21

21...two little numbers that have taken on a new significance today...  Taken separately, you get 1 and 2... 1 and 2... small numbers in the life of a child.

The 1 seemed to pass SO quickly...barely a blink of the eye and she was on her way to 2. Over night those two little numbers combined into 12. 12!?!?!?!?!? No longer such a child and more a young lady...

But 21??? 21!!! When on earth did that magic number happen??? It went WAAYYY to fast in some ways, but at exactly the right pace in others. 

My first baby celebrates her 21st Birthday, today. When she first came to us, she seemed like such a miracle! Every moment since has just added to that feeling. How grateful I am to a loving Heavenly Father for the gift of our beautiful 21 year-old daughter, Amanda. 

Happy Birthday, Sweet-Mandy!  We love you!

Smart???

This week began with a technology break-down....BLEH!

It started with my lap-top. Man, was it infected!!! WOW! It was so bad our virus software didn't even catch it. 

Thank goodness for PC Laptops! They're currently my heroes!

They got rid of the virus, then re-installed everything. I had a moment of panic when I couldn't find my documents or pictures. All I had to do was call my heroes and a very kind and patient man walked me through the process of finding and restoring my personal information, docs, and photos...all over the phone.  *sigh* I was a happy camper! ...and so is my laptop!

Then there was the issue with our phones. Our contract was up with our previous carrier, and a new opportunity arose through Kevin's work, which allowed us to get new service and save a lot of money each month. So, off we went - with a new provider and brand-spankin'-shiny-new phones; which we got yesterday. 

Holy-jumpin'-cows!!!  What a pain in the neck that was - getting everything set up. FINALLY, it's done. 

I have a healthy computer and a new phone - both of which are actually working as they should! It's a relief to have things back to (dare I say) "normal".

I hate when my tools are smarter than I am! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

...well, ok - for me, anyways!  

Every six months, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holds a General Conference. It is an opportunity for the members of the Church to hear messages of inspiration, guidance, and counsel from Heavenly Father's living Prophet, Apostles, and Church Leadership. 

For me, it is a chance to recharge-spiritually. I absolutely LOVE General Conference weekends. As members, we gather - either in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City,

in meeting houses around the world, or, where available; we watch on TV at home. I have actually done all three. Each gives its own unique "flavor" to the meetings. 

I love the beautiful spirit that floods my home when we gather as a family to listen to a prophet's voice and hear what guidance Heavenly Father has to give us for the next six months. I always come away with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.

If you get the chance, tune in and tune-up your spirit. You won't be sorry! You can watch or listen here:

LDS General Conference

Have a great weekend! I know I will!