Both teams win!

I love it when you watch some sports game and you see young men and women who uphold the true standard of sportsmanship, This video clip shows even more than that, it shows young men who have a heart and care more about others than themselves! That is a win win situation I believe!
 Enjoy, you can watch it here:
Good night dear friends!

"It is your response to winning and losing that makes you a winner or a loser." Harry Sheehy

"Victory is remembered for at most two decades; an act of good sportsmanship is remembered for a lifetime." Simon Nguyen

Everyone matters!

• I wonder some days if I should pay Jason for letting me share his words to you on my blog. Since I am not selling anything I guess I probably won't do that. But I am very grateful for the way he writes and for the way, he makes me want to go out and make a difference in the world  after reading his weekly articles or his latest book. I have used his articles on more than one occassion. Why? Well, because my blog is a Motivataional Blog. I search and pray for things to find on the news, the internet, in my own life and in stories from others ....to motivate you and encourage  you. If for some reason you need an extra boost, then I would suggest reading his weekly articles or get your hands on one of his books, you can find them here:
• I loved the lesson learned from his article today, about letting people know they matter! I really do try to do this, and do it because I truly believe that everyone does matter. I have made some of the dearest friends in an airport, at the store, in a class or at a basketball game. Of course I didn't met them because I exchanged sugary treats with them, like the guy in this story. But you know how I feel about sugar! That is why Jason's articles are so much better than mine! Who wants to hear a story about the friendly lady who was always trying to share her snap peas with someone? See it just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it? Oh well, I hope you enjoy the article and have a good night dear friends, ( oh by the way, I don't know why I can't get rid of those bullets on the left here... and I am too tired to try any longer to get rid of them, sorry :)
• 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have someone step into your life, especially on the days you wish would end early, and look you in the eyes with that powerful message? "You matter!"

I’ve been thinking about chocolate-covered cherries lately. The tiny treats have symbolized my childhood Christmas mornings, and my mother always had several boxes scattered out on the counter when we came downstairs. We never had to ask if we could have one.
And, obviously, we never had just one.
But why are they on my mind as we march toward March? What has me thinking of the cherished chocolate treats with the holidays fading in the rear-view mirror?
I have a good friend who loves the 7-Eleven store and all of its convenience-store cousins. Is it an unhealthy affection? I can’t say. But it wouldn’t surprise me to learn he has a spare room in his home lined with maps of every Circle K, Handi-Hut, mini mart and snack shack within a day’s drive.
When he walks in for a cold drink or quick snack, they don’t just call him by name. They ask about his kids and how his daughter did on last Friday’s spelling test.
I’ve noticed that my friend shares my affection for chocolate-covered cherries. Each time he visits a store that carries them, or any of its individually wrapped siblings — York Peppermint Patty singles, caramels, tiny Reese's Peanut Butter Cups — he always buys one or two extras.
One of the extras always goes to me and I appreciate the kindness. But the real generosity happens at checkout.
“How are you today?” he asks the clerk.
Their replies are often predictable. “Eh. OK, I guess. Just another day.”
“That’s it?” he asks. “Come on, we can do better than that.”
They don’t usually reply with words, but their eyes say plenty.
“Here, I promise this will turn your day around.” He slides the candy he’s just bought right back across the counter.
“Excuse me?” Even the clerks he knows well act surprised each time he treats them.
“Trust me,” he says, “nothing turns your day around like a chocolate-covered fill-in-the-blank.”
They always reach for it and slide it the rest of the way toward the edge of the counter. As it lands in their outstretched palm, a smile always lands on their face.
“Thank you,” they say, often more than once. “Thanks very much. You didn’t have to.”
My pal winks, pops his own treat in his mouth and walks out.
I eat my freebie, too, and the conversation turns to sports, politics, work and all the other things guys talk about to feel relevant to one another.
Sometimes my friend repeats the same scene on the same day at another location. I’ve been present for many of these chocolate-covered cherry miracles. But how many have I missed?
I wonder how much money my friend has spent serving others in this small way. At 25 cents each, it can’t be much. I wonder if he’s bought 500 of these tasty gifts. More? A thousand?
But it’s not the money, is it? Like all other acts of service, it’s the message. For a few seconds every time he walks into a gas station or convenience store, he sends the unmistakable message to those who wait on him that they are not alone.
He speaks with action and with his gift of time. He says to them, “I see you. You’re not alone. You’re important.”
He practically shouts: “You matter!”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have someone step into your life, especially on the days you wish would end early, and look you in the eyes with that powerful message?
“You matter!”
My friend isn’t naïve and neither am I. We know that a 25-cent treat doesn’t solve life’s serious problems. It doesn’t help someone find a new job, cure family illness or return the prodigal son. But it just might make all those things seem more possible.
When life gets tough, when days seem bigger than our spirit, having someone look us in the eye and remind us we’re not alone could be the greatest gift of all.
I’m grateful that after so many visits to our favorite watering holes, I’m finally paying attention to my friend’s chocolate miracles. And I can’t wait to start performing my own.
In fact, I think I'll hit 7-Eleven on the way home tonight.
I hope they have chocolate-covered cherries.

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles.  It might be the only sunshine he sees all day."  ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."  ~Mark Twain

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness."  ~Seneca

Half Empty or Half Full?

 Some dear friend sent me this story. She knew that it was something that I would like and one that I could share with you on my blog...it's true! A great reminder for all of us. Enjoy dear friends and good night! .
 
 A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: ...“How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!
 Story came from here: http://www.fitlife.tv/
Photo of glass here:  

Sundays are tough.

I used to always want Sundays to come, so that life will slow down and our family can be together. With four kids, life was always so busy. I could hardly wait till Sunday came, and there were no schedules or places we had to be ...except together. I was grateful that we went to church together, even though many Sunday mornings I thought I was going to lose it...trying to find everyone's shoes or hair bow. I laugh when I think of how crazy it was trying to get all those little guys ready for church each Sunday, and them try to teach them to be quiet and reverent in church. But thankful that we did, because having them close to the Lord has been a great foundation for them in their lives; and has directly effected the choices that they have made. It was important for Jeff and I to help them know that they had a Heavenly Father who loved them and who would always be there for them. So even though Sundays were a bit hard at the time, still Sundays are some of my favorite memories with them at church and at home all together.
 So I shouldn't be surprised that now that we are Empty Nester's that Sundays are the toughest for me. I miss the kids, wish we all lived closer together so that at least we could be together again on Sundays for dinner. But since reality reminds me that isn't going to happen, then I realize that like many other things in life...this is just a phase. But I have to say that even at our age, going through a new phase in life can be really tough on the heart.
Even as I mention this, I am reminded of dear friends of mine who are going through much harder phases of their life, much harder than mine. I am grateful though that we have each other to support and help each other through each of these important changes in our lives. Yes, friendships truly do help and for that I am very grateful.
Now that I have made it through another Sunday, I need to head to bed.
Good night dear friends!

Life is too short!

The other day I was really upset about something. I realized that I had let it ruin my day, and then it went into ruining another day. I was shocked that I let that happened. I was disappointed that I didn't let go of it and either deal with the problem or forget it, and go on. Some times when I get upset like that, I begin to fear certain things that MIGHT happen, and I realize that being fearful isn't good either.
 I needed to have this poem ( below ) up on my mirror on days like that. Because all that I have been through, truly teaches me that each day is important. Way more important than the silly little thing that I let get under my skin. I need to remember to change what I can and what I can't change ...let it go!
I will try harder to remember how precious life really is, and not let even one day slip by...because IT IS WORTH IT! 
Good night dear friends!

Lifting up those who are in need!

I recently read an article that was written by a licensed clinical social worker. He had experienced some real losses in his life and was expressing the things that he learned and suggestions to others, who want to help in time of need. The article is called Lifting the Hands which hang down by Stephen Havertz and you can read all of it here:

I wanted to share a few things that I really thought were good to remember, especially coming from his unique perspective on grief and loss...

In his own experience, even when he thought that he had handled the death of his child, he realized that there were still times when emotions seemed to sneak up and ambush him. He said that he felt like most of his life he was a fairly EVEN emotionally, but during and after a few of these really hard trials he felt like his EMOTIONS OVERPOWERED ALL LOGIC!
What can I say?
Please don't say " I know what you are going through " if you never have experienced that exact situation. And even sometimes if you have, remember that everyone and everyone's experiences and life are different, so they could feel differently still. EACH TYPE OF GRIEF COMES WITH ITS OWN SET OF QUESTIONS AND OFTEN A HEAVY DOSE OF REGRET AND EMOTIONAL PAIN.
In all cases, those who wish to help will be most effective when they can be sensitive to the unique situation. It's probably best to express your love and condolences to the grievers and avoid making statements about what they should do or how they should feel.
PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP SHOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT PLACING A TIME LIMIT ON SOMEONE'S GRIEF. Some people believe that you should be finished grieving in a year and a half. He mentions that his daughter died 3 years ago and still he feels tremendous pain whenever he visits the hospital where she was sick. This type of grief doesn't mean that he is depressed or inconsolable, but rather it suggests that he still misses the daughter that he loved so much.
What is helpful?
He mentions that it is helpful to have conversations with others when they talk about their favorite memories of his daughter. It is also helpful when they are willing to listen to his favoritie memories of her. YOU DON'T HAVE TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE GRIEVING TO STOP CRYING. They still need to release their feelings and that is ok!
He said one neighbor ( that he didn't know well ) just came over and just gave him a hug, that was his way of communicating his love and concern for him. Another person and some friends came over ( unexpectantly ) and did his yard work. He really appreciated that.
What is really important to remember?
THESE EXPERIENCES HAVE TAUGHT HIM THAT IT IS BEST TO BE EMPATHETIC AND PROACTIVE ABOUT HELPING THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING. IF YOU TAKE TIME TO OBSERVE, YOU CAN OFTEN COME UP WITH IDEAS FOR HOW TO HELP THAT ARE SPECIFIC TO THE GRIEVER'S NEED.  AND ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND...THAT  PEOPLE MOURN IN DEEPLY PERSONAL WAYS!
So we need to stand ready to help and lift up other, as the Savior would have us to do.
Good night dear friends!

Each day is truly a gift!

A dear friend sent this to me today, and I sooooooooooo needed it. I am grateful for her thoughtfulness in sharing it with me, at the exact time I really needed it. I won't say much because I would rather you watch the you tube video than be reading. I hope it touches you deep down, like it did me.
You can watch it
Here:

One of my favorite quotes in there was this...
"If you could live as if it were the first day of your life and the very last day of your life, then you will have spent this day well "

I think I need to watch this each morning when I arise...to refresh my memory of HOW BLESSED MY LIFE REALLY IS, AND TO REMEMBER TO BLESS OTHERS!
Good night dear friends!

Brad is now teaching!

When Brad was a little boy, we knew he had a gift (ha ha ha ).... just had to say that since I found this cute photo of him at 5 years old.: )  But seriously back to Brad's gift....he always loved to DRAW and he did a lot of it. Of course at a young age just like Amy, he was employed at the Woodard Home, helping out in preparation for all my Craft Shows and Craft Markets I did. He and Amy were quite a bit of help, and a that young age learned some valuable lessons on color and techniques...you see even though it was probably against Child Labor Laws...and their pay was so low ( food and clothing )... there still had to be Quality Control! Lauren and Lee came along 5 years later and so they didn't get tortured... opps, I mean trained quite as much :) but still they got the gene. Now the kids are adults and very talented Artistically, I love to think that I had some small hand in that! :)

I am teaching again, but this time it is with fabric and in a Quilt Shop...and I love it!

The good news is that Bradley who is now a Graphic Design Artist, is starting to teach also ( they say the Apple doesn't fall far from the tree ), so I am here to spread the news!

Next month Brad will be teaching an online digital illustration course. It is a beginner level course that teaches how to incorporate color, pattern and texture in your digital illustrations. Go to the link HERE:

And if you want to sign up and get 25% off the class ( and who wouldn't ), then all you have to do is put in the Promo Code Lynn and you will get the discount. I wish I was knew enough about it, to take it myself...he is sure a talented kid and great with people. So I really think you will enjoy it. Feel free to tell your friends about it too. 

I still can't believe my Bradley is now all grown up and has his own little boy, wow...how time flies!

Good night dear friends!

Below is Brad on the right at 9 months old and his son Kai on the left at 10 months old...too cute!

  

“Every artist was first an amateur.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

 “The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it. ”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Adopted Family!

You know I think it is important to be an Adoptive Family to others... who have none. I know throughout the years, it has been a life saver for us and our kids. That is what I got to do today. One of my dearest friends, has 4 smalll children, and I am known as their ( adopted Aunt Lynn ). For the oldest birthday, I gave her a coupon to come to my house for a Movie, and for some one on one time. She seemed to have a great time and talked all the way to our house and back. It made me smile to see how much it meant to her, to do something special and by herself with Aunt Lynn. It wasn't a lot of my time but... I know that it meant a lot to me to have the chance to tell this sweet young girl, how special and important she was to me. We laughed and had fun. We got a recipe that we wanted to try and copied down that for her. I tried to teach her to crochet, but it still was a bit too hard for her. I tried to teach her then to crochet with just her fingers, she caught on fast. Before I knew it, she had a chain long enough to decorate with beads...for a beautiful necklace. Then we made some hair bows for her and her sisters. Yes, it was a small part for me to play, but I hope that it pays off great dividends to her in the future and remembering she is loved!
How I wish I could do that with all the kids that I am Aunt Lynn too! And also to my family that I am really Aunt Lynn or Nana too! Distance makes that hard some times. I truly love having so many people in our family ( adopted or not )! I am blessed!

So if you have some extra time, try to see if there is anyone who you need to adopt or needs to adopt you!
Good night dear friends!

Momma Bear

Jeff and I rented this movie the other night, you can read about it here:  called WON'T BACK DOWN

It was an amazing movie, here is the PLOT...

Two determined mothers, a car dealer/bartender (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and a teacher ( Viola Davis ), look to transform their children's failing inner city school. Facing a powerful and entrenched bureaucracy and corruption from the teachers' union president (Holly Hunter)  and the school's principal ( Bill Nunn ), they risk everything to make a difference in the education and future of their children.

"Children should not be the victims of the ZIP code they live in when their education is at stake," the Eureka Republican said. "I don't think parents would go such a route unless they have exhausted all other remedies because it is a drastic remedy. But it's only going to be utilized in drastic situations. So I think parents should be the ones who are ultimately in charge of their children's education, and not bureaucrats."

I loved the movie, because it really showed what Mothers will do to protect their children. I truly believe that as Mothers..that is our ultimate job. To become Momma Bears and do whatever it takes to protect this little ones of ours. One of my favorite quotes from the movie was this one...

"You know those mothers that can lift 1-ton trucks? They're nothing compared to me!"

 

I love Momma Bears!  ( You can get this poster here:

I remember talking to a young Mother the other day, and she mentioned that she fears that she has traits and weaknesses that she has seen in her own Mother through out the years. She didn't want to be that way but was afraid to figure out why she does what she does. Yet, she wants to be strong  for her children ( by the way, don't our kids need us to be strong?)

 Well, that is true... we do need to be strong but..we are only human and we will make mistakes, we will have moments of weakness! The point of life is to figure out why we do what we do, and if we don't like what we do...then do something different!  We need to be better for our kids, we need to show them that even Mommy, some times needs help and to work on herself. Yes, we need to be strong for those kids, but also HEALTHY for them!!!!  That is really what they need is a HEALTHY, STABLE MOM! One who not only fights for them at all cost, but is willing to look at her self and be brave enough to go down whatever road it might be... to become HEALTHY and HAPPY, not only for them but for ourselves too!

It is a great movie... watch it!

Good night dear friends!

 

 "No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother's love.  It shrinks not where man cowers, and grows stronger where man faints, and over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star."  ~Edwin Hubbell Chapin

 

Change and Chaos!

I have to admit that this quote ( below ) is very true...at least in my life. If you have ever been in my home, you realize that I don't really change things  up in my home very much ( only the seasonal decorations ). Like furniture or things such as that. I know a lot of people do but once I like something, I definitely am satisfied with it staying right where it is....for some times even years. That means I am either very satisfied with what I have or...I am really lazy, I hope it's the first reason!
Today was a big change though and with that ( like the quote said ) came a lot of chaos and mess. After all these years of having our piano, we finally got arrangements made ( and with the help of many dear friends, with muscles ) we moved it to Amy and John's house. What a beast that was to get out of here, and into their house. Of course our house has a ton of stairs and so does theirs...but some how we got it there in one piece and even dry. It began to rain when Jeff and I were driving it there, and I prayed that it wouldn't get wet. That could truly damage it. The tarps held down, the rain was only a sprinkle or so, how grateful we were. As soon as we got it there, Amy sat down and played it...actually it sounded pretty good. It made my heart feel good, to hear that beautiful music come out of that piano. It has been silent too long. Now Amy can have music in their home, and hopefully the girls can take lessons some day.
In preparation for getting the piano out, we had to empty shelves, move everything off the porch and from the entry way. Move all the furniture in the living room, and so the chaos began. But later this evening, we were able to rearrange the living room and put up some things that I had been collecting and try and make it look like this is what our house was always suppose to look like this. I was able to put up an old window that I got this past years at an antique shop ( it came from a dairy farm in Anicortas ) and then some shutters and a new wreath. I will take a photos and proof to you ...I can change, every now and then. I love it, don't love the boxes of stuff still in the middle of the floor...but that chaos will have to be tackled ....another day!
We all probably did too much today, but it felt good to get that piano to a person who loves it and will play it often. It was a LONG, EXHAUSTING but GOOD DAY!
Good night dear friends!




  "MUSIC is what FEELINGS sound like"

I guess everyone has dreams of something! :)

It is Date Night, so this is short and sweet. I just saw this sign and it made me laugh so hard. Thought I would pass the smiles along! Good night dear friends!

Happy Valentine's Day Part Two!

Here is a photo of our kissable little grandson Kai!  You can see he is well loved! Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day Dear Family and Friends!

"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action."
Mother Teresa

"Intense love does not measure, it just gives."  ~Mother Teresa

I think I have another favorite new saying!

What a wonderful day today full,very busy and as you can see it is almost midnight... and I am just sitting down at the computer for the first time today. So wish me luck that I can keep my thoughts organized!
  I read a saying the other day that just made me smile. I think I need to have it printed on a plaque and hang it over the table at work, where I teach my Demo classes at. I love my classes, today was the last one for the series that we did for Valentine ideas. I could have used the sign today and every day.
Many times when I first do a project, it comes out FAR from perfect. You can tell by the number of mistakes I make... that it is either too late or I have been sewing too long. But many times I bring in the mistakes just to show them ...what not to do! What a concept. So that leads right into my new favorite saying that goes like this...
"Honor your mistakes, they pave a path to greatness!" Oh I hope that saying is really true, because I am laying down quite a foundation!

Well, I had better lay down this tired but happy body of mine!
Good night dear friends.

Great Valentine's Day Ideas from the heart!

 Jason F. Wright had some great Valentine ideas from the heart and on a budget.

---

 Read more from Jason F. Wright,  here:

February 12, 2013 There are three things men cannot avoid: death, taxes and Valentine's Day. Nor can we avoid their proven side effects of stress and the cold sweats. At least in the case of Feb. 14, there is hope. To combat V-Day-induced anxiety, the National Retail Federation reports that men will spend an average of $168.74 on flowers, candy, jewelry and cards for their sweethearts. Overall, both genders in America will drop a hefty $17.6 billion on the holiday. Many of us love-struck men are so committed to getting it right, we'll even go into debt to finance our Valentine's Day purchases. Because nothing screams romance quite like saying, "I love you so much I'm willing to max out my Visa card in your honor." But you don't have to be Dr. Phil to know that she'd probably prefer a single rose and 100 uninterrupted minutes of your day. She doesn't want to know you spent a lot of money — she'd rather know you spent a lot of time. If you'd like to try celebrating Valentine's Day this week without busting the budget, consider one or more of these 10 ideas to make the day meaningful without requiring a bank loan.

1. Re-create your first date. A lot sure has changed since that first date, hasn't it? Why not surprise your sweetheart by re-creating it as best you can, right down to the itsy-bitsy details? What did you eat? What did you wear? Did you tell a dumb joke? She will appreciate that you savor those memories.

2. Breakfast picnic in the park. Buy her favorite kind of cereal in the miniature boxes, plus single serve bottles of milk, juice and perhaps a bagel or donut and take her the park for a long lunch or dinner. Too cold? Tuck the kids in early and throw a blanket on the living room floor.

3. Rent that movie. You know that movie she can't watch often enough? Yes, it's the same one you just can't bear to imagine watching again. For Valentine's Day, why not track it down, make her favorite treat and cuddle on the couch while she enjoys the movie she loves with guy she loves even more.

4. Dollar-store date. Give yourselves a budget - $5 each? - and hit your local dollar store. The goal is for each of you to buy things that have sentimental value without the other person seeing what's in your basket until you're home. Each item has to relate to a favorite memory from your relationship.

5. Hand over your phone. Come home early on Valentine's Day and immediately hand your wife your iPhone, pager or Motorola brick. Tell her to ignore the shivers, shakes and other withdrawal symptoms and not return it until the next morning. Then tune the rest of the world out and tune into her.

6. Visit that place. You know that museum, gallery or visitors' center she's always wanted to visit? This just might be the night. Most are free to enter and she'll appreciate that you've been paying attention when you've driven by. Plan well and be sure to call ahead to check operating hours.

7. Take the day off. If your schedule allows, consider taking off the entire day and dedicating it to her. Does she have a honey-do list? Would she enjoy a long walk together? Could you care for the kids while she reads all afternoon on the couch? How about a discount matinee at the movies?

8. Shout "I love you!" 2013-style. In the classic romantic comedies, the man takes the microphone at the concert or yells from the middle of a crowded mall that he loves her with all his heart. In the digital age, why not shout from the rooftops of Facebook or Twitter and appropriately proclaim your feelings online? She'll smile - guaranteed.

9. Make a handmade valentine. We all remember making valentines in elementary school using candy hearts, Red Hots and construction paper. She wouldn't really appreciate that today, would she? Just watch her eyes light up when you hand her something you made by hand with her in individual tastes in mind.

10. Do something she hates. We all have things we just don't care for. Why not pick a few things from her list and knock them out? Iron your own shirts, deep clean the playroom, vacuum her car, or brave that long line at the DMV or post office. Discover what she's been putting off and take on that headache for her.

Mandie the 5th arrived Friday!

Funny how the smallest things can make you smile. On Friday I went to where I get my prostetics, and I had to bring back Mandie the 4th back ( because she was defective), literally she kept falling off. Not really impressive if your body parts start falling off! :) Anyway, I was wearing my older prosthetic Mandie the 3rd and had Mandie the 4th in her box. Ok, are you still with me?
Anyway, as I walked in the receptionist said hi and how can I help you? My reply was " I am getting a new prosthetic and bringing back the old one. Guess it's not every day that you have someone comes in to trade you body parts, is it?" She looked right at me with a smile and said " actually, we do around here!"  It made me laugh and it made me feel good some how that I am not the only one to be swapping body parts. I laughed to, to think what people would say ( that passed by me ) if they knew what I had in the box.
Still I was grateful for the way it made me feel. A little over 4 years ago, there was nothing that I thought would ever make me feel good about my mastectomy, or having to wear a prosthetic for the rest of my life. Naming the prosthetic, did help. I was grateful for it and how I felt ( more normal ) when I had her on. I loved the name Madie, and thought it was a very feminine name. Feeling feminine again, was a long time coming also.
So I proudly took Mandie the 5th home, and told her we were in this together! For that I am thankful! Yes, it is some of the smallest things that bring happiness!
Good night dear friends!

Moments that Matter

I watched this short video this morning, and it was a great reminder of remembering the Moments that really Matter. I loved the message and wrote it down and will share it with you.

"Moments are molecutes that make up ETERNITY!" ~ Neal A. Maxwell

"Its not so much the major events as the small day-to-day decisions...that map the course of our living"     ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

"We would do well to slow down a little. Focus on the significant, and lift our eyes to truly see the things that matter the most."
Strength comes not from frantic activity, but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most. Diligently doing the things that matter most, will lead us to the Savior of the world."
~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Need to stop, breath and be a part of each Moment. I found that much harder to do as a young Mother with 4 kids, but when I did slow down, it was an amazing view! I have been so blessed, I am a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Nana and Friend...it doesn't get much better than that.
I guess it is only human to get so busy that we miss the little moments that make our world what it is. I have found it much easier to look for and appreciate ...as I am getting older. I think that gaining that wisdom and knowledge, helps so much with my perspective now. Anyway, it has been a tough week. I have been struggling in many different areas, but today when I watched this video...I had a deep sense of GRATITUDE for all my blessings. I know the struggles are part of the teaching moments...so I need to appreciate them too! Hope you are having a wonderful Sabbath!

If you want to see the video, you can find it here:

It's Date Night!

Yet another road

Today I went to the Back Specialist and got a referral to go back to my Spine Specialist Physical Therapist. She did amazing work on my body last time, and so it seems to be the route I am going to need to go back again. Life is interesting isn't it? Just when you think you have made it down one road then it either takes a new turn or you go back down another one.
I feel like I am about to go down a new road also. I really hope that I have the courage and strength for it. I will explain it more when I understand it more myself. All I can say is you are never too old to continue to grow, learn, stretch and heal. But why does that have to be so hard?
Good night dear friend

My Happy Life

Say thank you for the ride!

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to spend a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed.  Most putts don’t drop.  Most beef is tough.  Most kids grow up to be just people.  Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration.  Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise.  Life is like an old-time rail journey; delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed.  The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”  ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

Perspective...is a wonderful thing!

I have to be careful how much news I consume on a daily basis. There are so many sad stories and reports, that it is easy to get drug down by them all. Yet, there is a fine line in staying informed and constantly having anxiety from all the terrible stories on the news. I try to find that balance.

 Today I was down most of the day, felt like I was sorta fighting a bug of some kind. It wasn't bad, but it felt hard to get up and get moving. As I looked today in the Seattle Times of the Photos of the Day, I realized when I saw this man in Pakistani walking through a flooded streeet on a rainy day in Peshawar, Pakistan...that my day wasn't that bad after all.

 Perspective...is a wonderful thing! It keeps you grounded, and for that I am grateful. Night dear friends!

You can find the photo here:

“When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?"”

Sydney J. Harris quotes

A true Brother!

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A few years ago for Christmas, my brother gave us a book. I can't remember exactly what the name was, and I packed it away with my Christmas books now. But here is the story, it was amazing!

“Years ago there was a little one-room schoolhouse in the mountains of Virginia where the boys were so rough that no teacher had been able to handle them.

“A young, inexperienced teacher applied, and the old director scanned him and asked: ‘Young fellow, do you know that you are asking for an awful beating? Every teacher that we have had here for years has had to take one.’

“‘I will risk it,’ he replied.

“The first day of school came, and the teacher appeared for duty. One big fellow named Tom whispered: ‘I won’t need any help with this one. I can lick him myself.’

“The teacher said, ‘Good morning, boys, we have come to conduct school.’ They yelled and made fun at the top of their voices. ‘Now, I want a good school, but I confess that I do not know how unless you help me. Suppose we have a few rules. You tell me, and I will write them on the blackboard.’

“One fellow yelled, ‘No stealing!’ Another yelled, ‘On time.’ Finally, ten rules appeared on the blackboard.

“‘Now,’ said the teacher, ‘a law is not good unless there is a penalty attached. What shall we do with one who breaks the rules?’

“‘Beat him across the back ten times without his coat on,’ came the response from the class.

“‘That is pretty severe, boys. Are you sure that you are ready to stand by it?’ Another yelled, ‘I second the motion,’ and the teacher said, ‘All right, we will live by them! Class, come to order!’

“In a day or so, ‘Big Tom’ found that his lunch had been stolen. The thief was located—a little hungry fellow, about ten years old. ‘We have found the thief and he must be punished according to your rule—ten stripes across the back. Jim, come up here!’ the teacher said.

“The little fellow, trembling, came up slowly with a big coat fastened up to his neck and pleaded, ‘Teacher, you can lick me as hard as you like, but please, don’t take my coat off!’

“‘Take your coat off,’ the teacher said. ‘You helped make the rules!’

“‘Oh, teacher, don’t make me!’ He began to unbutton, and what did the teacher see? The boy had no shirt on, and revealed a bony little crippled body.

“‘How can I whip this child?’ he thought. ‘But I must, I must do something if I am to keep this school.’ Everything was quiet as death.

“‘How come you aren’t wearing a shirt, Jim?’

“He replied, ‘My father died and my mother is very poor. I have only one shirt and she is washing it today, and I wore my brother’s big coat to keep me warm.’

“The teacher, with rod in hand, hesitated. Just then ‘Big Tom’ jumped to his feet and said, ‘Teacher, if you don’t object, I will take Jim’s licking for him.’

“‘Very well, there is a certain law that one can become a substitute for another. Are you all agreed?’

“Off came Tom’s coat, and after five strokes the rod broke! The teacher bowed his head in his hands and thought, ‘How can I finish this awful task?’ Then he heard the class sobbing, and what did he see? Little Jim had reached up and caught Tom with both arms around his neck. ‘Tom, I’m sorry that I stole your lunch, but I was awful hungry. Tom, I will love you till I die for taking my licking for me! Yes, I will love you forever!’”

What a great reminder to me of a true Brother. How grateful I am for my Savior. He paid the ultimate price and because of that, we can be forgiven when we make mistakes, we can have peace and hope...when life's trials are almost too hard to bear. And we can have the knowledge that we can be with our loved one's who have passed away. That is quite a gift and one I pray I never take for granted. Yes, this is the story of a true Brother!
Glad I read this again today, hope you enjoyed it too!
Good night dear friends!

"If we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us."  ~ Thomas S. Monson

This is so true!

Perspective is a wonderful thing and thank goodness it is. That is why this statement is so true, perspective and time all mixed together helps situations that seemed so upsetting, something that we can laugh about later. My biggest experience of these things are things that happened to me as a Mom and and a wife. At the time the situation seemed so bad and unbelievable. Now they are the best stories that we tell around the dinner table. Yes, time helps and perspective too. I am grateful for both, that way I have a lot of stories to share with  you on my blog.

I have one for instance, we were late picking the older kids up for school and Lauren had been a pill all day. When we finally got to the school, I hurried and unbuckled the baby and then went to Lauren's side to help her out. She was one of those kids that if you had to tell her what  you didn't want her to do so that she would actually do what you wanted her to do. You know the kind you always had to use REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY on, but not every day or they would figure that out too.
Well, as I took her hand to help her out of the car, she resisted ( as usual) so I pulled her hand a bit harder. After about 3 times of this pulling and tugging game, she pointed to her seat belt ( it was still buckled ) . Man, did I ever feel bad, and she wasn't too happy either. I felt bad the whole day that I got so frustrated at her, and this time she actually was innocent.
Years later, as I think or tell that story we laugh, we laughed at what a tough toddler she was ( we called her our PMS toddler, if that gives you a clue), we laughed at how crazy things got when all 4 of them were in the car. Yes, now I am laughing, but that day and many others... I wasn't. So this along with a million other experiences tells me that this quote is very true.
So the next time you have a situation that makes you made...remember this quote!
This is a photo of Lauren ( all grown up and very nice now, and her is our youngest granddaughter Jenny...who is just like her Aunt Lauren! )
Night dear friends!

Congrats to our son Brad!

 Congrats to our son Brad, for getting having his website picked... as one of the top 10 websites for designers this month from @HOWbrand!
  That is exciting!
You can check it out here:

Date night!

I love this quote..

" The couples that are MEANT TO BE 
are the ones who go through
everything that's designed 
to tear them apart and
come out even Stronger!"