I'm grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord. I have had so many "ah-ha" moments over the past week that just show me that Heavenly Father does not give up on us. Not only that, but He cares enough to teach us, no matter how old we are. He cares enough to bless us and inspire us. He reveals things to us through the Holy Ghost.
As I've reflected on past events, it has become evident to me just how much the Lord's Hand has been in my life without my recognizing it. I have realized how many things from my patriarchal blessing have already transpired and are still happening.
Events have made me feel grateful. I have crossed paths with many women and men, but mostly women who are going through some really hard times right now. I have wondered to myself how I would handle these situations without the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
At work at the movie theatre by our home, I have seen many parents taking their children to these terrible, evil, awful movies for bonding time together. I've again felt gratitude to my Father-in-Heaven for blessing me with the Gospel to learn from Jesus and how I can pattern my parenting after Him. I have felt gratitude for the standards of the church, for giving us "For the Strength of Youth".
I have felt Satan's desire for the righteous followers of Christ. I have been tested on where I stand. As I have born witness to holy things and stood up against evil things, I have been laughed at and rejected. And yet, I have felt victory. I have felt my testimony root further into the ground.
I have much to be grateful for.
Over the past week, my heart has been swollen with love for my dear children and sweet husband. I have been reminded of how precious they are. I have realized what strong and firm convictions my husband has in his beliefs and what great faith he has!
I've realized that I have accomplished much in my life, and I have mountains to go.
I've realized that the day of the Lord is here. It is only a matter of time. I realize that I must stand unified with my family--immediate, extended, ward, neighbors, etc. I must help build Zion and prepare for that day. I will "stand strong and immovable" and help the cause move forward.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Our Sweet Boys
These are my hams that I get to look at everyday. And although the pics don't do them justice, I think they are beautiful boys! I'm so glad they were blessed with sparkley blue eyes that twinkle and dance when they talk about something they are excited about. And I LOVE their dimples--my second request to Heavenly Father prior to their birth (healthy with dimples). I love Matthew's freckles. I think they are so precious. And last, David's rolls. Do any other moms just need to always be soothing soft skin on cheeks (minus Dave's right now--they're super chapped), rubbing tummies, patting bums, or giving kisses and hugs?! I love it!
True partners in crime.
With energetic and unique personalities~
I love my boys! I hope you two always know it.
True partners in crime.
With energetic and unique personalities~
I love my boys! I hope you two always know it.Monday, January 19, 2009
More Colorado Pics
While in Colorado, I had the privilege of attending the blessing of my new nephew, Alec Steven. It was such a beautiful blessing and a wonderful experience. The spirit was so strong and bore testimony of the power of the Priesthood. I also had the chance to hold little Alec and what a special boy!
Gabi's brother and his wife also had a baby recently. It was so fun to hold and snuggle Baby Ethan!
Ryan, Ed, & Lauren
Philipe, Virginia, & Ethan
Gabi, Steven, & Alec
Gabi's brother and his wife also had a baby recently. It was so fun to hold and snuggle Baby Ethan!Ryan, Ed, & Lauren
Philipe, Virginia, & Ethan
Gabi, Steven, & AlecThursday, January 15, 2009
A Quick Trip To Colorado
There are many more pics to come, but I've been super swamped since I returned, thus . . . this is not finished. Anyway, the boys and I made a quick trip to CO. Below are some of our fun times. Again, thanks Mom & Dad for flying down to help me take the boys. And thanks for your hospitality. We had a great time!
My cinnamon rolls NEVER turn out in Denver. So . . . I decided that I would make some before I left and take them to my family. Besides, I had to make some for my v.t. comp.'s birthday anyway, so . . . these ALWAYS turn out here. I'm not sure why not there. I've never tried them in UT. It is quite a long process, but well worth the effort. If you would like the recipe, go to: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Clone-of-a-Cinnabon/Detail.aspx.
Denver received quite a bit of snow while we were there, so we capitalized on this with a snowman, a snow angel, and sledding. Actually, my dad and my youngest brother took Matthew. Apparently, he complained of being cold and wet the entire time. They came home after about 30 minutes, and it probably took them 10-12 minutes each way. But Matthew did play in their back yard for several hours and we played in the front.
My cinnamon rolls NEVER turn out in Denver. So . . . I decided that I would make some before I left and take them to my family. Besides, I had to make some for my v.t. comp.'s birthday anyway, so . . . these ALWAYS turn out here. I'm not sure why not there. I've never tried them in UT. It is quite a long process, but well worth the effort. If you would like the recipe, go to: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Clone-of-a-Cinnabon/Detail.aspx.
Denver received quite a bit of snow while we were there, so we capitalized on this with a snowman, a snow angel, and sledding. Actually, my dad and my youngest brother took Matthew. Apparently, he complained of being cold and wet the entire time. They came home after about 30 minutes, and it probably took them 10-12 minutes each way. But Matthew did play in their back yard for several hours and we played in the front.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
One More Day
I'm not really sure what I want to accomplish with this post. I do know that my heart strings have been pulled and I feel a little broken inside.
Last night I received an email from the Pearson Early Childhood PTA president about an open position. The cause for the need is what caught my eye. Apparently, the mom who had filled the treasury position had to take a leave due to a family situation. Then, Amy asked us to pray for this family. She directed us to their website: http://roehfamily.blogspot.com/.
Now, some of you may skip over this and think it has nothing to do with you. I get that. You don't know this family. I don't know this family. But then, you consider the situation.
I read this email last night close to midnight, and I cried and prayed for the longest time. This mother just found out recently that her 18-month old, Rebecca, has mitochondrial disease. From my understanding, the body's "power houses(the mitochondria)" don't function properly, so basically you have no energy. Failure to thrive is what essentially happens and eventually, all organs shut down. There are different degrees of this disease and different diseases within the realm of mitochondrial disorders. For this particular little girl, she's been diagnosed as terminally ill. They're trying to get their daughter to a specialist before she goes home, but they're not sure she will even make it until then (January 20th) or be strong enough/well enough to travel to receive treatment. There is no cure for this/these diseases, but doctors can extend life spands with diets/vitamins/elimination of stress/etc. But, this mother's twin daughters also have this disease. They're four. One of the unique things about their particular disease is that "a child with mitochondrial disease can go from relatively healthy to fatally ill in a matter of a day."
I guess I'm just asking people to pray for this little family. I'm thinking of so many of my friends who have lost little babies or siblings. I'm thinking of Bring the Rain (http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/)". I'm thinking of my babies. I'm wondering how I would live each day with my children, if I knew it might be their last. How could I let them drift into sleep without just one more kiss, one more hug, one more "I wove you, Mom" or "You're my best friend, Mom", or soothing their cheek?
Last night and today, I have felt so grateful to Heavenly Father for blessing me with healthy children. We have had our ups and downs and hospital runs with them, but they've always pulled through.
My testimony has also been strengthened about the power of the Atonement in our lives. The Savior has PERFECT empathy for each of us. He knows our pains, our weaknesses, our joys, our strengths, our sorrows, sins, EVERYTHING. Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. Our days are numbered, and He knows when it's the right time to call us home. I have faith in His plan. It certainly doesn't mean that the separation is not hard or difficult. But He is aware of each of us. I testifty of this to you.
Please pray for this family and visit their website.
Last night I received an email from the Pearson Early Childhood PTA president about an open position. The cause for the need is what caught my eye. Apparently, the mom who had filled the treasury position had to take a leave due to a family situation. Then, Amy asked us to pray for this family. She directed us to their website: http://roehfamily.blogspot.com/.
Now, some of you may skip over this and think it has nothing to do with you. I get that. You don't know this family. I don't know this family. But then, you consider the situation.
I read this email last night close to midnight, and I cried and prayed for the longest time. This mother just found out recently that her 18-month old, Rebecca, has mitochondrial disease. From my understanding, the body's "power houses(the mitochondria)" don't function properly, so basically you have no energy. Failure to thrive is what essentially happens and eventually, all organs shut down. There are different degrees of this disease and different diseases within the realm of mitochondrial disorders. For this particular little girl, she's been diagnosed as terminally ill. They're trying to get their daughter to a specialist before she goes home, but they're not sure she will even make it until then (January 20th) or be strong enough/well enough to travel to receive treatment. There is no cure for this/these diseases, but doctors can extend life spands with diets/vitamins/elimination of stress/etc. But, this mother's twin daughters also have this disease. They're four. One of the unique things about their particular disease is that "a child with mitochondrial disease can go from relatively healthy to fatally ill in a matter of a day."
I guess I'm just asking people to pray for this little family. I'm thinking of so many of my friends who have lost little babies or siblings. I'm thinking of Bring the Rain (http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/)". I'm thinking of my babies. I'm wondering how I would live each day with my children, if I knew it might be their last. How could I let them drift into sleep without just one more kiss, one more hug, one more "I wove you, Mom" or "You're my best friend, Mom", or soothing their cheek?
Last night and today, I have felt so grateful to Heavenly Father for blessing me with healthy children. We have had our ups and downs and hospital runs with them, but they've always pulled through.
My testimony has also been strengthened about the power of the Atonement in our lives. The Savior has PERFECT empathy for each of us. He knows our pains, our weaknesses, our joys, our strengths, our sorrows, sins, EVERYTHING. Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us. Our days are numbered, and He knows when it's the right time to call us home. I have faith in His plan. It certainly doesn't mean that the separation is not hard or difficult. But He is aware of each of us. I testifty of this to you.
Please pray for this family and visit their website.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
"'Cus tonight will be the night that I will fall for you over again . . ."
To compensate for our many medical expenses, I went back to work for a day and a half a week. For those of you who know me, this has been a really difficult decision. You know how I feel about being home with the boys. Of course, I am still home with them, except for Friday nights for one hour before they go to bed, and then Saturday mid-morning to afternoon I am gone. Over the holiday break, we decided to have me work as much as possible to get the debt paid off faster. As a result, I have been pretty exhausted and worn out.
Ryan has filled in those gaps. He's been spending lots of play time with the boys, taking them for walks/bike rides, cooking meals, and playing with trains and spaceships/rockets. He also decided to "Winter Clean" our home--eliminating junk/clutter, organizing, and lots of cleaning! It has transformed our home. Ryan tidies here and there, but a deep clean, happens sporadically--never regularly. However, when he does, it is IMMACULATE and AMAZING! Thanks, Hon, for helping out so much--especially since I've been sick.
For New Years Eve this year, I worked during the day. I figured we would go out to dinner as a family and do something small. Last minute, things changed, Ryan's parents watched our boys, and we found ourselves on a night out on the town.
We chose a movie earlier in the evening, and then went to dinner with some friends afterwards. The favorite part of the date was the five hours we spent in the car/at the restaurant. We had so much time to talk, listen, LAUGH a LOT, eat delicious cuisine, and ring in the new year with friends. It was such a wonderful evening! To top it, Ryan danced with me under the stars--one of my, if not my, FAVORITE thing(s) to do with Ryan. And when we reached home, he had a dozen beautiful pale pink with brighter tipped roses waiting for me.
As we had dinner together, amidst the excitement of the upcoming year and the countdown of the old one/new one, I found myself lost in his gaze so many times. I watched his eyes dance as we laughed and told stories. I found myself wanting to reach across the table just to touch his hand or face, or brush my lips to his, because where he is, I am.
The next day, we were discussing the events of the previous night, and I teared up. All I could say, and I say now is, "Thanks. New Year's was perfect. Thanks for the PERFECT night. I couldn't have asked for more."
It's so refreshing to know that after six and a half years of marriage and seven and a half years of dating, Ryan still inspires me to be better. I still feel my heart flutter and butterflies in my stomach when he dresses up or even comes home after a long day. He helps me and serves me. My best interest is behind his motives. His testimony strengthens mine. He teaches me about the Gospel, about how to be a better person. We work as a team. We laugh. We play. I talk a lot. He talks. We listen. He listens. We plan together and individually. We uplift each other and build each other up. He encourages. He puts my goals at the forefront of his mind. He works hard. Again, we're a team. He's such an amazing and wonderful husband, father, and man.
I have so much love for you, Hon.
Ryan has filled in those gaps. He's been spending lots of play time with the boys, taking them for walks/bike rides, cooking meals, and playing with trains and spaceships/rockets. He also decided to "Winter Clean" our home--eliminating junk/clutter, organizing, and lots of cleaning! It has transformed our home. Ryan tidies here and there, but a deep clean, happens sporadically--never regularly. However, when he does, it is IMMACULATE and AMAZING! Thanks, Hon, for helping out so much--especially since I've been sick.
For New Years Eve this year, I worked during the day. I figured we would go out to dinner as a family and do something small. Last minute, things changed, Ryan's parents watched our boys, and we found ourselves on a night out on the town.
We chose a movie earlier in the evening, and then went to dinner with some friends afterwards. The favorite part of the date was the five hours we spent in the car/at the restaurant. We had so much time to talk, listen, LAUGH a LOT, eat delicious cuisine, and ring in the new year with friends. It was such a wonderful evening! To top it, Ryan danced with me under the stars--one of my, if not my, FAVORITE thing(s) to do with Ryan. And when we reached home, he had a dozen beautiful pale pink with brighter tipped roses waiting for me.
As we had dinner together, amidst the excitement of the upcoming year and the countdown of the old one/new one, I found myself lost in his gaze so many times. I watched his eyes dance as we laughed and told stories. I found myself wanting to reach across the table just to touch his hand or face, or brush my lips to his, because where he is, I am.
The next day, we were discussing the events of the previous night, and I teared up. All I could say, and I say now is, "Thanks. New Year's was perfect. Thanks for the PERFECT night. I couldn't have asked for more."
It's so refreshing to know that after six and a half years of marriage and seven and a half years of dating, Ryan still inspires me to be better. I still feel my heart flutter and butterflies in my stomach when he dresses up or even comes home after a long day. He helps me and serves me. My best interest is behind his motives. His testimony strengthens mine. He teaches me about the Gospel, about how to be a better person. We work as a team. We laugh. We play. I talk a lot. He talks. We listen. He listens. We plan together and individually. We uplift each other and build each other up. He encourages. He puts my goals at the forefront of his mind. He works hard. Again, we're a team. He's such an amazing and wonderful husband, father, and man.
I have so much love for you, Hon.
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