Happy Eternal Birthday, Clairisa.

July 26th

Her tiny heartbeats, nay but one, her perfect little soul,
Came and left before we knew, towards her heavenly role.
Though her mortal life was fleeting, we'll never be the same,
She came to fill her purpose that we might celestial gain.
Because we long to be with her, she makes us better be,
More like our Savior, Jesus Christ, to live eternally.

And so, today we wish you with joyful, yet humble hearts
Happy Birthday little Clairisa, for mortality is one small part.
Because two hands across an alter with promises made by three;
Father, then father and mother, your family was bound eternally.
And when we have completed all we were sent here to do,

With the Lord's mutual approbation, we will come and dwell with you.

Love Grandma by the beach.

Top Ten reasons I am glad to be in Las Vegas

Before I start my list I need to throw out a disclaimer that these are not in order of importance. All have their own degree of significance.

#10. I get to play with my granddaughters!

#9. I get to see Brooklynn dance.

#8. I get to help cheer Vaughn on during his marathon.

#7. I get to spend a week with Stefani, while she is teaching swim lessons.

#5. I get to spend some time with and helping my daughter while she recovers from having a baby.

#4. I get to love and hold little beautiful baby Jordyn.

#3. I get to see my family while visiting Utah for the marathon.

#2.. I get to go to the temple with my mother.

#1. Well see for yourself the last reason why I am happy to be in Las Vegas:

Yes indeed that is an Alligator, but wait, this picture was not taken in the often noted Florida wildlife preserves but in the quiet little town of Hope Mills in it's newly renovated Lake. Las Vegas just gets better and better!

Just in Case You Think They Don't Notice

While visiting Amber and Vaughn's home,Vaughn has been training for a marathon. Last Saturday while Brooklynn (their oldest daughter) and I were coming back from the gym I noticed a man running. Since I knew that Vaughn was out running at this time, in jest I said "Is that your daddy coming towards us? Obviously, it wasn't her dad, he had dark hair and was much shorter. I thought Brooklynn would giggle and say, that's not my dad! However, her answer both surprised and taught me. As the runner got closer and we passed him, Brooklynn, with what I am going to call reverent confidence; quietly stated; "That's not my dad, he would never dress immodestly." I was almost ashamed for even suggesting it. I can only surmise that my own lack of observation came through desensitization, because I hadn't even noticed he was not wearing a shirt. Living in the south and in a military town often, if not daily, I see men running "immodestly" and have come to accept it as the norm. Thank you Vaughn for teaching your daughter by example and thank you Brooklynn for teaching your grandmother marvelous things. ".....and they both saw and heard these children; yea, even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things;" 3 Nephi 26:16.

I read something the other day that has stayed with me, which I feel is very appropo for this post. (I can't remember where or I would give the reference)

Just how little do I have to be, to be like a little child?

Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time

Today I spoke with a single sister who recently found out she is going blind. She is 47 years old and still has three children at home under the age of 16. She had to quit her job in order (they hope) to slow down the process of going blind. She says this is about the last blow she can take from life. I encouraged her to come back to church, to let her Bishop help her, her visiting teachers. She said she only wanted to shut the door to her room and never come out again. Everything she goes to do, she added, simply reminds her that her ability to complete the task will soon be an inability. I thought of her as I watched this video.

It is something that I think, that can lend strength in the midst of our trials. I hope it helps any who take the opportunity to view it. May we always remember that no matter how difficult the trial, like so, with my new friend, we need not face them alone, not completely. The Lord never leaves us alone and comfortless. He is always there if we will put our trust in Him and not shut the door to His extended arms of mercy.

Palindromes and Moms

Did you know Mom spelled backwards and upside down, is wow,
and right side up and backwards, is still the same somehow?

Moms love us forwards, backwards, and even upside down,
wooing, lifting, onward turning right-side up a frown.

Gently nudging upward, they wow us with their love,
finding good within us, lest we see some bad thereof.

This simple variation, as complex as it may sound,
describes why mother’s miracles abundantly abound.

A Palindrome we define it; direction, way, again,
like mothers guiding heavenward, despite the will of men.

By virtue, mom or mow, wow or mom, either is the same,
amazingly, but clearly, they both describe her name.








I hope anyone who reads this enjoys their Mother's Day, whether they are celebrating being a mother or celebrating a mother. I salute all mothers everywhere; the hardest greatest job on earth! It is my previldge to enjoy the title of such a position. I have been blessed by the most wonderful children, whose love goes on through the gift of their own children or those yet to come.

To my children I say: Thank you for bringing honor to your earthly parents name and more importantly, your Heavenly Parents, by the way in which you live your lives. I love you all! You make Mother's Day for me. Truly "I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth."
3 John 1:4

Can I Make a Difference? The Answer is Already No if I Don't Try.

I wrote a letter to CBS urging them to not go forward with a decision to air ads about pro-choice on abortion and homosexuality. I feel in an effort to gain support others use clever words like pro-choice, to advocate their own choice. The term pro-choice has always bothered me, after all, whose choice? Those who advocate such a term, contradict themselves since the unborn have no such choice.

I have included the letter I wrote and the link to write one of your own if you feel so inclined. If you are short on time, feel free to copy and paste mine or the AFA (American Family Association) have posted one you may use.

E-mail CBS Chairman Les Moonves and CBS Entertainment President Nancy Tellem

Message sent to the following recipients:
Les Moonves
Nancy Tellem
Message text follows:

I want to personally thank you for the choice CBS made on it's decision to air the Tebow Super Bowl ad and wish to encourage you to stand firm in the face of opposition. I hope that you will know that there are thousands
upon thousands, even millions that stand behind and support you in your decision.

Perhaps, in an effort to be "fair" CBS may feel the need to air
"responsibly produced" ads that promote abortion or homosexuality. I strongly urge you to reconsider this decision and reject the need to accept such messages of violence and destruction.

The super bowl is about celebration, about those who have overcome in the face of opposition. As always in life, there are winners and losers. The youth of today see that message every day. Let us teach about how to win in life! The youth of today, as millions of others, will be watching your decision. You have the
opportunity to make a difference.

It's time. I have put it off long enough and let way too many great experiences go un-blogged, which means un-journaled.... (I love making up new words to fit my story!). Now inspired by those who have gone before, I am here blogging once again. To start anew, I thought I would share some wealth, to be exact, a couple of craft giveaway opportunities. One is from my daughter's blog and the other I found from her blog. Go to each of the links listed below and find yourself with the opportunity to receive a craft give away item. They are all darling. Now I know this is not a huge post but hey, it's a beginning. Enjoy!

http://thecraftingcornerblog.blogspot.com/

http://www.stewartstories.blogspot.com/