Reasons I'm blessed

Wow, it has been a day filled with emotions of every sort. But all in all I must say I feel a peace makes no sense to have at all. I know that living the Gospel brings blessings. I know that praying- even and especially when you don't want to- invites the Spirit. The things of this world are fleeting. They truly "don't amount to a hill-a beans." Success, money, even friends come and go. Fortunately my family can be forever. I shall try to focus on these feelings now, while we are undergoing so much struggle and heartache with our finances. Christmas is magical and it is because of the Christ Child, born for our sakes. I know happier times are coming. Bless us all to make it there... with our faith and hope intact.

Christmas is coming

So, I took Skittles for a walk yesterday morning, as I always do... and besides being freezing I was in awe of how everything looked with a slight layer of fluffy snow. My children were thrilled at the snowfall and I even got an adorable call from two more snow lovers. I LOVE SNOW TOO! You may think I'm crazy, but it's beautiful and fun. Sledding, snowmen and snowballs, you can't have any of that in Florida. I really enjoy it, especially with my kids-although before they came Carl and I were a snowman-making, sled-crazy and snowball-throwing couple. The kids add to the fun tremendously. They race to put their snowpants and boots on. They always love new hats and gloves too-just like mom. So, to all of you whiners complaining that the snow is here already, I say *raspberry*. And the Christmas music is nerve-settling and with my nerves I'm appreciative. I feel like I have so much to be grateful for, even in my difficult circumstances. Look how lucky we are, what blessings we enjoy!

Halloween pics

Just a few additional photos (mostly from Meagan- of mom school).... For the sake of my far-away family! Miss you all. Wish you were experiencing all of this first-hand. We're so lucky to have this technology.

A little girl and her dollhouse

Special thanks to J.J. for the darling dollhouse. Carley adores it and pulls it down from it's shelf often. Here's just a couple sweet pics of her enjoying it.

Having a girl is different than the boys. While my boys have been so wonderful and darling, Carley is great in a different way. It's fun to shop with her and do her hair. But there are special moments like helping Billy and Ian with their superhero-wear that I probably won't have with her. I'm so glad I've been blessed with them all!

Pictures again, after all

Thanks to M.G., who came to the rescue with photos of Ian and Carley from Halloween. And thank heaven for my camera phone for the others. They aren't as clear as I'd have hoped, but they are pictures and with family far away I must be grateful for that. Sorry for my little rant yesterday. I know the Lord loves me and watches over me. But yesterday I was sure I was at the bottom of his list. Here are a few pictures, since I've been denying you all for over a month!

Pictures no longer

Unfortunately I gave up on my camera this week. It hates me. My kids come out in all my pictures white- with halos, gleaming like heavenly beings (like little angels mocking me for trying to preserve this special time). I must say, it has been a challenging Monday for me. A coughing and struggling-to-breath kindergartener. One tire on my van is flat. No action at the house for sale. No stamps for the rent that's due. Frustration. Irritation. Sadness. And yes, tears. I've been trying to focus on the good, the silver lining that is ever evident in my life... but I've lost track of the positive. The negative has enveloped me today. My kids are napping (tired and sick) and I'm going to take a break too.

A Seed Planted

Today at church, a wonderful thing happened for our family. When we first arrived we were handed a program and all sat down as we normally do. Then I handed Billy the program and he asked me about the blank face (a circle with ears) and the lines underneath it printed on one side of the program (THANKS STERNS). I explained to him that he should make it his face and then write his testimony underneath it on the lines. I briefly explained the purpose of testimony meeting is to share our beliefs with one another. He asked if anyone could share their testimony. I said yes, anyone who wanted to tell what they believed in and knew was true could do that in a testimony meeting. This interested him very much. I encouraged him to listen to what the people said on the stand today. We talked about what he believed in. We talked about Jesus and the prophet and the scriptures and family. He then went on about the meeting in his normal way, playing with quiet toys and listening every now and then. Towards the end he showed me the face-all colored in with hair, eyes and a smile. Then he asked if it was his turn to tell his testimony. I said in just a moment when the brother at the stand is finished. I told him I would go with him and sit behind him while he did it. Billy bravely led the way to the front. Bro. Keefe pulled up the step stool for him and lowered the microphone (Earlier in the meeting, I made sure to warn him not to be very loud- if you know Billy you understand the importance of that warning). Then, Billy stepped up and... froze... solid. I gave him a few seconds and then stepped up beside him. I told him to say "I have a testimony". Then I asked him to remember what we talked about... he couldn't. So, with a little prompting we got through it. His heart was willing, but the flesh was weak. My sweet little boy led the way and wanted to share with everyone his belief in Jesus Christ. Upon returning to our seats, Ian exclaimed "Billy, you did it." I am so blessed for my little children. They are so close to God. I know they hear me when we read together and teach of Christ- even if at the time it seems hopeless. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach them. What a glorious day at church. My heart is full.