Cocoa Beach Florida

We planned a trip to be together the day my mom passed away. I wanted my family together. We used her money, we started planning, booking flights, finding a place to stay, deciding on activities. 

The first thing I did was run out to the beach...it was in the back yard...and look at the waves with a full moon. This was such a blessing.  It was the hand of God. What a beautiful world He created.  

We so enjoyed our beach time.

We Picked up 100's of shells, went for walks, dug holes,  went in the water. 

I love a shell in my pocket and sand in my toes. 

Merry Christmas

We spent Christmas with my daughter in Kuna. We had a lovely time.

It may look warm, but it was cold. 

This dog is so photogenic. 

My favorite present was that Wes found this  earing.  I lost it this summer. It was one I took from my mom. I knew it was in the house. 

On Christmas eve Scott had an impromptu 

Christmas concert. We have always invited the rest of the family.

I gave them a Facebook video call and they answered. It touched my heart. 

I just want to finish this post with a testimoy of Jesus Christ. My thoughts are that He loves us and expects us to love each other.  

Happy Birthday Jesus. 

Christmas in an Elementary School

We decorated one cookie each. I heard

things like...this is the best day. 

We walked to the District Office to spread Christmas cheer. It's 2 and 1/2 blocks. They loved it. 

I was babysitting in the office so the secretary could go watch her son sing.. I found Santa in the Pricipal's office. She is his daughter after all. 

All is calm...my alarms turned off...peace in my house...sewing machine warmed up

Happy Christmas 

Memory Tree

I realized how much I counted on my mom to encourage me to put up a the tree. 

Teachers are so busy this time of year. Testing...grading tests...putting in grades...making that silly ornament to send home...it can be very stressful. 

I was happy to have Wes's this year. I realized that his memories are not mine. He has forgotten or, honestly, never cared about some ornaments. Almost every ornament is a memory for me. 

Many were given to me by my mom. She loved getting out all the Christmas decorations.  She was so happy when we found a place for all of it last year in her little place. 

We also went to Spencer and Callies. I needed some help with a few things. Some of them were school related. They celebrate Hanukkah as part of Spencer's ancestors. I love to light the Manohar. We had beef and latkas. I love the festival of lights. 

May you find the light.

Snow

We had snow on Thanksgiving.

And the next day. 

It was so much. 

After day three it was nice to see the sun. 

But it stayed with the cold temperatures.  And then, we got some more. 

Lessons I learn from snow. 

How quick the Seasons change. 

We have to keep moving on with life despite the mess. 

And things that are pretty are not always good.

Let it be a snow day. 

Thanksgiving

I imagine I'll use my mom's goblets from now on. It's like saying, Drop on by mom.

It was just Wes, Scott and I for dinner. 

I love being the cook on Thanksgiving so I can have the crunch dressing.

Last year we decided to do the California trek. What a blessing. 

Last Thanksgiving with my parents. 

Last time to put up my mom's Christmas stuff.

Let me tell you, for being blind she knew where everything was and were it was going. 

And it was the last time Wes saw his mom. 

You never know what the future holds.  Take the trip. 

Cry when you are making rolls just the way your mom taught you how to do it. Okay, it was ridiculous, but it happened.

Life is good.

Live it. 

Find His hand. 

Be grateful.

Suicide

My son Richard just got out of the hospital after being on suicide watch. I just want to take a minute to share the feelings of a mother. 

 I would say....first there was fear. Then there was the crushing pain of the thought of loosing these three so close together.  Lots of tears. Then the anger mixed in. How dare he think that this was a solution.  

I have to say that I did go to work and sought-after a friend there who is married to a therapist.  It took some time because I didn't want to cry, but with the grace of God I talked to her. I did cry. She had me talk to her husband and he empowered me with wisdom that has helped me deal with this. 

He was right on. I haven't cried as much since. I've probably been a little feisty since then. Two things that calmed my soul are these.

If he were suicidal he'd be dead. He had a plan....he's smart enough to know how to work it...this was an attention getter for his wife.

The second thing was a warning. This is going to be your fault. Apparently it is common not to be able to take responsibility for your actions. 

He hasn't said much to us. He said he is working on his plan. I know he wants to leave Ashley, which is good, not for Ashley, but she is a mess and they have a very toxic relationship.  He wants to finish school. He hasn't been honest with himself or others. Keith is there and I don't even know if that is a good idea. We are just waiting. 

I must admit that I have been touched by the support and kind words of those that have found out. The words of my sisters and sister in law were all the same. 'This breaks my heart.' I honestly felt bad for telling them. I am believer in being transparent in these situations.  That is why I am writing this. My heart is broken also. 

Someone loves you...they need you. Don't think you are alone. Jesus Christ will help you carry your burden. You are not a burden. Oh, I wish that you would seek professional help. Turn to light, not darkness. Better days are ahead. Always choose life. 

Eternal Families

In 1992 I wanted to have my Grandparents sealed together. It was before you could do family search on an easy chair with your phone. I went to a Family History Center and had someone help me with the nessassary arrangements. This woman told me to ponder and I would be drawn to those who needed work done. 

I will admitt that i had no hope of finding anyone because my family history is very well done. My feeling was to look into this grandmother of mine, who died when my dad was 8 and he didn't have any memories of her. 

Over the years I have gotten to know her. I looked for any pictures I could find of her, I had her sealed to my grandpa. A couple of years ago a 'Baby boy' came up on Family Search. I had him sealed to his parents. I knew my dad needed to be sealed to his parents. My dad had very little gospel knowledge. He grew up without any gospel knowledge but was baptized at the age of eight. As the years went by, I did talk to him about it and he did want to be sealed to his parents. (When I had his parents sealed together he was not interested in it.) His proximity to a temple and his declining health made this plan impossible to complete. 

I completed this plan yesterday. It has taken 31 years for me to make this family together forever, but it is finally put together. 

People want to believe that they can be together forever without the sealing ordinance, but the truth is, there is power in this Priesthood ordinance and it must be preformed for God's children to be together forever.  It is His desire for all to come to the House of the Lord and feel His love and find eternal happiness.  

Fall is the Best

We went to Canada last week and I was so happy to come home to this.

It had snowed in Canada and Montana. 

We saw Lucy play ball

This is how her sisters watch the games.

They are growing up so fast.

We did crafts and pumpkins.

This one lost her teeth

And we did some pool time.

As much as we love to see the girls, we love to come home. 

We took the 4th graders Craters of the Moon. 

Perfect day for a hike.

I'm feeling blessed to Hike with these 10 year olds. 

Love this time of year. 

Fall in Wood River

We took a couple of hours to drive to the Wood River Valley and look at what was left of the leaves. 

If you haven't taken a moment to listen to the river and watch the leaves float down from the trees, I highly recommend it. 

The walk was nice.

And finding these leaves floating in the river was peaceful.

It's Fall Ya'll