Sweet new baby . . .

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

A friend referenced this article and I found myself reading it this morning.

The article was written by

 Stephen H. Webb is professor of religion and philosophy at Wabash College.

Mormonism Obsessed With Christ

I may be accused of being obsessed with my relationship with Jesus Christ, or striving to follow his example a little too much. But the bottom line is - I am drawn to things in my life that bring me peace. My relationship with my Savior brings me peace.

 I love my faith. I have a strong, unwavering testimony of my beliefs. I had a profound experience 8 years ago the morning that I sat with my dad as his spirit left his body and went on to it's eternal home. I have always had a testimony of what I believe, but this experience was an anchor. I truly wish that everyone I loved could have experienced what I did that morning. I find such peace and comfort knowing that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me. That he has a plan and I have always had faith that he will guide me in all I do as long as I seek for his guidance.

I think that one of the statements of the article I really appreciated was 

"I came to my senses about how wrong it is to be rude toward somebody else’s faith"

I truly believe the world would be a much happier place. We would be much happier people if everyone would just focus on what makes them happy. Maybe you don't believe the same way I do. I totally respect that. I know for me I find happiness in the foundation of faith that generations of my family have laid for me, in the promise that we will be together as a family forever, in joy I find in serving others and in my relationship with my older brother and Savior Jesus Christ. I have a long way to go and I have much to learn. But the peace that the gospel brings me is undeniable. I think if everyone were to spend time finding out what makes them truly happy and then focusing on that, the world would be HAPPY. Instead of allowing your insecurities to get the best of you and take you to a place of ridiculing anothers beliefs, strive to find out what your own beliefs are and allow them to bring you happiness and joy. Because isn't that what we each want - to be happy. 

Today will never come again . . .

Peace . . . .

BYU Women's Conference

I am so excited !!! I got my conference book, I have highlighted lots of workshops I would love to go to. So many amazing choices. Lot's of speakers to lift and inspire, wonderful service projects, a huge hall full of booths sharing amazing ideas (it was in the sharing stations last year when my mom was touched and decided to serve as a senior missionary) I love singing in the instant choir and being filled with the spirit music brings.

Thousands and thousands of women all coming together for 2 days with the same purpose - to be lifted and filled and go back to our homes and families being just a little better then we were when we arrived.I really do LOVE going. I have gone with my daughters, with my sister-in-laws, with my mom  and often times with my dear friends.

A couple times we have flown when the kids were younger and we couldn't be gone for too long. But the most fun (is that proper grammar) is when we make it a road trip. Each time has been so much fun.  How I wish everyone could come.
 This year it is Carol and I. We are super excited. 

(Don't be sad - just mark your calendar for next year and join us again )

But in reality (please forgive me for being totally selfish at this moment) It is so much more about me - and filling me up so I can go home and be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, primary teacher, visiting teacher I can be !!!!

 We are going to have an awesome time. I love it - did I say that already ? I really do LOVE it.  Well actually I love it all except for the stairs and the altitude.

One week till we hit the road. 

And if you haven't joined us before you can plan on coming next year too. Let's make it a HUGE party so plan on it. Just imagine about 20 thousand women surrounding you—all gathered in one place to learn more about their Savior. Imagine the feeling that would generate and the love, joy, peace that is present. It is electrifying!

Sunbeam Lesson "I Am Thankful for Animals"

So I am not into reinventing the wheel - I love to take advantage of the talent that others have shared and I get many of my primary ideas from SUGARDOODLE. An amazing resource for ANYONE. Especially those serving in the church. Well, as I was preparing my SUNBEAM lesson for this week and I was trying to find an Animal Bingo, I could not find one I loved - so I created my own and I just thought I would share. It turned out so cute I am going to make a set for my grandbabies too !!!! Feel free to click on the images and print some yourself. I must thank my friends at Memory Mixer. Without the Memory Mixer software I would not be able to create any of the cool digital stuff I love.

Working Hard . . . .

General Conference TO DO list

Here is my to-do list today to finish up in my spare time to prepare for conference this weekend

Treat Buckets - our words will be missionaries, faith, Book of Mormon, Prophet, Family

Conference Packets - I found packets that were geared for older kids ( I am even making them for Don and I)

Conference Bingo - a long standing family tradition

Another fabulous Bingo Game and I think I will make this into a matching game for my sunbeams and grandbabies also

Also - our family has always loved Don't Eat Pete - but this year I am making a Don't Eat Me with the Prophets and Apostles

I have lot's of treats to make and purchase today. So excited for conference weekend !!!!

Something You Wore . . .

Given the choice you will either find me in 

black yoga pants or blue jeans. 

I definitely am a blue jeans, tennis shoes and sweater girl. I love the spring weather here. 

I am going to be sad when sweater & jean weather is over.

5 pm

Today was SUPER TUESDAY and at 5pm Adell and I were excited to start watching the numbers.

I am excited to say that Mitt won 6 out of 10 !!!

Smile

This is one happy boy ! He just got contacts. 

About the biggest smile I have seen from him in a long time !!!

Bedside

Just a reminder to me to post a picture of my nightstand

Logan's 1st Game of his Last season in Majors

It is bitter sweet. I love baseball season. Since Dylan was 4 (which was almost 17 years ago) we have been able to walk right across the street to watch all of our boys (and karleigh in t-ball) baseball games. Tonight I was reminiscing with some of my baseball moms and we were talking about all the many stages in life we have been through on that ball field and it is sad it is almost coming to an end. I love baseball season and I love sitting out just watching my boys play. Logan pitched tonight and they beat Julio's team 4-5 !!!!

Neighborhood

This is what my neighborhood looks like during baseball season since we live across the street from the ball fields. But I love it. I have been able to walk across the street and watch my boys play ball for the past 17 years. This is our last season on the field since this is Logans last season in majors. 

Fruit

Today Karleigh and I made a Sprouts run. Got lot's of yummy goodness !!!

Up

The words that are above my back door. 

A reminder whenever you leave to "be sure to make good choices" and Return with Honor

reminds me of one of my favorite song artists. I love him and his music almost as much as Donny's

He has an EFY song that I love . . . 

"return with honor"

I am so bad at this photo a day . . .

But everyone is doing this one so I am going to try . . . no promises . . . but I do love documenting fun things in my life. One day my granddaughters might laugh at their silly grandma !!!

Happy 108th Birthday Dr. Suess

2.22.12

This is my friend Richelle. We have been friends since junior high. I think we can go years without seeing each other (we have) and be able to pick up like it was yesterday. That is what a good friend is. 

We are about 5 hours apart. So All through high school we celebrated our birthdays together. 

Today is her birthday - she is older than me !!!

2.21.12

I LOVE Tuesday's

I don't cook dinner on Tuesday

For as long as I can remember we have gotten pizza on Tuesdays

I can feed my family for $15

Love it !!!

Watch me juggle . . . .

Do you ever feel like this ? Welcome to my life the last couple of months. I know it will get better. But sometimes I feel like I don't have one more minute in my day to balance one more thing. But regardless of how hard it gets to juggle the bills and everything else I know it will be okay in the end. Just gotta keep having faith.

Inspired

As I was reading Wesley Greene's blog today I am so inspired by his faith and his strength and the strength of his family . . . what an amazing example they are 


The words of his dad, Gary, really touched me today.


‎"Does God interfere with the choices we make? Very seldom, but it does happen.
If He interfered every time there was the potential for injury, death, or heartache we would fail to learn there are consequences for our actions. We would not learn wisdom or common sense. We would fail to learn from our mistakes or the mistakes of others. Without death, injury, or heartache, we, as a people, would be less compassionate, less understanding, and less able to serve others.

Wesley's accident has had a profound influence on hundreds and hundreds of people. IT has caused hundreds of people to hold their dear children closer, to thank their Heavenly Father for the safety of their little ones, to count blessings, to be united as a community, school, ward, and stake. It has moved us to be more compassionate, thoughtful, and empathetic. To judge less and love more. It has caused some to re-evaluate their lives and focus on what is most important and to draw closer to God. It reminds us that as we serve others there is a great joy that comes to our hearts and often we forget about our own trials and heartaches. It teaches us the importance of our prayers and God's will. When tragedy strikes we look past ourselves and focus on doing everything in our power to help others. When we have these experiences it compels us to become what God would have us become."

We will continue to pray for Wesley and his family . . . 

http://www.wjgb.blogspot.com/

2.20.12

Say a little prayer . . . . 

This is Don's dad and Delainie. So glad she got here in time for him to snuggle with 

His health is declining and for the last month he has been in the hospital more than out of the hospital. He has multiple health issues that are taking a toll on his body. I guess I am amazed he has hung on as long as he has been able to. 13 years ago he lost his sight to diabetes. His kidneys are shutting down, he has two blockages in his heart and he has a very low platelet count. The doctors have been honest with the family and shared that he would be better off enjoying the life he has left at home vs. being in a a hospital. The hospice nurse came today. We love the hospice nurse who will be caring for John. It was the same nurse that took care of my friend Marge. She is fabulous. She will help to make sure she can help John be as comfortable as he can. He is actually in good spirits since he has been home. He just wants to enjoy what he has left. (here is hoping for 6 months + )  just include him and my family in your prayers. My heart just breaks for my kids. I know how hard it was on them when my dad passed and they had to see him so sick. Now it just brings everything back seeing Grandpa Paolacci sick. I am so grateful that we have an understanding that we will be together again as a family. What comfort that brings.

Being a Mom

My hubby just called and told me he was putting gas in the car and he and the kids (minus Karleigh who is home with me) are on their way home

A warmth swelled over me. Even though I look forward to my day today to get stuff done. I have missed my boys and my babies and my girl and her man. I by chance just read my friend Margie's blog this morning and it was amazing - her words could have been my exact words. She expressed what was in my heart. Most likely what is in the hearts of many mother's. That is any moms who want to be REAL about life. Any moms who have spent 20+ years raising kids. Time goes fast and we cannot get it back. I think many of us are just doing the best we know how and loving our kids and loving being moms. 

as a young girl if you would have asked me what i wanted to do when i grew up the answer was always the same.

i wanted to be a mother.

i had no desire to have a career.

go to school.

get a degree.

all i wanted was to be a mother.

Now

i have a wonderful job(s).

i have gotten to travel and go places

i am blessed with amazing friendships.

but being a mother is greater than seeing elephants on safari in South Africa.

bigger to me than the Eiffel tower in France.

more amazing than all the tea in China.

being a mother has brought me more joy and sorrow than anything else i have done in my life.

being a mother is the best thing i have done.

my greatest accomplishment.

i don't think i am the best mother.

but i do my best and i try my hardest.

i love my children.

today i am grateful that i am a mother.

today i am grateful i chose to be a Mother.

it's not always easy.

but i am grateful to be one.

2.19.12

2.19.12

Well one of my favorite things to do every spring is plant new flowers. I love working outside and planting flowers, always reminds me of my dad. He had an immaculate yard. We gave everything a break over the winter and didn't plant winter lawn or flowers this year. So my yard was looking pretty sad. So I was really looking forward to spring flowers. Today was the day. I got kind of a late start and was at Home Depot and picked up my "six packs" and then headed home to start the planting. Let's just say there is not a picture of the finished project, because it is late and  it is dark and I am tired. But they are all planted and I will wake up bright an early to go see the finished project in the early morning sun. Now if my gardener would just get here and pull these spring "weeds: then I can get the yard in tip top shape.

Off to prepare my sunbeam lesson . . . . it will be morning soon and I have a busy Sunday.

Forget Me Not

As I was planting flowers today, in my mind I was taken back to President Uchdorfs talk from the Relief Society broadcast this last fall. 
How grateful I am for his encouraging words and his kind heart.

‎"You are closer to heaven than you suppose. 
You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. 
Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. 
Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. 
Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. 
Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. 
Continue to strengthen homes and families.
 Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help." 


‎"We can ask ourselves, 
“Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?”
 There are so many good things to do, but we can’t do all of them.
 Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective." 

- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not", November 2011 Ensign

Even though my to do list is still miles long . . .

2.18.12

Morgan and Trent are in San Diego for the weekend and today they took the girls to Sea World. They said Malorie loved it and I cannot wait for her to get home and tell me all about the "whales"

2.17.12

HOME ALONE

Probably the first time in over 20 years I am HOME ALONE on a Friday night. Don, Coleton, Logan, Morgan, Trent and the girls are all in San Diego for Chelsea's wedding (I had to stay home and work and keep and eye on the girl and her boy) Rest assured that I do not share the same expression as Macaulay Culkin when he discovered he was HOME ALONE.

I am actually so excited to just relax tonight but  my to-do list for tomorrow when I am done working just keeps getting longer and longer. But I am so tired from lack of sleep last night that I do no think I will accomplish anymore than just simply making my list. 

So since I need to stay up and wait for the boy to bring the girl home at midnight, I think I will put my feet up and enjoy trying to figure out how to work my TV !!! (pitiful I know)