Thursday, October 30, 2008


While reading an ensign article this morning by Elder John K. Carmack I was uplifted by some of his words -



Although many parents will not experience bumps and turbulence as hard to navigate as some, some have and will experience frightening challenges. Do not give in to paralyzing feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Seek spiritual help and peace. Be strong and courageous. You will see it through.



My dear mom brought me a little frame yesterday with a quote from our new favorite doodling friend to sit on my bookshelf for me to see everyday - thanks mom


(http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

{Trust}

(thanks to http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/ for the cute doodles that I love so much)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

{Cute Homecoming Pics}

SENIOR HOMECOMING 08

What a fun night. Dylan's senior homecoming. Couldn't ask for a better group of kids.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Weekend : Homecoming, Balloons, Tyler & Just Hangin' in There}


The weekend started with homecoming. We love homecoming. Here is a picture of Karleigh and one of her best friends Katie getting ready to walk in the parade in front of the freshman float.
This is the first year in about 10 years that I have not been at the parade :(

They had a great time - even though Shadow lost the game.

I don't have any dance pictures yet but I will post when I do. Dylan and the boys did such a great job of planning their date and taking care of all the details.
So proud of that handsome young man of mine.

Then Saturday Renee, Jade & the baby surprised us and came over. We haven't seen them in about 4 weeks and everyone was missing everyone. Since Don was home with Morgan I was able to run Jade over to {Tyler's birthday}party for a bit. He is 6 and Jade just loves him. It was so nice to see them. To have their fun little spirits in our home. They have been so worried about Morgan also and just wanted to see her and know that things will be okay (they will won't they)

Coleton and Logan had a busy day of baseball on Saturday.
They are both playing on the same team and have the best coach ever (Don)
Karleigh came home from the dance sad. (first of all I am not a fan of school dances - but since her group of freshman girls spent so much time decorating for the dance - I had agreed they could go to dinner and then to the dance as a group) well - unfortunately when she got there her friends took off with boys and she was left alone. Such a hard age. But I told her I was so proud of her. But no matter how proud your parents are of the good choices you make it still makes it hard. Do you ever remember being a teen and having your friend ditch you for a boy ? I do - and it stinks. We have had lots of emotions and lots of tears going through our house this weekend.

Sunday brought the anniversary of my dad's passing. Every year on the anniversary we have the kids write notes to grandpa - attach them to white balloons and send them off to heaven.
Something they always look forward to.
I love my family -

Friday, October 17, 2008

{Just thinkin' about my dad}

A little girl needs a Daddy

For many, many things

Like holding her high off the ground

Where the sunlight sings!

Like being the deep music

That tells her all is right

When she awakens frantic

with the terrors of the night.

Like being the great mountain

That rises in her heart

And shows her how she might get home

When all else falls apart.

Like giving her the love

That is her sea and air,

So diving deep or soaring high

She'll always find him there.

This is my dad - I miss him terribly

It was 4 years ago Sunday that my dad returned to his Heavenly home

October 19, 2004

I can remember it like it was yesterday - please don't ever let me forget

At that time in my life I was probably closer to my Heavenly Father than I ever have been.
I can remember so vividly the morning of October 19th that year, my dad was lying unconscious in a hospital bed and my brother Jason had just finished staying with him for the night. Because my dad had been in ICU for a number of weeks my brothers and I began to take shifts with him. They would alternate the night shifts and I would be there during the day. We were always with him. The only time he was left alone was during the shift change from 7am – 8am in the morning and from 7pm – 8 pm in the evening. Jason called me as he left the hospital and said shift changes were beginning shortly and that dad had a good night, he was resting peacefully and he would see me later that night when he got off of work.
No one was allowed to be in the ICU during the shift change and I knew I couldn't get in for another hour. But I had not slept at all the night before and had a distinct impression that I must go now. I didn’t tell anyone in my family why I was leaving so early I just knew I needed to be there. When I got to the hospital, the door to the ICU was unlocked. Which was very strange. I walked in and the nurses could tell I had been crying. They didn’t question me being there during shift change they just wanted to be sure I was okay. As I entered his room and went and sat next to him to hold his hand. I could feel something different. That morning there was something very different. The veil between Heaven and Earth was very, very thin. The room was warm; I could feel the presence of others who had gone before. It was as if they had their arms circled around me.
I immediately called my mom and brother's and told them to come.
I began to talk to to my dad and the tears just began to flow.
As I cried a nurse came in and put her arm on my shoulder and told me that he was very restless when she was changing his bed a short time before.
She said “he is tired of being here, he’s waiting for you to let go – he wants to know you will be okay – tell him to go home – tell him to go to the light”
then she left.
I couldn't believe what she just asked me to do - tell him it was okay to leave me ?
So I sat and talked to him. I poured my heart out to him. I didn't want him to go.
What was a 36 year old girl supposed to do the rest of her life without her dad ?
He was my rock. He was the one who could make everything okay.
He was the one I turned to.
He always had ALL the answers.
He brought me comfort.
I wanted my children to have the same positive influence that I had growing up.
A few nights before we let all of the kids come in and talk to him. My heart broke as I watched my children, one by one, say goodbye to their grandpa. The man they admired and loved so much. They each took a turn and held his hand and spoke straight from their hearts. I could have never imagined how hard it would be as I watched my children sob at their grandpa's bedside.
He was their rock.
But I knew his body could not take anymore.
But just like my dad - he had to make sure we were alright.
As I sat there holding his hand and talking to him I felt a peace come to me.
I had quiet music playing on a cd player in the corner of the room.
It was so peaceful.
The Holy Ghost whispered it would be alright.
I then promised my dad that everything would be all right and that it was okay for him to go.
As I said those words that I never in my life thought I would say, he began to open his eyes. Something I never would have expected.
He looked at me and then looked around the room – his eyes gazed across the whole room.
I knew he saw what I couldn't see, the spirits that were there to take him home. I imagine my grandma choules was right there to gather her oldest grandson and lead him home.
I told him I loved him and he squeezed my hand and then in an instant I could feel his spirit leave his body. I began to sob and the nurses could hear me crying - they came in and asked if everything was okay ? and I said "he is gone" as I sat there holding his hand. They turned the monitor on and sure enough he was gone. The music that was playing on the cd was like the angels were singing as he entered their presence.
One might think it is painful for me to recount this story – and to some extent it is – but it is also a vivid reminder to me of how I want to be living my life. At that time in my life I had given up every worldly influence, I spent countless hours searching the scriptures, countless hours praying and many days fasting.
My family was the only concern I had. It was because of the way I was living my life at that time I was able to be in tune and receive the gift of personal revelation.
For that I am thankful.
I am thankful that I was able to be there with him and witness the Heavens open and bring him home. You know my entire life I had faith and I believed all of things that I had been taught. But at that very moment in time – I received an overwhelming witness that it is all true. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was all true – that once we come and make the sacrifices that are required of us and fulfill our mission here on earth it will be a glorious day when our Heavenly Parents welcome us home. I know that if I live my life the way I should I will see my dad again. We have an eternal family and I am so thankful for those eternal truths.
I see his influence all around me. I am thankful for such an amazing father.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him or
ask him to watch over my children.
I know he is watching over us and looks forward to the day when we can be
together forever.
This little stone with this quote sits at the cemetery and every time I walk by it - it reconfirms how I feel. That's me a big emotional ball of tears.


The kids and I enjoy our visits the cemetery. It is the perfect, most beautiful cemetery. I am sure my dad was happy with the choice. It is where I like to go for quiet reflection. When I am having a hard time or just need to go have some quiet time. It's also a place where I will take my kids if they are having a hard time. Sometimes I'll notice them having a tough day and I will say.
Hop in the car let's go see grandpa.
Once we are there - it helps us to put things in perspective and remember that we are all here to experience the trials set before us in this life and work on making our way back to our Heavenly Home.
The promise of a FOREVER FAMILY is what keeps me going some days.
(missing Marissa - but I am sure she will pay a visit when she comes home in December)



The greatest gift I ever had

Came from God

I call him Dad

Author Unknown







Click {HERE} to see another wonderful tribute to my dad. If you are lucky enough to still have your dad here upon this earth. Take a minute and call him or send him a note to tell him how much you love him. You never know how many tomorrows you have.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Please take a moment to watch this amazing video that was put together for the Nielson Recovery Carnival. It is done so beautifully. If I could get out and go somewhere I would go and support this amazing fundraiser for this amazing family. I have never met them but have come to love and admire their family. I truly believe Stephanie was put on this earth to touch lives and influence people for the good and help inspire you to live just a little bit better each day.
Make sure to go down to my music bar on the left and stop the music so you can hear the music on the video.

To read more of Stephanie & Christians story you can click {HERE}

If you are a hopeless romantic like me this is one of the most beautiful love stories you will ever read {HERE}

More information about the fundraiser can also be found {HERE}

Mylie and her sisters will be painting faces and doing fun stuff - so you must go !!!!



{AZ LOCALS CHECK THIS OUT}

In addition to teaching at some of our very favorite local stores my mom is now having private classes in her home. (the joy of retirement - getting to do what you love all the time)

Check it out for some amazing holiday classes http://saywhatdesigns.blogspot.com/

Enjoy !!!!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

{A SPECIAL DAY}

Lynn and I have been friends since I was 13. We go way, way back. And even though time and distance separate us I consider her one of my very best friends in the entire world. We can go long periods of time without seeing each other and then pick up like it was just yesterday. I didn't have any sisters growing up and Lynn and Angie were the next best thing. I love and cherish them and their friendship so much. My brothers kept and eye out for me and did me well by each marrying an amazing woman and now I have 2 amazing gals in my life I can call sisters. I am so thankful for them and the love and support they give to me and our family. When I married my fabulous husband I automatically inherited 4 new sisters. And then the lord has blessed me greatly with friends so close I could call them sisters. They watch out for me and support me and love me and for that I am thankful and know that I am richly blessed. I hope that one day I can give back to these wonderful women in my life as much as they have given me.

Well I know my dear friend Lynn has been looking forward to this day for a long time. Justen returned home from his mission yesterday. It was an emotional day for everyone. Even though Justen has been able to follow his families story and keep in touch by weekly emails - it is still not the same until you see first hand. It was a joyful reunion for everyone. So much has happened in the two years in which he has been gone. But I truly believe the family was so blessed because of Justen's continued service. I know I can remember the blessings that came to my family during the time when each of my brother's served missions.

“I have attended hundreds of missionary meetings over the years. I love to hear missionaries speak of their love for the Lord, but I also love to hear them speak with great appreciation and love concerning their parents. Boys who had been careless and indifferent stand on their feet and with tears in their eyes thank the Lord for their fathers and their mothers. In these days, what a salutary and wonderful thing it is to hear a strong young man stand up and speak with great feeling concerning his father and his mother, saying things he would never have said before in all of his life. Every boy and girl ought to come home with an increased love for parents.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, “Gifts to Bring Home from the Mission Field,” New Era, March 2007, 2

You can check out Lynn's Blog {here} and the Spectrum newspaper did a wonderful article on the homecoming also. Go {HERE}

My heart is so happy for my friend today as she is able to gather her entire family together. I know the little kids must be so thrilled to have him home. I know in our family we have marked on the calendar when Marissa will be home and Logan said just last night after family prayer. "When she comes home is she staying ? Why does she have to keep leaving ?" What a blessing to have a family that loves each other so much. I am so happy for Lynn and for all the joy she is feeling right now.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

{Faith}

Love this scripture - especially right now in my life.

So about a year ago while sitting in hotel room just surfing different scrapbook sites. I stumbled upon all these really cute doodled quotes. I saved them all to a file to use for inspiration. Boy they sure do come in handy. I did not create them - I just admire them. They make me feel good and bring me peace and gentle reminders. I would love to figure out where they came from. First of all, to give credit where credit is due - because this gal is so inspiring and so ubberly talented. Secondly, because I enjoy her work and would love to see more. I know she is a frequently published artist and I can even imagine her face. But my brain is on overload and I just haven't been able to locate her name. So I need your help. If you know the artist I am referring to will you send me her name and a link to her blog if you have it.
Thanks so much friends.
EDITED : Okay- all I needed was another brain for a bit, HEATHER knew exactly who I was talking about it is Stephanie who creates these amazing doodles - you can check out her blog {here}

Monday, October 13, 2008

{Baking . . . Emotional Rollercoaster}

One of the things I love about cool weather is . . . . . baking season. My very favorite cookbooks are 101 of Things . . . . .



I love these. And since my food storage has a very large amount of cake mixes that need to be rotated, this cookbook is my best friend.

I love to bake and so I made a huge batch of banana nut muffins and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Made enough to share with the neighborhood (seriously - had to have Mylie come and grab a bunch)

Then last night we watched "College Road Trip" together as a family. I will admit the motivation behind renting this was "Donny" but he was a dork in the movie. But it was really cute. We laughed and cried. Cried because I know what it is like to have them grow up and go away and feel like you are loosing them.



Then I saw the song "slipping through my fingers" spotlighted on quite a few blogs lately and I must tell you - it brought me to tears. Because right now with Marissa so far away - I am missing her. You can check out the videos to the songs {HERE} on Heather's blog.

This was the last movie we saw before Marissa left for the Ukraine and I cried. Just because it brought up so many feelings and emotions for me.

Schoolbag in hand,
she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
I watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while

The feeling that I'm losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I'm glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl

Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time

Do I really see whats in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time

Sleep in our eyes, her and me at the breakfast table
Barely awake,
I let precious time go by
Then when shes gone there's that odd melancholy feeling
And a sense of guilt I cant deny

What happened to the wonderful adventures
The places I had planned for us to go
(slipping through my fingers all the time)

Well, some of that we did but most we didn't
And why I just don't know
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see whats in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing

Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
Slipping through my fingers...
Slipping through my fingers all the time

Schoolbag in hand she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile...

Take it from me, time goes by so fast and then they are gone. Don't ever take anything for granted. I think when she returns home we are never going to let her leave. Sounds like a plan.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

{is that you FALL peaking around the corner}

DAILY FORECAST
Tonight, temperatures will drop into the low to mid 50s under clear skies. Winds will become lighter out of the northwest at 5-10mph overnight. On Sunday, expect cooler than average temperatures with highs near 78 under sunny skies. Enjoy!


Well - as we go thru this struggle each day I am making sure to find the things in which I am grateful for - and when I woke up and walked outside this morning it was hard to believe I was living in Arizona. I think FALL is just around the corner.

Friday, October 10, 2008

{All You Amazing College Kids In Provo}

Are you looking for something really good to participate in ? I know a few of you are runners (Ariel) check out this 5K http://blog.cjanerun.com/ it is for a really good cause.

{Fall Break}


Well it is fall break here in Phoenix, AZ. The kids get a four day weekend - wooo hooo.


Karleigh left for California on Wednesday night with her best buddy Megan and her parents and they were going to Magic Mountain. Karleigh really needed a break. She has been really having a hard time (as all of us are) watching her sister struggle thru these seizures. So I am so glad she could get away from it all for a few days and have some fun before starting her 2nd quarter of her freshman year.

Dylan helped throw a surprise party for his buddy Coy last night. Coy will be 18 this week. Crazy !!!!! one year till his mission. Then he was off to the football game tonight and then tomorrow Don gave him 12, count them yes 12 tickets for him and his friends to go to Castles and Coasters. Can you say HUGE group date. Albertson's (whom Don is a buyer for) is having their big family day and they have it reserved for just them. Don couldn't go because he is being super dad and went to work at 4 am this morning so he could get off at 10 and he came home and took Coleton and Logan to go hike the Grand Canyon. What an awesome dad he is. We are so blessed. The boys were so excited.


I told them they have to down both of those gatorades before they even got to the Grand Canyon. So I am sure they had to make some potty breaks along the way. My boys are turning into quite the little hikers. Hopefully when Marissa gets home she will be up for some hiking with them. Don just called and he actually has coverage on the plateau they are camping on tonight. So I can say "goodnight" to my little guys.

Thursday, October 9, 2008












Okay so I was going to write this big ole post about friends. But guess what ? It's so late I just fell asleep at my computer as I was loading pictures (imagine that - people who know me might have a hard time believing that one) so you will just have to enjoy the pictures of all the amazing people in Marissa's life. I am grateful for all of them and so glad they have enjoyed such good times with my girl. She has had quite the fun college life. Lucky girl !!!!!

Goodnight !