Faith

So many thoughts, so little ambition to write them down! I was able to go to the sealing of Rachael yesterday (Richard and Beth Hawley's new little daughter). What a beautiful experience. She is such a special little girl and is lucky to have an eternal family. While there I felt those in heaven gathering for this special event. They rejoiced as we did. This brings me to my subject today. These past few weeks I have been pondering and learning about FAITH. I look at all those who have come before and wonder of the faith they must have had. I think of Adam and Eve going out in the unknown world yet having the faith to trust in a loving Heavenly Father that He would do as He said he would and teach them. I think about Esther and the faith it must have taken to approach the king for her people. How Mary the mother of Christ must have had a tremendous amount of faith to listen to the angel and accept the unknown. The faith she and Joseph must have had to raise the Son of God. How much faith it must have taken for Alma to turn his life completely around and spend the rest of his life declaring the gospel to those who hated him. How much faith it must have taken for my grandparents to accept the gospel in their life when their families and those around of them were against it. And then I think do I have enough faith to accept His will for me? Am I willing to put my trust in my Savior and believe and accept is atonement for me? I am so humbled and grateful by those who have gone on before for their examples of faith that teach me daily.

Bryan

Many of you moms write about your children on their birthday. Well, my son Bryan had a birthday today. Bryan as always been one of those children who keeps their parents on their toes. He loves life. He loves to say things to me so see if he can get a reaction out of me (which he usually does). He was the neighborhood charmer. He would go around the neighborhood and talk to all of his buddies and friends. He spent hours playing pool with Harold Wagner, talked to Mrs. Garcia, helped Carol and Bob next door, played with the Green boys, helped Madge in her garden. I remember one day when my father was really sick, Bryan decided to walk to school where his father was teaching. One of our friends found him but took him to the wrong house because he looked like one of their children. Scared me to death but he was fine. Bryan loves music and always has. His dad and I would joke that we had to go to his concerts just to see what instrument he was going to play. He reminds me a lot of my grandpa Haggen who could play any instrument he picked up. I love to listen to him and his brother sing as well as him play the piano. Bryan, you've been a joy!

Top ten

I was just sitting here thinking back on the year and all the good things that have happened yet are history now. Top ten events (not in any particular order): 1. I was blessed with two new grand babies (Ethan and Heidi), 2. I was released as music director after more than 8 years and nursery leader and helper for six months 3. I was put in as first councilor in the Young Women's program, 4. Changed classrooms at school three times in one month! but finally found my home, 5. Mike and his family were able to move into their new home which is beautiful, 6. Shawnee and I were able to make a trip back east this summer to visit my sister and a few Mormon historical sights as well as attend several new temples along the way, 7. I got another year older and hopefully a little more wiser 8. Went to Gillette to visit my son this year more than once!(sorry Shawnee maybe this year I'll come to your place more than never!) 9. Moved back into my old bedroom up front after I got it painted (which I hate to do) 10. Bought myself a new car!!! Yes, I broke down and bought myself a RAV4. I know all of you who knew Kevin and his cars wonder why I did this but believe me my hip and knees are thanking me and I love it. I think his Impala was the car we ever had longer than a year. I had it for almost 4 years. The dealer gave me a great deal on trade in so I broke down and did it. Well that is my life in a nut shell in the year 2011 or at least what I can remember at the moment. Pray you all have a happy NEW YEAR and that you will enjoy the blessings and miracles that come your way.

Christmas

I have enjoyed decorating my house for Christmas this year. Each picture shows a little something I did. I made the pillows on my couches (which I love). I also had help from Sariah and Bekah with the tree garland. Bekah did the beading while Sariah tied the material on the jute to make bows. I used gum drops for ornaments as well as scraps of material I had left over from a Young Women project to make the Gingerbread people. The first picture is of a Christmas tree made out of Kevin's Grandmothers old jewelry. His grandmother made it for him years ago and it is a treasure. Hope you enjoyed the tour of some of my Christmas projects. Until next time may you enjoy the miracles of the season.

Gratitude

I've been reading Pres. Monson's biography. What a treat to read about his life. I have always loved how caring he is. I wish I could be more like him. Today I was called to be in the Young Women presidency. I love the young women and their beauty. I will enjoy getting to know each one of them. I will miss my little nursery kids. I have enjoyed their hugs and watching them grow as they learn about their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. However, I won't miss the exhausted feeling after two hours of getting up and down. My knees were telling me how old I really am. As I enter this holiday season I pray I can show my gratitude by doing for others and serving where I can. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows who I am. There are so many reminders each day that lets me know He knows who I am.

Dad

This has been a month of reflection; joys, sorrows, and gratitude. Today I am thinking of my father. He passed away 25 years ago yet lives on in his family. The things he taught each of us continues to be his legacy. One of the things I think I am most grateful for that my father instilled in me is the love of learning. He didn't have the opportunity to get a complete education yet he continued to learn all the days of his life. When he dropped me off at BYU when I didn't want to go I realize now how much that education is a part of who I have become. He always had a gift of knowing what each of us needed in our life. He was a father to Kevin and treated him like one of his own boys. He loved him unconditionally. He taught me the value of an honest days work. He worked hard to provide for each of us. He expected each of us to do our share to help while setting the example by working right along with us. He did not ask us to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself except for maybe the dishes:). I remember him fixing the farmers tractors and for pay he would get fresh produce. I remember going out into the corn fields then coming home in the back of the truck which was full of corn and spending the day shucking, washing, cutting, and then bottling it for the winter. We all loved those days. I remember him coming home in the early afternoon and telling mom to get ready because we were going on a picnic. We would head out not ever knowing where we would end up. Many times we would end up on Ogden Utah or Rigby Idaho to see friends and family or up on the mountains. Bless my mom's heart she was always wiling. He worked hard for his family and provided the necessities even though we didn't have wealth in the world sense we did have wealth in family. He instilled in each of us that family was the most important thing and that other things just didn't matter. I remember him telling me several times: "let it go, family is more important." He loved my mother and supported her in all that she endeavored to do. I will be eternally grateful for my earthly father and the things he taught me.

It is that time of year when I enjoy my flowers inside. below are two of my most favorite plants. The purple one was one of my mom's African violets. She loved these flowers as do I. The next one was given to my mom when my father passes away 25 years ago. I love when it blooms. It reminds me of him. I feel as Nephi of old felt. "I haven been born of goodly parents". I am grateful for the heritage I have and for those who have taught me and continue to teach me. I am especially grateful for my Savior and all that He did and continues to do for me. There are so many little things lately that have helped me know, yet again, He is aware of me personally.