Memorial Day

I can't believe I didn't post a memorial to my loved ones that have passed yesterday. I have done that every year on Memorial Day. It wasn't that I wasn't thinking about them, I ALWAYS think about them. I guess a day late is better than not at all.

I have lost many loved ones through the years and Memorial Day has become a special holiday to me. This year I would like to start off by honoring all the lives of our armed forces that gave their lives so that we can all enjoy the freedoms of this great country which I live. Without them I can't help but wonder where we would all be today. They have my sincere gratitude and respect.

Next up is my mom and dad...Words cannot express how much I miss them. They were my hero's and #1 supporters. Each day that passes I miss them more, the pain of losing them is not as deep but the empty spot in my heart never seems to fade. I miss their laughter, their warmth, and their love that was always present. I know they are still close and I still feel them now and then but I would give just about anything to have just one more minute with them...to give them just one more hug...to tell them how much I love them, respect them, miss them....or even just to get one more glimpse of their warm smiles.

My sister Jeanette...It was very hard losing her. She was so young (38) and left behind 10 incredible children that still needed her so much. I was a bit angry when she passed, I couldn't believe that such a kind and loving person would be taken from her babies so soon. When I think about her youngest children not remembering her, it brings tears to my eyes. She loved all of her babies more than anything else in the world

God bless those beautiful nieces and nephews of mine!

My father in law...Oh how I wish my sweet girls would have known him. I never got to meet him either but from the stories I've heard I'm sure my sweet Barney is very much like his dad. When I watch Barney play with our grandsons I sometimes wonder what our life would be like had his dad still been around. I believe he would have been a fantastic grandpa. What a great man I believe he was...Is it possible to miss someone you never met?...I love the man I have envisioned through the years and I really do miss him. I always wonder if he would have liked me, would he have felt that I was good enough for his son?...*sigh*

I have also lost all my grandparents, a niece and a nephew, aunts and uncles...The list could go on but I will stop it here. I hope everyone had a glorious Memorial Day and took a few moments to REMEMBER...

Sending Love and Light to all that may be missing someone dear to them today

I just have to say...

Happy Birthday Dianie!!

Today is my sister Dianie's birthday!

I couldn't let the day go by without letting you know how much I love yer guts!! I don't know what I would do without your friendship. You have been there beside me, in good times and bad for most of my life. Thank you for everything you do for me!!

I'm sorry I didn't get to see you and give you a birthday hug!! I hope you had a fabulous day!

In other news...

Aubrey and Dylan will be here June 5th...I am so very excited to see them!! I have really been missing them!

Jace has been riding the bike we got him for Easter nonstop...Once he felt comfortable with it he started trying wheelies

It didn't take long after perfecting that little trick that he started pleading with us to take the training wheels off...I didn't want to but we finally gave in...Saturday evening they came off. He did very well as long as someone got him going. By Sunday afternoon after MANY tip overs and a few run ins with the tree, he was a speed demon cruizing around on that bike with no help. Oh my, this little man is fearless.

He went to spend the day with his daddy yesterday and I'm sure he was anxious to show him his new accomplishment. He had a big crash while with him and is now sporting a bit of road rash on his elbow, knee and, as he put it his peck...he also has a little bruise on his cheek...Poor baby!

He is so tough, he informed me that it was really no big deal and that, that is how people learn to do awesome stuff...LOL.

Oh how I love him!!

Carson was finally able to buy herself a reliable car. Her little red car was not in the best of shape. She picked up her cute little Jeep Liberty yesterday and is totally loving it!!

I must say, it is pretty cute

My little KellBell is still plugging away at school. She has such a great talent with hair. She truly does an amazing job!! I can't wait til she is finished and out there making money doing what she loves!!

Angels Among Us...

Have you ever had something happen in your life that made you take notice of just how precious life is? Last night I had just such an occurrence happen. I do believe with all my heart that there are angel's among us that watch over us.

Yesterday when I got home from work I got me an ice cold glass of sweet tea and headed to the porch to wait for my honeypot to get home. I called to see where he was, he said he had just passed the North Ogden. About 20 minutes after we ended our call he called again. He told me he probably wouldn't be home for awhile..He then told me what had happened. He dozed off and went off the road, when he tried to get it back on the road he ended up being shot across the freeway through a fence and into a ditch. They did have to call a tow truck to pull him out but there is very little damage to the car.

When I think about what the outcome could have been, I shudder. So many different scenario's went through my mind. He could have hit those wires that they have put up in the median...He could have easily flipped the car...There could have been another car involved....so many things that could have easily happened.

Barney was soooo freakin' lucky. He drives from Brigham to Lehi for work every day (about 100 miles each way).  I'm so thankful that he made it home. I wish he didn't have to drive so far every day. I have no doubt his angels were there with him, keeping him out of harms way.

I hope you will remember to appreciate those precious loved ones a bit more. Make sure they know how important they are to you. You never know what tomorrow will bring

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 13

A Mother's Love

There is no love, like a mother's love,

no stronger bond on earth...

like the precious bond that comes from God,

to a mother, when she gives birth.

A mother's love is forever strong,

never changing for all time...

and when her children need her most,

a mother's love will shine.

God bless these special mothers,

God bless them every one...

for all the tears and heartache,

and for the special work they've done.

When her days on earth are over,

a mother's love lives on...

through many generations,

with God's blessings on each one.

Be thankful for our mothers,

for they love with a higher love...

from the power God has given,

and the strength from up above.

...Jill Lemming



I would like to honor all you Wonderful Mothers out there!!

I hope you have an incredible day and are given the royal treatment by all those who love and cherish you!!

This is the gift we made for my sweet mother in law.
It turned out pretty cool!



Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 12

I posted this a year or two ago but felt it was something worthy of a repost

Why Mothers Cry

"Why are you crying?" he asked his mom.

"Because I'm a mother," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said.

His mom just hugged him and said, "You never will!"

Later the little boy asked his father why Mother

seemed to cry for no reason.

"All mothers cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering

why mothers cry. So he finally put in a call to God, and

when God got on the phone the man said,

"God, why do mothers cry so easily?"

God said, "You see son, when I made mothers they had

to be special.

I made their shoulders strong enough to

carry the weight of the world, yet gently enough to give

comfort.

I gave them an inner strength to endure childbirth

and the rejection that many times come from their children."

"I gave them a hardiness that allows them to keep going

when everyone else gives up, and to take care of their

families through sickness and fatigue without complaining."

"I gave them the sensitivity to love their children under all

circumstances, even when their child has hurt them very

badly. This same sensitivity helps them to make a child's boo-boo

feel better and helps them share a teenager's anxieties and fears."

"I gave them a tear to shed. It's theirs exclusively to use whenever

it's needed. It's their only weakness. It's a tear for mankind."

...Author Unknown

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 11

This is so true...Don't miss a thing!

Childhood Doesn't Wait

I was sitting on a bench

while in a nearby mall,

When I noticed a young mother

with two children who were small.

The youngest one was whining,

"Pick me up," I heard him beg

but the mother's face grew angry

as the child clung to her leg.

"Don't hang on to me," she shouted

as she pushed his hands away,

I wish I'd had the courage

to go up to her and say...

"The time will come too quickly

when those little arms that tug,
Won't ask for you to hold them

or won't freely give a hug.

"The day will sneak up subtly

just as it did with me,

When you can't recall the last time

that your child sat on your knee.

"Like those sacred, pre-dawn feedings

when we cherished time alone

Our babies grow and leave behind

those special times we've known.

"So when your child comes to you

with a book that you can share,

Or asks that you would tuck him in

and help him say his prayer...

"When he comes to sit and chat

or would like to take a walk,

Before you answer that you can't

`cause there's no time to talk"

Remember what all parents learn

so many times too late,

That years go by too quickly

and that childhood doesn't wait.

"Take every opportunity,

if one should slip away

Reach hard to get it back again,

don't wait another day."

I watched that mother walk away

her children followed near,

I hope she'll pick them up

before her chances disappear

...Author Unknown

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 10

This is just a random memory that popped into my head while I was thinking about what to post for today's celebration of motherhood.

My mom was a great lady that was always quick to volunteer to drag me and my friends around when I was a teen. She would take us dragging main, roller skating, or anything else we had the urge to do.

 I worked at Peach City as a car hop at the time and all of us working on this particular night decided we wanted to go toilet papering after work. We were all to young to drive so I called my mom. I asked her if she would take us. She giggled and said she would LOVE to!! She picked us all up after we closed and off we went. It was so fun...we chose to do my bosses house which we all felt he DESERVED...LOL
She waited in the truck up the street and we crept down the road and got to work on his house. He came out and started yelling at us we ran as fast as we could and jumped in the back of the old pick up. We were all sure he knew who we were but he didn't!! WHEW!

She was the coolest mom in town as far as me and my friends were concerned.

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 9

Do you truly appreciate all the things your mother does for you? 

I am sure I didn't appreciate my mom like I should have as I was growing up and even as an adult. Thinking back I am ashamed to admit that there were things my mom did to help me that I actually EXPECTED and looked at as her "job" as a mother. Now, after having to live without her for almost 25 years I have come to realize just how much appreciation my sweet, selfless mother should have received from me but didn't. She didn't expect anything in return for all the help she gave to her children, not even our appreciation.... Oh how I regret my behavior now that it's too late to change.

I know my mom knew how much I loved her but I'm pretty sure she never knew just how grateful I am for all those little things she did to help me. I think I gave her thank you here and there but not like I should have.

 I wish I could have just one more hour with her to tell her everything that's in my heart after living without her for so long. How much I appreciate all that she did for me. You always think you have time...YOU DON"T! My mom passed away so suddenly and unexpectedly.  You just never know when that day will be. Spend as much time as you can loving and appreciating your mother.

Thinking of you my sweet momma and

missing you so very much.

I hope those of you who are lucky enough to still have your mothers here with you hug them a little tighter EVERY day possible, tell them how grateful you are to have them and show them the love and respect that they deserve!

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 8

I sure am missing my mom today. 

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 7

The Love of a Mother
by Anonymous


A Mother's love is something
that no on can explain, 
It is made of deep devotion 
and of sacrifice and pain


It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it 
or take that love away


It is patient and forgiving 
when all others are forsaking, 
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking


It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems


It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret 
like the mysteries of creation


A many splendor miracle 
man cannot understand 
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 6

To my other mother, Carolyn,

I love and respect you as a woman and a mother. You have an incredible mind and soul which you've so generously shared with me. I am honored and awed when I think of how you welcomed me into your heart and family so lovingly almost 29 years ago. I have been blessed to be part of your family. I know that there have been ups and downs over the years and I hope you will accept my apologies for anything I may have done in the past to cause you any pain. I believe we are in a great place in our relationship today. I enjoy every second that I get to spend with you.


I want to let you know how grateful I am for the wonderful son you brought into this world so many years ago. God trusted you with this sweet child of his and you did not let him down. You gave all your love to that sweet little baby. As time passed and he grew you helped this blue eyed toddler become a loving, yet mischievous little boy who was so full of life. As he grew from child to teenager you were there to oversee every step, allowing him to find his own way, letting him stumble knowing that you would be there with a loving heart when he needed it. Now that teenager is a grown man with grown children of his own. Know that you should be proud. You planted the seed of love so many years ago in your son and I am reaping the rewards.

Thank you again for this sweet blue eyed man I call my husband, without you, our happiness would not be possible.

I am so glad I have you in my life, I love you and hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day!!

Your daughter in law,
Linda

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 5

I thought I would do a bit of research on the history of Mother's Day. I thought it was kind of interesting.

The earliest history of Mothers Day dates back to the ancient annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to maternal goddesses. The Greeks used the occasion to honor Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities of Greek mythology.

Ancient Romans, too, celebrated a spring festival, called Hilaria dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess. It may be noted that ceremonies in honor of Cybele began some 250 years before Christ was born. The celebration made on the Ides of March by making offerings in the temple of Cybele lasted for three days and included parades, games and masquerades. The celebrations were notorious enough that followers of Cybele were banished from Rome.

 

The more recent history of Mothers Day dates back to 1600s in England. Here a Mothering Sunday was celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter) to honor mothers. After a prayer service in church to honor Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to pay tribute to their own mothers. On the occasion, servants, apprentices and other employees staying away from their homes were encouraged by their employers to visit their mothers and honor them.  

The custom of celebrating Mothering Sunday died out almost completely by the 19th century. However, the day came to be celebrated again after World War II, when American servicemen brought the custom to the US.

 

The idea of official celebration of Mothers day in US was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872. An activist, writer and poet Julia shot to fame with her famous Civil War song, "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Julia Ward Howe suggested that June 2 be annually celebrated as Mothers Day and should be dedicated to peace. She wrote a passionate appeal to women and urged them to rise against war in her famous Mothers Day Proclamation, written in Boston in 1870. She also initiated a Mothers' Peace Day observance on the second Sunday in June in Boston and held the meeting for a number of years. Julia tirelessly championed the cause of official celebration of Mothers Day and declaration of official holiday on the day. Her idea spread but was later replaced by the Mothers' Day holiday now celebrated in May.

Today Mothers Day is celebrated in several countries including US, UK, India, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan and Belgium. People take the day as an opportunity to pay tribute to their mothers and thank them for all their love and support. There is also a tradition of gifting flowers, cards and others gift to mothers on the Mothers Day. The festival has become commercialized to a great extent.

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 4

Dear Mom,


I never realized until I had my own children how difficult or rewarding being a mother could be. Now I wish I would have helped you more with the chores around our house. Listened to your wise advice and been a better daughter than I was.

You always put us kids first and I know you went without a lot. You took care of me when I was sick, even when you were sick, too. You went nights without sleep from worrying. You made sure that every morning I was up and off to school. There are so many more things that I could list, but I would never be able to list them all.

What a sacrifice you made for all of us. Thank you, Mom, so much, for every second of the day that you cared and guided me to be who I am today. Now I am a mother, and I now know exactly how you felt. I understand the exhaustion, the worries, sacrifices and I understand something else that I never did before, the love that a mother has for her children is the most powerful, protective, caring, emotional, sacrificing love that will ever exist on this earth.

You have been gone for almost 25 years yet there has not been a single day that I don't think of you, miss you terribly, and love you deeply. When I look at my girls I get a little sad that they didn't get to know you, feel the warmth of your hugs and the love that poured from your heart so freely. I know you are still close by and I believe that one day they will know for themselves just what a great woman their grandmother was.

I have to say it again, Mom. Thank you with all my heart.  I love you so very, very much and I am so very proud that you are my mother.

All my Love,
Linda

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 3

To my Wonderful Daughters,

Life is short and there are things I want to say to you while I can. You never know what tomorrow will bring. I have so many hopes and dreams for each one of you and want you to know that I am very proud to be your mother.

Learn to dream BIG and then work hard to go after those dreams! Learn to forgive...even when you can't forget. Forgiveness brings joy and peace to your soul.

Learn to live your life without regret. Regret will only make you sad about things that you cannot change. Set goals for yourself. It will help you get you where you want to be in life.

Live your life in a respectful manner. Respect others but, mostly respect yourself. Love deeply, passionately and unconditionally and accept nothing less in return from your life partner. Accept yourself not only as the beautiful person I know you are but accept your flaws too. Believe that you can do anything you set your mind to doing.

Learn not to judge yourself by what people think of you because you will never please everyone, instead be the best YOU that you can be. Learn how to pray and believe that God will always be there for you. Even in your darkest days.

Choose the people you trust carefully. Be kind and try to find the goodness in others. Learn how to cook and keep house.

Never let others define you – define yourself. Never forget to dance in the rain, walk barefoot on the grass, and love like there is no tomorrow.

I want you to know that I love each one of you more than you will ever know. My life's dream when I was young was to become a mom and you three are my dream come true. I know it hasn't always been easy, we have cried, yelled, laughed, hugged, pulled away and come together so many times and for so many reasons. The one thing that has and will always be there is love.


Love,
Your Mama

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 2

Let's face it

Motherhood can be stressful! While it brings some of the best perks you can imagine ~the fun, the growth, the love~it also brings more than its share of work, frustration and stress. Fortunately, the pros of motherhood far out weigh motherhood's cons. One of the best ways that mothers can reduce stress is to soak up all the joy of motherhood~really enjoy their kids and make the most of all the gifts and benefits that come with being a mother.

Have Fun
Children bring a lot of responsibility, but they are experts at having fun. Whether it’s a toddler giggling in the wonder of bubbles, or a teen who is discovering the joy of driving, your kids can supply you with numerous opportunities to find the joy in the every day activities you take for granted, and live each day to the fullest.

It can be stressful dealing with the tantrums and the negatives of each age, but every age brings its own gifts as well. When your toddler smears something on the walls the minute you turn your back, it’s easy to wish you could fast-forward time to a day when you don’t need eyes in the back of your head, but remembering all that you’d miss...the cute way they say new words (not pronounced quite right), or the way their eyes light up when they see something for the first time...can push those thoughts right out of your mind.

While it can be overwhelming dealing with the needs of an infant or the demands of a toddler, and the clock can seem to stand still when you’re in the midst of tantrums and chaos, realize that you’ll be amazed by how quickly it all passed when it’s over. And once it’s gone...it’s gone! Imagine looking back on these days, and keep in mind that they literally are numbered, and you’ll probably find your second wind, and with it, an bit more patience and good humor. They’re small for such a short time!

One of the things that I love about being a mother is that I got to relive my childhood...in some ways. If you loved your childhood, you can enjoy giving your kids the same wonderful experiences you had, enjoying not only their experiences, but also your memories. If your childhood wasn't everything you wish it could have been, you can provide a better experience for your own kids, which can be a healing experience for you as well as a good one for them.

You may find your playful qualities coming back as you spend the day with your children...enjoy it and develop a deeper sense of gratitude and wonder at life in general, as seeing the world through your child's eyes. Whether you’re watching your child fly their first kite, rediscovering the fun of board games, or enjoying any of the millions of other ‘firsts’ that start in infancy and continue through the teenage years, you can learn to enjoy life all over again while your kids are learning for the first time.



Experience Every Emotion

I couldn't imagine going through life without feeling all of these emotions. There are wonderful days when I feel my heart is overflowing and there are days that I want to run away because I am questioning every decision I have ever made. Feeling it all, good or bad, gives my life purpose. Motherhood is walking around with all of your nerve endings raw and exposed. Nothing else can produce the joy or the heartbreak that motherhood does. It is the most extreme measure of being alive. 

Be grateful for EVERY moment

Celebration of Motherhood ~ Day 1

When you first see those two little lines on the home pregnancy test your mind starts preparing you for the fact that you are going to be a mother. Whether this was planned or a surprise you are in for a big change.

The first time you look into your child's eyes you will understand what the words unconditional love truly mean. This is one of the first changes you will have becoming a mother. I have loved many before, but the love I felt when I held my daughter is something I could never explain. If you ask another mother they will know exactly how you felt.

Once you take that sweet baby home you will learn how being a mother will completely change every aspect of your life. I soon discovered that there was no longer any Me time. I now had someone depending on me for their every need, I also discovered I didn't care. I wanted to spend every moment of every day with my daughter. It took me so long to have her I didn't want to miss anything. Here are a few more ways becoming a mother has changed my life.


I learned that you MUST have patience, Once you have a child you will discover how important it is to grasp the concept of being patient. Before becoming a mother you could jump up and run out the door anytime you felt like it. That isn't the case with children. Patience is something you will need everyday after becoming a mother.


There is no "Perfect Family", that is just not real life. Families have disagreements, Kids misbehave, I always said I would have a child who listened to what I said, one that didn't get into everything, break things, they would know better. I Knew all about Time-Outs and how great they would work. Boy was I wrong. Once I became a mother I realized you can not predict the future. Each child is different and Time-Outs do not work for all situations. Kids will act up and embarrass you while you are out at the store. They will start screaming because you tell them No. Then when you try to correct them everyone around will stare at you like you are abusing the child. We have all heard "wait until I get you home " from our parents. I swore I would never use that..... Again I was wrong.


Never take things for granted, always value the wonderful experiences becoming a mother has given you. They can be taken away in a matter of seconds. No one can ever predict how long we will have to spend with the ones we love, and becoming a mother has made me more aware of this fact. I couldn't even imagine not having my daughters in my life. Each night tell the people you love how much they mean to you and kiss and hug your children. While there will be days when you feel like you are going to explode from frustration, remember tomorrow is another day. Just enjoy the time you have to spend with your children, and the time spent being a mother.


My mom always told me that it wouldn't be the things you could buy for your kids that will be remembered. These are not the things that make you a good mother. The time you spend with your child playing, talking, reading is what will matter most to them. They will not care how many hours you spent at work, or how big of a house you live in. All they will care about is that you loved them.

Hold your little ones a little closer today...Love them...imperfections and all