Day 9 - My dad

Great Falls, just outside of Sterling, VA

Baltimore Aquarium, Jack's 1st Birthday

The cake my dad ran out and bought at 10 p.m., just for Jack

It is off to the airport at 10 p.m., all 3 kids in tow! We are going to pick up my dad (aka PopPop) and we are so excited! Why is everything better when my dad is in town? He is here primarily for Paige's sealing and blessing, but in my mind, he is here to rescue me. When the kids and I made our pilgrimage back to DC after 12 hours of traveling back in April, my dad just got down to business and took care of us. Imagine, a 67 year old man, caring for, feeding and diapering a 1 year old! He carried Jack through out Sterling and Baltimore like it was easy stuff. He even bought Jack's 1 year old birthday cake, a chocolate lover's dream.

As soon as he got to our car, he was bringing out gifts for all of us. Jack received little construction trucks with faces (he is so into faces right now) - just perfect! Maddie and Halle each received a personalized card and a turquoise bracelet, much to their delight. I received a beautiful turquoise necklace, earrings and the most thoughtful card. Here's what it said:

Front: "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson

Inside personal message: I love you Stephanie. When you were a little girl, I gave you a "brave necklace." Now you are absolutely fearless. Now I want to give you a "faith, love, strength and courage" necklace. It was made by the decendants of the 2000 stripling sons of Helaman. It represents the "faith in the Lord, strength and courage" that their mothers taught them and the gifts they gave back to their mothers by living lives of unbending faithfulness, sacrifice and honor. Just like you are giving to your children and they will in turn give to others. I love you and trust that you will face your challenges with faith in the Lord and thereby grow. With love, Larry H. Carter.

Thank you dad, not just for the cards and the gifts, but for bringing faith, love, strength and courage back into my life. I had forgotten I had those things before. I love you dad!