Am I Learning?

A new school year has started and both girls are involved with balancing school work, school assignments, church responsibilities and of course, the social scene.  Me?  This semester I am not going to school.  This was a very hard decision to make.  I have enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that finishing a college class brings.  But it is not to be.  I'm going to learn in other ways. 

As I have contemplated what might be in store for me, I have come across two ideas:  One is from Julie Beck, as she gave a commencement speech.  Yes, she was talking to graduates of a University, but I took her words to heart:
"The Lord has a plan for you, you have responsibilities which you have already been taught, the Atonement of Christ will help you overcome, and the Spirit will guide you... 'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding' (Proverbs 3:5). Remember that the Lord has helped you before and He will help you again. As President Hinckley often said, 'It will all work out.'"

Even though I'm not in school, I've decided that each month I am going to "learn" something that will benefit my family and give me a sense of accomplishment.  My first 3 months are already decided:
January is the month of creativity. 
February is the month of journals and record keeping.
March is the month of organization.
(I will keep you posted on this)


I love the following scripture found in D&C 88:119:
Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.

It seems like my faith is always being stretched.  Because of this, I am learning to pray more earnestly and to prepare every needful thing.  I always tell my girls that I say the following words to my Heavenly Father each morning....sometimes in the afternoon and always at night.  It is a good motto when life throws a curve-ball!
"I love you.... I trust you!"

My Year in Review

This is the time of reflection, of goals and of gratitude.  Yes, I could berate myself for NOT accomplishing all those goals I wanted in 2009...you know, the weight not lost, the exercise not completed, the walls in my house not quite the way I wanted...blah...blah...blah.  But what about all the things I DID accomplish....all the blessings that came my way, the sweet moments, the spiritual growth, the testimony strenghthend, the family relationships developed?  Don't those count?  I think so.  So my post is one of reflection, one of gratitude, and especially....one of happy thoughts.  (you can click on the underline to refresh your memory)

In January I started back to school.  I was nervous and anxious about my math classes.  I realized that I needed glasses and that age does get in the way of progess.  At the end of this year?  I've taken all the core math classes I need and received straight "A's" for my efforts.  Not bad for a beginner!

February brought another birthday to our youngest, Aly.  Everything she does reminds me that she is our last and many say my favorite...but I will argue that point vehemently!  Our relationship - mother/daughter - is one that I cherish.  We don't always see eye-to-eye, but after all...she is a teenager!

March brought about another birthday. Need I say more?  But I am always thankful for another year of being healthy.  I know this is a tender mercy and I thank my Heavenly Father daily for His healing power.

April was a great month and one of my favorites.  So many fun things....Prom...birthdays - we celebrated Jacque graduating from the teen's and Savannah.  I am indeed blessed with daughters I love.  Someone just recently laughed at the way Jacque and I disagree.  It's not much of a fight.  Better..... I find myself enjoying every moment with this beautiful daughter.  Savannah?  She is extra special to keep Aaron so happy and content.  Their life over on the East coast is so exciting...I love their updates!!  But my favorite?  This post and the news that Jacque had been accepted into the ASU's nursing program!  Another blessing!!

May finished up another school year for everyone.  On to an exciting summer of working, school, and a little leisure time.  Another blessing?  My crazy sisters and one amazing mother and our celebration of Mother's Day

June and July brought a little different schedule for some.  Brad kept working.  I went to summer school and the girls worked and had a few vacations.  Our favorite vacation is our bi-annual trip to Mt. Graham, where we spend a few days close to heaven.  This year, Brad and I brought up a pop-up tent to sleep in.  It was easy to set up and fun to use.  For the annual hike down the Mountain on Labor Day...this was the brave group!

We also had fun up in Utah, where Jacque and Aly spent a few days with Aaron, I spent a few days with Pam and we enjoyed the 24th of July Parade, and our family joined up back together to go thru the Oquirrh Temple Open House.  It was beautiful!

In August, we all started back to school.  Really....Aly, Jacque, myself, Tyler, and Aaron.  Aly's LAST year of high school and Aaron's LAST semester of college.  We also celebrated the birthday of our newest father-to-be at that point - Tyler!  No matter what we are doing, Tyler can make us laugh.  He always agrees to one picture that he isn't laughing or making someone else laugh.

September brought another trip to Mt. Graham, the beginning of Nursing school for Jacque and Homecoming for Aly.  My favorite post is the lesson I learned about obedience. I'm so thankful for a prophet/prophets that have admonished us to keep a supply of food necessary for emergencies!  The month flew by!

October brought another family birthday - Aaron - who is a million miles away.  (It seems that way)  We always trust Savannah to give him our birthday hugs and pamper him with all his favorites for the day.  It was also "Fall Break" and our 'baby' decided to go on a road trip with her friends to California.  They had a blast and came back in one piece.  All is well!!

I think November was a prelude to how busy we were going to get to finish out the year.  We celebrated Brad's birthday pretty low-key.  Also, Jenny's birthday, who was getting pretty anxious to deliver her beautiful baby girl.  We enjoyed a Dr. Suess shower with all our family and friends.  Jade will not have to wear the same outfit for about 6 months!  And of course Thanksgiving...a time to count our blessings!

December, was by far the favorite month!  Aly went to Winter Formal looking like a princess.  And then, we welcomed a princess into our family.  Jade Weech made me a Grammy!  Oh, what a wonderful blessing she is to everyone.  I really enjoyed Christmas this year.  In all the craziness, I was able to find peace and feel the love of my Savior in my life.  We had family time, surprises, baked all sorts of goodies, shopped together, and truly enjoyed this special time of year.

I look thru the last year and realize how much the Lord has given to me.  I am grateful for my family, extended family and friends who make my life wonderful in so many ways.  I know that we all have trials, struggles, and uncomfortable circumstances that stretch our faith.  But I have seen and felt my Savior's love in my life many times.  I know He loves me.  I know that I can trust that whatever I have to face is what will help me to return to live in His presence.  I wake up each morning realizing that I have another day to be better, and to improve not only my everyday actions, but my thoughts as well.  This past year has shown me how much my Heavenly Father loves me.  I hope I can show my love to Him each day as well!!

(Hey....this is like a newletter/Chrismas Card!)

Jade...Photo Shoot #2

The answer is YES!!
Another blog about my beautiful grand-daughter.  She is my favorite right now. We have an amazing photograher to capture these beautiful images.   I'm very blessed and
Yes, Jade is THE most beautiful of them all!

Did I mention I LOVE being a Grammy???