Contagion at mini youth conference

My daughter's third annual mini youth conference was held 

this past weekend, and it consisted of all things spiritual.

She loves attending. She loves continuing to make more friends, and dancing 

with young men, and her lovely girlfriends. Oh yeah...she loves that. 

She loved devotional, and the great advice about overcoming deception, 

staying strong, and following the Savior's example that was said to the youth by

President Corbitt. And last but not least..she LOVES testimony meeting. 

She tells me that is her favorite part of the conference. For some it can be all

about the dance, and meeting boys. Which is not bad, but the purpose should be 

in building your spiritual testimony, and getting together with those who strive

 to have the same moral standards as you, and to have clean fun. 

Oh... I almost forgot. She also cries like a baby, and can hardly sing

when they sing the EFY Medley song. That's another favorite.

There are many who attend who are not members, yet they come to feel

the peace, love, and joy that they give them. 

And to be fellowshipped. I believe my daughter is the perfect example of that, 

and I've seen it in action.

Sierra's laugh is contagious. 

Her bubbly personality is contagious.

Her example in how a young woman portrays herself is contagious.

Her hugs are contagious.

Her smile is contagious.

Her happiness is contagious.

Her spirituality is contagious.

Her Faith in God is contagious. 

Who doesn't want to be surrounded by those things.

I'm lucky...because I get to live with her.

At least until she leaves for college.

(tear.)

Sharing a love, a great movie, & a pass along card

This past week was filled with sinus pressure, sickness, puke, and lots and lots of zzzzzzz's. I don't think our beds have ever been slept in so much. My husband called into work sick for the first time in eight years, and my oldest in high school missed school for the first time all year! I couldn't believe it. They were fine the day Noah got sick, and somehow those germs were passed on to them the next day! The only child that has been immune to this whole germ infestation has been Chelsea. Yesterday I was able to take her to her piano lesson to meet her new teacher, rent this great movie from Redbox, and had the energy to do a little bit of shopping afterwards. I even had the opportunity to share my faith with a fellow christian.

While I was at the checkout line at Bottom Dollar, this sweet spanish lady came up to me and asked me what my nationality was, and where I was from. I told her I was hispanic, and originally from Texas. She then introduced herself, and proceeded to tell me about her church, and eventually invited me to her church. I was excited about this moment because of the opportunity to not only speak in Spanish, but to share my faith with her as well. I have to tell you I was very impressed on her approach, and in the way she expressed herself about her feelings about the Savior. The checkout line was moving quite quickly, and as I set my stuff down on the counter I then invited her to our church, and then proceeded to tell her a little about the church I attended. Funny how we try to convert each other without any contention! There wasn't too much time to talk except that she kept mentioning how nowadays we need to turn to our life to God. I agreed with her and let her know that even though we attend different churches that we should help others, and live a Christlike life. It was time for me to pay, and so she said thank you for sharing, and for the chance she had to talk to me. I said no problem.

As I was heading to my car, I felt the urge to give her a pass along card of our church. I have some on hand in the glove compartment of our car in case of instances such as this, and boy have I had a lot of those in the past. Chelsea saw what I was grabbing and asked me what I was doing. I then told her that I was going to give that nice lady a card with Jesus picture on it, and to tell her that she is welcome to our church anytime. Luckily they were still in the parking lot unloading their groceries in their trunk, and there she was talking to another person about God. WoW!! I was impressed again! I waited for a pause in her conversation with the gentleman she was talking to, and grabbed the opportunity to wave to her while her husband took over in sharing his reborn experience. I handed her the card, and told her more about our church, and that she could call the 800# in the back of the card if she was interested in learning more about us. She obliged, and thanked me once again. My last words to her were this, "You know sister, we are all searching for that salvation and light of Christ, and no matter what church we go to, what is important is on how we live this life on this earth,  how we teach our children, and how we serve our fellow man. We are all striving for the same goal which is to live like Him, and to share with others the happiness and joy that living a life of Christ can be for us." She agreed, and said to me, "God Bless you", gave my daughter a kiss on her forehead, and we exchanged hugs.

I just love my heritage, and the passion we have to share the love of Christ!!!

Whether or not I may see this lady at our church doesn't matter. I'm sure she'll be thinking the same thing. I know that by sharing our faith with her will bring forth many blessings, and I give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the courage I had to share the love for our Savior in how He changed my life. The movie I watched that day was a perfect example of courage in doing the right thing by God. Standing for what we believe in, and how we should live our life. This woman was a loving example of Christ. She was sharing her love and faith. She was not afraid to approach me to tell me about it, and she exemplified happiness! Bottom line...SHE WAS REBORN.

I remember that day when I entered the waters of baptism, and how I felt afterwards. Happy and cleansed from all my sins. Still...I want to be the member who is always courageous, and fearless in everything that I do. To stand up for truth and righteousness, and in what I believe in. I love sharing our faith, and sometimes we don't think about confronting someone to share it. We may feel that it's not our job, and that the full time missionaries should do it. Well, I love my faith in God, and if I ever seek an opportunity to share it... I am going to do it whether it's online, or in person.

I know there will come a time in where we will all be doing that, and the time for us to begin was yesterday.

68 years young

my beautiful mother at 20 years of age

While we are still under the weather I couldn't let this day go by without letting the whole world know that today my mother celebrates her 68th birthday! She is 68 years young, and I want to let her know that I'm thinking of her. 

Dear Mom,

I know you are old school, don't care less for the internet, and probably won't read this today, but in case you are with Lynn this weekend,  please know that I am thinking of you, and wish you the best for a great year. We have both been through so much in our 'young years', and are survivors of things only few of us in the world can imagine. I believe that is why I am strong, and sometimes stubborn like you. I love you, and want you to know that I understand why you decided to live your life in Corpus Christi instead of New Jersey. Continue to cherish those wonderful memories that you spent with Joe on the beach, and every landmark in Texas y'all discovered. Eat at Whataburger for me. Have a wonderful life, and we look forward to seeing you again soon! 

P.S. Remember... next time you come and visit we need to go to New York City again so we can ride the subway! I know you missed out on that! 

In front of The Waldorf Astoria in NYC-2011

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Love, Rosie

Patience with sickness

Noah with his favorite bird blanket

I wasn't going to blog about my morning, and how today will be called 'taking care of Noah day', but wanted y'all to know how my morning has been. He began throwing up in the middle of the night. I know that this odd weather we've been having doesn't help with our immune system. One week it's 60 degrees, and then the temps drop down to 40, hence having sick kids, and other kids fighting the sickness. Our house is a bug manifestation at the moment as I am a little under the weather myself. 

One thing I am extremely grateful for is that Jon happens to be off today! He stayed up with Noah for half the night while I slept. He still managed to wake up at 4:30 in the morning to teach seminary, and came back home at 6:45, and slept until 9pm. I am so not used to having any of us sick. Luckily we have the whole weekend to recuperate. 

There is another thing I am extremely grateful for...hardwood floors! While Noah falls asleep on the couch, and if he feels the urge to puke...the carpet is lifted, and it is easier for me to wipe off any vomit. I usually complain of having hardwood floors throughout this house because of all the sweeping the girls and I have to do during the summer. Today I am grateful for them because they are easy to clean up. 

Aside from Noah being sick, my morning has been alright. Having my better half home makes it all better. He has so much more patience than me when it comes to sick kids. I swear this always happens when my husband happens to be off. I count my blessings for that! I know that Noah seeks comfort from his dad when it comes to puking in the bathroom. It breaks my heart to see such a sweet, small two-year old regurgitating his oatmeal, and yes...even water. Seeing him tremble due to the trauma of vomiting makes me so sad. I know exactly how he feels as I went through that myself as a child. I hardly ever went through this with any of my girls. You'd think that boys would be stronger, but in Noah's case he is very much human, and capable of illness. 

The end result is always the best. You see your sweet little boy's eyes twinkle knowing that he is secure in dad's arms, and that he is being taken care of. Knowing that compassion is being expressed to him, and that he can also sit on my lap begging me to nurse him. (Yep...I'm still trying to wean him, and always give in!) I know that he will be his jovial self by tomorrow, and will go back to being the sweet boy that he always is. Having one of your children ill teaches you a lot...especially at this age. In my case it is teaching me to be patient.

The first day of February...

When I think of February I think of carrying the love all year round. Just as if it was Christmas. 

L  O  V  E

   Luv (v) to feel a strong desire and tenderness for another person; 

taking delight in something; 

to have a fancy or fondness for someone or some thing.

Let us all carry the love that we have in our hearts, and share it with others. Let us be kind-hearted, gentle, warm, and love everyone unconditionally. Let us not have contention among one another, and strive to live a peaceful life, and go to a place where we can find that solace. Let us always carry the spirit of love. 

January's end

As I look back on the start of this new year it seems to me that some things never change. I have begun to realize that some things may never change...whether it's someone you care about, the people you associate with in your daily, and weekly life. I know that I'm doing my part in being the happiest person alive. I love that this month was full of blissful moments. I have the choice to make my days happy, and I choose to be happy, and I hope this makes you happy, because I want you to always be happy!

This month was full of blissful moments...

I had two daughters celebrate another year of living.

I had my middle daughter attend the temple 13 days after her 12th birthday.

It's been a mild winter which means less moisture, and brown grass. Maybe not blissful, but tolerable.

My better half's grandpa passed away, and it was more of a relief than sorrow since he had been     suffering with bone cancer for many years. He'll still be missed.

There are two young men that I know that are about to embark on a wonderful two-year journey.

Chelsea is more eager to play the piano, and wants to start cello lessons on her 8th birthday. Wait a minute...didn't she JUST turn seven!

I celebrated one year of blogging this past week!

My oldest is happy that this marking period is over which means less stress. She's halfway through her junior year!

We've also put out some of our valentine's decorations. Some of my ideas have been inspired by pinterest. I heart Valentine's day more than anything.

I've also watched Uncle Buck like three times on movieplex this whole month, and I have to say that it is one my favorite John Hughes movie of all time. Listening to this song (and please click on "this song"... I promise listening to it will make your day, and make you smile) really makes me feel like I can accomplish anything in this world as a parent, wife, mother, and friend!

I count my blessings each day for all the things we do as a family, and for ways in which we can help each other in times of stress, and major trials. Each day is a blessing, and no matter how I start out the day...I wish it to be a happy one. Whether I'm sick, or feeling stressed because of "life", I don't want that to get in my way of happiness. I'm thankful for January, and for all that has happened throughout this month. If people don't change...that's okay. What matters is how I react towards that, and my reaction will be bliss!

I can say goodbye to January 2012 now. 

Looking forward for tomorrow.

Inspirational thought

inside the tunnel on the way to D.C.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel...

Joseph Alsop (1910-1989)

We just need to be patient in getting there.

13 days later

"I love to see the temple. I'm going there someday to feel the holy spirit, to listen and to pray. For the temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty. I'll prepare myself while I am young; this is my sacred duty."

Alexandra has been waiting for this day since we got sealed in the temple back in 2003 when she was three years old. She has always been wanting to see the temple, and to make it there one day. Well... she finally made it. 12 years of singing the primary song "I love to see the temple". She's at least able to enter in, and do baptisms for the dead.

 13 days after she turned 12 we all attended the temple. This was the only Saturday my better half had off all month so we took advantage, and made sure that we were attending the temple on this day. Thank goodness for one month advance work schedules! This day couldn't get any better. The weather was gorgeous, and everyone was in good spirits. My husband was grinning ear to ear because he now has two of our girls desiring to do temple work. Sierra was especially happy that her younger sister can go with her now. Alexandra really appreciated the work that she did inside for her kindred dead. It makes me feel so happy to see my daughters with their dad doing baptisms at the temple. There is nothing more important than for these three to serve in the Lord's house on any given day.

 Especially on a Saturday! 

Now all I need is for these two to make it to the temple also... 

Noah and Chelsea hand in hand walking towards the temple. 

One day...someday.

Happy 1st year bloggerversary

"Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite."

One year ago today we finally bought our first 'real' computer', and I immediately started a blog. Sometimes I wish I would have started it when we moved to North Carolina nearly five years ago, but had no interest in technology, and didn't even know what a blog was until I got a Facebook account. I knew that 2011 was the perfect year to begin. I don't resent all the years of scrapbooking my kids lives, but I am grateful for the technology that allows me to document every single moment in detail of what goes on in our daily lives.

Although I keep a private journal that is brutally honest, (and when I die my kids are more than welcome to read all of them) I LOVE to write and share the stories of our lives on the web for everyone to read. I wasn't even nervous, or hesitant to expose pictures of my kids because of the faith that I have. The faith that I have in not thinking anything negative about the web. The faith that I have hoping that if just one person is reading it, and is uplifting them somehow...it's all worth it. Although there are pros and cons to blogging, I feel fortunate to have experienced more positive things than the negative.

Positive things.

Some positive things about blogging is how much I have fun with it. I LOVE being able to share my faith with others. I love posting things that are spiritually uplifting, and accentuating the positive, more than the negative.  I love sharing my deepest thoughts, concerns, and even some of my childhood experiences that I survived & endured in which has made me the woman I am today. I am not afraid to share my life with the world, and I will continue to do so as long as I can.

I always do my best in updating my blog as much as possible. I don't want to be a seasonal blogger, and only blog when something important happens in my life. Each day is a miracle, and important to me. Every day I wake up looking forward to something that will give my life meaning that allows me to write about. There is always something to write about. Whether it's about my family, my faith, or just a streak of words with a picture that gives meaning.

No matter how busy I get, I never want to feel overwhelmed when it comes to blogging, and give up. Like my faith in the Lord...I don't ever want to give up on something that I have a passion for. I may not be a professional writer that pays me good money, but I give thanks to our Heavenly Father for giving me the courage, and for the talent that I have to be able to form thoughts in my head, immediately type them on my iPhone, or write them down on a piece of paper or my hand (if my phone & paper are not nearby), and start writing my heart out, hence documenting them on my blog.

After all...this is all being written mostly for my posterity, and you!

My main motivator for blogging are my children. It's also intended for all of my readers, plus it's great therapy for me! It always feels good to write. I look at the stats and see how many of you have visited from all over the world, and it makes me feel good to know that y'all are reading it. I wish I could do shout outs to every single one of you, and see how one particular reader from Colonia, NJ constantly visits my blog more than my family, and friends.

So whoever your are Mr. or Ms. Colonia....keep reading. I hope it's somehow uplifting your spirits and helping you get through your day. This statement goes out to the one who is reading this right now as well. Yes you...I hope that you will find comfort in my words, and through pictures. I hope that they will uplift you or make you laugh somehow. Even chuckle a bit.

Another thing...don't be afraid or shy to comment. I have been through so much in life that I really try not to let anything offend me. I think of the old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will NEVER hurt me." So please don't be afraid to comment.

I not only write for my sanity, but for you as well. This is what I am going to leave behind to my children, and eventually their posterity will read it, and so forth, and so on. 

Thank you for reading my blog!

"I'm sexy & and I know it"

"Tonight I realized losing by one point is way worse than being blown away in the competition. But you know what else I learned? Sometimes life isn't always about winning, it's about having fun, letting loose, and being yourself."

~Jordan Jones (2nd place winner in Mr. Highland)

Here they are. These are the boys that represent their high school in which my daughter stood in as an escort for. These young men hold the keys to the future. Are we safe? Yeeaaah....as long as they don't wear those bootie shorts in public...I think it's safe to say that our future is in pretty good hands.

 After all...this was all done for a good cause, and all in the name of fun.

The second annual Mr. Highland contest this year was a riot. By the theme of the contest, "I'm Sexy and I know it", I was a little nervous in the whole set up being somewhat a little risqué, but it really wasn't. It was a full house, and the response from the audience was well received.

Their opening number was this song, and I have to say... some of these boys have got some moves. They definitely showed off their legs, muscles, and yes...their bootie by shaking it. Hey...if you got it, flaunt it. (I wouldn't recommend that to any young women though.)

 They all showed off their talents with singing, tap dancing, playing the saxophone, doing an impersonation of Cher,

 an acting segment of the broadway show "Wicked", in which this contestant is singing "Popular" with one of the high school staff. (Love that show!)

this contestant is singing the song "A Whole New World" from Aladdin in which he is portraying both Jasmine and Aladdin. It was funny, but he did a good job. 

While the judges were deliberating on the winner, Mr. Moustakas performed a musical number singing "Express Yourself". He did so well, and I was singing the song, and dancing from the seat of my chair in the audience. It brought back memories of when I was in high school. I can't believe that song is twenty years old!!

My favorite talent was when one of the contestants rode onto the stage on a unicycle, and then proceeded to juggle with three neon balls...in the dark.

Pretty impressive.  

Now that's talent, and the gentleman with that talent was Jordan Jones who asked my daughter to be his escort in which they got second place. Had he received ONE more vote, he would have won the coveted crown of Mr. Highland.

Oh well...there is always next year. 

It was a fun-filled evening which brought back memories for me of the songs in which most of these young men played, and sang. They are actually from my era, and sometimes I wish that songs from the 80's and 90's were still being played more in high school dances than the music they play today. 

Although I wasn't feeling that well earlier in the day, I'm glad that my better half and I went to support this event. It is always a beautiful sight to see a friendly, wholesome couple portray a good example of modesty, happiness, maturity, and clean fun. 

Congratulations on participating in this event...you are all winners!

Watching the tube with clifford

 I am not feeling so hot at the moment, and so for the rest of the afternoon I am allowing Noah to watch cartoons until the girls get home. I normally don't let him sit around for no more that two hours to watch television in one sitting, but I am feeling a little weak at the moment. Right now, I don't care. Luckily Noah shows compassion, and he can sense when I'm not feeling well, hence doing his own thing. He is so smart that he can turn on the television with the remote all by himself. He knows exactly which buttons to push, and can eat a bowl of mac 'n' cheese, and oatmeal all by himself.

 He's beginning to become very independent. 

 I hope to feel better by the late afternoon. I have my visiting teachers coming over, and I need to make myself well, and also get ready to attend the second annual Mr. Highland contest in which my daughter will once again be an escort to a contestant, and friend. 

Yes, I get to see twelve boys dancing again, showing off their talents, and basically just acting goofy. It should be an interesting evening. Last year's Mr. Highland was pretty tasteful, and decent. I'm a little nervous in what they are bringing tonight. I'm sure it's all in good fun, and that it'll be a fun event to attend. 

But for now...I'll let Noah continue to watch television while I lay down on the couch in hopes that he doesn't make too much of a mess with rearranging the pillows, and throwing all of his toys down the stairs. Luckily he's a good climber, and I have this house overly childproof.

He's just waiting for me to fall asleep.