This is my first attempt at blogging. My daughter Shelli does it and it is a joy for me to read what is going on in her Mommy's mind and her perspective on family. It is also a journal of sorts which I really need to be doing. So here goes... My husband, kids and their kids are my greatest joy and I am so grateful for them in my life. Yesterday we went to see the 2010 Olympic Torch as it went through our little town of Crofton. I invited Shelli & Darren and the grandkids to come and see it with David & me. It was a beautiful sunny day but a little chilly as we waited 20 minutes or so for it to pass. It was here & gone in about 30 seconds. I don't know if the children appreciated the great tradition of the world that they witnessed because it happened so fast. As with our lives, it goes by too quickly. Sometimes we get so caught up in waiting for events to happen that we might miss the significant things that happen in an instant. I know I need to find more joy in the little things and not ever be waiting for happiness to come, when...it is around me every day. It is in a child's love even if they are grown, because they are still and will always be my babies. It is in a spouse who loves me more than ever even after almost 33 years of living together. It is in a grandchild's hug or note that says "You are the best Grandma, ever." What could be better than that? We need to express our love and appreciation every day for those around us. Whether it be family or friends. If I have learned anything in my life so far it is that time and opportunity should never be wasted. If we are grateful we should share that gratitude with those it concerns because life is full of fleeting moments and we never know when or if the opportunity will come again. So in this my first blog, I wish to express my deep love for my sweet husband David who is doing his best to survive in this world when he feels lost or discouraged and who daily tells me how much he loves me. I want to share my love for my beautiful daughter Shelli who is an example and a rock to me and is the kind of Mother I wish I could have been more like. I love her love of and testimony of the gospel truths and her great desire to teach her children the way they should go. I must include Darren, her husband in this too. He is a righteous man who shares the same eternal goals as Shelli in raising their children. I am so thankful for that. My grandchildren are in great hands. I also want to say how grateful I am for my son Keb who is such a kind and loving person who always lets me know how much he loves me and that even with all my shortcomings tells me I am the spiritual glue that holds our family together. I love his tenderness when it comes to spiritual things and his willingness to be taught. I am grateful for Jayme, his future wife, who also shares a love for spiritual things. I am so thankful for my son Justin who is ever striving to grow and become the person Heavenly Father knows he is, even when it would be easier to give up. He keeps going. I love that about him. I always know how much he loves me and that I am a vital part of his life and that he knows I am his greatest earthly cheerleader. And lastly my Jordan. I am so grateful for his trust in me and love for me. He knows when I need a hug the most and is willingly there to provide it. He is always there with no complaint when we need a helping hand and gives us his full support when we ask. As for my grandchildren... They are the very best of my friends and a most dear part of my heart. They brighten my days and my life. Because of them I see the future more clearly and I know I have much to do to be ready and worthy to spend eternity with them. I pray that I will be the best example and help I can be to my family as a wife, mother and grandmother and that we may together all find joy here on this earth and in the eternities.
