Great kids...

I have great kids! I had a gift card for $10 to a local restaurant. It was going to expire and my darling husband didn't want me to lose the money. (It was a reward card not a gift card, gift cards don't expire in California). Anyway, I took the children to dinner and dessert. We had Blue Cheese Salad chopped, Garlic Cheese Toast, Pretzels and CHOCOLATE CAKE! It was so yummy and a really good time. But the best part was my awesome children. They were so good. I was so pleased with their behavior. I am talking almost perfect. The table behind us had several older men. At one point the baby was making a lot of "happy" noise and I didn't want him to disturb them, but there was NO hushing him. When we were wrapping up, the men went by our table to the salad bar. One leaned in and said you have the BEST (emphasized) behaved children. And it was true, they were the best behaved tonight. I always love my children. I am proud of their many accomplishments and their hard work. But tonight I was pleased as punch for the privilege of being their mother. It was a good day, NO an extraordinary day, in our "ordinary" life ;)

#283 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...He makes ordinary days feel like heaven...I think heaven will be the stringing together of ordinary days, but all the lovely ones, with no end to the loveliness. I could live this evening over and over again.

Make it a great day! ONLY YOU CAN!

Coupons and an excellent day...

Well...I jumped back into the world of coupons with both feet last night. The children and I had a nice "budgeting" conversation this morning. The begged to help cut out coupons. We had a great time discussing the ways we would save money. They sorted the coupons, organized by expiration date and we scoured the adds to find the best deals. Stater Bros is having a blow out sale and is worth checking out this week if you have one in your neck of the woods. It is their 75th year and several items are 75 cents...marked down from $1.50 to $2.50. Well worth my time. But mostly the day was excellent because I was with my children, they were working together and we had a great time. We filled the trunk of the van (FILLED) for $100. We took home our treasures and darling daughter and I organized everything in the cupboards. I love a good sale, especially when it is things I use. God gave us brains and it seems smart to me to shop sales :) So #284 reason I see the hand of the Lord in my life...my brain...we all have one, they are wonderful. Use it! :)

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

The Relief Society...

Tonight we had a women's dinner for the women's organization I am part of called Relief Society. The Relief Society was organized on March 17, 1842. That is a couple years ago ;) The purpose of Relief Society is found in the motto... Charity Never Faileth. It is so true. Charity is always a winner, charity always blesses, lifts, strengthens, helps. Have you ever helped someone in need, someone with a loss, or hurt, or illness and you find that strength beyond your own to keep going, giving, doing, serving? That is the MOTTO....That is the POINT...Charity...NEVER...Faileth. So many things in this world fail. We get in our car and it fails to start. The stock market fails, TV shows fail, movies fail, and unfortunately even some marriages fail. BUT CHARITY...the pure love of Christ...NEVER fails. There is a lesson in that. And though it can't save a dying car...charity almost always could save a dying marriage or a broken relationship with a friend, sibling, parent, spouse. Why? Because when we show charity we no longer look out for Numero Uno! It isn't about "ME" anymore it is about "THEM". That is of course why Charity Never Fails...it reaches out of us and gives. Whenever we are willing to GIVE of ourselves we find that we are blessed with more to give, and more and more. The Soul of man is an endless Well...but in order to find that we have a fountain that springs up forever we have to test it time and again by giving. Otherwise we will never know. And an unprimed pump eventually dries up. It is important to the nourishment of our souls to reach upward, and outward. Then we find true and lasting happiness. Then we forge relationships that last beyond this life and that have eternal meaning and purpose. If you are a mother or a father you know what I am speaking of. But even if you have not been blessed in that capacity and you are a daughter or son...still that bond between child and parent grows through charity. I am thankful for this beautiful world wide women's organization that I have been a part of for over 20 years. My life has been richly blessed by the love, kindness, devotion and service of other sisters. Tonight after our beautiful dinner we tied a quilt...to send to one of the locations in need. It may go to Japan or someplace else. But none of us will get it...that isn't charity to take care of yourself...charity is when you reach OUT...so reach out this week. And as you do, may the LORD bless you with His LOVE and His Spirit.

#285 Reason I see the hand of the Lord in my life: Charity Never Faileth.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Good Friends...

Tonight I had the blessing of going out with some of our closest friends. Unfortunately my darling husband got detained on overtime and couldn't join the plans. But the three of us made the best of it and I enjoyed the whole evening. The food was delish! The conversation as always was fun, happy and like being "home". It is nice to have friends. Life gets so busy with bills, chores, and children that a break from reality really is the prescription of the day at times. I have been so blessed in my life with friendships that really are eternal, lasting, nurturing and fortifying. That isn't to say that I have never been hurt, and unfortunately (and not deliberately, but that doesn't excuse it...) I have hurt someone. But I have always tried to remedy those mishaps. And I am thankful for the friendships that last.

My friend EP had this on her wall the other day:

“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that

they can grow separately without growing apart.”

- Elisabeth Foley

Isn't that true. I don't need my hand constantly held to know "you" are there. But I am grateful to know, if I need you to hold my hand...YOU are there! Friendship...It is my #286 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life and I am SO GRATEFUL for it!

PS! Happy Birthday to our sweet puppy...she is one today. She was so sick as a baby that I didn't think she would get to this day. We are so grateful for the answered prayers and her being here.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Sweet Sundays...

Today was a sweet Sabbath day. I am grateful for family and friends. I am grateful that even when I go to church, wrestle little boys, barely hear a thing and wonder what am I doing...this is an uphill battle. STILL...I get something out of it. I am lifted, edified, strengthened and touched.

Today some key points were about loving others IN DEED, not just word. We can say til the cows come home that we love someone. But true love, charity, the pure love of Christ and Heavenly Father is more than just lip service. It is a love that strengthens, supports, sustains, heals, fortifies and nourishes those around. It is genuine, compassionate, unconditional and eternal. Real love is not just a feeling it is an action verb. We want to do the best for and bring out the best in those we love. We don't seek for our own gain or comfort first. We seek first for the comfort of those we love. I have experienced this kind of love in marriage both on the giving and receiving end and it is a great blessing. But even more tender is the bond of motherhood I have felt in this life. The opportunity to act for God, to raise his son or his daughter and to love and cherish them. This is not easy when they dump the new salsa all over the kitchen floor or let the dog out to run through the neighborhood. Or especially when they do the unthinkable and pound on their siblings. But real LOVE surpasseth all understanding, all reason, all logic. The mind would say that person is being "unloveable", but the heart, the spirit knows better. Those are the times that the child needs an even greater outpouring of love. So this week I challenge you...LOOK for the chance to LOVE!

#287 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...The love my children give me! It is truly amazing!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Time...

Really all the important things in life involve the giving of ourselves. Not the price tag presents, or the amazon deals...but merely our time. So why is it sometimes so hard to give our time to others. This weekend was a great blessing to me. I had the chance to be with some of my siblings...and we laughed, talked, reminisced about the past... and our funny stories could have gone on for days. But I was grateful for the few hours the we had together. Mom's popcorn, made on the stove in a cast iron skillet was a topic of conversation. The movie Jaws, which one brother let us watch when we were little, while he rewound and played the "scary" part about 20 times, until really, it wasn't scary anymore. Mom's blueberry muffins, dad staying up with the boys and playing a strategic board game, games in general growing up, food...lots of great food. But mostly we talked about LOVE! There was a lot of it in our house. There was enough to go around, and around, and around, and... well you get the idea. I am so grateful to have been raised with this kind of love. And I am so grateful when ever I get time with my siblings. They each have blessed, strengthened, and sustained me through many joyous and also sorrowful times. Thank you to each of them! And to parents who brought us all together.

#288 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...LOVE & FAMILY!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

A Beautiful Life...

I am thankful for the joy, love and often comfort that comes from those that love us and we have the opportunity to love. There is a lot of sorrow in this world. Tragic things happen daily. But I am grateful I do not have to get through this life alone. Today I was able to be with people I love. I was able to give and receive comfort in a painful and tragic situation with the loss of a loved one. I am so grateful that we have an inclination to feel and offer compassion in this world. That compassion from the hand of others has blessed me many times.

#289 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...The compassion of others is a reflection of Him, for me.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Weight, Scales and Balance...

When I married my husband I weighed 125 pounds, I am 5'4" and I was a size "6". Did you know that a size "6" today is not the size "6" I grew up with. A size "6" of today is maybe a "size 8?" and when you fit in a size 10 of today you are very likely a size "12" of your past. Don't start hyperventilating...breathe!!!

This Post is not just about SIZE, Jeans, or scales. Although my thoughts have to do with all of them. I read a blog from time to time called "Single Dad Laughing"...if you click on this link it will take you to one of his many uncomfortably poignant posts. He is real, he is honest. He is LEARNING TO LOVE HIMSELF...something I want to address.

We all have failures in life. We all rock the scale. Some with outrageous numbers that make us want to cry and hide, and hate ourselves. Some with numbers so low, it is amazing they have the energy to breathe because there is literally not an ounce of meat on their bones...then some go back and forth between those two extremes. (You may not be any of the three...and bless you if this isn't your lot...but read on, maybe what you read will help you, help someone else).

My question is why? Why do we find it so difficult to STOP for a moment and love ourselves. That is right, LOVE OURSELVES...Right now, Right HERE! When one of my sisters came to live with us...

(My brother and I brought home siblings like some bring home kittens...the greatest difference is siblings can last forever, and we received so much more from their love and influence in our lives than we could imagine...plus big families ROCK.)

Anyway, when my sister came to our house to live she told mom that she didn't "have" any talents. It is a shame that God left her out (*wink*). She wasn't a violinist, she didn't play the flute. She didn't invent the TV. She didn't climb Everest. My sister had been taught by the media and some people around her that she was not valuable. What a surprise it was when our senior test scores came back and she rocked the charts with scores of Math 100%, Reading/Writing 100%...she beat out the Valedictorian in test scores. No talent? Yeah right. Now her talents don't end with her fabulous mind. She is generous. She is a giver. She serves. She loves deeply. She is creative...though she didn't know this at the time (but has since had crafts published in magazines). Although those worldly accolates might be validating...she was great before "they" recognized it. She said she couldn't sing...but I LOVE TO HEAR HER VOICE. I love to be able to sit next to her in church and hear her singing. WHY? Because I VALUE her and I VALUE the moments I get with her. My older sister was gifted with an angel's voice and I love to hear her too. I have sung with her in church on occasion. I used to compare my own average voice to hers and I fell short, with a pale face...But I am older and I have learned better...hopefully time has made me a little wiser. So now I am grateful for what I can offer, while I also am blessed to hear her! And I can hear...what a blessing, some can not hear. We need to LOOK to be grateful for what we can do, what we DO have.

You see we each have our own gifts, talents, abilities, strengths and YES even our own weaknesses. But why are we so good (most of us) at offering mercy to those around us. You know, the weights of the scales of the lady of justice: JUSTICE and MERCY. Why can we fill the scales of MERCY for so many others. BUT we ONLY fill the scales of "justice" for ourself. We only see the bottom line of a scale, whether we are weighing our bodies, our talents or our voice (both singing voice and the value people put on what we have to say)...

I say ENOUGH! The media doesn't come from God. Can you imagine heaven full of little "Twiggie" models. Yuck! I want some curves baby! And though I might have more curves today than I LOVE...I sure adore the 5 children that my beautiful body nourished, and helped get to earth.

Isn't it time we stop looking at what we aren't. Not a size 2, not a singer, not a millionaire...

And START looking at what we are:

A faithful daughter, granddaughter, wife, mother, sister, cousin, niece, friend...pick one....or two ...or more!

I am a builder. I might not be "perfect" in the world's eyes...but I can build everyday. I can build myself, I can build my husband, children, extended family, and the people around me. So STOP beating yourself up. I am not saying that I should stop trying to lose weight...I AM FAT right now...I am NOT a healthy weight! 184.5 pounds is not healthy for a 5'4" woman. But when I had child #5 I weighed 225 lbs at delivery. So I have come along way. I want to run, play, jump and sing with my children and some day grandchildren. So I am going to keep working at it. But I am not going to beat myself up any more. Single Dad Laughing has taught me just that! I thank him for being real. I am a real woman. I make mistakes. I learn. I grow. I stand and applaude all the real women and men all over the world. SO...stop looking at your weight on the scale and FIND SOME BALANCE in your life. Get out a journal, a notebook, a piece of paper and make a list of all the GOOD things YOU ARE! And when you get down and need something to POUR over, get out your list and start a new habit, a habit of building YOURSELF.

#289 Reason I see Heavenly Father's hand in my life...He has helped me to be a BUILDER. Be a builder too!

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

Choose to Become...

The Time Out for Women facebook page ran a contest for a picture of "Choose to Become"... I did not enter that contest. One contest a month is enough for me. But I did post a picture on the page...This is what I "Choose to Become"...

I choose to become immoveable, fixed, unchangeable in my testimony of Christ...to stand my ground, and like the angel Moroni...to try to point others in the direction of Christ as I do my best do follow him.

I took my children to the temple right after a storm last December. We took so many beautiful pictures, this is just one of many. I hope they will always look to the temple in the midst of storms and stand strong in their testimonies of Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and their beautiful plan for happiness. Life itself isn't always happy, but I have my eyes fixed on eternity, not just the here and now...and my eternity is looking BRIGHT! :)

What do YOU CHOOSE to BECOME? Come on all you blog lurkers...I want to hear from you. You are beautiful, wonderful, destine for greatness. Don't ever forget it, or sell yourself for less! You are AWESOME!!!

#290 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...The beautiful plan of happiness...The plan of Salvation. I am grateful for it.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

A Quiet Haven From the Storm...

We all need a place. Some where we can go. We all at times in life need a shelter from the storm. Life is a battle. It is waged on battle fields. But it is also waged in homes, and hearts, in souls that are broken or hurting. And when the hurt overwhelms us...We need a place. For some it might be the ocean, a hike, a cabin get away, a Marriott retreat, a trip to ColdStone. But take that time. An empty bucket fills NO cups. The Savior found His strength in goodness, in reaching out of himself. There is a lesson there as well. The giver finds more. But don't forget He nourished His own soul too. He turned to the Father in prayer. He sought help, comfort and love from above. And He was also blessed by the people that He served. Recently a friend did something nice for my kids, and I said, no you shouldn't do that. She sat me down and said "LISTEN UP!" I needed the reminder that we often serve, but it is important to allow others to serve us at times. That is one way we fill up our bucket...by allowing love into us. Another sweet friend lost her son in an accident this year. And what did she do at Christmas...She bought us Christmas presents. I felt bad at first, but we were so grateful, the children felt such joy, such love from her. I know her bucket is empty and low this year...but I hope my children's love fills it at times a little bit and eases a little of her hurt. We need to look out for each other. Life is hard, dang hard! There are so many that need love. I have not being very good in the past in loving the "unloveable"...the grumpy, the mean. But lately I am asking myself, "Why?" are they that way, and how could I ease their burdens? The Savior did not only love the church going, scripture readers. In fact, that is not who he hung out with. He hung out a lot with sinners. People like you and me that aren't perfect, but keep trying. The ones proclaiming false perfection, he actually called out! So when you get down, when life throws curves...Remember everyone needs a quiet haven from the storm. For me it is the picture above, not just the picture, but that place is a haven for me. Whatever your haven is, I wish you peace!

#291 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...when I am at the end of my rope, he brings comfort in the storm.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Be Not Afraid...

Many years ago my mother bought a print of a

GREG OLSEN painting...

She was not one to spend money on things of that nature. We were on a trip to see a niece get baptized. And as we stood in the store for what seemed like forever, she kept asking me if I thought it was a good idea. Now mind you she only bought a print...but for her this was a spendy decision since she had never spent upwards of $200 to $300 for a piece of art in her home. I assured her several times that THIS was a great way to bless her home. So she made the purchase. It was awhile before the picture made it on to the wall. But she loved it. The title of the picture was "Be Not Afraid". It was fitting for a woman that had survived breast cancer, raised 2 children from the womb and helped raise and love another 6 that she cherished as if they had come from the womb. So when she passed away a few years later from a reoccurance of breast cancer, naturally this piece meant something to us. The original went to my sister that came the farthest when we lost mom. But as we felt she would have wished, the children received a Greg Olsen print. I have another copy of the same print that hung in my mother's home. I love it. It reminds me to be strong. It reminds me that We are not forgotten. It reminds me that the Savior loves us, reaches for us, protects us and wants to help us through the everyday trials of our lives. When we lost mom I felt afraid, lonely and lost. I became very depressed for a time. But every time I look at this picture is it like I can hear her saying "Be Not Afraid."

Art is one of those things that can speak to us. I find great comfort in having beautiful art in my home, and though you won't find any expensive pieces, simply because we can't afford them (I would if they were in our budget.) I am grateful that this kind of beautiful art and prints can be made available to just about anyone that saves for a bit. I have found great peace and enjoyment from mine. I strive to remember to "Be Not Afraid." I am grateful to know we will meet again. I miss her so! I hope you will check out the site for Greg Olsen's work. I believe that great artists are inspired by God. He has some masterful pieces of the Savior Jesus Christ, but he also has beautiful work of children, families, and such. His work delights me and draws me in. Maybe you will find a piece that touches you deeply too.

click here to see more Greg Olsen's Art. The Greg Olsen website was kind enough to provide me a digital print above to include with the blog and I thank them for that. (it was "used with permission" by Greg Olsen Art.)

#292 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...beautiful and inspired art work.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Sweet Sundays...

Today was a blustery and rainy day. I love days like that. We stayed "in" after we returned home from church. We ate dinner at 2pm. We took naps (some of us did). We laughed, talked, had company visit, laughed, prayed together, read scriptures, the baby went to bed, the older ones played UNO with daddy. And #4 and I had four magical book readings on my bed. I love the slow savor of a SWEET SUNDAY! At our house at least it is not a rushed as all the other worldy days of the week. And I cherish that time with my family! Thank heaven for that re-energizing!

#292 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...Rain...the wonderful blessing of rain. And I loved my #3's prayer tonight. Thank you for the rain. Please help it make our garden grow. Please don't send too much at once. ;)

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Isn't it about LOVE?

We live in a big world. This world is FULL of people, resources, and things. We have varying ideas, philosophies, religions, ethnic backgrounds, sociological backgrounds, we come from different neighborhoods, walks of life, circumstances...But we are all the same too. We are all sons and daughters. We all came from the same place. We all have a heart that beats, a mind that thinks. We have our challenges. For some the challenges are physical, some social, some financial, some emotional...some have a combination of challenges...that don't always seem quite fair. We are the family of the human race. There is NO your people and my people. I get so sick of the hate, the slander, the rock throwing. In all arenas, but especially the political and shamefully the religious arenas. GROW UP! Look in the mirror. Most of us are blessed with two eyes, two ears, a mouth and a nose. You have TWO EYES and only ONE mouth, TWO EARS and only ONE MOUTH...so shut your mouth more and open your eyes and ears more. Reach out, help, strengthen, comfort, shield, protect, edify. Get with it! You are a child of GOD. I can do better, I KNOW IT! I am trying to. You can do better, you know it, you are trying to. But DON'T STOP TRYING. It is a day at a time process. And you aren't going to be what you want to be overnight. I watched a movie last night and a comment hit me. There was a character that was a hypocondriact. He was down on life and played out all the possibly bad scenarios that could occur. He didn't have much of a LIFE...because he was cursing his own life. Take courage. Sure tomorrow YOU could die. But you might LIVE. And today you are ALIVE, so make the most of it. You are loved. You are thought of. And even when life is its worst (and I don't want to trivialize this...some people have it pretty bad...) HE is listening, he still loves you, NO MATTER where you have been, NO MATTER what you have done. Let HIS LOVE lift you and bring you home! If you like the blog share it please. My goal is to touch people! May the Lord lift you, so you can lift others!

#293 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...LOVE! Simply LOVE!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

There is always HOPE...

We live in a world filled with addictions. Sometimes they ensnare us or a loved one. Then, we more forward with a bear trap around our ankle. I just want to say... we can all be free.

#294 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...He prepared an escape from death and sin through his son. I am thankful for a beautiful plan that provides families the opportunity to be together forever. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful that when I find myself ensnared...He and His Son planned for my escape!

Make it a good day. Only YOU can!

Squash....

Happy St. Patties Day! I sported my "I'm going green"...Green Shirt today. Makes me think of my fun family trip a few years ago with my mom, dad and a younger brother to Ireland and Scotland (although I preferred Scotland by far).

Ok...so enough about that...let's talk squash ;)

Today we planted some of our summer squash. I hope there isn't any more frost. I read several tips online about squash and not planting too much of it because it is so profilic and you don't want to have to run from door to door of your neighbors homes leaving annonymous bags of squash. Not that I won't be sharing with my neighbors. But I love squash. So does my family. So we will be planting a lot of it and hoping for a huge yield. Already planning to make some of my yummy soup and freeze, freeze, freeze! I think squash is one of my favorite vegetables. I look forward to finding many ways to use it all. And...if you live close...Want some squash?

#295 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...squash...it is so perfect. I watched videos on squash and how there is a male and female flower and the fruit has to be pollinated in order to grow. Then think of the bees, hummingbirds and such that help that process along. All the miracles of daily life...everything denotes that there is a God. I LOVE IT!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Holy Cow...I'm Old! ;)

Did that capture your interest? Are you perhaps feeling OLD too? That whole "You're only as old as you feel" thing...not buying it!

I know, I know...I'm not "that" old. But I feel it today.

We (the children and I) got up this morning and did yard work for nearly 6 hours. We moved decomposed granite, we shoveled, we spread, we put together flower beds, we moved more dirt. But it felt great to get so much done. And mostly we did a bunch of stuff that my sweetheart would have to do on his day off next week. So now...we decided that we get him to ourselves. Did someone say PARK DAY? :) He was thrilled when he came home. The kids bestie "The daring one" was over and they worked so hard together. But we made it really fun too. The daring one was the "crew chief" and he was excellent at that position. They shoveled, ran, laughed and MADE SOME CASH$$. Then when they were all done I said. You all worked so hard I think we need to get slurpies and cookies. So off we went to 7-11! Yum. The daring one said...I will pay for mine (with the money he made...sweet guy). But I said, no, these are part of the reward. You save that for another day and dad can take you to get a treat. All the children were so appreciative...but NO ONE was more grateful than myself. They really did work so hard. I know because I did too...and I am EXHAUSTED! My mom said, "A job worth doing is a job worth doing well!" We sure did well today!

#296 Reason we see the hand of Heavenly Father in our lives...he teaches us so much through hard work. For me...today was the feeling of great accomplishment!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Ambitions...

I read a blog today about the ambitions of a "stay at home mother" that was a member of my church. She loves her children but has a longing, a desire to do something more...to show them she is important and to be educated, and "do something". I think these are fine and noble goals. My ambitions are different. My husband, mother and niece went out of their way a few years back when I was nursing baby #3 to help me complete my degree. My units sat dorment for over five years...and the time was fast approaching that I would lose some of my credits if I did not secure my degree. With only 13 credits keeping me from my original goal and with my college two states away we evaluated the options. A wonderful counselor helped me over the phone to set up a plan. I had the foresight...I am sure it was the spirit...to take upper division classes both of my last semesters on campus. So I was able to fulfill all but one of the needed classes at a community college. What a blessing. I did not walk at graduation, but I have a beautiful, framed diploma thanks to my sweetheart. And we celebrated. The dinner my husband made was awesome and included some of my family from both my side and his...it was one of the greatest meals I have ever partaken of. I felt a surge of success in getting it done. Sure it took forever...but no one can take it from me. So I really do get this young mother's desire, yearning for something more. Maybe though I don't share her "ambition" because of what I was blessed with...here is my story.

I would be a heel if I didn't express my deep gratitude for what I have, what I enjoy, what I love. When I met darling husband I was almost 26 years old...that is like 37 in Mormon years (LOL...if you are Mormon you understand...if not you may or may not understand). I always loved the words that repeated in my mind when all my friends got married at 18, 19, 20 and I wondered if my time would EVER come...and I could here my German Foreign Exchange Sister in my mind telling me that they never get married where she is from before they are 30. And 30 is YOUNG!

Well, I did not wait until 30. After dating literally close to 100 boys during the college years...I was led through an interesting course of events to my wonderful husband. While dating we discussed future life and compared goals if this were to "go anywhere". He said, "I wouldn't want my wife to work, unless she wanted to. I would really love to have a family and have a wife that could stay home and raise our children. I would work three jobs if I needed to, to make that happen." I agreed that a mother was fundamental to the nurturing of a child, and though it wasn't the luxury every woman had, it was one that I would be most grateful for. I have not worked outside the home since I became pregnant with our first child. I assure you that I work. And it is hard work. But it is the work I chose, it is the work I love, and I am grateful to be afforded to do it. Just for the record, there was a time, when we were saving for and first in the house we occupy now that my sweet dragon slayer of a husband did just what he promised. He worked three jobs so that I would not have to leave the home. I am grateful to be a mother. I aspired to many things as a child...a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a lawyer, an accountant...I get to do all of them...just for much less pay. But really the hugs, love and adoration of these five little ones really is priceless. My daughter used to say she was going to be a teacher, a hairstylist (like her auntie), a massage therapist, a pianist and a mom. But recently when I asked her what she wanted to do she said, "I want to be just like you." Of course my eyes welled up with tears. Naturally I tell her, great, so you are going to finish college and be a mom...that is wonderful! (because an education, as our church strongly emphasizes is important for women...and men too of course).

#297 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...this natural tendency to nurture didn't come from no where!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

On My Honor...

I only know what I have read. I have heard that the student involved at BYU has been honorable in handling the choice he made to break the honor code and in dealing with the ramifications of that choice. I do not condemn him...we are all human and at times faulter.

But the media has had a field day with The Church of Latter-day Saints...saying that it is wrong, the code is too strict. That students aren't allowed to drink coffee or tea...WHAT DO COFFEE and TEA even have to do with this. When I attended that campus...I SIGNED that CODE. No one held a gun to my head. No one made me give my word. I gave it freely. I knew the cost if I broke it. For the calibur of school it is...it is one of the greatest educations out there for the price. There are students lining up to attend and thousands turned away every year. There are a 100 or maybe a 1000 young men passed up so that each of the others could get a chance...everyone of them that was passed up would have signed the CODE too. My point...this isnt' the church's fault. And why would it be? Are you telling me we are supposed to lower the standards, THE CODE of the school...because it isn't comfortable to the world? Give me a break. Maybe in the office of United States President that happens, but fortunately there are places in the world where someone's word still stands for something. And a signiture on a paper that says "I WILL" is more than a formality.

Here is what I think:

Honor is an interesting thing. When we have a nation that lets the president still serve after he dishonors the most important promise he made in this life...that of husband...We can clearly see the value this society puts on HONOR. When we watch politicians promise the universe but they can't even deliver "the mail"(the simple local things)...we see that honor is NOT the motivator in D.C. But the thing is...for many "the world" is not our standard. The Lord sets our standard. I was not surprised at the reactions from the papers and press when the star basketball player broke the rules he agreed to. But I was saddened. Doesn't our WORD mean anything anymore? We give our word. We sign a paper to attend a school of that caliber that produces great minds to rival the alumni of other institutions that cost 2, 3, 10 times as much money per year...some with and some without honor codes. The shocking thing should be that people don't expect people to be "ON THEIR HONOR" when they make a promise. It seems that there is a general belief that "promises are made to be broken"...that is foolish propaganda put out there by the less than honorable. Let us NOT buy into that. Let us stand for what is right. Let us BE honorable. For all the schools that stand up to their honor codes (Christian Schools...and any school for that matter)...I APPLAUDE YOU!!!

#298 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...some people still are honorable and stand up for what is right...even in the shifting tides of popular opinion...some are not afraid to STAND for TRUTH! I know that courage to stand comes from God.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Sweet Sundays...

Great Services

Turkey Dinner with Friends

Visited our home away from home tonight...to deliver oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to my BP girl (Happy Birthday...with LeBaron tradition that evidently can't be skipped even when we are watching what we eat! I love you!)

Had a great talk with my sweetheart. Some of my favorite nights are just sitting in the living room and talking to each other. Oh, how I love that man!

#299 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...today I unintentionally hurt someone. My husband had a thought to go over to see them when he was running an errand. He found out I was in the "dog house" and we were able to assure the "someone" that they are very loved! I am confident that "thought" my husband had came from the Holy Ghost...a blessing from The Father to help us in our journey!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

An Extra Ordinary Day...

Today wasn't a stupendous...Fantastic...Wonderful...Terrifical day...

But it was an Extra Ordinary day...

The cars got washed by Darling Husband.

Three of our five children went on runs with daddy...short, medium and long runs. Warm up, better warm up and workout I guess. They had a blast.

The house got picked up (mostly).

The clothes got washed. (They might even get folded)

Homework got done (we took a break during the week...an upside of homeschool ;)...I guess the downside is sometimes we do homework on Saturdays.

The dog and I played in the back yard.

I made yummy chili.

Another squash came up!

I did some work on my messy desk mess!

We laughed.

One of us lost their temper and screamed and cried.

The fab part is it wasn't ME! Yeah ME!

And when they did that I called Darling Hubby...told him my woe and he didn't try to solve my problem...YEAH HIM!!! He just listened and said he was sorry. And he would have a family counsel after church (my suggestion...he just said he would do it).

The church clothes were laid out.

Babies were bathed.

Games were played with mom.

A movie was watched and returned on time.

See...it was an EXTRA Ordinary day...You know what...I guess it was also a Stupendous, Fantastic, Wonderful, Terrifical day too...I think Ramona would agree with me...and probably Beverly Cleary too!

#300 Reason why I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...I am learning not to lose my cool...I can't get over how OVER THE TOP...amazing that is. Not that I lost it all the time. But when I did, it was so predictably triggered by certain behaviors. And lately, I KNOW with HIS help...I am more in control. Still a long way to go...but it feels good to make some progress!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

9 Little darlings...

We have been trying to come up with ideas to save for a trip to Minnesota to see some of our family. We figured out a way to save for a few months and get the money that we need. We are "trimming the fat" so to speak in every aspect of our existence. But it has been challenging and fun. I have a friend with four children. I watch them on occasion when she has to leave for work before her hubby is home. They are such good children so I started cooking up a plan. We talked and decided to trade babysitting so we could do some date nights without the cost of a babysitter. I had the children tonight...Yep...that is right...NINE...9... N I N E children. When ever I watch someone else's children they are hesitant...I hear "Are you sure?" a lot. But her children are great with my kids and we had a lot of fun. The stellar friday night plan consisted of pizza, followed by ice cream, a redbox movie (Ramona and Beezus...The character Ramona reminded me so much of my niece that will be getting baptized this year...it made me happy watching it), and games...oh and another movie for the little ones that couldn't play the game but couldn't fall asleep. We actually had a great time and I got a glimpse of what it is like to have 9 children and I can see how some people do it...NOT ME mind you...but some people! Some of my friends often ask..."How do you do it? How do you get everything done with five children." I respond, you just do it. You put one foot in front of the other and DO IT!" And by the way...Nike totally stole "Just do it"...President Kimball was saying DO IT! Long before Nike. I guess the athletic spin just made that one popular! I get up, I GO, I DO! And I love my kids. SN has been a great example to me this year with her goals...and I have tried really hard to not yelled at my kids. Today Darling #4 spilled almond milk all over himself. I had told him to be careful. I ran to him, hugged him, cleaned him up, and told him it was ok. When he was ok, I cleaned the floor. I sat there honestly SO pleased with myself. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. The old me would have freaked out...I don't really like her that much, the new me is so much better!

#301 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...I know I couldn't make some of the changes I have been making without HIM!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Moms and Potatoes...

Today, Thanks to my good friend DP, I planted potatoes. She bought some to plant and shared with me.

I got to thinking. Moms and Potatoes have a little bit in common...

They both have eyes in the back of their heads.

They both sacrifice part of themselves to produce offspring.

Then they both give everything they have to their offspring until the day they die.

After a long shelf life...potatoes and moms (especially those with a few children)...are usually a bit wrinkly and spent.

If you think the outside is good...JUST wait til you get to the inside...that is the best part of both...potatoes and moms!

They both come in all kinds of shapes and sizes...no matter where you are...they are both a great addition to any party, dinner, or event.

So that is my deep insight for the day LOL...Moms and Potatoes ;)

#302 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...he gives us a sense of humor...it is a great asset.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Green Eggs and Yummm!

We woke up this morning and I made Green Eggs and Ham. We were celebrating Dr. Seuss this week...since last week was too crazy, we postponed it. You can do that when you homeschool. We had our yummy breakfast...I also grilled a can of pineapple...something my mom used to do. And we drank pineapple juice. Each of the children picked a book. I was actually going to read to them for hours...but they were ready to get out of their PJ's and NOT have Jammieitis...since the day was so beautiful. So we dumped our plan, got dressed and had a great day outside. I hope the Green Eggs and Ham will be a long lasting memory.

#303 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...he made great writers like Dr. Seuss that care about children and take the time to help children advance in their literacy skills. When we blessed our food we thanked Heavenly Father for Dr. Seuss...and prayed that he might get a glimpse of our breakfast and know he was appreciated.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Compost...

Well today we are the proud owners of a composter. We have NO idea what to do with it yet. But I am sure we will learn quickly. Our yard is quickly filling up with carrots, spinach, radishes, lettuce, snap peas, and beans. I have small tomatoe plants waiting to be transplanted in a few weeks. It is a wonderful experience to watch something grow. I didn't think I had a green thumb, but knock on wood, things seem to be going ok. I love the feeling of getting my hands dirty in some muddy soil and planting something! Woo Hoo! My mom would be so proud. She and my dad both taught us to grow things and I FINALLY AM :) Well I did grow five babies too...and that was NO easy task! Now I am growing food to feed those hungry little mouths. Child #2 is so excited...he can't wait to crunch one of our carrots! Gardening...a sweet joy!

#304 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...he has cultivated a desire in my heart to grow things...children and food. For both I am eternally grateful.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Monday Monday...So good to me...

It was a good day. It started out a little rocky...Marriage is HARD some days! But then my sweetheart got us a babysitter. We had a lovely lunch date and we spent our rebate check on a composter and fruit trees. I am VERY excited about both!!!

Tonight I want to tell my husband's little sister HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Her birthday wasn't today but we did celebrate it today. I love her very much. Over the past 12 years I have grown to love and appreciate her not as a sister in law...but as a sister. When I first met my husband...I am not sure she was happy about it...I think she had her best friend waiting in the wings for him and I slipped into a slot after several short relationships he had in college. But it wasn't long before she and I got to know each other better and with each time we spent together I grew to love her more and more. She is kind and generous. On every occasion that I have had a baby (5 times remember!) She has helped in any way she can. In the middle of the night we have taken little ones to her house to rush to the hospital and there is so much love and willingness to serve...never a complaint. I trust her, I can confide in her. She is not just a sister, she is a friend. In addition to all this, she is a wonderful daughter, wife and mother to three beautiful children. She doesn't stop there though, I know of so many instances where she has served friends, family and is always willing to serve God by following Him. I am thankful for her gentle spirit in my life and the lives of my children. We love her very much! Happy Birthday to a wonderful sister and Auntie!

#304 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...Aunties...wonderful Aunties...I have them...and my children have been blessed with them on both sides of our family! I know those wonderful Aunties...come from GOD!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Sweet Sundays...

What a beautiful day it was!

We got the children up and went to Sunday Services at a small church branch in the mountains where we stayed this weekend. All the members of the congregation were so nice and friendly. But the best part was running into my friend's parents who now live in this mountain community. They used to live a few miles from where I grew up on a large vineyard. They had a huge tree that was like a giant umbrella top reaching to the ground. On a school field trip once, we went there and after a tour had a picnic under the tree. Many years later the tree was sadly lost. My friend and I are still connected...we all grew up together. But I hadn't seen her parents in over 20 years. So it was a joyful reunion. The first Sunday of most months in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...the meeting is opened up for people to share their testimonies of Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father's plan, principles of the gospel and their conversion to it. The congregation was so small and there was a great deal of time so my husband and I both shared our testimonies. I shared the story of my mother's conversion which also brought my father back into the church. I can't get through the story without crying. I also shared how grateful I am for my eternal heavenly family...all of God's children...and especially the church family I grew up with...which included my dear friend and her parents...who were there. Later in the meeting, my friend's mom bore her testimony. She turned to me and said, I loved your mother. She was such a good woman. I have always felt it, but never gotten to tell you personally. I want to tell you I loved her, and she raised a good daughter. I was naturally crying. What a sweet and tender mercy that on our perfect weekend, God put them there to touch my heart. I KNOW...that isn't the only reason they are there. But they certainly touched my heart that day! I am grateful...Grateful to have such a peaceful and beautiful truth in my life, and grateful for the PROMISE of life with my mother again. I am grateful to KNOW that GOD keeps His PROMISES!!! ALWAYS!!! I miss her immensely...but I KNOW, what I KNOW...and it gets me through.

#305 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...I don't believe in coincidence...and I am grateful He is always blessing my path, like He did on this Sweet Sunday!!!

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

Once there was a snowman...

I am post dating this post...

I didn't write posts this weekend...

I DID however have a wonderful family time. I am a freak so you won't be reading about my weekends until I get back from them...because no matter HOW SECURE they tell me the internet is...I don't believe them.

We took a wonderful trip to a cabin this past weekend. There had been several feet of snow where we stayed but it wasn't snowing at all this weekend and the roads were clear. SO...we didn't need any chains. We had beautiful sun. We enjoyed SNOWBALL FIGHTS!!! We had a snowman building contest. There were three prizes and three snowmen. The Tallest, The Fattest, and the MOST FROSTY LIKE snowman. We had spaghetti one night and pot roast another. We went to church in a lovely little branch of the Latter Day Saints Church. There aren't a lot of members in the community there, but it felt like coming home. Everyone was warm, welcoming and what I expect from any where I have ever visited The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...in any community I have gone to...and that would be many. My parents raised us...that even if we were on vacation we went to church. And my children are being raised the same. I think I turned out ok ;) The weekend was glorious and we laughed and played games. There was a movie night and hot chocolate. YUMMM! I even took the air popcorn popper and we had popcorn. We saw squirrels, blue jays and woodpeckers, there were bunnies, but I didn't see them personally...that was it for wildlife...no complaints...I can live without seeing a bear anywhere but the zoo.

I am so grateful we got to go on this great trip. We needed the time as a family and it was wonderful!

#306 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life: One could not sit on the large wooden porch swing, looking out at several thousand pines reaching up to the heavens and not help but think...how amazing, how magnificent. Now...you can't convince me that anything less than the power of God put them there. I felt closer to Him in the mountains this week. I loved that feeling.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Family Time

Darling husband has had a lot of overtime. So he took off two days to be together. Loving it.

#307 reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...family time.

Make it a great day. Only you can!

Kindle and the Classics...

This may not interest all of you...or any of you...but I found myself in heaven. I have told you my mother was a librarian. My parents both love books. I remember being read to from the time I was very little. They are book collectors. And I am by no fault of my own a product of my upbringing. ALTHOUGH...I am not complaining...because I LOVE BOOKS!!!

So my discovery today was truly beautiful. Actually I didn't Discover it today...it has been the process of tidbits from my sister HH, my dad and my brother MT. A little info here, a little there...

Ok, so here it is...My dad told me about a month ago that you could get the Kindle Application (Application...you know that is what the abbreviated "app" means...I sometimes get sick of all the abbreviating!!!) FOR FREE!!! Yep, that is right. So I downloaded it on my computer. Then I went to town. My "library" is full of FREE classics now, along with FREE cookbooks, FREE poetry books...you get the idea. Anyway...I couldn't even maintain my conversation with my dad online because I was busy loading one free book after another. (Some were a limited time offer...don't know the limited time??) I think I am in book heaven and will be set for awhile. I still believe in books...you know the kind you can heft. But this is awesome too. My worst nightmare would be the twilight zone where it was the end of the world, but the library was intacted, the guy was sitting there (He loved to read) and his glasses broke. Ugh, gets me every time! Anyway...CHECK it out. There are a lot of other books on Kindle too. Ranging from $.99-$9.99. What a great program this is. Of course I am hooked now and would like a kindle. But my Sociology Teacher said, "Delayed Gratification"...so I will use this free thing for now (Thanks dad). How long do you think I will have to recycle bottles to get $189? ;)

#308 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...the great minds he inspired to write the great literature of the world!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Fake Grass...

Well, we did it!

Our Darling Dog continues to get hives. So we put some fake grass in the back yard today. 10 year warranty, always green, no water, no mowing...downside? Ummm...haven't found one yet. We'll see...only day one!

Sorry, this took up most of my day.

If you thought you felt an earthquake today...nope that was me losing it when the dog peed on my carpet...I am sure they could hear me on the other coast. Well, we all have those moments. Good news is my kids were REALLY helpful after the dog made me mad. "Mom, what can we do to help you." Would be sweeter words if not proceeded by a screaming banchie mom, chasing a dog! Just saying ;)

#309 Reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...he blessed me to be compassionate. I was seriously contemplating another home for said dog. I am sure He also nudged her into apologizing, she crawled up on my lap (the 50 pound beast still thinks she is a lap dog) and gave me a nuzzle. Of course I forgave her, who can resist? Not me!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Success...

How do you eat an Elephant? My mom used to say: A bite at a time!

**(LOL...I stand corrected...My dad let me know that my mom got that from him, and he got it from my grandpa and ? hmmm...not sure whom he got it from ;) But my mom always told me that is how you eat an elephant ;)

How do you master writing? One assignment at a time!

I must boast today! I am so proud of my darling daughter. She has worked so hard. Studying all last year, last semester and all of this semester and spending a lot of time worrying about the State Writing Test. But she did a fabulous job and I am so proud of her! She was so happy to not have to write a "Response to Literature", instead this year, they had to write a summary.

I think she came home a million pounds lighter and floating with joy that it was DONE! Now we just need to get two kids through STAR testing in April and then it will practically be summer time ;)

I am so proud of all my children and the practice they put into learning. We can't master anything we aren't willing to practice. My mom used to retell a story about a man that went to see a great Violinist. After the concert he said to the violinist, "I would give my life to play like that." The Violinist replied, "I did!" We can not be truly gifted at anything that we don't do our best at, don't practice at. If at first you don't succeed...try, try again.

#309 reason I see the hand of Heavenly Father in my life...he gives us so many opportunities to grow and learn.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!