28!

As long as I have this blog I will continue to record and celebrate all my kids birthdays and today my first born baby girl turns 28! I like to keep her life private as she is on her own but just wanted to wish her a happy birthday and hope that she continues to love her life and live it in a way that is joyful and peaceful. She loves the city and in honor of her remembering her I am sharing a couple of photos! Happy birthday sweet Sierra! Keep smiling!

Happy 24th Sierra!

Today my oldest turns 24. At times I feel as she was born in the wrong decade. She's literally my flower child. Always dreaming of freedom, and warm winds. She loves nature and simplicity. After all she has been through she strives to thrive each day to live a good life. Overcoming all adversity. As a young woman, she has prevailed through the roughest patches of life. Even with her depression, she manages to live life the best way she knows how. And she tries. And I am proud. Happy Birthday mamas. Stay strong, keep on living, and never give up!

Pro-Life.

Salt Lake City, Spring of 1995. I was probably about 30 weeks pregnant with Sierra when this photo was taken. I remember the first time I felt her kick, and how I saw her sucking her thumb in a sonogram. I was blown away at how something so small could be growing inside my belly. Sierra was born not long after this photo. She was premature, and I had some complications in my last trimester, and although she was born a few weeks early was able to take her home within a few days. She has now developed into a strong, and beautiful woman. She will be 24 in three months.

For Sierra & Lexie.

"Give them wings to fly. Roots to come home. And reasons to stay." I love that saying. It is something I hope for every time I talk to my older daughters whenever they plan on visiting, or coming home for breaks from school. Hoping that they love coming home no matter what. Having two adult daughters is bittersweet. Bitter because I wish they were closer to home, and sweet because they are away from familiar territory where they are growing, and learning new things all while being challenged with the ways of the world. 

A Little Letter For My Firstborn Who Turns T W E N T Y - T H R E E Today!

I couldn't let this day end, or got to bed without writing a little something about my oldest daughter Sierra who turned 23 today. I've written numerous posts about her in the past on this blog, and although I've mentioned not writing too much about her because she's pretty much on her own living her own life I can't help but to whisper sweet somethings on this little space of mine on the internet that's specifically meant for her eyes to see, and read. 

Sierra To Sing In General Conference With Her Institute Choir!

One thing I love about spring is the renewal that the season brings to both mind, and spirit, and also....general conference! I am sooooo looking forward to this weekend. Not only am I excited to hear a new prophets voice, but excited to listen to the choir sing. That is, Sierra's institute choir! Yep...she'll be singing her heart out along with other talented men, and women. 

Sierra Live, & A Few YouTube Videos.

Since Sierra left for school to Utah writing about her on my blog has shifted. I respect her privacy, and will ask her if she wouldn't mind me writing about her. Although she tells me I never need to ask, I do. Only because she has been through a heck of a lot in the past four years of her life, and as a mother wants to make sure she is healthy, and happy. Most of all happy.

Our Sweet Sierra Is 22.

Today my oldest daughter turns 22. It's super surreal knowing I have a 22 year old. Maybe it's because I have a young heart, and my brain tells me that I'm not that old. I think of her all the time, and pray many blessings upon her this year with all that is happening in her life! I want her to know how much she is loved in our home. How much her siblings think of her. How much we wish she was closer. We've gotten quite used to her being gone, and I hate that, but she is an adult now, and has her own choices to make. I pray they are always the right ones that are led by God, and that she will always carry that foundation with her wherever she goes. 

Happy Birthday my sweet Sierra! Celebrate 22 with fun and laughter, and hope your year is fabulous! 

Throwback of Sierra Playing Piano From Christmas '15.

When I'm feeling down, or can't sleep I tend to listen to good music. I'm so glad that I have kids who are talented not only with playing the piano, and various instruments, but to make music as well. My oldest daughter Sierra and her girlfriend created their own rendition of Capitol Cities "Safe and Sound" (which you can listen to on Soundcloud.com), and I can't even begin to tell you how that song was created at the time when I needed some solace.

When A Missionary Comes Home Early.

"After much thought and prayer, I've come to the conclusion that a mission is not in my plans. The MTC was a trying, yet beautiful experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I met some amazing missionaries, my companions were wonderful sisters, and the language was easy to pick up. But I've come home and am at peace with my decision. The testimony I have for mission work, for families, and for the scriptures have grown tremendously. I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and I am so grateful for my experience. If you're preparing to serve or thinking about serving, please earnestly pray about your decision, and go! It'll change your life. My time as a missionary may have been short, but I'm still excited to teach others about this beautiful gospel and I know my mission on earth is not over. I appreciate the sacrifice missionaries make, it is not easy. But it's worth it. I am proud to be a Mormon, and I know this gospel is meant to bring people to God and create happiness in their lives."-Sister Sierra Jorgensen 

My daughter posted this status on her Facebook last Friday to let everyone know of her returning home early from the MTC. All i have to say is that I'm so proud of her for having the desire to serve the Lord, and for taking it as far as she did. Heavenly Father certainly knows His children, and if you knew my daughter, and I mean really knew her, you would come to know that she is an amazing girl, a true sweetheart, and someone who would literally be there for you at the drop of a hat whenever someone is in need. 

The few weeks that she spent at the MTC was all the time she needed to focus, learn, and to spiritually grow. To truly know that the scriptures are to never be taken for granted, that families are forever, and to never take family for granted either. She needed to be there for that short time to prove to the Lord that after all her praying, and preparation for a mission that all she needed was to make it all the way to the MTC to learn the language, but after much thought and prayer in the temple, realized from the divine that she is destined for something else, but not to serve an 18 month mission in the Philippines. 

But most of all...to listen to her answer.

In the church I attend we are all considered a missionary, and when it comes to serving a mission, it is not a priesthood responsibility for our daughters. I was so excited knowing that she was willing to serve, but even more at peace knowing that she's is happy, and at peace too. Sure I was a bit in shock when I received that phone call because of how excited she was when she got her mission call, but when she told us what prompted her to pray about coming home, our main focus was making sure she was alright, and that she did everything correct while making her decision.   

I was very impressed hearing as to how she came about her answer, and knowing that she prayed to Heavenly Father about the feelings she was experiencing while in the MTC, and to actually feel that burning in her bosom when she received her answer is a testament to how in tune she was in listening to her response coming from the divine. And no matter how much she wanted it to be a different answer, and how wonderful serving in the Philippines sounded, she knew she couldn't go against that prompting. She was honest, and brave, and we are so pleased with her in obeying that answer, and not going against it. That's true discipleship if you ask me. 

A few days after she came home I asked her what she missed most about the MTC. Her response, "I mostly miss the classes because they helped me grow spiritually, and my missionary companions because they all brought something in my life that I needed." She still continues to keep in touch with them through emails, and is happy to hear how well they're doing...without any regret.

I have no doubt that things will work out for her. She has goals, and is very ambitious, and who knows what the future has in store for her, but for now she is at peace with herself, and is happy where she's at, and that's all that matters. 

As a parent it's important to support our children in all that they do...especially when a missionary comes home early. She is certainly not the first, and won't be the last. I have various friends who have had missionaries come home early, and for different reasons, but what is most relevant to the situation is not the "why's", the "how could you's", the stares, or the whisperings we may get behind our backs, but the "it's okay's", the smiles, and the true fellowshipping. The Lord is in charge, and knows exactly what is best for all of us. Missionaries coming home early is becoming more common these days, and what they need first and foremost is unconditional love, and support. 

I'm grateful for the gospel, and that Sierra has a testimony of it, and that she's not afraid to share it with others. Even if it will be in her community, at school, or at work. She will always be a first class sister no matter what!

Welcome home mama! (I can call you that now!) 

We love you girlie! (i can call you that too!) 

xoxo

Meeting Stephanie Nielsen, & Appreciating the Gospel.

"Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice, but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times, and in all places." -Dallin H. Oaks

Now it's very rare that I post or go on social media on Sundays, but this past Sunday I couldn't help but to scroll down my feed, and look on Stephanie Nielsen's Instagram, because every Sunday she always posts a photo of her sweet family along with an inspirational message. When Sierra emailed me to let me know that she finally met one of my favorite bloggers I knew who she was referring too. Then again I had seen it on Instagram way before her email! 

She mentioned that they have some time on Sundays to go to the temple for a walk, and as she and a few other sisters were walking noticed the Nielsen family. They all wanted to take a picture with them, and then afterwards she approached Stephanie to let her know how much I adored her, her blog, and her book. In return Stephanie told Sierra to let me know that she loves me, and thanked her. That really made my week, and it's so nice that Sierra was able to meet such an inspiring woman who has been through a very hard ordeal. 

I think it's moments like this where Sierra feels strengthened, and seeing how other people have endured harder trials, but in a different way helps her to become even closer to her Heavenly Father. She loves learning, and making new friends. It's amazing to hear how quickly she has picked up the language. She also mentioned how she can bear her testimony in tagalog, and speak in tagalog while sharing the gospel. The gift of tongues is truly amazing, and she truly has felt the spirit more than ever before. In her last email there was a girl she was teaching named April, and this past Sunday got baptized. She was so happy, and being able to go to the temple was the icing on the cake to end her week. She loves her zone, and her companion. She sounds like she's doing well, but I still pray my heart out for her.

I ask that y'all continue to pray for her and all the other missionaries. These brothers and sisters sacrifice so much, and learn so much while being there. Just talking to my husband about the MTC, and how he mentioned how intense the learning can be especially when learning another language can be tough, but it seems that Sierra is grasping on very quickly and appreciating the gospel more now, than ever before. 

When Faced With Adversity.

So we finally heard from Sierra, and now that we know that her preparation day is on Thursdays we can hope to expect emails from her on a weekly basis. I can't even begin to tell you how anxious I was feeling when I hadn't heard from her! Jon just kept telling me to be patient, and that her p-day could be any day of the week. I know she's in good hands, and all, but still...she's my baby! And I'm a rookie missionary mom learning as my firstborn is serving a mission! We were just so glad to have finally heard from her. Her email was short, but mentioned she's doing well. She admits it's a bit lonely at times, but we reminded her that she is never alone, and that Heavenly Father is always there for her. She also mentioned going to the temple with other missionaries in her zone, and how that helped uplift her. I'm sure we'll hear from her more as the weeks pass us by, but for now she says that the MTC is a "spiritual high prison." Not sure if I should take that as a compliment, but overall she seemed fine. Thank goodness for weekly emails! So after hearing from her yesterday I thought about the sunday school lesson we had at church this past Sunday, and I mentioned it to her in my response to her email. 

In my husbands sunday school class he pointed something out on a very important question that was asked as to why we face adversity. Two answers were given: one, for the righteous to be blessed, and second, for others to be called to repentance. Totally not the answer I thought about in our lesson, but after hearing those answers over, and over again in my head...they ring so true. 

I know this because we have totally been through it as a couple, as a family, and I, as an individual before, and after joining the church. So when I emailed Sierra on that particular subject I reminded her that in order for us to learn that we have to face adversity in order for us to be blessed. We need adversity to help us grow, to get uncomfortable, and to be blessed by the challenges once we've endured them. I told her that if she goes through any challenges in the MTC such as learning the language, or feeling homesick, or second guessing herself at being a missionary that all she has to do is have faith, and pray her heart out to Heavenly Father. My husband reminded her that the gift of tounges is amazing, and that the holy ghost will guide her every step of the way. 

A couple of weeks ago we gathered as a family in the living room, and listened to her farewell talk for family home evening. She sounded so confident, and true. We discussed her talk afterwards to our kids, and explained to them how in order for their sister to be where she's at today she had to go through some pretty rough patches. 

Adversity. 

I'm sure that the Lord is going to lead her to the right people in the mission field who have been through her similar cirumstances. I know that she's going to be empathetic, compassionate, and nonjudgemental because she's "lived in the world." She is really anchored in the gospel, and has a firm testimony on the atonement. It's so amazing to hear her words on that topic, and how mature she sounded. I know that in the next 18 months her testimony will grow, and that she will prosper not only within herself as a person, but in the gospel as well. 

I want to share another snippet from her farewell talk in hopes that if some of us are struggling with adversity, or in understanding the atonement that it will help. 

"One aspect of the gospel that really stood out at me was the Atonement. How it really does help in our lives, and the power of the "Grace of God", and what it can do for a missionary. The grace that God gives us is immeasurable to anything we can comprehend. 

In Brad Wilcox's talk titled, "His Grace is Sufficient" he compares Grace to a piano player. (Of course she had to add that particular part of the talk because she's a pianist!) "But don't you realize how hard it is to practice the piano? I'm just not very good at it. I hit a lot of wrong notes. It takes me forever to get it right." 

Now, isn't that all part of the learning process? When a young pianist hits a wrong note, we don't say he is not worthy to keep practicing. We don't expect him to be flawless. We can just expect him to keep trying. Perfection may be his ultimate goal, but for now we can be content with progress in the right direction. Why is this perspective so easy to see in the context of learning piano, but so hard to see in the context of learning heaven? Too many are giving up on the church because they are tired of constantly feeling like they are just falling short. They have tried in the past, but they continually feel like they're just not good enough. They don't understand grace. There should never be just two options: perfection, or giving up. When learning the piano, are the only options performing at Carnegie hall, or quitting? 

No. 

Growth and development take time. Learning takes time. When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives." 

I really enjoyed that part of her talk, because it really resonated with me at one point. Even today there are times when it would be nice if we could just get a break from all the trials we face, but if we understand grace, and apply the atonement in our lives I firmly believe that things will work out, and when we turn our hearts to God all will be well. No matter how much I'd like to throw in the towel, I just won't. 

Because in the end, living the life I live while facing adversity will all be worth it, and that'll be because I chose for it to be." 

Have a wonderful weekend folks, and I'll continue to keep you updated on emails from our dear sister! If you have a moment, please write to her too! I know she'll love that! She'll be in the MTC in Provo until the end of March!  

Provo MTC address:
Sister Sierra Jorgensen
MAR30 PHI-URD
2005 N. 900 E. Unit 204
Provo, UT 84602

One Last Hurrah Before Her Mission.

I tell ya, no matter what life throws at us January just keeps getting better and better. I love how this year has begun with Sierra getting her mission call, and in spite of our van breaking down recently we are extremely grateful for generous friends to be lending us their car until we fix ours. 

With Sierra leaving in February, and since we won't be able to fly out to Utah to see her off at the MTC in Provo we decided she'd fly out to Jersey for one last hurrah. Not only to spend quality time with us, but to receive her endowments at the temple as well. 

She arrived yesterday, and the first thing she wanted to do was grab some grub at Waffle House. Just the two of us! We didn't get to take her on her last visit, and being the cool mom that I am drove out to the closest one which is in Maryland, and granted her request. 

Her siblings are always happy to see her, and in all honesty it feels as if she was just here yesterday. There are days when I feel she is still living here. The fact that she still has some of her stuff here reminds me that she is. We love her presence, and the spirit that she brings into our home. Oh the people in the Philippines are going to adore her! 

With her leaving next month there is so much for her to do with so little time, but pretty much has accomplished a few things since quitting her job, and before flying out to see us. One thing I'm excited for her is the opportunity she'll have to finally enter the temple with us, and for her to be here for both of her sisters birthdays. It is going to be a busy weekend for us, but are going to make this one last visit with her count before she is off for 18 months! 

I am so thankful for this time we get to spend with her, and look forward to her adventures once she departs, and begins her mission. 

Hope 2016 continues to be a great one, and if it has started off with sadness, bad news, or any kind of negativity remember to always think positive, and keep going! We are all in this together! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Mission Call Accomplished: The Philippines.

For the past four months we have patiently been waiting for Sierra to get her mission call, and this past weekend she finally received it! Things happen for good reasons and I'm telling you, when it he comes to heavenly father's plan, everything works out, and there is no denying that He is in charge of our life. I know that everything He has planned out for our daughter is meant to be, and have faith that it'll be in His hands. Words cannot express how excited we are for our sweet Sierra to soon be on the Lord's errand. 

Goodness...I still have butterflies! The day I posted this photo on Instagram I received a call from Sierra later that evening letting me know that she received an envelope that read from the office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She asked if that could be the envelope with her mission call inside, and I said if it's an eight by ten, white big envelope then yes, that's it! She exclaimed, "it is!", and her dad was like yes! You should've heard the excitement and anxiousness in her voice as we were talking about it. She was so excited to have finally received it. I seriously thought she was going to hyperventilate! I told her to take deep breaths, and that it'll be great news! I asked her if she wanted to wait until Sunday to open it but was so eager to open it that evening. I don't blame her. This waiting game was played for too long, and she totally deserved to open it the day she received it! 

She quickly called a few friends, and they soon gathered with the family at her grandparents house where she's been living since she left Jersey. Because of the two hour time difference she wanted to announce it at approximately 8pm which is 10pm where we live. The only person we were waiting for was her sister Lexie. She was at a birthday party, and luckily it ended at 10 so that she could be home for this exciting event! In no way would she announce it without her sidekick. Lexie finally came home, and we all gathered in front of the computer to await the big news.

Technology is so awesome! It's so nice to be able to see her surrounded by people that love, and support her, and I'm so grateful that she wasn't alone while opening her call. She was so nervous that she couldn't even open the envelope. She had her grandma open it for her because her fingers were shaking! She was that thrilled/excited/enthusiastic/nervous! Name it, she was that adjective. 

Her voice was literally shaking when she announced her call, and for a minute there I thought she was going to faint! The sound in her voice when she mentioned where she'll be serving is proof to me that she decided this all on her own motive and that she is so ready and willing to serve the lord with all her heart, mind, mind, and strength! We are so excited for her, and know that she is on the right track in her life, and that this is where she's supposed to be in her life right now. And that is to serve a church mission. My feelings right now is euphoric, and I still can't seem to get rid of these butterflies in my stomach! It's surreal and I just can't get over it. I've just never experienced this...you know, having a child leaving for 18 months to serve God. I mean, I met the sister missionaries while I was investigating the church, and they totally helped change my life, and to know that our daughter will be doing the same things is so, so, humbling to me! 

I've realized the sacrifices we are going to make so that she will be able to serve, and my thoughts right now are focused on nothing but positivity, joy, but most of all faith. I know that the Lord will guide, and take care of her, and that there is no need for us to worry. I will have to get used to not facetimeing her every other day, texting, and calling her. We'll be okay, and it's a good thing I love to write because she'll be getting good mail every week or so. She reports to the MTC on February 10th which means we have to prepare quickly. She will be getting her passport today, and are looking forward for her to come to our neck of the woods to get her endowments at the DC temple. She sure has faced obstacles in her life, and that is something that she'll be able to apply in her life as she serves, and take what she has learned with her. I know that she'll be guided to those whom she will relate to, and understand their needs. Sierra has a big heart filled with so much compassion. She is going to be amazing! We are so proud of her and the decision she has made to serve The Lord. 

She is has so much of her dad in her when it comes to "being an official missionary" and we are so excited for this chapter to begin in her life as well as ours and to see her prosper, and grow in the gospel while sharing it with the people in the Philippines.

This truly is an amazing start to our 2016. 

See...I was right. Good things do come to those who wait! 

A Nice Surprise!

Words cannot express how excited we are to have Sierra home. We hadn't seen her all year and the fact that she worked all summer prevented her from coming home for a visit. It's probably a good thing though because all that hard earned money she worked for will go towards her mission. We were expecting her to come home sooner, but because of a medical issue had to resubmit her papers which set her mission back, but it's okay because she's here with us now, and everything happens for a reason right? We are just so happy we get to have her here even if it's just for a few days. Because her job doesn't allow anyone to take work off during the holidays (plus she's the best one on the floor to sell pianos, and plays them well enough where customers buy them) she won't be here on Christmas day. That's okay because once she gets her mission call we get to see her again in the new year for at least two weeks!! Yeah...I'd say heavenly father definitely knows what he's doing, and I'm so grateful that her faith and patience has allowed her to hang on to this small test of her mission plans, and that she is in good spirits. She's only here for a few days so we are going to make the best of our time with her. We are so looking forward to where she's going to be called to, and to start the new year right with her going on a mission. Let's hope she gets her call by Christmas! That would be the best Christmas present ever! 

Happy Friday everyone, and have a fun weekend! 

Thankful For Sierra, & A Mission Call Update.

Just wanted to give y'all a quick update on Sierra's mission call. Apparently there was some mixup in her paperwork, and due to a tiny medical condition it didn't get approved by the mission department. Now that the doctor approved it, and all has been rectified, her paperwork will be resubmitted, hence getting her mission call a little later. So for those of you who have been wondering about what's going on, and why it's taking so long, well there you have it. So because of that she probably won't get her mission call until after the holidays, or even well into the new year. That's okay because we get to hear her voice more often, and because we can't get enough of talking to her via FaceTime we'll definitely be overusing that until the day she leaves. Luckily we get to have her home in time for the holidays, but because she does have a job in Utah, and deferred her college plans she will be working around the holiday, but will be visiting us for a short time in December in time to take a family photo. 

We are so proud of her, and for whatever reason the Lord has caused this delay I know it's all for a good reason. I am grateful to her, and for her patience in understanding why these things happen. Maybe it could have been a test to see if she was fully prepared, or really wanting to serve. Whatever it may be, she is anxiously waiting as patiently as possible to serve the Lord. She is an amazing young lady born at the right time, and for that I am eternally grateful. The Lord blessed us with an extraordinary daughter with a beautiful personality, and we are so thankful to have her in our life. She truly is one of a kind!  

I'm just happy that her medical condition is nothing too serious, and as soon as she hears something I'm sure she'll post it on her blog before I do. So have a great holiday season, and we'll keep you updated as the weeks fly by. So looking forward to seeing her in a few weeks! 

MISSION PAPERS ACCOMPLISHED!

So it's done. 

After one month of praying, and waiting to meet with her bishop due to being out of the country, doctors, and dental appointments to get her wisdom teeth out, Sierra finally submitted her mission papers. Now all we have to do is wait for her stake president to officially submit them which should be any day now, and wait for her mission call. Any guesses?? You should have seen her the night she pressed send while we were facetiming. She asked me if the picture she submitted for her portfolio looked okay, and I said to her it was beautiful and perfect! She was giddy, and while inputting her photo kept smiling with a giggle in between making sure all her i's were dotted, and t's were crossed. When she pressed send on her laptop she emphatically uttered the words, "I did it!" It was a surreal moment for her. Nonetheless, she had such a glow on her face with the biggest ear to ear smile I've ever seen. I can tell that she is ready and anxious to engage in the work of the Lord, and to share the most precious gift that he has given us which is the plan of salvation. 

I am so pleased with Sierra in all that she has done, and has learned up to this point in her life with preparing for her future, but most of all praying to serve a mission. Deferring her college plans to serve the lord is a huge sacrifice, but the outcome of it all will bring forth many blessings especially after serving. I know this from experience because I've seen it with my husband. He sacrificed two years of his life to serve a mission, and no matter what obstacles we faced as a married couple with four children for the past 20 years the Lord has always managed to take care of us, and I know that he will continue to do so as long as we do our part in serving Him with all our might. 

Sierra has sure come a long way in her young life since graduating high school two years ago, and being away from home is evidence enough that she can endure hard things, and still manage to hang on to her testimony no matter what obstacles she faced. We all at one time in our life will face trials, but if we hang on to our faith, and remember what we were taught, and valued in what we were raised with, there is nothing in the world we can't handle, and the Lord will never leave our side.

And to know that He is there to help, and guide us along the way is not only the greatest comfort, but the greatest blessing of all. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

HAPPY 20TH SIERRA!

When I received a snapchat from Sierra to let me know she received our packages this past Saturday I called, and asked her if she wanted to open them now, or on her official birthday which is today. We both decided since Monday was going to be a busy day for her working, and having a family bbq with friends that she should open them now. We face timed the "mini-birthday" party,  and as she was opening the package the first thing she grabbed was the card we sent. She opened it, sat still for a minute while reading it, and then said, "Can y'all believe you have a 20 year old!!" While I was sitting there in total denial,  Jon's answer was, "yes I do,  I feel old!" LOL! 

Although I embrace my age there are days when I feel young, and energized (having a five year old in your 40's will do that to you). I look forward to Sierra's future, and all that she wants to accomplish. She has some awesome goals, and is very ambitious. She wants to raise the bar with her passion for music, and for her love for God to not just be stagnant, and mediocre, but to increase to the highest of honorable love. And although she wants to be a mom someday she has dreams of being a musician, and inspiring others through her words whether it's through music, or teaching. 

One thing for sure is that this daughter of mine is the greatest. Throughout all the decisions she has made up until now with her schooling, and all that she has endured in the first two years after graduating high school, she has done just that...ENDURED. No matter what life has thrown at her she has managed to overcome all opposition, and stand strong in her beliefs. Knowing that she had to make decisions on her own, and even though some may not have been the greatest she ended up learning from them, and growing into a much stronger spiritual daughter of God. Reading this sweet story also helped my perspective on mothering an adult from long distance, and toddler at the same time!

And because of her example, and standing strong in her faith tells me that I did something right. That all the things she was taught in the church were not just words, but the truth. And she knows that now more than ever.

She knows she's of great worth, and knows why she is living her life in this dispensation. Whatever she decides to do in the next two years we will support her all the way. 

Her "future will truly be as bright as her faith" if she continues to be the way she is. Bubbly, cheerful, forgiving, kind, and loving.  I am so grateful that the words "have courage and be kind" never left my daughter's mind, and I pray that she will continue to teach that to her future posterity when the time comes. 

Happy birthday mamas, and have a fabulous day! You deserve every good deed that comes your way!

xoxo

momma bear

Moab, Utah.

Moab. 

This was one place where I loved venturing out to get away when I lived in Salt Lake. I can't believe it has been eight years since we left Utah, and I'm sure missing it right now. Especially since we've been hit some massive, windy, cold weather. What happened to spring anyway? It's like it just sprung us over! 

I love looking back at old photos reflecting on the good times we had when the girls were little. Don't get me wrong...I love all the memories we're making now with a boy in the mix, but this part of my life watching the girls grow up, and developing into their own personalities was amazing. 

Still is...

Especially since these two girls are now teenagers, and one of them is about to turn nineteen in a couple of months. Now that Sierra is back in Utah going to school I hope that she is taking advantage of her surroundings and hope that she'll get the chance to go back to Moab.

The years fly by way too quickly especially with this cute little girl who is now nine! It seems as if she was this small yesterday. There are times when I look at Noah, and see Chelsea all over again. It's beautiful to see the way God creates our children, and how they all carry the same resemblance. 

Memories of a four drive to Moab was certainly worth it. The singing in the car with their squeaky voices, and giggling all around. Toys scattered about, and crayons rolling back and forth as we'd make a turn. The drive down is so peaceful, and the sun...oh man that sun can shine on my face for eternity if it could. The great part of my life while having three daughters was taking them to the most beautiful places out west. I think moving from a small town in Texas to a state like Utah gave me many opportunities to want to explore the western hemisphere, and we sure did a lot of that before moving out here. 

Jon is such a great photographer. I always tell him that he should go back and take up photography as a career. I love the way he captured the girls in all their beauty. I wish I'd been in some of these pics, but I was too busy taking in the beauty of Moab too! I was also making sure Chelsea wasn't running off, or putting rocks and dirt in her mouth! Living on the east coast is great and all, but sometimes you just need to get away...far away, and venture out to the other side of the hemisphere, and that is what we hope to do soon!

Cross country drive in our plans for the future? Who knows.  Right now all i want is some warmer weather. Taking it day by day, and living in the moment...for now.

Technology is a miracle...especially when you have a daughter away at college.

As each day goes by with three kids keeping me busy, and entertained having Sierra away at college gets easier and easier...with time. I miss her, and there are so many times I wish she was here with us to join in on the fun when we go on road trips, long drives, watching movies together, and our late night talks. I especially miss her playing me some Muse, and Downton Abbey on the piano, but I know that she is where she needs to be. 

I know for a fact that she loves being surrounded by mountains, having fun going to school, shopping with grandma & Aunt Emily, playing with cousins, eating at In and Out Burger (jelly), finally working to learn more responsibility, and without talking too much about her personal life (that's what her personal blog is for)...having a boyfriend. Wait...did I just say the B word? Boyfriend! And I'm okay with it? Wow! Seriously though...I look back on the day she asked her father and I if she could have a relationship with a boy so she could experience how it would feel like to have a boyfriend. Her dad and I were like, "what cliff did you fall off from, and why do you feel you must have a boyfriend?" There is absolutely nothing that states in the For the Strength of Youth handbook that indicates, "Must experience an exclusive relationship with the opposite sex." I don't think so. After learning how kids should start to date at the age of 16, I personally feel that kids under the age of 18 should not have any serious relationships. None. Nada. Why you may ask? Because at the age of 12, 14, 16, & even 18 they are way too young to experience such motions in which they may not be ready to handle. Relationships are tough especially at such a young age. Gosh...I wish I would have known all about the double dating rule at 16, and in not having serious relationships in high school back in my day. It could have saved me a lot of heartache, but I would never take anything back. Anything! Everything that I endured, and learned about boys, partying, and all that other dumb stuff in my teen years has made me the strong woman, and mother I am today. Especially when it comes to raising daughters. 

This is when technology is a miracle, and the social media guard is not needed! haha! We read scriptures as a family via Skype the other day, and have decided to trrrryyyyyy to do that on the days she's not working or not too busy with homework, (or Nicholas). It'll be challenge being that there's a two hour difference between us, but we'll certainly try to keep her included. 

^^^ skyping rules ^^^

^^^ FaceTime is a miracle! ^^^

Skyping with Sierra the other day was bliss, and she's definitely maturing. Kids nowadays need to go through some pretty rough patches in order to learn lessons, and grow both mentally and spiritually. I would never wish any of my kids to experience the hurt, and heartache I went through at a young age, but if the Lord puts anything in their path that is hard in order for them to learn, and grow from...so be it. I know from experience that going through some rough patches helps us to become firm, and strong in our testimony with God, and makes us a better person.

I know that Sierra is in good hands living with her grandparents in Utah, and having met Nicholas (the boyfriend) has really helped her in understanding everything that she has learned since the new year began. I'm telling you...there are certain returned missionaries out there who really are mature, and Nicholas sounds like good people to me. Funny thing though...he told Sierra that he is actually learning a lot from her, and she is three years younger than him! 

I am so grateful that she is in such good hands right now. She has been blessed with great things...being closer to family, a job, attending college, great friends that remembered her since she was eight. She's pretty lucky, and so is everyone who gets to meet her. Like I said before... if you didn't get to know her while she was living in Jersey, or gave her a chance in friendship you missed out.

^^^ photo via Sierra's instagram ^^^

What a gal...I sure am proud of her, and all the choices she has made in order for her to find her place in this world. 

We love and miss you Sierra! xo