Trials

Someone sent me this email today and I loved it so much, I had to share. I need to remember this during the hard times!

Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did
God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing
algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving
away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if
she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love
your cake.'

'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers. 'Yuck' says her daughter.
'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'
'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?'
'Mom, those are all yucky!'

To which the mother replies: 'Yes , all those things seem bad all
by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they
make a wonderfully delicious cake! '

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us
go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts
these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have
to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a
sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can
live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we
might as well dance!

Great kids

This week, I feel like the luckiest Mom alive! I have the sweetest children! It's amazing what a simple act of kindness can do for a Mom. It just reminds me that all the running around, money spent, late nights, and hard work is all worth it. I am raising children - really raising them...and hopefully helping to mold them into the wonderful souls that Heavenly Father gave them. This week, I feel like I'm doing a pretty darn good job. Because look at the gifts I've received this week:

First, Josh wrote me the most beautiful letter that included a CD with some of his favorite church songs. In the letter, he wrote his testimony of each song and why it was important to him. I cannot put into words how this touched my heart. I have always known that Josh has a beautiful testimony of the gospel and the Atonement but the fact that he was willling to share such a personal thing with me, brought tears to my eyes. The testimony was so eloquent and so touching. I listen to the songs with different ears now. And the thoughtfulness of this act was awesome, and totally unexpected. It really was so special. It's one of those things where thank you just doesn't seem like enough. It's something so tender in my heart that it is hard to put into words.

Second, I went to get in my car and found this on my window:

Do you know what that does to a Mother's heart? It melts it! It meant so much to me! My Maddy is always leaving me such sweet notes and pictures but for some reason, this one pierced my heart even more. My Mother has always been my hero, no question. But I've never been anyone's hero. That's alot to live up to. But I'm so excited to try with this sweet daughter I have to watch over.

And finally, out of nowhere, I get a random text from Jake that simply said "I love you, Mom." Such a simple thing for some people but not for Jake. Which makes it mean so much more. You know when you get something like that from Jake that he really means it. And that he's giving of himself to say it. Because it is hard for him. And I understand that. And I love him all the more for saying it. I really do. It brightened my day and even brightens me now to think of it. It made me feel like I mattered. His effort and thoughtfullness meant the world to me. I love you, too, Jake!

So as you can see, I've been a pretty spoiled Mom this week. I hope that none of them ever doubt my love for them. I love them so much that I can't describe it in words. It seems almost disrespectful to try. It's just this indescribable feeling in my heart that touches every part of my being. I know that sounds a bit dramatic but it's true. There is nothing like being a Mother and feeling that love for your children. It is tender. It is all-consuming. It is true. And I am so thankful for the privledge of experiencing it. Thanks kids.

I love you!

Be My Valentine

We've kind of had a Valentine/Love theme going for Family Home Evening this month. And as bad as I hate making these (because they seem to take FOREVER), I just had to make some Valentine cookies for my little sweethearts this year. I can't believe how happy it makes all of them. They love 'em! And unfortunately, so do I...you can't eat just one. Who knows how many calories I'm taking in after all the dough I sneak and the frosting I lick?? (Don't tell Maddy because I always tell her that she's not allowed to eat or lick her fingers while we're cooking)

I especially enjoyed having my little helper this year. It makes such a difference! Not only does it make it go by faster but it makes it much more enjoyable. And as you can see, Maddy adds the perfect touch- sprinkles!

Belated Birthday

Meet Chavo... This is the pinata that Josh's Spanish friends from work made him. Is that the sweetest thing? It just made me laugh when Josh texted me a picture of this seatbelted in his car with him. They had planned a party for him at work the day after his birthday but as you know, the day didn't turn out so well and Josh spent the night in the hospital. But they saved this little surprise for the following Saturday, along with cake and gifts. I'm so grateful that he works with good friends that make him feel loved. It sure brought a smile to my face!

Note: Apparently "Chavo" is a Spanish actor that they think Josh looks like.

Become - Time Out For Women (TOFW)

As you know, this is my word for 2011... BECOME. This was inspired by the upcoming theme for the 2011 Time Out For Women, a women's conference presented by Deseret Book. Needless to say, when I read this theme, it just stuck with me and I knew it was the word I was looking for to work on for this year. Because of this, I have SO been looking forward to attending this with my sister.



Sadly, our plans were kind of squashed when I found out that my nephew, Nicholas, was getting baptized on the day that I had already paid to attend. I was so disappointed! But we decided to still catch the Friday night session and it was well worth it! President Hinckley's daughter, Virginia Pearce, spoke about Mothers and how we can all have several people in our lives that "mother" us and how we can "mother" other people. She even had Eliza Snow come as a special speaker (actor, of course) - she was amazing! Sister Pearce talked how she was one of her heroes that she had come to know and love in the last year as she studied her.



The music titled "Reflections of Motherhood" was performed by Macy Robinson and was also fabulous! It just reminded me that although we all have trials, we are so blessed to be women - both daughters of Heavenly Father and Mothers! It made me feel better to realize that even though my life has not gone according to my plan, it can still be wonderful, just as Macy described.

I'm just so thankful to have these wonderful conferences and speakers to uplift me, motivate me to be better, and bring me a little closer to Christ. I have had such a passion for them over the past couple of years as a drink in the wonderful spirit that these occasions offer me. I just can't seem to get enough. And I'm especially grateful that I have my sweet sister to go with. We have so much fun! We both miss Mom dearly but I'm just so grateful that Michelle and I can still share so many laughs and soak in the Spirit together as we try to improve our lives.

Jake's Haircut

As you can see, it was getting time (or way past) that Jake needed a haircut. So the second that he mentioned that he was considering it, I was in the garage starting the car. :)

No really, I actually liked Jake's hair okay when it was long but it was getting a little too long on the sides. He decided clear back in the late Fall that he was not going to cut it until after the Mini-Bowl. Why? I'm not sure but it was something fun for him to do to commemorate the event.

Well until today, he had still not cut it since then. Hence the need for a cut. Being that I always prefer clean cut to long hair, on anyone, I was thrilled to see how handsome it turned out.

But no matter what his hair looks like, long or short - Man, I love this kid!!

2nd Annual "Heart Attack"

We had our "Heart Attack" Family Home Evening that we started last year. Maddy especially loves this and I love how festive it makes our house look. Plus, I think whether they admit it or not, the boys love it, too. It's amazing how putting in a little thought and effort for someone warms your heart to that person. Josh wasn't with us this year either (although we included him in our love notes), but I just loved watching the effort that Jake and Maddy put into this - both thinking of thoughtful things to write and also carefully decorating each heart. I learned that Jake is very creative and quite the artist! It definitely helped my heart and made our home a little happier. I'm so thankful for them and the spirit they bring to our home.