{may 17, 2009}

~sunday~

On friday, as I most likely took my last drive up to Montana Academy, we spotted this Bald Eagle. I was worried about being late, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to photograph this majestic bird right there next to the road. I can't even explain the sheer thrill and awe that I was experiencing. I have always loved birds of prey. I look for them constantly, and I get excited every time I see one. This, however, was one of those experiences I will never forget. It seemed like a symbol somehow. I don't know...maybe that sounds crazy, but I still get chills when I remember how I felt in those few moments I allowed myself to enjoy the "fUN of getting there."

{may 10, 2009}

sunday

Yesterday, after the birthday party, we all went to see my other niece as the lead in ~Romeo and Juliet~. She did a fantastic job. I love theater. I love to go to the theater. I enjoy performances at every level. I love to be in plays. There's such a rush being able to stand in front of a crowd and act out a story. I've been able to be so many different characters. It's definitely something I'm grateful to have had in my life. I'd like to be able to do it again someday, but even if I never did, my memories on the stage are pure joy.

{may 9, 2009}

saturday

First of all, isn't my niece beautiful? We got together to celebrate her birthday today at my sister's house. We had a great barbecue, did a little swimming and enjoyed cake and ice cream. You know what I was thinking? This, right here, is a huge part of what makes life so great. Family being together. Laughing and having fun. Making memories and celebrating important events. I'm grateful for family. I am extremely blessed to have a family that enjoys being together.

{may 8,2009}

friday

When I looked outside to check on all the kids. I saw the girls, all huddled on the trampoline playing "phone line." Is that the name of it? We used to play this at slumber parties. That was a big thing when I was in grade school. It's so different now. Back then, someone would invite 10+ girls over for games, food, staying up late, playing pranks. I don't know how our parents put up with that. Those were really fun times. It's sorta, kinda, sad that it's just not possible to do that kind of thing anymore. It's great to see that some of the old fun never dies. The girls were laughing and giggling about the mixed up messages. Their joy and innocence is such a pleasure, and takes me back to a fond memory.

{may 7, 2009}

thursday

It never ceases to amaze me how much peace and comfort I find when I go to the temple. The worldly cares and concerns are no longer weighing me down, and I am able to feel the spirit of our loving Heavenly Father in his holy house. I am so grateful to be able to go into the House of the Lord and find the solace I need within it's walls. Truly He loves us and invites us to come to Him and find peace.

{may 6, 2009}

wednesday

This day, I remember today too well actually. Some days in our lives are profoundly etched into our memories. Time does very little to diminish the memory of the feelings and happenings of the day. Because this is so public, there are some things I cannot share in my journaling. I've thought about whether it would make more sense to put some things in a private journal, but then I think there are some things I would never really want anyone to read. What I do know is the sun shines every day whether we can see it or not. There may be clouds in the sky with rain or snow pouring down, and even though we cannot see the sun. It is always there. Some of our days may seem overcast and dreary, but if we remember that our Heavenly Father is always there, then we can find peace in the storms.

{may 5, 2009}

tuesday

I feel equally blessed for Lucas' sake that we have friends right here in the neighborhood for him to play with. He still loves playing Legos. Playing Legos with friends, makes for a very happy boy.

{may 4, 2009}

monday

Today-the actual day I'm journaling this week of pictures is August 20. I think some of the emotions are lost from what was really going on for me this day, and what I was thinking. I do know that as I look at the face of my sweet daughter, she is happy. She has good friends and she's loving life. I know that she has a strong faith and belief in the atonement. She amazes me with her ability to move forward in life even though her daddy is gone. I am grateful for her and her spirit. She is truly an angel in my life.