Snow Day

There is just something peaceful and beautiful about freshly fallen snow. It is white clean and pure. Powdery and soft. To me there is nothing better then watching the snowflakes fall. Imagining each snowflake has a story to tell, or a message to share. I feel like snowflakes are messages of love from heaven. A gift for all of us to enjoy and be healed by. All of us have someone we loved that have left this earth. There is a long process for healing, and even though you know that Families are Forever, it seems like a long time till we will be reunited again. It is almost a sacred moment when you are with a child who sees snow for the very first time. Their huge smile, giggles, and joy over playing in the snow and catching snowflakes. Everything we have been given here on earth is for a reason. It is a gift that was created from a loving Father. A gift for each of his children to enjoy. From watching it fall, to skiing, to sledding, to snow shoeing, to all the many adventures you can have with snow. I have been lucky enough to have grown up around snow my entire life. Enjoying it as a child, playing in it and doing different snow activities, and now watching my children enjoy it, I love how the snow gently surrounds the temple, and almost gives it a blanket of warmth,

 For the beauty of the earth; For the beauty of the skies, For the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Lord of all, to thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night, Hill and vale and tree and flower, Sun and moon and stars of light: Lord of all, to thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise.

For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child, friends of earth, and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild: Lord of all to thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise.

For each perfect gift of thine to our race so freely given, Graces human and divine, Flow'rs of earth and buds of heav'n: Lord of all to thee we raise this our joyful hymn of praise.

My moment of peace came in the early hours of the day. The ability to sit and watch the snow fall, and be surrounded by love. Be kind to one another and love your Heavenly Father.

THANKSGIVING 2016

Over the last week I have had several experiences where I have been reminded of several things. 1) A loving HEAVENLY Father is always there. He knows what we need, how we need it, and how often we need to receive it. 2) I am eternally thankful for a loving brother JESUS CHRIST, who died for me that I might live. That I can make and live by my choices. That I know that there is ALWAYS SOMEONE ON MY SIDE. 3) That the HOLY GHOST is real and works daily in our lives. We may not always know it is near, or have a complete understanding but its real.

My favorite bugs are butterflies. They whisper to my soul, and bring me an overwhelming feeling of peace. They are beautiful to look at, and remind me of the greatness of God and all that he created. They remind me of God's greatest gift: CHILDREN. They are each unique and special in there own way. They fly into our lives sometimes for a brief moment, and others for a lifetime. They need our constant care and nurturing. They need guidance, love, and direction. It is amazing to sit and watch them as they explore the world around us. They try to fly in the rain, but are unsuccessful just like when children make choices that may not be the best or safest. But then the sun comes out, and their wings flutter and they take off. They fly around exploring the world they have been given. They soar thru the air with the greatest of ease.

This picture is amazing. There are so many times that I just need a hug, or reassurance that I am doing the best for myself, and my family. Someone to reassure me I am not the only person struggling. That there will come a season of peace, and calm. So while I am in the stormy season of my life I can stay strong and look beyond and know that eventually the sun will come out. That you will feel the warmth of its hot rays.

As I started this blog post I mentioned that I had had several experiences this past week especially that  I know are meant to happen, and remind me just how awesome I have it. On Sunday I had an appointment and I had 2 really sick twinkies. High fevers, and colds that were making them super grumpy and hard to get along with. I was struggling on whether to reschedule or just go. Abigail assured me she could watch them, and I repeatedly asked her are you sure. She said yes, so I went to the meeting and it was definitely the place I needed to be. I needed to hear the message, to be reassured, and to feel comfort. While I was gone Abigail said that the twinkies were super calm, and sat down nicely watching Finding Dory. No complaints, no grumps, just calm.

On Monday evening I was out running errands. I came to a 4 way stop, and there was only one vehicle to the right of me. They had stopped first so I let them go. As I went to step on the gas to take my turn, my shoe slipped off the gas pedal. Within that short amount of time, a bigger truck had come plowing thru the stop sign not slowing down or stopping. They were speeding, and had I not had my shoe slip off of the gas pedal, I would have been struck hard and possible died because of the speed.

Then yesterday Wednesday I took my kids and the 2 boys I was watching to the All Access Park. A lady knocked on my window as we were leaving and said my tire looked a little low, and that I should go get air. As I was pulling out of the parking lot the tire light came on telling me it was low so I quickly drove over to Harmons. When I got there I went to put air in the tire, just to find out that there was a rather large screw in the tire. I was overwhelmed with the situation. Luckily a nice man and his little baby boy stopped and asked me if I needed help. He and his friend helped change my tire to the spare, and wouldn't take anything in return. They were sent there to give me the peace and comfort and help that I needed.

Heavenly Father is aware of our needs. He loves each and every one of us. Sometimes we face sickness, sometimes death of a loved one, sometimes divorce, and sometimes complete failure. But he never stops loving us. He never gives up on us. He holds us, he carries us, and he sends people to help us. With my Momma being away on her mission in Hawaii this holiday season is hard on us. Hard to know that the person you need is so far away. She is on the Lord's errand doing his work. I am grateful for that, and I know that this is the right time and season for her to be serving a mission. But I cannot help but be a little jealous of the people in Hawaii who are experiencing the love, laughter, comfort, and grace of my MOMMA!!! We LOVE and MISS her very much. Especially my little Abigail. She has certainly showed me just how much Momma Sue means to her. Its not the presents and fun she gives her, but the love comfort companionship guidance and care she gives her.

As a favor to me, I ask that you look beyond yourself from today THANKSGIVING thru the END OF THE YEAR. Go out and do acts of kindness and love to those around you. Both to neighbors and friends, but also to those who are strangers, For when we look beyond ourselves and act in God's grace we can feel better about ourselves and our situations; but also bless someone else who may need to see and feel that kindness. It doesn't have to be big or expensive. A note, a treat, a gift, raking leaves, shoveling snow, giving gifts, sending love, no matter what you choose please just do it with a prayer and with all of your heart. SPREADING KINDNESS and LOVE is the only way to make this WORLD A BETTER PLACE!!!!!

Over the last few weeks I feel like I am being faced with one challenge after another. I am seeking for that piece of something that can bless me, and give me the needed energy to go on. To face the struggle of life and come out in the end. I will FIND IT I WILL.

Nothing Better Then Water, Lights, and Music

One of my most favorite times of year is Christmas. I love the lights, sights, sounds, smells, and love for the whole holiday. As I took my kids to the mall this week I was amazed at the new fountain they have there. They have added in a fountain that plays music and choreographs lights and water with it. Being able to sit there on the new chairs, feeling the crisp fall air, and hearing Disney magical music, and watching lights and water was amazing for us. We sat there for over an hour. The moments felt so calm, and the kids really enjoyed it. Abby said look mom you can now see lights, hear music, and enjoy water all year round. Abby has asked me on several occasion why I love it so much. I told her being able to sit, relax, and find the beauty in every thing around us is the best way for us to live. So she pointed out a few things. 1) Mom the music is calming and happy. It lifts everyone up, instead of the music we here so often now. 2) The water is calming. Nothing is better than the babbling sound of water. It is peaceful and calm. It makes us stop so that we won't miss anything. 3) The lights. Mom the lights make me grateful for what we have. The colors are bright and warm and fun. I think so far over the last month, I have finally been able to teach my children that in every crazy day we have on earth, we must stop and enjoy and find a quiet calmer time. 

Early Bird Gets the Worm

Orem's All Together Playground

Orem has built an amazing playground. It is called the All Together Playground. This is a place that all children can safely play together. Built for wheelchairs, children with any medical problem, built for average kids, and for the safety of everyone. It has been really crowded since it opened, but we have discovered the earlier you get there the better the time you will have.

Look at the glorious sunshine rising, and see the laughter and smiles on their faces. The greatest moment this time was seeing the 5 of us all joined together. Life gives us many roads to travel, challenges to face, anger etc, but it is how we respond and overcome it that makes us best.

Jaxon and Elly

Sisters forever and ever. A true friend.


I have taken the kids to this park on 4 different occasions so far, but by a long shot this was my most favorite time. We all arrived before 8:30am on a Saturday morning. We were the only ones there at first. These amazing kids were so excited to have the play ground to themselves. They ran from one side to the other. As I was sitting on a bench reflecting on life, as I more then often find myself doing now; I thought of all the special magical moments that we have shared over the last 11 1/2 years as a family. I thought of all the amazing quiet moments, I thought of the hard moments, and I thought of some of the greatest moments. I saw the sun rising over these 4 amazing kids that I have been blessed with. I saw smiles for the first time in a little while. I saw 4 children actually acting like children. I want so much to hold on to these moments. Getting to spend time with each of them, and also as a whole family has helped me realize I am doing my best. And for now hopefully it is good enough. It is my job to share these gentle kind quiet moments. It is my job to provide a peaceful time, that children get to be children. Where all the trials and troubles they may be facing disappear for at least an hour or so. Reminding my amazing Abby that she is still only a child. Stop and sit. Smell the scent of fall. Play in the leaves. Take pictures. Carve pumpkins together. Make special artwork. Plan your future. Relax for a moment. Enjoy the crispness in the air. 

Falling in the moment

FALL IN UTAH

Here we are at fall break in Utah. It means the colors and smells of fall are in full force. Right around the corner will come snow, and bitter cold temps for Utah. So for now let's live in the moment.

Taking a walk just about anywhere in Utah right now you will run into these amazing colorful trees. The beautiful oranges, reds, yellows, and sometimes greens. The ground covered in crisp leaves. Hearing the laughter of children while jumping in piles of leaves. Seeing all the pumpkin patches and activity places associated with fall open and families creating amazing moments together. Seeing pumpkins everywhere. There is never a better outside smell then fall. The rain that comes. My quiet moment came during the afternoon. My children were ready for an adventure so we headed over to the city park. They were able to run around, jump in the leaves, laugh, throw leaves, step on the leaves and hear them crunch below their little feet. Its a time that we can use to carry us through some of the harder times. We did leaf rubbing, and pictures with fall items. From acorns, to pine cones, to leaves, and to stems. Saving the last bit of summer before the snow falls. Remember now is our time to pause and find that magical moment. It doesn't have to be a big thing, since some of the greatest moments come in the smallest ways.

End of the Week

After experiencing a long week of running around, appointments, substitute teaching, and meetings I was sitting talking with my Abby as we watched the sunset. Abby calls this cotton candy sky. Can you see the fluffy clouds, and the beauty God gives us at the end of each day? Can you see that when we need just a little reassurance, or a reminder that he is near, that the angels surround us, and that he loves us? Can you feel the peace, and the warmth left behind from the sun? Often times just when I feel like I just need a break the weekend comes, or something I see gives me that calming peaceful feeling. I love so much when the weekend comes. It is a time to renew ourselves, to spend time with our kids, and to rest (even if it is only for a minute.) It is definitely hard being a single parent, but I am learning just how important that I am. I need to be able to do everything. I need to still be the mom, but also the dad. I still need to be the nurse, the teacher, the doctor, the friend, the counselor, the chef, the housekeeper, the listener, the chauffeur, the accountant, and more. It is tiring, but I would never give it up. My 4 kids are my life, and I want to be able to give them everything I possibly can. Let them run and play, laugh and cry, study and read, breathe and enjoy life. Remember you are the best that you can be.  Believe in yourself, and know that God loves you no matter what your experience is. Whether you are struggling or all is at peace, he is there and he knows you. Your struggles, your fears, your questions, your doubts. BELIEVE, LIVE, LOVE, PRAY, SHOW GRATITUDE, AND BELIEVE IN ALL THINGS.