Reunited, and it feels so good

We just returned from the Moulton family (Justin's mom's side) reunion in Logan. It was a big event. Almost the entire family of Tom and Evva Jean Moulton was present. We were only missing a couple husbands, I think. All 29 great-grandchildren were there so there was lots of kids running around. None were quite so energetic as our Nolan though. At one point, I heard an adult cousin call out, "Is that Nolan in the street?" Oh boy, what fun! By the way, he wasn't completely in the street... that's what I tell myself to make it seem less traumatizing. I know people think to themselves, "Why can't the Petersens control or at least keep a good eye on that kid?" I've said it before and I'll say it again: We try! I think I play the role of frazzled mom quite nicely.
So back to the reunion... what a group it was! We had a potluck dinner at beautiful Adams Park. Justin and I enjoyed the egg toss, though I was the one that ended up with egg on my hands. It was fun watching each family arrive. I'm glad we weren't the last ones... being late isn't tolerated in the Moulton family. The next morning we had a delicious breakfast at the church pavillion near Moultons house. The big surprise was a train pulled by a 4-wheeler. What joy filled Nolan's eyes (and screams filled the air) when he saw that! I even took a ride and it was pretty enjoyable. Thanks, Grandma, for chopping all that delicious fruit! We took a picture of eveyone and even waited for Ryan to arrive, only to realize later that two of the granddaughters weren't there. Maybe we can paste them in later. After breakfast we enjoyed swimming, frisbee golf (I got a hole in one!), and socializing at the Campbell's house. What a day! We love the family so much and are grateful for everyone who contributed to such a fun reunion. Thanks, Grandma Petersen, for letting us stay with you.

As a side note: as I type Nolan is crying because I wiped the booger off his finger before he had a chance to eat it. Oh, I love little gross boys! Losing a booger can be a very sad thing.

Justin and I have recently talked about the course our life has taken. We used to talk about where we would vacation and what we would accomplish. Now we're happy when the floor is picked up and the lawn is mowed. We have challenges that don't get posted on the blog and it's easy to feel completely overwhelmed and even depressed. But yesterday I read the blog of a young mother who is losing her sweet 8-month-old boy to a rare brain cancer. I wept as I read her first post after finding out that her son's cancer had spread throughout the brain in such a way that it could no longer be treated. She was writing at 4:30 a.m. after she had rocked her baby back to sleep after he had woaken from the intense pain. She talked of how they would take him home for his final weeks and enjoy being together as a family. I still cry every time I think about their plight. But the interesting thing about her post is that it was full of hope because of her testimony of the plan of salvation. She said she feels so blessed that her family is sealed in the temple so that they can see their baby again after they've all left this life. What a simple testimony, yet her faith is getting her through the most difficult challenge I could ever think of. For all my challenges, I certainly would never choose that one, and I feel so grateful for all the good in my life. I don't blog much about my testimony, but I'd be lost without it. When times get tough, faith is the one thing you can count on.