All last year and the months surrounding Brayden's birth we were experiencing the calm before the storm. Looking back on 2011, I would have to say it was another bitter-sweet year. It started out with another miscarriage & all the emotions of wondering if we were supposed to have another baby. We had prayed about it and got a confirmation of the Spirit that there was another baby for our family, even if the timing didn't seem right. So, right after my miscarriage in early February, we tried again and found that we were pregnant again! It was hard to celebrate because of the two early miscarriages in August 2010 and February 2011.
Also during February 2011, I had thrown Marlyse a surprise 8th birthday party with about a dozen friends. It was very therapeutic and got my mind off the miscarriage. We had so much fun making bead necklaces and daisy hair bows, eating snacks, and having cake & ice cream. Later in the month, I was in charge of the Ward Family Luau--really fun with yummy food, great decorations & great entertainment. Another sweet memorable thing at that time was our dear friend, Maria Tamayo wanted to get Marlyse some nice white shoes for her upcoming baptism in March. I really feel that Heavenly Father sends such sweet spirits into our lives so that we can learn from them and to also gain eternal perspective on things. Maria doesn't have much, but gives all to bless the lives of others--taking us out to dinner and now wanting to pay for nice dress shoes (she would've bought the dress, but I sew for these special occasions). One day when we were out shopping for shoes & dresses for Rachelle & Kristen, I asked Maria, "do you have enough money for your needs?" She told me, "money comes and goes and I always have enough." I've really had to take that to heart. When we are in a position to help others out, just do it. Don't keep track, just do it out of the goodness of your heart. Blessings and goodness will come back to you later on. I was very touched by all of these little miracles or "tender mercies" that I bore my testimony in RS in early March. I remember expressing my feelings to the sisters that Heavenly Father really does hear and answer our prayers.
In mid April, an early ultrasound showed that I had a subcorionic hematoma (sp?). This added more concern and worry. At Easter time, we told the kids we were expecting again. We had them do a "special" egg hunt in which just tidbits of phrases were in each one. Then they had to put together the message: "Mom is having a baby due November 10, 2011." The last golden egg had the ultrasound picture in it. They were so excited! Then we sent a cute little poem "Go Team Larson!" home to our Donaldson family in Duncan sharing the news. For our Larson family in Pima, we just shared the poem and picture with everyone at Kayla's baptism dinner (we left our ward camp out a little early to make it there in time). We were happy to share our news, but encouraged everyone's prayers and fasting in our behalf. With a priesthood blessing, much prayer and fasting, the next ultrasound showed that the hematoma had cleared up and there was no trace of it! A small miracle in my eyes!
With the kids and all their activities (dance, piano, activity days, and scouts), my calling as the ward activities leader, volunteering at the school, sewing and other projects, & throwing birthday parties, I stayed very busy during the year. Then there was our big trip to Yellowstone in July with the Larson family. We left for our trip the very night of our ward potluck dinner & pool party. Somehow, we get put in charge of these big functions, but all turned out for both the pool party and our big trip to Yellowstone. Then all of our Larson family came & we had the privilege of enjoying one of Heavenly Father's most beautiful places on this earth. Aside from the birth of Brayden, our trip to Yellowstone was the biggest highlight of the year.
Between August and October, it seemed like we were going down to Pima/Duncan about every 2-3 weeks! Pick
ing up kids at the end of summer, Uncle Larry's funeral, camping on Mt. Graham, Jarom's baptism, and going to the Graham County Fair. At the same time, there was discouragement with the end of our little company, Steele Larson Advisors (all the "should haves" and "could haves") & facing the unknowns of bankruptcy & legal problems. Don was excited to start up his own companies, Larson Financial Solutions and Larson Tax & Accounting. Switching gears again, it was finally fall time with all the fun that it brings: Boo at the Zoo, Mother Nature's Farm, the school Halloween parade & parties, and the ward Trunk-or-Treat (I was in charge of this, but got lots of extra help just in case the baby came).
Bittersweet once again, Brayden was born on November 3, 2011 by c-section after turning breech & his heart rate was decelerating. We feel very blessed that Dr. Huish knew what to do and that he was delivered safely. My heart is so very full because, after the 2nd miscarriage I was pleading with Heavenly Father to send us a boy. I didn't feel like this was a worldly request because I just knew that Kade needed a brother and that our family needed to be blessed with another boy that would someday grow up and be a righteous, worthy priesthood holder. Brayden is truly an answer to our prayers! Bittersweet one more time, not all of our family could be here for Brayden's blessing day. We made the best of it and thanked all those that made the effort to come--they truly made it special for us.
Other memorable times: Rachelle & Marlyse getting their hair cut for Locks of Love, dance performances, Kade's last pinewood derby & earning his Arrow of Light, Kade's last orchestra concert & taking up trumpet, and Kade & Marlyse's piano recital. Also, putting on the ward Christmas party just one month after having Brayden and pulling it off with just a few hitches (only people behind the scenes were aware of).
Then there was Christmas time and all the hustle and bustle in an effort to make things magical and special for the kids. With the help of some anonymous person in the ward, we were able to do that.
It was a humbling time, especially having to make some trips to the Bishop's Storehouse. I truly feel that Heavenly Father has been looking after us and sending "angels" to help us out in need. Looking back on 2011, we can truly say that we were very blessed!
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