Definitions...

Today my dad sent me a link to a post from a woman that reads "Mormon Mommy Blogs"...the woman that wrote the post was a self proclaimed atheist, a feminist and a career woman. And yet she said she was fascinated by the world of Mormon women. Anyone that knows me well would not refer to me as "Mormon"...not because there is anything wrong with the term...techincally I am one. But the word doesn't define me. In fact the word itself is the name of a prophet, a prophet who compiled some of the most important accounts and prophecies of his people before the birth of Christ, of Christ's ministry to them on the American continent, and of their life after His ascension into heaven...He compiled these writings into what is called The Book of Mormon...not because he wrote the whole thing...he didn't, but because he abridged it. I use it along side the Bible, as does every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I know.

I am a Christian. I am a believer. Yes, I have been saved. I have accepted Jesus as my personal Savior, Redeemer, and Messiah. I believe that in him and by him and of him worlds are and were created and that we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. A father that loved all of us so much he was willing to send his only begotten son to suffer for our sins and infirmities, that we might receive mercy if we follow him. I do not write this to offend you. If you know me...you know that I love you...You, whom ever you are, in whatever walk of life you are in. Our choices may differ and there are choices that I may not agree with, just like you may not agree with my choices. Thank heaven there is only one Judge...he will judge us all individually, for that I am grateful...and so I do my best every day. Well, no that is not true...I try to do my best every day...some days I fall short, thank goodness for the grace of Christ.

I am a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin, a wife, a mother and a friend. I am not perfect. I wear a bracelet "www.nocussing.com" because...sometimes I slip and I am working on it. I am human. Sometimes I yell at my kids and sometimes I scream if they are really naughty. I am working on it. My marriage is not perfect, but it is really really good. I would not trade all the money in the world, for the happiness I find in my little piece of chaos heaven. For the woman that can't understand, for the woman that is possibly an atheist, a feminist, a career woman, for the woman that doesn't want children...no judgment here. Life and circumstance, environment and choices mold us. I believe in nature and nurture. They both play a roll. For the woman that is a sceptic...and thinks...she can't really be that happy I would say, come visit me for a week. Although not perfect, my life is golden, my testimony, my faith is firm...and the Lord has poured out blessings on me. That doesn't mean easy...

My mother died of breast cancer.

My biological grandparents are all dead.

My daughter is named after a best friend that died in a tragic accident.

I have seen senseless loss.

Yep, bad things happen to good people. That is life. Heaven is what comes after this trial...heaven is not here, this is the hard stuff, the stuff that makes us think, grow, feel, love, live...and prove ourselves for the next step.

The woman in the link my dad sent me asks herself...why am I so fascinated with these "Mormon Mommy Bloggers..." Isn't it sad that happy mommies, in happy marriages, that love the Lord and God, that love their husband and children, stay home, and enjoy it are "fascinating"...they used to not be fascinating...they used to just be the norm. Either way, I am a mommy, I am a wife, I am a homeschooler, I am a Christian, I am happy, I am a "Mormon."

#335 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...because no matter how harshly I am judge for my simple homey lifestyle, for my sometimes misunderstood religion, or for my passionate love for my husband, I am grateful that there is only one judge, that Heavenly Father set up a beautiful plan and that his son Jesus Christ knows me personally, loves me, and understands my heart. I pray to always walk with them.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

12 years ago...

12 years ago today I married the man I love, laugh with, cry with, live with, eat with, the man that brings me flowers, that takes me on 2-4 dates a month, that loves and adores me and our children. Is he childish? Yep! Did I know it when I married him...YEP! But he is fun. Friday we celebrated our special event together and one of our little adventures was walking the pier at a local beach where we saw a pod of dolphins. They are pretty amazing creatures. But the best part was being there, in the moment with my sweetheart...holding hands and taking in with awe a creation of God, together. It is etched on my heart as one of the best days of my life. I have a lot of those though, and I attribute that to being patient and picky in my selection of an eternal companion, partner, spouse and lover. I am most grateful this week!!!

#336 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...DOLPHINS!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

He loves me...He loves me not...

I do not assume all my readers are female...I know my dad reads sometimes...

but if you are female...did you ever sit and pluck the pedals from a flower...

He loves me, He loves me not, He loves me...etc.?

When I was dating my sweetheart on our first "official date" he brought me a long stemmed gerbera daisy. He didn't know me well enough to know at that point that they were my favorite flower. But since they were it naturally touched me more deeply than a single rose would have. As time passed and our relationship grew he said...I will always bring you flowers as long as you don't "expect it". I didn't really understand what he meant...but as the years have past and I haven't "expected it", I have received many many flowers. Honestly too many boquets to count or name. I have received Irises, Roses, Gerberas, regular Daisies, Mums, Lilies, Tulips, Carnations, and my favorite now...Stock...because they were my mommy's favorite and they remind me of her. All these flowers are wonderful and there is something feminine and girlie about getting flowers. But the thing I love the most is what they represent...a man that truly loves me and I appreciate that so much. Much better than flowers are the holidays that many of them are attached to...Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Anniversaries, and Valentine's Day...The flowers on those days come with the most thoughtful cards with a love letter written inside. He usually makes me cry. But the good, oh my, my life is so good, how did I get so blessed tears.

I am grateful to still be in love after 12 years of marriage. Some days we lay in bed and say...WOW...that was the LONGEST 12 years...others we ask each other where the time went. We don't have a perfect marriage. There are days that we would rather eat mud than be in the same room together...so don't get the notion that everything on my corner is ROSES ;) But man I LOVE THIS MAN!

#337 Reason why I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...he created the perfect match for me...only God could have done that. Thank you Heavenly Father...he acts like a 12 year old, he is silly, he is crazy, he is funny...he is perfect for me!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Life is like a box of chocolates...

My mother LOVED Forest Gump!!! I don't remember ever seeing her laugh harder, or cry more. It was one of her favorite movies...Second only (I am sure) to The Way We Were. In the movie Forest Gump...Forest's mother says "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get." In some ways this is so true. In other ways, not so much.

On a Saturday, twelve years ago this weekend I married a man. He was a good man. He was funny. He was kind. He was smart. He was a hard worker. But REALLY, I had NO idea what I was getting myself into. I said "Yes" after 10 weeks, and married him after dating a little over 6 months. Don't gasp...WE ARE STILL MARRIED...and I know a lot of people that got married when we did that are divorced...though they dated LONGER...so longer dating is not the secret to longer marriage.

Why do I share the Forest Gump...chocolates quote???

Imagine your 3 favorite flavors/kinds of gourmet chocolate...and not just any chocolate...German or Swiss chocolate...the kind you can't ship because at the touch of fingers it melts and it plays music in your mouth. Now imagine you get a box of chocolates...it looks like any other box. New, nicely wrapped...appealing...but there is always the trick that you don't KNOW what you are getting. We used to poke a hole in the bottom of chocolates to see what they were as kids...

Now stay with me...you open this box and every chocolate you try is one of your three favorite chocolates, each melts in your mouth with an almost symphony delight and you think...Life can't get better than this.

Yep...That is my husband. He isn't perfect. He is a big fat tease. He tickles me sometimes when I don't want him too. But he is the best box of chocolates I have ever opened. And as if it can't be possible...he gets sweeter, and better with time. Don't get me wrong...there are days I want to shake my fist at him! But he is the best, best box of chocolates for me. I am sure grateful that I picked such a great box!

#338 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...at 18 my friends were getting married and dropping like flies. I was discouraged...and it grew with each year. But then I met my sweetheart. My life would never be the same. I am neurotic and he still loves me...No one could have made him that perfect for me...no one but God! Thank you Heavenly Father for the wonderful match made in heaven.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

A Funeral...

Not my favorite thing...but I am grateful for the belief and knowledge of something after this life. That is also my Reason today...#339...that I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...that even death can not conquer us. I am grateful for that knowledge.

Great quote: Never let a problem to be solved become more improtant than a person to be loved. ~~Thomas S. Monson

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Simpler...

Do you remember when life was simpler?

Do you remember when we played outside until the street lights came on? Then we headed home and had family at the dinner table together. No one was running to soccer, dance, basketball, karate...at 6:30 pm...because all that was DONE by the time dinner came, that is if we did any of it to start with.

Do you remember when we played outside?

Not Wii, or DS, or Playstation, or Internet, or whatever... OUTSIDE...where there was sun and mud and lots of laughter. (Or in my mother's case, in Kansas...SNOW...where they built snow forts and had snowball fights) What did we play? Our children ask...as they tell us "I am bored". I am bored? Are you kidding me? If we said that to my parents the reply was always the same... Well you know what they say, if you're bored, you MUST be a boring person. Find something to do!" They didn't say, oh...let me go get you a more expensive game, or a new telephone, or anything like that. They did say, at times, "If I hear you say you are bored one more time you are going to your room, and you will be bored!"

Do you remember when fast food was a treat? I mean a REAL treat...something we had maybe once a month (ok twice if we were really lucky)? And candy...right, that is the stuff we had a Easter, Halloween and Christmas. We did however have a lot of homemade Chocolate Chip cookies at my house...and yes, I had a Toll House mom! The real deal too...not the stuff you buy in a tub and scoop on to the cookie sheet.

Do you remember homemade birthday parties? Not the kind at jumpin up, bowling, etc...but real birthday parties? One year (age 6) I had a birthday party where my mom lined up games, and my dad blew up balloons and put them on a board. We threw real darts (I know GASP!) to pop the balloons. That was the same year I barely had a party. The night before three neighborhood friends were supposed to stay for a sleep over. But I started a fire in the back yard with matches I found and mom with eyes in the back of her head and a sixth sense found us. I was sent to my room, and the sleepover was cancelled. I cried... do you remember when you cried and it didn't change anything...because your parents did what they said they were going to do??? In fact...It was another 6 years before my parents even considered a sleep over again...That was some punishment!

Do you remember piano lessons? I wish I hadn't been such a brat, that I had listened to my parents, and that I had practiced...I could be playing piano right now. Mom said I would be sorry...she was right. (Side note, she learned to play the piano and took lessons for three years before she died at 63! Way to go mom.)

Do you remember when life was easier? Friendships were truer? Cars didn't talk to you? You had to roll up the windows by hand, air conditioning in the car???What's that???

Ok, I admit...somethings are better...

But still I miss the good 'ole days ;) (I could go on and on...remember when we could stay up all night and not be tired the next day...now I head off to bed at 9 pm...yawning ;)

#340 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...he gave us the gift of a memory, what an extraordinary thing.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Not so funny...

This came from a friend. Part of it was not correctly attributed to Ben Stein, but regardless...the text is interesting and thought provoking. I have copied it from Scopes where they made some corrections and clarifications...

It makes some interesting points at the end...when so many in this world ask "Where's God...how could He 'let' This happen...when they have been telling him to get out of America for so many years.

Confessions for the Holiday Example: [Stein, December 2005] Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is, either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to. Origins: Ben Stein, a lawyer by training, has also served as a speechwriter for President Richard M. Nixon, has to date authored sixteen books (both novels and non-fiction efforts), and continues to write editorials and columns for a number of publications. He is perhaps best known to the world at large, however, for his in-front-of-the-camera work as the dreadfully dull economics teacher in the film Ferris Bueller's Day Off (and his similar role as the monotonic science teacher Mr. Cantwell on the TV series The Wonder Years) and as the keenly competitive host of the Comedy Central game show Win Ben Stein's Money. Mr. Stein offers occasional commentaries for the CBS Sunday Morning news program, and the item quoted above is based on one such commentary, entitled "Confessions for the Holidays" and delivered by Mr. Stein on that program on 18 December 2005, one week before Christmas. However, the version widely circulated via e-mail includes some transcription errors and modifications that were not part of the piece as originally aired. Here is the full version as broadcast, taken from a CBS News transcript of the program: CHARLES OSGOOD: We all have our own thoughts about the holidays. Here's Ben Stein with his. BEN STEIN: Here at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart. I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. (Footage of People magazine; Us magazine) STEIN: I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I'm buying my dog biscuits. I still don't know. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores who they are. They don't know who Nick and Jessica are, either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they've broken up? Why are they so darned important? (Footage of People magazine) STEIN: I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I don't care at all about Tom Cruise's baby. (Vintage footage of congressional hearing) STEIN: Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I'm a subversive? Maybe. But I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young? Hm, not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish, and it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautifully lit-up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. (Footage of Christmas trees) STEIN: I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are — Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they're slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. I shows that we're all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me one bit that there's a manger scene on display at a key intersection at my beach house in Malibu. (Footage of manger scene; menorah) STEIN: If people want a creche, fine. The menorah a few hundred yards away is fine, too. I do not like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way. Where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and aren't allowed to worship God as we understand him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we used to know went to. In mid-2006, someone added the following coda (not written by Ben Stein) to this piece. It combines older items about a television appearance that Anne Graham Lotz (the daughter of evangelist Billy Graham) made just after the September 11 terrorist attacks and the false claim that the son of child care expert Dr. Benjamin Spock committed suicide: In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in body our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is through suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they on believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in #341 reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...He keeps reaching out to us and helping us...even when so many of his children spit in his face. Only God could be that patient. Any mother that loves a child...knows the power of that love...perfect, eternal, unbreakable. It is not an accident that a parent can love that deeply...God taught us to love that deeply. Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Another day in the sweat box...

My friend and I go to the gym. We have not yet figured out how to make this a routine because it seems every couple weeks one of us has a sick or more than one sick child. But we both reported yesterday at church that we appeared to have a green light for this week. So at 5:20 am I got up this morning, got dressed, ate a PB&J, grabbed water, a magazine, towel, keys and phone and picked her up.

I used to hate Hate HATE!!! the gym. But now I actually like it. I used to take my ipod but have learned I enjoy reading a lot more. That is something I don't have much time for. Actually, I read quite often but usually to children from school books.

My new love at the gym is the sauna. My husband does not see the point. He HATES saunas almost as much as I used to hate the gym. But I love it. I burned 150 calories on the treadmill, then off to the sauna for 15 minutes. I sweated like a pig...but I love the feeling of getting junk out of my body. I LOVE SAUNAS. It was hotter than you know where...but I feel so good. I will feel even better after I shower, I just got home.

I am thankful for my gym membership. I am thankful for a healthy body. I am trying this year to lose the excess weight (a little put on with each of 5 children) so that I can feel my best for my children and have more energy. So it might have been just another morning in the sweat box...but any morning I can drag myself to the gym is a GOOD morning.

#342 reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...when I eat right...from all the wonderful things the Lord has provided, I feel good. So simple.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Sweet Sundays...

Today was a beautiful day. Warm and breezy at my house. I am grateful for the sun that brightens my day. But even more I am grateful for the SON that brightens my life...even on dark days, both in weather and sorrow or pain.

My church family lost a friend this week. They were tragically killed in an accident. My heart aches for the family and I think it must be getting close to the return of the Savior when I personally know so many good people being taken home. I am sure they are busy on the other side fighting for and helping us. There are people trying to live good lives in the world and people out to hurt others...We simply can not be on both sides. I am grateful for the many wonderful and good people in my life...from all walks of socioeconomic, religious, racial and political backgrounds. I love the people that have lifted and influenced me through their goodness.

My friend shared this quote awhile back

There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it hardly behooves any of us, to talk about the rest of us.

--Edward Wallis Hoch

We are human, we make mistakes...if we are going to speak of someone...let it be uplifting. If we have nothing uplifting...strive to say nothing. I am guilty of not always saying nothing...but I want to work on that this year. My mom used to say, If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.

#343 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...The powerful influences for good in the world come from him. When we give in to the natural goodness inside of us...great things happen.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Fun times

Had some friends over tonight and it reminded me how grateful I am for joyful noise, even when it is really loud and sometimes gives me a head ache...I am so grateful for joyful noise.

#344 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...delightful blessing of friendship.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Southern California...

My friend EN shared this with me this morning...I loved it...and wanted to pass on the beautiful thought. And also remind you... You're not Alone (that is for HH...and it brings back a flood of memories) I HAD A FRIEND VISIT THIS MORNING. HE ARRIVED EARLY, SAT DOWN WITH ME. WE CHATTED FOR A WHILE ABOUT HOW THINGS WERE CURRENTLY GOING FOR ME IN MY LIFE. AFTER VERY CAREFULLY AND COMPASSIONATELY LISTENING TO ALL THAT I HAD TO SAY,HE STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO ME, LEANED OVER AND GENTLY HELD ME FOR AWHILE. THEN, AFTER REASSURING ME NOT TO WORRY, THAT EVERYTHING WOULD WORK OUT FOR ME AND BE JUST FINE, HE ASKED ME IF I KNEW OF ANYONE ELSE THAT COULD USE A VISIT FROM HIM. I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT OF YOU. I GAVE HIM YOUR NAME AND HE KNEW WHERE YOU LIVED. HE GAVE ME ANOTHER REASSURING HUG, THANKED ME AND I WALKED WITH HIM TO MY FRONT DOOR. HE TOLD ME THAT HE WAS ON HIS WAY TO YOUR PLACE. When He gets to your PC, escort Him to the next stop. Please don't allow Him to sleep on your PC. The message He is carrying is very important. I asked him to bless you and yours with peace, happiness and abundance. Say a prayer and then pass Him on to bless others as I sent him on to bless you. Our assignment is to spread love, respect and kindness throughout the world. Have a blessed day and touch somebody's life today as hopefully I have touched your life. #345 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...all the people in this big world reaching out to each other and trying to touch lives...that is nothing short of a miracle. Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Ouch Mommy...It REALLY hurts!!!

Ok I think I might have failed as a mom this morning. My 5 year old woke me up and said his leg hurt "so bad" that he couldn't walk. Being the stellar "dr. MOM" that I am...I said get up here and I will rub your leg a minute. I figured it was a charlie horse. He said thanks and I sent him on his way. But an hour later (when I was out of bed) he said it was still hurting, and he could barely limp around. UGH!

Upon further examination (actually LOOKING at the leg) I found that his whole knee was swollen. Opps! So I called the doctor and they had him RUSH in so I could WAIT 20 minutes in the waiting room...YOU KNOW THE "WAITING ROOM...MINIMUM WAIT POLICY" don't want to break any rules LOL. He was examined (why I DON'T KNOW...they really should send swollen legs to XRAY 1st)...then I was sent to X-Ray and they wrapped him in an ACE bandage incase it wasn't broken and needed one. The X-Ray showed no break. Thank heaven...this is a kid that NEVER slows down...A cast would have been impossible. But they think he bruised it badly. All in the fun morning routine of a MOMMY! If you have boys you understand this routine completely as it occurs several times a year ;)

#346 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...Our bones miraculously heal...you may have a different opinion...but I am grateful HE made us perfectly, even down to the healing part.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Fascinating...

Isn't it fascinating that a baby comes fresh from heaven with no recollection, abilities, and is 100% helpless...

In a very short time they can crawl, then walk...

Soon they are speaking, eatting and doing what mothers call "AMAZING" things...

Laughing and developing a sense of humor...

Discovering preferences...likes, dislikes...

All in a matter of a year or two...

Isn't that fascinating...

I hear fascinating used for describing fancy people, or political people, or rich people...

BUT I MUST PROTEST...

The most fascinating human beings I know are under the age of three...learning at practically the speed of light...and I sit in awe. Like today when little #5 said, "eyes" and pointed to his eyes...I have been teaching him this a couple weeks...I was SO proud...then he followed with hat, one I said and he just repeated...It was resplendent joy!!! THAT IS FASCINATING!!! If you are a mother you understand!

#347 reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...the amazing, fascinating speed that babies learn...you will never explain that away to me in any other way, than GOD!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Example, Example, Example...

I have said it before...but I will say it again...

My mother always used to say the best three ways to teach a child are

1st: By example

2nd: By example

and

3rd: By example

I had a sweet and cute little experience today. It has been on my mind and beautifully exemplifies my mother's belief in the power of example.

Today I took my daughter to the dentist. We both had an appointment. I HATE dental work. I actually love the dentist we have now. We had to upgrade our dental to a P.P.O. to get him, but he is inexpensive, does great work, and most importantly...he is honest.

Anyway, Darling Daughter had a hole in one tooth and turns out...two other cavities. She was a little unnerved. I had learned from my dentist's wife, two years ago when same said daughter had a cavity, she was assisting him and rubbed my daughters hand while he prepared and gave her the "sleepy drops"...SHOT! This little hand massage helped to sooth and comfort her. So I asked my sweet girl (couldn't reach her hand) can I rub your feet while the doctor works. She eagerly said yes. The decayed tooth was pulled (the permanent tooth is almost ready to come down) and one of the cavities was filled.

My turn next. NO cavities...YEAH! But some tartar that needed to be scratched off...OUCH...so what does my daughter, my sweet girl, with gauze still in her mouth do??? She takes off my flip flop and starts rubbing my foot. I told her she didn't need to...but she didn't listen. It was so kind and sweet...AND WHERE DID SHE LEARN THAT FROM??? I didn't ask her to do it. In fact I said to stop...but she learned from EXAMPLE...that it would help and comfort me and she was serving. WHY? Because she had seen me serve. And honestly I had done it for her, because I had seen the dentist's wife serve her by rubbing her hand to calm her for her first cavity. Isn't EXAMPLE a powerful thing. It can work both ways though, for good, or bad. SO BE CAREFUL...you are a powerful being with a powerful tool...YOUR EXAMPLE!

#348 Reason why I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who set a perfect example for me to follow of love, and kindness. I am grateful for the example.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

The Blahs...or Blues...not sure which...

This month in particular seems a reminder of my mother's absense. Last night my almost 8 year old and I planned his baptism program. He will be baptized this April. He is on top of things and wanted to pick everything. I am very sad to think that my mother won't be there (well...not in the flesh)...I know she will be there in spirit.

Today was a BLAH...day. It wasn't a bad day...but I just felt blah all day. I know you all experience the same thing at times. I will try to go to bed early, shake the blahs and have a better day tomorrow.

#349 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...Second Chances...even when our days are bad, blah, we make mistakes, we have a second chance...or more if we need them. I am thankful for more chances.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can! (if one day isn't great...don't let it turn into 2, or 3...change it!)

Sweet Sundays...

Hellooooo out there...

Sometimes writing this blog is like standing close to a cliff and screaming "helloooo" and waiting for an echo, a response. But as I have been doing this for months now I have grown to appreciate that even if a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears but God...it is still significant, it is still of value. So I continue and as I write I learn so much about myself, my heart, my character...it is like a journey in teaching me who I really am...I am enjoying the journey.

Today was a beautiful sabbath. I think that sometimes church goers (I will mass myself in that bundle) often hesitate to share what our sabbath is like. If someone asks "How was your weekend"...more often than not, we might build up a great Saturday, skip our hours of worship service and give the details of a fabulous Sunday dinner. If you are not a church goer...I still enjoy hearing of your sabbath day...of dinners, and family events, and hugs from children...etc. So I am going to hesitate less to share my Sweet Sundays. Today was a rough morning...scrambling to get everyone ready for Sunday services which start at 9am this year. We rotate hours every year with another congregation that meets in the same building. I love the early time...I have the whole rest of the day with my family...but it is a stretch to get myself and five children going in the right direction. Miraculously we were ON TIME! That is always a bonus for me.

In the meeting today the power of prayer was addressed and the messages touched me. Life is not easy and sometimes our prayers seem to us..."unanswered" but I believe that God does not always share our time frame and I know from many choice experiences that we are NOT forgotten. I have a friend that was touched deeply today. I have prayed for this friend for seven years...and today...I saw the hand of the Lord touch his life. I got to be a small part of that. If you go back aways you will see a quote in one of my former blogs that stated how WE are often the way that Heavenly Father blesses his children...he uses us as instruments in his hands to bless each other. I continue to pray for my friend and I know the Lord is hearing me. It was harder to believe that when there was NO change for so long...but as I see it unfolding I want to say to myself "OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH"...My faith is growing every day.

#350 Reason I see the Hand of Heavenly Father in my life...BECAUSE my faith is growing every day.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

A Job Worth Doing...

My mom used to say...

A job worth doing is a job worth doing well. She also said an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. I am grateful I was raised by parents who taught us the importance and value of work.

My husband is a workaholic...and I don't just mean at his job. That is why he was up at 6 am on a Saturday to get his 5 mile run done so that we could WORK...you know, Wash the Cars...Clean the House...Whatever...Just as long as we are being productive. I like my Saturday sleep in time, but I must confess that when we started cleaning out the cars I rather enjoyed detailing the van. The last time it was this clean was when we purchased it. I took out all the mats and scrubbed and rinsed them, cleaned under all the seats and in all the gross cup holders. I think now I will have assigned seats in the van, NO FOOD and a clean van for maybe a Whole Week :)

I must say I found joy in doing the job well. I found joy in a very clean, very nice looking van. I found joy this week also in mowing the lawn so that my sweet heart would not have to do it after a long 10 hour shift. The boys and I had a good time moving, edging, weed wacking and sweeping. I didn't do it with the same precision as Darling Husband...but my asthmatic husband wasn't having a reaction that night either from moving.

It has been a good week. Work is not a necessary evil...we can actually find joy in it if we do the job WELL. Thanks mom! I am grateful for a mother that sang while she worked.

#351 Reason I see the Hand of Heavenly Father in my life...When I work hard and give my best I feel good...I know that feeling comes from a loving Heavenly Father that wants me to strive to be my very best.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Dinner anyone...

It is going to be a short blog...

Don't take five children under 10 to dinner...Just DON'T...Don't learn the hard way...Listen to me ;)

#352 Reason why I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...He gives me endless love for my children. Even after taking all five to dinner and wanting at times to cry...I still love them with nothing short of what must be a Godly love.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Buyer Beware!!!

As a mother of five and a stay at home mom I am always looking for a deal. I do most of my shopping online and much of it through Amazon.com. I love their site and the offers are usually very affordable. I had trouble with a recent order on copy paper though that led me to realize...BUYER BEWARE! It is that old addage that I KNOW you heard your mother or grandmother say..."If it sounds too good to be true...it PROBABLY is!"

Be savy. Be wise. Be careful.

I have a yahoo email account and this past year they started disposable emails. Maybe they did it before that and I didn't notice until the last year...but regardless I set them up and I love them. I no longer give anyone that is not family or close friends my "real" email address. If I go to a new site to shop and I need to "register" to check out...I stop and set up a disposable email and then procede. If they "sell" my email...like they all promise they never will...I just delete it and learn to avoid that company. Interesting concept and I have learned a little about being savy after starting this practice.

Use your credit card not a debit tied directly to your bank if you can. Credit Card companies help handle fraud better if you need help. (I hope you never do). Use ONLY secure sites. They have the https instead of just http...at the start of them.

Just be careful out there. Online purchasing is not unsafe...you just have to be SMART about it. And stand up for yourself. After Thanksgiving black Friday sale I got a cancellation from Walmart for a certain product. I needed this product for my youngest child. I called and talked to "ONLINE" customer service (different department) and instead of cancelling the order they offered a replacement and sent it out, adjusting the price to match. Stand up for yourself. Most companies, the good ones, the repudable ones, want your business and will work with you!!!

Be frugal, Be careful, BE WISE! Good luck!

#353 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...There are so many people out there in the world looking out for each other. I think that is a character that God has given us...to be kind to each other and care for each other. BE that kind of person, look out for others!!!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Thank you Sarah Palin

You may not "like" her, "align" with her, or "vote" for her...

I don't care. It is worth the 7 minutes, 43 seconds to listen to this address. I applaude her courage to stand for the right and speak up in the midst of a political career assassination attempt on her in my opinion, using hate speech and false accusations does not make something true. We are all free, we live, we choose, we ARE AMERICANS....speaking our minds is not a crime, killing people is. Let the killer pay his price according to laws and justice. Not good women and men that cry for us to target those who do not align with our values...target them with our vote. A loving, God fearing, family woman like Sarah Palin has ONLY EVER encouraged your vote...

May the Lord provide peace and strength to the families of this horrible tragedy.

Click here to hear...

#354 Reason I see the hand of my Heavenly Father in my life...OUR FREE COUNTRY

...if you don't like your freedoms, if you don't like our troops, if you don't like the possibilities, opportunities...pick any other country. America won't miss you if you won't stand up for America...go stand some place else.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

A True American Hero

Real Heros...put their life in danger. They fight for freedom. They stand for truth, for justice and for an American way of life. EVEN WHEN that way of life means the very Americans they support, fight for and stand on the FRONT LINE FOR can spit (LITERALLY) spit in their faces, yell at them, call them names that their mother would slap them for saying, and other wise abuse them in ways, that if a parent treated a child would land them in jail. And a real American Hero takes it...

WHY...because he has the heart of a LION, the soul of an ANGEL, the courage of an ARMY!

Thank you to men like Robert Howard. I have four sons and a daughter. I will try to do all I can to raise them right. I hope they will be REAL HEROS...if not on the battle field, in the world, fighting for truth, standing up for what is right, even when it puts them in jeopardy or makes them unpopular.

#355 Reason why I see the Hand of Heavenly Father in my life...because he sent people like Robert Howard to stand for truth...to fight for freedom...to save the lives of others.

Make it a great day! ONLY YOU CAN!

I don't believe in COINCIDENCE...

Yesterday I went back and read several of my sister HH's old blog entries. I have kept a blog for years on and off. But it was she that inspired me to really BLOG...to write again (I used to write a lot years ago)...to share and to grow. Even if no one else reads it...I learn so much about myself by writing and I grow so much.

They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. And if I didn't get my own journal out and prove it to myself I would think I was "imitating" her in what I am about to share. But there is something that sisters share at times that is beyond imitation. When they live across the country from each other but think the same things at the same times, or DO the same kinds of things. I have had this experience with my sisters from time to time. It makes me smile and makes me realize how connected we are. This week it happened with HH. At the bottom I will link her blog entry and after you read mine and her's you will see what I mean.

From a 'private' journal entry...I thought, what the heck, if it helps just one person grow it will be worth the uncomfortableness of opening up completely.

And I quote: "I love my family. Being a family is NOT easy, but it is worth it!"

1. MORE meaningful journal entries

2. LESS Sweets-less is LESS. I enjoy them and will have SOME...JUST LESS!

3. MORE healthy drinks/green drinks

4. MORE meaningful scripture time. I CAN DO BETTER!

5. Don't cuss...I don't say horrible words, but there are some words I want to discontinue completely.

6. More engaged wife and mother (Less computer)

7. Bake and cook with kids MORE.

OK...7 goals...that's A LOT! Let's see where that takes us this year.

**NOW here is the amazing part...you will only see it if you follow the link to my sister's post...

CLICK HERE...

Isn't that funny. Amazing how much I share with my family. All our hearts connected. I am sure my mother had something to do with this from the other side...since we were both feeling for awhile what our goals needed to be. I love my family. My siblings bless my life again, and again, and again. SO THANKFUL FOR THEM.

#356 Reason why I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...MY SIBLINGS...they are one of His many and outstanding gifts to me!!!

Make it a great day! ONLY YOU CAN!!!

Sweet Sundays...

Today was a beautiful Day!!! Most of you (the few people here) that read my blog know that I attend church almost every week. Most of my siblings do as well and it takes a lot to keep us down. A LOT! My family has been very sick recently and many of them didn't go to church the day after Christmas. So I really appreciated sitting together last Sunday and feeling the joy of being well and hearing the joys and praise of those the gospel touched that week.

Some of you know that my church is a lay ministry. There is no paid preacher and members (ordinary people like me or you) are the main speakers on Sundays. Topics are assigned, but the talks are written and given by the members. I learn so much from fellow brothers and sisters in the gospel. Many times their experiences and trials have strengthened me, helped me to grow.

Today was such a day. Our regular meetings are Sundays from 9-noon. We have a family Sacrament meeting where among other things we partake of the emblems of the sacrament in remembrance of the Savior's Atonement. We sing songs of love and praise, and listen to the prepared talks. All the family is welcome, children are not rushed off to a nursery room away from the family and I like this. It is a little loud at times, but my children learn a lot and love the Savior and Heavenly Father more deeply because of this wonderful meeting. Next the children 12 and under go to Primary where they sing, have lessons and sometimes color or do things like that. My children love this and sometimes bear through sacrament to get to what they call the best part...Primary. The adults have a scripture study class called Sunday School. The last hour is filled with a meeting for the women called Relief Society and one for the men called Priesthood. The youth 12-18 have separate Sunday School and Youth meetings. It is all very organized and I feel blessed to have had these teachings my entire (well since 3 months old) life.

This schedule differs a little a few times a year. The first Saturday and Sunday in April and October there are world wide broadcasts from the Prophet and leaders of the church that pertain to family, testimony, loving others and being Christlike. The instruction at these is some of my very favorite. Also twice a year our "stake"...a stake is a geographical area made up of a handful of congregations or "wards"...our stake meets. This meeting is like a sacrament meeting...slightly longer, but with no other meetings following it. Today was this stake meeting...It is called Stake Conference. AND I LOVED IT. The meeting was so uplifting. But one talk in particular touched my heart. I wanted to just share the highlights of that talk.

The talk was given by our good Stake President. He is a kind and generous man that has done much good, for so many people, but especially the youth of our area. He talked about how he was raised his whole life in the "Mormon" church or as it is truly called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spoke of how for many many years his testimony was based on that of his parents. But there came a time when he was called and served a mission for the church. You have seen them...the cute boys with white shirts, ties and bikes. He said he knew then he needed to know for himself. Many weeks of prayer and study and petitioning the Lord went into his plea...then one day the answer came with the overwhelming feeling of the spirit that this was right. He said as he has studied the scriptures and the Life of Christ in the Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ) and done all he can to live the Principles of the New Testament taught by Christ himself...that his life has been richly blessed. I was so touched. I too had a similar experience. If you have followed my blog this year you know that a "Christian" friend recently informed me he was sad that I was going to hell...seeing as I don't believe in Christ. I just want to say that everyday, but especially today after a stirring and powerful message from this dear man...I do not hide, I do not care if you don't agree (I LOVE YOU ANYWAY)...but I declare, that I LOVE CHRIST. I AM GRATEFUL FOR HIM!!! He is my Heavenly Father's Son and a great gift was given when God agreed to send his son for US...For you, for me...He provided an Atonement and a way back. I know some people of many faiths...even my own...that I don't want to associate with. I am not perfect, but I am striving to follow Christ...I am striving to be kind...love others...serve...lift and give of myself to the work of the Lord. As I do something inside my heart reminds me...THAT is what it is all about. Anyone can say they believe...but living a life of love and service that is a true Christian. I KNOW many a Christian, who don't even know yet that they are. Some people (I guess) will be surprised to find them in heaven...I WILL NOT. They are holding different titles right now...like Hindu, or Buddhist, or some even atheist...but they are living good clean lives, being kind and serving their fellow men. I am thankful for them and their good examples...and I know God is too! Now if there is anyone out there that has questions about my church...please ask a member of the church. I am an open book, and you are always welcome to worship with us. May the Lord bless you this year. May you have a desire to reach out and love others, what ever title of faith you are currently under. The DOING is the most important part.

#357 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...Men like my good stake President, who have the courage to stand in front of hundreds or even thousands of people and declare their love for and testimony of Jesus Christ...It is a witness of His divinity and of His Father's Plan. I am grateful to have it in my life!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!!!

Read out loud

From the time I can remember my mother read to us. I remember my father doing it to from time to time. But mostly I remember mom reading. From very little to clear into my 20's I have memories of Newbery Winners and Caldecott Winners and books forgotten by others all together. There were fictional scenes of what would happen after the Nuclear War...Z for Zachariah...or the Finches Fabulous Furnace which just the thought of brings a smile to my face. The Incredible Journey, and an all time favorite Where the Red Fern Grows. Mom also read to us from the scriptures and old journal entries and really there was nothing good that she didn't take the time to impart to us. Her voice was a comfort and a joy and the words often lulled us to sleep much like a lullaby. She had the ability to make a story come to life and as an Elementary School Librarian, this was a rare and priceless talent. She encouraged thousands of children in her years of service to read. I miss it. I miss hearing her on the couch reading to me.

So my challenge to you...Go read to someone...a child, a grandchild...even a spouse. There is something soothing about being read to. Tonight I heard my husband in the living room reading a book to our children...or rather a chapter from a book they are studying for a writing class. I love his voice, and I love that he is teaching them the importance of reading. What a great blessing. What a great dad. So go...Go read to someone.

#358 Reason why I see the hand of God in my life...The scriptures...they are a beautiful manifestation of His love, the prophecies of the coming of His Son...For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Thank you Heavenly Father. The gift is not received lightly...I am ever grateful.

Make it a great day. ONLY YOU CAN!!! ONLY YOU can make the day great for YOU!!!

**Just read my one of my sister's blog posts...She was sick today (Sunday) I hope she feels better soon. I love that she reads to her girls. I think her blog is open so I will post the link here...so grateful we had a mother that read to us as TEENS...she changed our life with reading...CLICK HERE...to read her post. ;)

Quotes I fancy...

For there is nothing lost, that may be found, if sought.~~Edmund Spenser

**Have you ever lost something? I have swept the house, looked with a fine tooth comb. Once I found a game piece that had been lost two years. Nothing disappears...although at our house some things do land at the dump...Baby is always jamming things in the trash cans.

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

~~William Shakespear

**This of course is about love...but it applies to all things. My father's inability to show me love does not remove my love or concern for him...love stands the test of time and distance. If something does not stand the test...it wasn't love...it may have been something else...BUT LOVE IT WAS NOT.

“The failure to condemn an activity is indeed, an offer of tacit approval.
All it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing.” — Edmund Burke (evidently the credit to this quote is in question...but the quote itself is still one of my favorite)

**WE NEED TO STAND UP FOR SOMETHING, OR WE WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING!!!

The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home.

~~William Wordsworth

**I feel the pull toward heaven...That is how I know I am not alone!

#359 Reason I see the hand of God in my life...Poetry. I love poetry, I always have. When I read the thoughts of great men and women, I see in them, something divine...something that came with them that was in them at birth. Those gifts undoubtedly come from God. Somethings are true whether some believe them or not.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!!!

A beautiful Sunset

My mother found a quote many years ago that she loved. I don't know who it is from but she used to write it on letters and such. It simply went like this...

I wish you enough clouds for a beautiful sunset.

Today, out our back door was a beautiful sunset. The sky was full of clouds and the colors started white and blended from a firey pink to a pastel orange as they reached down to the horizen. My daughter was dazzled by it and stopped me in my long list of chores to show it to me. I ran for my camera and captured a few shots and as I sit here it makes me smile, thinking of mom.

So often in life we want the "clouds" to GO AWAY. We want blue skies and when things are a little hard we freak out, complain or get depressed. Really? Is that all we are made of? Come on people. There would be NO truly stunning sunsets without some clouds. At best life is difficult. We experience illness, heartache, loss and sorrow. But what about the joy, the fun, the friends and family, the knowledge we acquire, the things we see, feel or learn. Let us remember the clouds and how they mold us and make us grow.

#360 Reason why I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...I do not measure how "little water is in a cup" I measure how much is. I do not question God because I have trials or sorrow...I have trust in God, because I have experienced love and joy.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

My Angel Mother

Today is the 3rd Anniversary of my mother's death...or her continuation of living as I look at it...but not here...with my grandparents in the life after this life. My siblings and I miss her so very much.

When she passed away my husband gave a beautiful talk at her funeral. He also wrote a poem about her life. I had no idea my husband was capable of this...since he had never done it before or since and it came as a huge surprise. He loved her dearly, as we all did and the tribute is quite clever, funny and touching all in one. It is what I will be sharing today. I hope you find some joy in it. If you knew her, you will find some truth and humor as well.

Verita P.G.T. was the name by which she was officially known

But other titles she earned at church, at school, with friends and at home.

We will start this little tribute, as did she, by coming to earth as a daughter.

Where she learned to plant sweet peas and watch them bloom all summer long with her mother and father.

To our uncle Tommy she was simply known as his little Sis.

Watching the love these two shared was something I was blessed not to miss.

In Uncle Tommy's eyes she never committed an wrongs.

Even when he got busted after she threw out his thongs.

For twenty years to be Wildomar Elementary's best librarian, she had what it took.

Later in life her greatest joy was found in the endless plea, "Nama please read us just one more book."

She loved nature, wild flowers, animals and everything good.

Especially Geronimo, In and Out and an occasional cat from the neighborhood.

She taught us to love books. To read, learn and contemplate.

One of her proudest days was when from San Jacinto College she did graduate.

She was non-judgmental. She admired the saint. She accepted the sinner.

At her home you were never turned away...especially for Sunday dinner.

From Relief Society President to genealogist, at church for her it was not about fame.

All through all of life's trials, to our Lord's commands she was faithful the same.

To our Dad she was the most precious part of his life.

Memories of genealogy trips and summer bike rides, this is the only woman he ever called "wife".

While he more than any will miss her as they must separate for awhile,

Even he would say, when I see her again she'll have yet another new hairstyle.

To those who weren't family, her friendship was true.

To find one like her, there just isn't any.

I'd list her best friends by name but I know I'd forget one or two,

Because there are simply just too many.

For us left behind she would tell us to take comfort and learn from example.

She would say no matter how much love you give away, your heart will always have ample.

For some special little ones, she couldn't have pricked their hearts any deeper if she used a nail and hammer.

To them she'll be eternally known as Grandma, or Nama, or perhaps even Grammer.

After all has been said it was her kindness that was unlike any other.

It is from this that she earned her most deserving title of all...that being Mother.

Her kids now span the globe. From Germany to California her heart has always had room.

She earned the right to be called Mom from more than just the two who came from her womb.

Mommy...you will always be missed, every day...until we can all be with you again. Mom always loved the verse

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth.

We are doing our best mom! See you on the other side.

#361 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...if you knew my Angel Mother...you would never doubt God. Because of her life, example and teachings, I never will.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

PS...today is my father's birthday. It was a hard birthday for him and ever will be. Though he throw us away when she died, I will love him all my life. I wish him peace.