my charmed life

I have been witness to many miracles in my life. I am blessed to feel the awe inspiring comfort and peace of the Holy Ghost continuously. I know God lives. I know the Plan of Salvation is eternal and true. The peace and awe I felt as I watched my mother pass from this life 6 years ago is the same as the feeling I have now. I feel the love that my Father in Heaven has for me and my family as he entrusts me with these special spirits that have entered our home. I am inspired by the gift He has given to women as I play my role in His creation. I am not always calm. I am not always right. My parenting is faulty - but I am learning every day and I am doing my best.

I am blessed with a strong, capable and loving husband. A man I feel confident and safe with. A true and just role model for his 5 sons. A worthy Priesthood holder that magnifies his callings as spouse, father, son and ward member.

I was blessed to be raised by 2 parents that loved me unconditionally, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, and 6 siblings to fight with, learn with and grow with.

My own children don't always get along. The TV is on too often and the computer games play a little too long. They argue and fight over insignificant things. But they love one another, they are safe at home, they have food in their bellies and clothes on their backs, they know their parents love them. They feel the Holy Spirit in our home.

I know God lives. I know He loves me. I know He hears me and He answers when I pray. I know His Son, Jesus Christ, is my Savior and Redeemer. I know families are eternal. I am blessed. My life is charmed beyond measure.

HaPpY!

Some things just make me

HaPpY!!

TRiP

I went to Utah...alone...for 3 days!! No pictures of me and all I did however because I forgot my camera. But here is what I needed to realise and why I really needed to go alone.

These sweet boys.

I stayed with my sister in law and her 2 children, spent an entire day with my younger sister and her 3 children and had nothing else on my agenda during the day. I thoroughly enjoyed the company I kept. I read 2 books and ate great food. I visited old and dear friends. I remembered who Diane was before she had 4 boys (with one on the way), a mortgage, laundry and dirty dishes. I focused on those 4 boys in their absence and prayed about each one and their needs. Most importantly I had the time to really listen to the spirit and my instincts and try to see how I can improve on being their mother. Most of you are probably better at finding this quiet time without leaving town. Believe me, it was not why I left town but it is a product of my going.

I need to slow down and not care so much.

Detox, if you will.

I took the time to really enjoy my nieces and nephew, my sisters, their homes. What is most important is how we treat one another. Not the laundry or the crusty dishes in the sink. Not being on time for school, church or basketball. Not how you look in this or that outfit. Not if your bed is made and the toys are picked up. Not having everything ready for book club and definitely not about what other people think of you.

What does matter is how you treat the people around you. Your patience and kindness. Your understanding and compassion. Your relationship with yourself and your Father in Heaven. The thing is...either you are or you aren't. It applies to everything. A believing Christian, a good parent, a loving spouse, a happy person... I'm not saying you need to be smiling and go get 'em at all times. But if you're an are person it will show even when you are down. It is inside of you. It becomes who you are. And really...either you are or you aren't...right?

I want to be able to say I am.

girlie time

Each year for my birthday I get some girlies together and we let the kids run wild, eat a fabulous lunch and make a craft. This year it was all about hair clips...and flower bows! Thanks Abby Reidhead, Dawn Judd, Lori Ham, Karen Valle and Brindy Arnett for sharing your fabric, ribbon, bling, buttons, glue sticks and

AweSOmE PerSoNaLiTieS!!

You all rock!

Not too bad for a days work eh?

Abby is a pro at all the different styles and she gave us directions when we felt a little lost. I am overjoyed with the variety of bows that came out of the day today!

BirThDaY

I just had a PeRFeCt BirThDaY!!

We all slept in and lounged the early morning away. Monte and all the boys climbed into bed with me and I opened my gift of a beautiful pearl necklace. Then on to a lovely breakfast with fresh home made lemonade! Choir practice, church, and then...

lounging the late afternoon away...

... after dinner I had plenty of help blowing out the candles on my cake.

Then I went to the church for our Activity Day kick-off (that came off with out a hitch by the way) and Monte cleaned the house and put the kids to bed!! Now Monte and I are now sitting watching our new Sunday evening show 'Downton Abby' on PBS-AwESoMe!
Tomorrow I get to have a few cute girlfriends over to make hair bows and have lunch.
I love turning 37!
My sweet boys gave me all the attention, hugs, kisses and loves I could ever hope for. I felt loved, appreciated and special the whole day through!