Some weekends are busy, packed with errands and obligations. And then there are weekends like this one—simple, filled with laughter, love, and the kind of moments that remind you why family is everything.
I spent the last few days in Utah visiting my son Caleb and his wonderful wife Kassidy, and let me tell you—my heart is full. There’s something so special about watching your grown children build a life together, seeing them happy, and realizing that all those years of guiding, praying, and worrying weren’t for nothing.
And of course, Crash was living his best life. He made himself right at home, soaking up all the attention and running around like he was the real reason we made the trip. Honestly? He might be onto something. 😂
The Small Moments Are the Big Moments
What I love most about visits like this is that they don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. No big plans, no tight schedules—just time together. We cooked, talked about life, and sat around laughing over the most random things.
As parents, we spend so many years focusing on the big milestones—first steps, graduations, weddings. But now I realize, it’s the small moments that mean the most:
✔️ Sitting at the kitchen table, just talking about anything and everything
✔️ Watching my son and daughter-in-law take care of each other in the sweetest ways
✔️ Realizing that even though my kids are grown, our bond is stronger than ever
And then there was UNO.
The UNO Game That Would. Not. End.
I have played a lot of UNO in my life, but never—never—have I played a game that dragged on this long. It was epic. We had draw 4s flying, skipped turns, and hands that refused to shrink down to one card. At one point, I think we all accepted that this was our life now—stuck in an endless loop of shuffling and suffering.
Finally—after what felt like a lifetime—someone won. (I won’t name names, but I will say it wasn’t me, and I am personally offended by how many “Draw 4” cards were used against me. 😂) But honestly, it was perfect. Because it wasn’t just about the game—it was about the memories we made playing it.
It reminded me of Proverbs 17:22:
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”
Laughter truly is a gift. It connects us, lifts our spirits, and turns even the most ordinary nights into something unforgettable. And that night, gathered around the table with my grown-up kids, laughing until we couldn’t breathe, I felt it deep in my heart—this is what life is all about.
A Mother’s Heart Is Never Empty
As I watched Caleb and Kassidy in their home, making meals together, talking about their goals, and just enjoying life, I had this overwhelming sense of peace.
When your kids are little, you’re at the center of their world. You’re the one they turn to for everything. And then, one day, they grow up. They move out. They start their own families. And part of you wonders—where do I fit in now?
But this trip reminded me of something beautiful—I will always be their mom.
They don’t need me to pack their lunches or remind them to do their homework anymore, but they still need me in different ways—for advice, for love, for the comfort of knowing I’m always just a phone call (or a plane ride) away.
As we are getting ready to say goodbye, I will hug them a little tighter, grateful for the time we had. Grateful that even though life changes, love never does. And grateful that, no matter how many UNO games I lose, I will always, always come back for a rematch. 😉
Cherish the Moments
If I’ve learned anything as a mom, it’s this: hold onto the moments—big and small, silly and serious, the ones that make you laugh and the ones that make you tear up. Because those moments? They’re the ones that matter.
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