Date Night!

We missed our Date Night yesterday because Jeff was out of town. So after spending a fun day, putting my sewing room back together ( fun for me ). We had our Date Night tonight. 

Amazing, it has been almost 35 years since our first Date, and I still get excited about going out with him! I am a lucky woman!

Hope you had a wonderful day and wish you a Happy Easter tomorrow!

Good night dear friends!

 

   

Jeff Woodard

   

Lynn Johnson Woodard

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Lauren Woodard

August 19, 2012

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With Lynn Johnson Woodard and Jeff Woodard.

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  Sarah Houston I LOVE your parents!

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Courage!

Today started off  hard, because my thoughts and all the WHAT IFS were keeping me busy while I was trying so hard not to worry. I had many dear friends who offered to go with me ( since Jeff is out of town ). The dear friend that took me was just so sweet and comforting, and of course I had phone calls and text from my kids and friends telling me to not worry... and that they would keep me in their prayers. Jeff had left a sweet note on the table before he left this morning for the airport and it said " Lynn, be courageous for your test.", as soon as I read it, it made me cry. Because I know that is exactly what I need to be ...full of courage and faith." Sometimes though, the fear does get the best of me. Then right before I left for my appointment, I found a sticky note that I had tucked away some where ...it was from my Mom and probably written over 20 years ago and it said  "....think what a special spirit you are and keep your chin up! " I remember her sending that in a package she sent me years ago, no doubt I was going through a trial then too. Anyway, I feel so grateful and blessed, I feel like I had a lot of support and help today.
 There was one lady there today, who had been there for 4 hours, and was still having more tests done.... I remembered those days, so I prayed for this lady ( didn't know her name ) but she talked a lot about her granddaughter and what she wanted to do with her for her birthday. I pray that she gets to do that with her, and that she will have the courage, if she has to face Cancer and hopefully many friends and family like me... who truly hold her up through it ...the whole way! Good night dear friends.

Baby Shower!

Tonight was Amy's Baby Shower. Her dear friend put it on at her house and what an incredible job she did. She and Amy have the same taste in decorating, sooo it was picture perfect!  Just wished all of our family could have been there, cousins and all.  Miss Audrey Jane got a lot of beautiful things tonight, how kind of all of our friends to come and support her.
This photo is of Amy a few months earlier...her cute belly is a bit bigger now!
We will have photos soon, just wanted to leave you with a Happy Thought tonight and then I am heading to bed. Looking forward to getting tomorrow  ( my cancer check up ) behind me!
 Wish me luck!
Good night dear friends!

"Let a series of happy thoughts run through your mind. They will show on your face!"
~ Norman Vincent Peale  
"The happiness of your life, depends on the quality of your thoughts."

Bigger Than Me Day!

Well, I was totally shocked today when I woke up SCARED! Then came the tears...it took me a minute to try to understand what these feelings were and why they hit me so hard? A couple of things came to mind, my Doctor of the past 6 years is moving....I knew that and thought I had already wrapped my head around it; but then I started thinking that means we will have to get a new Doctor for all of our family, not just me. However, I am the hardest one to get one for because of being a Cancer Survivor and especially because I didn't treat it traditionally! Now I know DEEP DOWN in my heart that I will find the right one for me, but it just hit me that he is leaving and I have to start over. Gaining that type of trust in a Doctor...is no easy thing for me!
The second thing that I realized is....I have my yearly Cancer Check Up on Friday, and that always throws a bit of fear into my life. I know it is normal but I don't like feeling this way. To top that off, Jeff will be out of town that day and won't be able to go with me. They don't let him go in with me any more ( new office policy) but it is nice to know that my Knight is outside waiting for me. I have many dear friends that have offered to go..so I will be fine.
Two dear friends came by to visit  me yesterday, what a blessing to have such wonderful Friends! They remembered that I was going in for my Check Up on Friday, and so they brought me a book it is called HOWEVER LONG & HARD THE ROAD by Jeffrey R. Holland. I decided after finally pulling myself together this morning, to start readying it and what a good idea that was!
I will only share a couple of things with you that I have read so far but they were pretty profound to me today!
It begins by talking about all the terrible things you hear in the news each day and how that can make one anxious. Then he quoted F. Scott Fitzgerald when he said " TROUBLE HAS NO NECESSARY CONNECTION WITH DISCOURAGEMENT- DISCOURAGEMENT HAS A GERM OF ITS OWN, AS DIFFERENT FROM TROUBLE AS ARTHRITIS IS DIFFERENT FROM A STIFF JOINT."
He goes on to say that the "germ" of discouragement is not in trouble, but in us. It's frequently a small germ, hardly worth going to the doctor for, but it will work and it will grow and it will spread. In fact, it can become almost a habit, a way of living and thinking, and there the greatest damage is done. As with any other germ, a little preventive medicine out to be practiced in terms of those things that get us down. 
" The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining."  ~ John F. Kennedy The Boy Scout Motto is " Be Prepared".  
Of course there are some disappointments that we can not totally be prepared for, but he mentions that we need to face down those disappointments and see what it is that we are to learn from them, and then keep going.  He mentions many people in the scriptures that had tons of disappointments but they turned them into successes, with the Lord's help of course...such as Moses, Noah and many others. They had hard things that they had to overcome and many disappointments. In the book of Joshua 3:5, Joshua tells the tribe of Israel as they faced one of their most difficult trials, " Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." 
Being prepared each day to see what the Lord will make of you is exciting, if we would just believe and not be so fearful. Trust in Him.
He suggest 5things in the book to be prepared... I know these and that is exactly what I try to do in situations like this...
Pray...really pour out my soul to God
Study the scriptures... learn from others who have been there or through something worse, and still they make it.
Serve Others.. .I have a strong conviction of this. I know when I am feeling down with myself. that I can change my whole mind set, when I forget myself and Serve someone else
Be Patient...yes, things don't always happen when or how I want them too, when I am patient the reward is seeing exactly what it is the Lord wants me to do or learn.
Have faith...I know that miracles happen every day. I know that the impossible becomes possible! I just need to have more faith! Don't let the What Ifs robe us of our Faith!
Anyway, other wonderful things happened today when I decided to cancel my Pity Party early and go out. I talked to one of my sweet nieces and one of my daughters today too, they offered a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, what a blessing that was. Then I went to lunch with a new friend, that was so fun. What an amazing lady she is! After dinner I went to Weight Watchers and sat with my friend ( who I met there a year ago ) and we talked about what did and did not work for us this year ( for our diet that is )! She has reached Life Time Membership too, and has been a great inspiration to me. So you see, I have much to be grateful for, much to be thankful for and much to be happy about..so that is what I need to remember on those Bigger Than Me Days! Good night dear friends!

How does He Know?

 Well, I just finished a 2 day and 2 night Sleep Over with my youngest granddaughter here...why am I so tired? :) Thought I would share this amazing story that I read today, it made my heart smile! Good night dear friends!

 How Does He Know?

By Joel Hancock

---

10704_000_012 I have lived on a small island off the North Carolina, USA, coast all my life. My home is protected from the open ocean by a barrier island that my family calls the Banks. This barrier island, populated by wild horses and waterfowl, was a summer wonderland to me as a boy—a natural theme park that charged no admission.
Most families who lived on the islands had some kind of boat. By the time I was a teenager, my parents allowed me to use a boat without adult supervision. I often went with my six older brothers to the Banks where we could play. We swam in the ocean, water skied on the sound, chased after herds of wild horses, and dug for clams.
Each afternoon or early evening as we returned home to my father’s dock, I saw my father standing on the shore, awaiting our return. As we secured the boat, he asked about our day and inspected the boat to make sure it was okay. I thought he was just worried about his boat.
My brothers eventually bought boats of their own, and my father entrusted his boat to me alone when I took my friends and younger cousins to the Banks. One thing about my father stayed the same even as I grew older and matured. No matter the occasion or the amount of time we spent on the island, he was always there walking to the shore the very moment our boat came into view.
It seemed as though he had an internal tracking device that allowed him to know the very instant I headed for home. I could not elude him by staying later than usual or heading home early. He always knew exactly when I would approach the shore.
Even after I had a boat and a family of my own, my father was always there to welcome us back to the dock after we had gone out on the water. “How does he know?” I used to ask. “How can he tell exactly when I am headed for home?”
Eventually, having sons of my own who wanted to go boating alone revealed my father’s secret.
The first summer afternoon that my two sons headed out alone on the boat, my heart ached for their safety because I had a deeper understanding of how dangerous the water could be. From the moment my sons departed, I stared almost without respite toward the horizon, waiting for their return.
After a few long hours, I could see my sons in the distance as they made their way back. Then, just like my own father, I walked to the shore to reassure myself that all was well—not with my boat, but with my boys.
Every time I see my sons as they break the horizon for home in our small powerboat, I remember a specific verse in the Savior’s parable of the prodigal son. “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him” (Luke 15:20).
Perhaps it wasn’t a chance circumstance that the worried father in the parable saw his wayward son returning home. I can imagine how long and how often the father might have watched that road in the weeks, months, or years since his son’s departure. Likewise, I understand better how our Heavenly Father stays on the lookout for each of us, especially when we have strayed.
My own father died five years ago, after a lifetime of looking after his children and grandchildren. I treasure the mental picture I have of my father waiting on the shoreline. There was a time when I thought his constant attention meant he didn’t trust me. But now, looking back, wisdom has shown me that he loved me enough to let me take the boat and to be anxious that I return safely. He was waiting for me because of how much he loved me.
You can read the article here:
 

What an Adventure!

I knew when I got to become a Mother of 4 kids, that life was not going to be easy, and that probably it would be quite an adventure to raise them all! Still there were overwhelming days, and then there were days of pure GRATITUDE that I was blessed to be called their Mother.  I have always loved being a MOM, I realize...not every woman gets that oppourtunity and so I try not to complain too often. But yesterday was one of those days that I felt so helpless in so many ways with my kids. Three out of 4 of them were quite sick and we don't live close to them, so it is very hard to see them sick, hurt or scared and be this far way. Still I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who loves them as much ( actually I am sure MORE ) than I do, and so last night with a heavy heart. I prayed that my kids ( each in their own situation  ) would be watched over and comforted! Yes, Motherhood isn't easy...especially on your heart!
"A Mother thinks about her Children day and night, even if they are not with her and will love them in a way they will never understand."
 Since I didn't sleep much last night I am going to head to bed early. Good night dear friends!

"Out of all the Moments in my Life...the ones I SPENT WITH YOU are my most Favorite!"

"Having somewhere to go is HOME. Having someone to love is FAMILY. Having both is a BLESSING!"

Sharing what is important to us!

We share our favorite restaurant - but what about our faith?

---

March 19, 2013 About a year ago, I discovered a new Asian fusion restaurant. I'm not sure how many times I drove by and saw the signs before I ventured in. But I'm sure glad I did. It's called Wok Zone in Winchester, Va., and the food is outstanding, the prices are fair and the service is fantastic. Since then, I've shared my love of Wok Zone with as many people as I possibly can. And why not? It may sound silly, but I found something delicious that's brought me happiness and I have confidence others will enjoy it, too. I'm not naive. I accept that not everyone will be interested. They may have a similar restaurant they're already happy with. Their taste may be completely different or perhaps Asian food simply isn't their thing. But has that stopped me from sharing? Absolutely not. I've offered my discovery liberally, knowing that even if they disagree, our friendships are on solid ground - I'd never know if I didn't ask. I suspect you've done the same. And it's not just great food we're excited to share. How many times have you seen a movie, read a book or tried a new diet that you couldn't wait to share with someone else? That's what people do. We exercise agency, decide what's important to us and then desire to share that discovery with others. Our instincts tell us that what's good for us will be good for those we love. Oddly enough, my restaurant experience reminds me of another discovery. As a teenager, I discovered for myself that the church I'd been attending was the most delicious thing in my life. I'd been going with my family for years to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but never really partaken of the full menu - I'd only nibbled here and there. Once I did, I loved it and I couldn't wait to share with my friends. I introduced the LDS Church to my two closest friends of that era. One joined the church a few years later while attending Brigham Young University with me and I was honored to attend his wedding in the temple. He remains an active member today. My other friend investigated the church and decided he wasn't interested, but it didn't affect our relationship in the least. I respected his faith, he respected mine and our families remain very close all these years later. In fact, he's one of the finest Christians I've ever known. How many others have I shared my faith with in the years since? Not enough. For some reason the older I've gotten, the tougher it's become. But why? Why is it easier to broadcast something as temporary as my affection for a new restaurant than to share something as eternal and lasting as my faith? Shouldn't we approach missionary work with the same level of enthusiasm? Recently, I've spent time pondering and evaluating everyone I've ever personally shared my faith with. I can't recall a single soul who's become offended, asked me never to call again or ridiculed me for opening my mouth. Some have said "Thanks, but no thank you." But none have answered, "How dare you share something that brings you such happiness." If you stop and do the same - consider everyone you've made a deliberate effort to share your religion with - can you find anyone who's ended your friendship as a result of your bold testimony? No matter our faith, whether Protestant, Presbyterian, Methodist or Mormon, we should all desire to share what's valuable to us with others. And what if we don't? I understand in the next life it's unlikely anyone will approach me with tears in their eyes and tell me how much they wish I had introduced them to my favorite Asian restaurant. But isn't it possible someone could approach me and ask why I never shared my faith? "You had something so precious in your life, a faith that I could have relied on and a community of believers that would have strengthened my family. Why didn't you tell me?" I don't want to have any of those conversations. Do you? I invite everyone to share what matters most. If it brings you happiness, share it. If it brings you comfort and peace in a troubled world, share it. If it bonds your family together, share it with other families. If it's so delicious, then tell the world why. Because it just might be the most important discovery you'll ever share.
here:

On more than one occasion, I have talked about this very subject...sharing what is important to you. Actually I do that almost every day on my blog. But I love the way that Jason explained it! I however have had a few bad experiences in sharing what I believe. I had a dear friend for over a year and once she found out I was a Mormon, she left the dinner table with her family and never spoke to me again! When I was young and growing up in West Virginia, there were many times that I got made fun of or teased because of my religion. In High School, there was on me, my brother and my cousin who were Mormons...so some times the opposition got hard. Most of the kids didn't know what I believed, but just teased and about what I would NOT participate in...smoking, drinking and drugs! The peer pressure was hard, but I knew in my heart that it was right for me, so I stayed close to the principles I held so dear. 

Now I have to say, that I have just as many friends who are not members of my faith, as I do that are. We respect each other. I am grateful for their friendship and I respect their beliefs and differences. I think Jason was right though, if we are so willing to share little things that bring us joy, then why do we hesitate to share the BIG things that bring us even more joy? I do believe the world would be a better place if we shared our beliefs more, and if we were all more excepting and respectful of each others beliefs. 
I hope my friends know that I am a MORMON, I have to admit that my faith and beliefs are truly what bring me and my family the most happiness in the world. I also hope that my friends, would feel comfortable enough around me to ask me about my beliefs if they had any questions, or wanted to know more. I have always loved the statement " if  you want to know about plumbing, then call a plumber not a electrician. If you want to know about carpentry, as a carpenter, not a plumber" The same is true of any religion, don't just take what others say about different religions, if you want to then ask the person who lives it!
Good night dear friends!
PS And by the way, I think Sushi Land is my favorite restaurant,  just in case you were wondering! :)

"To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life - bringing into alignment your beliefs and the way you live then, and only then, can you begin to find inner peace."  ~ Peace Pilgrim

"Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around."  ~ Henry David Thoreau

 

Great Advice

This was a good thing to remember!
Hope you had a wonderful day!
Good night dear friends!

What Happy People DO!

22 Things Happy People Do Differently

I loved this article about what we can do to be more Happy! I had to put this cute photos of my granddaughter Jenny, because even at a young age when she was upset with you....she made sure that you knew it, by the expression on her face! She still is our serious little redhead! Hope you enjoy these ideas!

There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a homeless person could be right outside, smiling and content with their life. Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves.
The question is: how do they do that?
It’s quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …
1. Don’t hold grudges.
Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your wellbeing, including increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges, you’ll gain a clear conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.
2. Treat everyone with kindness.
Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you to build stronger relationships.
3. See problems as challenges.
The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at it as a challenge.
4. Express gratitude for what they already have.
There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have.
5. Dream big.
People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.
6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Happy people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from now?” They understand that life’s too short to get worked up over trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.
7. Speak well of others.
Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.
8. Never make excuses.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively try to change for the better.
9. Get absorbed into the present.
Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they’re doing at the moment. Stop and smell the roses.
10. Wake up at the same time every morning.
Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered state.
11. Avoid social comparison.
Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? If you think you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your own progress and praise others on theirs.
12. Choose friends wisely.
Misery loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel about yourself.
13. Never seek approval from others.
Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They follow their own hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say, but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.
14. Take the time to listen.
Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.
15. Nurture social relationships.
A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.
16. Meditate.
Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.
17. Eat well.
Junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.
18. Exercise.
Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives you a higher sense of self-accomplishment.
19. Live minimally.
Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in smaller homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.
20. Tell the truth.
Lying stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental health and builds others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and never apologize for it.
21. Establish personal control.
Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don’t let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings and a great sense of self-worth.
22. Accept what cannot be changed.
Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be more at peace with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus on what you can control and change it for the better.
Where to read more ...go here:

"Happy girls are the Prettiest!"  ~ Audrey Hepburn

Happy Birthday Kai!

Today our grandson Hezakiah turned a year old. We wanted to share it with him and because they live back East, we attended the party on Skype, with his other Grandparents too! We got to see him eat his B-day cake, open presents and even sing Happy Birthday to him all together...it was amazing! I can't believe he is already a year old. How blessed we are as a family to have him! He is growing fast, and seems like every day he is much more like a toddler instead of a baby any more. 

I think that one of the things that we are most proud of ...is to see what great parents that Brad and Krystal have become. You always pray that when your kids have kids, that they will take seriously their responsibility, and they have...and we are so proud of them! So Happy Birthday dear Kai, we sure love you!

"Grandkids bring you into a sweeter, slower present. They show you the future at a time when a lot of your friends are thinking about the past. And they take you back to childhood--theirs, the Parent's, your own: a three-time admittance to wonderland."  ~Adair Lara

In Memory Of Lincoln

I got my Pinwheels out today, in memory of a sweet little boy who passed away last year. His parents,  sister, family and friends have set aside his Birthday to celebrate his life, and are asking others to celebrate it too...by doing a simple act of service. What a great honor it was to participate in this Pinwheel Day for Lincoln!

To read more about Pinwheel Day's... timeline and see what others are doing to spin hearts today go here:

What a sweet way to remember such a special boy!

Our thoughts and prayers continually go out to his family!
If you are just reading this, then do your Simple Act of Service tomorrow!
It really can change lives!

The Cord

We are connected,
My child and I, by
An invisible cord
Not seen by the eye.

It's not like the cord
That connects us 'til birth
This cord can't been seen
By any on Earth.

This cord does it's work
Right from the start.
It binds us together
Attached to my heart.

I know that it's there
Though no one can see
The invisible cord
From my child to me.

The strength of this cord
Is hard to describe.
It can't be destroyed
It can't be denied.

It's stronger than any cord
Man could create
It withstands the test
Can hold any weight.

And though you are gone,
Though you're not here with me,
The cord is still there
But no one can see.

It pulls at my heart
I am bruised...I am sore,
But this cord is my lifeline
As never before.

I am thankful that God
Connects us this way
A mother and child
Death can't take it away!

Author Unknown

Strengthening your core!

I have always been drawn to people who even amidst the worst trials...they stay steadfast and immovable! I know that doesn't mean that they don't hurt, cry their eyes out or want it to end quickly so that they don't have to endure the suffering too long. But still I am impressed that they get up each day and continue to try again and learn from what they have experienced.  I have learned in my life that these people seem to continually strengthen their core ( FAITH).
Having had struggles with my back for many years, I know the importance and help it would be to have my Core (physically) strengthen. Having had 4 C-sections hasn't helped that goal of mine, still I continue to try. Some day, in not too distant future I hope, that I can start doing YOGA and strengthen my core more.

So I think what I have learned from watching so many incredible people make it and not only make it through their trials... but THRIVE, that they continually strengthen their CORE FAITH, with the exact things that helped them develop FAITH, in the first place. They pray, they study the scriptures, they try to do a bit better every day, they try to keep the commandments, they repent of their mistakes, serve Others and trust their God not to give them any more than they can handle. They keep doing the basics and that gives them HOPE and STRENGTH to keep going. I love this quote from
D. Todd Christofferson he tells what he learned from his trials... “Though I suffered then, as I look back now, I am grateful that there was not a quick solution to my problem. The fact that I was forced to turn to God for help almost daily over an extended period of years taught me truly how to pray and get answers to prayer and taught me in a very practical way to have faith in God. I came to know my Savior and my Heavenly Father in a way and to a degree that might not have happened otherwise or that might have taken me much longer to achieve. … I learned to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I learned to walk with Him day by day.”

I know that it is important for me to get up every day and do the basic work out to strengthen my SPIRITUAL CORE! I was grateful for this reminder today! Good night dear friends!
 
"Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see Life with a clearer view again!" ~ Alex Tan

Happy St. Patrick's Day from our family to yours!

We hope you all had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day! We sure did!  Only wish Lee and Lauren could have been with us...that would have been real lucky! Where is John? Well, he was there to celebrate and eat with us...but he was also the photographer tonight!

This is the St. Patrick's Day tie I made for Kai, he makes it look even cuter than it was!