Tyler

So someone tell me exactly when this little baby grew up? It seems as though it was in a blink of an eye. This week he was ordained an Elder in our church. Before he received his blessing the stake representative asked that we bare our testimony. There were so many things going through my head I just couldn't think straight.
I wish, I would have told the story that confirmed that this boy would either turn out really well or die really young.
Not long after we moved to Idaho Falls (1994) Tyler had asked if he could ride his bike around the block. We lived in a decent neighborhood and he was so excited. I agreed and off he went. Not long after he came riding home with his face beaming with pride. I thought, he was just excited that he was able to ride around the block all on his own. Later that night, I found out why he was really so proud of himself.
We had just got done washing his hair and he looked up at me and said, "Mom remember when I rode around the block (Um, yep...it was just a few hours ago.) I said, "yes". He said, "On the side walk about halfway down, were some action figures,” (not sure what the names really were). I said, "oh really?" he said, “I bent down to pick them up. I really wanted them." "Oh?" (I was thinking, I may have to give a lecture and walk him back around the block). "Well, I thought about bringing them home. I don't think they belonged to anyone. They were just left on the sidewalk. I thought about putting them in my pocket, but I knew that Heavenly Father would be sad and so would the kid that they belonged to, so I decided to leave them there." I was beaming like a 5 year old who had just ridden around the block all on my own.....I knew that boy had such an insight. He really knew right from wrong.
As much as he tormented me, he was the love of my life. My First born. I had experienced things for the first time with him. We laughed together, cried together and learned together. When his feelings were hurt, so were mine. When he was proud of himself, I was proud of him. When he felt disappointment so did I. There is a bond that we have that I will never be able to replicate with any other child. Every milestone was a first.
I hope the best for him. I have full faith that he will do all that he desires to do. I know he will stumble, but his strength will carry him. His faith will guide him. His knowledge will help him. And I will Love him.

Blessings

The Lord has a funny way of reminding us just how strong we truly are.....He gives us a trial to conquer.
As I sit here and reflect on all the things I have read lately on the blessings in peoples lives I couldn't help but think of the many blessings I have in mine. I have friends who are out of work and on the edge of financial ruin. others that are struggling with rebellous teens, others that are facing trials in their marriages. I couldn't help but look back over this last year and remember all the blessing that have come our way.
Believe me, we haven't always been at the head of the line when the blessings were being divied up, so I just want to make sure that I acknowledge it when they are coming my way.
I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven. I know that he loves me and watches over me. I know that I have never had a trial that I couldn't overcome. I just have to remember to ask what I need to learn with the one that has been given me. I have learned so many things in life from the trials I have been given.
Be grateful for parents....Even when they are not perfect, they love you more than they can epress.
Husbands are a just big kids. If we remember that and treat them special like we would if they were our kids (ok not in any incestual way) I think they would turn the world upside down for us. Sometimes I think we forget they are really sensitive under all that testosterone.
I was talking to a lady (BTW...Landon thought I was really weird because I had a complete conversation with her while we waited for our boys to try on dress pants at JC Penney. And she was a complete stranger) who has adopted all her children from various countries. I thought to my self how lucky I was to have been able to give birth to my beautiful kids, and then it dawned on me that she probably felt so blessed for just being able to be a mother. I believe that the Lord loves his daughters more because he let us be the mothers....LOL
We have a beautiful Country. We were so lucky to drive across it and see all the beauty it has to offer. Wow, it was breathtaking.
We are living in a time with such luxury. It bothers us if we have to get up to do something with the TV. I've been completely put out this week because of my dishwasher being broke down. UUUGGGHHH, dishes by hand.
The blessings are too numerous to count.
Brittain came up to me today and said, "Mom, I just hate my life sometimes." I said to him, "Are you buried under a pile of rock, praying that someone will find you before you die?" He said, "no". My response was, "then don't ever let me catch you saying that again."
I think in the wake of all the major catastrophies we have seen over the past decade, we should always remember to count our blessings." And be thankful for "our" trials.
No matter how small be thankful for the things that help mold us into the people we are.
“May your days be many and your troubles be few. May all God's blessings descend upon you. May peace be within you may your heart be strong. May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam.”

Irish Blessings quotes

TO MY SWEET HUSBAND

So this blog is dedicated to my sweet husband.....I just want everyone to know what an amazing and compassionate man my husband truly is. This last week a really unfortunate thing happened. It seriously upset me, more than I even realized. I felt on the verge of tears at all times. I felt attacked and victimized. He just stuck with me. He assured me all was going to be good. He helped me write a letter to the offenders and helped me to do it in a way that he (in his diplomatic manner) would do it. Instead of the way I would do it. If I had my way I would have told them what stinky-heads they are, and go after them with a vengeance.
So in his kind and loving way, he gave me space and held me when I needed it and rallied me on. He is my ROCK.
I think of myself as so independent. But the older I get the more I realize that I depend on him sooo much. This man has NO judgements of me. He never criticizes me, and in the 23 years we have been married he has yet to get mad at me and call me a name. He is the most generous man. And everything he does, he does to make me happy. Unfortunately, I can't say the same.
SO for all you woman out there who think they have the best husband in the world......Hate to burst your bubble, but WRONG! That would be ME!

Here is the card he brought home to me the other night:

They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Well, what if you didn't sign up for extra-strength training? What if you'd rather catch a few breaks once in awhile? Is that so much to ask? At some point, you'd think you'd be entitled to a free pass or two: Skip this challenge. Avoid that crisis/ Delete those problems. It's not that you're not strong or that you don't have what it takes to get through this. You are, you do, and you will. But you've built enough character already, and it's time for things to lighten up a little!
I know it's not really my call, but if I were in charge of life's wheel of fortune, you'd get a free spin. And I'd be right there, cheering you on! - Hallmark
"I'm already cheering on on now. Just not in my loud voice!" I Love you XOX Drew

Haiti Relief