Thank Heaven for Little Girls!

Luke has had so many ups and downs with his health that we have had to stick pretty close to home these days. So, I am so very grateful for all of my 'little' girls!

I've been able to spend some time with Ash who now chews on everything! (or at least tastes it) BTW, my hair does NOT taste good!

And was able to celebrate Makayla's eighth b-day with all of the girls!

They are so fun!!

Even learned how to make a fancy cake...

Doesn't look too fabulous on the outside...

or at the start...

looking a bit better maybe

but great middle!

And even changes color with each slice!

Char even arranged for my sis and our girls (over 8 + Ash) to go to Women's Conference together-

I am so blessed for all of these 'little' girls in my life! And that includes you, Ardis!

I love you all! 

Always the best thing to celebrate!

Two years ago today, Luke and I and our nearest and dearest celebrated our marriage!

So grateful for this man in my life!

And loved the party too!

No More Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...

Only because it is now called Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID).

That's right, this really, truly is a disease- not just something in Luke's head, not just make believe, as some few may think...

I am glad that this is getting some attention from many who may one day find answers for those who live day to day not knowing if they will be able to function, to have a "normal" day or a day filled with mental and physical exhaustion.

The new definition for SEID, for use in adults and children, focuses on the disease's core symptoms:

• Profound fatigue lasting at least six months;
• Total exhaustion after even minor physical or mental exertion that patients sometimes describe as a "crash" and is known medically as post-exertional malaise;
• Unrefreshing sleep;
• Cognitive impairment (aka "brain fog") or a worsening of symptoms upon standing.

The essence of this disease is that if patients engage in exertion—cognitive, emotional, physical, whatever—that their symptoms are made much worse and often for a prolonged period of time

For our part, I still firmly believe, even with the many set backs, that Luke is improving. This week marked the anniversary of Luke's return to full time employment. True, he is now officially out of sick days and vacation days (also this week), but I know he has been abundantly blessed to get this far!

This time last year, we were both so uncertain if he could even keep his job for more than a couple of months- but we had faith in the Lord. Luke had (and continues to have) a strong desire to do his part for the kingdom of the Lord and a strong desire to provide for our family. 

I am very grateful that the Lord hears our prayers and helps us to keep moving forward together!

Won't You Be Mine....

For these two, the answer is yes!!!

I am so blessed!!!

It's Our 24th-iversary!

Luke says that a 24 month anniversary does not make sense since anni refers to annual...

Love him anyhow!

2 years has been wonderful but so NOT LONG ENOUGH!!!- 24 just sounds better than 2- don't you think?!

He is such a good man! Kind, gentle, patience, hard-working- and he loves the Lord with all of his heart!

I am so blessed to have this man in my life forever!!

A Chair by Any Other Name...

I finished!

I really like it- but it is definitely not perfect. Which got me thinking...

Before I took the covering off, this was a usable chair. It was comfy to sit in and very functional- just didn't look so hot and had a wire out on the bottom. Now it has a new covering, looks great in the room I want it in, and is clean (plus the wire is put back into place).

However, if this chair could talk (and if it was a typical person), it would probably tell you all about all of the faults it still has. It is not perfect by any means, and in the end, it is still a chair.- as the one who put on the new covering after taking it all apart and fixing the broken wire, I can tell you every little thing that is not perfect!

But I love this chair!

Guess it is kind of like me. So many times in life, I need a 'new covering'. I have been worn down and worn out- and just need to have a change in order to 'look good' in my new surroundings. My Father in Heaven works on me (giving me challenges and/or trials) to help me to grow and to give me my new 'covering' and to fix my broken 'wires'. 

In the end, I am still me and by no means perfect. My Heavenly Father knows all about my imperfections- yet He still loves me! I am His daughter- and He loves Me!

You can't get any more blessed than that!

2014- A Year in Review

It has been a long, hard, challenging, joyous and wonderful year!

January:

I reflected on how we all have hidden challenges in life. That is part of why we came to earth!

But we must always remember that through the atonement of Christ we ALWAYS have hope! Because of Him, we are able to do so many things beyond our own natural abilities.

February:

I celebrated 1 year in my VERY GOOD life! One year of being married to the man I had dreamed of for so long, one year of learning what a good marriage truly means, and one year of having the great challenge of Luke's chronic fatigue syndrome also giving us some great blessings!

March:

I learned that cottage cheese and chocolate chips- together- do describe my life. And I learned a new skill that I was able to share with my beautiful granddaughters!

April:

I got to spend some time as the frog! as life decided to hand me some more uphill, in the snow, both ways kind of days! But I also reflected on this:

"But as I poured my heart out to my Father in Heaven, something wonderful happened that I will NEVER forget:

 I felt my Savior's arms wrap around me and comfort me. It was not just in my head- it was a real sensation- as real as anything I have ever known. He 'held' me when I needed Him most."

 And it made all the difference!

May:

A month full of love and remembering that those who show love are the ones that truly do love you! Something all of us, especially me, should remember!

June:

A month of family for me! Reflecting on the wonderful fathers in my life, discovering that I am one of those family history people after all as I unraveled a family knot, and learning more about happy marriages as outlined in 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World'.

1) Repent- judge not, that ye be not judged

2) Listen carefully with intent of heart- but especially listen to the Lord

3) live within your means- always including tithes and offerings

4) court each other- do good things together

5) pray together EVERY night

6) meet a need- do something for your spouse every day!

7) speak softly and kindly- always build each other up

8) where possible, brethren, provide for your family

9) do the work of salvation together- temple work, FHE, scriptures, etc.

10) cleave unto each other and none else (except perhaps the Lord)- Nothing is more important than your spouse.

July:

Although it is a continual struggle to live with CFS, we found time for lots of family fun!

And Claire decided she just couldn't wait until August- being grandparents is the best!!!

August:

So many things were august in August! And so many project galore... 

September:

After a truly rough start to my school year, I had (and still have) the joy of an amazing young man in my class who reminded me that your attitude is linked to your angle!

So, I spent the rest of the month loving being Grandma and Grandma-to-be!

October:

This little one came into this world! Ashtyn Dee!

Also, I 'confessed' my addiction- my family history work addiction, that is!

November:

As if having grandchildren doesn't make me feel old enough at times, my very own baby boy grew into a man!

At least I have a wonderful, caring husband who will grow old with me!

December:

I was able to celebrate all that is good, especially the great blessing in my life of my Savior, Jesus Christ!

May I always remember my Father in Heaven and His son and all that they have blessed me with in my life!