My heart is heavy today. Circumstances sometimes throw you a curve ball and you have no choice but to play the game to the best of your ability, even so, that does not eliminate the occasional moment of despair. I gain strength from the scripture that tells me that 'He' will make weak things become strong, his grace is sufficient for all men that come unto him. I hold on to that thought with a fervent grasp. It is in moments like this that I have a very minuscule feeling of my Saviors sacrifice for me as he suffered in the garden. A deep and throbbing agony comes from the very core of my soul as I think of the pain I caused this most perfect being and 'his' willingness to feel that pain--all because he loves me. How grateful I am to be loved like that.

Oh that I might follow his example and love that way.

Each day reminds me of my own fumbling mortality, of my own weakness, and I despair at my sheer incompetence. We are here to walk with one another to lighten one anther's load and I have had my load carried more then once by those around me. My gratitude is most times lacking and I have never shared the feeling of love with those around me as often as I should. But it doesn't mean that I don't feel those things, I do, and I keep making the same resolution over and over again to do better, to be better, only to break it at the most important moments.

As I face another sabbath the very essence of the day has given me new resolve to do and be and become the person that I am needed to be. And I am grateful to be given that chance, oh how grateful I am for that.

To those of you that have been given to me as a gift, I Love You All, very very much! You give me hope and love and I am most grateful.

Partners in Crime

Tonight our family had a little gathering to celebrate the birth 79 years ago of my dear Pa-pa. We had as many family members there that could make it, which really was quite a tidy sum of people. And of course there is always the children that make it seem like there are actually twice as many people there as there really were. Anyway, I was leisurely pointing my camera and taking what I thought were quite random shots and I focused on two of my beloved little grandsons, Faze and Kader-monkey. They are 6 weeks apart in age and they both have the sweetest little spirits--until they get together. here are just a few of the photos that give you an inkling of what kind of mischief they can get into when they are together. I love seeing the sparkle in their eyes even though I know that it harbors mischievous thoughts that may or may not end badly. Still they are dear, sweet and very precious and I am so content knowing we belong together forever

Everybody needs a Hero!

I have a really neat dad! He is probably one of the dearest people I have ever met, in my entire life I mean. He has been the most solid person in my life for so long I don't even remember.

He used to travel a lot with his work when I was a kid and how I hated him to be gone. Then he would come home and not only have to deal with jet lag but with a passel of kids that wanted his undivided attention. I don't know how he did it, I don't think I could. He shows me everyday what it means to be true, faithful and valiant.

My dad, (who claims he can't carry a tune in a bucket) taught himself to play 'Oh my Father' on the piano. That's pretty neat.

My dad hiked the 50/20 (50 mile walk in 20 hours) with the scouts one year and was the oldest man to finish. I am impressed.

My dad loves Disneyland almost as much as I do, now that is really impressive!

My dad honors his priesthood and my mom and is so caring and tender with his sweetheart, He is truly my hero!

Dad I want you to know something, no matter what the circumstances I find myself in (usually of my own making) or what time of day or night, I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you will be there for me! Do you know what a comforting thing that is to me?
I am proud to introduce my awesome parents to friends and business associates because they are truly the best of the best. The older I get the more I am grateful for their unconditional love and support for not only me but the rest of my siblings.

YOU. ARE. THE. BEST. DAD
I love you dearly my Pa-pa, Happy Birthday!

We just can't get enough!

We are so excited at our little home. We have found out that we are about to become Grandparents again! It is always wonderful to spend time with our littlest family members and to add to those numbers is nothing short of a thrilling miracle. My baby boy and his lovely wife are having his second little one sometime around the end of the year. That will make two new little ones born this year as my oldest son and daughter-in-law are also expecting this fall. What a very special year this will be for us. At this moment we have an even count with 4 granddaughters and 4 grandsons so we can't wait to see how the tally will change.

I don't know how many people out there reading this have had the experience of grandparenthood, but it is the very best of the best when we are talking about family. These children come with their own personalities and talents that help to create an exciting and loving family.

You don't realize how much you can love until these tiny ones wind their way into your heart. Love truly is the one thing that only gets stronger the more you give your heart away.

I AM TRULY BLESSED AND GRATEFUL!

Happy Happy Birthday Faisal Dear

Well, today was my little tiny Faisys birthday!!!!! He had a doggy party and it was doggone fun. Jenny went out of her way to make this an amazing birthday party for Fase. He had 5 of his friends come over for lunch and games and they actually got to be doggies for the afternoon. Jen made doggy ears for everyone and dog collars and painted everyone's nose, they were the cutest little doggies. There was also an amazing doggie birthday cake. How on earth did I give birth to such a genius daughter. I am so impressed as you will be when you see the pics.

Fase playing pin the collar on the Doggie

Kader Monkey loved the party and being a doggie!
So as you can see, this was just the doggonest best party evah, right faisy?

To Eat or Not To Eat

Have I told you out there in bloggyland about my curse? Oh really, I haven't? Well fasten your seatbelts because here I go.
I have the curse of having a gluten sensitivity.
Can you even believe that, a gluten sensitivity.
That is ridiculous isn't it? I know it is the 'trendy' disease of the decade but to be honest, I have had this for the past two decades or so, so maybe you could say I started the trend. On second thought, I don't want to be held responsible for this disgusting disease. You don't really realize how much out there in the world is consumed and saturated by gluten. I know what some of you are thinking, what is the big deal, well I guess it really isn't a big deal if you don't have any tastebuds for a tasty piece of homemade bread straight from the oven, or a wonderful cinnamon roll dripping with the sweetness of lovely fluffy buttercream icing. And to be honest I don't have a strong craving for most bread products but dang if I don't have a hankerin' for a piece of scrumptious cake or a sugar cookie with pink icing or even a belgian waffle covered with strawberries and real whipped cream. (sob!)

Okay, now I have vented and caused you to see a side of me that is rather unattractive, and for that I profoundly apologize. Believe it or not I don't make other people aware of this malady but today I woke up rather swollen around the eyes and it is hard to hide this from the masses, so I VENTED!
Now that I have gotten that out of my system, I will move on and look for something to eat. I have suddenly become hungry!

You are my Son-shine

This is my son! He is exceptional on so many levels. He is an extraordinary husband and a truly loving father!

He has many struggles that he has worked hard to overcome. He is a Hero of mine!

He works hard to support his family and has given them a most comfortable home. I always feel welcome whenever I am there and love the feeling of family it emits.

He is a true friend to all that know him. I respect him so for his loyalty.

He plays games of all kinds, Football being his passion but he is just as adept at Settlers of Catan. He is a crack-up and a jokester.

His smile is radiant and his laughter brings the warmth of the sunshine into a room. This sound takes away all dark shadows that may lurk around any corners of my mind and it gives me peace.

He is my rock in times of turmoil, and my comfort in times of trial. I love that I have a son that will come whenever I am in need!

He has a testimony of the Gospel and teaches his children correct principles, Oh how grateful I am for his strength and his commitment.

He is just at home playing a full contact sport as he is comforting and cradling one of his beautiful sons. His compassion for these little ones overwhelms me.


I cherish this son of mine and thank my Father in Heaven for the spirit that I call my Ry-boy.
I Love you Son!