So blessed!!

There are so many ways that I feel my life is blessed!

I have not always had it easy. I wont go into the boring details but I have struggled, been bullied, been alone, had to make very scary decisions that impacted my future and my child's future, and I've had to rely on God knowing that I could not possibly get through things alone.

Though I do realize I have never had it as hard as some. I do think everyone goes through their own unique challenges and mine are no different. I also think that the outcome of those challenges is greatly associated with our attitudes at dealing with them!!!

I have always had a tender spot in my heart for the things beyond this world. I have always be sensitive to spiritual things. I am easily brought to tears with the smallest things. I crave the comfort of feeling close to God. I vividly remember my mom telling me once as a young girl (maybe 8) that she felt I was special in some way, that Heavenly Father had a special purpose for me. I have remembered this often and think it has made me into the person I am today. I felt that confirmed when Macy was born. Raising her along with my other kids is divine work!! I don't know if he has more in store for me, but I hope so!

Well, today was a full circle day for me.

The LDS Temple in Calgary was dedicated my a Prophet of God, President Thomas S. Monson. I know that the Prophet prays for all the people in Calgary; LDS or not. He is the greatest man on the planet today. Having him in Calgary is a huge blessing!!

Today is full circle for me because; things in my life could have gone so different many times and I would not be where I am today; with the understanding that I have of the purpose of this life and the next. I am forever grateful to know without a doubt that I am individually loved by God and Jesus Christ. Just as my kids are and you are. That doesn't mean they will intervene in my challenges, take my pain away or say YES to every prayerful request. I understand I am being tested, refined and being taught to rely on Him in ALL things. I also know that all men were created equal, but our challenges were not.

But, I feel truly blessed to have a temple not only close enough that I can go often, but to have a temple looking out over the city where I raise my kids is HUGE! There are so many LDS people all over the world that live so far from a temple and save for a lifetime to be able to go. The Temple for LDS members is the most sacred place on earth. A place we can go to feel close to God and to do special work for ourselves, our families and others.

My testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is my most prized possession. Without it, I would be nothing, my family would be temporary and the world would not make sense to me!!!

2011 at a glance

This was not a year of big high or big lows. This was a year of smooth sailing, and what more could I ask for? I love smooth waters! But there were some great times that stand out in my mind... I wouldn't feel grateful if I didn't write em down! Here goes

This has been a great year for my marriage! The best so far. I think we have found our groove!

Buying The Wilderness Club in Montana, and spending most of our summer there!

Watching Tommy play baseball, basketball, And piano. As he gets older, it is fun to see his personality come alive!

Watching Kyla take her first dance class and her first gymnastics class! still the shortest in her classes! I love my little pixie!

Becoming comfortable with Macy's development! It has been so great this past year to worry less, compare less and enjoy her more. She is SUCH a gift! And I am glad to have her no matter what!

Going to Cavalia! A show that mixes cirque and horses. So cool

We were able to do lots of fundraising and donating this year. Some for friends, some for Macy's school, some for Ups and Downs and a bunch of smaller ones here and there.

Barry and I got to take two trips this year. One for a quite weekend at a romantic lodge in British Columbia, and the other to Dallas for the Thanksgiving football game at Cowboys stadium!

I got to spend two weeks again this year visiting my family in Utah... Now to just get them to come see me :)

Our annual Christmas Trip to California... Always fabulous!


Some lows of the year...

- A close friend moved far away ;(
- My sister in law moved far away ;(
-

Go team go!!!

To my fellow Kareen cheerleaders...

The Cox family has an appt in May with the government in Kareens country. So I believe they are headed to meet her on the 14th on May. SO EXCITING!!! I hope you are all following their progress. If you helped me raise funds for them than you get to experience the joy right along with them! You helped bring this little girl home!!!

Follow at http://kareensjourneyhome.blogspot.com/

Turn that frown upside down...

If your ever having a day where you need help turning lemons in to lemonade... visit this blog.

June Scripture

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." D&C 18:10

Very fitting for me right now. Not sure if any of you other moms feel this (or will admit it), but i feel as a mother and wife that I usually end up losing my identity. You know, a long time ago I was really outgoing, a little sexy at times, funny and a talented dancer. I used to do my hair, get dressed and put on makeup every day! Can you believe that a long time ago I didn't like cookies or candy really. Now, it's my sanity!

But time passes... and three little Angels have needs. A Hubby has needs. And all of these needs seem to come to me! So, that is why I love this scripture. God does find worth in me and maybe someday I will find myself again... probably under the millionth load or laundry :)

A Beautiful Weekend!!!

In May we were able to celebrate two of the most important occasions in ones life!

Tommy's Baptism and Macy's Baby Blessing

The Baptism was so special to me because I have worried for so long that Tommy's dad would not allow him to do it. He is such a sweet boy and was so happy that his dad agreed. He was baptized by his Uncle Michael. He is a great kid and a wonderful role model for Tommy. I will never forget the look on Tommy's face after he was baptized and he came over to give me and Barry each a big hug. I was filled with intense love for him in that moment and got a small glimpse of how much our Heavenly Father loves him.

Tommy was able to get Baptized that same day as a few of his closest friends.

He dad lots of people there to support him!! His grandpa, uncle and dad came from Texas. His grandma, grandpa, and my aunt came from Utah. Than lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma and grandpa from Calgary came. Plus many friends!

The next day we were able to bless little Macy in church. Barry was very nervous to do this blessing since we all know that Macy is a special angel! After the blessing, he told his brother that it was the hardest thing he has ever done. He said he felt inadequate to bless her! He did an AMAZING job. There were many tears shed by those in our family and those not in our family! We had many people come up to us and tell us how touched they were.

It was a special moment where the Vail between Heaven and Earth felt very thin!!!

One of my favorite parts of the blessing was where Barry said, "Macy, you were sent to our family for a very special reason. We needed you more than you needed us!"

"I testify to you this day that the time will come when every man, woman, and child will look into the Savior's loving eyes. On that day, we will know with a surety the worth of our decision to straightway follow Him." --Joseph B. Wirthlin

If you are wondering what we believe or where we go to church, GO HERE

If you haven't noticed, I like to post a scripture of the month on the side of my blog. Just a little something to ponder on...

I have decided to post them as my first monthly post so I can remember them.

I chose this months after watching a mormon message about a group of high school cheerleaders that decided to include a girl with special needs onto their squad! It was very touching and I think if all of us were more understanding and open to each others differences, this world would be a better place! This scripture was tagged onto the video, because after all, Christ was our best example.

ARE YOU A BELIEVER???

"be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

Thanks to Christy...

After a hard day, this is what I needed! I would be nothing without this reassurance!! Thanks for posting on your blog Christy!

INVICTUS...

Such a good movie! Makes me want to learn more about Nelson Mandela! When he was sent to prison, he had this poem written on a paper on his cell wall! Pres. Mandela seemed to be a pretty amazing man and did much to change a country! In the movie he gives this poem to the Captain of the South African Rugby team (Feeling he could heal a nation through this teams victory).

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

Though, in real life, Nelson mandela gave a portion of "The Man in the Arena" speech to the captian. Here it is...

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

Christmas Eve!!

My father-in-law read this story to us tonight! How thankful I am to have everything put into perspective... just in time for Christmas! Merry Christmas Everyone. This one is a keeper. My father in law was teary at the end of the story!~

Christmas at the Gas Station

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go."

"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.
He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew ... Made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."
Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead.

"You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.
"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."
George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.
George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.
"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.
As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."
George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.
"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."
The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.
He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."
George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."
George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked.

"None for me," said the officer.

"Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.
The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.
"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.
"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."
The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"
The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."
He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pea shooter away."
George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week."
George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."
He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."
The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.
"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"
"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.
Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."
George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.
"That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued.
"Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."
The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"
Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."
"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."
George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."
The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."
"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."
George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours."
The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.
"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family."
The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."
"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."
George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?"
"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"
"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."
The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.
The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."
George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.
"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."
The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."
George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.
"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."
George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus"
Merry Christmas!!

Christ

The real gift of Christmas

Did you ever think what our lives would be like if there hadn't been a Saviour?

Today Tommy said, "Mom, we should get a present for Santa instead of Cookies." He has been extrememly good this year at thinking of others for Christmas. He even has a box in his room that he says he puts money for the poor in.

But, I had to remind him that it was Jesus birthday that we were celebrating and that maybe we should give him something instead.

He wasn't sure what we could give him...

Here are a few ideas.... Merry CHRISTmas!

My FAVORITE Christmas Story

Besides "The Story of Christ's Birth", this is my favorite!

There are so many amazing and inspirational Christmas stories that make us better. A Christmas Carol, The Christmas Orange, and so many others.

If you have never heard this one, I really suggest you brew a cup of hot chocolate, grab a comfy throw and cuddle up for a 5 minute story that is WONDERFUL!!! It would be great for a family home evening lesson!

What is your favorite Christmas story?

I loved this video! I work with the elderly all the time and they are often misunderstood!

It's sometimes hard to realize that they are just like us, they may not have their memories or their full brain function; But, after you take the time to get to know them, they are amazing!

They remember me when I show up at work and many of them have a joke or want to pat my tummy! Others may not remember me, but their funny personalities make me smile!

I am working on Christmas day from 3pm - 11pm and was kind of down about this, until I saw this video! My family will be okay of Christmas without me, but these sweet people may not have anyone else to give them a hug of Christmas Day! It will be good for me and them :)

Merry Christmas!!

Hero's

No greater love!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFVGdZOhlL0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDnrLv6z-mM

I heard about these two a few years ago, but it still touches my heart. I saw them complete the boston marathon this year on TV and I cried! This is what true love and sacrifice truly is! I only hope I could aspire to this :)

Where were you?

I was pregnant with Tommy. I was in bed, but quickly woken by my father in law (at the time) and I thought the first plane was an accident. Then I watched on the news as the second plane hit the second tower. I still can't believe it happened. All those innocent people...

I am proud to be an American. I think everyone should be proud of where they come from.

I get teary when I see the flag and get so excited to sing the anthem at a hockey game.

I think a moment of silence is in order...

for the victims of the disaster in New York, flight 93 and at the Pentagon...

and for the heros of flight 93, the firefighters and others that assisted people to get out and of course for the amazing workers in the day care on the first floor for getting ever child out safely!

We will always remember!

Ground Zero today

a video of hope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E

A tribute to my mom!

My moms birthday was on the 15th. She turned 21! whew, go mom!!! I thought of doing something different for your birthday post this year. I am going to list some of the things that remind me of you. These are things that I remember you loving when I was a kid! The playlist is for you too! Love you forever mom! You were always there for me and always SO FUN! That is what I remember most about you... YOU WERE SO FUN!!!

Here we go, if anyone has anything to add, post a comment! I hope this all touches your heart mom, because it touches mine deeply to think of you and all things things you love!

Neil Diamond and The Jazz Singer


Morgan Freeman and Driving Miss Daisy

A beautiful beach and scaring us by swimming out too far!

BYU football and yelling at the ref through the TV, like he can hear you!

Disneyland, Splash Mountain and skipping around arm in arm singing Zippidy Doo da!


Sleeping on the parade route in SLC

Road trips to California


Kenny and Dolly, I still love their music because of you!



Good ol' Cher

French Fries, salty, hot and yummy!

Randy Travis and his hit song "forever and ever amen"

Roller Coasters; the higher, the faster, the steeper...the better!!!

Thunderstorms

Getting as close as we could get to watch the fires on the mountain

I love all these things too because they remind me of you. I love you mom!!!

Nightmares!

I had a nightmare last night. It was quite strange, I don't know what brought it on. It is still very vivid in my mind. In the dream I was in an abusive relationship and I actually feared for my life. It ended with me getting away with the help of a group of women.

It woke me up abruptly at 6:30 this morning. I just layed there looking at Barry, thinking how very lucky I was! As I have been thinking about it this morning, I wonder if the Lord in his interesting ways of teaching us things, has said to me... Kathy, be grateful for what you have! I don't give my husband enough credit. He is a very sweet person! He is very loving. To this day I feel like he loves me as much, if not more than when we were married. That is a unique feeling for me compared to my previous experience :) I love him, he is a great husband!

I never though a nightmare could turn out to be a good thing :)

To my mom...

To My Mom

First off, I want to tell my mom how much I love her! She is silly and corky and fun. Maybe also a little crazy at times! But, that just comes with being in our family! She is just right for me!!! We have lots of fun together. I have so many fond memories of my mom dropping whatever she was doing just to hang out with me. I miss those LONG moonlight walks, hours of playing 5 crowns and skipping through disneyland singing zippity doo dah at the top of our lungs! I love it that you don't care what anyone thinks about you. It's a good thing because you are perfect just the way you are! I love you forever and ever. Can't wait to see you in June :)

I stole this questionaire from jamie. Thanks :)

I really love it when my mom spends quality time with me, we don't get much of that anymore!

My mom likes to wear anything comfortable, when I was a kid... her nylons were to first thing off after church!

My mom always tells me, she loves me and misses me!

The best thing she does is at any time she will stop what she is doing to do what I want to do!

It makes her happy when her kids are happy, healthy and getting along.

My mom loves to relax by relaxing with family or more recently... going on cruises.

I like it when she acts goofy! Like dancing or trying to do cartwheels in the middle of the street before the start of a parade :)

The best thing she cooks is lasagna, that is something I liked of hers as a kid.

When my mom shops she likes to buy anything onsale! She is a super bargain shopper.

My mom’s favorite household chore is… laundry never seemed to bother her.

My mom’s favorite TV show is probably "so you think you can dance."

If she could go on a trip, she would go to anywhere warm, maybe the caribbean. On a cruise!

I love my mom because she knows me and loves me no matter what! and I really do love her silly side too!

This time I asked tommy the questions about me...

My Mom - Tommy answered these, and some of the answers leave me wondering!

I really love it when my mom plays with me.

My mom likes to wear red dresses. (BTW, I don't own a red dress.)

My mom always tells me a secret and that she loves me.

The best thing she does is helps me feel better.

It make her happy when I help her

My mom loves to relax by cuddling with us and us making her warm.

I like it when she takes care of me.

The best thing she cooks is pizza and macaroni.

When my mom shops she likes to buy dinner.

My mom’s favorite household chore is vacuuming.

My mom’s favorite TV show is Survivor.

If she could go on a trip, she would go to Mexico.

I love my mom because she takes care of me when I'm scared.

For the LOVE!!!

Seriously too cute! I had to post these. I love my family and I don't see them as much as I would like. Got these pictures emailed to me and HAD TO POST THEM!!! It doesn't get any sweeter!! I love seeing when little girls can melt their daddy's hearts!!!

My brother Mark and his new baby girl Lucy!

My brother again with his daughter Sophia (So feisty that one!)

My cousin Rex and his adorable daughter Zailey :)

and sweetest ever... My neice Sophia loving her new baby sister Lucy! Can't wait to see them this summer.

Thanks to Shannon!!!

Stole this from my friend Shannon's Blog (LOVE THE MOMENT) on my blog list.

One of the best quote I have ever read...

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.
If you are Kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, People may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.
If you find serenity andhappiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, People will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis,it is between you and God; It is never between you and them anyway.

~Mother Teresa~