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!!

Prince Cole....

So Wednesday night at 8:45 Cole went into the operating room to have his appendix removed and then on Friday morning at 10:30 he was escorted by his two beautiful sisters as he was crowned Homecoming Prince! It's been a crazy week to say the least. He started having stomach pains Tuesday morning and after trying everything we could think of, we finally took him into the emergency room on Wed. at 2 pm. He got on WebMD and decided that he had appendicitis and needed to get to the hospital. I could tell he was in a lot of pain and this wasn't just the flu. So, off we went to the ER. He wants to be a doctor so was teasing that he self-diagnosed and so definitely the medical field was the direction he should pursue!

Cassidy and Sam arrived at 10:00 am to be at the assembly by 11:00. What great sisters he has to come such a distance to share this fun time with him. He was definitely the luckiest Homecoming Court member with two beautiful girls on his arm. The princess is his girlfriend, Teresa Rigby. They look great together. Such a handsome couple! Anyway, his first dance was last night as well. I will post pictures of that when I get a minute to download them.

He wasn't able to play in the football game, obviously, but was good to support the team and stand on the sidelines the entire game. When his name was announced at the assembly, the entire football team that was sitting together, gave him a standing ovation! It was really cool. It's been a whirlwind week, but so much fun. I'm proud of Cole and the amazing young man he is. He is a good example to those around him and I know many look up to him. I am a lucky mom to have him as my son!!

Cassidy Elizabeth Kiser Woodbury

On September 30, 1988, a beautiful red-headed daughter was born to Larry and Julie Kiser and they were never the same. After 9 months of anticipating whether a boy or girl would grace their home, a little girl had been sent from heaven above. The smile on her daddy's face was priceless. Cassidy, you have brought me so much joy and happiness for 22 years now. Everyday, I feel blessed that the Lord loved me enough to share you with me and give me the privilege of being your mother. It's truly hard to believe that it has been 22 years since that wonderful day. Thank you for your beauty, your love, your kindness, your generous gifts, your laughter, your creativity, your friendship, your loyalty to your family, your love of the gospel, your love of your sister and your adoration for your brothers, your passion for all things beautiful, your kind heart, your great husband, your love of sports, your fun food ideas, your desire to please others, your love of babies and little children, your great ideas and so much more. You brighten everyone's day just by being you. Everyone who knows you is better because you are a part of their life. I hope you know I'm not just saying all this because I'm your mom. Ask anyone who knows Cassidy..... they will agree. The world was changed that beautiful autumn day 22 years ago for the better. I hope this is a wonderful birthday and that you know truly how much you are loved and cherished. I'm glad you are coming to be with me this weekend. I am so looking forward to it. Happy, happy birthday beautiful Cassidy. Your mom loves you dearly!!! xoxoxoxo

Happy Birthday To Me!

This will be short and sweet but I just had to thank all the amazing people in my life that have texted, phoned, dropped by treats, sent cards and/or gifts, made me breakfast in bed (thanks my cute husband), took me to lunch (thanks my cute husband), etc on my birthday. As I get older, it really isn't the gifts that matter. It's the kind words and the nice gestures that make a birthday happy. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I mean that. I feel so loved today. I have such a wonderful husband and children who are so kind to me and show me they love me daily. What more could a girl want? Notice I have said girl twice........ well, that's how I feel. I know I am older and getting older but I feel young, act young :) and will remain so as long as I can!!! So, thanks again to wonderful family, friends and neighbors who have made my day the best ever!