Follow the journey . . . . as the doctors begin "Perfecting the Feet of a Princess"

www.morganandtrent.blogspot.com

You can call me "Mimi"

So we have been a little busy this week getting used to our new role as grandparents!

All I can say is that this is what heaven must be like !

 

Morgan and Trent are doing great and they are just in love with their baby girl

Introducing . . . . . .

Malorie Dawn Archer

May 15, 2010 ~ 11:51 pm

7 lbs 5 oz

21 inches

5 day old photo's done by my amazingly talented sister-in-law
www.jamieharper.typepad.com

Just waiting to meet her . . .

(photo courtesy of http://www.jamieharper.typepade.com/)

Oh my . . . . Inspiration Overload

I have been totally inspired by some of the  fabulous work I am seeing out there lately. Really I would be happy to sit in my little craft corner and craft all day. I am sure the arrival of my new little grand-daughter might have something to do with it. Maybe it is grandma nesting !!!

But you have got to check these out . . . .

Craftaholics Anonymous

And to feed my flower addiction . . . . .

Look what Rhonna is up to

oh and then I stumbled upon this site . . .

Whippy Cake

and I can't believe I missed this . . . But I was at Scrap Happy Sisters event . . . wish it would have been a different day because oh how I would have loved to have gone . . . . next time . . . soon I hope. The girl who is running it is the daughter of one of my most absolutely favorite young women leaders from when I just about 17 years old.

Boutique in the Barn

Okay - I hope you get something accomplished today, because it would be oh so easy just to sit and look at all the inspiration on these sites today.

Baby Report : Morgan goes for her amnio today at 2pm to see if little Malorie's lungs are ready to face the world. If they are then she waits for the call from hospital to be induced. So exciting !!!!

The End to A Fabulous Weekend . . . .

Church was amazing yesterday. The spirit that was felt there was something special.

It was fast and testimony meeting and many beautiful testimonies where shared.

As a Relief Society we are working on a number of service projects that I am really excited about.

Our theme for this month is

 "Helping Hands: An Evening of Service and Sharing"

We will be making quilts and will use them to give to those who can use a little "extra comfort"

and we will be learning how to make crocheted hats.

There is a group of women in our ward that have been making hats for cancer patients.

As mothers, daughters, sisters and wives we have the natural want to nurture and care for those in need.  Many of the cancer patients express a need for a covering for their heads after the ravages of treatment have caused their hair to become thin or to fall out altogether. What a wonderful project this is. We have also expanded and will be making newborn hats for babies in the NICU and then hats for the homeless. I am excited to learn how to make these and then teach my family and what a wonderful "summer project" it will be.

After church we came home as a family and watched "THE BLIND SIDE" Don had got it from Red Box and he had it for about 4 days and we needed to watch it so we could return it. I had no idea what I was in for. By far the BEST movie I have seen in a very long time. My entire family loved it and was touched by it. For those who know me, mostly my kids, can imagine that I sobbed through most of the movie, but then there were times in between the tears that I laughed out loud. My mother's heart was truly touched and I loved it. I can't believe it has taken me this long to see it. (yes, I can - I have been a little busy) It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

Fabulous Weekend Part 3 . . . .

Saturday after math class I went and spent the day at

SCRAP HAPPY SISTERS 3 day CROP for National Scrapbook Day.

It was a blast !!!

I helped all the women make a cute 4x4 mini album with the new CINCH from WE R.

They were super cute and everyone loved them.

These are my fabulous friends Kit & Kris - the owners of Scrap Happy Sisters.

"Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same."

I love these girls and I am so thankful to be part of their lives. This is the best part of what I do. Being able to work with friends like this who share the same passion that I do.

Fabulous Job Kit & Kris - It was an awesome weekend !!!

Fabulous Weekend Part 2 . . . .

So I have two more weeks left of this semester and all I can say is that i truly am so proud of myself for not quiting. Cause it was really hard and when I started I wasn't sure that my brain was capable of absorbing all the information that was being thrown at me. So over the course of the past 4 1/2 months I have gotten the hang of this college thing and I am more determined now more than ever to finish a degree. I will continue to pursue nursing - and if the time comes that I have to find another job - I will have a direction. With the economy I am not really sure what is going to happen. If I had a choice what would I really want to do it would be to JUST BE A MOM (and Grandma) and stay home and take care of my family. But the reality of that is not possible. With teenagers, car insurance, missions, college expenses, sports, swim teams, and everything else that comes with raising a big family - I have to contribute income to the family budget. I don't work so we can take fancy vacations or buy fancy cars or expensive clothing. Those who know me, know that I am  SIMPLE gal and know that I contribute just so we can make it. I would love for the economy to bounce back and I would be so happy if I could just continue making it with my job in the scrapbook industry. I LOVE MY JOB and I LOVE THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH. That is what I want and then I would have a degree for back up.

So anyways - I have been working hard and getting some pretty good grades and I am happy to report that on Saturday I got

on my math test. Now I have gotten A's on all my tests this semester. But to actually get 100% - I was pretty darn proud of myself. Especially since I never did well in math in my earlier years. So I have a final English paper due today, a psychology exam tomorrow and then onto finals.

See this precious baby - she is schedule to make her arrival sometime before this weekend right at the start of finals. But no worries all my professors are aware that I may need special accommodations to the timing of my finals and they are all completely understanding. I am so excited to meet

MALORIE DAWN ARCHER

I think this may just be the best Mother's Day ever !!!!

Fabulous Weekend Part 1 Continued . . . .

Dylan had found a Peruvian restaurant in Mesa and so after the temple we headed there for dinner. Let's just make one thing clear. Just because Peru is in South America does not mean that there you will find Mexican food. I wish I would have copied the menu. But it seemed to be full of dishes that consisted of rice, potatoes, eggs, chicken, beef and lot's of veggies. Lot's of radishes ! Everyone loved their food. Dylan's plate looked very similar to a dish of fried rice to me.

One of the highlights was getting to drink "INCA" KOLA. We have heard that this is the favorite soda in Peru, so the guys had to try it. They all said it tasted like bubblegum and they loved it. The other drink they got was a purple rice drink. I guess this one is more of an "acquired" taste. We had a great time sharing this fabulous experience with Dylan and are so proud of the man he is growing up to be.

Fabulous Weekend . . . part 1

What an awesome weekend we had. Friday night we went to the temple with Dylan and had such an amazing experience. Dylan, was attaending the Temple for the first time in preparation for his mission. I knew in my heart that it was going to be a special experience, but I truly did not know how special it would be. I am always touched when I enter the house of the Lord, because the spirit is so strong. If there is anywhere on earth you feel close to Heaven, that is where it is.

I knew that my dad would be present, not only in spirit, but that he would be close by as he watched his oldest grandson prepare to serve a mission. As each of my children cross milestones in their lives I can feel of the love of my dad. His grandchildren were his life. He loved them more than anything in this world and even though he is waiting for us on the other side, I know he is still watching over them and rejoicing in their accomplishments and loved them through their trials.

Once you have done your own work in the temple, you can then return to perform ordinances for those who have gone before. To find out more about Temple work go here. As I sat in the chapel and said a prayer, I could feel that there were many who were very happy that Dylan would be serving the people of Peru on his mission. As we enter the temple and perform ordinances for those who have gone before you are given a name of a person who is deceased. As I sat in the chapel and looked down at the name I was given and said her name "Maria" and noticed that "Maria" was from Peru. The place where Dylan will be serving his mission. I am not sure if I can relate the feeling in which I had at this time. But it was testified to me that Maria was so happy to have her temple work done and she is so anxious for Dylan to go and teach her people.

I will be back to post pictures and follow up on the rest of my weekend . . . gotta go get the family ready for church.

Going to the Temple . . . .

Today is a very special day . . .

Dylan will be going to the Temple to recieve his Endowments

I am so thrilled to share this special day with him . . .

We have him home for 14 more weeks until he goes to serve the people of Peru for 2 years.

I think one of the greatest blessings you can receive as a parent is to hear from priesthood leaders what an amazing young man your son is and that he is well prepapred to serve a mission and that he will truly be an amazing missionary and that he will truly bless the peole in which he serves.

What better way can you think to spend two years than by blessing the lives of others.

I am so very thankful for the gospel in my life and all the many blessings we have recieved.

Essay's . . . . .

Oh my I have been writting my final essay for days now . . . . . . Need to get it finished before the baby comes !!!!

Saturday . . .

Three more math classes left . . . wooooo hooooo (until summer school begins.) I know, crazy isn't it. But I am bound and determined to finish my college degree. But at a little bit slower rate than this past semseter. This has been crazy. But ya know "I didn't know" I really didn't know what it all intailed and so with each new thing in life we learn and grow and that is what I have done this semester. Proud to say I am working my tail off and getting almost all A's. I have learned alot in many areas. One of the main things I have learned is to keep going with my math and just focus on math until it is done.  So that is what I am doing. With all degrees you need to go to atleast 142 or 150. I have found a teacher that I totally "get" his teaching style and so I need to just keep going.

As for now I need to go and start a load of wash before I head to "saturday school".

Friday Night and All is Well . . . .

Well, here it is Friday night at 11:37 pm and I am blog hopping (getting caught up on happenings with everyone) and enjoying a quiet night at HOME !!! Dylan went with some friends to California for the weekend. Don and Coleton are on a campout. Logan is fast asleep and Karleigh is enjoying a movie on the big screen.

GUESS WHAT ? I LOVE FRIDAYS !!!!

I really LOVE Fridays . . .  becuase I don't have ANY classes on Friday's (one smart choice I made as an adult returning to school)


I can't even tell you how much i LOVE being at home !!!!!

Making a list . . . checking it twice

This month we need to . . . .

• Mission Call Acceptance Letter Sent (of course) DONE
• passport and visa application sent to church headquarters  DONE
• Appoitments for Shots - there's alot - HEP A Series, Typhoid Fever, Yellow Fever, so on and so on. Don't want my boy getting sick so we will make sure he get's them all.
• Patriarchial Blessing
• Temple Endowments

He will probably kill me when he finds out I uploaded his visa photo. The photographer would not let him smile. Why do some places let you smile for passport/visa photos and some don't ?  But it is a memory right. And I think you can tell by looking at the photo it signifies a very memorable time in his life. Just look at the tan line on his face. He has been able to enjoy some pretty amazing skiing this ski season. Almost every other weekend and it had now come to an end. I am so glad he had such a fun winter, becuase when he comes home from his mission it is back to school fulltime.

Trying to get hime to work on his piano skills. He plays by ear amazing. I love listening to him play - music to my ears. And I think he will bless the lives of many if he would learn to play a handful of hymns. We will see if moms encouragement works.

PERU LIMA EAST MISSION

Elder Dylan Thomas Paolacci

has been called to serve as a missionary for the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

in the
Peru Lima East Mission

He reports to the MTC in Provo, Utah on
August 11, 2010 at which time he will participate in phased training
and then will be transferred to the Lima Peru MTC 

We are thrilled !!!

.

Mission Calls and Grandbabies . . . . . .

I guess that is what is meant when they say "these are the best days of your life" We are anxiously awaiting Dylan's mission call - which should arrive tomorrow (hopefully) and we have about 5 more weeks until we meet our darling grandaughter Malorie.

Besides working 2 jobs (both of which I love) and going to school. Being a wife and mom is keeping me pretty busy right now.

Love One Another

Monday, Monday, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah - So good to me . . . . .

Another reason I think I love Monday's so much is becuase they follow Sunday which is by far my most favorite day of the week. I love the Sabbath and the the opportunity I have each Sunday to recommitt myself . I love having my cup filled and be inspired to do good. I love Monday's becuase I love having a fresh start to my week every Monday morning. My week starts Sunday nights at 9pm, when I arrive at Marge and Tom's. Last night my friend Marge was a little crabby. She is so cute, she tries really hard to be a grouchy old lady with Alzheimers, but then I look at her and she just laughs. She is darling. I have learned so much these past 6 months while caring for her. I absolutely love her to peices. I know I can't work 7 nights a week. But I truly miss her the two nights I am off each week. What am I going to do when I leave for CHA on Friday night ? I am going to miss her for 6 nights.

Speaking of CHA - yep it is that time of year again and the annual Winter CHA show is in Anaheim. Janna and I pack up the car and leave on Friday. We don't return home until Wednesday Night. I am hoping the next two weeks really boost the business in the scrapbook/papercrafting industry. More to come on that later (maybe) But I always love CHA and rubbing shoulders with such talented people. I love seeing my friends that I usually only get to see twice a year and catching up with them. The wonderful thing about this industry is that it is filled with such good, good people that truly are all so much alike. I love it and I love my friends and I am excited to see them all and excited to see what their creative minds have created.

When I return from CHA we will be running a MEMORY MIXER booth at the Quilt, Craft & Sewing Expo. Just another three days of crafting inspiration. I went last year and I LOVED it. So if you are a local be sure to come. Click here http://www.rustybarn.com/festival-dates.html to get a 1.00 off admission. I was simply amazed at how well Memory Mixer did there. The response was unbelievable. So I am excited for this year and Janna and Karen are going to be helping me out.

The kids are out of school today. We always love a day off. It was raining this morning (love the rain) And now I have a house full of neighborhood boys. I am just going through all of my .99 Savers finds from this monring. It is really bad when you get up at 5am to work and just so by 9am you can take a break to go to the Savers sale. I am finding lot's and lot's of cute baby clothes.

Well gotta run got lot's to do today . . . . . . .

I LOVE Books . . .

Guess what - I LOVE books. And I LOVE reading to little people. But sometimes the trick is to get the little people to sit and listen. We all know how important it is to read to our children. I guess I am really excited about this becuase even though my life is really busy - I look forward to reading to our new grandbaby when she arrives.

Ok - now I need to back track here for a moment. Since the news of our soon to be "grandparent hood" I have been excited to help Morgan and Trent prepare for this new little life. I have always dreamed of what kind of grandma I wanted to be and guess what ? The time is NOW !!! Needless to say the economy has really hit our home and my business in the Scrapbooking Industry (but I have all the faith that 2010 is going to be a good year and it will build back up - but as for now there is very little moola which makes for challenging times) So we have been a bit challenegd financially - but those who know me know that I LOVE a challenge. So I have become the queen of thrift shops, second hand stores and clearance racks. Finding these bargains has almost become an obsession. Becuase now I won't buy anything baby girl for more than $1. You probably cringe at the thought of what I must be buying for .50 - $1 - but I promise you that you would be amazed at what I have found and never in a million years would you beleive what I have paid for it. I may have to start taking pictures of some of my incredible finds.

So with that said. I have been searching for the perfect childrens books - but refuse to buy them new (unless of course they are on a blow out clearance rack) Becuase you know all childrens books are only .69 at SAVERS. As I researched the "perfect books for baby" in order to develop language and inspire a love of reading I came across this list.

MUST HAVES FOR EVERY FAMILY :

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister


The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth
 
Now having six kids I know some more of the "all time favorites" that we had to read over and over. I know that when choosing baby books to read to infants and toddlers you should look for bold, interesting pictures, rhyming text and simple words that are easy for babies to follow.
 
One thing that I always knew but I can honestly say that I didn't take much time to do was reading to baby during your pregnancy. Recent studies have shown that babies may even remember the rhyme and rhythm of the books you read while they were in utero! So needless to say I won't be reading to baby Mallory while she is in Morgan's tummy. (That might be crossing the line of CRAZY OBSESSED GRANDMA TO BE - which I am already teetering on) But I surely will be on the hunt to find some good books for Morgan and Trent to read to my precious grandbaby. These are the ones recommended for optimum brain development -

1. Oh Baby! The Places You'll Go
2. Pat the Bunny
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. The Cat in the Hat
5. Where the Sidewalk Ends
6. Hop on Pop
7. Love You Forever
8. Goodnight Moon
9. Mama, do you love me?
10. Brown Bear, Brown Bear
11. Guess How Much
12. Time For Bed
13. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Now remember - I won't be paying full price for any - let me see what I can find - working on a basket of books from grandma. I will return and report.

So if you have any of these that your children have out grown and you would like to get them off your hands just let me know. I think I might be able to hook you up with some cool scrapbook stuff in return.

Recommitted to documenting my life . . . .

I haven't been the best blogger. You know life sometimes seems to get in the way. I have had many freinds share with me that they had their blogs printed and bound for Christmas and the absolutely cherish them. They were good bloggers. And for 2010 I want to be a good blogger. I want to focus more on recording the moments of our life so that I can have a treasure to share with my family and generations to come. Why do I blog ? Becuase I want to treasure the moments of this life I have been given. We all have moments we want to treasure. We want to use our later years to look back on our days and bring back all the good "stuff". Our blogs can help us do that.

As a work at home mom, my days are busy - really busy. Just my average day (before work and now school) is filled with laundry, meals, running errands, sports practices, more laundry, carpooling, cleaning, kids homework, and more laundry. You get the idea...

Then I add work appointments, phone calls, emails, scrapbooking, my church calling, and now some college classes etc . . . . and the mix becomes very, very interesting. but none the less - "this is my life, it might be a bit crazy at times - but I love it"

Since my children were younger i have been told to ENJOY all this. I even know that I should be taking  pictures of all of it. What? Pictures of my over-flowing laundry hampers? Yes - Take a picture.

Once the mom of babies, toddlers and little children, soon to be the mom of all teenagers and adult children Just around that corner is Grandma! (approximately 139 days according to the baby widget on Morgan's blog) I also know I will miss this chaos and craziness of this busy life one day. One day I will look back on this busy season and be a little sad. One day.

But as for today, I need to start taking pictures of my over-flowing laundry hampers. And my sink with the breakfast dishes crusting over. And my boys video games stuff everywhere. And my children playing Madden together or Karleigh sitting on facebook. Because one day, I will not have this anymore. But as for today, I still do and I am happy to be right where I am. (I need a camera becuase mine is broke - probably from being old and over used - but I have a nice blackberry that will do the job for now)

So my challenge to not only myself but also to you my friends, is to really begin to focus on documenting what your days are like. What a treasure it will be. I wish I had a blog back when I was a first time mom so I could share with Morgan what my days were like, what my apartment looked like, etc. So pick an average day in your life and begin to document every hour -  what you are doing, where you are, or how you feel about it. One day we will all  look back and smile. I Promise. ENJOY where you are at - wherever it may be.

I am thankful for. . .

Hot showers and soap..Ice cold water on a hot day... Sonic and a Diet Cherry Coke . . .air conditioning in the summer.. Heating in the winter..Clean air and sky after a rain

Smell of fresh baked bread...Smell of fresh cut grass..Sunlight, moonlight and star light..Beautiful music..Living prophet..My Savior

Life..Love..Forgiveness..Laughter..Freedom..Repentance..Colors..Restful sleep..Any sleep..Sunrises, sunsets..Modern technology

Advances in medicine...Wholesome Entertainment...Knowledge..Testimony..Faith..Prayer..Personal revelation..

Dishwashers and washing machines and vacuum cleaners..Running water..Indoor Plumbing (that works) Working Garbage Disposals. . .

Fresh fruit..grocery stores..Friends.. family..Christmas spirit..Tender Mercies..mountain and ocean views..birds singing..ocean breezes..rain drops..snow flakes..health..good food .

Reliable Transportation... Restored Gospel...blooming flowers...random acts of kindness..comfortable bed..good books. . . Kind Teachers. . .Loving Bishops . . . Inspired Stake Presidents . . . .

Knowledge of Eternal Families . . . Games with family . . . Home Cookin. . .

{Thanksgiving Day 4}

I am thankful for the wonderful weather we have in Phoenix at this time of year. Aside from the 3 months of "hot, hot" we have in the summer. The Fall, Winter and Spring make it all worth it.

{Thanks Giving}

{3} My Savior

As I came across this video I was reminded of how truly grateful I am for my savior. I am reminded of the time when my dad was in ICU for six weeks and I put the worries of the world aside and drew closer to my Savior and the things that were most important - my realtionships with my family and friends and those I love and my relationship with my Savior. I can testify to you that without a shadow of a doubt that he is real. There have been many times that I have felt his loving arms around me. The morning that my Dad passed to the other side. The veil between Heaven and Earth was so thin and I could feel his presence and I could hear him say "It will be okay"

Words simply cannot express that gratitude that fills my heart knowing that we have an older brother and Savior who loves us more than we can comprehend. I will be forever grateful for his atonement. Because I know that no matter how far off the path I may wander he is patiently waiting for me to come back. I know that he knows of every single struggle i go through. Every pain I feel. And I know that he knows that joy that often fills my heart. He knows me and he knows you. He knows we are not perfect. But he was sent before us to help show us the way. Each day if I stop for moment I can see the Saviors hand in my life. Right now I am reading a book by Emily Freeman titles "21 Days Closer To Christ" It is a journey that will help to strengthen my personal relationship with the Savior. It has been said that the only way we can really know another person is to "Walk in his shoes . . . think what he would think . . . learn what he knows . . . say what he would say . . . and do what he would do . . "

I hope that as I live my life I might try to my pattern my life a little closer to his. I might serve and help others and show true Christ like love in all that I say and do.

I can only imagine

What it will be like

When I walk

By Your side

I can only imagine

What my eyes will see

When Your face

Is before me

 

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

 

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of You be still

Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

When that day comes

And I find myself

Standing with the Son

I can only imagine

When all I will do

Is forever

Forever worship with You

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of You be still

Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of You be still

Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine...

I can only imagine

When all I will do

Is forever, forever worship with You

I can only imagine...

Giving Thanks . . . . .

Cheerfullness brings sunshine to the soul

and drives away the shadows of anxiety

Happy Tuesday !!! Or at least that's the way I want it to be. Do you ever look around at peoples lives and think "Am I the only one going through struggles?" Well, today started out as a pity party for myself. Sure I could paint you a pretty picture of how I wish my life would be right now but I am going to be honest. I was just overflowing with disouragement.

This morning I woke up discouraged.

Wishing my kids would be more self motivated

Wishing my kids didn't think I was the bad guy for asking them to do their part

Wishing my house would miraculously be transformed to spottless and organized overnight

Wishing I could figure out how to accomplish the never ending "to do" list

Wishing I could get to the gym every morning without making an excuse

Wishing all this halloween candy would disappear from my house so I would stop being

tempted to eat it.

Wishing my sprinkler system was fixed and I didn't have to hand water 4 times a day

in order to get a pretty winter lawn

Wishing I didn't procrastinate things

Wishing I would have taken math my freshman year of college

Wishing the economy would turn around and my scrapbook stores would be busting at the seams with customers spending lot's of money

Wishing my husband made lot's of money

(but I would never tell him that - so you better not either - cause that would really hurt his feelings)

Wishing I could figure out how to get caught up on my bills and pay for

CNA school in the next two weeks.

Wishing I didn't have to juggle the bills the way I do.

Wishing things could have been different with one of the companies I work for.

Wishing I just knew how to let go and didn't allow my heart to be broken.
And what's a party without the cake ?

the icing on the cake . . .

Wishing my freezer would not have died in the middle of the night with a freezer full of food. Just a few hundred dollars thrown in the dumpster.

And now my sewing machine is not working and we have things that need to be done by tomorrow.

 So you see - bet you are glad I didn't invite you to my party. Not a good place to be. Not even a place I want to be. SO let's figure a way to get out of here.

You know as I type these things and as I was feeling lot's of these overwhelming emotions these last few days. I know it is not a place I like to stay. Because when I am there it is very obvious to me it is the adversary trying to beat me down.

In reality I know I can only do what I am capable of doing. And in reality I know that without a shadow of a doubt that "all will be well". We will figure things out. I cannot allow the adversary to discourage or get me down. I know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and will catch me when I fall.

Then as I sit in the quiet for a moment after all the kids are gone to school (see how lucky I am - quiet is a beautiful thing) I am reminded that I am blessed in so many ways. And if I will just recognize my blessings I will be able to feel that peace I long to feel.

I thought Heidi had an amazing idea and I have decided to join in trying to really focus each day on the things I am grateful for. Counting down everyday until Thnaksgiving all the things that I am thankkful for.

I know I am 3 days late - but I will catch up - don't worry.

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong. We should regularly express our gratitude to God for the blessings He gives us and to others for the kind acts they do for us.

My list is long and I could go on and on . . . . .

{1} Priesthood Blessings

As I sit and reflect on the changes this past year I am grateful for the evidence of the Lord's hand in our lives. Last year at this time Morgan was struggling with seizures and I never thought I would ever return to life as we know it. As President Ogden layed his hands on her head and gave her a preistood blessings the Lord promised she would return to full health. With all the struggles she had been through the previous year it was hard to beleive in that reality. But I had faith in the priesthood that President Ogden held and I knew at the time of the blessing that the spirit testified to me that the promises were real. It was very evident that the Lord was involved when Morgan met Trent and we found out he was studying to become a Physcial therapist. Now here we are - a year later. Morgan is happily married to the most wonderful young man. We could not have asked for anything better. She is healthy and expecting our first grandbaby in May.

We have been blessed. Have you ever been given a blessing that really impacted your life ? If so be sure to write it down as one of those things you are grateful for.

{2}My Hardworking Husband

Dear Don - Thank you for doing all you do for our family. There has not been 1 day in our 22 years of marriage that you have not gone out and worked hard to provide for our family. For this I am so grateful. You have always taken your responsiblity as a provider very seriously and worked really hard. You are always the first to volunteer to coach our kids teams and go on field trips.

We have 6 very lucky kids. I am so grateful that in this economy you still have a secure job. Thank you for loving us and taking care of us . . . . .

(I will have to put this note under his pillow becuase he doesn't read blogs)

Okay just have to share one more thought that just arrived in my inbox

"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”3 We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."

Hmmmmm. . . . . . I think someone upstairs is trying to help me out here. I feel so much better already and I know that I really am blessed and we are all going to face challenges, even on a daily basis. But we can do it. And we can grow from them. I must remember what I tell Marge each night as she has to try and stand with my assistance to get into bed - we say "I can do hard things" and I just keep telling her and I know she beleives me. "We can do hard things" - Life is hard - but we are gonna make it.

Okay I am off to register for CNA school. Don't know how I will pay for it. But I have a couple of weeks to figure that out.

Loved this quote . . . .

I loved this quote that was in my inbox this morning.

"Life is a sea upon which the proud are humbled, the shirker is exposed, and the leader is revealed. To sail it safely and reach your desired port, you need to keep your charts at hand and up-to-date. You need to learn by the experience of others, to stand firm for principles, to broaden your interests, to be understanding of the rights of others to sail the same sea, and to be reliable in the discharge of your duty."

--President Thomas S. Monson, "Great Expectations", CES Firesides for Young Adults

So just in case you haven't heard . . .

I am going to be a grandma !!!!

Morgan and Trent are expecting a baby June 5th (Coleton's Birthday)

I am so excited !!!

I am so grateful for families and being part of such an amazing one. I love them all so much. Morgan was able to call everyone and give them the exciting news. She got to call my grandma and let her know she was going to be a Great, Great Grandma. She was thrilled.

My mom and Don's parents are both overjoyed to have their first Great Grandbaby.

I have been thinking about my dad lately and how much he would would have loved being a great grandpa. He loved those babies. You could often find him sitting in his chair with a baby on his lap. I am comforted to know that my dad is spending some precious time with this little spirit that is about to embark on this journey of mortal life here on this earth. I could not ask for anyone better to give direction and counsel than my father. It brings me peace knowing that my dad will have the opportunity to see my grandchildren off before they come here to earth.

“Next to eternal life, the most precious gift that our Father in Heaven can bestow upon man is his Children.” David O. McKay.

I believe that the greatest treasure that one can possibly inherit is gaining the continuation of the family unit in the eternities. So grateful for my knowledge that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER and I have a wonderful family that I will spend eternity with.

Keep Them In Your Prayers . . . .

My heart is heavy today as my brother-in-law Rob (married to Don's youngest sister Melissa) leaves with his unit for his second tour of duty in Iraq. Rob is part of the Arizona Army National Guards Alpha 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion. Rob loves serving his country and takes such pride in what he does. He is a "Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot". He is passionate about flying and serving his country. But I know his heart is breaking today as he leaves his 2 year old son Matthew and his pregnant wife for a year. But they are counting their blessings because of the timing of everything. Robs unit will be stationed and train for 8 weeks at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Rob was granted a leave that will allow him to come home for the birth of their 2nd son on October 23rd. He will then come home again for Thanksgiving before leaving for Iraq the 1st of December. So that is a wonderful blessing that he will be able to hold his baby and snuggle with Matthew once again before being deployed for a year. Matthew loves his daddy so much and is sure going to miss him. This is where Uncle Don and his cousins need to step in and make sure Matthew stays busy and has fun doing lot's of "boy" things like he does with his dad. He loves his big boy cousins "Coleton & Logan" and love him.

I know that the recent death of one of their fellow soldiers is weighing heavy on their minds as they prepare to leave their families and so I ask you my friends to pray for them. For every single one of our service men and women who are serving our country. For their sacrifice, their love and dedication to what they do. Pray that they will be safe and protected and pray for peace. Please keep Melissa in your prayers and she goes this year alone with her two little boys. Pray for all the families that waved good-bye to their loved ones this morning. Pray that this cute little boys daddy's will return home safely.

Conference Weekend . . .

The CKC Convention went wonderful. I truly enjoyed teaching my classes. I love teaching and helping people be creative. I met some of the most wonderful women this year. Sometimes I am certain the Lord puts you in the right place at the right time to connect with the right people. I met some gals and renewed some friendships that I know will last a long time. I tried to explain to Don some of the connections I felt and sometimes I think it is hard to explain. Sometimes you just connect with people. Many times you just strike a common cord. We are all moms raising our families and trying to just to make it in this crazy world.

I stopped by Joann's on my way home last night and picked up some fleece while it was still 50% off. I like having little project to do while watching conference and so today I made some cute little doggie blankets for all our four legged friends. Then I got some fleece so I can make Marge and Tom each a lap blanket. With the cold weather right around the corner I want them to keep warm so they don't crank the heater up. I think they will love them. Here is cute picture of them. I think they look amazing for 93. Marge suffers from Alzheimers and doesn't walk anymore. But we are both excited to see each other each evening when I arrive.
Hopefully I will have pictures from Karleighs homecoming tomorrow. David and Karleigh looked smashing on their date to the homecoming dance and they had a blast.

We had Jade and Marquett for dinner tonight and they were so fun to have over. We just love those little kiddos.

General Conference was so uplifting and inspiring this weekend. It is something our church does twice a year where we come together and hear our church leaders, men & women that I truly believe are inspired to give us guidance and counsel. As someone who makes mistakes daily and is working everyday at becoming the person I know I need to be I am so thankful
for the hope, peace and answers i find through my faith.

Well I am off to take the kids to visit Morgan and Trent before taking them back home. Then I am off to spend the evening with Marge and Tom. Have a great Sunday evening.

TGIF . . . .

What a whirl wind week I have had. Filled with lot's and lot's of things to do. Good things. Monday the kids did not have school so we went homecoming dress shopping and then took the boys to browse the Halloween shops. Then off to a family dinner for swim. Tuesday I was at a store in Gilbert called Scrapology doing i-top demos. Wednesday my mom went with me to Prescott. I had an appointment at Seasons in Tyme and then we went with Cheryl to lunch at a cute and yummy Mexican food place. It was fun to just sit and visit. Karleigh had two swim meets this week I had the opportunity to just sit and relax and watch both of them. If your are a mom you know there is nothing greater in this life than sitting and watching your kids do something they love. It is awesome to watch her grow and develop as a swimmer. It is so sad that swim season will be over in a month. Misty has been such an amazing role model for Karleigh and has helped Karleigh to strive to be her personal best. It is AWESOME !!! This week is also homecoming week. SMHS homecoming always reminds me of Marissa and often when I attend homecoming festivities people always bring up Marissa's name. One year in High School Marissa was in charge of homecoming and she did an amazing job and people to this day still talk about it. I hope in the future she will be able to come home for a homecoming and participate as an alumni. Or maybe she will just move back to the beautiful valley of the sun one day (hey, you can't blame a mom for hoping) But this year Karleigh is our girl. If she could be on 3 floats at one time she would - Choir, Swim & Sophomore Class float. it is going to be a fun afternoon and I have to miss it (insert very sad face here) I am teaching at the CKC convention in Glendale (which I love doing) So this is where it is so obvious that there are so, so many good things going on. Yesterday we set up the booth. Heidi is the gal in charge this year and she is doing an awesome job. Jodi came from Mesa to help and we had some wonderful helpers that made our day go so smoothly. One of the things I love most about the scrapbooking industry is just being around people I love. I am headed to teach all day and then help Scrap Happy at the Crop all night. It is going to be a wonderful day full of fabulous people. Make it good one - I am going to.

Life as we know it . . . .

is a tad bit crazy, crazy, right now. So much to do. But it's all good. I hate to admit I have fallen off my exercise wagon. But I am jumping back on. Haven't been to the gym in 5 days - yikes !!!! So looks like I might be back to day 1 on my 21 day challenge. But isn't that the beauty of it ? But I have been really good with keeping away from carbs so that is good. It is my challenge and I can start and stop it as much as I want. So I will be back to the gym this week and back to my routine. Lately - I have barely had time to sleep - let alone work out. Luckily I go to Marge & Tom's and most nights get 5-6 hours. Have I told you lately I love those two little old peeps. I do ! In fact I really love what I do. Actually - I think I really like to take care of people. So much so that I think in my spare time (ha, ha, ha, ha) You can all stop laughing now. I might want to go to nursing school. Really - I think I might have to hire an exploratory committee to evaluate my 24 hours in day and see of they can figure this one out for me. Because I think it is something I really want to do. So between my scrapbooking job (which I love and kinda pays the bills), being the mom (which I love), being the wife (which I love), taking care of my older friends (which I love and is helping pay the bills), cleaning the house (which I would love a housekeeper - ha, ha, ha, ha, - another one of those laughing moments), paying the bills (which is more like juggling the bills), being the taxi driver (you would never believe how many miles I put on my poor little van each week), being the cook, the gardener, the nurse, oh yeah and the Enrichment Leader (which after the broadcast on Saturday I no longer know what I am called) . . . . etc. I think I am going to go back to school !!!! The reality is - none of the above stated jobs can go away. So I must figure this one out. I don't know - we will have to see !!!! But the security of having a good degree in a field that will always need workers is a good security in the economic times we face.

Fun day ahead - Getting the kiddo's off to school. High Schooler and middle schooler are already off. Just waiting to take the little guy in just a it. Then I am off to Scrapology in Gilbert to do an i-top demo. Then back home to gather kiddos from school and then off to Karleigh's swim meet. Then baseball practice for the boys !!!! Good thing it is Tuesday. If you know the Paolacci's you know what that means - PIZZA NIGHT !!! Sardella's Buy one get one free !!!! Happy Day.