Yes!!!

Guess what! Our middle boy graduated from High School today! It was exciting to watch him walk proudly up and receive his diploma. Job well done!

I am enjoying watching these children take their steps one at a time and experiencing each season of their lives. There are so many blessings to this season of my life. Life is good. It is full of good family, friends and blessings. I really can't ask for more right now.

Yay!!!

The eldest of my step-children will be done with school! I think she said she only has a couple more hours to complete! Am I excited? Lets just say...YES! (Only a little....jumping up and down!) Don't tell any one, I think I am not supposed to be too happy. So I'm not. I know her mother is looking down on her as proud as can be...bursting with the pride only a mother can feel. (We won't tell any one us step-mothers can feel the pride too.) Dang, that is double the pride going in one direction, can that happen? Duh, it already has!

Shigrins

This morning my little guy came up to me crying. While comforting him I noticed a "fresh" or should I say "ripe" odor. While I still holding him, I asked "Hey little man, are you stinky?"

He quickly replied:"No, daddy bum is tinky!"

Poor kid, his head just happens to be at the height that he would probably know better than any one else. The thing is, Dad is at work, so how would he know? Bet he can't wait to grow a couple feet taller!

This weekend was Stake Conference. It is where our church in this and surrounding areas (I think I have been told it just over 600 square miles we cover) come together to worship the Savior. We come to hear the message and testimonies of leaders and loved ones. And I must admit it is a time to see cherished friends and their growing families.

This one was particularly up lifting for me. We were told when we see those we love struggling, or even our selves, we should pray for strength to get through and over come our struggles rather than pray for relief of these struggles.

We were told that missionary work should be being our selves. If we are happy, people will see that happiness and want it for their selves. Be open with them. As members we have a tendency to put up walls our selves. We were told it is as easy as welcoming a new neighbor with cookies and a card telling them if they don't have a church we would love to see them at ours.

Instruction was to attend the temple when ever we can. Make the time. It will be a strength to not only us as individuals, but also to our families.

I gained a lot from listening. My favorite part was to pray for strength rather than freedom of trials. How often I have done the opposite for myself and others. It is funny, we were told that those trials may bring our greatest blessings.

Today I watched a video "My New Life" on you tube. The girl in the story is such an inspiration for me, in so many ways. She has had trials worse than my own and through them she has been brought closer to God.