And so it goes....

A photo of me... nothing fancy, and certainly no contest beauty, but me just the same! Got the dress at the DI even! ( but don't spread that around, will you?) I wont even go into all the things I see that bother me about this photo (and I don't mean the socks, Davy!!), that is not the point of this post, but I will say one thing - and that is that I am me... a woman alive and happy and living life to the fullest I can manage! I have the blessings of the restored gospel to enrich and bring understanding, purpose and hope to my life! I've 6 wonderful children and 2 beautiful grandchildren who give me more joy than I could ever have imagined possible! I am healthy and strong, and have opportunities to serve and teach, create, learn and grow, and enjoy the beauties of this world! I also am loved by many dear people, and that in itself is reason enough to say, I sure am one heck of a blessed woman, and so very thankful to be me!!

Why I'm a Republican -

While walking this morning I passed this parked car... couldn't resist posting, especially in light of the left bumper sticker! (click to enlarge) Unbelievable!! And then a good friend sent me this list in an email...sorry no identifying resource information was included, but it was just too good to pass up sharing!

When your friends can't explain why they voted for Democrats, give them this list. They can then pick a reason -

10. I voted Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.

9. I voted Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.

8. I voted Democrat because Freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.

7. I voted Democrat because I'm way too irresponsible to own a gun, and I know that my local police are all I need to protect me from murderers and thieves.

6. I voted Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday can tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.

5. I voted Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies through abortion so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.

4. I voted Democrat because I think illegal aliens have a right to free health care, education, and Social Security benefits.

3. I voted Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves.

They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as the democrats see fit.

2. I voted Democrat because I believe liberal judges need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would never get their agendas past the voters.

1. I voted Democrat because my head is so firmly planted up my a** it is unlikely that I'll ever have another point of view.

"I love to see the Temple" and wee Teagan

I was informed today, by one of many loyal readers, that my last entry is becoming a bit long in the tooth! Imagine that!! Guess I have been preoccupied of late, but in a lovely way! Perhaps I shall blog on that subject another time!

Yesterday I found myself able to manage a visit to the temple in Provo. Yes, I know it's probably the oddest looking temple ever, but do you know what? It is dear to me! I think it's because of the wonderful experiences I've had within it's walls... the many tears shed, many prayers answered and the many lovely comforting moments I have found there. As I was leaving after this last visit, I looked back and caught this lovely view! Just look how it sits before the mountains, the clouds hanging low, misty and wet from rains.... Odd perhaps, but beautiful as well!

And I have to add a photo of my grandbaby Teagan. She is so soft and so sweet, and as she is growing more into her self, I find I am enchanted! Precious soft lips!!

What a church!!

I usually deliver my illustrations in person to the art directors at the Church magazines. They have become good friends, and I've found the personal touch is helpful when they select artists for upcoming assignments! I'll be honest, it's good business too! I also get a kick out of saying to the front desk, "I'm here to see Brother So and So on the 24th floor", putting on the ID badge, and then riding the secure elevator up and up and up and up in the Church Office Building... Wow!!

I mean COME ON! There will always be critics of the Church, there have always been and always will be, but I would challenge those same critics to just come and stand before any one of the beautiful temples or chapels worldwide, built with the tithes of the members. Let them listen to the Tabernacle Choir echoing through the Conference Center, all volunteers, uncompensated for time or travel. I challenge them to watch news reports of the Church being the first to arrive, with millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid donated freely, to ease suffering countries and peoples. Let them witness the membership worldwide serving freely and gratefully out of love for their Heaveny Father and their brothers and sisters, as missionaries, as temple workers, as bishops, teachers, and youth leaders. Let them see all of this and more! and then ride with me up that elevator, and not find themselves in awe saying, "Man!! What a church!!"

Grandaughters

I have two! Lovely!!

A lovely holiday...

Have been reflecting on this Easter...

We colored eggs and made frosted sugar cookies during the week... enjoyed General Conference with our scrummy breakfast Easter morning... and among the laughter, baby giggling and noise of family, we listened to men of God, their humble testimonies of our Savior, His Atonement, and the promise that first Easter made. It was a sweet holiday with the people who are dear to me.

The kids have surprised me the past few years since we've been on our own with a basket just for me. I think Andrew started it, love! Among the sweets and thoughtful gifts, I have always found a treasure of sweet notes... one from each of them. I have saved them all, and keep them in my "joy" book (If you don't have one, I'd recommend making one, today).

I keep things in it that have given me joy... notes, letters, odd photos, stories... little things that through the years have given me happiness, and helped me remember what matters most in life. I look through it from time to time, especially when I feel I'm losing my grip on things, and it never fails to lift my heart or remind me what I love in life... my faith, my wonderful family, a lovely sky, a wee slice of angel cake with raspberries, talking about important things just in the moment with one of my kids, walking and breathing in the early morning, quiet times like this when I can pray and reflect and count my blessings.

Here they are about 6 years ago...

and here they are today...