More Famous Quotes

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.
Peter Ustinov

Quote of the Day
We are always the same age inside.
Gertrude Stein

Sabbath Day Worship, Blessings of Comfort

Old rare Rodriguez "family" pictures . . .


Today was Sunday with attending my meetings. I attended my home ward for sacrament meeting, then visited my old Lindon Third ward Relief Society, and Hank's ward sacrament meeting. K5 turned twelve today so was presented to become a deacon and be ordained after church.


Whenever I attend meetings, I always get some spiritual lift from the talks or lesson. My spirit is nurtured and my cup is filled as I also renew my covenants. The last few days have been amazing with the spirit of the Holy Ghost guiding me through some of my mourning for brother, David. I know that the Holy Ghost has sustained me and been a great comfort to me and constant companion.

My yesterday's assignment took me to the day shift at the temple. I had already pre-arranged to substitute and was so pleased to be in the temple. It gave me an opportunity to forget my own troubles and focus on serving others.

My day was closed with a priesthood blessing from Hank & Aaron. It brought comfort and peace with understanding of God's will for the passing of my beloved brother, David a few days ago.

A Time to Live, A Time to Die

David, first one on the left, July 1988, age 29. born 9-19-59, died 6-25-09

For everything there is a time and a season, A time to live, a time to die. Today I received the sad news that my youngestbrother passed away. He was only 49 years old. Too young. I last saw him about five years ago at my oldest brother's funeral gathering in California. He lived in Arizona himself so was not close in miles to the rest of us. His untimely death has me grieving the loss. I had felt this loss for many years since he was estrange from me. I don't know about anyone else in the family, but I felt the loss of his self-imposed alienation toward me.

I have had a few hours to process this shocking news. No words can express the hurt I feel which is more than the grief and mourning for a brother. I feel sadness for the pettiness that wedges relationships needlessly. Anyone who has lost a close relative or friend knows the deep grief one feels. Compound that with estrangement and it multiplies the agony.

My only solace is that David no longer has to endure the infirmities of the physical and can now move forward in the spirit realm. I pray the he will have the opportunity to understand more now without the physical body to cloud his mind. May he rest in peace as he reunites with our loved ones who have gone before.

God's Wondrous Creations

My goal is to go see this myself and hike this area
Antelope Canyon in early morning, the only time the rays of Sun shine through at this spot. Breathtaking!!!



Lake Powell gateway to Antelope Canyon~

Love is the beauty of the soul.
Saint Augustine

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.
Francis Bacon

Today Is The FIrst Day of The Rest Of My Life

Antelope Canyon~One of God's wondrous creations

I woke up this morning with this thought in my mind. It gave me such a jolt to wake UP and MOVE ahead.

I know I have mountains to climb, canyons to explore and embrace the beauty of the world around me. Change comes from within and I am ready to let it happen.

MY Affirmations of my new day, life and adventure:

I have the ability to do ANYTHING I put my mind to do.

I have the faith to accomplish and receive the desires of my heart.

God is so wonderful and good to me, my blessings are overflowing in my direction.

Life is too short to stand still and wait for life to happen.

It is up to me and no one else.

I'm capable; ready to look ahead; embrace the present to NOT look back.

I welcome the opportunities with open arms and am full of hope...

God bless this day and always.

Why Can We Not Go Back or Turn Back Time?

One of the things I remember doing as my children were growing up was to enjoy them in the moment I was in at the time. I think that is the reason I took many pictures of them as children to be able to remember later what they looked like and what they did.

I cherished those times and also the time I had with my parents. But, it was not always possible to visit them with me living in Utah and they in California. Time ran out so suddenly when I lost my mother, Elena in 1995. One day she was alive, and then the next day she was gone. It is not easy to lose your mother. So many of us do though in life. As time has gone on, I think about her and the things she taught me. Let me say here that the longing to have visits with her never go away.

Every once in a while I will have a dream about her, or have a sense of her love for me when I am in the temple. I also feel the same about my father and how much I miss him and how they are both missed. But this I DO know. They are around me and my family at various times and can be sensed if attuned to them. What comfort that is to me in my times of loneliness, need and which can almost be unbearable. Unless you have lost someone close to you, one can never identify with that feeling of loss. It is a void that is unfulfilled.

I have learned to have more faith in the Savior and his atonement. The plan of eternal life is also a testimony builder for me to get through those rough times. I find great consolation in going to the temple and the wonderful spirit that is there to buoy me up and carry me through. It it like peace unto my soul, and my spirit is renewed, refreshed and comforted by the power of the atonement and the holy ghost.

Child-like Faith and the Brother of Jared

"The person who becometh as a child--as King Benjamin said, "submissive, meek, [and] humble" can hear and follow the still small voice by which our Father in Heaven guides his children who are receptive."

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:

Prayer changes our lives. . . through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same. Prayer is the great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls"

"To A Child" by Ora Pate Stewart

Do you know who you are, little child of mine,

So precious and dear to me?

Do you know you’re a part of a great design

That is vast as eternity?

Can you think for a moment how much depends

On your holding the “Iron Rod”?

Your life is forever—worlds without end—

Do you know you’re a child of God?

Do you know where you’ve been, little child of mine?

It is hard to recall, I know;

Do you ever remember that Home Divine—

With the [Parents who loved] you so?

(“To a Child,” by Ora Pate Stewart, [Provo, UT: Fernwood, 1964])



Do we know who we are? I believe that at times we forget our divine heritage. I found the words to this poem, which was also a song. I don't know if there are more verses, but the music is available. Lori had this in her music files. It is worth reading and reviewing again.

Grandma Mattie Moments To Ponder

I enjoy being a grandmother and have many opportunities to be in that role daily. It makes my day when my little ones come up to me and get so excited just to see me enter a room! Now there is no other joy that comes from the feeling of being valued and means so much with so little effort. It makes me feel all the more connected and the blessings of feeling our family being forever. What a joyous time and look forward to our annual reunions. And they are just that re-unions!

My family means so much to me, as you all know. You are all so dear to my heart. I treasure each and every one of you and embrace the love I have of the Savior and the Gospel in my life. I feel the arms of his love embrace me and my spirit especially when I bear my testimony and when the veil is so thin for me. It is the Holy Ghost bearing witness to me that I am okay and right with Father in heaven and my Savior.

"Where love is, God is also, and where I want to be. . . "

I have been thinking of a way to focus on some ideas to share with my children and grandchildren. The generational patterns we have influence upon each of us and we don't even realize it. I started a second blog that I am currently putting together.

The name of the blog is "Grandma Mattie." It is an open blog and anyone can access it easily. It isn't finished as far as the design and layout go, but I will figure out how to make it a little more appealing to the eye. I already have a long list of things to talk about. So it looks like I have my work cut out for me.

I know it will someday be a source of strength and humor along the way. Let me know what you like and any suggestions or contributions would be most welcomed.

Love, Mom aka Grandma Mattie

Meetings, Dinner with the Ks, Kory's Ordination

I attended my meetings and went to hear Kaari speak in her ward. She did a great job. Later, I went to dinner at the house.

Oldest, Kiersten with her youngest sister, baby Klarissa Esther


Kory was ordained a Priest in Aaronic priesthood this evening at the house. His dad gave him a beautiful father's blessing. He had a room full of brethren assist as well.


Bp. Hank with his boys, Kory & Kris



Hank with Kory after his ordination at the house so Lori could be there.



Oldest brother, Kris with baby sister, Klarissa at two days old.

Carillon Bells, Towers, Angelic Tones

The bells that are nearby are at Brigham Young University campus. They herald out so loudly and were chiming when I visited the MOA with Fillerup's & McIntire's on Wednesday this last week. It is like a having a chorus of Angels playing this beautiful music. They sounded for about fifteen minutes. It was incredible.



I don't know why, but the sounds of bells always gives me a feeling of heavenly tones. I found some photos of the Carillon bells and wanted to post them here.

The Carillon by Justin Ryan

A carillon is a collection of large bronze musical bells played from a keyboard. Despite its size, the carillonneur has delicate control over the volume of individual bells, allowing for musical expression to rival any other instrument. Carillons have 23 or more bells--the greatest number is 77, while an average instrument contains 48, or four octaves. Carillon bells are fixed in place and struck by clappers from the inside, which are connected by wires to an organ-like keyboard (click for a diagram). The keys are played by closed hands and feet (see photo to the right, and video in the Performances tab above). The bells themselves range from less than 20 lbs. and 6" inches across to 40,000 lbs. and bigger than a large farm animal.

Bells produce a profoundly different sound, or timbre, than most other instruments, due to their shape. Most notably, they have a prominent minor third overtone built in, resulting in the characteristic somber quality (see overtones below). Also, a carillonneur cannot stop the bell's ringing once it has been struck, so music composed or arranged for the instrument must factor in this buildup of sonority, like a piano played with the damper pedal always down. Music heard on carillons includes folk song arrangements, classical transcriptions, and original compositions, with wide variations in style and repertoire across Europe and North America.

Carillons originated in the Low Countries--present-day Netherlands and Belgium--in the 16th century. Before carillons, bells were used to signal the community, such as the opening and closing of a town's gates, working hours, fires, and invading armies. When clocks were invented, bells tolled the hours, but people tended to lose count of the number of bell strikes. So, automatic mechanisms were set up to play simple 'pay-attention!' tunes before the hour (see photo).

Not long after, the person responsible for striking the bells and winding the clock weights realized he too could play melodies, and keyboards were designed. Even though the carillon towers were typically attached to churches, the towers and bells were traditionally city property, and the carillonneurs civil servants. This is still the case today in much of Europe. Thus, the carillon is historically a folk instrument rather than a religious one.

Several carillons in Europe still use 17th century bells, which were finely tuned centuries ago and are still beautiful instruments. The technology and methods for bell tuning and casting has changed very little since then, as it is not possible to mass-produce. The art was lost, though, for most of the 1800's, a century that did not produce any decent bells.
2. Bell & Natural Harmonics

A New Princess Is Born *

Princess Klarissa Esther McIntire was born this morning. She entered weighing in at 6 lbs. 15 oz. She is tiny, a petite little thing at 18.5 inches. I am amazed at her dark hair! She is a beauty already. Must be the Irish in her, with the medium brown hair color. She reminds me of a Rosebud. So perfectly small and beautiful. Congratulations Hank & Lori. :)

I am very pleased for her middle name, Esther named after Bestamor and honor to Lori's Grandma Esther Burt. I am positive she was able to tutor little Klarissa before coming into the world, her namesake. I think she will have taken good notes and will have a lot of support on both sides of the veil throughout her life.



*I was unable to get the pictures to upload here from Hank's email. Will figure something else out and take my own when I see her today.

Make My Day & Museum of Art--Summer Activities

Joel made my day today. He was awakened and a little fussy so I went in for Candice since she was busy helping resolve a concern of Parker's outside. Joel was napping and stirred and cried, so I went in to pick him up and take him to his Mommy.

Well, he ignored Mommy and didn't want to leave my arms. I snuggled him and cuddled him a big Grandma hug. We went into his bedroom and I sang a couple of verses of "When He Comes Again." I hummed to him too. But he didn't go back to sleep. He had never refused Candice before and I must have had some kind of magic today. He wanted to be with Grandma today! What a little sweetheart.

I actually had Fillerup grand kids in the car waiting in Candice's van to go down to the Museum of Art today.




It was a field trip of sorts and I took the three older Fillerup's, Drew, Adam & Madie. Aislyn & Ella came along so we left the two younger boys and we were about to embark when Joel woke up. The other kids waited patiently in the car while I settle little brother, Joel.


We had a great time at the museum and there were a lot of hands on activities. We were there two hours +. More later.

Wisdom in Mending Fences and Relationships

Grandma Betty (McIntire) would tell the story about her father going out into the winter day around New Year's and mend the fences on their property when she was a child.

It happens--Here are several illustrations of the literal meaning mending fences.



She tells of how symbolically it is always a good thing to keep your fences in good repair, whether it is a physical fence or a relationship fence. We sometimes have occasions arise when we don't always see eye to eye and tension turns to contention so easily without one even knowing it until it is too late. A division is created and I know Heavenly Father gave us his son, Jesus Christ to bless us through the atonement to mend those fences with his unconditional love. It take our own humble feelings to bring us to our knees and know I can do it with his blood already shed for me.

Forgive one another your trespasses. . . "and ask in sincerity of heart that God will forgive you." Moroni 6:8

"I say unto you. . . as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord forgive you."
Doctrine & Covenants 82:1






May be find ways to let the pure love of Christ heal us of all our wounds, and hurts to quickly forgive one another as he forgives us.I look forward each week to partake of the sacrament and renew my covenants, and ask for a broken heart and contrite spirit.

Secret Weapon~Excerpts from Meridian Magazine article on Women

"It has been said that the “secret weapon” of Mormonism is the individual testimony of its members. But it can equally be said, I think, that the underlying strength, an “invisible” cadre in each ward and stake throughout the church, is its awesome women."

Read article by Davis Bitton---->

Think about the thousands of women who work quietly and patiently in the church throughout the world. In a sense they may be “invisible.” Yet they are there in Arizona and Idaho (I know because one such a woman happened to be my mother), in Louisiana and Tennessee, in Chile and Brazil, in Ghana and Mongolia. They are indispensable to the morale and proper functioning of branches and wards. They are also the most powerful shapers of the next generation, raising children of faith and commitment.



A recent gospel doctrine lesson was on the “sons” of Helaman, the “stripling warriors” who in the Book of Mormon account fought valiantly against the Lamanite aggressors. “They had been taught by their mothers,” we read. After recounting some of their mothers’ teachings, they added, “We do not doubt our mothers knew it” (Alma 56:47-48).

A contingent of about 200 sister missionaries serves on Temple Square, the majority of them non-Americans. As I look at these energetic young sisters of joyful countenance, I think of an assembly line. New sister missionaries arrive. Others complete their missions and, cohort after cohort, return to their home countries. These are the great women who during the next thirty, forty, or fifty years will serve in their communities and in the church and who will raise the next generation of “sons of Helaman.” (A similar process occurs in seminary and institute programs, in church colleges and universities, in each mission, and elsewhere.)

I imagine myself in a conversation with someone from another faith tradition who is proud of its strong women. “Strong women?” I reply. “You haven’t seen anything yet. No group on earth–repeat, no group on earth–has women of more spirituality, dedication, and power than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

It has been said that the “secret weapon” of Mormonism is the individual testimony of its members. But it can equally be said, I think, that the underlying strength, an “invisible” cadre in each ward and stake throughout the church, is its awesome women. Davis Bitton





You can go online and read many more LDS articles by this same author. He was a popular contributor to the magazine. Discovery of this site was like finding gold or diamonds in a mine. I highly recommend this site meridianmagazine.com for a resource in teaching the gospel or preparing lessons, talks etc. A treasure trove at the least. I first read about it about five years ago. I hope some will take the time or have in the past. You don't know what you are missing.

Farewell to a Grand Lady, Jo Powell

Today our Relief Society had a special program for a good sister in the ward who is moving to California to be near family. She is Jo Powell, and it was my honor and privilege to be her visiting teaching companion for over a year since living in this ward. Even though she is eighty-five years old, we related well from the beginning.

Jo, is short for Josephine. I like her short name best, and Jo fits her better too. She is our ward organist, and ward choir pianist. She is a very talented voice coach as well. She is a convert of sixty years in the Church and has a strong, firm testimony of the it.

She had not had an easy life. Her faith has seen her through so much. I appreciate her example and friendship and accepted her great love for me that she showed to me instantaneously. We had some great talks after our visits to our sisters. I felt like she was my good friend.

I was most impressed with her when we visited one of our dear sisters who had Alzheimer's. She was assigned to Joyce long before I was her companion. We went each month and Jo talked to her as if she could understand every word. She spoke so lovingly to her and at times it appeared like she made eye contact and Joyce responded as if she knew every word we said, but could not express verbally back.

I learned so much from Jo about loving and doing as Jesus would have done in the service of this dear sister. We would each participate to give the message every month. The last time I saw Joyce, my companion was out of town during the holidays.

I gave the lesson to her and her husband, who had taken excellent care himself for her over five years until her passing a few weeks after the New Year. I appreciated Jo's example all the more for teaching me to treat Joyce no different, and give the lesson each time regardless of whether she could respond or not.

Jo, a widow has a great missionary spirit and had filled a mission with her sweetheart before he passed away seven years ago. I will miss her strong spirit and hearing her bear her testimony often, her strong singing voice, and beautiful music she played as our ward organist.

I was so glad the Relief Society presidency put together this reception of sorts. There was a short program where men from our ward choir sang a barber-shop rendition of "Let me Call you Sweetheart." She loved it and shared some her life experiences and testimony again with us. We filled a memory book with our comments to her one last time made into a scrapbook.

Some of the older sisters who are closest to her were lamenting her leaving. I felt that it was better for us to say goodbye this way than for her to pass away and not be able to let her go now. They agreed and wanted Jo to have her family in California enjoy her as we have and grateful for that association. Until we meet again.

I will post some pictures later of Jo, and some of us at the reception in her honor.

Keeping in touch with Family, those we care about

I know we cannot go back, but wouldn't it be nice to relive a visit with my parents?
This is a rare photo of the siblings at my oldest brother's daughter, Cecilia's funeral in 1993. L to R, Robert, Marty, Maria, Charlie on back row. Carlos & Elena in front.
The sad thing is that there are only half of us alive and half have gone ahead. God bless them all.

Matt went with me to the funeral and it was the first time he had met his Uncle Charlie. The rest of the siblings don't remember him since he lived in California, and we in Utah. It was up to me to keep in touch with everyone and I did the best I could.


This last week I had a wonderful conversation with my younger sister, Linda. It really means a lot of have them call once in a while and just talk. I was actually in Washington on the second Saturday I was there.

I had taken the boys on a 'wild goose chase' via the GPS that didn't really compute to where I actually wanted to go. That is another story on another day back a few weeks. Anyway, I was near Issaqua, WA.

I had a couple of cousins who lived there last I knew. Well, I decided to call my sister to see what she knew on the latest on Norma and Nora, twins. She didn't answer, so I left a message. The next evening, Sunday, the boys and I went for another ride and were near Washington Lake. She called just as I was leaving that area and we talked all the way back to the house, which was the better part of forty-five minutes! We talked as if we hadn't had months since we last spoke, and didn't run out of things to say or talk about.

I love that about my sister. She has so much wisdom and I admire her insight too. I felt fed and uplifted by her exchange with me. We laughed and cried. It was amazing. Thanks, Linda. I know we are so busy with our own lives that since our parents have both passed away, going on six years, we have not seen each other since. It is just how it is with distance and life, right?

I just wanted to make note of how important that we (US) initiate the calls to one another. We have a calling tree and that works when there is something very important to inform, like an illness or incident. That way no one person has to make ALL the calls. I do with my own children at times, but the calling tree helps, believe me!

It is so easy to miss the two who live farther away. I do, and think of them daily. James, Michael's oldest called me, the other day to thank me for some treats I included in a small packet for his mother. I sent them from Seattle.

It makes my day when that happens. So remember, those of you who read this, that I LOVE IT when you call me. Even for no reason in particular, and just to see how I AM, is appreciated.

The blog helps keep us connected, and informed too. It is fun and especially when I have something really funny, or silly happen to me. It is good for me to laugh at myself too. IT is also nice to call Matt or Michael when no one else is available to help me with a computer problem. I know I am not the most literate when it come to MicroWord. Aaron and Candice were gone overnight last night, so I called Matt and was able to have him walk me through how to restore my 'toolbar' of all things.

I see the hand of God in my life when I have so many who are willingly there to help me through something as simple as the computer things. I do fairly well considering most people my age are freaked out about computer stuff. Not me! Going back to school in the mid 1990s really helped me be confident with my computer, that is of course until WordPerfect became extinct. I will leave it at that and not go there, so don't get me started!!! ;) I do make every effort to keep up with the times.

Saviors on Mount Zion

My paternal grandfather, Ricardo, with my father on his lap at about four months old.

Last night I woke up about 2:00 am. I picked up my Ensign so was just re-reading President Monson’s closing address of last conference. He mentioned how we are Savior’s on Mount Zion. He said:

“What a privilege it is to be able to go to the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Great service is given when we perform vicarious ordinances for those who have gone beyond the veil. In many cases we do not know those for whom we perform the work. We expect no thanks, nor do we have the assurance that they will accept that which we offer. However, we serve, and in that process we attain that which comes of no other effort we literally become saviors on Mount Zion.. As our Savior gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for us, so we, I some small measure, do the same when we perform proxy work in the temple for those who have no means of moving forward unless something is done for them by those of us here on earth.”

Personal experiences in doing the work for my kindred:

Shortly after oldest son, Hank came home from his mission we went to the temple together. We were going to perform the vicarious work for a paternal great uncle, Pedro Ulloa. My son was about to drive out of the carport when I had the impression to have a short prayer for those that we were going to do the work. I was voice for the prayer and then continued on our way.

The prayer was to know of their acceptance of this work and if they would be there with us there in their behalf. Well, we no sooner were out of the driveway when I had the prompting say to me, “It is a celebration for us to have our work done there. We gather together too in the temple with those who are in our families much like when you have a missionary that is receiving his own endowment. We rejoice in this great work in our behalf, and express our gratitude for doing this for us. Thank you, dear daughter, (Gracias, Mija).” I distinctly heard that last thank you in Spanish! It gave me comfort to know this.

I bear witness that it is not unusual for our kindred to be present and let us know their approval of our efforts in their behalf. The week I did my former mother-in-law’s temple work 28 years ago, she came to me in a dream. She thanked me and told me some very precious things about her receiving the ordinances in her behalf. I remember it as if it was yesterday. I have been very blessed with these kinds of things throughout my life. My joy is full.

I really think the Lord compensates us by filling in the gaps in our lives when we fall short of the blessings we hope to have or are denied. I find great comfort in these kinds of pearls of thought. When we do this work we are especially close to the veil and much cannot be withheld from us, worthy, and as long as we can receive it without questioning it or doubting.

Another outstanding account:

I found my paternal great-grandmother’s birth record on some microfilms at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City in the early 1990s. Now, I had long since done her work from the information I had from my father. But; there was something about this particular roll of film. I had ordered it to view the parish records where she was born in Mexico. I looked and looked by the dates that I was given. I was prompted to keep looking and not worry about the dates. I kept on rolling the film and just looked at the names written on the pages and not the dates. I am so glad I didn’t just give up!

Well, sure enough her name was there, but it showed up about six weeks later than her actual birth date. Somehow, at the time of her birth she was not brought to the Church for her christening. I don’t know why, other than it was recorded much later. I thrilled to have the actual record after so many years searching for my ancestors. This validated what I already had. I also discovered her birth name. I had only been given two names, Maria Eduviges Ulloa. But the record I found along with her parents’ names was Maria Elena Eduviges Ulloa. I loved it. I had named one of my daughters, Maria Elena, as a middle name and liked it, besides Elena was my mother’s given name too. Yet, here I found my great-grandmother’s full name as Maria Elena. Eduviges. . . twenty years after naming my daughter that same name. I had shortened it to be a middle name instead and made it Marielena.

It is my testimony that as we are engaged in this great work we are blessed beyond imagination and in our dreams to understand the value in blessing our ancestors. They deserve the blessings of the gospel along with us. What a reunion it will be when we meet them again with open arms and hugs!!

Love, Mom aka Anna

06/03/09

Spotlight on Baby Joel, not so little

Joel will be ten months old in a few days.



This picture was taken on Memorial Day. He has on the hat Parker used to wear. Joel looks so chubby and cute! His nickname is "Chugga," his daddy calls him that. He is really getting around now, and crawling all over the place. He also pulls himself up to stand. He has been more mobile since Mother's day when I left for Seattle.

I am not sure how, or why, but every time Joel sees me he practically leaps out of his parents' arms to me since I came back from Matt & Beth's. He likes it when I rock him, tell him stories and sing to him songs about Jesus. Candice is such a good mother and spends individual time with him, that I guess I am a novelty to him. I don't know. Aaron laughs how he wants to come to me, especially if I have been gone for the day even. Aaron says it is because "I am squishy." Thanks a lot.

It touches my heart to have that connection with such a sweet little spirit. I wonder if he remembers me from before and I make him laugh anyway. I love the time with him, Parker, Aislyn and Ella. They make me feel so loved and part of the family. I am. When I was in Seattle, Aislyn called me herself and told me she missed me and it made my day! I am a blessed grandma, that is for sure.

Today I wanted to start a "spotlight" on my grandchildren and started with the youngest. That way he won't be two before I get to him, but made him first. It is important to me to make note of my feelings and perceptions of my "grand-motherhood."

Impressions of Piano Recitals for Grandchildren

What parent isn't moved at the performance of their child(ren)? I know I am! Today was a piano recital with teacher, Aimee. She is a great motivator and gets so much out of her students. The variety of student base is varied and from ages 5 to 16 years old.

I was very touched by their performances. There is a lot of dedication and I have gratitude for the talents they are developing. How fortunate all of the children are to have parents behind them encouraging and supporting in their endeavors.

Good job, K3,K5,K6,& K7 performed; as did Erin, Jacob,Drew and Adam; Aislyn & Ella! K3 composed his own song and did a wonderful, original creative piece.

Sorry, but I didn't have my camera, but some others did. If I can get a few emails of downloaded pictures, I will post them later...

I truly see the hand of God in the lives of my children and grandchildren with their gifts and talents.

I had a tender mercy given to me today. I had a pendant I wore that I put on a black fine cord yesterday. I had it on, but when I woke up I only saw the cord, and no pendant. I prayed to know if I would see it again and have it back. I was given an answer that , "Yes, I would." It just amazes me how the pendant worked its way out of the cord slip knot. Anyway as I came home this evening, there was my pendant setting on the counter in the downstairs vanity.

It was a tender mercy to find and made a resolve to find another way to wear it. This is the second time the pendant came loose without even knowing how it did. I am thankful for the assurance I had and faith the pendant was not lost, and another blessing counted for today.