Apricot Harvest

What do you do if you have too many apricots?

                                                                                                        SHARE. . .

  Apricot pie with an almond and date crust. This is what my daughter Arianne made for all of us.
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Our Harvest

What began this spring

as a tiny flower

and a whisper of hope,

has become my backyard harvest.

We're told we only reap

what we sew.

Yet there is more . . .

Sunshine

and rain

come not from us.

Our harvest is not ours
but God's. 

My sweetheart and I

recently celebrated

our 37th wedding anniversary.

What began as a whisper of love

has blossomed

into a large, loving family.

Our harvest is not ours

but God's. 

.
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Happy 4th of July!

You will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice

will prove instead to be the greatest investment

 that you will ever make.

Gordan B. Hinckley

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Everything We Give Comes Back Even Sweeter

I have more cherries than I need at my house and offered to share them.

Last week my daughter Arianne and granddaughter Sophia picked cherries from my sour cherry tree. I loved watching them pick together as the canyon breeze blew and the dappled sunlight made each cherry as bright as rubies. I pushed my grandson Liam in the swing while his brothers Sam and Logan played on the grass.

I've discovered that one of the secrets of a happy life is knowing that when we share, we always get more . . . not less.
Arianne and Sophie thanked me and left.

Then a few days later I saw the beaming faces of Arianne and Sophia with outstretched hands offering me a delicious home-made cherry pie.

Loving my husband and children has filled my life with meaning, purpose and indescribable joy.
Now as I watch my children loving their children - I know.
Everything we give always comes back . . . even sweeter.                                                 Pin It

Book Signing TODAY!

I will be signing "Healing From Abuse" at STOKES grocery store on the highway between Spanish Fork and Salem Utah from 11-3 TODAY!
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BOOK SIGNING THIS WEEK

I've having a book signing this Thursday, June 28 at the Stokes Grocery Store in Salem, Utah from 11-3. They always put the book on sale while I'm signing and you can get your grocery shopping done at the same time! I hope you can make it, especially those of you who came a couple of weeks ago when I sold out of books. My publisher promises to have plenty of books on hand this time.
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Coping with the Heartache of Miscarriage

My daughter Arianne had a miscarriage this week. She was in so much physical and emotional pain when I arrived at her home and I could do so little to help.  I longed to find the right words to comfort her but words are little consolation at a time like this.

She is my baby  . . . and she is losing her baby.

"I'm so sorry."

My daughter is a brave, wise woman full of courage and strength. She was willing to put her hand into the hand of God and offer all of herself to bring new life into the world.

"How many times did this happen to you?" she asked through her tears.
"Three times," I answered.
"Thank you for being here with me," Arianne whispered. "I wish I could have been there for you."

I placed a cool cloth on her forehead and took the blood drenched towels into the bathroom to soak.

I've never liked the word miscarriage. It sounds too much like mistake.
Every time a couple conceives a child it is a miracle.
When that child dies before it is born a woman still goes through labor and delivery.
When an unborn child dies, a parent's heart is broken.
And now I know that heartbreak includes
brothers
sisters
aunts
uncles
grandfathers
and grandmothers.
Goodbye sweet baby.
We all miss you.

A MOTHER'S LETTER TO HER UNBORN CHILD

Dear Child,
It's been only a day since I lost you. Yesterday I had such plans for you and now today you are gone and where you are I cannot go.
You were the answer to your parents' prayers. You should have seen the look in your father's eyes when I told him you were coming. We were so happy. We told everyone you were on your way.
Each morning when I woke, I would stoke my palm across the place where you were growing.
Your father teased me about wearing maternity clothes before I really needed to. But I wanted the whole world to know. Even morning sickness reassured me of your presence.
Whenever I went somewhere, I knew you were with me. It made me complete. I could never get over the miracle that somehow God and your father and I had created a human life.
Then I lost you.
I'll never forget you. Your are my child. You have been part of me. But I miss you,and when I go out now, I feel alone. I don't see life in the same way since I lost you. I walk softer now; life is more fragile, more precious. I hope someday I will be able to have another baby. But it will never be the same as it was with you. The feelings I've had with you are separate and unique. I do thank God for the time we had together.
I love you. I may never be able to hold you in my arms, but I will always hold you in  my heart.
Your Mother

A FATHER'S LETTER TO HIS UNBORN CHILD

Dear Child,
Last night I took your mother to the hospital. She was in so much pain. I wanted to stop what was happening, but I couldn't.
We were so excited for you to  come. When I found out you were on your way, I wanted to stop people on the street and tell them the good news.
I used to call your mother every day to find out how she was feeling. She always laughed and said she was fine. Sometimes during my lunch break at work, I would walk through the toy department of a store near my office. My life seemed to count for more. I felt like someone important. I was going to be some one's father. We put your crib on lay-away.
I don't understand why this had to happen. Our house is too big and too quiet. I have so many questions.
I didn't carry you inside of me, but you were part of me. When ever I took your mothers in my arms, you were there too.
It's hard to say good-bye when I never had the chance to say hello.
Your Father.

Years ago I wrote an article about miscarriages. You can read it here.

My daughter Arianne wrote a beautiful tribute to her child. You can read it here.

I love you Arianne and Jared.

I'm so sorry.

MOM
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My Lincoln Memorial Visit

Visiting the Lincoln Memorial was a moving and personal experience for me. Abraham Lincoln had a difficult life and an untimely death, but he was able to change the course of human events  . . . because he followed the dictates of his own conscience.  

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."Pin It

Visiting the Washington Monument

We're standing in front of the Washington Monument. George Washington was appointed commander in Chief of the Continental army. He signed a peace treaty between the United States and Great Britain. He helped unite the delegates to vote for the United States Constitution. He was elected as the first president of the United States. He was president when the Bill of Rights was adopted. He announced that he would not run again for president when he was so popular that he would have been re-elected for a third term. This man is my hero.  Pin It

Announcing the Release of HEALING FROM ABUSE . . . How the Atonement of Jesus Christ can Heal Broken Hearts and Broken Lives

It's real.
It's wrong.
And you can STOP IT.

I'd like to announce the release of my newest book titled "HEALING FROM ABUSE . . . How the Atonement of Jesus Christ Heals Broken Lives and Broken Hearts".

If you have been abused or know and care about someone who has - you need this book.

While some would rather pretend it doesn't exist, the fact remains that abuse happens all around us, and it's our job to intervene.

In this Christ-centered approach to preventing and stopping abuse, I describe the path to awareness, empowerment, and healing that will break the cycle of abuse.

This must have volume
*defines destructive behavior
*details the necessary steps to take when leaving an abusive relationship
*shows victims how to heal and more forward with their lives in meaningful ways
*teaches friends and family members how and when to help loved ones escape abuse

With hope and encouragement I share my personal convictions of the power you can have when the Savior is at your side. This book is perfect for survivors of abuse, counselors, church leaders, and concerned friends. Healing from Abuse gives readers everywhere a new sensitivity to destructive behavior so you'll know how to recognize and keep it from hurting the people you love most.

I will be doing my first book signing at Stokes in Salem Utah tomorrow June 14th from 11-3.
(Stokes is located at 795 N. State Rd. 198) 

If you can't make the signing but would like to buy a book please click on the picture of this book on the right hand side of this blog and it will take you to an on-line store where you can purchase HEALING FROM ABUSE . . . How the Atonement of Jesus Christ can Heal Broken Hearts and Broken Lives.
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At the Feet of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson wrote and signed
the Declaration of Independence

- a document that was considered high treason
for the country that ruled over him.

To those brave men and women
who conceived of a better way for mankind to live,

may I offer my deepest appreciation

for your courage to put your life on the line
for me.

You were able to imagine
 that a new nation was possible

where these words would ring true for generations.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable Rights,

that among these are Life, Liberty
and the pursuit of Happiness."

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Greetings From Washington

Our family had the wonderful opportunity to visit Washington DC this past week. I feel so grateful to live in this country. I love America. I love the inspired government that our founding fathers put into place for us. I love all the men and women who have fought and died to keep our freedoms.

"God Bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her, through the night with the light from above. From the mountains to the paries to the oceans white as foam. God bless America. My home sweet home."
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Spanish Fork Pioneer Cemetery - Talk given by Janene Baadsgaard at the Dedication: We Remember you . . .

This was a tender Memorial Day for our family. We spent the morning hiking to the top of a mountain - which has become a holy journey for me. I feel closer to God when I am on top of a mountain . . . but I don't get there without effort and pain.

Hiking a mountain is not easy.

Life is not easy.

This was the first Memorial Day when someone in our family has left this life rather out of turn . . .  before his parents, before even his grandparents. Though it has been a few months, our hearts are still raw.

Our family traditions on Memorial Day give honor to those who have passed. After we hiked the mountain, we visited my parent's grave in Salem and went around the circle remembering and saying something we loved about my mother.

Then we visited the Pioneer Cemetery in Spanish Fork where we remembered our pioneer dead and especially a great-grandfather Nathanial Jordan who is buried there. I was happy to see a new story board there that had bronzed the words I gave at the re-dedication ceremony several years ago. Here are those words . . .

"So, to the dead who were laid to rest here we say . . . we remember you . . . we remember your name . . . we remember your bravery in the face of hardship. We remember the babies who died in your arms. We remember your pain and tears. We remember all you gave up for us. Yet we also remember your joy and your boldness to begin anew in spite of trials and hardship. Because of you we also desire to find new courage to move ahead with our own lives in spite of the challenges we face today. Because of you we remember spring follows the winter and a new dawn always follows even the darkest night."

Next we visited Ross's parent's graves and walked through the flags of all the fallen soldiers from Spanish Fork who died fighting in the wars for our freedom.

Finally we visited my grandson Caleb's grave. His parents are still in the process of picking out a granite marker for his grave but a sweet friend had given them a temporary marker. We really miss Caleb. Watching my daughter and her husband and children mourn has broken my heart. Yet I know that we will see sweet Caleb again.  I know that those we love who have passed will be with me again. Even then, that sure knowledge doesn't take away the longing to be with Caleb, to hold him, to feel the warmth of his skin next to mine.

Yet it is healing to remember, to celebrate those who have gone ahead without us. Honoring those we love who have died, also honors the precious life we have left to live. Pin It

Big Tree Family Hike

On Memorial Day we had a BBQ at the cabin and hiked to the big tree. The big tree is the biggest white pine this side of the Mississippi. One of our favorite things to do when we get there is to join hands and see how many of us it takes to circle the tree.

When families join hands good things happen.

photos by Arianne Cope

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Happy Birthday Emily!

Emily’s Musical Braces

by

Grandma Baadsgaard

Happy Birthday Emily.

This is a story I wrote just for you.

Never forget to listen to the music inside you.

I love you so very much.

            When Emily woke up on the first day of summer break from school, she heard music playing in her head. It sounded just like a full orchestra between her ears.

             Emily hummed along with the music for a few minutes. Then she decided to think about something else. She thought about what she wanted for breakfast. But the music wouldn’t stop playing. Emily was slightly bewildered but this had happened before, especially after practicing the piano. Sometimes the rhythm in a song she was practicing was difficult and Emily had to practice that part over and over. Long after she was through practicing, that part of the song would play over and over in her head. She even found herself tapping the rhythm out with her fingers. But the piano practicing music in her head would eventually stop.

Not so on this morning. This full orchestra playing inside her wouldn’t stop. Emily shook her head but the notes wouldn’t fall out. She tried jumping up and down but the music inside her head just got faster.

Well this is strange, Emily thought. What am I going to do now?

Emily really didn’t want to tell anyone about her dilemma because they might think she was a bit odd; so she just got dressed and walked into the kitchen for breakfast. She could see her mother’s lips moving but the music in her head drowned out what she was saying. Emily just nodded politely and smiled hoping what her mother said was not too important. Emily was relieved that she didn’t have to go to school that day because she was pretty sure she would get in trouble if she couldn’t hear what the teacher was saying.

Emily did a lot of smiling and nodding that morning. No one seemed to notice that she couldn’t actually hear them. In fact her sister Sandy seemed to want to talk to her more than usual because Emily was such a smiling, nodding good listener. Emily could tell what her little brother Andrew wanted without words because he always used a lot of body language. Libby gave her lots of hugs.

After breakfast Emily opened the back door and walked down the steps into her back yard. Their house was at the end of the street and was surrounded with wide open fields. Emily sat in the swing and listened to the music inside her head while she watched the birds fly over-head. She listened to the music inside her head as she watched the sun rising over the eastern horizon. Emily felt like she was a movie star in a movie about her own life. Then she closed her eyes and just listened. The music swelled and then grew quiet. She leaned her head back while holding fast to the swing and felt the wind wash over her while the slow peaceful part of the song played.

When she opened her eyes she saw her daddy standing in front of her with his arms outstretched for a hug. Emily jumped from the swing and hugged her dad.

She knew her dad was good at fixing things so she yelled, “Daddy I can’t hear anybody talking to me because there is music inside my head that just keeps playing.”

“You’re probably picking up radio signals because of your braces,” her daddy yelled back. “Try sticking out your tongue and putting your finger in your right ear.”

Emily did just what her father said. Sure enough the music stopped and they didn’t have to yell at each other anymore.

“Thanks daddy,” Emily said.

Later that day, Emily was drawing at the kitchen table and she started to miss the music she heard all morning. Her daddy wouldn’t be home for hours to fix this problem so she tried to think of what to do. She tried waving her arms and smiling real big so her braces could catch the signals. But nothing worked. She walked out the back door and sat down on the steps. She looked up at the sky and watched a bird fly by. She felt the wind on her face. She noticed the sun sinking into the west. Then she placed her right hand over her heart and stroked her fingers in three soft circles.

The music began to play. Only this time Emily could control the sound, volume and tempo of the music inside her. Her heart created music to fit what she was feeling. Emily created loud, lively music when she felt like dancing. She created sad music when she felt like crying. Emily created soft soothing string orchestra music when she wanted to fall sleep at night.

Emily never lost her gift of music. She never felt alone again. Whenever she needed silence, she stuck out her tongue and put her finger in her right ear. Whenever she wanted full orchestral accompaniment to her scary, happy, gloomy, or remarkable day, she rubbed her heart three times.

Then her music began.     

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