Thursday, August 30, 2007

A Rarity



Mother Nature treated us to a wonderful rarity last night and this morning. A magnificent summer thunderstorm! I just love it. I know that for some of you thunder and lightening are common occurrences. But, here on the Central Coast we only see this incredible phenomenon once every few years. I have always, enjoyed it! Definitely lets you know WHOs in control here!!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Burden or Miracle?

"They" said he would be a burden to my family, simply because he would be born with a severe birth defect. Cambridge dictionary defines burden as: something difficult or unpleasant that you have to deal with or worry about. "They" even went so far to suggest that his life would NOT be worth living. I have never for a moment considered Evan a burden in my life. He has an innocence that is endearing, always wanting to do what is right. Never once has Evan ever complained about being born with spina bifida. Therein lies the miracle! Miracle, from the Mirriam Webster dictionary: 1 : an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs 2 : an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVAN! I can't believe you are actually 20 years old!! You have indeed been a blessing in my life. I have witnessed miracle after miracle in your life. That you have survived twenty years with all your medical problems is indeed a miracle. I will never forget the time that your leg healed from that severe burn in one weeks time!! Or when your potassium dropped so dangerously low that you had a grand mal seizure. Or, that you survive those horrible 41 days in the hospital following spinal fusion surgery and all those complications. I know that Heavenly Father put you here on earth for a grand purpose. You have helped my faith to grow in ways it never would have grown without you in my life. Your laughter and love for life warms my soul. I'm honored to be your mom and love you dearly. Happy Birthday.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Mornings


I love mornings!! I am an early to bed, early to rise type of person. I love the morning air!! It's cool and refreshing. Peaceful is a good word to describe mornings. We all get a new start on a new day. I love it!! Here are some of the morning glories that brighten my fence.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

My, My How Time Flies!!

This week marks thirty-one years since I experienced the miracle of birth and became a mother for the first time!! I just can't believe it's been that long!!

Now, it's six children and two grandsons later!! It is so fun to see my son, as a parent!! He is doing a great job with his little boys!! (Of course, their mom is great too!!) Those boys are definitely the apple of my eye! I hope to be someone my grandkids can remember fondly!!

I have very few memories of grandparents. My maternal grandmother was the only one living when I was born. Canada was her home, so I didn't see her often. When she moved to the United States I was so excited. I just wanted to sit by her and hear stories of her childhood. Unfortunately, she didn't want to share!! She was born in Italy, so there are great stories that are lost!! Very sad to me.

The other milestone will happen on Monday. Evan turns 20 years old. No more teenagers!! At one point we had 4 teens under one roof! Wow, and I survived!! I even think I'm still sane!!

Monday, August 20, 2007

One Word


Contentment

Friday, August 17, 2007

It's All In Your Perspective



Today I "hiked a mountain, a long, long way!!!" It was only in my backyard. But, it was with my little grandson, Andrew, who thought my little hill was a mountain. How many times do we make a mountain out of a molehill??

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Tearjerking Radio Commercial

On the way home this afternoon, I heard it. A story was told of a little boy who wanted to be superhero. He told his wish to the wonderful people at The Make a Wish Foundation. So one day while he was watching TV in his Beetleboy outfit a newsflash come across the TV that his help was needed. So off, this pint-sized hero went to save the day!! And save the day he did. I just loved the story!! I love Make-a-Wish. It always brings fond memories of Evan's wish trip to New York City. Good thing I wasn't driving!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Silly Name




Oh, look there's a naked lady!! I loved to tease my kids when I would see this leafless flower along the road. Of course they would look and wonder what I was talking about!! Naked ladies are actually an amaryllis. Here are some growing in my very own backyard. I love it!! Aren't they beautiful!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Goodbye to an Apostle



I was so sad to hear about the passing of President James E. Faust.
He will always have a special place in my heart. Let me share.

I was pregnant with Evan and trying to come to grips with the
challenges he would face in his life. My husband and I went down to
Los Angeles to UCLA medical center to meet with the neurosurgeon who
would be performing surgery. We stayed at the Temple apartments there
and went in to attend a session. The sweet man at the recommend desk
asked if we would mind doing sealings. We were happy just to be in
the Temple so we went up to the sealing rooms. We were put into a room
with a sweet white haired sister and another man. The sealer came in
and asked if anyone had a family member that needed a prayer before we
started the sealing session. We had never had that question asked
before or since then. Glancing at each other, we decided to share
that our little unborn baby would be born with a disabling birth
defect. What a precious moment to hear a loved one's name prayed for
over the pulpit of a Temple!! We continued on with the sealing. On
the way out the room this sweet little Sister Tustin stopped me and
said that just last night she was listening to old conferences talks
and heard a talk for parents with disabilities. She wanted to send me
a copy of the talk. So, I gave her our address. Sure enough, a week
later in the mail I receive a cassette with a talk from President James E. Faust.You can listen or read the talk here.  

It's was entitled "The Works of God" from 1984. His talk touched me
to the core and at that moment I knew we would be able to face all of
the challenges ahead.

About two years later President Faust spoke at a Regional Conference
in Santa Barbara. I could barely wait until the conference was over
to go up there to shake his hand and let him know how much his story
touched me. With Evan in arms I went up and did shake his hand and
explain my whole story (everyone else just shook hands and left, I
took a while). He was so sweet and patient and listened to everything
I wanted to say. Then a couple of months later my Bishop came to me
with an envelope and inside was a picture of me shaking President
Faust's hand. I have no idea who took that picture or how they even
knew who I was or how the Bishop got it, but it is definitely a
cherished possession.

I have no doubt that Heavenly Father played a role in all this. I DO
NOT believe it was a coincidence that little Sister Tustin and I made
it to the same temple sealing session and that she had listen to that
talk the night before. Or that the sealer asked if anyone had a family
member who needed prayer.
I'm grateful so many
people listened to the Spirit that day so that I here that inspired talk.
I'm grateful for the words of wisdom from
prophets and apostles to help us in the life.
I share this story with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Peas in a Pod



Growing vegetables is such great experience! Is so fun to watch the little seeds sprout and produce food you can actually eat. This year I have been growing tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, cilantro, beans and these of some of my peas!!
It brings back memories of visiting my Grandma in Canada. I remember being about 5 years old on one visit. She had a great backyard garden and I loved picking those peas, snaping them open and popping those yummy round green peas in my mouth. Forget about cooking them. I can't wait for my grandson's to come and try some of my yummy home grown peas.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

a small beginning

I like small things.
A smile,
a friendly greeting,
small towns,
ladybugs,
flowers
and of course babies and children,
especially grandkids!!

The world is full of small things that make life great!
I hope with my blog to share some of the wonderful small things in my world.
Some will be things in nature,
some things that people do for me,
or maybe that I do for them.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...