Gift from Heaven

It's so important to talk to other moms. To know that you aren't alone in your experiences. Throughout the years of being a mom there are constant cycles that seem to keep flowing through, whether you like them or not. There are the times when life is busy, and then it's okay, then it's slow, then all of a sudden it's busy again. During these times we can get so burned out and yes, even a touch of depression. But what I'm finding is that no matter what, we aren't alone. Not only is there the Savior that understands, and yes we can receive strength and comfort by knowing this, 

photo found HERE

but also, he comforts us by other people.

It's not by accident that there are different prominent people in your life at different times. How thankful I am that the Lord is mindful of us and knows who we need, when we need them. Often times, if it were up to us, we wouldn't know who these people might be. It is a comforting thing to know that even when you are feeling low, you can always know that others are experiencing those same feelings. 

                                                       Photo found HERE
I'm grateful to have found so many wonderful people in my life. It is the blessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ has given to me...and many other moms like me. 

She Wears Curlers

 Is that a song? She wears Curlers? If it isn't, it ought to be. Sounds like a good one to play when a girl's getting ready, huh? The other day we I found some velcro type curlers at the thrift store. If you know me well, you know I love a good thrift shop trip. I found them so cheap, all of them were there, and they looked like they may have been used once. So for about 2 whole bucks, I got 'em.

                                                  Alyssa had said she wanted to try them.

 I thought Steve was going to roar with laughter when he walked by the bathroom and saw what I was doing.

The next thing I knew, he was showing me an old "for strength of youth" pamphlet that said that girls shouldn't leave the house wearing hair rollers. He was laughing because of how times have changed. 

 I have to admit it brought back memories of Sunday nights as a child. We would sit and watch love boat as my mother would roll my hair in sponge rollers. If they came out in the night, I would walk to her room in the dark to re-roll them. She was amazing! 

The girls got impatient with the process and asked for me to take them out before they ever dried, so I don't have any "after pix" for you. Let's just say, I don't think they will be doing it again. Sponge rollers are much nicer. (These ripped the hair upon removal-accompanied with a lot of screaming and crying. Poor girls!). 

I gotta say, though, it was worth the pictures! 

Of Worth

I had an eye opening experience about money when we lived in Mexico. I remember shopping in the market before the worth of a peso meant anything to me and not really knowing how much I'd spent by the time the shopping trip was finished. Not long after that, Steve sat down with me and explained what each coin and dollar was valued at and suddenly, it was of worth. Before that, it meant nothing. Having this experience helped me to appreciate what I found this morning.
                             Alyssa's doll purse on the floor. Picking it up I heard a jingling sound.

 Looking inside, I found what I thought I would find. Coins.

 Looking closer, I had to smile upon realizing what coins they were...

the only type that have true value to a child.

Who wouldn't hold Chuck-E-Cheese coins to high worth?

I ask you!

Easter Weekend

Since I'm finally getting caught up with Easter, here is a cap of our Easter weekend:

Slideshow created with Smilebox

If you're wondering where the older boys are...well, they were sleepin' and running around with Dad. The way you celebrate holidays changes as you grow up

One of the most charming features of this adorable boy...

is his curly hair. People keep asking me why I cut/shaved it. Well... here's the story:

Last Sunday I was combing his hair for church, when I realized something just wasn't right. But what? Then it hit me! His hair was quite a bit shorter in the middle on top. What?! He had cut his hair! It wasn't too bad because his curls made it easy to hide. That evening, after dinner, he and his older brother were rough housing in the Living room. He fell back and hit his head on the fireplace brick. To everyone's horror, that wound was gushing blood. I learned a long time ago that head injuries are notorious for this kind of thing, making them look more serious than they are. I spent the next little while trying to figure out if that head was split and needed urgent care for some stitches. Both Jeremy and Michael held Justin's hand while I shaved around the wound, they got him water, an ice pack and  bandaid. They offered their hands each time he cried, for holding, telling him to sqeeze them as tight as he needed for relief.  It was an excrutiating ordeal for Justin, but he was lovingly cared for by his brothers and we were able to see that the cause of his pain was a goose egg the size of a quarter with a little gash in the middle like a volcano. Poor guy!

He was soon back to his happy go lucky life within minutes of Michael's careful bandaid application.

We all enjoyed his laughter and were glad he was feeling like playing again so quickly.

   Aren't children amazing that way?  I'm struck by what a little love will do.

Too many

     The truth is. I have too many blogs. I have too many ideas. My mind is racing faster than I can talk (which some of you know can be non-stop) and I am terrible with firm decisions, they can change at the drop of a hat! I moved my photography class to my Shelstring blog. {you can click on the link to the right to see the latest posts}. The funny thing is, I don't really think I even have any really REGULAR readers. Which I guess goes along with my indecisive nature. Funny, huh?! It's okay though, because it's truly an outlet for me to blog and the best part for me is that all those wonderful scrapbooking items sitting on my much neglected "scrapbooking table" gathering dust, are actually not causing me grave stress since I've been recording and journaling here! Just had to share a few thoughts of the day. Meanwhile, well, my house looks similar to this. You would never think I did anything with it if you were to stop by unannounced. Dreadful. Lived in. I'm grateful.  Hope you are having a great week. I'm looking forward to Valentine's day...

XoXo