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.

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.

introspect

Never argue with an idiot.

He will drag you down to his level

and beat you with experience.

My friend posted this on Facebook and it really spoke to me. Not that I think that I'm better than anyone else, rather that I tend to feel like the 'idiot' when I know I am educated and intelligent. I tend to talk too much. Sometimes I feel like I am digging little holes for myself to crawl into when speaking with certain types of personalities. I've been working on listening more and saying less. What I'm learning is that the old adage is too true, "Give them enough rope and they will hang themselves." I don't want to feel like the one hanging from the noose.

I needed this...

"God expects you to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact, he expects you not simply to face the future (that sounds pretty grim and stoic); He expects you to embrace and shape the future- to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

TrUe LoVE!

This is why I LOvE my job.

This is why my LiFe is perfect.

This is what my HusBaND enjoys.

This is why I keep having ChiLDreN.

Each one brings me this much jOy.

"The Choice"

To all the many amazing women I know that have made

"The Choice"

You know the one...the daily one that we make every morning when we wake to those big, sweet eyes needing thier diapers changed, and their breakfast made, and their home work done, and someone to sit with them while they practice, before we help them get dressed and off to school, lessons, classes, naps...all the while hoping that we make it though the morning without vomiting because the unborn one in our belly is needing something that we have yet to figure out...

VALIDATE ME!!!

I couldn't be happier to be a stay at home mom singing lullabies...right?!

and yet...missing my old life of music VERY badly! Sometimes when I sing in church etc...and they say, "Wow! You're good, have you ever had lessons?" Or, heaven forbid, the Dr. that actually told me yesterday that I have "two vocal chords in my throat" (REALLY? Wow! enlighten me some more!) I want to SCREAM!! Masters Degree!!! Professional Singer...and while we're at it I'd like my $75. rate for singing at your wedding...please...

Just tell me that I'm not alone

and I'll go away quietly without a fight!