tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46060141567555448712024-02-06T18:26:09.338-08:00Kay and Berrett Hoping to AdoptWe are looking forward to being parents. We promise to always love and care for our children and share the miracle of their birth and the way they joined our familyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-65818824155579304702013-07-17T10:04:00.000-07:002013-07-17T10:04:02.976-07:00We found her!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJW1NVGz30SfmKwvWH3IxU0LRXXdexT5Cvdg3dcFVdJTaMxgKIGr71pwWevvww-55yaIY7Q19rv3iApDJ0D1-Rl3FGMGUaeyp4EGsLqIl6lmvLy5e46bV8z7m6k4ZhXrE01i1sFY8YaP4q/s1600/1016588_10151466290306976_544338949_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJW1NVGz30SfmKwvWH3IxU0LRXXdexT5Cvdg3dcFVdJTaMxgKIGr71pwWevvww-55yaIY7Q19rv3iApDJ0D1-Rl3FGMGUaeyp4EGsLqIl6lmvLy5e46bV8z7m6k4ZhXrE01i1sFY8YaP4q/s640/1016588_10151466290306976_544338949_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Marie Adel, Nicknamed Maddi. Born June 18th weighing 5 lbs. 2 oz. Placed in our arms on June 20th.<br />
We have never been so happy!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-39244016895160739942013-04-19T05:09:00.000-07:002013-04-19T05:15:28.181-07:00Where can I turn for peace...where is my solace? I woke up this morning to hear that people are trapped in their homes in Massachusetts Because of a hunt for a terrorist. We have been subject to scenes on our daily news of people injured or killed while enjoying the Boston marathon. Children are witnesses to factories on fire and then exploding. The power struggle over the legalities or rights of gun possession are pasted over and over on Facebook. We live in a world where people are frightened...troubled....or unable to support themselves.
I can't help thinking about the kind of world our baby girl will be growing up in. I pray that as her mother I will be able to protect her for a time from the harsh reality's of life but I pray more that she will learn from Berrett and I where you go during difficult times. That there is a way to find peace in this life. Putting your faith in Christ our Savior and following his example will be the most valuable lesson I can teach. When other sources cease to make me feel whole...I find my greatest strength in prayer.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1S3-jyZPxY6aI8ENX6BDPQMfatKGg0x3J18DT5PKxPntec4PJA36bzMw9wsUAKMNKBc9uHq5-Fo9qIfQyTForm-LRX8sszhsmMPjZW9DM-L7sWrrvEO7ea0teoasl_fdx4MLfdkCdXA/s1600/images-of-jesus-christ-103.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1S3-jyZPxY6aI8ENX6BDPQMfatKGg0x3J18DT5PKxPntec4PJA36bzMw9wsUAKMNKBc9uHq5-Fo9qIfQyTForm-LRX8sszhsmMPjZW9DM-L7sWrrvEO7ea0teoasl_fdx4MLfdkCdXA/s320/images-of-jesus-christ-103.jpg" /></a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-25804618282479482342013-04-12T12:36:00.000-07:002013-04-12T12:36:56.684-07:00Maddi's blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirY4mJGXXBxSD3qUwH7j8qvoMqAfoX2e8-VchnMj1fbUatd-X9n4vdC1c0DQIZi4uEuwCp8BCi1mcYtC468Pbr5_RfckrWQHLT6k5ocxiZ7bN5C-fjRMaafuF27rg0uLneWbylUph8pi4f/s1600/babygirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirY4mJGXXBxSD3qUwH7j8qvoMqAfoX2e8-VchnMj1fbUatd-X9n4vdC1c0DQIZi4uEuwCp8BCi1mcYtC468Pbr5_RfckrWQHLT6k5ocxiZ7bN5C-fjRMaafuF27rg0uLneWbylUph8pi4f/s1600/babygirl.jpg" /></a></div>
Today I have spent a great deal of time thinking about what we have to offer to a unborn baby girl in CA. I know we have lots of love, a strong stable marriage, faith in Heavenly Father and common beliefs and convictions. We can offer her a warm home, food on the table and clothes on her back.<br />
Berrett will be able to pass on his curiosity about the world and people. He has a great thirst for knowledge and will teach her in such a way she won't even know she is being "taught". He knows how to have fun!! He will probably teach her about computers and technology and I imagine he will do his best to share these fun electronic toys with her. He will be able to show her that daddy's are men you can count on. He will give her lots of kisses and hugs and I know he will tell her she is beautiful every day of her life.<br />
As for me... I will hope to teach her to explore her creative side. She will see my passion for art, music and cooking. I hope she will love books the way I do. I know I will read to her from the beginning. I will sing all the time!! I love to make up songs about our every day happenings. She will learn mommies "diaper" song, and fall asleep to my lullaby's. I hope I can be a example of loving and liking who you are at the moment. That what really matters is what is on the inside. It has taken me a lot of years to learn this and loving husband who reminds me daily. I pray she will love the Lord the way we do, and depend on him.<br />
She will have Aunts and Uncles who love her and teach her so many things. Tammy..courage and humor, Tom.. to dream, Staci... looking for the bright side. Annie... trust in God, Andy.. overcoming obstacles.<br />
Monte Jr...working hard and finding humor in simple things, Rachelle.. Service, love and probably how to sew!!<br />
Amy... Service and a love for music, John...strength and love for family, Katy...honoring your parents and service to those in need, David.. a love for athletics and loyalty.<br />
She will have so many cousins, and she will grow up surrounded by them, an extended family that resembles siblings without having to share a bedroom!!<br />
Her grandparents. Grandma Maynard will never leave her any doubt that she is loved. She has the great ability to make each grand child feel they are the most important at the moment. Grandpa Maynard will teach her to giggle and lift her up as "high as the moon." They are both great examples of faith. <br />
My mom will be her Nana who can teach her to crochet and a great love for the words of God. Her papa, my step dad is a quiet man, but won't be afraid to sit on the floor and have tea parties or play barbies with his grandchild.<br />
We have many extended friends who will love her as well. Linda will teach her to laugh, to play and to overcome whatever life gives you with a smile. <br />
I pray she will always know she is loved, by her natural family and by her forever family. I pray her natural parents and grandparents will be assured that we will offer her a life blessed with all the wonderful things we can give her. Not necessarily material things, but the things that matter most. Love, Faith, Humor, obedience, respect, a love for art, nature and music. We hope we can be a blessing to her but we know the greatest blessing will be what she brings to us!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-5351617435725944032013-02-24T21:43:00.001-08:002013-02-24T21:43:35.950-08:00"Hope is the abiding trust that Heavenly Father fulfills His promises."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I believe it was about a year ago that I heard a brother in our ward
share this quote in a talk in Sacrament. I quickly jotted it down
because I had often felt like I was losing hope for the promises I
wanted fulfilled. The hope that Berrett and I would some day be parents.<br />
Well
we have had our up's and down's and I have often picked up that piece
of paper and read it and silently asked Heavenly Father to help me to
keep my hope alive and to believe He would fulfill His promises.<br />
I can tell you today He keeps His promises!! A expectant mom and her parents and family have chosen us to adopt her baby girl.<br />
We
want to protect her privacy and the privacy of our future daughter so
we won't be sharing very many details. She is due in late June, early
July and we are very excited!<br />
We ask you our friends and family to
pray for her, to pray for the father and their families. Pray that
they may be comforted and at peace with their decision. Please pray
that they have all that they stand in need of at this great time of
change. Also please pray that the Lord will pour out blessings on their
heads for sharing this beautiful gift with us. Please pray for us as
well. Adoption is costly and we will have many changes to make in our
lives as well. I will say it again though, "Hope is the abiding trust
that Heavenly Father fulfills His Promises." I KNOW He does.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-31559065196714000302013-01-14T08:31:00.000-08:002013-01-14T08:31:59.799-08:00Understanding answers to prayersAs A couple we have been earnestly praying about some life changing decisions. I have always struggled with waiting for answers. I am like a petulant child who wants to know now!!!!!! I make it a practice to listen to old conference talks while getting ready in the morning. Yesterday I was listening to a talk by Richard G. Scott called "Supernal Prayer". He explained the ways that answers come to prayers. He reminded us that answers seldom come while we are on our knees. That the answers come in steps- small impressions or whispers Of the spirit. Intellectually I knew this- after all I have received answers to prayers before but the hard ones for me are the ones where I want the answer to be yes and the Lord has a few more steps in mind before I know what I am to do. He said something that made quite an impression on me. He talked about the peace we feel when the answer is yes. About the confusion or stupor of thought when the answer is no and then the prayers where no impression comes. He said those are the times we should thank the Lord for trusting us!! If we move forward and still try to receive impressions He will stop us if the move we make is wrong. I have also come to know that sometimes the answer "yes" comes with a purpose. For instance in our last adoption experience we both felt that we should move forward and yet in the end it didn't work out. I remember pleading with Heavenly Father to understand why he let us feel such pain. In hindsight we look back and learned some things. We know that the mom has her free agency. We know that we want to work with birth parents who seek help from counselers and we want their parents and brothers and sisters to be supportive. We learner what red flags to watch for and that the case workers are a part of this for a reason. They have the experience that we do not. They can help resolve questions and issues. I have also come to rely on answers to prayers in my calling. For instance I received a impression to call someone to a position and didn't understand why. My own experience with this person made me doubt their abilities. But the Lord was insistent and I have discovered I was wrong. This was suppose to be their calling. I guess it all comes down to doing your best to live your life in such a manner that you are open to the spirit and to develop a trust in the Lord. He knows what is best. He is also doing his best to teach this petulant child patience. Yesterday I was reminded in the words of a song sung by the children. Heanenly Father are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child's prayer? Seek He is there. Speak he is listening. You are his child his love now surrounds you. I must remember my mother in laws favorite scripture."Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-88520262368391160532012-12-30T21:59:00.001-08:002012-12-30T21:59:44.376-08:00Another day in the life of the Primary President<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyJX1zsAgxsg4VT9nqi1LVG5V5k5EaAkhLYBOMP_rEBNs1DIBMQyCFVlzIbNLukOvTtPCp3K7kbUVLjZ7s38ldo-ex82S8-Mo4eXWib9OCOZ7SbvPjVg7ROjfTmqcVmyzfwe9axQqRn8W/s1600/minimiss50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyJX1zsAgxsg4VT9nqi1LVG5V5k5EaAkhLYBOMP_rEBNs1DIBMQyCFVlzIbNLukOvTtPCp3K7kbUVLjZ7s38ldo-ex82S8-Mo4eXWib9OCOZ7SbvPjVg7ROjfTmqcVmyzfwe9axQqRn8W/s320/minimiss50.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">This is me the day of our mini mission</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today was the 5th Sunday of the month. The sharing time manual only provides lessons for the usual 4 Sundays in the month. So we usually have a guest speaker or one of the presidency teaches. I had decided I would teach. We are planning on focusing on service this next year, and how serving other people helps them to know they are loved and in turn children of our Heavenly Father. I had prayed long and hard about what to present to the children this Sunday.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A few weeks ago we attended the tabernacle Christmas concert with Alfie Boe. As much as I enjoyed his performance, what stuck with me was the story of the candy bomber. (Gail Halvorsen) It impressed me to think that what started with 2 sticks of chewing gum, brought hope to a whole country of children and hopefully their parents.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I did some research on Brother Halvorsen and discovered that the <i>"Friend"</i> had published his story, many years ago. I wanted to impress to our children, that even small acts of service could make a difference in peoples lives. I created a power point presentation using the story from the <i>"Friend"</i> and pictures off of google of the candy bomber. I wanted something I could use as a story book, since so many of our children are younger.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I started out by challenging one of the older girls to divide 2 sticks of gum into enough pieces to share with the whole primary. The most she was able to divide it into, was 10 small pieces. With teachers and students we had about 20 people there today. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I then proceeded to tell them the story of the candy bomber.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In my experience this has only happened a few times. We often feel the spirit, but to feel it the whole presentation is rare!, The spirit entered, and the children were quiet and paid close attention. I felt like the words were being placed into my mouth. My thoughts were clear and I was able to focus on what needed to be said instead of what I thought I needed to say.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> We are going to use a warm fuzzy jar this year, and I place one pom pom in the jar and asked them if it filled the jar? When they agreed that one "fuzzy" wasn't much. I asked them if Brother Halvorsen knew that when he gave that group of children his last two pieces of gum that it would change their world? He didn't know that when he made 3 small parachutes with 3 candy bars that first time that 20 tons of candy and parachutes would be donated and dropped for so many children. He didn't know that by one small act of service he could do big things!! I then challenged the children and teachers to do small acts of service in their homes, schools and neighborhoods to help others to know they are loved. We will ask who did service the week before on Sunday and ask a small number of children to share. a warm fuzzy will be placed in the jar for each act of service. At the end of the year we will use the warm fuzzies to make ornaments for our tree and then send them home with each child and teacher after Christmas.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the story I used. I just printed it out and used a comb binder to make it into book form. All credit for story goes to Jan Pinborough. I only added my testimony at the end by challenging the children to be like Jesus. I don't own the story, the clip art or the photo's used.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: white;">If you are interested in having a copy of this presentation, leave a comment with your email address and I will be happy to send it to you!!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-86271170066063076842012-12-28T09:55:00.000-08:002012-12-28T09:55:01.912-08:00The world of boys!!!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEECBnKELScU4pBIF_rem0SU_M4jJWdmuCOoybXZ30aeORMnMeWfxn9dD-IrGMq5nj-lTWKU1Yr7IpiP6-1hfQsJRZXygnXzSMLbccbcpeS5dDEMHyudlAgnDnT6emkeHveeYqXOcPgG_/s1600/578757_3775076614550_163460615_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEECBnKELScU4pBIF_rem0SU_M4jJWdmuCOoybXZ30aeORMnMeWfxn9dD-IrGMq5nj-lTWKU1Yr7IpiP6-1hfQsJRZXygnXzSMLbccbcpeS5dDEMHyudlAgnDnT6emkeHveeYqXOcPgG_/s200/578757_3775076614550_163460615_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Declan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyQITLTQ1GqydW8-U_4LHBnw7f-RIQ1hrO4MGmFBQ5hrOX4O_Gi_RGpcQhLQC-oau735JdgtlticBsKeoGlrXWayzhmgAbz20i7j_wzLKDJe_Y6gVzm_yIZMyb8GAuXjfV_c_mSqLg7Qx/s1600/614925_3411629221579_1293133058_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyQITLTQ1GqydW8-U_4LHBnw7f-RIQ1hrO4MGmFBQ5hrOX4O_Gi_RGpcQhLQC-oau735JdgtlticBsKeoGlrXWayzhmgAbz20i7j_wzLKDJe_Y6gVzm_yIZMyb8GAuXjfV_c_mSqLg7Qx/s200/614925_3411629221579_1293133058_o.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S1lS43rdevWHG6vnq7FiLhUGZgUT-C174q8VBhqZuE-UIv2XsvGQ7oOaGh36bbXzJY-SFUTMf8mRPe1vyP8Bkp5DgHugPBE5Ta26CENGebQ9gzX1cCRAQHXDDDlXe90w8G7AvfdaPB-e/s1600/478361_3009380325608_1588282503_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S1lS43rdevWHG6vnq7FiLhUGZgUT-C174q8VBhqZuE-UIv2XsvGQ7oOaGh36bbXzJY-SFUTMf8mRPe1vyP8Bkp5DgHugPBE5Ta26CENGebQ9gzX1cCRAQHXDDDlXe90w8G7AvfdaPB-e/s200/478361_3009380325608_1588282503_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawsyn, Jayden, and Blake</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Its funny to me to be surrounded by little boys!! I love frilly pretty dresses, jewelery, and all things girly!!!<br />
Yet, I spend at least 6 days a week tending 2 to 3 little boys. I have had Declan since he was 7 weeks old and he is now about 20 months. Jayden since he was about 10 weeks and he is 8 months old, and his older brother Dawsyn, off and on through out his life and he is 8 years old. I tend at my place 3 days a week and my sisters 3 days, so I get to spend time with Jayden and Dawsyn's oldest brother who is almost 18. He was my very first nephew and my first real experience with dealing with boys.<br />
I have discovered that boys have a world filled with cars, blocks, balls and lego's. They also think burping and passing gas is funny!! They love to jump on each other, roll on the floor and occasionally beat on each other. I have been welcomed to the world of sponge bob square pants, rap music, and video games, Ant farms, sea monkey's and beta fish.<br />
I have also discovered that there is nothing in the world like little boy kisses and hugs!! They snuggle and cuddle and love their auntie!! They smile toothless smiles, tell the best jokes and fill my life with wonder as they explore the world!! <br />
When I was young I used to think I wanted a little girl first, but now, I would welcome either!! I love my niece Addi and enjoy playing house with her!! We have painted finger nails, toes and dressed up as princesses!! But I can also appreciate the world of boys!! The love of a child is priceless no matter how it comes! I just pray that Berrett and I will be blessed with that kind of love soon!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-41696885860947173312012-10-29T09:45:00.000-07:002012-10-29T09:45:21.304-07:00Primary President and Mini Missionaries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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About 6 months ago I was called to be the Primary President. I had been serving as first councilor and our Primary President was called to serve in the Stake Primary Presidency.
It was a calling I was willing to accept but also was afraid of!! To be responsible for the whole primary and all it entails is huge!!
I have two wonderful, supportive councilors and a fabulous secretary, and this makes the calling easier.
The Theme this year was Choose The Right. We have been putting gum balls in a jar through out the year for wearing of CTR rings three times a week and then later in the year for sharing their good choices.
We wanted to do something fun and yet spiritual for our reward activity for filling the jar. We have just become a part of the new mission in Utah and we have been focusing quite a bit on member missionary work. We also will be teaching about missionaries during the month of November as our monthly theme.
So we decided to call all our children on a mission. We sent them each a mission call assigned to the mission we live in. We wanted them to feel some responsibility for this mission and to take ownership of it.
We set up the primary room as a MTC and had the YW and YM play district leaders. Our Bishop and his wife were the mission president couple.
We opened with prayer, gave each of the children a name tag and sang a opening hymn. I welcomed them to our primary MTC and introduced a sister who taught them a little Spanish. Then we had 2 guest speakers who talked about their missions. One sister spoke who served in the Philippines and then Berrett spoke about his mission to California. We then placed 1 of 3 colored dots on each child and divided them into districts. We moved to the gym and had 3 relays going on. I was assigned the scripture chase tic tac toe. I had 9 pictures of scripture stories, and 9 references on slips of paper. They chose a scripture reference, looked it up, described it to their non reader companions and then chose the picture that matched. then they could place their x or o on the white board and race back to look up the next reference. It worked out well as I didn't want it to be a winner/loser game. I wanted them all to know that when you read the scriptures you are all winners. LUCKILY the X's and the Os's were all able to get 3 across and so I reminded them again that we are all winners when we read the scriptures. Then they moved onto the next relay. My 1st councilor had set up 2 suitcases and 2 poster boards with pictures of items to be packed. All the items were on tables along with a few items you would NOT take on a mission. They had to race to the picture, choose something, race back to the table pick it up and race back to the suitcase to pack it. Then my 2nd councilor had them fold a blanket neatly, dress in missionary attire and then run to set a table with 2 place settings. Then they had to undress again!!
Anytime a group finished before the others, they would go to where the bishop was and play "president says"(Simon says).
After all 3 districts finished the relays we went back to the primary room and the YW had them write letters to the missionaries who were out from our ward. My 1st councilor had set up a mailbox and decorated it with "missionary mail" the kids got such a kick out of coloring pictures or writing letters to the missionaries and then mailing them.
We then had a speaker talk about his mission to France and then the Elders assigned to our ward spoke to the children about how they can be missionaries now. I gave the children a 21 day challenge hand out to share with their families. They were asked to prayerfully select either non members or inactive members to pray for. They write them on the hand out and pray for them night and morning. They read a scripture a day from the 21 day list and they are promised to see mighty changes. All of my children accepted the challenge. the bishop made a few closing remarks and then released them. We gave them their "blessings" which were candy lei's and then sent them to the gym for pizza and dessert!!
It was a great activity!!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-70575005116624192252012-08-29T12:32:00.000-07:002012-08-29T12:33:51.239-07:00Day Care Days.... I have been tending children since I was about 10 years old. I was always the neighborhood babysitter!! After I served a mission for the LDS church I was a nanny for a short time. I didn't do it for very long as I was having a hard time adjusting to the "normal" world again. I was so used to being out and among people I felt cooped up at home with the little boy and girl I was tending at the time. I truly missed them though when I left to join the world of Retail in the Floral industry. I was a florist for 20 years!! For the most part I liked that job, and I was seriously lost for a while when I was laid off!
A good friend had recently given birth to a baby boy. She was a single mom and needed to go back to work. My sister told me that she was looking for someone to tend her baby. I had been applying for jobs and had no luck, so I thought "what the heck"
I can do it for a while. Well I started tending him when he was 7 weeks old and he is now 15 months old.
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That period of time has gone by quickly!! I also started tending My niece
part time. She started school a few days ago and some one else has taken on the job!! Now I am tending my 5 month old nephew as well as the 15 month old.
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At first I felt like tending kids was just something I would do until I found a "real" job. Little did I know how much work it takes to care for a baby. Incredibly I found it satisfying in a way that my retail job never was!! I loved someone and they loved me back. As I changed diapers, sang "wheels on the bus", made bottles, and taught my niece preschool, I LOVED IT!! I am not saying I woke up every morning feeling like a combination Mary Poppins, Nanny Mcphee and Maria from the sound of music... but I did feel good about myself and what I was getting back in this relationship.
The best part though was watching Berrett change and grow through it all. He wanted to be a dad, and felt like it was something he could do, but wasn't really sure how to be one. As he spent time with Declan (15 MONTH OLD) he grew to love him deeply. He began to understand wht it feels like to have this little person depending on you. Now he looks forward to times with Jayden (5 month old) as well.
I guess what I am trying to say is that we have tasted a small part of what it means to be parents. I can feed a toddler and infant at the same time, no problem!! They are presently both teething and that has its challenges but nothing I can't handle. I am so grateful for this experience. I have yet to do the all night thing, but look forward to that with our own baby.
Taking care of these little guys has opened up a new world of wonder!! When you watch a baby go through the different stages, you truly begin to understand what a amazing thing the human mind is. We have watched a little boy go from a infant who sleeps, eats, and fills his diapers.. to a walking, babbling wonder who learns a new word and new skill almost daily!! Who couldn't listen to a baby laugh and not laugh back!!
Today I can say that I am grateful, I got laid off!! It helped me find the "mom" inside myself!! I am grateful to the mom's who share their little ones with me and trust me to care for them!!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-47689002108827388562012-06-18T14:52:00.001-07:002012-06-18T14:52:29.348-07:00To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven....</b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
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<h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will admit that my first exposure to the scripture above came about
because of a oldie but goodie playing on my parents 8-track in the
family station wagon. It was performed by the Byrds and it was called
"Turn! Turn! turn!". It was written based upon the scripture from
Ecclesiastes. I know I am "dating" myself by one- mentioning this song.
Two- mentioning a 8- track player, and three- mentioning a station
wagon!! Although ours was super cool, it was patriotic blue, with red,
white and blue curtains in the side windows in the very back, and we had
stickers on the side of every state we had ever traveled to!! I miss
that old wagon,where we listened to old songs, took road trips and spent
countless hours asking dad " are we there yet?'<br />
Any way back to the present. When we first started attending our ward
in Taylorsville, I was called to be a primary teacher. How I loved
teaching Primary. Your students love you, they forgive you your short
comings and you get to hear about all their amazing adventures!! Not to
mention a few family secrets!! LOL!! Kids tell you EVERYTHING!! Lucky
for the parents though, we don't tend to divulge what we know.<br />
Any way, I taught primary for quite a while. A little over a year ago, I
was called to be 1st counselor in the primary. I was a little sad to
leave my classroom, but had received the impression that this was where
Heavenly Father needed me, so I gladly accepted the calling. I felt so
lucky to work with our President Tonya, Ofelia the other counselor and
Cynthia the secretary. Ofelia moved away and I had the chance to get to
know Alli who took her place. We have all worked so well together.
Tonya has taught us so much, and my love for all the children has grown.<br /><br />
Well, recently Tonya was called to be in the Stake Primary Presidency. I
am not sure how the others in the presidency felt, but I was so sad
that we were losing Tonya and not sure what would happen to the rest of
us. We knew that changes would be made, and we were not sure what they
would be. I found myself praying that what ever the Lord desired for
me, that I would be at peace with it. </span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Last Sunday, the bishop called me to be the Primary President. I was sustained and set a part today.<br />
I thought I would feel overwhelmed, and I have had those moments. What I
didn't expect to feel was peaceful. I don't know why He has asked me
to serve in this capacity, but I do know that I have many things to
learn, and this is the season for that learning. I have already learned
a little more about inspiration as I prayed to know who to pick as
counselors, and secretary. I felt really good about keeping some of
them on, and felt really good about the newest member of our presidency,
Alecia. She indicated to me, that she had felt a few weeks ago, that
this would be where she was called to.<br />
I am someone who struggles with shyness, and I am always fearful of new
situations. I love my comfort zone. I love to know what is expected of
me, and I love to be the one following the Leader. I have had
management positions in the work place, but they were always hard for
me. I don't like to be the bad guy!! The nice part about leading in
the church, is we lead differently then we do in the world. We still
have tough decisions to make, but we are led by our Savior who taught
that the best leaders are those who serve the ones we lead. I pray I
can do that.<br />
I pray I can be a good servant. The bishop blessed me today with the
strength and energy I needed and a great love for those I will be
serving, The Children. I am grateful for the blessing and for the
loving guidance of my Heavenly Father. I am also grateful for the
loving support of my husband and my family. Its my season to serve, Its
my turn to learn, and my turn to grow. Its a very humbling
experience.
<span><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-52365601458181132782012-04-16T21:13:00.002-07:002012-04-16T21:20:20.811-07:00A very great day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Today I had the special privilege of seeing my nephew Jayden born.
My younger sister had a c section and asked me to be "dad" or "coach"
lol!! I don't know how much coaching I did, but it was a amazing
experience!! We had to get her to the hospital by 4:30 am and that was
not much fun!! Going to bed at 12 and getting up at 2:45 am, is NOT
recommended!! But.... Seeing a beautiful spirit born into this world.
... Holding a baby just a few minutes old.. and bonding with him
forever.. IS HIGHLY recommended!!!<br />
I honestly don't know if I
will ever see my own child born, It depends on the expectant mom who
chooses us, but I will forever be grateful to my little sis who shared
this spiritual experience with me!!<br />
I love you Tammy, Blake, Dawsyn and Little Baby Jayden.<br />
<br />
Also
wanted to share a blog that a dear friend of ours shared today on us
and adoption!! Thank you Brooke, it means so much to us that people care
about us finding our forever family. Please feel free to link and
share with others!!<br />
<a href="http://www.latter-dayhomeschooling.com/2012/04/adoption-and-great-couple.html" target="_blank">http://www.latter-dayhomeschooling.com/2012/04/adoption-and-great-couple.html</a><br />
<br />
I
am so grateful for all the choice children in my life!! Nieces and
Nephews, Primary children, the Young women of our ward and the ones I
worked with at Girls Camp. For the children I love and tend, and for
all the children who have brought so much to both Berrett and My life,
we will forever be grateful!!<br />
We both live by this Eternal Message!!<br />
<h2>
One hundred years from now,<br />It won't matter what car I drove,<br />What kind of house I lived in,<br />How much I had in my bank account,<br />Nor what my clothes looked like,<br />But, the world may be a little better<br />Because I was important in the life of a child </h2>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-13537674436734273742012-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:002012-03-27T21:09:17.228-07:00Getting to know Kay<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GxtKnND0qrtRhW5Wv0v72tEtdA-dq7vcjucqnuTWwAZPK_ZybCApjVf1jDcCr5ZQfLkf0yIrr5deyfY4sKquOLvk0rT-lWzeT_HOMLTGxIpzVd5ogny51K9iLiV_hrEOqQTd9arR1LAF/s1600/donny+osmond+and+kym+johnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9GxtKnND0qrtRhW5Wv0v72tEtdA-dq7vcjucqnuTWwAZPK_ZybCApjVf1jDcCr5ZQfLkf0yIrr5deyfY4sKquOLvk0rT-lWzeT_HOMLTGxIpzVd5ogny51K9iLiV_hrEOqQTd9arR1LAF/s320/donny+osmond+and+kym+johnson.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donny and Kym dancing the tango.. He said this was "the sleeping on the couch" dance... He was right, it was hot!!</td></tr>
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As long as I can remember I have been a fan of Donny Osmond!! When I was young I remember my dad waking us kids up on Saturday mornings. He would make us breakfast and then turn on the music and organize us into cleaning up the house in preparation for Sunday. He would let my mom sleep in and he would let each of us children take turns in choosing the music we cleaned to. I always chose the Osmonds, Donny or Abba. So my affection for Donny is some how tied into the affection I feel for my dad and my memories of times with my family.<br />
We listened to music on road trips and on short trips anywhere, even just down the road. Music was a big part of my life. To this day I dislike driving anywhere in silence and I always clean better with music playing in the back ground.<br />
My Best friend Linda introduced me to ball room dancing. She used to teach it and when Dancing with the stars started, we would meet up and watch together. Although I LOVE music, I can't dance worth beans!! Berrett on the other hand, can, and he is good enough to make me look better.<br />
Any way, back to DWTS... Imagine my excitement when Marie Osmond was one of the stars. Then my excitement was even greater when Donny joined the lineup a few seasons later. Poor Linda had to listen to me ooh and awww over Donny!! I voted as much as humanly possible and even enlisted friends to let me borrow their email accounts to vote!! Berrett claims that reason Donny won is because of me!<br />
I am also lucky enough to have a sweet husband who indulges me with Donny concerts and even designed tshirts with "#1 fan of Donny Osmond" then he wore a shirt that said "Hubby of #1 fan of Donny Osmond"<br />
I once got told at a concert that my husband was the sweetest guy on earth because he willingly wore that tshirt. I was also challenged by another fan in Vegas when she saw my tshirt. She said "She was Donny's # 1 fan". I asked her if she was wearing a tshirt that proclaimed it? Then she saw Berrett's tshirt and laughed and told me I had to be his number one fan.<br />
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So that is just one of the "weird-dom's" of my personality. But I will always be a fan. Of course I Love and adore my husband more than Donny!! Who wouldn't? He adores me, and to Donny I am just another one of those crazy 40 something women in the audience. But you have to admit for a man in his fifty's who is also a grandpa, Donny is pretty cute!! And can he sing!!<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS9E1zr0t10&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS9E1zr0t10&feature=related</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-40085358795081133512012-03-19T14:44:00.000-07:002012-03-19T14:44:49.697-07:00Another Step in our journey..I had a friend ask if she could post about us on her blog recently. She wanted to "share" our story with others and hoped it may be a way to reach out to "our" expectant mom. It got me thinking. What would I want to share?<br />
Well, I decided to do this in a "interview type format" and hope it may be read with some interest.<br />
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<i><b>How did you meet?</b></i><br />
I worked at a flower shop as a designer. A very artistic young woman started working at the same shop. We hit it off right away and became good friends. She was dating Berrett at the time. We hung out a lot in a group and that is how I got to know Berrett.<br />
Later when things didn't work out between them, he and I continued to hang out. We became very good friends with similar interests. Later the sparks began to fly and we began dating.<br />
We were married in May 1999. The happiest day of our lives... So far! <br />
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<i><b>What led you to adoption? </b></i><br />
We had decided early in our marriage that we would let the children come on the Lords Schedule. Little did we know that <i>His </i>Schedule would be totally different from ours. We decided after many years of Infertility that we would look into adoption. About 6 years into our marriage, a friend told us that she had a friend who lived down south, who had a foster son. This son and his girl friend had discovered that she was pregnant and didn't feel ready to raise the child themselves. Berrett was hesitant to proceed with this, but let me take the lead, and we began to email them. They did not want to go through a traditional adoption agency. After several months of correspondence, we met them for lunch. We shared family photo's and stories. We talked for two hours, and Berrett grew quieter and quieter. I wanted a child so badly, that it took me a little longer to hear the warning bells that Berrett was hearing all along. We left the lunch and I suddenly felt so despondent. We didn't say much to each other but went to a nearby Temple and walked around the grounds and I silently prayed. <br />
We were in our car headed back to the hotel, when Berrett took my hand and said "honey, you know this isn't right, this is not our baby." I didn't say anything, just nodded and let the tears fall. I knew he was right. It can be hard to hear the answer "no" from Heavenly Father and your husband when you want something so badly.<br />
We went home the next day and emailed the couple and told them we were sorry, but no longer interested. We heard later that they married and kept their baby. I put the idea of adoption on the back burner again.<br />
Last year we both started to feel ready again. We felt a great urgency to look into LDS Family services. We went to the orientation and began the process.<br />
<a href="https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/ct/eng/site/pregnant/">https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/ct/eng/site/pregnant/</a><br />
<i><b>What is the process like?</b></i> It consists of interviews of the couple together and separately. Classes about adoption, back ground checks, letters of reference from friends and family, as well as a lengthy one from your bishop. There are fee's, but it is based on your yearly income and you pay 10% of the last years income. No less then 4,000.00 and no more then I believe 10,000.00 Plus fee's called "pass through" fee's for the mom. These are fee's that may help her pay rent, or for groceries, utilities, etc. as she goes through the pregnancy and for a short recovery period after. The pass through fee's are no more then 3,000.00. You also have to have a home study and copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates and a current temple recommend. You also answer <i><b><u>a lot</u></b></i> of questions about yourself. Things that help the expectant parents to get to know you.<br />
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<i><b>How can we help?</b></i><br />
Well, we still need to raise about a 1000.00 for travel expenses and other expenses that are not covered by our adoption loan. You can help us out by buying our book, <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/kay-maynard/my-abcs-of-adoption/paperback/product-18881327.html">http://www.lulu.com/shop/kay-maynard/my-abcs-of-adoption/paperback/product-18881327.html</a><br />
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It is $10.00 and all profits go toward our adoption fund. It is a simple ABC book that teaches children and their families about the words used in adoption. Such as Birth parents, or Home study, Etc.<br />
We have also had people just donate directly to us, or through our pay pal account.<br />
h<a href="https://apps.facebook.com/fundrazr/activity/d49a94fa64564a059841af6f54dfabed?psid=49be26ce4eb1459ab84efb8e5e468b8d">https://apps.facebook.com/fundrazr/activity/d49a94fa64564a059841af6f54dfabed?psid=49be26ce4eb1459ab84efb8e5e468b8d</a><br />
We also need help<i><b> finding </b></i>our child. You can spread the word by telling others that you know of a couple looking to adopt. We also will have pass along cards and ink pens that have our info on them. The cards and pens can be left anywhere. Like with Doctors, nurses, hairstylists. With tips in restaurants. At your bank, grocery store. You can give them to Ministers and youth group leaders and teachers. We are able to adopt anywhere in the USA and the more people who know the better our chances. This is the link to our profile that you can link on social websites, Face book, emails and Pinterest.<br />
Or anywhere else you think a expectant mom might see it. Please if you know us personally don't list our last name, phone number or address. A lot of couples have been victims of adoption scam, and we are trying to protect our privacy. <br />
<a href="https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/26261556/ourMessage.jsf">https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/26261556/ourMessage.jsf</a><br />
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<i><b>How long does it take to adopt? </b></i><br />
As long as it takes!!! People have found their child within hours of having their profile up, or years later. The families who have had the most success, have found their child through some one else. We have also been advised to be proactive. To "do" as much as we can to get the word out. We joined Families Supporting Adoption.<br />
<a href="http://familiessupportingadoption.blogspot.com/">http://familiessupportingadoption.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Families Supporting Adoption is an organization sponsored by LDS Family
Services which advocates a positive view of adoption and provides
support to birth parents, adoptive couples, children and all friends of
adoption.<br />
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I hope that helps others who may be looking at adoption, or wanting to help in some way. <br />
We can't wait to find that little some one who will become a part of our forever family.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-39320542450294465042012-03-04T22:11:00.000-08:002012-03-19T11:43:34.842-07:00Our Letter to Birthparents<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Welcome friends:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
We know you are making a very difficult decision and we hope that what we have to share may match what you are looking for as possible parents to your child. With so many couples to choose from it must be overwhelming and we hope learning about us might help.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Our names are Berrett and Kay and we have been married for over 12 years. We started out as best friends and in time our relationship became romantic. We knew and dated each other for seven years before we were married. Infertility has led us to adoption but because Berrett was adopted it has always felt like one of the ways we might build our forever family.</div>
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Berrett: From a very young age I knew that I was adopted. In those days (1970) adoptions were closed. I never felt unloved or unwanted so not knowing my birth parents was never a issue for me, but I am grateful my children will have the chance to know their birth parents. I hope my experience will benefit our child or children.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white;"> My mom was a teacher and just before I started Kindergarten I asked her about the solar system, we moved the conversation outside with a box of all the athletic balls we owned and she spent at least an hour setting up the solar system. She made learning fun! As I grew up I developed several hobbies, including theater. At age 6 or 7 I was cast in the "Music Man". I continue to pursue acting when time permits. Also from the time I was about 10, I have loved computers and I am lucky enough to earn a living doing what I love in the world of computer technology. I served a mission in California and continue to consider it a second home. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I have many fond memories of trips to Disneyland with my family, and as I grew up continued to love all things Disney. In 1999 I invited Kay to come along with our family on vacation to Disneyland. I knew that her parents had been engaged there and I had my own dreams of getting engaged there. I knew she was suspicious so I waited a few days into the trip to pop the question. That morning I couldn't eat so I rushed her through breakfast and we left the company of my family. We walked through the park and over to the wishing well next to the castle. I knelt down on one knee and proposed! Luckily she said yes. Something funny that happened that day was that we did not run into any family, so Kay had to tell some one!! While standing in line at Splash Mountain she told a complete stranger that we were engaged! It was so cute! We spent our honeymoon there and have been back several times with friends and family. Every time we go we dream of bringing our children to Disneyland and can't wait for the day we can. There is nothing like the magic of sharing life experiences with a child. I long for those days. I am excited to be a dad and hope to share many moments together as a family.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
From the minute I met Kay, I knew that she would be a great
mom to our children; she had raised her brother and sister as their “second
mom” and was very motherly. Then as we
courted, and she got to know my nieces and nephews, I got to see that motherly instinct
even more. She truly loves them
all. She’s very conscientious of the
children she tends and their needs, and makes sure
they are fulfilled. I have watched her
desire to be a mother grow and grow! She
is a special lady who will love unconditionally, and makes our home a warm and
inviting place. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Kay:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I am the Oldest living child in my family with 1 brother and 1 sister. We moved a lot as children because my dad was in the military. We lived in several different states in the US and also for a time in the Netherlands. My dad left the military when I was 10 to pursue a career as a commercial artist. Art and Music were always a part of my childhood. When I was 16 years old my dad was diagnosed with Leukemia and died 6 months later. This loss effected me greatly and forced me to grow up quickly as my mom and siblings needed my support. My Brother and Sister still call me their "other mom" and remember me often on Mothers day.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I used to work in the floral industry, but now I stay home and tend a niece and a "unofficial" nephew. He is the son of a dear friend and affectionately calls us aunt Kay and Uncle B.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I love to cook and bake and enjoy entertaining family and friends. I hope to write a cook book some day. I am a avid reader and have been since I was 3 years old. My earliest memories are of my mom reading "This is the house that Jack built".</span><span style="background-color: white;"> I look forward to reading to our children and plan to do so from the day they are born. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I also served a mission for the LDS church In New Zealand and continue to serve, In Primary as first counselor.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white;">We met when Berrett was dating a friend of mine. She worked with me in the floral shop and I admit that I found Berrett interesting long before we began dating. We used to hang out in a group and got to know each other well. After Berrett and his girlfriend broke up, We advanced our friendship into a romance. He still thinks that our dating was his idea! Our first official date was to his mission reunion and we spent the entire time talking to each other. Berrett didn't mean to ignore his former companions but we were feeling the sparks fly between us from that moment on.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Berrett is my best friend and my forever sweetheart. I know he will be a great dad because he has the greatest capacity to love. He loves kids, and is not afraid to let go and play!! That was one of the things I loved about him was his sense of fun and how easily he can let the child in him play. He is wonderful with his nieces and nephews and enjoys popping into Primary to support me. If you choose us to be the parents of your child you would be choosing a dad who would always be there for his wife and his kids. He is a honest, honorable man and I am so lucky to have him as my husband and the father of our children.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Thank you once again for considering our profile. We hope to form a respectful and loving relationship with you now and in the future.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #660000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Berrett and Kay</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-49974217927130528772011-06-06T09:32:00.000-07:002011-06-06T09:32:05.696-07:00How we feel about Adoption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOWrKUeMELQKoDROszLYdc1CV6Iepp359QeCSpFxdlUR_eOBFi2eFFG9zSzgXHfxfgOjFLsaD4l3tM3Wp00rh9Gf835_Ne7x8J9XU12mMS46nY9-sliKBK7lnGfNNsrYSa9y9cNzL8to/s1600/adoption%252Bblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOWrKUeMELQKoDROszLYdc1CV6Iepp359QeCSpFxdlUR_eOBFi2eFFG9zSzgXHfxfgOjFLsaD4l3tM3Wp00rh9Gf835_Ne7x8J9XU12mMS46nY9-sliKBK7lnGfNNsrYSa9y9cNzL8to/s320/adoption%252Bblog.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>I was talking to Berrett's mom and sister yesterday about the whole process of adoption, explaining the documents needed the home study etc. and his mom said "boy things sure have changed!" She is right it is different from when she adopted Berrett. Some things are easier, some are harder. Berrett's story is his own to share, but let me just say it was a different time.<br />
Before we were married we had talked about adoption. Because of Berrett's history is seemed like a natural way to fill out our family. We didn't know we would have problems with infertility but we had discussed it. We had close friends who had struggled and we knew it could happen. So recently when our case worker asked us how infertility had effected our marriage, we were surprised. We don't feel like it has effected our marriage in a bad way. We have turned to each other in our times of frustration, our sadness, but we have never blamed each other. What happens to one of us, happens to both of us. We are already a family. If the Lord does not bless us with children in this life, we are still a family. We want children, we pray for children, we plead for children, but if it doesn't happen we will go on. We will continue to build our marriage and pray for understanding and peace. We understand that family is a Eternal concept and we believe we will be blessed with children in the Lord's time, either in this life or the next. But we hope, we pray and want children if it is all possible.<br />
There are times, especially for me, when waiting is hard. I love kids!! I am never happier then when I am in the company of children. I love my calling in the church with the primary children. I love the time I spend with the young women at girls camp. I love my nieces and nephews. I love to hear their stories, play their games, hug and comfort them when they cry, laugh with them when they are happy. I love being a aunt, but I long to be a mommy. Berrett loves children too. He adores all the babies in our ward, he points out to me, their cute little outfits, he has a special favorite among our friends who he always wants to hold. He longs to be a daddy. We talk about books we want to read to them, places we want to visit. When we decorate our tree at Christmas, we talk about hanging their ornaments, hanging their stockings, putting cookies out for Santa. We dream of decorating a nursery, watching them grow and change. We look forward to the Dance recitals, the sporting events, the science fairs, even the endless home work. I tease Berrett about protecting a daughter from "those boys" when she begins to date, and he teases me about little boys and the creatures I may find in their pockets. We dream of our family and we pledge to do our very best for our little family. We promise to kiss the boo boo's and dry the tears. We promise to love them with all our hearts, even when they are not so lovable!! We promise to share the miracle of their births with them and want them to honor their birth parents. We feel that a child's arrival in this world is a sacred gift, and their own story. Their adoption will never be a secret, but their story will be sacred. It will be theirs to share with others as they want or need. We want them to know how much we love and respect the way they arrived in this world and the people who brought them to us. We don't know at this time how open we want our adoption to be. We feel good about cards, letters, email, photo's and sharing information with our child's first family. We don't know enough about "open adoption " to know how we feel about visits, or continual physical contact. We really feel like Heavenly Father will guide us to the best plan for us and for our child's first family. We hope that the people who consider us as parents will understand that we are still learning about the process. So if you are looking, please understand that we are willing to consider your needs and desires as well. We want everyone to be as happy about the process as possible. We also want to protect your privacy and the privacy of our child. We love this child.. Even before they are here, they are growing in our hearts every day. We are so grateful for the chance to look into adoption and for the gift that expectant parents may offer to families like ours. Who ever you are, May the lord bless you at this time and through out your whole lives.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-33443947021561686262011-04-30T14:58:00.000-07:002011-04-30T14:58:33.752-07:00My early years- KayI am the oldest child in my family. I have one brother and one sister. My father was in the air force during the first 11 years of my life and we travelled around quite a bit. We even lived in the Netherlands [Holland} for 3 years!! <br />
My mother read to me from the time I was an infant and I have always loved books!! I intend to read to our children from birth to adulthood, and beyond if they will let me!!<br />
I was a bit of a tom boy and loved to climb tree's, and most of my friends were boys. I did love dolls and barbies in my preteen years. I spent many happy hours building "houses" for my barbies out of any materials available. Its amazing what you can do with shoe boxes, zip lock bags and egg cartons.<br />
My parents loved Christmas!! Especially my dad. It was always a race on Christmas morning to see who would be the first ones out of bed, Us or Daddy!! Usually it was daddy!!<br />
My mom spent a lot of time crocheting doll clothes for our babies and barbies. She loved to get down on the floor and spend time playing with us. It was important to her that her children had a mom who was interested in them, not just interested in a clean house!! Our friends always seemed to want to hang out at our house. Dad took each of us kids on individual "dates" every few months so we could have some one on one time. He had a great sense of humor and loved to read as well. We spent many sunday evenings at our grandparents {dad's parents} for supper and a movie night after we moved back to California. My grandmother was the one who taught me how to cook. Cooking was not one of my mom's talents!! She could open a can like a pro, but she was better at cleaning up the kitchen!!<br />
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I was raised in the LDS Church and have many happy memories of Primary and Young women's. I discovered my own testimony at quite an early age and it has always been a source of strength for me. Faith was an important part of our lives. My parents were sealed in the temple when I was 11 years old and it was one of the most important moments of my life. My father left the military when I was 10 years old, to pursue his dream of being a commercial artist. We lived in California for about 5 years after that, and then eventually moved to Utah. <br />
We had only been in Utah for a few weeks when my dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. I was 16 years old. Only 6 months later we lost him., I felt as though the center of my world had disappeared. I was very close to my dad. My mom had to go to work for the first time in her life. She depended on me to help raise my younger brother and sister. I have no regrets about those responsibilities as it brought us closer together. Both of my siblings call me their "other " mom. <br />
I have a strong belief that the time away from my dad will only be for a short while and that some day we will be reunited. I have felt his presence many times in my life. I am grateful to have had a incredible dad for 16 years and a mom who withstood the loss of her husband and raised 3 kids. <br />
I hope to emulate their great example of parenthood!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606014156755544871.post-61429198944546792262011-04-23T07:26:00.000-07:002012-03-04T22:17:09.235-08:00All Because Two People Fell In Love<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isn't it interesting the way people meet? When I met Bear, he was dating a friend of mine. We had hung out together in a group and I remember thinking " I like that guy!! He is so nice."</div>
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One day he picked me up on his way to her house. We arrived a little early and sat on her front lawn talking. He told me all about his great love for the theater and performing. He focused quite a bit on "Phantom of the Opera". I wasn't as familiar with it at the time. So he explained the plot, the music, and the meaning he found in the story. He was so passionate about the arts, and I found that quite attractive.</div>
But he was dating my friend so I kept those feelings to myself.<br />
A few months later they broke up, and I did my best to help him recover from the heartache!! Now don't get me wrong, I did check with my friend, I am not the kind of girl who would steal another girls guy!! To this day he still thinks it was his idea to take me out, and to kiss me on our 3rd date... well if that makes him happy who am I to argue?<br />
Now the thing you have to understand about Berrett is, he.... takes.... his.... time...!! We dated for 6 years before he popped the question. Let me tell you it was worth the wait. He invited me to come along on a family vacation and asked me to marry him at Disneyland!! It was so romantic and even more special because he knew that my parents had gotten engaged there.<br />
We were married in the Salt Lake Temple, 1 year, 1 month and 1 day later!! It was the happiest day of both of our lives!! We have been married for almost 12 years. He has a wonderful family with a lot of neices and nephews that we love like they were our own kids!! I can truly say that we are Super Aunt and Uncle!!<br />
We spent our honeymoon at Disneyland and we have returned there time and time again. He always walks me back to our spot at Snow Whites grotto, and we make a wish in the wishing well. So many of those wishes have been for a family. We dream of taking our little girl or boy to our favorite place and introducing them to the magic kingdom. Seeing Disneyland through the eyes of our child would be the best vacation of all.<br />
Berrett still loves the theater and holds down a 2nd part time job, working in the box office. He still takes.. his... time... making... decisions, but I am used to it!! His daytime job is In IT for a major corporation.<br />
I work for a local flower shop as a customer rep in their call center. I have worked in different aspects of this job for over 20 years. I have been a designer, wedding consultant, manager, assistant manager, and now I am quite happy spending 3 days a week taking phone orders from our loyal customers!!<br />
We are both active in church. I love the Primary, I have been a teacher and I am now beginning a new calling as 1st counseler in our ward primary. I also hold a calling as Stake Asst. Girls camp director. Berrett still giggles about this because I was not a camper, but now I love it!! Berrett has been the secretary in the Elders quorum and is at present the ward clerk. We both served Missions around the same time. He served in California and I served in New Zealand. <br />
I love to cook and make up new recipes. We both love to do crafts and Berrett is the proud owner of a CRICUT cutter. I only have visitation rights!! LOL! I love to read for fun, and he loves to read for Information. He is the quiet one, although He is not shy. I am the talker, and quite shy!! I tend to run at the mouth when I am nervous!!<br />
We love to go to movies, and the theater and try to keep up on our weekly dates. Some of our best dates have been sitting in the childrens section of the bookstore reading kids books to each other. We like road trips and have some of our best conversations there. I have read all the Harry Potter books to Bear while on these road trips. We like a lot of the same music and Bear will surprise me with ballet and concert tickets as often as he can. We give new meaning to the definition "young at heart"!! We work hard, and we play hard!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512493323450400983noreply@blogger.com0