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.