A little white dress...

This week Amanda and I went to the Bridal Center here in Lehi and brought home her wedding dress.  It seems like a minute ago she tried it on for the first time and got "that" look on her face.

Then again, it seems like a minute ago, when I dressed her in the first white dress of her life.  The one she was blessed in as a baby. Thinking of that, reminded me of a song I've heard with lyrics that speak of a young LDS woman and the three white dresses she wears for significant events in her life.

The first is when she is a baby and given her name and a blessing by her father.
"Sent to this earth
You were saved through the ages for this day
and time
Child of great worth
Child of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were held in a circle and you were
blessed
And the Father looked down
And the angels surrounded that place
They knew the truth, all that you could do
And you will, too, if you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you"

The second is when she enters the waters of baptism and makes covenants to follow her Heavenly Father in obedience as a member of His Church.

"Dressed in white once more
Making promises to follow in God’s way
So much lies in store
For the little girl who enters at the gate
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were led into the water and you were
blessed"

The third is her wedding dress...




"In the house of God, so much fills your heart
and mind
Woman of great worth
Woman of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a long, white dress
You promise forever and you are blessed
And the Father looks down
And the angels surround that place
They know the truth, all that you can do
And you do, too, ‘cause you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you"


I look at this lovely daughter of mine, ready to embark on the next great adventure in her young life, and my heart is full.  I am so proud of her and the good choices she's made in her life.  I am so grateful that in Chris, she has found a worthy and honorable companion with whom to embark on this adventure that we call marriage.  So many feelings, and no words eloquent enough to express them.  I am just grateful that I can see what Heaven sees in her...that she truly is a woman of great worth.

Moving on...

A few weeks ago, I came to the determination that I was hanging on to too much baggage. When "drama" occurred in and around my life, I found myself harboring feelings of resentment....for too long.  I decided that I didn't like that about myself or how it made me feel.  So, I shipped off the baggage and moved on!  Thankfully, my baggage was lost and didn't arrive with me at my destination.  What was that destination???  I'm glad you asked.  I moved on to the state of "Happy".

It's amazing to me, how just changing my mindset has changed everything.  I feel so liberated...lighter, even.  I LOVE it!!!

Two years ago around this time, I embarked on an adventure of sorts.  I was preparing for a major surgery, which ended up taking me through some of the toughest and scariest moments of my life.  In the last six months, I've started a life-style change that has me going to the gym regularly and eating healthier.  Neither of which were exactly easy habits to adopt.  

I'm finding that Heavenly Father has many things to teach me and I'm LOVING the lessons.  Two years ago, I learned that I can survive hard things.  Since then, I have learned that I can DO hard things and even thrive on them.  All these changes have helped me become a better person.  They've certainly helped me become a happier person.  

I am learning to eagerly try new things...things I never thought I'd have the courage or confidence to try.  I am surprised to find myself being good at these new things.  All these new things, changes and attitudes in my life are helping me to find joy in my journey.  I love getting to share this journey with Kevin, Amanda, Jackie, and my extended family and friends! I can honestly say I LOVE MY LIFE! I'm so glad I'm allowing Heavenly Father to mold and refine me.  I'm so grateful He's directed my path so I can live in the state of "Happy". 

He is Risen!!!

Happy Easter!

Honor, privelege, pride, and trials....all in one!

Last year, a dear friend of ours ran for a vacant seat on the School Board for our daughter's charter school.  He encouraged me to run for another seat that came vacant at the same time.  Although I was intrigued by the idea, the timing wasn't right.  Since then, another friend has been seated on the board and another vacancy opened up.  The idea wouldn't leave me alone, so a few weeks ago, I put in my application.

Last week, I was interviewed along with three other candidates.  They were so well qualified, I almost withdrew my application. It was a little nerve racking, and intimidating.  Last night, at the monthly Board Meeting, another highly qualified candidate was interviewed.  Not being all that familiar with procedure, I assumed voting on the open Board position wouldn't take place until next month's meeting.  Imagine my surprise when voting took place last night.  Imagine my even GREATER surprise when I was selected to fill the vacant seat on the Board.

Now, I have never done anything like this before.  I have been an active volunteer in my kids' schools, even my niece's school,  over the years; but have never run for or been elected to any position.  I was amazed that I was chosen - I mean...I'm just me!  Nothing special, just muddling through, doing the best I can.  All that being said, I really want to help.  I really want to make a difference, and I really want to be part of making the school a better place for the kids, teachers and families who are involved there.  I am honored at the privilege that has been offered to me.  I am also a little (ok, a lot!) overwhelmed by all that I have to learn  Thankfully, I can be taught!!! haha

Last night, after the Board Meeting, we were blessed to be able to attend the ordination of Amanda's fiancee.  Chris was ordained to be an "Elder" in the Melchizedek Priesthood of the LDS Church.  Chris has worked long and hard to get to this point in his life.  We are extremely proud of him and appreciate the blessing of adding this good, good man to our family.  

Life wouldn't be life if all these good things weren't balanced with some trials.  We JUST had my car in the shop to have the drive-train fixed (that cost over $800.00  YIKES!!!)  Yesterday, Kevin's car went in for some routine maintenance that it needed in order to pass inspection for licensing.  This morning we learned that it needs much more than anticipated.  Again, YIKES!!!  Thankfully, we've been trying to put money aside for just such emergencies.  Thank Heavenly Father for inspiring us to do that.  The cost of these repairs is more than we want to spend, but MUCH - MUCH less than the cost of replacing Kevin's car.  It's 15 years old, but still in good condition AND we don't have a car payment!

In the end, we've had our ups and downs.  In spite of the challenges, life is good.  In fact, when I think about it; maybe the good things in our life seem so good BECAUSE of the challenges.  Hummmmm...something to think about.  I am just grateful for being able to find joy in the journey.  It certainly IS one heck of a ride!

Another match made in Heaven....

On a cold, snowy night in February, Christopher Christiansen, took Amanda Webster for a walk on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah...

There, in front of the beautiful reflecting pool, with the majestic Temple glowing above them, and the snow falling softly around them; Chris knelt on one knee, pulled out a lovely, delicate ring, and asked Mandy to marry him in this life and in the next.

Congratulations to Chris and Mandy. May you have an eternity of love and joy together! We love you both, very much!

A match made in Heaven....'cause we would have messed it up if it had been up to us!

We met at the Homecoming Football Game of our High School.  He was a Senior and I was a Sophomore.

Our first "one-on-one", "official"-date didn't happen until 9 years later.  We went for a drive and talked for hours.  Dating was difficult since we lived in two different States, but we managed.  Long walks on the moonlit beach. 

 Fun days romping through Disneyland.  Idyllic evenings at Seaport Village in San Diego.  It was a dream-come-true...

Four months after our first date, and almost ten years after we met, he flew out to visit for the weekend.  I knew he was going to propose!  We were both really...really nervous!  After I picked him up at the airport and he asked me to drive over to the Mesa, AZ Temple, I knew this was "THE" moment.

There, in the soft lights shining on that beautiful Temple, he asked me to be his wife, his eternal companion, and the mother of his children.  I said, "Yes, I think I'd like that..."  ...and I have.

That was 25 years ago, today!  I am SO glad he asked....and SO happy I said "yes"!!!

We laughed, we cried, we applauded in our hearts....(in the chapel, it's not considered reverent to applaud out loud).  She was as wonderful as we anticipated, and she helped the Spirit heal our wounded hearts.  This Saturday, Hilary Weeks spoke to our Stake Relief Society (Church women's group) Conference.

She sang, and spoke, and made us think and ponder. Sister Weeks has a gift of helping you see Heavenly Father's love for you, and bringing you closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. At our house, it had been the week from Hell! Kevin and I felt like human punching-bags. Life would hit us with one knock-out punch and as we'd rise, reeling from one, we'd be hit with another. It wasn't anything life-threatening, just life's challenging moments. However, they just seemed to come right on top of each other, so we never had a second to catch our breath. By Saturday morning, we both felt like ducking for cover and cringing as we waited for the next blow to fall. Either that, or hiding under the covers like children frightened in the dark at night. But, Kevin had a lesson to finish for Church the next day, and I had promised to take Mandy and Debra to Relief Society Conference. Even after we got there, I was sorely tempted to just drop them off and tell them I'd pick them up when it was done. I am so grateful that I stayed. It was crowded, and we couldn't get seats all together. I can't say I was in the most comfortable seat in the house, but it was so worth it! I don't have words to say how grateful I am. For Sister Weeks who took time out of her Saturday to share her gift with us. For the wonderful women who were there and lent their sweetness to the spirit of the day. Especially for a loving Father in Heaven who knows my heart and fills my needs even before I even realize what they are. He hears the silent prayers in my heart and in answering them, fills me with peace. By the time I got home, I was at peace and Heavenly Father had worked His magic on Kevin's heart as he prepared his lesson for the next day; so he was at peace as well.  The challenges haven't gone away, but our ability to handle them has increased.  With Heavenly Father in our corner, we can handle whatever comes next. I am and will be, forever grateful!