a half at the time. Tom said, "did you not hear", our friends replied no what... Tom said" Rhett has some health problems". every ones face became very somber.... Tom then said "It is called Alz-Climbers"! Rhett would climb anything! I will say that there were times where I carried a wooden spoon in my back pocket because, I would put Rhett down for a nap and I would go in to check on him and he would be climbing out his window to go see the little boys on our street to play! At age 3 and 4! He was so fast and still is! We are so thankful for Rhett! With every child there are time that are easy and times that can be hard but... We could not be happier with the choices that Rhett has made through out his life! Rhett has done well at school! He is smart, school seemed to come easy for him. I hope Rhett sticks with his goals he has made for his education. Rhett has done well in seminary. He is my only child that did not have any make ups in seminary to graduate. Rhett has done well in sports Since Rhett was a freshman he has had a A hour. He played football,wrestled and ran track all four years of high school. So he would leave for school at 6:40 and would not get home until six or later every day for four years! And if it were not for Walker wrestling Rhett to the ground, and pounding him, as Tom was yelling, "stop wrestling in the house" Rhett would not of been the great wrestler he is! Rhett being on the tail end was lucky because all of his siblings always supported him by going and watching him through football and wrestling season! I know Rhett can be stubborn at times, (he gets that from me) but I also know Rhett's heart! It is TENDER! I know Rhett has a testimony of his Savior and his Heavenly Father. I know how much Rhett LOVES his family! Especially his nieces and nephews! We as parents are so proud of him! We are excited to see him continue to grow in ALL ways! We are so excited to see where the Lord will call him to serve! I am sure there are those who are waiting just for Rhett! Rhett there are no words to describe the love Pops and I have for you! We are so VERY thankful the Lord trusted us enough to send you to our home and to be part of our family! Continue on the path that you are on now, and it will lead you where you want to go! Your family loves you so much and we all are so proud of you! And Rhett the one thing I never want you to forget is.... You will forever be my PRECIOUS!!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, you!!!

My Birthday Boy!!!

This week has been crazy and it is only getting started but... Checking my mail this morning I received the cutest picture of a darling boy who is turning five, May 31st! His name is Vance Turner Cowart! Vance is Posey's oldest little boy. Posey and Ben were living with us when Vance was born. I remember this just as if it was yesterday! I loved the time that Vance and Mima spent together! I would feed him his nightly bottle most nights before he went to bed, give him a huge kiss and lay him down to sleep! Vance has always had the biggest blue eyes and his face always seemed to sparkle! Vance's expression are always big! His eye brows are always up and down, his smile big and his skin so fare! We always thought when he was a baby that he looked a lot like Walker did as a baby! I feel sure that Vance is part fish! He started swimming when he was two! And I mean even jumping off the diving board and then he would calmly float to the top of the water and swim to the side of the pool! Vance will always hold a special place in my heart! I want him to know how much I love him and how very proud I am of him! Vance you will always be my SWEETHEART!!!! Mima LOVES you! Happy Birthday!

How Firm Is Your Foundation???

Yesterday I went to go visit Genell at the Plaza Health Care Center, where she has been for over two years. She has been sick, over four years. In these past years Genell has been in ICU or a step down ICU unit that would take ventilator patients and the Plaza! When she first got sick she was in ICU. in a coma for over a year! Her family were called to the hospital several times because they were told that she would not make it! AND... she is still here! I try to get over to see Genell once a week, not for her sake, but for mine! Genells spirit is unusually special! Genells illness came on acutely! The week before she got sick , this is what a week of Genells Bridges life would be like! She worked full time outside her home, she worked in the Temple, she was a counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency and took care of her home and family! I will tell you that Genells hands would start early in the morning serving and they never stopped until she went to bed! As we visited yesterday, as always she talks about why her life is the way it is. Genell ALWAYS reminds me of different priesthood blessings she has been given through these years of her health struggles and trails. Her faith is bigger than life! She often reminds me that in a blessing she was promised she would be able to walk again. She tells me constantly if she did not get sick she would not of gown in the ways the Lord would have her grow! She tells me she would of not met certain people and there for she would not of been able to share her testimony with those who needed to hear it! Genell still tries to feed the Elders when they come. It is so cute she saves her cereal in the morning and takes it back to her room and puts it in a big bag. So when the Elders come to visit, she always has a big bag of breakfast cereal for them and they do not have to buy it when they go get groceries. I feel sure since she has been sick she has given out more scriptures and pass along cards then the full time Missionaries! She has written several poems and has given them for gifts, and continues to wake up every morning and think about what she can do that day to serve and uplift someone! She ALWAYS has a plan! There are few nights that goes by that she does not call me and leave me a message on my phone. The message is always pretty much the same it goes like this in her raspy voice.... "Honey Bunny it is me just calling to check on you and to see how you feel"! "I feel great and I am doing just fine"! "I worked hard in physical therapy today" "It will not be long and I will be out of here"! "I love you and Teresa (her room mate) says hi"! "You are in my prayers and heart"! "BYE BYE Honey Bunny see you soon"! Even though I know what she will say, I love to hear her message!!! Genell can not walk. She can not get into bed without a hoist. She can not push her self in a wheel chair and she cannot use her left arm or left leg hardly at all. BUT.... when she lays in bed she tries to do crunches and works her left arm and tries to bend her legs! She has gotten to where if someone sits her up, she can sit up without someone holding her back up! Also if P.T. stands her up she can stand in a standing frame and against the wall for about four minutes, sometimes more. This is amazing.... if you would of seen her two years ago! When I first arrived at the Plaza yesterday she was in the gym, as she calls it, and she LOVES when I get to see her "working out"!!!! I have to say I was so very proud of her! She worked extra hard and still had a smile on her face! When she was done we went to a quite place to visit. After we talked about what she had been doing and working on, and she talked about her grand daughter, Brielle, her kids and AL..., she said now tell me about Tom and the kids and grand kids. I told her about the boys graduating and we talk about Eric going home (our exchange student) and a few other things. I thought our conversation was about over and I needed to get on the road before the traffic got worst, and she just looked at me and said, "that is not all we need to talk about". She was right! By the time our conversation was over I felt as if a mountain had been lifted off my shoulders. Genell reminded me about a blessing she had had, and in this blessing she was told that the hymns would be a source of healing and comfort. She calmly looked at me and said "Honey Bunny, we are both "Enlisted Until the Conflict is Over"! "Happy Are We"! That was not what I really wanted to hear but... what I needed to hear! "How Firm is Your Foundation" UHHHHHH........She also said to me "I am able to sit her with you and have our great heart to heart girl talks with each other because the Lord did not take me, even though the doctors said several times that she only had about a 5% chance of making it and there were days that there was no chance! She continued to say "the Lord had given her much ... so.... much is expected! Genell then said to me, "My life is so simply, I just have to worry about two things! "Learning to walk and learning to transfer myself from my wheel chair to my bed"! Did I say.... Genell is an amazing daughter of God!!!!! Genell, I am so proud of you! Keep up the HARD work! There is no question that.... "You are Enlisted"!!! Your foundation is FIRM!!!! Genell I love you always!!!!!

Nate, The miracle worker! Nate is the Physical Therapist

Hard To Explain!!!!!

It is getting close to the time when Eric, our exchange student from Brazil will be going home! Like I have said before we did not apply to have an exchange student in our home! Eric came to our home by the way of our Stake President, President Pugmire. Eric is not a member of our church but wanted to know more about it when he came to the U.S. Eric decided to take Seminary and Brother Sterling is his teacher. When the first host family did not work out, Eric spoke with Brother Sterling and that is when Bother Sterling contacted President Pugmire and then that is when President Pugmire contacted us! President Pugmire had met Eric and had spoke to him several times! He also said that he thought that Eric would fit so well in our home with Rhett and Walker! I was hesitant but... Tom and the boys thought it would be good. I can say now it was not just good, it has been incredible! We have gown to love Eric more than we could of ever imagined! Eric has fit in our family just as if he has been here his whole life! He goes home teaching with Tom, goes to church every Sunday, prays during family prayer, has played sports all this school year and even has regular chores! Eric ALWAYS has a smile on his face and is always willing to help and will always asked what he can do to help! He makes us laugh constantly and has so many funny sayings! I have to say that Eric is 100% There have been many tears over the past few weeks from Eric and us as well,as the time comes for him to go! There have been many spiritual talks as well. One that I want to share is... Eric and Rhett had the opportunity to go on a tour of the new Gila Valley Temple! Dennis Ray, their Young Mens President took them up there. They went up on Friday went on the tour and then Friday night they went to a church dance. They stayed the night and the next day Rhett and Eric did a mini triathlon. When they got home the next day Eric came in my room and I could tell he wanted to talk. In Eric's language, Eric said, for him the triathlon was to hard, only 5% but for Rhett it was 100%. For you that know Eric he said "My Legs hurt so much, I need Advil, It was the Worst"! He said,"Rhett so fast, top 50, how he do that"! He also told me he met his wife at the dance! We laughed for a while and then he got very serious. He preceded to tell me about his feeling he had while in the Temple. As he try to describe his feelings I could see that he was having a hard time expressing the feelings he had in his heart. He finally just said to me " I guess I just do not know the English words to explain the Temple to you"! Eric has lived with us since the beginning of October and his English has grown by leaps and bounds. I explained to Eric that it was not his English that he was having trouble with. I told him that when you feel something in your heart that powerful, that that is the spirit of your Heavenly Father talking to you, and it is very hard to describe the spirit and those feelings he felt! With a few tears shed, he agreed. It was a powerful weekend for Eric! I know Eric will never forget that weekend and I will never forget our conversation! It is going to be so hard to put Eric on a plane and say goodbye to him! Eric will for ever be a part of our family. He has already told his mom that he wants to come back and stay with us! He will try to get a work visa. He told Tom if he can't find a job when he comes back that he will pop popcorn at the dealership for Tom!
Joe and Erin wanted to take their kids and Colette to tour the Temple as well. Cita and Ralph wanted to see it too..... So Walker took the day off work and drove us all up to the Temple. We met Joe and his family their and we all tour this gorgeous Temple together! It was a beautiful day! Eric was right, the spirit in the Temple is hard to explain!

A Long Time Coming!

Aylcia Countryman has been a friend of Walker's and our family since they were in kindergarten ,and they were five years old! Her and Walker have been the best of friends and have stayed in contact even though we moved and Walker went to Higley High. About a month ago Walker had told me that Aylcia and her sister and her mom were moving to North Carolina! I was sad to hear that and had told Walker that I wanted to make sure I saw them before they left! I also knew of the LOVE Linda has for her girls and and if Linda thought that it would be better for her family in N.C. that even though they would be missed here by many friends, that it was what they should do! Then.... about 2 weeks later Walker tells me that the Countrymans were staying and that Aylcia was getting baptized! WHAT!!!! I was so excited. From the time Alycia was a little girl in our neighborhood she always told me that she was going to get baptized! I was so excited!!! I picked my phone up and call Alycia right away and yes she confirmed that she was getting baptized and she was over the top excited!! And we were too!!!! Most of Aylcia's friends were LDS. Aylcia has always been a very outgoing, bubbly girl! She ALWAYS seemed to be so happy! She was raised with high standards and morals. Linda taught her girls from a young age to stand up for what they believe! Linda always went way beyond, to support her girls and has always been with them every step of their lives! When I got to the church on Saturday Aylcia was in her whites greeting the few people that were invited! She did not seem the least bit nervous! Aylcia's face was brighter than ever! She gave me a huge hug, and at that point I was just trying to keep my emotions in control! And for anyone that knows me knows that is hard for me to do sometimes! As we were standing there Linda and Carrisa came walking down the hall! It truly was the sweetest moment when Aylcia ran down the hall to her mom and sister and threw her arms around them! They all three just hug! You could just feel the bond they have for each other! It was time to get started so we all went in and sat down! Again the love and spirit in the room was palpable! Aylcia set in the middle of her mom and sister and they held each others hand! Just as the baptism started after the prayer Aylcia stood up in front of everyone and said, I do not know if this is appropriate but I want everyone to meet the two most important people in my life! She asked her mom and sister to stand up in the front of everyone! Aylcia continued to express her love for them and said she would not be who she was if it was not for her mom and sister! I felt sure at this point there was not a dry eye in the room! There were a few talks given and the music was beautiful! A very close family friend to the Countrymans, that they have know since Alycia was little baptized her! When she came up from the water, Alycia had a huge smile on her face! You could just feel her joy! This baptism was a long time coming. After the baptism Linda invited me over to their home. We visited for awhile and then we decided to go out to eat! Tom met us for dinner and it seemed to be a perfect ending to a perfect day! I did not realize the best was yet to come! When we got back to their home the girls got out of the car and went inside to change their clothes and grab the dogs to take them for a walk. Linda and I began to talk. Over the past few years this family has been going through a divorce. There have been so many trial so many hard days. But through it all Linda has managed to strengthen the love and bond they have for one another to grow even stronger! As Linda and I spoke in the car after dinner one thing she said to me that sticks out was.... she told me she had not seen the sparkle in Alycia's eyes for a few years until now. Through her conversion, Linda said the old Alycia was back!! Linda also told me that there was no way she would be able to move to N.C. now and take Aylcia away from the spirit and friends she has here! That is a devoted loving mother! Linda said she knew with Aylcia conversion that it was an answer to prayers that they needed to stay here in Gilbert. Even though Linda has already quit her job and had started boxing things up, she knew in her heart, that it would be best for them to stay! Linda also told me that they had taken the missionary discussions before. She said this time the Lord sent the Sister Missionaries just for them! I am sure He did! There were so many powerful things that Linda shared with me that will stay with me forever! Linda's spirit is amazing!Walker was able to help confirm Aylcia the next morning in her ward. I know he felt honored to be a part of Aylcia's confirmation! What a wonderful day it was to witness the Lords hand in this family! I am so thankful that the Countrymans shared this beautiful day with me, one that I will not soon forget! Aylcia we are SO HAPPY for you and we love you and your family!

Mothers Day!!

This was an extra special Mothers Day this year for a few reasons!The week before Mothers Day Tom and I had a chance to go to the Temple together and share some precious moments to- gether as we did sealings as I said in my last post. As we sat in the Temple we reflected back on our life together as parents. As the week went on and as Mothers Day approach Tom asked me several times what he could get me for for a gift! I always say the same thing, nice lotion or blinging flip-flops! When my kids asked me what I wanted, I told them what I always tell them, I always say I would love a hand written note! There is no better gift for any occasion than a hand written note! That is what I love the most! So over the years I have received many beautiful notes that I have kept in a huge three ring binder, each one in a plastic page protector. A few years ago I had to start an other binder to hold all special notes from Tom, the kids, and dear friends! It is one of my favorite things to do to go back and read letters, notes and cards from Tom and my kids that they have written to me! A few days before Mothers Day I got out the binder that had ever letter that Joe ever wrote to me and the family, while serving his mission! In this book also there are letters from people who Joe served on his mission and letters from other Elders that served with Joe! There were letters from his Mission President in this book as well! What more could a mother ask for! I also have a book from Walkers mission as well, that has many many letters from those he served and from companions and from his Mission President and people he served.! What a blessing it is to go back and read these letters and to feel the love and spirit that Tom and my kids have given me through the many years! As hard as it can be at times to see your kids struggle through stumbling blocks, I would not give motherhood up for anything! I do have to say there have been times when I have asked my self what was I thinking when I had five kids! It is funny how you think being a mom with lots of little kids is hard, actually that is not the hard time! I feel like some time the older year kids are the bigger the problem. I do know that if we remain true and faithful we can go through the stumbling blocks and use then for building blocks! I am not saying it is easy but ....we can do it! Motherhood ,I think ,is by far the hardest thing we as women can do but also the most rewarding! I heard Elder Holland say "there would be no celestial kingdom without mothers"! I am so very thankful for my mom and the sweet example she has been to me! My mom would do anything she could for me! I have always know how much she loves me because, she has always told me and has done so much for me and my family! In my Precious book of letters I have many many letters from my mom to me, and my children expressing her love to us. My mom has been a perfect grandmother and my children love her more than she could ever know! My family and I will be eternally thankful for my mom and the love she has given us. Cita you are the BEST!!! There will be no one like you ever again! We are also very thankful for Tom's mother! Her life was not easy when she was raising her kids! She did not have a loving, supportive, helpful ,husband. But she always made dinner every night for her kids and did all she could for her kids and most importantly she loved her kids! We are thankful for Grandma Joan! We love you grandma Joan! Back to Mothers Day this year. Rhett was asked to speak at church on Mothers Day! What more could a mother ask for! This is the second time one of my kids spoke on Mothers Day! Rhett gave an amazing talk! He talk about Joseph Smiths mom and all she went through! I thought about her all day! How does any mom endure her trials! Talk about FAITH!!!! Talk about ENDURING to the end! Rhett also talked about his grandmother (cita) and the love he has for her! Rhett also read a poem that Posey wrote for me when Walker left on his mission! It is a beautiful poem! It reads like this...

"A Missionary Mom" By Posey Scheurn Cowart

When a young man is called to a place far away, He's mothers deep down reaction is that she wants him to stay. But she will remember that this is the Lord's plan, And what ever he needs to do, she knows he can. She brought him up in the church, so that he would make people proud, By going on a mission and converting people from every crowed. His heart full of joy and ready to tell, About the gospel, the plan and how Adam fell. As he is leaving for the best part of his life, His Mother feels her heart is being struck with a knife. She needs to have faith, even though he is gone for two years, So she starts to feel better as she sheds her last tears. As her letters to him begin to return, She realizes that the fire inside of him has begun to burn. He tells her of his experiences and how he is spreading the word, And she feels that he is the best missionary that she has ever heard! These long two years have gone by so fast, And her sweet young missionary has returned home at last. They talk about good times and also the bad, And all the spiritual experiences that they BOTH have had. And finally she asked him how he was able to over come Satan's great bomb, And shedding a tear, he simply looked up and said... I had a great mom! Posey is so talented, she has written several beautiful poems and even has had one published!

I wish I could take all the credit for the good in my kids but.... I can't! Tom has been a wonderful example to his kids. He has taught them to love and respect their mother and Tom has blessed our family in ever way! Rhett's talk was wonderful, he made me feel like, the mom I wish I was! After we got home the best of this Mothers Day was yet to come! At 2:00 that afternoon Rhett received his Patriarchal Blessing! Walker and Eric went with us as well! It was BEAUTIFUL!!!! It talked of many different talents Rhett has and so many other things that are to personal to speak of! I have always know that Rhett was special but his blessing just confirmed things for me! What a PERFECT Mothers Day gift! Then my mom, the kids and grand kids came over. Tom made Mexican food for the adults and Pancakes for the grand kids. It was a great Mothers Day! I am so thankful for each one of my kids, and I LOVE them all! My flip-flops were, cute and blingy, and the fresh cut roses out of our yard were beautiful, but.... the hand written letter from Tom That was on my nightstand when I woke up, and the wonderful talk Rhett gave and the Patriarchal Blessing was the frosting cake!