It is a blessing to watch children grow and learn. I am learning this over and over again. I have seen the children in my stewardship sprout almost like weeds! I have a priviledge that many parent don't have. I have began with children, teens and young adults.

The eldest is discovering again and again who she is. Each time she shines a little more. She welcomes everyone and makes any one and everone comfortable. She would do anything for any of her friends or family. She loves to help others. She is sensitive to others and the spirit. Often times she wears herself on her sleeve. I admire this, because it can be hard to do. She confronts things, she doesnt let them get in the way or cause problems.

My red headed step child is very good with caring for those most would give up on. She does it every day in her day to day work. She puts on a hard outer shell, but I think she has to so she wont be eaten alive, for any of you who know her, she is a softy inside.

Both girls have high standards and are good examples to their younger siblings.

Our 21 year old is brilliant. Any who know him can't deni it. He is setting a comendable example for his younger siblings as well. He has never been afraid to stand up for what he believes. Nor ashamed. He has a good attitude and is a hard worker He takes what ever he does seriously and knows how to make it fun at the same time. He doesn't let others push him around.

My 17 year old, once awkward and a bit gangly has become quit a handsome young man. He takes the gospel seriously and lives life the best he can. He has an intelect beyond his years. Sometimes he blows me away with aconcept he shares. He continually amazes me. I couldn't trade him for any other teenager. I watch some and am reminded of how lucky I really am.

Our 11 year old is becoming quite the young man too! This past year he over came a fear of change and realized it can actually be quite fun. He has over come most of his fears regaurding water. He is diving and swimming like he never thought possible for himself. He has a tender spirit, he cares about those around him. He is a loyal friend to those who need a great friend and is sensitive to his younger siblings.

My 3 year old over came her fear of water today. Instead of clinging to me for dear life, she trusted me and tried to do some things on her own. I was looking at pictures today and it seems like just a month or two ago we were bringing her home.

My 1 year old is becoming more confident each day in his walking. Before I know it he will be chasing around with his older siblings, getting into mischief and tending to his curiosity, I will be in trouble then.

It ceases to amaze me at how time flies. I am sure I have said this before. In my barber chair I used to have older gentlemen always tell me that is was only going to pass more quickly. I hope with all hope that I will make the most of that time. My children are going to be small only once. They will be teens only once, each in their own modified version.

Sometimes in the day to day I forget how precious each moment can be and let it pass with out enjoying it. I hope I look back with more memories of them than not. I enjoy being included when they give me the chance. The moments the older ones share with me are cherished.

I know there are more times than not that they wish they had their mother instead, I hope they know that she is often by their side. She is still alive, only in spirit in stead. This makes her lucky in my book, it is easier for her to be there for everything important. She is a good mother, I see her teachings in her children. I see her love, her stubbornness, her desire to do good and make others feel of worth. All of her goodness is reflected through her children, old and young. I am so blessed to be a part of it. I just cant say it enough.

Tender Mercies, the top Eight

I get caught up in the moment often and forget to recognize the blessings I have so I thought I would take a moment to remember.

1. I have a wonderful husband who loves and adores myself and our children. He has made it possible that I can be a stay at home mom and watch our children grow. He provides all our family needs to be happy and for some of our wants as well. He honors his priesthood, and gives his best at home, work,and church. What an example to our children!

2. Our oldest has many talents. she loves her siblings whole heartedly and is setting a great example. She cares for everyone around her and wants them all to be happy. Did I mention she is a great cook, and I love visiting her, or having her home. I know mostly selfish on my part, cause I like her cooking.

3. Our second is just as talented in her own areas. She loves helping the underdog. She is quite, but her example also speaks louder than words. She has great self-control and discipline. I love when she calls home and shares her little stories of life's adventures.

4. Our third is in Brazil serving and loving the same people I grew attached to not so long ago. He is setting the example for his younger brothers to work whole heartedly for the Lord, and his sisters, that there are still great guys out there.

5. Our fourth has a creative mind, he is writing a book and loves to share his ideas with his father and I. He loves playing with his younger siblings and relates well with his older siblings, they even come to him for advise. As have I, he is a wise boy for his age.

6. Our fifth has a heart of gold. He is sensitive to his younger siblings and those around him. More than once I have found a vase full of flowers he has hand picked just for me. I am going to miss that down the road when he has grown and moved on, though he promises he will always be here.

7. My sixth little blessing is a match for me when it comes to wills. She has a beautiful smile and loves to make her little brother laugh! She does everything number five likes to do. She looks up to her siblings with adoration. Also, she gives the best ever hugs! She has the vocab of a teen I swear.

8. My seventh blessing is beginning to walk along furniture, he has a smile that would melt any ones heart. I think he is going to be a tender hearted little tyke like our heart of gold. He loves to sing when others are singing. And my favorite is that he loves to cuddle and to be cuddled.

These are my greatest blessings! You can see how blessed I am, there are times I need to remind myself of these blessings. It is easy when I get caught up in a moment of stinky underpants, sibling rivalry, or just the day to day mundane to forget how truly blessed I am.

Of coarse I could go on and on, the blessing of our free country, the freedom to worship, of speech, and voice. There are so many things I take for granted at one time or another. But these are my top eight blessings.