Beautiful Baby(s)

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Chelsea Diana! 29 years ago, I cried with joy to learn that she was a girl (I was sure she was a boy that we would name "Joey") She is my best friend, my light on dark days, my happiness. She is a sweet mother, a creative artist, a loving daughter. I am constantly amazed at her talents. I love you, sweetheart! I hope this year is fantastic for you...

Favorite Son...Only Son!

Happy Belated Birthday to my handsome, brilliant, compassionate, selfless son! He is a light in my life and I love him dearly. He has built a home and family and career he can be proud of...and I am very proud of his good life. May every birthday bring you joy, Aaron, as you have brought joy from the minute you were born. Happy Birthday MONTH! (and to my wonderful son-by-marriage, you run a close second!)

Our Bright Ray of Hope

He's here! Knox Aaron Stephenson arrived from heaven on March 28, 2011, at 2:15 PM, weighing in at 8 lbs. 8 oz., 20 1/2-in. He is absolutely perfect and adorable. He is living proof that the world goes on and blessings abound. I love him with all my heart...and he's only days old. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for allowing me to be with my precious daughter and son-in-law for the birth of this sweet baby. I will treasure this gift always.

Uncle Ray

My sweet Uncle Raymond Uharriet passed away last night after a brave, horrendous struggle of over a dozen years with health issues, including cancer. My heart is sad, but only for me and our family. I am ecstatic for Uncle Ray! He has received his graduation papers at last, which is what he has been praying for for a long time. He is finally going home. He's finally free from the body that was a plague and a source of intense pain. He is finally going to see those who passed before him, especially those who went too soon and caused Uncle Ray to question why his boarding pass hadn't been stamped yet. Uncle Ray was a giant of knowledge, a keeper of the flame of patriotism, a library of stories that made you laugh & cry, a cheerleader of all your best efforts, a man who loved a good Coca-Cola and Tootsie Pop, and a lover of life and mankind. One of his favorite stories he liked to tell me was how I was no bigger than a shoebox when I was born, with a head full of dark curls. And, I'll never forget when I was a grown woman and a wife and a mother, and he came quietly down the stairs of my house early in the morning of a May 30, holding a bouquet of flowers, to wake me and wish me a Happy Birthday. Just a few weeks ago, he told us President Abraham Lincoln was going to "come for him" when it was all over. I don't doubt that Abe would. I can see them, crossing into heaven, Uncle Ray in full uniform regalia, giving President Lincoln the punch line to a good story. Lucky Abe. Lucky Uncle Ray. God bless you forever...I love you.

In His Arms

I remember the first time I saw this picture. I was roaming through Seagull Book, turned the corner--and literally stopped in my tracks. The Spirit brought tears to my eyes. I could see myself as this little girl, clinging to my Savior through the trials of life. Like now. Knowing how His everlasting kindness will never depart. Knowing that He will always have His arms around me, in all the tests, in all the pain, in all the worry and anxiety, in all the fear, and in all the tears. I love Him with all my heart. I know He will never let go. I am so grateful for the knowing, for the testimony, for all the times before now when I felt Him near. I am blessed.