Sunday is a special day

Yesterday, Marlee and I were home alone. Wayne and " the littles" went to Salt Lake for our neice Kylee's baptism. We were having a slow morning when the phone rang. Marlee answered and it was her YW president reminding her that she was to play the piano for opening exercises. She also asked if Marlee would play the closing hymn also because we were having YW/YM combined and were having a General Authority come speak to us. Marlee of course said yes, hung up and then started to panic. She had been perfecting one hymn for weeks in wait of this day. But two hymns, not prepared for that. My kids play the piano like Wayne. They don't like to sight read. They would rather prepare, practice and play. Memorization is key. So we started to practice, me singing while she played so she could get her speed up. She would play a few times and then leave and cry. Then she would come back.

After a long time in her room, she came back and I got to tell her how proud I was of her for saying yes to do this, how much I envy her positive outlook on everything, her fearlessness and her desire to do what is right. I know not everyone has someone that they look up to so much, but I do. My 15 year old is an inspiration to me everyday. She inspires me to do more, be more and keep on going. She is amazing.

She did great and the General Authority complimented her on her choice of songs that went perfectly with his talk.

Marlee rocks!

I can do hard things

When Marlee received her YW medallion last week, I thought about how I didn't have the opportunity to participate in YW when I was younger. I do now that I am the Beehive advisor in our ward. I see the YW each week learning that they are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us. I wish I had known that my whole life. Would I be a different person, would I be more self-confidant, would I be a better mother, wife, friend?

So I have been trying to work on Personal Progress. A couple weeks ago, we had our New Beginnings program and all the YW leaders were going to perform a musical number. I have not sang in public except once when I made a huge fool of myself in high school. Wayne even told me when we were first married that I didn't sing good enough to sing the harmony part so I should try the other. I didn't even know there were two parts.

We practiced. I had a good friend (VAL) play it for me on the piano and sing it to me, and let me sing it to her so I wouldn't sound like a fool. We practiced and finally sang. It sounded great. I had chills because it was just beautiful.

I am grateful for faith, prayers and knowledge that I can do hard things. This may be easy for some but for me it was hard and I was scared but I can do it. I know I can.

Wonderful kids

I just wanted to say how proud I am of my kids. They are growing leaps and bounds. I look at being a mother as something I wanted so badly and didn't think that I could have. I thought that I would be childless and then was blessed my a loving Heavenly Father three times.

Marlee has been working so diligently to achieve her YW medallion in church. She is good at setting goals and then following through. I admire that in her so much. I know that she is amazing and can do whatever she sets her mind to.

Noah turned 12 in December and then received the Aaronic priesthood in our church. He faithfully passes the sacrament each Sunday. On his first Sunday, he was looking a little lost. I burst int tears because this was something that we could not help him with and he would have to figure out on his own. He did a great job and looks so reverent when he does it, that my heart beams with pride at him honoring his priesthood.

Then we have Oaklee who gets baptized on March 27th. She will be 8 on March 18th. I can't believe that she is that old. She is looking forward to it, to be a part of what her brother and sister have told her is amazing.

I love my kids!

One year later and one year older

I can't believe that it has been a year since I blogged. So, here we are again. So much has happened and I don't even have pictures downloaded to show.

As things have definitely slowed down around our house with my job ending and sickness happening, I feel so grateful for the wonderful time that I have to spend with my little family.

Here is a quick update and a promise to keep updated.

My cute Noah turned 12 in December and received the Aaronic priesthood. I am so proud of him and am almost in tears each week watching him pass the sacrament. He is my little guy who I can still remember always saying " Mommy, I want you." But now he is all grown up.

Marlee is going to be 15 years old tomorrow. I remember vividly laying in the hospital waiting so anxiously for her to come. I was so excited to meet her but so worried about what kind of mother I would be. I wanted so desperately to be a mother that was loved by my children. I hope that is what they think. Marlee is such a wonderful daughter. She is all I could dream for and more. I know I don't tell her enough how much I love her and how proud I am of her. I hope I do not fail her and that I am there for her whenever she needs me. She is amazing and I love her dearly.

Good luck to John and Sara who go in tomorrow to have their new baby Christa.

Thoughts and Prayers to Dan and Natalie in bringing Andrew home from the hospital again tomorrow and hopefully to stay.

Lots of prayers to Amy and Blair and their family in this horrible time of losing their sweet baby Carissa.

Marlee is 14

I can't believe that my baby is 14. I really am old. She is an amazing girl. I don't know what I would do without her. She helps me become a better person by reminding me of her desire to do what is right as well as to serve others. She is a good friend and one who I enjoy laughing with.

This week, her Miamaid class at church came over and heart attacked her room.

Marlee, 2009 will be great for you.

Uncle Junior, You will be missed!

Last week, my uncle Junior passed away. He had been sick for a long time. He was a good uncle. I had the opportunity to be with my family at the hospice before and after he died as well as with my mom the day before and of the funeral. I heard many stories about him and what a great man he was. I learned that he owns me. My parents did not have a lot of money when I was to be born. They were counting on payday to come so they could have the $25 required to get me out of the hospital. Unfortunatly for them, I was born a week before payday. My Uncle Junior and Aunt LouJean drove from Northern California to Southern California to bail me out. He would always remind my mom that she hadn't paid him back so I really was his kid. He was a great uncle and will be missed.

I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that families are eternal. I will see him again and will get to be with my family forever if I am only faithful.

Uncle Junior, God be with you until we meet again.

Marlee's volleyball

Oaklee and I got the opportunity to go and watch Marlee play volleyball for her first tournament of the season. We were excited to watch her. She has improved and grown so much that it is amazing. Her team did great. They ranked 25 out of 63 teams.

Yea Marlee!