Trials and Blessings

The Lord continues to bless me as I am wading thigh high in trials. So often, I feel as if I am not going to make it. My dad said to me today, after I told him that the timing just isn't good (for backing into the car), "Daughter, when is there a good time?" Such a true statement. There is never a "good" time for the trials that unfold before us, as we see it. The Lord, on the other hand, has a "good" timing for each of the trials that come our way. As frustrating and heart-breaking as the trials are, I know that if I follow the Lord's counsel, He will see me through each and every one of them.

I read in the Ensign, Jan. 2010, an article by Elder Stanley G. Ellis, titled "What Should We Do When We Don't Know What To Do? He outlined 6 things that helped me remember what is MOST important.
1 - Seek answers through study and prayer.
2 - Obey the commandments.
3 - Trust in the Lord and in His Promises.
4 - Follow the prophet.
5 - Go forward in faith, not fear. (I needed to be reminded of this one, especially)
6 - Complete our mission.

Counsel from Boyd K. Packer: "Always, always follow the promptings of the Spirit."

I am grateful for my older brother, Jesus Christ. For His unselfish love for each and every one of us.

The boys and I have been so blessed this past year, and many prior, by so many wonderful and loving angels who were placed in our path. We love you and are so grateful for each of you!

Merry Christmas.

How much more to get rid of?

The boys and I are moving again.......we will be "temporarily" living with Rachel and Ryan while I am seeking employment and a place for the boys and I. We are moving from my friend, Deanna's house, the day after Christmas

Penguins in North Carolina?

After dropping some things off at my parents home, Sam and Jake decided it would be fun to do some sliding on the ice in their driveway. At first I was concerned, until I realized, they were having fun, what's a few more bumps and bruises? As I watched my children take running starts and belly flop onto the ice like penguins, I couldn't help myself, and had to laugh.

Not even planned.....

Today started as a normal day....with the only scheduled appointment for the day at the vet - to change Diesel's splint. While waiting, I noticed how cute the boys looked, all in blue, sitting in 2 chairs. So I took pictures. The day has ended with the neighbor's car, having a gash in the bumper (1 inch long), and he was VERY angry. I was very grateful that there was no other damage, except my feelings after he cursed me out, and the fact that it is Dad's truck I am driving right now, and not mine. My truck is getting a new water pump. Trying to feel the Holly Jolly spirit right now......

Broken Bones

About a month ago, Sam took the dog out on a leash, in the dark, to go to the bathroom.....Next thing I heard was a lot of yelping and yelling from Diesel and Sam. As I ran out of the house, Sam was running across the yard sobbing, holding a crying Diesel, who had an obvious broken leg. Trying to remain calm myself I held Diesel's leg together and held him against me as I tried to figure out how to handle the situation. Aunt Rachel to the rescue! I text her and asked her to find an emergency vet (this all happened at 9pm) At one point, Sam, Jake and Ty, as well as Diesel and Jett (another puppy in the house) were all crying at the same time in the kitchen. Asking Sam to collect himself because I needed his help, I tried to engage him in medical conversation to help him focus. Eventually we came up with splinting with legos, it turned out great! Emergency vet didn't even charge - they said we stabilized the break excellently and just needed to add another inch. He is still trying to heal - it is going to be a long healing process for him. All bones were broken at an angle in his leg. He has been such a trooper!!! The vet has been wonderful and very kind to us.

Random pictures of all of us

Snow/Small Dog/Splint that needs to stay dry

'Tis the season to be sick...

We have certainly had our moments of being sick. Within the last 3 weeks, I have had bronchitis, Jake had pneumonia and Ty was borderline pneumonia, and almost hospitalized for weight loss. He lost 3 pounds, dipping under 19lbs for the first time since arriving in North Carolina. As of last Tuesday, he weighed 18lbs 11 oz. No bueno!! Dr. threatened to put him in the hospital if he continued throwing up....he is still at home and as of Monday, Dec. 21, had gained 1lb 4oz back! Yay!! Poor Ty HATES going to the doctor - if he sees anyone in scrubs now, he ducks and refuses to look at that person. This picture was taken while we were waiting for the doctor to come in the room. He was angry that I had the camera in front of him....

Sweet Moments with the little people in our lives

I knew I needed to get at least 1 post on here before the year ended. So much has been happening in our lives - where to even start?

Tuesday, Dec. 15 - As the boys and I finished reading scriptures for the night, Sam spoke up and said, "I really like it when you read, mom." Ty looked at me and yelled at the top of his lungs, "More!" as he used sign language and signed more at the same time. Ty then took my scriptures from me, and gently flipped thru the pages. It was a very sweet ending to the night with the boys.