These are a few of my favorite things....

AND

(Amanda passed her driving test!!!)

Will You be Mine?????

Even if you are NOT into it, you have to admit,
the ways people celebrate Valentine's day
are as different and varied as
candied hearts...

From timeless and old-fashioned...

To punny and corny...

From traditional...

...and sweet...

To downright weird...

The methods may differ,
but the message is the same...

...and in my case...
being married to the love of my life...
EVERY day is Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!!!

Reflections...

By "Mormon-culture" standards, I was practically an "Old-Maid" when I got engaged at the ripe-old-age of 24. It seems laughable now, but my poor Mom despaired that I would ever get married. I had actually graduated from college and was starting a career at that point in my life. Oh, the HORROR!!! *that's heavy sarcasm in case you're wondering* ...Poor Mom.

Needless to say, she'd managed to put quite a lot of pressure on me over the years, which didn't make life very pleasant. Coming home from a date to be interrogated on why he wasn't "the one" was not fun, to say the least.

I finally got to the point where I asked myself the question: "Could I live a happy, fulfilled, interesting, righteous life, whether or not I EVER got married?" Of course the answer to that was a resounding "YES!!!!" It was an incredibly liberating feeling to have that epiphany. Poor Mom could never understand why I thought that way.

Fortunately for her peace of mind, and the joy of my life; Kevin (whom I'd known since High School) and I fell in love and got married. The road that led me, or I should say us, to that point was not always easy. But it was SO worth the wait. We both got there because we kept Heavenly Father as our partner in every aspect of our lives, and followed where He led us.

We got engaged 24 years ago, today. Looking back, I can see how everything in my life before that day was leading me to that point. I can also see how everything since that day has led to greater and greater happiness. Not to say there haven't been bumps (or even MOUNTAINS) in our path along the way. But doing things the way Heavenly Father directed us; made everything worth it.

(Engagement photo)

Kevin often tells the story of when he told his dad that he was going to ask me to marry him. His dad said, "Son, if you marry Annette, you'll never be bored!". Kevin says truer words have never been spoken because in 23+ years of marriage, he's never been bored...and neither have I.

Thanks for asking me, Kevin! I'm SO glad I was smart enough to say "Yes!"

Baby, it's cold outside...

It's the end of January. Welcome to winter in its fullest...brrrrrrrr

Does your world look like this?

Is something like THIS
a major part of your winter-wardrobe????

Do you FEEL like this?

...or this?

Have no fear...give in to no winter-doldrums...
Spring is ONLY a month and a half away.

In case a month and a half feels like it's WAAAYYYY too long for you to wait, I have a few suggestions to get you through the winter-time blues...

These may seem silly, but if they help even a little, they'd be worth it!

1: Force some spring-flower bulbs in the house. Nothing is more cheerful than daffodils or tulips brightening up your home on a cold-winter day.
2: Find some tropical pictures or spring/summer-time pictures and use them as wallpaper on you computer.
3: Cut pictures of warm, sunny places out of magazines and put them up around the house. Who cares if they aren't framed...they'll make you smile and dream tropical dreams.
4: Listen to summer-time music...eg: Beach Boys, Kenny Chesney, or island-music
5: Think "sunny-thoughts"...look for the good in your life and count your blessings.
6: Look for someone for whom you can be of service. It doesn't have to be anything major. It could be a quick cheerful email or note. It could be saying hello to the person who bags your groceries, or a "Have a nice day" to the teller at the bank. Find someone to serve and your spirits will lift, I promise!

At Church we sing a song titled, "There is Sunshine in My Soul, Today". If you're feeling some winter-time blues, try to find the good in the world around you, think positive thoughts, and find the "sunshine in your soul". ...and don't lose hope...

Spring really IS just around the corner!

Worth the wait...

I love the message of this little video. Watching these kids wait was priceless.

...and the reward for their wait was brilliant. Best of all, the object lesson as it relates to eternity was perfect. Watch and enjoy!

Adieu...2011

With one day left of 2011, it would be natural to look back in reflection over the events of the past year. For some reason however, I don't feel the need to do much of that.

The health issues I had seemed to over-shadow everything else, but the highlight of my year was our visit to Ohio. When I reflect on my surgery and its complications, what I feel most is gratitude. These events changed me and helped me become a better, more charitable person. Our trip to Ohio for my niece's wedding brought me great joy and the warmth of reuniting with beloved family.

As we put 2011 to rest, I am grateful. Grateful to still be here with my family and friends. Grateful for lessons learned. Grateful for change and improvement. Grateful for a loving Father-in-Heaven who has a plan for my happiness. Simply grateful...

So, farewell 2011!
Bring on 2012!!!

...and HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!!!!!!!!!

For Unto Us...

...a child is born....

He is THE reason we celebrate!

"O come let us adore Him...."

Merry Christmas!