Mother’s Day 2026

 Mother’s Day was wonderful! On Saturday, I talked to my parents and it was decided that since my mom hasn’t been feeling 100% lately, we would forgo a big family dinner this time and celebrate on our own. I got my mom a cute felted wool pot holder,? and had a visit with her on Friday afternoon. 

Saturday night, Aaron took me out for late late dinner and we shut the taco place down just sitting in a booth catching up on life. We weren’t ready to be home yet and ended up sitting in the car in a parking lot talking another hour after, just to debrief since we’ve been working opposite shifts lately, it feels like. I love a good one on one, and Aaron’s undivided attention is a much cherished podium level prize. 

On Sunday, Sloane crawled into my bed and practiced reading the talk she wrote. 

6 months ago, she asked bishop if primary children can sieak in church. He looked it up and said yes. Sloane set to work on what she wanted to share. This was very important to her and age kept a note in my phone for weeks and bvweeks with screenshots of quotes from the gospel library app and examples she felt prompted to include. She started to hand write her thoughts in a journal, but reading it back with her perfectly imperfect spelling and handwriting presented the challenge of not being able to read it back out loud smoothly. Dyslexia and dysgraphia are hard. Her intentions were so pure though. I typed it word for word into a word document with large font and even wrote out phonetically a few of the tricky words from her quotes. Over the last 2 weeks, she practiced reading and made changes. 

She was so nervous but this is something she has been wanting to do for many months and we are so proud her for her prayerful obedience to follow a prompting. She was asked to speak about “what it means to be a Chikd of God.” She shared “If we are all Children of God, then we are all brothers and sisters and we should treat everyone like family.” She talked about the struggles of learning to be a peacemaker and examples of showing family love. It was so wholesome and from her heart. 

Speaking of family love, Esme made me a beautiful little book card about how I am gee forever mom and she is lucky because I chose her. It made me ugly cry. 

I got a couple emails from a sister and elder with Mother’s Day wishes for mama Meg. I will champion these young brave people forever. Love them so much and Hurrah for Israel. 

We called Lynda and talked to her today for a bit. I miss her! 

I got my Mother’s Day FaceTime with Jamine Willardson, who also ugly cried reading Esme’s card. It was beyond precious. My missionary Mother’s Day call happened during Quincy’s regular Sunday night pday call, but I did get a solid hour to talk with just her and I loved that. 

A fun suprise, Noah Hill showed up at our door tonight with flowers for me from Ryan, who made arrangements with him last week to make a special delivery. I had a 1am mother’s day text from him in Beijing, but flowers are next level. My mother heart could just burst. 

Reese and Logan are house/doggo sitting this week for friends but spent the evening with us and gave me such a thoughtful gift: a karaoke top 100 music history Trivia game that I can’t WAIT to destroy them at. Muahahaha! Logan and Reese miiight give me a run for my money though. They are both experts in this field. It makes a mother so proud 😂. Sitting with my daughter and mother in relief society was a real treat today! 

I love Mother’s Day. I love my calling as a Mother. 

House full of people to love, hallelujah. 

Also, a shout out to my mama. Ages the reason we don’t sit next to people, we sit ON them. Cheers to a second generation of Velcro children. Bring on all the cozy blankets. Let’s snuggle! 

Lately Life

Jamine Willardson ATE DOG. On purpose. 

And she said it’s delicious. Would 10/10 order it again, except it will be illegal to buy within the next 2 years. I am so proud of the courageous person Quincy has become. She goes all in. For the plot. For her friends. For her Savior. She is completely immersed in the work she’s doing and Korean culture. Eat mysterious food that caused intestinal warfare for a week? Sure! Use an eastern squatty potty? You’ve got it. Speak in church with 1 hour notice? All in. Here is the copy of notes for her talk she whipped up and delivered and sent us: 

윌라드슨 자매 선교사입니다! 

오늘 선교사 업에 대해 이야기해 달라는 부탁을  받았습니다. 제가 직접 선교사가 되기 전까지는 선교 사업을 실제로 무엇이고 무엇으로 구성되어 있는지 잘 이해하지 못했던 것 같습니다.

우선 놀랍습니다. 선교 사업는 무엇을 놓치고 있는지 몰랐던 사람들의 삶에 많은 기쁨과 축복을 가져다줍니다. 많은 사람들이 여러분이 죽고 나면 삶이 끝나고 배우자와 헤어져 여러분의 가족을 볼 수 없다고 생각합니다. 이는 사실이 아닙니다.

예수 그리스도의 복음과 속죄를 통해. 우리는 가족과 하나님 아버지와 다시 함께 살고 살 수 있다는 것을 알고 있습니다! 이러한 단순한 진리는 제 삶을 변화시켰습니다. 많은 기도, 복음 토론, 경전 공부를 통해 저는 예수 그리스도의 속죄를 실천하는 방법과 그것이 무엇인지 배웠습니다.

선교 사업은 단순히 문을 두드리고 사람을 부르는 것이 아니라는 것을 배웠습니다. 선교는 모든 사람을 최선을 다해 섬기고, 그들이 많은 사랑을 느낄 수 있도록 돕고, 하나님과 언약을 맺을 수 있도록 준비하는 것입니다.

Nelson 회장님 이렇게 말씀하셨습니다 “이제 세상을 이김으로써 우리 삶은 어떻게 축복받을까요? 답은 명확합니다. 하나님과 성약의 관계를 맺음으로써 우리는 그분께 결속되어 삶의 모든 면이 쉬워지게 됩니다. 제 말을 오해하지 마시기 바랍니다. 저는 성약을 맺으면 삶이 쉬울 거라고 말씀드린 것이 아닙니다. 사실, 방해가 있을 것입니다. 대적은 여러분이 예수 그리스도의 권능을 찾는 것을 바라지 않기 때문입니다. 그러나 구주와 함께 멍에를 멘다는 것은 그분의 힘과 구속 권능을 얻게 된다는 의미입니다.”

하늘계신 아버지와에게 언약을 소중히 여기고 기리면 삶이 바뀌고 엄청난 기쁨을 가져다주며, 결국 그분에게로 돌아가려는 목표로 삶의 우선순위를 재조정하는 데 도움이 될 것입니다. 끝까지 참아야 할 정의로운 선택들을 할 때 우리는 예수 그리스도께서 원하시는 언약의 길에 머물러 있습니다.

Ezra Taft Benson 회장님 이렇게 말씀하셨습니다 “자신의 삶을 하나님께 의탁하는 남녀는 삶에서 자신이 할 수 있는 것보다 훨씬 더 많은 일을 그분께서 이루어 주실 수 있음을 알게 될 것입니다. 그분은 기쁨을 배가해 주시고, 시야를 넓혀 주시며, 마음을 깨우치고 … 영혼을 고취하고 축복을 더해 주시며, 기회의 문을 넓혀 주시고 영혼을 위로하시며, 친구들을 주시고, 평안을 베풀어 주실 것입니다.” 

예수 그리스도의 사랑스럽고 경이로우며 자비로운 속죄를 통해 우리가 매일 회개할 때 새로운 시작을 할 수 있다는 것을 알고 있습니다. 하늘게신 아버지와 함께 무한한 기회를 가질 수 있다는 것이 얼마나 기쁜 일일까요?

하늘계신 아버지께서 저에게 무한한 사랑을 주시고 예수 그리스도께서 저와 다른 모든 분들을 도와주셔서 정말 감사합니다. 이것이 선교 사업입니다. 진리를 모르는 사람에 예수 그리스도의 빛과 기쁨을 전파합니다.

오늘 제 초대는 모든 사람이 매일 최선을 다해 예수 그리스도의 빛과 사랑을 누군가와 나누기 위해 노력하는 것입니다. 선교사가 되세요! 사람들의 삶에서 우리가 모르는 많은 일들이 일어나고 있지만, 그들의 삶에 사랑을 불어넣을 수 있다면 그들은 그것이 하나님 아버지의 것이라는 것을 알게 될 것입니다.

이 시기에 선교사가 되어 한국에 오게 되어 정말 감사합니다. 힘들 때도 모두와 복음을 나누는 것을 정말 좋아합니다. 저는 제 구세주 살고 계시다는 것을 알고 있습니다. 하늘계신 아버지께서 저를 사랑하시고 여러분 모두를 개인적으로 알고 사랑하신다는 것을 알고 있습니다. 예수 그리스도의 이름으로 말씀 드립니다. 아멘

Annnd here is the Google translated version because we don’t speak any Korean 😂

“I am Sister Willardson! Today, I was asked to speak about missionary work. Before I became a missionary myself, I don't think I truly understood what missionary work actually is or what it entails.

First of all, it is amazing. Missionary work brings immense joy and blessings into the lives of people who didn't even realize what they were missing. Many people believe that when you die, life simply ends—that you are separated from your spouse and will never see your family again. This is not true.

Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we know that we can live together again—with our families and with our Heavenly Father! This simple truth has transformed my life. Through much prayer, gospel discussion, and scripture study, I have learned what the Atonement of Jesus Christ is and how to apply it in my life.

I have learned that missionary work is not merely about knocking on doors and calling out to people. Missionary work is about serving everyone to the very best of our ability, helping them feel deeply loved, and preparing them to make covenants with God.

President Nelson has stated: “Now, how are our lives blessed as we overcome the world? The answer is clear: By making and keeping covenants with God, we are bound to Him in a way that makes everything about life easier. Please do not misunderstand me. I did not say that making covenants makes life easy. In fact, it may be just the opposite. The adversary does not want you to seek the power of Jesus Christ. But yoking yourself with the Savior means you have access to *His* strength and redeeming power.”

Cherishing and honoring our covenants with our Heavenly Father changes our lives, brings us immense joy, and ultimately helps us realign our life’s priorities with the goal of returning to live with Him. When we make righteous choices—choices that require us to endure to the end—we remain on the covenant path that Jesus Christ desires for us.

President Ezra Taft Benson stated: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a great deal more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds... inspire their souls, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, and pour out peace upon them.”

I know that through the loving, wondrous, and merciful Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can experience a fresh start each day as we repent. How joyful it is to know that, with our Heavenly Father, we have access to infinite opportunities!

I am deeply grateful that our Heavenly Father bestows infinite love upon me, and that Jesus Christ helps both me and everyone else. This is the essence of missionary work: sharing the light and joy of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know the truth.

My invitation to everyone today is to strive—to the very best of your ability, every single day—to share the light and love of Jesus Christ with someone. Be a missionary! Although we may not always be aware of the many challenges occurring in the lives of others, if we can infuse their lives with love, they will come to recognize that love as a gift from our Heavenly Father.

I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to serve as a missionary in Korea at this time. Even during difficult moments, I find immense joy in sharing the gospel with everyone. I know that my Savior lives. I know that our Heavenly Father loves me, and that He knows and loves each of you personally. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.“

She had 2 exchanges and got to visit with her MTC comp and partner up with a Korean American for a day. 

The Newlyweds are here for summer and still job hunting. Summer plans fell through and they are on the hunt. They are so fun to be around and join us for errands. Reese almost brought home baby chicks last week. 

The living room vertical jump challenge has some new personal records on it. 

Soccer is over for Bear. He played so hard this year and grew so much in both skill and confidence, proud of you Bear!

I ran into Corbin’s survey of business teacher at Bear’s game. I love BHS educators. They know these kids on another level and it’s amazing.  Heres the selfie we sent Corbin. Somehow, his teacher knew Corbin was out playing splash assassins that morning. 

A double rainbow

We have been getting more of the professional pics from Annika this week and each one makes me smile. 

Logan finished the wave puzzle and packed up the winter puzzle station for me. I was so over this one. I learned this winter that my eyes do not love foil puzzles. I love the significance of this artwork on the puzzle, but it was soooo tough I did not enjoy it as much and had given up. Thank you Brogan for finishing it! 

Leftover open house flowers going strong over a week later. All the peonies were clipped in Kasey’s yard and y

Kasey is hiking the Coswoltss this week and I love her daily updates! I’m craving a trip. Wish I was there, bestie!! 

“

Arkansas sky

2026 Orchestra banquet in the books!  This annual event is my baby and a lot of work. The kids love it. 

Chamber results for next year should be released any day now. Corbin is on pins and needles. 

I ordered a new living room rug! The last one had been well  loved since the fire in 2018. It was time for something new! This one caught my eye and aaron loved it too. I hope it’s as pretty in real life as online. 

Nephew Garrett earned his Masters! Way to go, G! 

I’ve been prepping for the orchestra banquet and gathering photos from all the seniors for the slideshow. It’s a huge task to hunt them all down, but always worth it on banquet night when they are spotlighted and celebrated. 

We had a Sunday school teacher training 2 weeks ago and we were asked to ponder how to show the students we minister to that they are loved. I turned and asked this question to them. Their answers were: “we know we are loved when you show up to our stuff like work and games and concerts, when you feed us, when you share our social media posts, and when you get real with us. 

Hoping to take their answers to heart, I caught Neal at work this week, and shared a their Instagram stories on my account. Not a huge thing, but I hope he felt the love. Seniors are so fun. So busy, so tired. So ambitious. So inspiring. Super special people. I am blessed to get to serve them.  

My new Mahjong group is going great. I am learning so much from these cute friends. Jenny, our group leader and teacher, gives us the Chinese lore behind all the rules. 

Lily, Jana, Jenny, Christina, Lisa, me

Jenny explaining the rules to Lily. “You cannot Pong unless you have a match. It’s like a friend. See you have no friend, you cannot pong” 

A fresh cut for his senior pics and family dinner with Capra. 

It’s Lost Boys season! They can be found going off bike jumps, hooping in driveways, carting old ice chest coolers around full of collected living creatures from the woods, or playing an instrument in a front yard. Long live the chaos of primrose lane. 

Our ward hosted a missionary night where members shared photos and treats and stories from their missions all around the world. It was wonderful! Corbin’s multi layered outfit is to disguise the backpack super soaker water gun he was packing to protect himself in the slash assassins game. 

Farewell party: goodbye Dodds!

 Brandon and Morgan are moving to Centerton. We grew a friendship with them as mentors when they became foster parents and then when they adopted Remy and Rayna. They now have 4 beautiful children and have sadly outgrown their home on primrose lane. We had a neighborhood potluck to wish them well. 

Thelma brought homemade lemon merengue and it gets its own lil spotlight here. 

Life is super full right now and I seem to be running from one thing to the next. But this little neighborhood gathering was such a nice reminder of slightly slower paced days in the neighborhood. It was so happy to watch the younger lost boys run around with sticks and the older boys zoom up and down the lane on their bikes and fly off the jumps in the Minkler’s yard. And I got a nice baby fix holding baby Fallon.  I just love the community in this kitschy street of mine. Dodd Family you will be missed! 

Happy Birthday: Meg is 44

It’s been a fabulous birthday. Aaron took all of the children to school and I took myself to the temple for the 8am endowment session. We had lunch at Gusanos with Reese. 

When I got home from the temple, Reese had come over and cleaned up the mess from the morning rush. I like to say that my love languages are homemade cookies (or bread!), concert tickets, and people cleaning up after themselves. 😂  Reese arrived with a wrapped present to boot! When’s the last time I unwrapped something? I felt super special. She and Logan gave me the cutest candle holder ever. I always gave a candle burning and now it can sit on top of little garden beets. I die. 

Corbin bought me the purple tulips after school. This was a big and welcome surprise! 

Kasey came over with yellow tulips and a little blue tooth clip on speaker so I can garden or talk on the phone while gardening or hiking without earbuds. Excited to try these! We slipped out for a taco while my boys were at soccer and caught up on all the things. 

Shown in the background are cookies and note from our friend Kurt, who ministers to our ward with birthday cookies for every ward member. Everyone. I can’t even keep up with bdays just in my family, abd he brings a plate to every one in the sugar creek ward in their birthday. This is extra appreciated as a connoisseur of delicious cookies.

Also shown are the cookies made by Sloane and Esme at Grammies house. So much love! 

I got a string of bday texts and some photos from Ryan in Guanzhou 

 Sloane made me a poster of my favorite things 😍

I got a birthday FaceTime from Korea! I love any chance to talk to my beautiful missionary! Especially when it is not 1am! 

Reese’s bday tribute on Instagram stories was a series of throwback pics. I love the thoughtful and intentional way she loves. 

I don’t know where she got her hands on this pic of me in high school! 😂

Love you too, Pieces! 

Today, my mom is taking me to have my nails painted, and I have lunch with Tiffany scheduled for Monday. The party never stops around here! 

It is a gift to be alive and have so many people to love and be loved by.