Okay, knowing me you are probably expecting some profound, sappy post about some wonderful, emotional present that embodies spirit and happiness. Well, this is not it.
I got plenty of Christmas presents this year like that such as all of my wonderful kids home for an early celebration. However, one of the BEST presents of the season is not even one that was given to me! It was given to Gabriel. He got a little personal "pup" tent that is shaped like a puppy dog. He loves it so much that we put it on his bed for a night to let him sleep in it...for fun. An amazing thing happened, he slept through the whole night AND did not wake up until late morning. We thought it might be a fluke because he had not been feeling well. So, we kept the tent up. Amazingly, this has been the pattern every night since then! I am soooooo excited! For anyone who does not know, Gabriel does not sleep very well and will get up several time during the night and walk around or get his sister up or wake us up. It is a symptom of his disability. So, needless to say, this has truly been wonderful, and the best part is that he seems to be more rested and not so emotional throughout the day.
I would have to say this constitutes as one of the Best Christmas Presents EVER in my book. Now, let's hope the pattern continues :)
Life doesn't get any better than this!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Don't leave home without it!!
Marina and I went to Las Vegas on Monday. I had some stuff at work I needed to take care of so I worked for about 5 or 6 hours and then we headed out. I ran home and unloaded the vehicle because we always have junk..uh, I mean stuff, that needs to be taken out of the cars. I could have sworn that I left my purse in the car because we were going to leave really soon. Well, as luck would have it, I did NOT leave my purse in the car and did not find out until we were about 200 miles away from home when I stopped to get gas. That is when I found out that I was sans purse. Lucky for me, I had filled the tank up before leaving town and had put the ATM card in my coat pocket instead of my purse. However, I did not have any ID with me and we needed to check into a hotel. That would not have been a big deal because Marina and I have the same name, however, you have to be 21 to check in. I also left my cell phone with my purse. This was sooo going down hill. The final problem was that I had to have a hold put on my ATM card that would have normally been put on my credit card....if I had my purse.
It all turned out fine though. We got to LV, I realized I had my Prison employee ID (thank goodness I went to work that morning because I did not plan too) so was able to check in, my parents were in LV so they gave me some emergency money until the hold was taken off my debit card plus a little something for fun, Orey worked his magic and came up with an emergency stash of money for gas for the trip home. Marina and I got to hang out together and enjoy each other's company. We had dinner with my parents, ran into an ex-client of mine who is doing REALLY great right now with a new job and car, and generally had a good time. The weather was awesome too since it was rainy and foggy which is some of my favorite patterns.
Anyway, the moral of the story is to make sure you have what you NEED when you leave on a trip! Either that or have an awesome support system in place :)
It all turned out fine though. We got to LV, I realized I had my Prison employee ID (thank goodness I went to work that morning because I did not plan too) so was able to check in, my parents were in LV so they gave me some emergency money until the hold was taken off my debit card plus a little something for fun, Orey worked his magic and came up with an emergency stash of money for gas for the trip home. Marina and I got to hang out together and enjoy each other's company. We had dinner with my parents, ran into an ex-client of mine who is doing REALLY great right now with a new job and car, and generally had a good time. The weather was awesome too since it was rainy and foggy which is some of my favorite patterns.
Anyway, the moral of the story is to make sure you have what you NEED when you leave on a trip! Either that or have an awesome support system in place :)
Monday, December 13, 2010
When is Christmas exactly?
Last week we had Christmas! Yepperoo, you heard correctly, we celebrated Christmas on the 5th of December. All of my kids were home for the holiday so we had the Mexican Christmas with a billion kids, generations of family, good friends, lots of tamales and other Mexican food, all wrapped up in a ton of love!
I learned many, many years ago that Christmas is not a day, it is a time. A time for family and love. So over the years I think we have celebrated Christmas on the calendar day just as many times as we have celebrated it on a non-traditional day. However, we always have fun. Of course, Santa always comes in the night of December 24th.
Whatever day you are celebrating the "Reason for the Season", the birth of the Christ Child, I hope your heart is filled with love and hope.
Merry Christmas!
I learned many, many years ago that Christmas is not a day, it is a time. A time for family and love. So over the years I think we have celebrated Christmas on the calendar day just as many times as we have celebrated it on a non-traditional day. However, we always have fun. Of course, Santa always comes in the night of December 24th.
Whatever day you are celebrating the "Reason for the Season", the birth of the Christ Child, I hope your heart is filled with love and hope.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What family am I thankful for?
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and so I give thought to things I am thankful for. Let get the important but standard ones on the table first. If course there is family. I am talking about my parents, husband, kids and sisters. However, I want to go much further than that. I am talking about my cousins whom we grew up with like siblings. Their friendship helped shape my childhood. My grandparents who helped define my heritage and the way I celebrate things. My grandparents for generations past who had no idea that the choices they made would impact me. If my distant grandparents on my dad's side had not fled Mexico then eventually my parents would not have met and had.....me. If my grandmother on my mother's side had chosen to stay in Ireland when her husband died suddenly right before immigrating, again, my parents would not have met and had...me. You see the pattern here? I am grateful for generations of grandparents who loved me even though they did not know me here on earth. I know that I am the link in my descendents lines and I don't know them yet. However, I hope some of the choices I make now will effect them in a positive way years down the road. I mean, shoot, if we would not have moved back to Carson City, Eric would not be a Crounk and neither would his siblings be on their way to becoming (legally) Crounks.
I remember Deborah gave a talk in church one time about her ancestors. I remember listening to it and thinking how much I liked it. I could not tell you right now what the whole talk consisted of but there is one part that impacted me greatly. She said when she looked in the mirror she would wonder where she got her features. Which grandparent (and how far back) did she get her eyebrows from, or the color of her eyes or the shape of her lips or nose. She could look at her parents or grandparents and pretty much figure it out, but her parents and grandparents had to get them from someone too. And then she thanked them because if it weren't for them, she would not look like and be the person she was now (or then). Mind you that was not verbatim but I am sure you got the idea. I did.
So yes, I am thankful for family. I am thankful that all those names on my family tree were actual people who did the best they could and I hope that they are proud of me as their granddaughter no matter how many generations back they go.
I remember Deborah gave a talk in church one time about her ancestors. I remember listening to it and thinking how much I liked it. I could not tell you right now what the whole talk consisted of but there is one part that impacted me greatly. She said when she looked in the mirror she would wonder where she got her features. Which grandparent (and how far back) did she get her eyebrows from, or the color of her eyes or the shape of her lips or nose. She could look at her parents or grandparents and pretty much figure it out, but her parents and grandparents had to get them from someone too. And then she thanked them because if it weren't for them, she would not look like and be the person she was now (or then). Mind you that was not verbatim but I am sure you got the idea. I did.
So yes, I am thankful for family. I am thankful that all those names on my family tree were actual people who did the best they could and I hope that they are proud of me as their granddaughter no matter how many generations back they go.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The most AMAZING husband EVER!
I have not been sleeping well for the last several weeks. Don't know why but there it is. Yesterday I came home from work, fed the family and then asked Orey if he would mind if I laid down for a few. The was 5:20pm. He had church meetings at 6:45 and Wednesday is his double shift at work. He asked if I was taking a nap. I told him no, I was probably just going to read for an hour-ish for some "me" time.
The next thing I know it is 3:15am! I asked Orey (in the morning) if he went to his meetings. He said no, he called and told them he would not be at church meetings and then called and got someone else to take his second shift. He said that I did not look well last night and he knew I needed the sleep. He is sooooo good to me!
The next thing I know it is 3:15am! I asked Orey (in the morning) if he went to his meetings. He said no, he called and told them he would not be at church meetings and then called and got someone else to take his second shift. He said that I did not look well last night and he knew I needed the sleep. He is sooooo good to me!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Civic Minded Police force of Carson City
Tonight we were heading to our church building to participate in our annual Halloween Trunk n treat activity. Which by the way was super fun. Maura and the girls (in their cute costumes) cam down, mom and dad where there with their scary decorations (AWESOME), and the kids looked good in their costumes, especially JadaLynn as Yoda and Alexander as Luke Skywalker when he carried Yoda around during training.
Anyway, on our way to the church we have to drive by the high school. Eric pipes up and says "I drive by here every morning on the school bus on my way to school". I said "yep, you sure do". Then he says "sometimes the police officers are out here teaching the high school students. They even show them their guns and everything". Alexander and I looked at each other and worked very hard not to laugh. Then I said "Buddy, that is really nice that our police officers are so civic minded they teach the big kids". He said "yep, it sure is nice of them".
So, the next time you come across one of Carson City's finest, please take a minute to thank them for taking time out of their day to teach the high school students. :~)
Anyway, on our way to the church we have to drive by the high school. Eric pipes up and says "I drive by here every morning on the school bus on my way to school". I said "yep, you sure do". Then he says "sometimes the police officers are out here teaching the high school students. They even show them their guns and everything". Alexander and I looked at each other and worked very hard not to laugh. Then I said "Buddy, that is really nice that our police officers are so civic minded they teach the big kids". He said "yep, it sure is nice of them".
So, the next time you come across one of Carson City's finest, please take a minute to thank them for taking time out of their day to teach the high school students. :~)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Yay for Eric!
Eric got two awards today!!
One for Citizenship for getting 3's and 4's on his citizenship conduct. He also got an Excellent Attendance award. That one you get when you have not missed, nor been late for, more than 1 or 2 days for the semester.
Yay Eric! We are proud of you!
One for Citizenship for getting 3's and 4's on his citizenship conduct. He also got an Excellent Attendance award. That one you get when you have not missed, nor been late for, more than 1 or 2 days for the semester.
Yay Eric! We are proud of you!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Abstinance by any other name...
So, again, as you know, I work in a prison. One of my duties there is to teach a series of classes called "New Beginnings" which is a life skills class. We go ever things such as communication, decision making, goal setting, money management, healthy lifestyles and time management among other things.
Most of the time the Healthy Lifesyle class is broken into 2 parts with me teaching the eating/excercise class. Our infectious disease specialist teaches the diseases portion with includes STD's, TB, HIV/AIDS and so forth. However, my teacher was not available for this class so I got to teach it.
During the class I talked about how to keep from contacting STD's. I went over the importance of condom use and had to state that you must use a laytex condom to reduce the risk of catching one, you cannot use natural condoms because they do not create a barrier against an STD and HIV/AIDS. The I stated "However, abstinance is always the best way to eliminate the risk of contracting an STD because abstinance it the only 100% foolproof way". Now mind you, I have 17 men in this class and they are all over the age of 30. One raises his hand and says "Ms. Crounk, how you spell that? And where do I find those?". I said "What?" So he repeats himself. I looked at him and asked if he was talking about abstinance. He said "Yeah, I need to know where to get those kind because that is the only ones I want since I know I won't get nothin'. Oh, how do you spell it again because I need to get some when I get out". So, I spelled it for him and told him that I thought it was really great that he was going to use abstinance. He says "Oh yeah, I been in here 10 years and I know my woman gots needs so I don't know where she been or with who so I want to use these until we get all tested to make sure we don't have anything". I thought that was a very mature attitude and commended him on it. I also told him that I really believed in what he was saying so I wanted him to make sure that he did not have sex until he found the abstinace condoms. Then and only then, should he feel safe enough to have sex. He says "Yes ma'am, you can believe there ain't nothing happening until I have some of these". All the other inmates in the class were "on board" and really encouraged their classmate not to do anything, that he HAD to use only Abstinace! It was great.
My husband asked me if I let the poor man in on "joke". I said no. I think he is a good candidate for promoting abstinance.
Most of the time the Healthy Lifesyle class is broken into 2 parts with me teaching the eating/excercise class. Our infectious disease specialist teaches the diseases portion with includes STD's, TB, HIV/AIDS and so forth. However, my teacher was not available for this class so I got to teach it.
During the class I talked about how to keep from contacting STD's. I went over the importance of condom use and had to state that you must use a laytex condom to reduce the risk of catching one, you cannot use natural condoms because they do not create a barrier against an STD and HIV/AIDS. The I stated "However, abstinance is always the best way to eliminate the risk of contracting an STD because abstinance it the only 100% foolproof way". Now mind you, I have 17 men in this class and they are all over the age of 30. One raises his hand and says "Ms. Crounk, how you spell that? And where do I find those?". I said "What?" So he repeats himself. I looked at him and asked if he was talking about abstinance. He said "Yeah, I need to know where to get those kind because that is the only ones I want since I know I won't get nothin'. Oh, how do you spell it again because I need to get some when I get out". So, I spelled it for him and told him that I thought it was really great that he was going to use abstinance. He says "Oh yeah, I been in here 10 years and I know my woman gots needs so I don't know where she been or with who so I want to use these until we get all tested to make sure we don't have anything". I thought that was a very mature attitude and commended him on it. I also told him that I really believed in what he was saying so I wanted him to make sure that he did not have sex until he found the abstinace condoms. Then and only then, should he feel safe enough to have sex. He says "Yes ma'am, you can believe there ain't nothing happening until I have some of these". All the other inmates in the class were "on board" and really encouraged their classmate not to do anything, that he HAD to use only Abstinace! It was great.
My husband asked me if I let the poor man in on "joke". I said no. I think he is a good candidate for promoting abstinance.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Blessing of a Rough Start
Okay, so this morning started out a bit rough. Nothing dramatic just a rough start. I decided that having a rough start is a blessing. I can make a choice to let it go down hill, or I can make the choice to improve it.
If the day started well then I have no choice and I just go with the flow and possibly take it for granted that my day is good. If my day starts out bad and I don't make a choice to improve it then I have a sucky day....and probably everyone around me will too :)
Did my day automatically get better? Absolutely not! Things went awry pretty quickly here at work and some at home. But, I chose to make it a good day. If not for my self, then at least those around me.
By the way, my rough start costed to the tune of $1200 today for a timing belt. The good side, we had the money set aside for Christmas. Gues what everyone gets for Christmas this year? That's right, the opportunity to know we are driving around in our car with the working timing belt. :)
There is always something to be thankful for.
If the day started well then I have no choice and I just go with the flow and possibly take it for granted that my day is good. If my day starts out bad and I don't make a choice to improve it then I have a sucky day....and probably everyone around me will too :)
Did my day automatically get better? Absolutely not! Things went awry pretty quickly here at work and some at home. But, I chose to make it a good day. If not for my self, then at least those around me.
By the way, my rough start costed to the tune of $1200 today for a timing belt. The good side, we had the money set aside for Christmas. Gues what everyone gets for Christmas this year? That's right, the opportunity to know we are driving around in our car with the working timing belt. :)
There is always something to be thankful for.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Fall is in the Air!
Yesterday was on the colder side and was grey and drizzly. Just the way I love it! I had gone to the movies with a good friend of mine Saturday night and we got home around midnight. Then we sat out in the car for an hour and chatted, like we were in high school or something! It was fun. I got up early with the kiddos and then when Orey got up he sent me off for a nap. It was a little before 8 so I figured I had an hour before conference started. Imagine my surprise when I woke up at noon!
I got up and the weather was still drizzly and wet and grey so I did what I like to do in that weather, I baked. I baked french bread for dinner and chocolate chip raisin oatmeal cookies. Alexander said the house smelled like Christmas. I was feeling satisfied inside because this is what I do.
Eric and Gabriel played outside bundled up in sweaters and using umbrellas.
My parents came to dinner and brought a bounteous and beautiful salad which I totally enjoyed (even though I am not supposed to eat salad). I ate a lot of avacados and tomatoes which were really yummy. Then we had apple and peach pie for dessert. JadaLynn enjoyed her spaghetti and definitley had to take a bath. Actually it was her second one in 3 hours. Right before G&G got there, she discovered how fun the toilet water is.....YUCK! Then she discovered impromptu sink baths :)
Three of the kids went walking in the rain, one went to bed early because he had to work in a few hours and the little ones went to bed at 7:30. All in all it was a nice fall evening with a lot of snuggling in under the blankets.
I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!
I got up and the weather was still drizzly and wet and grey so I did what I like to do in that weather, I baked. I baked french bread for dinner and chocolate chip raisin oatmeal cookies. Alexander said the house smelled like Christmas. I was feeling satisfied inside because this is what I do.
Eric and Gabriel played outside bundled up in sweaters and using umbrellas.
My parents came to dinner and brought a bounteous and beautiful salad which I totally enjoyed (even though I am not supposed to eat salad). I ate a lot of avacados and tomatoes which were really yummy. Then we had apple and peach pie for dessert. JadaLynn enjoyed her spaghetti and definitley had to take a bath. Actually it was her second one in 3 hours. Right before G&G got there, she discovered how fun the toilet water is.....YUCK! Then she discovered impromptu sink baths :)
Three of the kids went walking in the rain, one went to bed early because he had to work in a few hours and the little ones went to bed at 7:30. All in all it was a nice fall evening with a lot of snuggling in under the blankets.
I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day of Colors
Yesterday was a day of colors.
Early in the day Marina J and I went on a tour of Herlong Federal Prison through a conference we were attending in Reno. Interesting place. If I every get caught committing a crime, I want it to be labled a federal crime because that was one, nice prison. In Nevada you are not allowed to wear blue in the prison because the prisoner's wear blue. In Herlong, everything was brown and beige. Even the buildings and grounds. Ironically, I did not hear a lot of colorful language which I usually do in that environment.
Yesterday afternoon we were driving by the park on our way to a function. I got to enjoy looking at the trees because they were taking on the fall colors. Very beautiful.
We (mom, dad, Bean and me) went to Red's for the Think Pink breast cancer awareness event. Lot's of pink everywhere! That was fun. On our way in my dad carried my mom's purse for a minute. He had a comment to make about that so I told him not to worry, it matched him perfectly. The purse is black and dark brown. My dad was wearing a black shirt so he was black and dark brown too :)
On our way home from Think Pink, we drove down main street. The Capitol had the pink lights strung up in honor of breast cancer awareness. In case you did not know, the Capitol often color coordinates with whatever awarness event is going on.
After we got home, my sweet and wonderful husband was kind enough to help me cage the skunk! One of the reasons I refused so long to color my hair is because I hate the "skunk" look that starts coming out when my hair starts growing. Everyone said it was not that noticeable and I believe them, but to me I feel like a big fat zit in the middle of my face would be less noticeable (although I would rather not test that theory). So, here we are in our bathroom that is barely big enough to squeeze 2 people in, trying our best to color my roots without making me look worst. I loved seeing my husband in his green non-latex gloves (courtesy of Disneyland and Alexander)with a hair dye paintbrush in his hands, working magic in taming and caging the skunk. I will have you know that he did a really good job!
So that was my colorful day.
Early in the day Marina J and I went on a tour of Herlong Federal Prison through a conference we were attending in Reno. Interesting place. If I every get caught committing a crime, I want it to be labled a federal crime because that was one, nice prison. In Nevada you are not allowed to wear blue in the prison because the prisoner's wear blue. In Herlong, everything was brown and beige. Even the buildings and grounds. Ironically, I did not hear a lot of colorful language which I usually do in that environment.
Yesterday afternoon we were driving by the park on our way to a function. I got to enjoy looking at the trees because they were taking on the fall colors. Very beautiful.
We (mom, dad, Bean and me) went to Red's for the Think Pink breast cancer awareness event. Lot's of pink everywhere! That was fun. On our way in my dad carried my mom's purse for a minute. He had a comment to make about that so I told him not to worry, it matched him perfectly. The purse is black and dark brown. My dad was wearing a black shirt so he was black and dark brown too :)
On our way home from Think Pink, we drove down main street. The Capitol had the pink lights strung up in honor of breast cancer awareness. In case you did not know, the Capitol often color coordinates with whatever awarness event is going on.
After we got home, my sweet and wonderful husband was kind enough to help me cage the skunk! One of the reasons I refused so long to color my hair is because I hate the "skunk" look that starts coming out when my hair starts growing. Everyone said it was not that noticeable and I believe them, but to me I feel like a big fat zit in the middle of my face would be less noticeable (although I would rather not test that theory). So, here we are in our bathroom that is barely big enough to squeeze 2 people in, trying our best to color my roots without making me look worst. I loved seeing my husband in his green non-latex gloves (courtesy of Disneyland and Alexander)with a hair dye paintbrush in his hands, working magic in taming and caging the skunk. I will have you know that he did a really good job!
So that was my colorful day.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Shopping Day
So, when my Aunt Debbie was up here in July she was sure I needed a new makeover for my new body. I finally relented by saying "you can do whatever you want as long as I don't have to pay for it". Both of them whipped out their calendars (you could actually feel the breeze from the flipping pages) and decided the weekend of August 28th mom and I would travel to San Diego for the makeover.
Well, as luck would have it (sarcastic tone here), medical issues prevented the traveling. So, mom and my sister Maura and I headed of to Reno on Saturday. Maura LeAnn met up with us so we could take her to lunch for her birthday. WE WENT SHOPPING! I had so much fun! I generally do not like to shop but I wound up loving it that day. We got a bunch of new tops and a few skirts for me. As well as the outfit I will wear to the wedding this weekend. I felt really pretty. At Maura LeAnn's urging, I even tried on a daring little number that was not modest and was most definitely something I would not wear in public. Just as well because the price tag on the "little" number was $178! Wow! It did look good though.
Then we went to Red Lobster for lunch. That was yummy! I had a really good time both in activity and in the company I kept.
Thank you to my parents for funding the expedition. Thank you to the company for the the fun I had. Thank you to my husband and kids for "holding down the fort" so I could spend the day out. The only thing that could have made it better was if Aunt Debbie could have participated. All in all, a good day!
Well, as luck would have it (sarcastic tone here), medical issues prevented the traveling. So, mom and my sister Maura and I headed of to Reno on Saturday. Maura LeAnn met up with us so we could take her to lunch for her birthday. WE WENT SHOPPING! I had so much fun! I generally do not like to shop but I wound up loving it that day. We got a bunch of new tops and a few skirts for me. As well as the outfit I will wear to the wedding this weekend. I felt really pretty. At Maura LeAnn's urging, I even tried on a daring little number that was not modest and was most definitely something I would not wear in public. Just as well because the price tag on the "little" number was $178! Wow! It did look good though.
Then we went to Red Lobster for lunch. That was yummy! I had a really good time both in activity and in the company I kept.
Thank you to my parents for funding the expedition. Thank you to the company for the the fun I had. Thank you to my husband and kids for "holding down the fort" so I could spend the day out. The only thing that could have made it better was if Aunt Debbie could have participated. All in all, a good day!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
My Interior Decorator
I would like to give a special shout out to my interior decorator...Deborah Andreasen! For you 2 or 3 people who read my blog, if you have enjoyed the visual enhancements that occasionally come my way and surpriseme, it is because Deborah has been taking care of it.
Thanks Deborah.
Thanks Deborah.
Monday, August 23, 2010
My Wish for You
I have the most wonderful spouse in the whole world! He cares for me and loves me above all else save the Lord. I know that my name is safe in his mouth. I know my heart is safe in his love. I know my physical well being and needs are safe in his hands. I know that my family's love is safe in his heart.
He is everything to me. How grateful I am that he is my husband and eternal companion.
My wish for you is that you will know that kind of love and security in your life, if you have not already. Everyone deserves to allow themselves to be the recipient of such a blessing.
He is everything to me. How grateful I am that he is my husband and eternal companion.
My wish for you is that you will know that kind of love and security in your life, if you have not already. Everyone deserves to allow themselves to be the recipient of such a blessing.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
LOVE AND KISSES! ALL FROM LITTLE MISSES
Maura and Brian had a dilema. Open house/meet the new teacher at the kids' school was coming up. They are 2 parents with 3 kindergarteners so Maura asked if I would come represent one of the girls at school.
Yesterday I went to Reno where I had the honor of presenting myself as Bethanie's Grandmother to her teacher. It was an emotional moment for me and it was really sweet. Bethanie was so pleased and grinned ear to ear as I was introduced to her friends and teacher. And she could not stop hugging me and telling me she loves me. A very AWESOME time!
When I got home from the school activity JadaLynn was crawling around so I picked her up and loved on her while talking with her dadddy. She is so cute that I gave her kisses. After I gave her kisses she started making the "kissy" sounds and movements with her lips. So I had to kiss all over her cheeks again. She grabbed my face and turned her mouth and planted her mouth right on my lips. That was AWESOME! I got my first kiss from JadaLynn. A good evening all around.
Yesterday I went to Reno where I had the honor of presenting myself as Bethanie's Grandmother to her teacher. It was an emotional moment for me and it was really sweet. Bethanie was so pleased and grinned ear to ear as I was introduced to her friends and teacher. And she could not stop hugging me and telling me she loves me. A very AWESOME time!
When I got home from the school activity JadaLynn was crawling around so I picked her up and loved on her while talking with her dadddy. She is so cute that I gave her kisses. After I gave her kisses she started making the "kissy" sounds and movements with her lips. So I had to kiss all over her cheeks again. She grabbed my face and turned her mouth and planted her mouth right on my lips. That was AWESOME! I got my first kiss from JadaLynn. A good evening all around.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Perception, a person's reality
I have a subscription to a magazine called “The Good Old Days”. I really enjoy reading it. It makes one want to live in a time when things were simpler and people were kinder. That is the perception. If you think about it, people are reminiscing about times during WWII, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, before polio vaccines (and vaccines for many other childhood diseases), before civil rights, equal rights and many other less than desirable living situations. Yet, to listen to people talk, they were the best of time. This is perception. Accurate or not, it is their reality.
When I was a little girl there were 2 parents and 4 children living in a two bedroom small house. All of a sudden one day our mattresses were on the floor and there was psychedelic, sheer material covering the alcove where our “bed” was. In both rooms! Remember, this was the late 60’s, early 70’s so it was acceptable. We were excited! This was far out and cool!! That was our perception. The reality (which I found out in my adult life) was that we were so poor our parents had to sell our household stuff to make ends meet. Ahh, good times had by all? Probably not our parents.
The point being is that perception, right or wrong, is in the eye of the beholder. I always tell people there are way more than two sides to a story. Everyone has an opinion on an event or subject. My kids also know that the truth of a matter is what they believe to be true. Not what other people try to convince them is true. There was an incident that happened a little while back which included different perceptions from different people as to what really happened. I was asked why I do not “set the record straight and say what really happened”. Here is the deal, even though my opinion differs from others perception of what happened, it is not for me to tell them they are wrong. In their own mind and world I am sure they believe what they have said/written. I am not going to tell them they are lying. They simply have a different perception/take on the events. Just as they will never convince me I am wrong on how I view the events, I know I would never convince them they are wrong on how they view the events. So, I am busy living my life instead of busy trying to live other people’s lives by controlling their perceptions. Life is too short and I am too busy and I have bigger fish to fry to feed my large and wonderful family.
My daughter, Deborah, and her husband have a saying when they cannot agree on something and do not want to escalate into a spat, they “agree to disagree”. This way they show they respect the other person’s right to have a differing opinion even though they do not agree with it. I love that and have adopted it. I don’t have the need to try to convince others of my view. It is what it is. It is my truth and nothing or no one will change that unless I allow them too. This is my reality!
When I was a little girl there were 2 parents and 4 children living in a two bedroom small house. All of a sudden one day our mattresses were on the floor and there was psychedelic, sheer material covering the alcove where our “bed” was. In both rooms! Remember, this was the late 60’s, early 70’s so it was acceptable. We were excited! This was far out and cool!! That was our perception. The reality (which I found out in my adult life) was that we were so poor our parents had to sell our household stuff to make ends meet. Ahh, good times had by all? Probably not our parents.
The point being is that perception, right or wrong, is in the eye of the beholder. I always tell people there are way more than two sides to a story. Everyone has an opinion on an event or subject. My kids also know that the truth of a matter is what they believe to be true. Not what other people try to convince them is true. There was an incident that happened a little while back which included different perceptions from different people as to what really happened. I was asked why I do not “set the record straight and say what really happened”. Here is the deal, even though my opinion differs from others perception of what happened, it is not for me to tell them they are wrong. In their own mind and world I am sure they believe what they have said/written. I am not going to tell them they are lying. They simply have a different perception/take on the events. Just as they will never convince me I am wrong on how I view the events, I know I would never convince them they are wrong on how they view the events. So, I am busy living my life instead of busy trying to live other people’s lives by controlling their perceptions. Life is too short and I am too busy and I have bigger fish to fry to feed my large and wonderful family.
My daughter, Deborah, and her husband have a saying when they cannot agree on something and do not want to escalate into a spat, they “agree to disagree”. This way they show they respect the other person’s right to have a differing opinion even though they do not agree with it. I love that and have adopted it. I don’t have the need to try to convince others of my view. It is what it is. It is my truth and nothing or no one will change that unless I allow them too. This is my reality!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thanks for the reason to celebrate!
Okay, when Orey and I decided to get married, one of the things we never really discussed was family. You know, how many kids, how do we want to raise them, what religion, holiday and other traditions, etc. Part of that was my inability to realize that not everyone was raised the way I was so I assumed we would raise any child(ren) we would have the way I was raised. I also assumed any knowledge I would need to raise said child(ren) would just magically be there.
Here is is, 29 years and 9 children later. Upon reflection, things did not work out the way I assumed they would. How grateful I am for that! I have wonderful children that are all have many of the same qualities and characteristics, yet are so wonderfully unique. They all love the Lord. They might not all always want to do what they know the Lord expects of them, but they love him and that is good. They are all musically inclined. Whether it is singing, playing (or wanting to play) an instrument, or even the gift of just being able to enjoy the music, they all have it. They have rich traditions and personalities that come from both sides of their family lines. They all have a deep, abiding love and respect for other members of the family. Very importantly, they love and respect their parents. What a blessing they are to us, their parents.
I know Mother's and Father's days just passed. I want to send this tribute to my kids with regards to those special days.
Thank you for letting us have the opportunity to be celebrated as your parents! If you had not chosen to be a part of this family, if you had not chosen to love us and to love your siblings, if you had not chosen to be brought or born into the covenant of an eternal family, this posting would not be possible. I love each and every one of you. Even when you think I am unaware of you, I want you to know that you are never away from my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. You are there constantly and I thank you for that. I love you.
Here is is, 29 years and 9 children later. Upon reflection, things did not work out the way I assumed they would. How grateful I am for that! I have wonderful children that are all have many of the same qualities and characteristics, yet are so wonderfully unique. They all love the Lord. They might not all always want to do what they know the Lord expects of them, but they love him and that is good. They are all musically inclined. Whether it is singing, playing (or wanting to play) an instrument, or even the gift of just being able to enjoy the music, they all have it. They have rich traditions and personalities that come from both sides of their family lines. They all have a deep, abiding love and respect for other members of the family. Very importantly, they love and respect their parents. What a blessing they are to us, their parents.
I know Mother's and Father's days just passed. I want to send this tribute to my kids with regards to those special days.
Thank you for letting us have the opportunity to be celebrated as your parents! If you had not chosen to be a part of this family, if you had not chosen to love us and to love your siblings, if you had not chosen to be brought or born into the covenant of an eternal family, this posting would not be possible. I love each and every one of you. Even when you think I am unaware of you, I want you to know that you are never away from my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. You are there constantly and I thank you for that. I love you.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
I love how the Lord prepares me
I love the Lord! I love that he can see the Big Picture and prepares us for it.
When our kids are small, we teach them certain things in order to prepare them for what may come in life. Whatever their calling we want them to have the tools needed. Often times, they just learn those things without questioning or realize they are learning something useful or even significant. Later it becomes evident that this skill was learned over a course of time to prepare them for some event in their life, whether it be small or large.
I have come to realize that the Lord is the same way with us "adults". He may prepare a person, a family, a community or whatever for some significant event without the "learnee" (that is my word for the day) realizing the importance until it is put into play. Recently, we have discovered the Lord has been preparing our family for many years for one significant event that will take place soon. How grateful I am to a kind, wise Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for the many blessing he places before me. The ones that I see, and the ones I should see but do not. What a truly blessed daughter I am!!
When our kids are small, we teach them certain things in order to prepare them for what may come in life. Whatever their calling we want them to have the tools needed. Often times, they just learn those things without questioning or realize they are learning something useful or even significant. Later it becomes evident that this skill was learned over a course of time to prepare them for some event in their life, whether it be small or large.
I have come to realize that the Lord is the same way with us "adults". He may prepare a person, a family, a community or whatever for some significant event without the "learnee" (that is my word for the day) realizing the importance until it is put into play. Recently, we have discovered the Lord has been preparing our family for many years for one significant event that will take place soon. How grateful I am to a kind, wise Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for the many blessing he places before me. The ones that I see, and the ones I should see but do not. What a truly blessed daughter I am!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Inadequate or Pride, your choice.
I was at the visiting teaching conference the other day and one of the sisters mentioned that she was grateful for the opportunity to serve in her position even though she felt inadequate and not equal to the task. I realized that I hear that statement a lot and have said it....a lot.
At that second I realized the reason for that. I think when we do not feel equal to the task then we are still humble enough to be taught and to feel the spirit. When we feel we are equal to the task then I think maybe pride has taken over and we are no longer teachable. Maybe that is why we are released just when we feel we are starting to get a handle on things.
Just a thought.
At that second I realized the reason for that. I think when we do not feel equal to the task then we are still humble enough to be taught and to feel the spirit. When we feel we are equal to the task then I think maybe pride has taken over and we are no longer teachable. Maybe that is why we are released just when we feel we are starting to get a handle on things.
Just a thought.
Monday, January 25, 2010
YAY FOR ALEXANDER!
Well, I have to post this on my blog because I don't want to steal Alexander's thunder on Facebook. Plus, Deborah does not Facebook. Alexander called night last night around 10pm. He was really excited because he had his first audition with Westminster Choir. Apparently, you have to go through a series of auditions but they accepted him after the first one! Way to go Alexander! This is the same group that Keith sings with and he absolutely loves it. Last year they took "World" in the competition in England.
I am very proud of him.
I am very proud of him.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wow, What a Weekend!
So, we took Alexander down to Anaheim on Friday. Orey and Alexander picked me up from work and we headed down. As most of you know, Alexander is not a traveler. He gets motion sick (funny he will be working at Disneyland) and has to live on Dramamine and ginger for the course of the trip. Well, this trip was not different and I happened to have 2 Dramamine with me and planned to get more. Poor Alexander was sick from the get go. So what does any good mother do in a case like that? Insist her son eat something so he will feel better.
We got a bout 2/3 of the way there and poor Alexander got violently ill all over the place in the back seat(s) of the car. My heart went out to him. Usually when we travel I have tp, paper towels, garbage bags, etc., but I did not remember to have Orey grab these. So, we happened to have “A” towel. It might have been a Kleenex for all the good it did. There was just too much. We pulled over, Orey helped Alexander clean up, dug out some clean clothes for him, and sent him a little further away from the freeway to change. Alexander had to strip down to his birthday suit and put clean clothes on his poor dirty body. Then, because we did not have any bags, we had to put the pukey stuff in the full trunk and lay a jacket down for Alexander to sit on. We still had about 2 or 3 hours to go before our destination. By the time we got to the hotel, Alexander was soaked through again because he had to sit on wet seat. Then we found out the hotel laundry was closing in 15 minutes and so we could not do laundry until the morning. Alexander was going to meet up with Keith and have a good time. He took a shower, texted Keith and then went to sleep. They decided to meet up the next day.
By the middle of the night, my poor Orey was up puking. Yup, it was not car sickness at all. It was the flu. I left early that morning and found a Walgreen’s and spent about $65 on medicine, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, clothes soap, etc. It took about an hour and a half but I managed to get almost everything out. It still stunk but was much better than it was. I went back to the room, set everyone up with Gatorade and crackers and such. Took out some more of my plastic gloves (laugh if you will, I did not get it) and headed down to do laundry. By the time I got back, Keithy was there. Alexander was still green around the gills but doing better. I guess it is really bad for about 24 hours and then you just feel sort of yucky and have a tender tummy for a few days after. Poor Orey, we had to check out of the hotel at noon but there were no rooms available at our new hotel until 3pm. I felt so bad for Orey. We went over to Disneyland and sat and watched people. We also went on the Small World ride because it was still set up for Christmas. That was amazing! When we were able to check into the hotel he went straight to sleep. He was so wiped from the afternoon.
Sunday we checked Alexander in to his program. We met his roommate, Justin, who is from Las Vegas and is very nice. There are only the two of them in the room so he really lucked out. Orey and I went grocery shopping and apartment set up stuff shopping. I made fudge for them and then we left. We went over to Disneyland for a little while and hung out. Orey was still feeling yucky and I was feeling a bit emotional.
Monday we hung out and then went to the park. We still took it easy because neither of us were 100% yet. It rained like all get out. We had to purchase “slickers”. Orey did manage to get the frozen pineapple whip he likes. Last time he didn’t get to do it because they were always closed. We were soaked by the time we got back to the room.
Tuesday, we watched the weather for a while. Realized we were going to have to buy tire chains for the ride home so we went all over tarnation for those. Apparently, no one really carries chains in SoCal. Go figure. We also bought umbrellas and a wind breaker for me to wear under my coat. We took to boys to lunch at some International Buffet which they seemed to enjoy. Yucky! We headed out. It was raining amazingly hard all morning. Even the umbrellas were not able to repel the amount of water coming down. We went to the park again. There must have been like 10 people in the park. Okay, I am sure more than that but we were all die-hards! We went on the Indiana Jones ride (Orey was feeling better) and if you have been on this ride you know you have to walk, like a mile, to get to the actual ride. Most of it is down these long indoor corridors. Yeah, it was raining so hard that the rain was coming though the ceiling AND we had a river of water rushing past our feet while we were walking. When we were done and headed out, we had to walk in huge puddles that went up past our ankles. We went on the Pirates of the Caribbean after that. We were actually on the ride, INSIDE the building and we had water seeping down on us!! It was insane! They wound up closing most of the rides. None of the outside vendors were open and several of the restaurants closed too. After several hours it started to clear up. Yes, we stayed in that weather for several hours. And we had a nice time walking around.
By Tuesday night we knew we were not going to be able to go home via 395 nor I5. We had to had 4 or 5 hours on our trip and cut over through Las Vegas and then up to Carson City. We left at 4:30 am and got home bout 4:15pm. As we were leaving, the road took us by Alexander’s apt and so I had to cry for a while. I hate leaving my kids behind. I know they are grown men (even though they don’t act like it when they are together) but they are still my little boys.
Oh, and through this, Marina, Rebekah and Juliet all have the flu up in Carson City and so I had to feel like a loser mother because I was not there to help them feel better either.
Well, that pretty much sums up the highlights of the trip. I can assure you there are more little things here and there that I could add…but then I would just be complaining :~)
Glad to be home and that everyone is safe and where they should be!
We got a bout 2/3 of the way there and poor Alexander got violently ill all over the place in the back seat(s) of the car. My heart went out to him. Usually when we travel I have tp, paper towels, garbage bags, etc., but I did not remember to have Orey grab these. So, we happened to have “A” towel. It might have been a Kleenex for all the good it did. There was just too much. We pulled over, Orey helped Alexander clean up, dug out some clean clothes for him, and sent him a little further away from the freeway to change. Alexander had to strip down to his birthday suit and put clean clothes on his poor dirty body. Then, because we did not have any bags, we had to put the pukey stuff in the full trunk and lay a jacket down for Alexander to sit on. We still had about 2 or 3 hours to go before our destination. By the time we got to the hotel, Alexander was soaked through again because he had to sit on wet seat. Then we found out the hotel laundry was closing in 15 minutes and so we could not do laundry until the morning. Alexander was going to meet up with Keith and have a good time. He took a shower, texted Keith and then went to sleep. They decided to meet up the next day.
By the middle of the night, my poor Orey was up puking. Yup, it was not car sickness at all. It was the flu. I left early that morning and found a Walgreen’s and spent about $65 on medicine, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, clothes soap, etc. It took about an hour and a half but I managed to get almost everything out. It still stunk but was much better than it was. I went back to the room, set everyone up with Gatorade and crackers and such. Took out some more of my plastic gloves (laugh if you will, I did not get it) and headed down to do laundry. By the time I got back, Keithy was there. Alexander was still green around the gills but doing better. I guess it is really bad for about 24 hours and then you just feel sort of yucky and have a tender tummy for a few days after. Poor Orey, we had to check out of the hotel at noon but there were no rooms available at our new hotel until 3pm. I felt so bad for Orey. We went over to Disneyland and sat and watched people. We also went on the Small World ride because it was still set up for Christmas. That was amazing! When we were able to check into the hotel he went straight to sleep. He was so wiped from the afternoon.
Sunday we checked Alexander in to his program. We met his roommate, Justin, who is from Las Vegas and is very nice. There are only the two of them in the room so he really lucked out. Orey and I went grocery shopping and apartment set up stuff shopping. I made fudge for them and then we left. We went over to Disneyland for a little while and hung out. Orey was still feeling yucky and I was feeling a bit emotional.
Monday we hung out and then went to the park. We still took it easy because neither of us were 100% yet. It rained like all get out. We had to purchase “slickers”. Orey did manage to get the frozen pineapple whip he likes. Last time he didn’t get to do it because they were always closed. We were soaked by the time we got back to the room.
Tuesday, we watched the weather for a while. Realized we were going to have to buy tire chains for the ride home so we went all over tarnation for those. Apparently, no one really carries chains in SoCal. Go figure. We also bought umbrellas and a wind breaker for me to wear under my coat. We took to boys to lunch at some International Buffet which they seemed to enjoy. Yucky! We headed out. It was raining amazingly hard all morning. Even the umbrellas were not able to repel the amount of water coming down. We went to the park again. There must have been like 10 people in the park. Okay, I am sure more than that but we were all die-hards! We went on the Indiana Jones ride (Orey was feeling better) and if you have been on this ride you know you have to walk, like a mile, to get to the actual ride. Most of it is down these long indoor corridors. Yeah, it was raining so hard that the rain was coming though the ceiling AND we had a river of water rushing past our feet while we were walking. When we were done and headed out, we had to walk in huge puddles that went up past our ankles. We went on the Pirates of the Caribbean after that. We were actually on the ride, INSIDE the building and we had water seeping down on us!! It was insane! They wound up closing most of the rides. None of the outside vendors were open and several of the restaurants closed too. After several hours it started to clear up. Yes, we stayed in that weather for several hours. And we had a nice time walking around.
By Tuesday night we knew we were not going to be able to go home via 395 nor I5. We had to had 4 or 5 hours on our trip and cut over through Las Vegas and then up to Carson City. We left at 4:30 am and got home bout 4:15pm. As we were leaving, the road took us by Alexander’s apt and so I had to cry for a while. I hate leaving my kids behind. I know they are grown men (even though they don’t act like it when they are together) but they are still my little boys.
Oh, and through this, Marina, Rebekah and Juliet all have the flu up in Carson City and so I had to feel like a loser mother because I was not there to help them feel better either.
Well, that pretty much sums up the highlights of the trip. I can assure you there are more little things here and there that I could add…but then I would just be complaining :~)
Glad to be home and that everyone is safe and where they should be!
Friday, January 15, 2010
What if?
Certain things happen in life that makes you grateful that the “what could have happened” is not what happened. I try to remember that daily in my life. I look at Eric and at Seth and I think, man, how fortunate that they were brought into the family. I look at where they could/would have been if our hearts were not ready to receive such a blessing. How grateful to the Lord for making us ready. I also try to keep there birth families in my thoughts and prayers.
I look at my kids and think “Wow! How grateful I am that they are responsible people who try to do right in their lives”. I know some people say that it is how they are raised. Certainly, there was some influence there surely. However, I know plenty of good parents who struggle with the pain of their children’s choices and behaviors. Orey and I are so very blessed that we have the children we do. Not all their choices are right 100% of the time, but they take responsibility for them and try to do better. I am grateful that they trust me enough to be a part of their lives. I am proud of them. I am thankful they love me. I wonder what my life would have been like without them and it makes me emotionally raw at such a horrible thought. I love that they have never questioned if they are loved by their parents. I am sure there are probably times they have not allowed themselves to feel it, but I trust that they have always known it.
I look at my husband and think “What would my life be like if I had not asked him out?” There were so many times and obstacles that came in to play in our early dating days that would have ended that relationship. I will name a few of them. Orey was in Colorado when I started working at Wendy’s. He was visiting his dad. He was supposed to fly home but decided that Carson City had nothing for him so he would just stay there in Denver. He called the airlines to cancel his flight for later that afternoon but the lines were busy (they did not have internet back then). He fell asleep and when he woke up it was time to go to the airport. Being the responsible person he is, he figured he could not waste money by not using his ticket so he came home. The very next day I met him. He was not popular with many of my family and friends. He did not seem to fit the mold that I dated. I am glad I did not listen to most of the people who told me not to date him. It was not easy for a while. At the time I met him, an old boyfriend who I “loved” very much came back into the picture. He asked me to go out with him but it happened to be the same night that Orey and I were going on our first date. I am ashamed to say I really debated on whether to cancel my date with Orey. I almost did. At the very last minute I heard myself say that I could not but would he contact me the next week. That was the last time I spoke to the old boyfriend. Oh, also, I was dating someone the week before I met Orey. However, my friend Tom was coming in to town and my current boyfriend did not like that I was going to hang out with my friend so he said that we should stop seeing each other for the weekend and I could contact him the following week when I decided what I wanted. Tom came in, we hung out, I went to work on Monday with the intent of calling Roy after work but I met Orey that day when I came in to work. If I were still dating Roy I would never have dated Orey because I did not cheat. Anyway, those are just some of the obstacles and those were just in the first few days. Sometimes I wonder about any of those scenarios and how a different course of action on any of those would have changed my life and where I am at now. I am incredibly grateful that the Lord knew this was the man for me, my eternal companion and the father of my eternal family. What a wonderful man he is. I would not be who I am or where I am without his unconditional love and unwavering support. To say that I love him with all my heart would be an overwhelming understatement!
There are so many other “what if’s” that could be mentioned. The family I was born into, the way my parents raised me, the places we lived, the love they gave me, the friends I associated with (good and bad), and so on.
So, to my Heavenly Father and my brother Jesus Christ, I give my heartfelt gratitude for giving me those things in life with I needed but did not even know it. For loving me enough to bless me so richly with trials, tribulations, love, knowledge, family, friends, experience, and the gospel. I thank Thee.
I look at my kids and think “Wow! How grateful I am that they are responsible people who try to do right in their lives”. I know some people say that it is how they are raised. Certainly, there was some influence there surely. However, I know plenty of good parents who struggle with the pain of their children’s choices and behaviors. Orey and I are so very blessed that we have the children we do. Not all their choices are right 100% of the time, but they take responsibility for them and try to do better. I am grateful that they trust me enough to be a part of their lives. I am proud of them. I am thankful they love me. I wonder what my life would have been like without them and it makes me emotionally raw at such a horrible thought. I love that they have never questioned if they are loved by their parents. I am sure there are probably times they have not allowed themselves to feel it, but I trust that they have always known it.
I look at my husband and think “What would my life be like if I had not asked him out?” There were so many times and obstacles that came in to play in our early dating days that would have ended that relationship. I will name a few of them. Orey was in Colorado when I started working at Wendy’s. He was visiting his dad. He was supposed to fly home but decided that Carson City had nothing for him so he would just stay there in Denver. He called the airlines to cancel his flight for later that afternoon but the lines were busy (they did not have internet back then). He fell asleep and when he woke up it was time to go to the airport. Being the responsible person he is, he figured he could not waste money by not using his ticket so he came home. The very next day I met him. He was not popular with many of my family and friends. He did not seem to fit the mold that I dated. I am glad I did not listen to most of the people who told me not to date him. It was not easy for a while. At the time I met him, an old boyfriend who I “loved” very much came back into the picture. He asked me to go out with him but it happened to be the same night that Orey and I were going on our first date. I am ashamed to say I really debated on whether to cancel my date with Orey. I almost did. At the very last minute I heard myself say that I could not but would he contact me the next week. That was the last time I spoke to the old boyfriend. Oh, also, I was dating someone the week before I met Orey. However, my friend Tom was coming in to town and my current boyfriend did not like that I was going to hang out with my friend so he said that we should stop seeing each other for the weekend and I could contact him the following week when I decided what I wanted. Tom came in, we hung out, I went to work on Monday with the intent of calling Roy after work but I met Orey that day when I came in to work. If I were still dating Roy I would never have dated Orey because I did not cheat. Anyway, those are just some of the obstacles and those were just in the first few days. Sometimes I wonder about any of those scenarios and how a different course of action on any of those would have changed my life and where I am at now. I am incredibly grateful that the Lord knew this was the man for me, my eternal companion and the father of my eternal family. What a wonderful man he is. I would not be who I am or where I am without his unconditional love and unwavering support. To say that I love him with all my heart would be an overwhelming understatement!
There are so many other “what if’s” that could be mentioned. The family I was born into, the way my parents raised me, the places we lived, the love they gave me, the friends I associated with (good and bad), and so on.
So, to my Heavenly Father and my brother Jesus Christ, I give my heartfelt gratitude for giving me those things in life with I needed but did not even know it. For loving me enough to bless me so richly with trials, tribulations, love, knowledge, family, friends, experience, and the gospel. I thank Thee.
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