Sisters.....

So, yesterday was a tough day. I had to say goodbye to yet another sister.....moving to Arizona. How can it be true? Wasn't it bad enough that Janna had to move last June? Now Jennifer less than a year later. Is this some kind of a joke, because I'm not laughing. I feel like a part of my heart has been cut out and still expected to go about my daily life and not miss it. Well, that's not possible. Moving to Idaho Falls more than 6 years ago and being 3 1/2 hours from them was hard enough but we made a great effort to see each other regularly. We had a wonderful time together creating endless memories. Our children love and adore each other and have become so close. Why when things are going so well, does a good thing have to come to an end? I ask myself that everyday. Now we are 15 hours away. I mean how often can I realistically see them in a year? 2 or 3 times? That just isn't acceptable. And yet, I know for their families, this is where they are supposed to be. They have been guided by Heavenly Father and we all know once we get an answer we have to move forward. So, now I have to put on a happy face and act as though this isn't devastating and difficult for me. I will do my best but it won't be easy. I love their children like they are my own. I feel so blessed that my Heavenly Father gave me the gift of two amazing sisters to help me while on this earth. I know he loves me just because of this great blessing in my life. I also know that He has a plan. We don't know what that plan is so we must trust that He knows what's best. Janna and Jenny, you are the best sisters anyone could ask for. Thank you for your love and kindness through the years. I will cherish you in every way and look forward to someday when we will be together forever. I love you with all my heart (even though a part of my heart is missing) :) Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers everyday. May God keep you in the hollow of his hand.....

P.S. I love my beautiful mother in this picture too. I know she is very sad to have all three of her daughters living far away from her. So sorry mom... :(

Trials......

I have had so many thoughts on my mind this week. It hasn't been the easiest week. We received some bad news about a job that we were really hoping Larry would get. Its in Salt Lake so it would mean a move but we were ok with that at this point. We have turned this financial trial over to the Lord a long time ago and we refuse to take it back. We have had our share of financial struggles over our married life but this past year has by far been the hardest. And yet, through it all we have felt peace. Why? Because we have a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ who has literally eased the burdens from our back. He has brought us peace when we should feel despair and hopelessness. I repeat this scripture in my mind almost daily....."wherefore, we must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope..... That's how I choose to live my life. Fear and faith cannot co-exist so I choose faith. Even though this job was Larry's dream job and would mean so much to our family, I know, I know, that Heavenly Father will guide our path and all will be well. I'm not just saying that..... I KNOW it. I have no doubt that He loves me, is mindful of me and my family and he will provide. How do those without the gospel make it through this life with all it's ups and downs without the knowledge of the gospel? I can't imagine. Life is difficult even with this knowledge. Not having it would be a tragedy. So, today, I express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ who have eased my burden and have brought me such sweet peace and joy even through the hard times. I have so much to be grateful for and I will continue to press forward knowing that I am not alone. We can do hard things and we can stand victorious in the end. I am so grateful for a strong husband who constantly amazes me with his level of faith and righteousness. And, to my wonderful children that love and support me and bring me so much joy. The saying goes...."I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." I believe that to be true.

Happy Valentines Day, my love!

I just wanted to take a minute and express my love for the most wonderful husband on earth. Now, I can say that because he is the most wonderful husband for me. All you women are saying you have the most wonderful husband and you do.....he's the most wonderful for you. So, I can honestly say mine is the best for me. I feel blessed everyday that I was lucky enough to find such a good man. He is kind, loving, generous, gentle, faithful, obedient, loyal, responsible and so much more. He loves and cherish's me and really, what more could I ask for. On this Valentines Day, I want my valentine to know how much I love him. There seems to be so much infidelity and sadness in marriages these days and I just feel very lucky that he loves me unconditionally and is true to the covenants we made in the temple. I have enjoyed almost 25 years of marriage and have loved it. It hasn't been an easy road, but through the trials our love has stayed strong and the bond we share is solid. When trials come we have a choice, we can grow closer or we can fight against each other. We have always chosen to work together as a team and be strong for one another. The end result is 25 years of happiness. Life isn't easy, nor perfect, but my marriage is one thing that has always been a great part of my life. I made a good decision 25 years ago to marry my best friend. Larry, please know how much love and joy you bring to my life. Thank you for sharing your love with me, for always making me number 1 in your life, for being a good example to our children, for making the gospel a priority, making me a better person and best of all for cherishing me everyday. Happy Valentines day sweetheart! I love you so very much. My life is complete only with you by my side. I look forward to many more years of happiness to come! XOXOXO

Quinners

So, last night Larry and I were out to dinner. The boys all went to the Hillcrest basketball game. When Larry and I got home, laying on our bed were two envelopes. One said Mom with a heart next to my name and the other said, of course, Dad with a heart next to his name. I opened the envelope to find a note from Quinn. Here is what it said,

"Dear Mom,

I just had some extra time in class and was thinking about you and wanted to let you know you are the best Mom I could've ever asked for. And I really mean that when I say it like when I see my friends Mom's they are never really willing enough to help their children and you are. They never really fix me food or even ask if I'm hungry. And I am glad that you ask my friends if they are hungry or whatever and I love that about you. You are just the best ever. I love you so much and I just wanted to let you know that and I am very lucky to have you as my mother. I really, truly couldn't have hand picked a better, more loving Mom. Love You, Quinn"

WOW! What a payday for a mom. I am not posting this because I want to be boastful about how my son feels about me...... it's more that I wanted to share what a wonderful son I have. He is only 12 mind you!!! I mean seriously, how many 12-year olds take the time to think about how much they love their mom much less express it in a letter. I really feel so blessed. Having a good relationship with my children is so important to me and something I work hard at. We have a mutual love and respect for one another. It's little note's like this that make being a mom completely worth it! Thanks Quinn for your sweet note that brought me so much joy and for being a wonderful son. I am the lucky one that Heavenly Father chose to be your mom and for that I am eternally grateful. I love you a million swedish fish...... :)

A few thoughts.....

I don't have a picture to post but I just wanted to express my gratitude for a wonderful life. I feel blessed to have so many good people in my life that make me happy. I have incredible children that bring me so much joy. I have a great husband who loves me and cherishes me. I have the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings the peace that I need to get me through the hard times. I have good health, a warm home, food on my table and am surrounded by so much love. What more could I ask for? Really not much. Life is hard as you all know, but we can do hard things! We really can. Happy New Year to all you wonderful people in my life. Thanks for making me important to you and for being so special to me. With the Lord by our side we can accomplish anything..... I mean anything. Stay close to Him and you will find more peace, joy and happiness than you thought possible!

Happy Birthday Samantha Noel, Sammie Jo, BamBam, Jo Jo....

December 29, 1990 was a most wonderful day! Samantha Noel Kiser was born and what joy she brought to her family. Cassidy was so excited to have a sister and I was so excited to have another beautiful daughter. Larry was a little worried we would have all girls and he wouldn't ever have a son. Well, as the the story goes.... he ended up with more sons than daughters but that's a story for another day! Anyway, how could anyone be more blessed than I felt that day? I was so lucky to have been chosen by my Heavenly Father to be the mother of such a special child. Samantha has brought me so much happiness and love. She is ray of sunshine and always fun to be around. Anyone who knows Sammie knows what a happy person she is. When Sam walks in the room, everyone feels better. She brings with her so much joy and fun wherever she is. She is always good for a laugh or a joke or a line from a movie. I know the Lord knew what a treat she would be to have in our home and He knew our home was the perfect one for her. We have had very few issues with Sam. She has been obedient, kind, respectful, helpful, cooperative, fun-loving, sweet, funny, happy, and anything else that describes a wonderful daughter. She was almost the perfect teenager. She always came home on time and seemed to make good choices along the way. Everyday, I express gratitude for the blessing that she is in my life. Sammie Jo, thank you for being such an incredible daughter for laughing with me and at me, for making me smile, for sharing your kindness and love, for making everyone around you feel welcome and accepted, for being a great sister to Cassidy and a great example to your brothers. They all adore you so. The world is definitely a better place since you came to earth that blessed winter day. I know having a birthday 4 days after Christmas isn't the best, but we cherish you as a very special gift from heaven. May you never forget that. On this your 20th birthday, please know of the love I feel for you and the joy I have had in being your mother. May you have many, many more happy birthdays to come. I know your life will be full of many wonderful things and I can't wait to experience them with you. Your mother loves you dearly. Happy Birthday my sweet Sammie!!!! xoxoxoxo

Thanks Cassidy.....

Cassidy always seems to be my hook-up for cool things. She told me to read her blog about Shutterfly christmas cards and so I did. I clicked on the links and was so impressed with what I saw. I have heard a lot about Shutterfly over the past couple of years but hadn't ever done anything with their company. I was, however, so pleased with all the choices and the beautiful designs they offered for Christmas cards. You too can see these great choices here. I was mostly looking for photo cards but they also have a great variety of regular Christmas cards here. I am always looking for great invitations/birthday cards and so in the future I will be looking to Shutterfly to meet my needs. Click here to view your options. I am so excited about how easy it is to use Shutterfly online. You only need to select a picture of your choice and download it to the Christmas card you want. Anyone can do it! Thanks Shutterfly for making it such a painless experience especially at this crazy time of year!! I have included some of my favorite photo cards. Enjoy!!