A GOOD PERSPECTIVE

...and that's the way I need to always see it!

~  (no matter how tough it may seem some days)  ~

It's been a MONDAY!

My Mom Said...

You know those things that you do automatically that make life a little sweeter ~

Those little things that set you apart from the rude and common ~

Those things your Mom's friends complimented you on when you were little ~

Those things that you taught your own children and hope that your grandchildren will also do and pass on ~

Those things that make us civilized ~

Things that you notice when others don't do them~

?

I think some of them are simply good manners and my mom said they were

RULES to live by.

Well, when I saw this  ~

I just had to share ~ 'cause my mom SAID!

MOVIE NIGHT

I haven't been out to a movie in -------------AGES!  Thanks to our sweet home teacher and his awesome wife (a gift of 3 movie tickets for Christmas), my girls and I went to

see this tonight ~ 

and LOVED it!

Man in the Moon

This is the image I saw last night.  Glowing ~ Beautiful ~ Peaceful ~
Shedding benevolent light on all.

But, I do believe at least one little girl and possibly two must have been influenced by

this guy!  What an afternoon!  Talk about moody!

I TOTALLY prefer the first one!

GRAMMA'S TAXI

This is my role on school days.  I make the rounds in our little area and pick up two little boys along with my Haylee and deliver them to the bus stop.

You see, they all used to walk to the bus stop.  Haylee was the only girl with 8 little boys!  So, I still accompanied her.  Then ~ lo and behold the district changed the bus routes to make them safer.  Two buses ~ one for either side of the busy thoroughfare.  Now there are only 3 boys and Haylee.  One little boy lives at the other end of the bus stop.  The new stop is quite a bit further away and doesn't seem to be so safe.  There were three cars trying to find places to park each morning and there was really only one place available.   It just seemed so silly to me, plus one little boy's mom had to drag out a baby and she usually was in her robe.  One day I just got out of my car and walked up to her and the dad  of the other little boy and asked if I could just pick them up each morning.  They were happy to let me do that, and it works for the most part.  We sometimes have to wait for one little boy what seems like forever.  We listen to music, keep warm in the car, talk about all sorts of fun things, sometimes have some minor disagreements or pouting, a few unexpected rude noises, but most generally a happy few minutes wait for the school bus.  I find it very rewarding to not only spend time each morning with Haylee, but to get to know the two little boys as well!

ANGELS

Oh, I believe in angels!

They are real.

They have faces.

They have names.

They call us on the phone.

They sometimes hold our hand.

They walk among us.

They know when we need comfort or help.

Some are HERE

and some are THERE

Angels, angels everywhere!

I LOVE ANGELS!

FAMILY = COMFORT & JOY

Each and every day it is my family that makes it all worth while!  I am so blessed to have been placed in this family.  I am so grateful for all those who came before me, and the choices and sacrifices they made, and their faith and testimonies and obedience, so that I could be born in the covenant and live in this promised land.  The influence of my grandparents, parents, and siblings ~ Not a day goes by that I don't think of them.  I am so thrilled to have so many aunts & uncles & cousins that have touched my heart and made my life so colorful and full.  A rich array of nieces and nephews that I adore...And my babies ~ Toni, Todd & Andi ~ my precious children, my treasures, my hope, my comfort,  how tender that they chose me! ... but the joy of having a grand daughter is to have a slice of heaven!  I love you so, Haylee!

the secret is ... she loves me, too!

BISCUITS & SAUSAGE GRAVY ~ YUM!

Yep!  It was a biscuit & sausage gravy kind of morning!  You know what I mean ~  everyone slept in ~ no hurry to get dressed ~ don't have to be anywhere but home!

So...  Sausage gravy & biscuits it is! 

Comfort food.  Memory jogger.  Mmmmmmmmmmm...

Wish you were here!



HERE'S TO YOU! A TOAST FROM ME!

OF COURSE THAT IS SPARKLING CIDER!

WHAT DID YOU THINK IT WAS?!

Here's to you, Bev!  I'm on top of that accepted challenge!

Here's to you, My Girls!  Having you near me warms my heart!

Here's to you, my family and friends!  You buoy me up!

Here's to you, 11 o'clock church!  I'm liking the extra time in the morning to review my lesson.

Here's to you, my Primary class!  I'm in love with you already!

Here's to you, 2012!  You have made a fabulous start!

A SEASON OF BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS

IN HIS GLORY by Del Parson

As I ponder on this past year, I can say that through the tender mercies of the Lord I can handle hard things.  With Him  before me I can face challenges with a strength I don't possess on my own.  Through His love I can smile when tears threaten.  In any looming darkness, I feel His warmth on my face and His arms around me.

In my lack I find bounteous blessings.  I understand the trials that beset me are teaching me humility.   The service opportunities  that present themselves to me make me more loving and compassionate.   The hurts that fall upon me teach me forgiveness.  Not knowing what comes tomorrow has increased my faith and my faith has given me greater hope. 

I am filled with JOY at knowing I have a loving Father in Heaven and His Son that know my heart and bless & comfort me.

I am grateful for my precious family ( both here & there), my increased health, my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the angels that constantly keep watch over me. 

I cherish the lessons learned and blessings showered on me in 2011 and hope that I can keep my countenance reflecting the joy that I feel and share that joy with all those I am around in 2012! 

With much love to you for being in my life, my wish for you is to have a

HAPPY JOYOUS & BLESSED NEW YEAR!