If Women Ruled the World...

Thanks to Mrs. Princess Pookie for these funny pictures. Hopefully, you all got a great laugh out of these photos like I did.

HApPy BiRtHdAy MoM!

June 2, 1953

Today is my mom's 56th birthday. This post is dedicated to her.

In my life, I've been told I look like a lot of different people (usually famous), but more often than anyone, I've been told I look like my mom. What a compliment! I hope I look as young and beautiful as she does, when I'm 56.

But more than resembling her physically, I hope when life finds me older (and hopefully wiser), I will resemble her in other, more important ways. May it be said of me, that I am an incredible mother like she has been to us; that I always put my children's needs first, sacrificing every earthly need to be sure they were taken care of, nurtured, & taught in truth. May my patience increase to match hers. How she raised 5 energetic children with a calm, kind demeanor without allowing an angry loud voice ever to creep in makes her all the more angelic. She has always made each of us feel like we were the most important thing in her life and if asked, each of us would say that we were her favorite child, because she has treated us so.

I hope that when I reach her age, I will have gained some of her spiritual gifts. Her ability to serve everyone, refrain from judging & accept all men "as they are" is so admirable and impressive. Her gift of speaking and teaching, especially on spiritual matters has blessed thousands. And, she is always willing to share her love of the Savior.

Her creativity astounds me! She transforms the drab into fab, whether it be a wedding reception or a Sunday School lesson. With a wave of her magic wand, everything is exciting and fun.

She is organized & clean. There is a place for everything and everything in its place...(except for a few undisclosed "junk" locations...but we won't talk about those). But, with this organization comes a freedom to feel comfortable in her home. She has never made things, or cleanliness more important than people.

What an entertainer! You want gourmet food, gorgeous centerpieces, beautiful party favors? She's your girl. When I was younger, I kind of thought those skills would just "come" to me. Now, as an adult, I realize that although there can be some natural talent, it's mostly just working at it. And, that leads me to my next topic.

My mom is a work horse. Literally. You'd think with 5 kids out of the house that life would have slowed down for her. Not so. She spends from sun up to sun up (notice I didn't say sun down), working. And no, she isn't being paid to work, nor is she usually working for something that benefits her. She is usually putting together some care package, or lesson, or meal or gift that will bless someone else's life. Thank you for teaching us to wear ourselves out in the service of others!

My mom is my very best friend. I am so grateful to have you as my mom. Here's to many more "happy birthdays!"

In Memory...

"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example." --Benjamin Disraeli

Patriotism has become even more important to me as I've grown from a small child who loved attending 4th of July parades into an adult old enough to appreciate the tremendous sacrifice that allows me to be free. On Memorial Day we had the opportunity to attend a special ceremony honoring the courageous men and women, living and gone who have put themselves in harms way to protect our freedoms. I am so grateful to those who have answered the call to serve our country, whether it be through our armed forces serving at home & abroad or the police and fire fighters who sacrifice much to protect us at home. Thank you for your selfless acts. May God continue to bless thee and America always!

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it." --Thucydides

This Memorial Day, we also had the opportunity to remember our angel grandparents who have both passed away, but whose wonderful legacy lives on. We love you Grandma and Grandpa Kay for the righteous examples you set for us, for your unwavering faith in God & your lifetime of service to him. May God be with you 'til we meet again.

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost."
--Arthur Ashe

Following our visit at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, we spent the afternoon as a family at Gene Coulon Beach/Park, enjoying the beautiful weather. The kids were in heaven being able to get dirty, wet and play in the sand.