This morning as I opened my blinds to allow the first light of day into the cozy yellow bedroom I was hopeful for sunshine. But as I pulled the string that opens my view to the world outside and gazed out the window at the gray day these words came to mind. “Snow had fallen, snow on snow.” They are ... Read More
“‘Chews’ to have a Happy New Year”
Today I want to share about happiness. One of our newest holiday traditions is a giant family New Year’s Eve party. This year was our “third annual” and there were 13 adults and 14 children. (Yes, we were outnumbered!)This event is sponsored by none other than yours truly. Of course being the ... Read More
The Only Real Gift in the Room – Steps 6 and 7
A good friend of mine invited me to a party over the holidays. It was a gift exchange. Each woman invited was asked to purchase an ornament and bring it to the party wrapped. Having had no experience with this kind of an activity I asked the hostess, “What kind of an ornament?” “Oh, you know, one ... Read More
Potato Peels Are Just The Beginning – Steps 4-10
Who knew a few potato trimmings could cause such trauma in the kitchen! The day of rest turned into the day of the big mess with just a flick of the disposal switch. With chicken gravy on the stove and the taters my daughter had cleaned and seasoned baking in the oven, Sunday dinner looked like it ... Read More
Taking My Hands Off My Ears – Step 6 and Step 11
When we turn two-years old, most of us experience what I like to call an attitude explosion. Gracie has taken her attitude to a new level lately. Her new practice is comical and typical for her age and stage. Whenever she perceives she’s in trouble or that someone desires to give her any type of ... Read More
“Aren’t You Going To Take Your Present Grandma?” – Step 6 Change of Heart
“It sounds like you’re in the car. What are you up to tonight?” I ask my daughter who lives four hours away. “Oh the kids are restless after sitting in church, so we thought we would take a little drive before dinner.” After wishing her well I hung up the phone, gathered my Sunday dinner ... Read More
The Family Photo Shoot – “Smile…PLEASE!” Step 6
There should be studies made by university Family Science graduate students at family photo sessions. Perhaps more family frustration is generated during the attempt to capture the “happy family” group for posterity than at any other family function. When friends tell me that they are going to have ... Read More
Likening ALL Scripture Unto Myself – It Takes Courage! – Scripture Study
One Sunday during the sacrament I prayed about what I might repent of. The answer that came to my mind was prompted directly by my Gospel Doctrine study that week. The prompting I received was that I needed to liken myself unto the “prayerless ponderers” I had just read about in 2 Nephi 32. What ... Read More