My Sweetheart

Okay, I really don't like to brag, but I'm going to anyway. Just so you all know...

I HAVE THE BEST HUSBAND EVER!!!

I call Redge "Sweetheart" because several years ago Seth said to me, "You say, 'Sweetheart' at my daddy." I asked him, "You want me to call Daddy 'Sweetheart?'" "Yes," he answered, "You need to say 'Sweetheart' at him." So, ever since then Redge is "Sweetheart."

At any rate, yesterday Quincy blessed Enoch in Las Vegas. My kids were so excited to go! We hadn't been home since May. The kids brought me their suitcases like last Tuesday. The plan was to leave last Friday, and return today. Thursday Night I got very sick. Very, very sick.

Friday morning Redge went to the store bought me medicine and food, set me up at home, unpacked my stuff, repacked his stuff, loaded the car, and took off for Vegas with the four kids. I stayed here to get better, and Redge happily went along without me.

My family is so grateful for Redge. Why wouldn't they be? Just last week I was talking to my mom, and she said, "Dad and I were sitting on the couch the other day, and Dad said, 'I love Redge. I love Redge like I love my own boys. Redge is my son.'" He has earned that love by being the man he is. He is a brother to my brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. He is a son to my parents. He is an uncle to all the children of my siblings.

I love watching Quincy, Jeff, and Eric laugh with and at Redge. I love that my aunts and uncles love and treat Redge like he's family. One weekend in Rexburg Redge spent a day working in Uncle Karl's corn, and another day golfing with Uncle Karl. In Vegas, before Uncle Keith was sent to the Philippines, the Edwards boys met regularly for early morning basketball. My left handed, 5'8" husband often played, but rarely made lay-ups. At a family Christmas party, when Redge had the opportunity to step in for the real Santa, Uncle Keith was asked what he hoped to receive for Christmas. His quick reply was, "A Santa who can make lay-ups!" This is by far Redge's favorite memory of Uncle Keith. Redge loves a family that laughs, loves, cries, forgives, lives, plans, and enjoys!

Redge and the kids are now on their way home. He told me about watching Dexter playing football, watching the BYU game with Jeff, having Karlee hang out with him and Reece, Quincy immediately changing into the "Pitfall" shirt we gave him for his birthday, Taite's perpetual question of "Is it time for me to go to Christy's," Reece helping at Dexter's cousin's (Chauntelle Popp's son) Eagle Project, watching cousin Marylynn (Uncle Keith's 2nd daughter) coach Locke's football team, and the amazing group of men surrounding Enoch as he was given a name and a blessing.

Last night I read Richard G. Scott's talk from the General Priesthood Session of our recent Conference. His talk to the Priesthood is titled, "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well." Can I just tell you that Redge totally does this?!

Elder Scott teaches, "The perfect role model for use of the holy priesthood is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion, and charity. His life was a matchless example of humility and power. The greatest blessings from the use of the priesthood flow from humble service to others without thought of self."

Redge is a powerful example of love, compassion, and charity. I love him for what he teaches me, and the influence he is on our four children.

Elder Scott asks the Priesthood to consider these questions, "If you are married, are you faithful to your wife mentally as well as physically? Are you loyal to your marriage covenants by never engaging in conversation with another woman that you wouldn’t want your wife to overhear? Are you kind and supportive of your own wife and children? Do you assist your wife by doing some of the household chores? Do you lead out in family activities such as scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening, or does your wife fill in the gap your lack of attention leaves in the home? Do you tell her you love her?"

When I think about Redge regarding these questions I thank my Father in Heaven for giving me such a great man. I also thank and pay homage to my mother-in-law for taking seriously her calling as a mother. It is Marney's influence that created the Redge I married.

Man, I am one lucky girl!