Climbing gym

Last Saturday we finally took Jacob to his birthday Dinner. We went to Chili's after we put our house up for sale. Then we went rock climbing. Rachel has been watching video's of people rock climbing and of course she wanted a turn. I have a dare devil for a daughter. I have finally arrived at a point where Jacob's climbing and stunts don't scare me but Rachel had my heart stopped. She has no fear. Here are some pictures.
My little one with no fear (I had plenty of fear for the both of us)When asked if she was ready to come back down she would say "My climbing" and point up.

In perfect form. Derrek and I wish we were that flexible.

Shelby tolerates and participates with a smile.
Jacob reaching over an outcropping.(I think that is what they are called)

Nice People

Everywhere in the world there are very nice wonderful people. I have always loved the song Angels Among them by Alabama. I truly believe the words
"Oh I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with a light of love."
People have been so kind and wonderful to our family. The love and outpouring of kindnesses even from those we do not know has been tremendous. One of these such people has a service she provides in memory of her angel. She planted a flower in memory of our Joshua and made a beautiful picture with a flower. I think it is beautiful. Here is the link to her blog http://onlysayitwithflowers.blogspot.com/2009/08/rorys-garden-part-6.html Joshua's flower is toward the bottom. It has yellow flower petals and hands. If you click on it it will appear below. Many of you have also been angels in my life. I appreciate the love and support you have given to me.

Jacob

All about Rowland Jacob -- Jacob turned 9 years old. He is such a wonderful son. He has a way of saying what my heart is feeling right now. We love having him in our home. He brings a lot of joy to everyone. He is our "lets read our scriptures"," lets have prayer reminder". I think I was given children to keep me on my toes.

10 things we love about Jacob

1. His honest candid way of speaking what is on his mind.
2. His genuine treatment of everyone.
3. His love of everything outdoors- climbing, running, jumping, swinging, swimming, fishing, riding bikes/scooters, chasing anyone or thing.
4. His love of family especially his sisters.
5. His love of games.
6. His gentle encouragement for everyone. He has such a tender heart though he would like you all to think he is tough.
7. His need for justice and fairness in the world
8. His dimples (Derrek says they are not cute but I love my two boys dimples)
9. His chocolate chip brown eyes that show exactly what emotion he is feeling.
10. His love of the gospel and his simple faith.

Rain

When Derrek was leaving for Iraq he gave me a book called "Women of Destiny" by many various authors. It is a compilation of articles that describe the Relief Society theme. I started reading it immediately because I needed peace in my life. I found a quote that I loved and it hung on my fridge until Derrek returned a year and a half later. It reads:

"We are learning that sometimes the Savior calms the storm.
Sometimes he lets the storm rage, and he clams us." Carol B. Thomas

Fast forward to now. It is going back up on the fridge today. A group of singers put together songs to go with this book and the theme. One of my favorites from this CD is called "Sometimes he lets it Rain" by Kathrine Nelson It is a beautiful song that I related to at the time and now again here are the lyrics

She sees the storm clouds gather
The sky is turning cold and gray
She knows that somethings coming
when she starts to feel this way

She pleads for intervention
But heaven offers no relief
she would understand if she could only see

Sometimes He lets it rain
He lets the fierce winds blow
Sometimes it takes a storm
to lead a heart where it can grow

He can move mountains of grief
and oceans of pain.
But sometimes he lets it rain.

When her heart surrenders
to the master in control
Her spirit learns the lessons
and the tempest in her soul

when it's no longer raging
She can see how far she's come
through the wisdom and
the mercy of the son

Sometimes He lets it rain
He lets the fierce winds blow
Sometimes it takes a storm to
lead a heart where it can grow

he can move mountains of grief
and oceans of pain
but sometimes He lets it rain.

There is no joy without the pain
Sometimes He has to let it rain.


So I guess we let it rain again.

Today

I just wanted to post a new update. Derrek and I are doing really well. Our children have had a great time with cousins and aunts and uncles. We miss them when they are gone however, it helps them have fun and we have time to heal. We have had great neighbors and friends. We have had great food and great goodies constantly. I am still physically weak and am very ready for that part to be over it makes me feel fragile, something I have never considered myself to be. I am amazed daily at the love of everyone and especially our Savior. We could not make it through without the Comfort and Peace of the gospel. Again I am sure we have a long way to go with our grief but I feel we are on the right path to healing. It is good to see the sun everyday and to have my Rachel running around laughing and giggling daily. It is also good to have my Derrek in my life. My family and my faith are the balm to my broken heart.

Joshua

This week has been one of the most unique weeks of our life. I feel as though I have been on a roller coaster all week. Derrek and I have been to the deepest sorrows and despair and to contrast we have had one of the spiritual and most sacred experiences of our lives. All in all we are doing much better than I had expected at this point in the game. We have felt the prayers of everyone on our behalf and they have lifted us and built us. We have felt the calming peace of our Savior's loving arms and the comforting peace of the Holy Ghost. I am sure we will have some trying days ahead but I am confident that we will continue to have the sweet peace of the spirit with us.

We named our baby boy Joshua Derrek Williams. He was born on July 28, 2009 at 11:23p.m. He weighed 5 lbs 4 oz. and was 18 inches long. He looked exactly like our other babies with chubby cheeks, a button nose, and sweet small mouth. He was perfectly formed just no heartbeat. We had perfect nurses at the hospital who helped guide us through many decisions and through the delivery. We appreciate the group of women who came from Utah Share to do a photo shot and take molds of his hands and feet. I don't know if we will use them a lot but we wanted a choice. We chose to bury Joshua in the infant area at the Brigham City Cemetery on Friday. I am grateful for the restored gospel and the advice of our bishop and other leaders. We truly have been blessed during our time of trial. Thank you again for your prayers.