I have been reading blogs this Christmas break which have really touched my heart, and I realized there is such power in bearing our testimony online. I have had so many things happen in my life since my last post, that it would be insane to try and post them all, but probably the greatest blessing has been being able to send my second son Jordan on a mission to Indianapolis,Indiana. He gave us a scare with his brain tumor, but he had such faith along the way that he would be able to serve. He left in October of 2011 AND has had a wonderful time. We are so proud of him. I received my associates degree in General Studies,and I should have my bachelors in Accounting by the end of 2013. I am not sure if I will graduate in August or December. What a blessing that has been in my life - at times it's a stress, but overall I feel so blessed. We also have three new grandchildren since my last post. Landon Simpson, born on June 10, 2011 - his aunt Alisa's birthday, Kate Hanson, born July 19, 2011 and Adalyn Bitner born October 4, 2012. Rachel will have another little girl in April 2013 which will bring our grandchildren total to TEN! Amazing, what little blessings they are in our lives!

I am now serving in the Primary with all those sweet little spirits so close to Heavenly Father - as the new year approaches, I pray I will find more time for the sacred experiences in life, and the ability to record them!

WOW! Where has the time gone!!!

I have had so much happen to me the past few years, but so much of it seems like a real blur! I started this blog in hopes of keeping a journal of sorts, but I am about as faithful as I am to a regular journal.
A quick update on myself, I have been attending Weber State for the last year and a half. Who would have thought at fifty plus years I would choose to spend my life at a university. I have really enjoyed it, and wondered why I didn't get into it when I was eighteen. I had to start all over with very limited classes from my "prior" life counting towards anything, so I am proud to say I will have my Associates Degree this August! It is my intention to go on and get my degree in Accounting, and if my husband is patient enough with me, I hope to get my Masters so I can sit for the CPA! You ask "why?" Well not a day goes by that I don't ask myself the same question, but I think my daughter explained it best to my little grandson last week when he asked why Grandma had to do so much homework. Her explanation was, we all have goals and grandma is working toward a very important goal to her.
There are days thought when I wonder if my focus is in the right place. After this last general conference, I realized I am not reaching out and helping others as much as I should. I felt a little guilty about that, but then I realized that there is not a job in the church that I have been asked to do that I have ever turned down. I have always tried to have a willing heart when asked to serve. So I am trying to think of the "little things" each day. Even if it is just a shout out to someone. Life is grand and there are opportunities everywhere to serve!

Memories.....

So I have been trying to see if I can remember things from my childhood. Most of it is a blur, but occasionally things come back to my mind. I remember as a child in Primary, we would always go on the "Penny Drive" in February for Primary Children's Hospital. I especially remember one COLD, SNOWY, February day. My teacher was Sis. Helen Lystrup. We were getting older, probably eleven, you know the old girls in primary. Anyway, we were not so excited, I don't remember exactly how she bribed us, but we went on the trip and back to her house for sugar cookies. Great big PINK frosting Heart cookies. I wasn't sure why this memory was playing over in my head, but this past month, Jordan has been referred to Primary Children's hospital neurosurgery department. I think it now becomes clear why this memory was there. It's a bit of a scary time for our family, but I feel calm. Could it be a blessing from the service I did those years ago coming back to calm my troubled heart...? I am trying to look for the symbolism in the world around me and how all things testify of Christ - I think the Pink frosting Heart cookies soothed my Spirit when I was eleven, and now I think of them representing the love of the Savior and how he has given His Spirit to always be with me - what a blessing! On this last Saturday, my little granddaughter Brooke was here - she is a lively wonderful little child of God. I was watching her in my room while her mother was getting beautiful - I lifted her off of my bed so she wouldn't fall while I hung some clothes in the closet. In a scurried little manner, she made it into the bathroom before I turned around and pulled a hot curling iron on her head - I knew the minute I heard it fall what had it happened, it had burned the whole right side of her face! I grabbed her and prayed very hard - I felt like she needed a blessing, but I also felt the Spirit, which is promised to always be with us. I worried about her most of the day - the next day when she came, she only had a small red spot under her eye, I truly believe it was a miracle we witnessed. It was just a little reassuring moment that we are children of God and He will help us through the rough spots. Not always the way we want, but He will give us Peace!

December Thrills!

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So December is upon us and the "thrills" have begun! This last Sundy Alisa and Emily brought their families to celebrate Randy's last day of the Army Reserves, yes, after 36 years, he is retiring! I don't think he will know how to handle it! We loaded everyone up and headed into Temple Square to see the lights! The temperatures were so nice we thought it would be a great time to go, lesson learned, don't go on Sunday - everyone else goes! It was a madhouse, but still niceAlisa's little Brooke was very enthralled with the music being played at the Nativity Presentation. When it stopped she was very sad.

It was interesting to me to watch little two and half year old Matthew, amongst all the hundreds of lights, the ones he seemed most excited to tell his mom about was the top of the temple where the Angel Moroni stood. It was quite touching to see how the Spirit works in these little children!

All in all it was a beautiful evening, just missed Nathan and Rachel's little family. It felt a little funny being so warm and no snow and ice. But still a reverent feeling. I love Temple Square

Do I show Sufficient Gratitude??

So I just finished a week fr0m_ _ double toothpicks! I think I came out on top! But as I was stressing so much this week, I opened the computer one day and there was Sweet Pres. Monson and a quote from his talk on Gratitude! I felt a compelling feeling of humility as I realized I was only "worrying" this week and not offering enough time to dwell on my blessings.
Often times in our lives, it is the stress or trial we live through which brings us great things. I wondered a few times this week why I felt so directed to go back to school - it seemed as if it was taking away from my opportunity to serve and be with my family - but then I realized how grateful I am for my chance to learn about Heavenly Father's wonderful world. How blessed I am to have this opportunity, which actually came about as a result of a "trial" For those of you who are reading this and don't know, I am going to school with Randy's post 9/11 GI bill. Had he not been mobilized and taken away from our family for two years, this experience would not have availed itself to me. I never thought at the time I would find reasons to appreciate that experience in my life. Had he not been mobilized, we would not be living here in West Point. We really miss our friends in Soda Springs, and what a blessing it was to live there, but Randy and I were talking about the amazing opportunities we have had here in Utah the past five years. We nearly always get a chance to go to a session of conference, we were able to go to President Hinckley's viewing and take our oldest grandson. I have shopped at Costco with President Uckdorf. We have found a noble ancestry on both sides of our family. Last Memorial Day, we had the opportunity to go to the Salt Lake Cemetary and find some fun stories about these family members and while there we took our grandsons on a tour of the Prophets graves there in the cemetary. What a spiritual experience!
Can I just tell you THERE IS A PLAN!!!! We may wonder at times why some have so many difficulties - but we need to train our brains to look for the blessing!
I know there are those of you out there wondering why me - next time ask yourself why not me? Who knows what is waiting around the corner. We may not always find answers to the sad times in our lives, but we can always find peace and comfort!
I feel worry in my heart for my family and friends struggling with cancer, heart disease, loss, or even more those living without the guidance of the Holy Spirit in there life, but I just want to express publicly to all who may read this my gratitude for my station in life, my family, my friends, my trials and most of all, my testimony of my Savior!

Thanksgiving Time Again!

Wow! I think I first started this blog to keep up a gratitude journal. I have been reading a few blogs out there in cyber world, and it's amazing how people's experiences can touch your life! I have a full heart at the blessing My heavenly father has seen fit to bestow upon me! Sometimes we forget to look at our trials as blessings.
Last month brought a significant scare into my life. It was the first time in my life I thought one of my children was going to leave this world before me. For those of you into "numbers", it happened on 10/10/10. Exactly one year after his father had to go to the emergency room. He had a severe gran mal seizure, which caused him to turn grey and quit breathing. I had never experienced anything like this before. I was sure I was losing this beautiful spirit Heavenly Father had entrusted to me.
Without going into unnecessary detail, the month of October has been a very long stressful one for me as I have contemplated my responsibility to this child. The doctor wanted to immediately put him on medication without any guarantee of it helping. As Randy and I thought about it we didn't have a good feeling. I actually felt quite sick as I looked at side effects and contemplated the road we should take. I prayed with a heavy heart that night. Many told me just listen to the Spirit, but I wasn't sure how to interpret what I was being told.
Interestingly enough, I had just finished reading the Book of Mormon. As I was thinking about how to make my scripture study take on more meaning in my life, I decided to look up subjects and find as many scriptures as I could related to the particular topic. I started with the Holy Ghost, gifts of the Spirit, the Spirit, etc.
The first scripture to play in my heart was 1st Nephi 10:17. To sum it up, it said to me if I diligently seek him - He will manifest himself unto me. First key - DILIGENT! Honestly, the first key really is to be believing - have faith! But I think Heavenly Father knew I knew that already and being diligent was the next thing I needed to work on.
As I mulled this over in my mind, not only did I study what Heavenly Father said about receiving the Spirit, but I studied a great deal about doctors, medications and the types of medical tests Jordan would be subjected to. In the meantime, I needed to be studying for my school. I went to bed with a brain on overload! When I woke up the next morning, I felt the Spirit whisper to me in a still small yet pierce to the bone voice that this child was Heavenly Father's before he was mine and He knew what he needed. I was to let it go for the time being and give the worry to Him.
It was amazing to me the calm I felt and the ability to let it go for the moment. Most likely we are not through with doctors and possibly not with the medicine route, but how thankful I am for the Spirit to rest upon my heart and give me the peace I need until we are able to work with the physicians and work through the affliction.
One thing I know - no one gets through this life without trials and affflictions. They make up who we are. It's how we deal with them that determines our character. It is my wish for this first Thanksgiving Post of 2010 to express my humble appreciation for the testimony I have of my Savior, and the gospel here on earth. Without this precious gift of the Holy Spirit, I feel I would be a failure!

The Miracle of Birth!

So can anyone ever describe the beautiful feeling of witnessing the miracle of birth! On March 23, 2010, Brooke Anona Bitner entered this big beautiful world. Her parents Brandon and Alisa Brooke chose to share this moment with me. All I can say is WOW! What a sacred and beautiful experience. This was the first birth I experienced where I was not the one delivering. You forget how totally draining this experience is on the mother. It is hard to watch your own child have to be in so much pain, but so rewarding to watch them be strong and work through to the end! What a miracle it is! You can't help but feel that larger than life Spirit enter the room in such a tiny little body! Of course, 8 lbs 12 oz 21 inches long isn't exactly tiny for a newborn baby.
Of all the searches for happiness and joy, none quite compare to bringing a child into the world! Children truly do fulfil the measure of our creation - and they keep on giving and giving! Thanks Alisa and Brandon for sharing this heart stopping thrilling miracle of birth!

WOW! Where Does the time Go!

Okay, life has gotten the best of me and I haven't blogged or kept up my journal in a while. I have been keeping my blog for a journal - so I guess I better get off facebook and write a few thoughts here. I started back to college in January! Wow, what a ride! I am loving it! Even if I am the old lady in the class. There are a lot more non traditional students than I expected, but I am pretty much a "raisen" among grapes! It has taken up quite a bit of my time and I am not the brightest kid in the class! But I really have a thirst for knowledge and experience. It's hard to study when your 18 month old grandson calls and says "Sweep ovah (Sleep over?) Grawma?" But those are the most precious times! So far I have been able to keep up and still enjoy my family. There are days though when I think I will have time for nothing but ALGEBRA!!!! But wait, I did algebra 35 years ago! That's right, you have to take it again!!! So to my posterity I say - get that degree while you can - so you don't have to revisit MATH!

The Pursuit of Education!

Okay the question is, can an almost 52 year old survive the rigors of college life? Especially when she has to start all over???? I have felt a need for some time to pursue my education - the problem has been finances, time and what to pursue? Well I think I have solved the first two, but I am still questioning what to pursue! But I pretty much have to start from scratch - so back to those "General Studies" I have had a few people tell me you can petition for some "life experience" credits, - But Right now I am just trying to figure out what classes to take! And of course, trying to find all the math and English skills I once possessed! I must admit - I am extremely NERVOUS! yet very EXCITED! So Wish me luck! Or think of me in a prayer now and then!

YELLOWSTONE - It's beauty never ceases to Amaze me!

So we found this awesome deal for military families to stay at Flaggs Ranch just south of the South Entrance to Yellowstone. We rented a couple of trailers and tried to take the whole clan to Yellowstone. We planned a very bad time for Steve's business - so we didn't have the Hanson's with us. We did have Nathan and it has been a while since he has been with all of us. We traveled from the South End up to Mammoth Hot Springs in one day. We wanted to swim in the boiling river, but by the time we got there, we decided we better head back to camp. Long day - but I really enjoyed having the experience with the kids. It's such a beautiful place and it can't help but calm the soul. We saw moose, bear, elk and bison. Great fun! We hiked up and down some of the trails and tried to take pictures galore. Rylie called the mud pots the "smoking dragons" She was a little trooper and hiked with the best of them. When we got to Teton National Park, we took the boat across Jenny Lake and did the hike into hidden falls, she said, "I'm going to climb that mountain" And she did! If we tried to carry her she would say, "No, I'm fine!" Pretty cute!

All in all I think we all had a pretty good time! Brad said he thought we should make it a tradition - so at least we didn't scare off the one son-in-law we brought along! The older our children get and the more spirits that join us really help me understand "the measure of your creation" and finding "joy in your posterity." They truly are my joy. They can wear me out, but I wouldn't trade any one of these 13 spirits in our Lowe Trooper Clan!

WOW! Where does the time go!

Well I have been busy having a great summer and now I see I haven't even blogged for almost two months. Considering I am using this as a form of journaling, guess I better get on the ball! We enjoyed the peaches and grapes from our yard this year, but most everything else struggled. Way to many bugs! We need to figure out a way to control them next year. They even affected my rose bushes, despite my efforts to spray and fertilize. So...sure hope he have better luck next year. For the last four years Randy has missed going up to Idaho to pick huckleberries. This year we went twice. We took Em and her boys up the first day in our shorts and flip flops and decided we needed to go back a little better prepared! We recruited some more "pickers" and headed back up Mink Creek on Labor Day. In the end we had close to a gallon - and Alisa and Brandon were ready to keep their own. Randy felt a success because he had some of his kids and grandkids there so he was just like a kid in the candy store. I think the only thing that would have made him happier was to have Nathan and Rachel's family with us. I decided it's not the huckleberries he likes, but getting his family out and away from all the electronic gadgets and in the woods he loves - so thanks kids for humoring him! I wasn't smart enough to put on long pants - they are way too hot - so I still have scratches up and down my legs!

FREEDOM!

Well maybe if I blog at least once a month I can keep somewhat current! I do love this time of year. My legacy of love is filled with American Soldiers, and today I have felt a real need to somehow show my gratitude for them. My grandfather was a WWI Veteran and my dad was a WWII Veteran.
I am sure I am a little more misty eyed than usual as this is my first 4th of July without him. Most of you reading this blog know my husband has served in the military for 35 years and I have a son who has now been in the National Guard for nine years. WOW! I have been thinking about these men who I love more than any other and their service to our country. It's men like them who have kept this country a country where I can worship my Heavenly Father in the way my heart dictates. I have felt a little of the sacrifice families feel when their men serve in the armed forces and feel grateful to have had the opportunity. I keep telling Jordan I have given my quota to the armed services and he needs to serve elsewhere, but how could I refuse him if his heart drew him to serve His God and country. Hurray for the opportunity to reflect and celebrate this great nation! May we not forget and fill our hearts with gratitude as we celebrate the significance of the flag waving freely above our heads!

CATCH UP TIME!!!

I feel like I have been swept away with the tide!! There are so many thoughts and feelings I need to record - I know I should be doing a journal, but it is always so much easier for my fingers to type - they seem to catch up with my brain a little faster than when I write. I am learning the value of sharing your journal as I get older and appreciate so much learning about my predecessors. So if you are a blog follower of mine - this may be rather boring - but I am hoping to make a blog book and keep it for posterity! Since my last post I have had some life changing events. I spent most of the spring trying to make my last daughter, Alisa's wedding a memorable experience for all of us. There is something so spiritual, wonderful and sad all at the same time when you give a daughter away. It is so exciting to see someone care for your child as you have. It is wonderful to know they have someone to talk to, laugh with, cry with, struggle with, experience life with. But at the same time it represents an end to an era - an era of you giving your all to another spirit and sometimes it feels as if your heart will break as you turn over the responsibility you have felt all their life to another person. I have been so blessed with my son in laws - I see Heavenly Father's hand is their unions with my daughters. Each one has chosen a person so well matched to them - I know they won't be problem free unions - but I know they all have started in a beautiful way by inviting the Lord to be a partner with them.
Alisa was a fun bride - she didn't seem to have any "bridezilla" traits. She seemed very appreciative of everyone. In fact as we stood in line at one of her celebrations she made the comment to me about all her friends having trauma at their weddings and hers didn't seem to have any, it was just a beautiful day. This coming from the bride whose grandpa died the night before she got married and she had only two hours of sleep, and I'm fairly certain her mother had red eyed disease! In fact I even had one friend asked me if I was okay with this union! I responded with an emphatic yes! - can you say "glass half full!"
I feel such gratitude in my heart for not only the children Heavenly Father has blessed me with - but the most wonderful friends who were there to support me! I feel like the song from Sound of Music when Captain von Trapp and Maria sing, "Nothing comes from Nothing, Nothing ever could, so somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good"

A few weeks before the wedding, there were several experiences with the adversary - I didn't realize it, but my wise husband pointed out to me that something beautiful was about to happen and Satan didn't want me to have the experience and would do just about anything to make me feel unworthy to enter the temple. I did have a lot on my plate, but Randy gave me a blessing and commanded the spirit of the adversary to depart - I have never before had that experience, but I literally felt his presence leave my body. I went from shaking all over and feeling in the dark to calm and peaceful and renewed strength to face the challenges in my life. I am not sure I have ever had such a powerful experience distinguishing between light and dark. I feel so grateful for a husband who recognized what was happening and was able to give me a priesthood blessing on the spot! A couple of days later I was blessed with a dream where my father came to me. He had died in my dream, but his spirit came to me and told me all was well - he could use his mind, he was not in pain anymore and he would be with me at my daughter's wedding. This dream prepared me for the great loss I would suffer the next week. Tuesday before the wedding, all my children were home and we received the call that my father had quit eating, because of my dream, I knew I needed to take them to Pocatello to say good bye. It was a very hard experience for me, because even though my dad's quality of life was pretty much non existent, I wasn't ready to let him go. I came home and had a hard time sleeping the next two nights. On Thursday, I realized I needed to tell my dad it was okay to go. I called and asked Sheryl to let me talk to him. I think she thought I was nuts because she said, he won't hear you. I told her to humor me. So I told my dad I knew there was a big party in heaven waiting for him, I told him I knew he hated to be the center of attention, but would he please get on with it and get to the party. I told him we would love and care for mom and Sheryl. And then I told him good by. I knew he would be gone before I was out of the temple that night. It was a very hard time for my mother. She wanted to be with Alisa and she didn't want to leave my dad. I told her to follow her heart. She was worried what people would think if she left him to come to the temple. I told her to pray and then do what she felt was best - we would understand if she needed to hold my dad's hand and we would understand if she needed to be in the temple with Alisa. She prayed about it and said she felt like dad had been sitting on her shoulder the whole day like a little bird telling her to go to the temple. So she came - I think it was best for her, because she was able to feel his spirit with her. He most definitely was there with us in the temple. The death certificate says 6:10, but my dad was never late to anything, so I think his spirit may have left his body sooner. Randy said he felt him say "I'm right here" at about 5:32. You are never ready to lose your parent, but I must say we as a family were able to have some very spiritual experiences in the temple and the next few days. I was asked to give his life sketch. I knew it would be terribly hard for me because I am such a boob - but I also knew it was something my dad wanted and I could not say no. The next two days my mind was flooded with thoughts - I know the Comforter was with me and helping guide me as to what to say. When all was said and done - it seemed so surreal to me - I feel a little bit like I didn't get to celebrate or mourn because I was so busy just trying to hold it together.
I am so grateful for the gospel. I have had a few experiences with my dad since his death which are probably to sacred to write - but for all my posterity reading this -know that he loves you and do nothing to degrade his name! Do all that you can to attend the Holy Temple often. Serve and love your family and neighbors! Know that you are loved not only by your Heavenly Father but by all the noble ancestors who precede you - Take care of each other, because when you die there won't be a U-Haul following the hearse - but you will be able to take those sacred relationships on with you forever!
Know that I love you, I want you to find real joy in this life - more than anything I want all who know me to know I love my Savior and I know the gospel can bring peace, comfort and STRENGTH in all of our trials and adversity!

Life, just a moment in Eternity!

I have allowed myself to be overcome with busyness and my own journal and blogging and family history have been left in the dust. The past couple of weeks have held experiences which have allowed me time to reflect on those things of most importance. Randy and I have been blessed to make friends in many places. It has been my goal to maintain relationships with as many people as possible, because in one way or another they have formed who I am. Sometimes, unbeknownst to them. The past two weeks have brought unexpected deaths of two of those people. Both deaths were tragic and unexpected. Their families have meant so much to me and the grief I feel for their precious families is sometimes incapacitating. I can not imagine how they are dealing with the mortal "physical" reactions to these untimely deaths. However, there is something so spiritual about death. For those left behind it is a sad day. Even Jesus wept, when He knew He would ressurect Lazarus. Grief and mourning are a natural part of this sojourn called life...but as I think about the opportunities for those who have "graduated" on to the next moment in Eternity, I can't help but feel the presence of the Comforter and the beauty of the whole experience. My sister died in 1991 - it was very hard for me, but I feel her presence on a regular basis. Those who die have not left us, they have only moved on to the next moment - I believe they are still very much apart of our lives. In their influence, in their memory and in their example.
How grateful I am for a knowledge of my Savior and His ability to reunite us with our Father in Heaven. I am overwhelmed with the opportunity to go to the Lord's temple and feel the veil evaporate for a few moments.
I will cry with my friends, I will grieve, I may stop my own life for moment, but in the end I will rejoice with them as we learn and progress to the next level. To my dear Friends, Mary Lou and Sue and your children I say thank you for your influence, thank you for allowing me to be part of your life and if in any way I can help to bear your burden or mourn with you, thank you for the opportunity!

Tears....

Well, I thought I might make someone cry when I was doing taxes, because they wouldn't have enough to pay, but today was a great day. A couple came in who were trying hard to make a go of it. They both had made some hard choices in their lives and he had spent some time in jail, but they are married now, just had a baby and he is working hard to help turn life around. He was quite worried he wouldn't have enough to pay his taxes. I actually got him a refund in the thousands and he was so shocked and surprised he actually had tears in his eyes. It was just a fun experience! I have really enjoyed the tax job. There are times when I feel like people are lying through their teeth to me, and that is a frustrating feeling. But, it is so nice when you can help them find credits and deductions they didn't know they had coming. Anyway, life is very busy right now, but I have enjoyed it and it has also given me a chance to help pay for Alisa's wedding. I am looking forward to next weekend though, to have a break and play with grandkids! Also, looking forward to some time to catch up on blogging or journaling about some experiences I have been having! Sure glad for my blessings and opportunities!

We're All together again!!!

Christmas brought us all together. It was crazy, but it's always nice to have everyone home! We didn't quite have the basement ready, but Randy has worked very hard and I think by the wedding time it will be ready for people to stay. Having the little kids made Christmas morning fun. All Rylie wanted was a birthday hat, it was pretty cute!

Conner was very helpful at decorating the tree!

And...everyone was good sports about showing off their pjs! Even Brandon! Since I bought the fabric last January, I didn't have any more material - so he got the store special! I never realize there were so many different kinds of camo material!


I could bore everyone with lots more pictures, but these smiles are what it's all about! We reserved the church Christmas Eve and Shannon and her family spent the time with us! What a fun memory! Thanks for the blessings of family!




Were these the Erkel pictures you wanted RacheL?? Pretty funny kids!

What do I want to be?????

Well I can't believe it has been close to month since I last posted. My brain has always gone a million miles a minute in every direction so focus has been hard for me. I had lots of things I wanted to be when I was growing up, but being a wife and mom was top of the list, well now my husband works or sleeps most of the time and my kids either have significant others or friends or just life events which leaves me back at the table wondering what do I want to be when I grow up! I think I could be pretty happy staying home and quilting, doing geneology, visiting grandchildren, organizing scrapbooks, etc., but I think Randy would like to give up his part time job (US ARMY RESERVES) so it's probably my turn to step up to the plate and help him in his endeavors to bring home the bacon. So...I have tried my hand at teaching music at the school, I continue to teach piano and my latest is working for H&R Block. This means the next few weeks will be pretty intense for me. I enjoy most of these things most of the time, but the working with kids especially takes a toll on me. I come home very tired! It's interesting I can work in the office environment all day and not be nearly as tired as I am after a couple of hours with kids. But in weighing the jobs against each other, I am not sure any other profession shows as much appreciation for you as the love of a child. Now I am dealing with my conscious trying to decide if I am doing to much because Jordan is really at the crossroads right now. He is very supportive and does a good job of being a good kid, but I am grateful this is only a seasonal opportunity for work, because I really only have another couple of years to enjoy Jordan in our home. I also find I am not as compassionate to my husband. As much as I can find myself enjoying working, I am so grateful Randy and I made the decision to keep me in the home with the kids at all costs. It was not always easy and there may have been times when the kids felt jipped, but I think the benefits to our family far outweigh any of the negatives. At the end of the day when we are making our tally count, the only thing that will really count is the relationships we have built. I think I have rambled on but this is a good place for me to share my thoughts!

Top 8 in 2008

This year I debated about doing a Christmas letter and just doing my blog...I changed my mind! But instead of pictures and family news I did something a little different - so this blog is for those of you who still wanted to see our pictures and years events - I am sure we had others, but these were the ones that stood out in my mind!
1 - WICKED at Pantages! My sister, knowing my great love of the stage, gave me tickets to see Wicked in Los Angelas. So in January, She, her daughter Brittany and I went on a weekend adventure! Biggest mistake - I didn't take the camera! I loved the show for lots of reasons - just can't wait to go again!

2 - Randy gets long awaited dream of Fishing trip in Alaska with his boys, and ALISA! A great time was had by all - I would love to move back to Alaska if I could take all the kids, grandkids, etc.....but it's just to far away! I did get a chance to go to Anchorage Temple - WONDERFUL

3 - Emily and Steve grace us with our 4th Grandchild. Matthew Coey, born in May. He graciously waited for me to be done teaching school for the year, so I could be with Conner while mom was in the Hospital! Awesome experience!! His middle name is after my dad!









4 - Nate lands the biggest Silver! Enough Said!

5 - Rachel and Brad add a new little granddaughter...Kallie Christine...November 14, she couldn't wait until I was done with school, but dad had a week off of work, so they had some family time before Randy and I got down to see them!

6 - Alisa gets engaged! His name is Brandon Bitner and he is a bit of a military brat as well! She's always done everything FAST! But we know she leads a spirit led life! She chose a kindred spirit and we are excited to have him join our family!

7 - Jordan turns 16, gets drivers permit, still waiting for that FIRST DATE!

8 - We host a Family Reunion in Idaho! The whole Lowe Clan was there. Not sure how often that will happen again!


All in all 2008 was great!

Day - Week - I lost track - Neil Bradley

Okay, I am not being as faithful as when I started this blog, but I still think of my blessings much more frequently than when I began this journey! I have been thinking about Brad the last couple of days. It is fun to watch your children meld with another family. There are so many things we take and learn from them. Brad has encouraged Rachel not to have any loud voices in their home - she is so far trying hard to cooperate. I appreciated her sharing this with me, because for those of you who know me, you know I have a tendency to raise my voice, (most often, when stressed) I believe I picked that up from my dad - I learned early in life my dad's bark was much worse than his bite, so it is hard for to remember that others can be traumatized by "yelling". I imagine most people shut down when someone yells. Anyway, that is just one thing I am grateful to Brad for. In an indirect way he is teaching me. I love to watch him with his babies.
He likes to just sit and hold them and has no fear of changing diapers, etc. He is so good to take Rylie on hikes and swimming. I feel very blessed as I watch life take it's course. Emily and Rachel both seemed to pick men who compliment them and help strenghen them! So Brad...if you are reading this - I hope you know how much I love you and appreciate what you do for my daughter and granddaughters! I know I am a little more obnoxious and Rachel would say not as refined as your mom - but I sure appreciate what you teach me - sometimes just through your quiet manner. AND...Randy is thrilled to have someone who loves the outdoors as much as he does!

Day ??? - Steven!

I was going to title this Steven the Stalker - but any of you who know the story, know he really was never a stalker! I just had a daughter who played a little too hard to get for almost too long, but luckily she came to her senses quick enough to bless our family with Steve. Rachel asked me the other day if I knew how lucky I was to have such good priesthood holder son in laws, because in Brad's profession he is very aware of those who don't treat their wives so well. It made me realize I definitely need to give them their own day in my gratitude journal! I have been so grateful for Steve in our family. At first it was very hard for me because I was sure he would take her away and who knew when I would see her. It has been much the opposite, he has been so supportive of our family, it's kind of like when you have a child and you can't remember what it was like without them. He was trained so well by his family and had such nice manners so much so that he called me Sister Lowe (which always makes me feel so old - wait! Maybe I am old!) I have appreciated watching him help Emily strenthen her testimony. What greater gift! AND....he is the best at helping me get my family names temple work done! He is a doting father, and when I have a family meal, it's hard to function without him and Dean there to help in the kitchen! I really missed them at Thanksgiving! Thank goodness for Grandma Dorothy and Aunt Christine!
I have been a little preoccupied with thoughts of my friends and sister who were taken from this world so prematurely and it has caused me to ponder on whether I have taken the time to sufficiently express and show my love and gratitude for people in my life. Each time I sit down to do one of these blogs, I think of more and more people I want to recognize and should I ever be taken prematurely - I would want them to know of their influence on me. So Steve - today is your day! I love you.