Day 11 - Oldest OR Youngest! - All are precious!

Well, I have decided now that I have highlighted my middle children I will go with Ladies first on the last two! Emily Anne Lowe was born while we were still trying to decide what direction our lives would take. I must admit she was a calming yet directing influence on Randy.
I didn't get morning sickness, but Randy did. The reality of providing for a family came quickly and we both had a strong desire to keep "mom" in the home. At that time I had a job I really enjoyed and not a care really in the world, however, from the moment of conception we felt our lives changed and blessed for the better. It was our first real introduction to faith with such magnitude.We really never questioned what this would mean to us, because we knew this was a gift from God. As we have gone on to raise our children, I think the times we feel His hand the most are the situations which deal with our family. Emily always tried hard to do what was expected of first children. She had lots of pressure on her, but always came through. As I began motherhood, I decided I wanted my children to be my best friends - - NOW - -I know Dr. Laura says that we can't always be their friend, which I have learned to be true, but I am so grateful for my children now as they are the ones who call me the most, look out for me and share with me. (Actually the single ones are still a little bit afraid to share with me, because according to them I get too excited and share with to many others)
I am so grateful for my daughters husbands
and their ability to share their wives with me. I hear all the in law jokes, but I feel so blessed with the boys Rachel and Emily have brought into my life. Steven, being the first son in law was probably raked over the coals a little at first because it was all so new to me and I wanted to be so sure my daughter would be taken care of. I think he paved the way for Brad and whoever the other kids decide to marry. Growing up I always felt like my dad would accept whatever friend I brought into our home and I have tried to maintain that quality with my children.
I remember when we pulled out of the driveway in Idaho on our way to Alabama - Emily only 2 1/2 and Nathan not quite a year old - pretty traumatic for me and my parents, but the next year when we drove straight through from Oklahoma and pulled into the driveway in the middle of the night, Emily ran into my mom's room and jumped right into bed with her. She was so aware of everyone around her. I see that trait in her mothering skills. I know sometimes her siblings harrass her for her mother hen instincts, but I know she loves them with all her heart! I appreciate her sharing her brief moments with Bella Anne with us. It was a most horrific thing to watch my child go through, yet also one of the most spiritual times of my life. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of the influence little Bella has had on all of us and I
pay tribute to Steve and Emily for the life they have chosen to lead in order to have her in their arms again. I want them to know that I know they will have her. In this world of turmoil and everyone thinking the world owes them and we shouldn't have to follow God's laws, how grateful I am for children who understand that God's laws only bring happiness!

Day 10 - Hurrah for ADD - No I mean ABL

Alisa often suggests she has ADD BUT her parents were never big on coming up with disorders to explain behaviors - therefore, we look at her as someone who just has a lust for life and if she sits still to long she might miss something important. Now I don't doubt there are many different behavior and mental situations we all have to deal with, but IF Alisa has the problem, I believe it has only enhanced her life as she discovers herself. What a joy it has been to be her mom! I still remember the first day of school in Alaska. We walked the kids down to the bus stop. She had her little backpack on and tears streamed down her face as she watched the kids get on the bus! She always wanted to be where the action was, so she was lucky enough to volunteer with me at the school. She also was my rock while Randy was mobilized after 9/11. Sometimes I think I probably put a lot of pressure on her, but she was so good to help me through one of the darkest times of my life. She is always such a good sport. You can hear her giggle anytime someone teases her. Each child has brought different blessings to us, but I think Alisa's blessing was to teach us not to take life too seriously! After all, life happens! You might as well have faith and get out there and live
!

...and Puppy Dog Tails....That's What little Boys are made of...Day 9

From my earliest recollection of Nathan, he wanted a puppy. I remember when he was very small he said to me "Mom, what's a boy with a puppy?" I responded "What?" His response, "A Happy Boy" He has always had a sense of adventure. In second grade I used to love going on his field trips and helping in his class, because this was the year of jokes and riddles. He seemed to thrive on being the entertainer. Of course, later on when the girls were in Sunshine Generation in Alaska, he was not going to be pulled into it. Luckily, he found his voice again in High School and joined the high school swing choir and participated in the plays. He tells me it was because of the cute girls. Which I would have to believe, because, from Kindergarten on he had a "girlfriend". The somewhat charming aspect, was as he grew older, he didn't really have a clue about all the crushes girls had on him. One thing I always appreciated about Nate was his sense of right and wrong. I never worried about what he was doing in High School because he just seemed to have it together. His desire to serve God and his country has set a great example to his family. We have missed him over the years as he fulfilled mission and army responsibilities, but my heart overfills with pride as I watch him try to be a responsible young adult. I just wish some little princess out there would see what a "Prince" is waiting. OR Maybe the PRINCE just has to kiss a few frogs! As I have raised my boys, I have come to understand the tender nature of men that we as women sometimes overlook. Our society expects them to be tough and sturdy, but their hearts are in there working overtime! Thank heavens for my opportunity to raise sons!

Motherhood (Parenthood)...what greater blessing - Day 8

Every day as I contemplate my gratitude and what I want to post, motherhood comes to my brain and I always push it aside thinking I'll post about that later...partly because I don't know what child to post about first - since it is common to go youngest to oldest or oldest to youngest, I decided to start in the middle! Could it be because I am the middle - I often felt like I was to old for one group and to young for the other, as a consequence, I felt picked on on occasion. In my older age now, I realize I was actually very blessed because I had an opportunity to live with both groups of siblings. Anyway, Rachel, this is why I chose you! All of my children know one of the best ways to get my goat is to tell me I have a favorite child - BIG PET PEEVE! But just for today....I am going to concentrate on the Blessing of Rachel Christine in my life! Rachel has been my roller coaster child, when she is up, she is really up and when she is down she is down. In other words she has a tender heart. She always was willing to bring her friends into our home. As a young girl she was very outgoing and friendly to everyone, as she entered adolesence she became much more shy. Of course, I guess she couldn't have been to shy considering she loved being a cheerleader. She was always very into boyfriends. From the time she was two years old she was planning her wedding. She brings joy into my life daily as she wants to call and share her day with me. She is a caring and doting mother. AND...I have told my son in laws I appreciate them, but I think Brad knows he has a jewel as well. He has been good to help her express her feelings. I am so proud of their little family and their hard work to keep their relationship growing! How blessed will be the little Simpson girls! Rachel, I love you! Thanks for choosing me to be your mom!

Good Neighbors - Day 7 - a little late!

I really didn't forget my gratitude yesterday, but as I was sitting down to post, my neighbor called and reminded me of a Relief Society Event last night. ( I had totally forgotten all about it!) The group "One Clear Voice" came and performed. They were so talented and spiritual. It was a very wonderful evening. It was such an uplifting evening for me. AND....they were so totally down to earth and approachable! They did a number about gratitude and shared a comment from Pres. Monson. One of my Favorite talks is An Attitude of Gratitude, by Pres.Thomas Monsongo here to read it - http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=cac194bf3938b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
Now I am sure there is a better way to post this talk, but I am still learning.... but the name of the talk will help you find it.
Anyway, thank goodness for my good neighbor who reminded me of the event. At every turn there is something to be grateful for!

Out of order maybe - but Hurray for Inlaws! - Day 6

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I had a discussion with Rachel yesterday about how lucky I was my daughters married good guys who didn't abuse their wives. I have been thinking alot about that today. I think one of my first experiences with that was my sister Shannon's husband. For the past nearly 20 years he has supported our family. At any family party with food, he is right there digging in and helping in the kitchen. Of course, my brother brought someone into the family that is also very helpful whenever there is a family gathering. I remember at Rachel's wedding Christine helped the whole day, of course she reminded me when her kids got married, she would have it catered!
I do feel such gratitude for the good husbands and fathers my son in laws are. It has been such a choice experience to observe their priesthood observance and watch their young families develop!


They to bring new life to our family! It is so fun to see how the Lord's plan of happiness affects us as we take it full circle!
I would be amiss not to include Don and Dorothy in my gratitude! They helped in grain many good qualities in Randy and they have been so loving of our family! Dorothy continues to teach us about a "get 'er done" attitude and there's no need to complain. One thing I learned from her was she might get disgusted with how somebody does something, but she keeps on loving them!
As for Grandpa Don, he has supported us in to many ways to name. One thing Jordan and I have discussed is he has never missed a birthday and the interesting thing about that is somehow he always manages to get the card there right on the exact day!
I can think of many more times where in laws have blessed my life, but these are just a few highlights! Our family may have a few skeletons lying around here or there, but I feel so blessed to have the family I have been blessed with! (watch out when I start bragging on my kids or worse yet, grandkids!

Thanks to the Teachers of the World - Day 5

Today was a special day! We were able to go to Logan and watch Conner in his primary program. As I watched all the beautiful children expressing ways they had learned they were children of God, I couldn't help but reflect on the teachers in mine and my children's life. I remembered clearly the Primary Sacrament Program when I was 11 (Yes, Rachel, they even had primary programs in the dark ages, te hee hee) and how excited I was to sing our new Stairway to Heaven song. (Not the pop song of Stairway to Heaven) I reflected on the many programs my children had been in both church and school. I looked at the places in life my children are at now and my heart overflowed with gratitude for the help that is abounding in good works out there from the Sunday School teachers, school teachers, the Bro. Tufts and the Sister Hoopes of the world. I am sure each of my children could name different teachers who have taught and led them, for this I am grateful. We are told the Lord is with us always through His Spirit. I also believe he uses people to answer our prayers. How wonderful it is after we are taught we can then teach and the circle of life goes on! If any of you out there have been reading my gratitude journal, I just want to tell you what an awesome adventure this has been for me. Each day I reflect on what I want to blog about and my heart just overfills with ideas of gratitude. It has brought a little sunshine back into my life as I have concentrated on what is good in my life, instead of bemoaning what may be wrong or hard. My goal was to keep this up until Thanksgiving, but I know I will have too many entries to quit then! And for my children reading this,....remember,
when you have a gratitude attitude, you are the happiest kind of girl or boy! Now go out and teach and share!