{Babies Don't Keep}

It is so hard to believe that 21 years ago I held this precious baby in my arms for the very first time. I became a mom. How precious those moments were. And little did I know they would go by so fast.

Cleaning and Scrubbing Can wait till tomorrow
For babies grow up
We learn to our sorrow.
Settle down cobwebs, Dust go to sleep
I'm rocking my baby 'Cause babies don't keep.
Every word is truth. She didn't keep. She grew up.
Oh how I miss her and I pray that the path she chooses will lead her back home to her family one day.

{We Have Arrived}

Janna and I arrived safely in sunny California (NOT) It is dark, cloudy and rainy. But we usually go from the hotel to the convention center and never venture too far so we are fine. But it is definitely curly hair weather. I am excited to see everyone and all the new product releases. I know that things will be fine at home and I am going to truly enjoy this nice little get away with my buddy Janna. I'll be back . . . .

{Miracles Happen}

Do you believe in miracles ? Do you believe in answers to prayers ?

Let the music begin . . . . just humor me and sing at least one line of the song from Princess Diaries "When You Believe". This is the song that has been going through my head for the past couple of months as I have sat and watched this relationship between Morgan and Trent evolve.

Miracles happen, miracles happen

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, miracles happen

I can't imagine, living my life without you now

Not ever having you around

We found our way out (on you I can depend)

Don't have to look back, to realize how far we've come

There are million reasons

I'm lookin up I don't want this to end

Nothin Nothin should ever bring you down

Knowing what goes around will come around

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe (miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to light

That takin a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe

There is no question we found the missing pieces

Our picture is complete

It's fallen into place (it's fallen into place)

This is our moment, you and I are looking up

Someone is watching over us

Keeping me close

Closer to you everyday

Nowhere

Nowhere on earth i'd rather be

No one can take this away from you and me

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe (miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to light

That takin a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe, When you believe

The soul is a shining light

When you believe

The heart has the will to fight

You can do anything, don't be afraid

We're gonna find our way

You showed me faith is not blind

I don't need wings to help me fly

Miracles happen, once in a while

When you believe (miracles happen)

You showed me dreams come to light

That takin a chance on us was right

All things will come with a little time

When You believe

Morgan met Trent through a Young Single Adult group this past fall. They chatted on the phone often and right after Thanksgiving they went on their first date. Let me just tell you it was about that time I was praying with the most sincere heart that a miracle would take place. She was given the most amazing priesthood blessing by President Ogden that promised she would return to FULL health and have no lasting effects as long as she did what the doctors said. So I knew I had to have faith that all would be well.

Then Trent came along. Soon I would find out he was the answer to a mother's prayer. The Lord must have been saving him for us. I liked him immediately. There was something very different about him. He not only brought a smile to Morgan's face, but he brought a smile to my face. I felt safe knowing she was with him. They began spending everyday together and she knew, we all knew he was something special. He is almost 24, served a two year mission for our church in Mexico, works full time for Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy and is in school to become a Physical Therapist. He immediately took on a concern with Morgan's foot and the fact that she was still in a walking boot. (something her physical therapist has been trying to get her out of for months). I don't know exactly what he did, but before I knew it she was back in two shoes. And then he even got her into tennis shoes and now she is even starting to jog. They love each other so much. We love Trent. He brings out the very, very best in Morgan. They enjoy so many of the same things and both have a very strong testimony of the gospel. He is the perfect fit for our family. I trust him with my daughter and I never worry when she is with him. The last couple of weeks I have just been so amazed at the fact that he has really come into our lives. I KNOW now that he IS an answer to many prayers.

Here is the sweetest part - he called Don this week and asked if he had some time to talk with him. Tuesday night Trent asked Don if he could have his blessing and his permission to ask his daughter for her hand in marriage. He wanted to spend the rest of eternity with her. Of course Don gave him his blessing because seriously, it is exactly what we were hopping for. They love each other so much.They will be married sometime this summer once they coordinate schedules with both families. Trent also comes from a big family of 6 kids. 3 boys and 3 girls. He is the youngest. He is from Colorado where most of his family lives. So let the plans begin. I am so excited for the next couple months and really want to focus on making it very special and very memorable for both of them.

I don't know the exact details because it was late when she got home. But I do know that he picked her up after work and took her to dinner. During dinner a lady brought flowers and a fortune cookie to the table. In the fortune cookie it said something to the effect of "spending the rest of your life with the one you love" and then he pulled out the ring and popped the question. Love romantic, thoughtful guys. Did I mention he cooks (they have spent many evenings in the kitchen cooking some wonderful dishes) he sings (she always wanted to marry someone who loves music as much as she does) and he is very athletic and loves sports just as much as all the other men in this house (which the Paolacci boys love -he fits right in) Well here is the ring . . . . it is absolutely beautiful.

I am so excited for their "Happily Ever After to Begin" don't ever stop believing - miracles happen . . . . . . . . . . . .

{CIMI}

Well last night at 11pm I dropped off Don and Coleton to board the bus to California. When they arrive in Long Beach they will get on board a boat that will take them to Catalina Island where they will participate in the C.I.M.I. JUNIOR SEA CAMP for 3 days.

Marissa, Dylan and Karleigh have all had the opportunity to go on this trip and Coleton has listened to their stories and viewed the photos and now it was finally his turn. They were so excited. At that very moment I was reminded of how lucky I was to be married to such an incredible man. You can imagine approximately 90 sixth grade students and every parent wanted the As I drove away, tears swelled in my eyes - how blessed I am to be married to him. How blessed I am for the choices he has made that made him stand out among the rest. All the applicants had to go through a strict screening process and then had to be selected by a panel of teachers and administrators. Because of his community involvement and leadership with the youth he was one of their first picks. So see all the years of scouting and service pay off. One of the teachers on the board has a son that plays little league and she said if he can handle all those boys in Little League we need him on this trip. I am excited for Coleton to have his dad with him to create memories of a life time.

{One Little Word}

For the past couple of years I have followed Ali's lead and chosen a word to focus on. My first word was {HOPE} . Last year my word was {FOCUS}

This year my word if going to be

{FAITH}

FAITH: "faith is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).

"If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" Faith is a principle of action and power. Whenever we work toward a worthy goal, we exercise FAITH. We show our hope for something that we cannot yet see.

So this year my FOCUS will be to simply have FAITH. To know that if I do my best, the Lord will take care of the rest. This brings me such peace. FAITH and Fear cannot exist at the same time. So I choose FAITH.

FAITH is much more than passive belief.

We express our FAITH through action—by the way we live.

In order to have FAITH we must BELIEVE in ourselves. My friend Katie gave a fabulous lesson on Sunday to our Young Women about BELIEVING they truly are a daughter of God. Her object lesson was that if you don't BELIEVE in YOURSELF and your PURPOSE here in life that you are just living a beLIEve. This helps me to remember to be true to myself and things I know are true. I look forward with HOPE and FAITH that 2009 will be a wonderful year.

I have already seen many miracles come to pass and heard many answers to prayers.

Life is good. And I have FAITH that

“In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things"(Elaine S. Dalton)

I have many goals for 2009 that I will take a minute and share later, but for now I need to go and get some work done.

{Been Scrappin}

Here is the cute poem I used this year to help simplify my holidays , but still do something nice for my friends. Made this cute little wrapper to put on boxes of chocolate and candy bars.

Then played catch up with some older Christmas photos - it was just fun to start getting back in my groove. I think 2009 is going to be a good year for scrappin'

{Happy New Year}

Busy day . . . Great Day. . . Happy 2009 - I love the promise and hope a new year brings. I got this little thought in my inbox this morning and I thought I would share . . .

"This is the beginning of a new year, and each of us might well say to himself,

“Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Let me begin now to prepare for eternal life, that I may know a fullness of joy and happiness now and forever.”

After all, this is really what each of us wants, and it is most important that we take time to find out how to get it and begin now to work at it day by day."
--N. Eldon Tanner, "Just for Today", New Era, Jan 1975, 4

May 2009 bring you health, prosperity and happiness

while surrounded by the ones you love !!!!!

{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.

{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.

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.

{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.

{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.

{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.

{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.

{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.