Tuesday, December 30, 2008

{Blurred Memories}

I have learned that sometimes I just have to accept the fact that not all pictures are perfect and if I were to discard the ones that are blurry I would be throwing away alot of good memories. So blurred or not a memory is a memory. Often time we only remember if there is a photo.
Below we have a self portrait of Dylan with our new family addition Sasha. So cute and so blurry, but I just could not hit the delete button.

And here we have my three girls - the night we attended The Forgotten Carols. Very Blurry but still very beautiful.
So just be careful next time you go to hit the delete button, if it is the only photo you have of that person or event maybe you should consider keeping it. Blurry or not - it is still a memory.

Monday, December 29, 2008

{Soul Food}

This is my dear friend Janna (my side kick and traveling buddy). Have you ever had one of those friends who truly seeks to find you the perfect gift - made and bought especially just for you ? Well - she has done it again. Last year she got me fuzzy warm crocs (in fact they are on my feet keeping warm right now as I type) and this year she got me my new favorite book and I have so enjoyed reading it. It has helped to fill my cup. Inspire me. Confirm my faith, give me renewed sense of hope and bring me joy.
I have been following the story of Stephanie and Christian Nielson since their accident in August and now I am totally hooked on Stephanie's sister Courtney's blog and following her life and allowing her to inspire me on a daily basis.
Well this book is a printed collection of her blog posts from 2005 - 2008
Simply fabulous !!!

Thank you Janna - I love it !!!!



{2008 Christmas Card}



So does it count that they were printed on Dec 1st ??? These photos were taken on a very hot late August afternoon and my boys were not well pleased with all the photos we were taking. So I included one below with all the cousins that is actually my favorite.

I have just been a bit busy and I promise they will be mailed by the end of the week. Last year I had some of my peeps express their disappointment in me for not sending our annual Christmas Card and letter. (The first time in almost 22 years of marriage) I too look forward to that once a year picture and letter received from family and friends bringing us up to date on their happenings and seeing how much their families have grown. So I just wanted to make a promise that they will be out my door soon. We have so much to be thankful for this year. We have had so many trials. But after every trial there is always a rainbow of blessings and the blessings have come and we truly have felt them.


Saturday, December 27, 2008

Christmas and A Much Needed Day Off

I have always heard my friends out there in the corporate world talk about taking "a mental health day" Even though we still have a week left of Christmas break I am officially taking "a mental health day" today. A day full of things that will fill my cup. Going to the temple, dinner with my hubby, girls night "in" at my moms.

We had such a wonderful Christmas week. We had Marissa home for a week and now I am truly missing her. Words can not even explain how amazing this girl is. Words cannot even explain how much I love her.

What a wonderful week we had - Emily & Paul's wedding, A wonderful Family Night at Jason and Jamie's with our entire family - the only person missing was my dad and I am sure he was with us, An evening spent at the Forgotten Carols performance, and then Christmas Eve was spent providing Christmas for our foster daughters family (3 adults and 5 children) the look of joy in their eyes was priceless. The kids enjoyed a visit to Grandma Jeans to decorate cookies and watch the Reflections of Christ. Then Christmas morning we had Don's sisters over and then the rest of Christmas day was spent at my brothers with my family. I love family time. No place I would rather be.

There were many gifts given and received and everyone seemed well pleased - but the greatest gift I am thankful for is the gift my Savior gave me. I am grateful for the Atonement. I am grateful for the promise of eternal families. I love my family more than anything this world could ever offer. It brings me such peace knowing that my Heavenly Father knows me individually, just as he knows you and he is there for us through it all.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas - thank you for your love and support through everything. We have been truly blessed with such loving , caring people in our lives.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

{ahhhhh . . . . family}

Marissa is home and I have my family all under one roof for the holidays. Life is good. We love her and we have missed her and we are going to cherish the time we have with her.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

{Missing His Big Sister}



Is this the cutest thing. Logan has been missing Marissa something fierce lately (we all have) and the other day he finally got her on skype talking to her on the headphones and also has learned how to send text messages to her email. So he was loving it. Literally doing both at the same time. He would ask her "okay what did I just write" and she would tell him. Technology is amazing. It amazed Logan. She will be home in less than a week. I think she has had an amazing time in the Ukraine and we are so excited to hear all about her adventures. But we are so excited to have her back home for a bit.


Tuesday, December 9, 2008

{Purpose}

I love this quote that Morgan has on her facebook account -
"The past is behind--we must learn from it. The future is ahead--we must prepare for it. The present is now—we must live in it." President Thomas S. Monson
Morgan is doing wonderful. The seizures are lessening significantly. She actually had a date this weekend with a very nice young man who has been her friend through all of this. He has asked her on a date for the past 8 weeks and she has continued to put him off and this weekend she finally felt confident enough to say yes. Of course I had to give him the run down of everything and make sure he had my cell phone number and make sure he did not let her out of his sight. He assured me they would be fine and he was okay with it. He is actually in school to become a physical therapist and works for a physical therapist 3 days a week so he is “perfect” date for her right now. They went to the Mesa Temple lights and I was a nervous wreck – but they returned safe and sound. They came back and watched a movie and she actually had a seizure while he was here and he was totally okay with it and even came back last night for dinner and to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. She still has a long road of recovery ahead, but this is amazing progress.
God does hear and answer our prayers. Sometimes though we are wanting it all on our schedule on our time frame and that does not always happen. Or should I say that rarely ever happens. But I can testify that he hears them and although we may not have immediate resolve he will give us the peace and the strength we need to make it through. And he will answer our prayers at the right time. (unfortunately we do not always know when that right time is - but if we are faithful and continue to believe - he will answer them)
The Lord’s invitation to each of us is
“come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
I have taken the invitation and I have felt the peace and the rest. I have also felt the Lords hand in my life and I have felt the heaven's open and pour blessings upon me.
Yesterday as I spoke to one of my friends we were talking specifically about the things we have learned, the skills we have acquired and the strength we have gained from the experiences and trials in our lives. Looking back on some of the struggles I have been through I would not trade them. From each and every trial I have experienced, I have gained so much. So much of that makes me the person I am today. I am grateful for the person I have become and I am grateful for all that I have learned along the way. I know that my life will be filled with trials, but I also know it will be filled with much joy and happiness.
As I listened to Morgan talk the other day reflecting on one of her relationships with a friend I was impressed with the growth I saw in her and her ability to recognize what is healthy and what is unhealthy about their relationship. I know that this is a direct result of the growth she is gaining through this trial in her life right now.
She is beginning to get better. Remarkably better. But there is still a long ways to go. Maybe it has not been on the time frame I was hoping for, but I now can recognize it to be the time frame that she needs for complete healing to take place. It is the time she needs to become the strong person she will become as she rises above all of this.
During our entire time here on earth we will learn and grow. We will have trials and misfortunes. Be we will all have the ability to become stronger and better people from these experiences.
I know that I can see and feel the direct result when I have faith and I do not allow fear to overcome (which can happen so easily) I know I will be blessed with the strength and hope to face and overcome the trials and pains of this life.

The Lord has promised each of us -
“Be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you.”

God is our Father. We are His children. He loves us. He desires our happiness here in this life and for all eternity. At this wonderful time of year let us always remember that Jesus is the Christ. Through Him, we can find peace in this world.
I am so thankful for the blessings that I have felt poured over me in abundance and I am thankful for all the people in our lives who have continued to pray and support us through all of this.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

{Come What May and Love It}



I remember his words touching my heart this past conference. He spoke with such love and compassion. I felt as though he were speaking to me. I have been touched by his words so many times and I have fond memories of this marvelous man. Years ago at Women's Conference he spoke to us and I can just remember giggling at his cute jokes and feeling the warmth of his spirit fill the entire Marriott Center. He passed away Monday night and joined his loved ones in the eternities. I am sure the heavens were rejoicing to have him return to his Heavenly home. To think that my dad and many others get to be there on these glorious occasions - I just wonder what it must be like. To read more of Elder Wirthlin you can go {here} to read his uplifting words from this past conference go {here}

{It's Official}

She is a Certified Lifeguard
She passed all her tests with flying colors. This was the poster she did for Young Women in Excellence this month. They present a goal they have been working on. Karleigh has dreamed of becoming a lifeguard since her little fins first hit the water. She has worked hard and we are so proud of her accomplishment.
Now just to get a job by next summer.
Here is just a cute pic of her and her best friend Katie. Cute Girls.




{Such Handsome Boys}

Junior Assembly

These boys are stylin' - Cool Conelly Packard & Cool Coleton Paolacci

This year Coleton and a few of his 6th friends decided to participate in Junior Assembly. This is a program that is offered to the 6th graders in our area. Junior Assembly is a program that provides instruction and practice in ballroom dancing, etiquette and the social graces that I believe will be so necessary in the future. I believe that by participating in this program it will help to develop social self-confidence that our young men so desperately need. I also believe that children gain self confidence when they exhibit thoughtfulness and consideration to others in a respectful manner. I have always been so pleased with the program and was so excited when Coleton said he wanted to take part in it. This week they practiced for their Christmas Dance which will take place next Monday and then in February Don and I will get to attend the Valentines Dance.

Priesthood Preview

Coleton, Zach, Mason, Dillion & Conelley with Bishop Davis

Sunday night our ward held it's annual "Priesthood Preview" this is a special night just for the 11 year old boys. This is a special opportunity for the Bishop to meet with the boys and their parents and help boys understand the importance of the priesthood and strengthen their commitment to prepare to receive it when they turn 12 years old. All of the boys (except Dillion) have older brother's who hold the priesthood and have watched their examples and are excited for this next step in their life. It was a very special evening with Mason Jennings giving a wonderful talk, Ed Packard Speaking about the example his father set for him being a worthy priesthood holder and then Conelley played a wonderful piece on his cello. The evening concluded with a special message from the Bishop and of course refreshments.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

{December Monday Night Traditions}

Beginning on the first Monday night in December my mom comes and brings us a special treat. She has done this for the past couple of years since my dad passed away and we always look forward to her visit. Last night being December 1st was her first visit of this holiday season.
She brought us yummy hot chocolate and a hot chocolate pot. The kids were thrilled, Don and I were thrilled and we all enjoyed a nice warm cup of hot chocolate before going to bed.
Thanks Mom

{Paolacci Family Thanksgiving}

Almost everyone joined us for Thanksgiving (we were missing Marissa (still in Ukraine) Kamri (Chargers Cheerleader and had a game on Sunday) John, Meg & Katie (in Ohio) We missed them all so much and look forward to the time when we are all together.
We had dinner at Melissa and Rob's. It just makes it much easier when there is a one year old involved to have it at their house. Lot's of family, lot's of food, lot's of fun !!!!!
Grandma Paolacci was in heaven taking care of the puppies!!!
(The little white one is Kayslee's new puppy Rhea)

Cute little Matthew enjoying his dinner !!!

Jade just loved playing with all of Matthew's toys (did we mention he is the kid that has EVERYTHING)

Cousins enjoying being together



Ariel and Tracey (Don's oldest sister)

Dave (Brother-in-law) Kayslee and Nathan (Kayslee's Boyfriend)
Keila and Kayslee (Kayslee's new album will soon be debuting and she will begin her tour sometime in 2009)
Ariel and her boyfriend Richie - we REALLY like him. So does she. Luckily he will be leaving on his mission in less than a year. He is a great catch and Ariel is an amazing young woman. I am so proud of her and the really good choices she has made in her life.
(more pictures to come later)

{Thanksgiving at the Harper's}

We are so blessed to have the Thanksgiving arrangements we do - my in-laws decided long ago that they did not want to have their children have to compete or spilt time on Thanksgiving and eat two meals. Thank you mom and dad Paolacci. So every year we spend Thanksgiving day with my family and then everyone gets to shop on Friday and Saturday we have Thanksgiving with the Paolacci family. That allows for all those in California to drive over and be here Saturday.

This year we spent Thanksgiving Day at my older brother Steve's house. My sister-in-law Karens family joined us. Such good food. Karen's twin sister is a gourment pastry chef and so she always bring so yummy, yummy food. This year it was a key lime tart. And my brother Steve is quite the cook. My pictures from Thursday are all blurry and it makes Steve's face look all weird and Kathryn looks as though she is almost invisible in front of the fridge. But I still remember the memory and I know that it is a bad picture.


Of course the boys were still in the football spirit and spent the majority of their time playing catch in the backyard.

{Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Recap}

Traditionally every Thanksgiving morning the boys wake up early to go and play in the annual "TURKEY BOWL" - it is the event of the year. Dylan and his friends have even been holding practices in preparation for this day. This year we woke up to a cold rainy morning. It was beautiful, but did not make for a good playing field.

The mountains near our house were barely visible. And below is Mountain View Park were the Turkey Bowl is usually held. On this beautiful November morning it resembled a lake more than an empty field. So they needed to make another plan. The Turkey Bowl must go on!!!!!

Every park they went to seemed to look very similar. So they decided to go to Shadow Mountain High School and see if Paradise Valley Ward (another ward that holds an annual Turkey Bowl) would split the playing field.

Logan and Coleton were so excited to be hanging with the big boys they went along to evaluate the high school fields.

The fields were muddy but it was determined that the games must go on and the mud made for a little more excitement!!!!!



Logan seems to be the one designated to retrieve the ball from the mud holes. He didn't care - he was just so excited to be playing with the "big" guys

(Below) Matt Campbell, Jason Theobald, Dylan and Rob Campbell


Below Dylan, Chris & one of the Elders make a plan to take the other team down.




All in all the Turkey Bowl was a huge success this year. The boys had so much fun. The dads had more fun. I wish I would have gotten a picture of Don when he returned home with his shirt torn to shreds. I am sure he was one crazy guy out there on the football field. If you know him you can just begin to imagine. Of course, his 43 year old body needs about a week to recoup from the Turkey Bowl. But I am so happy it was a good time had by all.

[It's Almost Time}


For Marissa to come home . . . .
Everyday the little boys would sit and count how many days, so we finally made a chart and we are so excited it is almost time !!!!!!

Monday, December 1, 2008

{New Scrapbook Store in North Phoenix/Scottsdale Area}


Check it out here {CRAFTY PAPERS}
Go say "Hi" to Brenda and tell her Kristan sent you !!!!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

{Give Thanks}

I have so much to catch up on, and not a lot of time to do it. But I do want to express my gratitude this weekend for all of the many blessings in my life. I have felt the Lords hand in my life on a daily basis. I have been blessed with the gospel in my life, an amazing husband, wonderful children, a very supportive family, fabulous friends and a wonderful job and people that I work with.
What I am most grateful for this year ? The opportunity to hear Marissa's voice on the other end of my cell phone. She spent Thanksgiving with an American family and they had free long distance and so all the girls got a chance to call their families. I can't tell you in this age of technology how nice it is to be able to pick up the phone and talk to our kids whenever we want or send them a cute little text. I have really missed that connection with Marissa. So I am so thankful we got to talk to her for awhile. I love that girl and she will be home in 17 days !!!!!!!!! (promise to post pictures and catch this blog up real soon)
"May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father.
If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.
Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most.
May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."
--Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey", Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87

Monday, November 10, 2008

Was. . . {I Love Mondays} Now . . . [Week In Review}

Monday November 10
I love Mondays. I really do. I love fresh beginnings. I always wake up bright and early to wake up kiddos for seminary and also in hopes of catching Marissa on the computer. Even chatting with her for a few moments is worth it because I love that girl so much. I never realized how much I could truly miss her. I am so used to texting my kids or picking up the phone and calling them whenever I want to hear their voices or just tell them I love them. That is why it is so hard right now. So I was thrilled to see "Hi Mom" pop up on my screen bright and early this morning. I love that girl.

Emily (one of Marissa's life long BFF's) came over yesterday after church to drop a lil something off for a care package for Marissa (I know a wedding invite was one of the things) and I just hugged her and I cried. Cause I don't really ever think I have had Emily in my house without Marissa. The two have just always gone together. Marissa & Emily. Emily & Marissa. It just made me miss her so much more. But Emily was so excited to tell me all about her wedding plans and to make sure I knew that Marissa was like family and she was going to be involved in all the wedding festivities Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I know Marissa will be thrilled. She was so sad to be missing the bridal showers and such. But she will be home in time for everything else.

Also yesterday was the primary program at church. It was Coleton's very last one which is so strange that he is almost a deacon (when he turns 12 next June) Logan had one of the main parts and if you know Logan that was not very cool, because he gets embarrassed so easily. But I was so proud of him for going and he did a really nice job. (There have been many times when Logan is supposed to be in a program or a play and he somehow is sick on that day) But he went and did a nice job. I was so happy to have been able to go and watch. Those primary kiddo's are so, so cute. There is nothing quite so touching as the pure joy of children.

Well back to Monday - I love Monday's - It has always been my getter done day. But the past six weeks it has been anything but that. But this morning after I had my quiet time of prayers, scriptures (also I am reading this amazing book called "21 days Closer to Christ") and quiet meditation, I felt such a peace. I could feel that Heavenly Father was mindful of my situation and even though Morgan's recovery is very slow, we are so glad that we have this time in our life right now set aside to help her get better. And so I am home and I need to make the best use of my time. I continue to have a reoccurring inspiration that comes to me in the quiet morning hours "He brought us to it, he will bring us through it" I just have to continue to have faith and I feel through all of this my faith is just growing stronger. Everything is being strengthened.

As I was re-reading conference talks this weekend, looking for something to speak to "me" (you know how sometimes you just pray to find the right words to speak to your heart) - I came across this -

"In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test—to return and live with our Heavenly Father" Elder Tom Perry - Let Him Do It with Simplicity



That reaffirmed to me that for this season I need to be here and help Morgan get better. I have been able to put all my teaching on hold for now (I love teaching-but I love my family more) - As hard as it was I cleared my calendar (I had just been offered my dream teaching position - but for everything there is a season - and I know those opportunities will be there again when I am ready). I am having to get creative about servicing my stores - but things are beginning to work out to where I am able to leave for a few hours at a time and I do lot's of work from home on my computer. I have amazing accounts that I service and each and every one of them also puts motherhood as the highest priority. I am so happy to be Morgan's mom and to be able to be here for her and help her through this very hard time in her life.

There are many things I can and will accomplish during this time I am spending at home. Today I was able to do the big summer/winter clothes switcheroo. But it seems as though every time I do it we get a warm streak. But my boys have way too many clothes to have all the seasons out at once. I got lot's of laundry done (possibly 8-10 loads) and have big bags for DI and the second hand store.


Madisann (my 12 year old niece) came over and hung out with Morgan for about an hour today. It was so nice of her. It is so good for Morgan to see people. She brought Morgan her very favorite Coconut Cream Pie Shake from Sonic. Even though sometimes she gets stressed because she is so worried she might have a seizure. Everyone loves her and accepts her and wants more than anything for her to get better. Which we know she will as she works through all of this. (In her priesthood blessing it said she would return to FULL activity and enjoy all the blessings that have been promised her)

Then Tuesday was Veterans Day. The kids all had school off and so in the wee hours of the early morning my mom. mylie, carol, marcia and I headed to the temple to do an early morning session. I love attending the opportunity to attend the temple and feel the peace it brings into my life. The kids all had fun activities that filled their day off of school. Coleton and Logan had a baseball party all day. Karleigh went to hang out with Katie. Dylan hung out with Matt and Coy and then headed to work. Dylan is working his second season at Alpine Ski shop. Which he loves. Dylan, Matt & Coy are quite the adventurous group of best friends. They wake board all summer and snow board all winter. So this is a job he loves. Alpine hired Coy this season also, so I am afraid it is going to be a big ole party at the ski shop all winter long.

Tuesday night we had Renee, Brittanie and the kids over for Family Night (since everyone had other activities on Monday night - work, baseball, lifeguard training) It is so fun to have them over. Brittanie and Renee are foster daughters that came to live with us 13 years ago. At the time they did not really appreciate the importance of family. But now that they are adults and Renee has kids of her own, she values more than anything in this world FAMILY. She loves the fact that there is a great big FAMILY that she calls HER FAMILY. We are thankful to our Heavenly Father for allowing us to be an influence for good and love them.

It is so funny because whenever the baby sees the camera he squinches (is that a word ?) his nose and eyebrows and says "CHEESE" as hard as I tried to catch him off guard as soon as he saw the camera he would do it. So funny. He LOVES his papa and his papa LOVES him. Those are two of my very favorite guys. And below Jade is working very hard on a picture for Marissa. She is so cute because I asked her if she wanted to color Marissa a picture and she said "I sure do - I love her - when is she coming home" then I told her Dec 17th. I asked her if she remembered where Marissa is and she said Washington - I said No - then she said "Oh I know Utah" - then I said no - she gets a questioned look on her face and said Seattle ? And I said no - and then she said "oh I forgot the name of that place - it is somewhere the airplane takes you over water" I told her the Ukraine and she said "oh yeah". But I was so impressed she knew lot's of the places Marissa has lived the past few years. She is one smart cookie.


Wednesday my awesome sister-in-law Melissa came on over with cute little Matthew to visit and she had dinner in hand. What a blessing. I love our family. She has such strength and loves us so unconditionally. She is one of those that would give the shirt off her back to help someone. We are blessed. truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. There truly is so much good in the world and it would be such a better place if everyone just takes the time to share and love others. It reminds me that our family has been the recipient of so many blessings and I hope that I can take the time to try and bless others as well.

Something exciting for me (maybe not for everyone else - but it makes me think how many little simple things I have taken for granted)I was able to get out for a couple hours yesterday and go visit Kit at Scrap Happy and that was awesome. Just warmed my heart to see my friend. I love that I work with people that I can call some of my dearest friends and I have missed them so much this past little while.

Another exciting thing (at least for me and all the peeps in my part of the world) There is a brand new store opening next week on our side of town. CRAFTY PAPERS at TATUM & THUNDERBIRD (Southeast Corner) if you are local email me and I have some 40% off coupons for you. You are going to love it. Brenda (the owner) is just about one of the nicest gals you will ever meet and I am so glad to call her one of my new friends (that I feel like I have known forever)

We have truly had a good week - Morgan has had a few ups and downs but she is hanging in there. With any recovery there are going to be ups and downs. And we are well aware that this is not going to be fast, she may not be back to the life she once knew for many months still to come. But, I know God is with us. I know He is helping to carry us through right now and that HE is mindful of our situation. I know that HE is aware of the pains HIS children are suffering. I know that there are lessons to be learned and that through every trial we experience in life we have an opportunity to grow and learn if we are open to it. I know there will be many wonderful times ahead. We BELIEVE in eternal happiness. I KNOW Morgan will be okay and that she will be a much stronger person when she comes through this. Even though it is so hard to watch her suffer right now and it breaks my heart to see her in pain. I wish it could be better tomorrow. But each tomorrow brings a little bit more healing. We continue to hold onto our FAITH. I have such great faith in the atonement, it is for each and every one of us. I know that FAITH is more valuable than anything else in this world at this time. The peace that I have been blessed with is overwhelming. Almost indescribable. I know that it is a direct result of FAITH and HOPE. I can feel my Heavenly Father's hand in my life. I know he has provided a way for us to get through this. As we look back on any trials we have had in our lives we can see how we have grown from each and every one them. We wouldn't trade that growth for anything, because it makes us who we are today. I hope that I can continue to learn and grow from the experiences that have been given to me. I hope I am learning the right lessons.

As I was reading {Melody's blog}last night I was so touched by her strength and her faith. She has been through so much and she has triumphed.
She has such an incredible way with words
"Life falls into pieces sometimes. And, many times.....it is not the best or right thing to do to try to pick the old pieces back up. Sometimes we just have to wait for new growth.....like a forest that burned down.....
or sometimes we think something is dead when it was just dormant. like a tree in the winter.
a tree that grows leaves and blossoms and fruit without trying....
I have been feeling buds growing on to my dormant branches...and they feel like they may be blossoming soon...then a promise of fruit later on.........and...surely, there will be another winter.
But I will love the spring while it is here."


I am touched and inspired so often by her words and when I see her growth and how she has been strengthened and refined and has come out so far on top from the many trials she has been through - I am lifted up. I know we will make it through this so called "winter" season and spring will be beautiful when it arrives. We hold onto HOPE and allow it to plant it's roots in our hearts and we keep our FAITH strong. Because truly "with GOD nothing is impossible".

Here is hoping for a wonderful productive weekend with FAMILY.