Rose Milk and Babies

My Dad, Alfred Westenskow, has been on my mind quite a bit lately.  On a mission, one is continually thinking of and relying on our Heavenly Father to help us do the many things we are asked to do, and often required to do.  We continually pray to Him for help and support, and rely on the Savior's sacrifice for each of us to keep everything glued together.  My earthly Dad was also a great support and someone I could go to anytime for help and/or counsel.

My girls will remember Rose Milk.  I haven't been able to find it for many years (even on the Internet), but it was a rose-scented skin care lotion that was very popular when I was growing up.  My Dad used Rose Milk after shaving, though I am now wondering how that scent combined with Old Spice!  Rose Milk was "For Softer, Smoother, Younger Feeling Skin."  I am taking that right off the bottle which I have here in Denmark!

I actually have two bottles here on my mission which I have been saving for many years, not for a mission, but because it reminds me of my Dad and I occasionally use and smell the lotion because of him.  I know that sounds eccentric, but my Dad always joked with us to feel his "baby-soft" skin, and my girls really played up to him!  When I was packing the last of my things for our mission to Denmark, I threw in both bottles of Rose Milk.  Since my Dad and all of his family are Danish, I felt it was time to put the Rose Milk to good use.  But I must confess, I will probably bring the empty bottles home with me just to remember my Dad.

Rose Milk and Babies have both been on my mind this past week.  Amber and Tod have been blessed with twin daughters born on October 17 in Provo, UT.

Lacy Ann, Amber, Brinley Belle

Lacy and Brinley

 

Parker, Amber, Mason holding Brinley, Jade holding Lacy, Tod The Proud Father of All- except Amber.  Glen is the proud father of Amber!

Amber and Tod sacrificed much to bring these two beautiful daughters into their family, and we are so glad they are safely here, and that Amber and the "little ladies" are doing well.  I'm sure that my father is also proud of his family and the good things they are doing in their lives.

I am told that this is one of the "sacrifices" Senior Missionary Grandmas make to serve the Lord - miss out on the birth of new babies back home.  But twins! I always wanted twins. Now the Lord has given us twins, though they will be walking when Grandpa and I get back.  I like to think that the Lord timed this event for a blessing for me on my mission.  There is not much I love more than to hold a tiny new-born baby on my shoulder, up close to my face, and feel that baby-soft skin so recently come from Heaven.  I have shed a few tears, though mostly tears of joy for the many blessings the Lord continually gives to us and our family.  But I also took a couple extra whiffs of Rose Milk this morning...