Our family is a circle of strength and love.

With every birth and every union, the circle grows.

Every joy shared adds more love.

Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger.

I have been told in a blessing to be patient with my children.

I've often thought it may as well have just said "you will have a daughter named Ella, and you will need extra patience with her"

I have also thought on occasion that she is lucky that I am her mom.

She pushes me daily. Sometimes to a breaking point.

I won't pretend for a second that I don't break, but never out of control.

I have the strength to walk away. And for that Ella, you are lucky.

This child of my Heavenly Father was sent to my care.

She is where she should be.

She is the test of my life at this point.

I dislike her so much, yet love her for the reasons I dislike her.

Today while she was frustrated I found myself telling her

"Come to me, and I will help you."

I paused and thought more about what I had just said.

I realized that there is someone saying the exact same thing to me.

He is waiting for me to come to him. He can help me.

He who has already told me that I will need patience to make it through this is simply waiting for me. To ask.

Dreaming of the summer nights that will be spent under this tree.

I fall asleep every night looking up through it's branches shining through the moonlight.

Loving the view. Appreciating gifts given.