Documenting my life

54 years yesterday. Seems I just entered a similar posting, but I guess that was my 53rd. How time does hurry by.

New Cover Photo

Lovely new cover photo, isn't it! I thought I'd better introduce it, so you know it's more than a lovely old photo. My great grandfather James Niven from Aberdeen, Scotland holding his son, my grandfather, Glen Niven. No idea where or when, (need to do a bit of research I see) but Grandpa looks to be less than 1. Love the whiskers!! Anyway, here's to them! And all the blethering that went on in that home, I'm certain!

Two Darling Parents

I know that everyone thinks their grand children are adorable, but may I brag a bit about the parents of my grand children, namely William and Stephanie, my oldest son and his beautiful wife. They married about 5 years ago and immediately began their marriage separated, as Will deployed with the USMC to Iraq. Steph was expecting during that time and Will arrived home just weeks before Liberty was born. One year later they would be separated again, this time to Afghanistan, while Steph would give birth to their second daughter by herself. And now, the Marine Corp behind them, and undergraduate work finished, they are setting off to The University of Iowa Law School, with two little girlies and a baby boy on the way. Today as we celebrated Libby's 4th birthday, I watched once again in awe at the wonderful young couple they are, the darling way they love and teach their girls, my precious grand daughters, and I cannot help but feel a gratitude to bursting with love of them all.

What I Learned Today

Today at Women's Conference I learned how to be a better mother, how to listen to my children without making judgements or adding comments, and asking questions that will help me understand what they aren't saying as well as what they are. I learned how to follow the pattern of Captain Moroni in fortifying my family and home for the battles of these latter-days, both temporally and spiritually. I was reminded that the trials in life have a purpose, and when I pray for help in the midst of them, that I must place my faith in God and not in the desired outcome. I learned that I must say "Thy will be done.", and believe it, and have the faith to hold onto the rod of iron even when I cannot see the tree of life. I learned there are times we must walk to the edge of the light and even step into the darkness for a bit before we can fully see our path and understand where we should go. And then as we were preparing to leave, I received this lovely print, signed by the artist. I'm sending it to Beth. And to think I almost didn't go.

Buck

Saw this inspiring film last evening that a friend recommended. And to think I almost didn't bother. Not only was Buck inspiring in his ability to overcome the past, and he's pretty mild in describing it I'm certain, but in the amazing abilities he has acquired throughout his life based on that past. Watching him work increased in me the desire I've always had to watch and listen more closely to people and things that are hurt, and somehow make a difference in their lives. I was reminded that there are always reasons people are the way they are, whether by their own choices or the choices of others, and we can never judge a person with just our eyes. President Uchtdorf spoke quite eloquently on this subject in this past General Conference when he said "Stop it!"
I've known of a few people like Buck who have faced almost insurmountable odds in life, with every reason or excuse to fail, and have chosen to rise above them to become amazing people, and it inspires me to be a better person.
Here's a bit of simple wisdom I acquired from watching Buck: He said he could tell a lot about a person by the way the animals under their care act. A horse (or a dog) is like a 3 year-old child in capacity to understand and learn, and when that animal misbehaves or acts out, it's usually the person who needs to be taught how to behave, not the animal. I find I'm looking at my wee dog in a whole new light now! Good dog Lily!!