suzanne's song

Women's Conference

2010-05-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

The plans were set: rooms reserved, wardrobe selected, children cared for. Sorry, no casserole in the freezer. I was off to join my family for our annual pilgrimage to Women's Conference at BYU. The weather did cause some last minute wardrobe changes and necessitated some shoe shopping once we arrived. Oh darn... I met Mom and Dad and Sally at the mall and then we met up with Lindsay later for dinner...Brick Oven of course. It was all so familiar and something I look forward to each year. This year, for me though, I seemed to have a delayed reaction to what I learned and received. Maybe because of my own personal struggles....I don't really know. But as I have read through my notebook this week and tried to recapture the moments, I realize just how much I learned. My notebook was full of stars, meaning that I felt the Spirit a great deal. So with a little nudge from my niece, I will embark to share some of what I have gained. This is mostly for me, but if it happens to help another, I will be happy.

After the opening session with President Julie B. Beck, I felt that I could go home, having received everything I needed to come for. The theme for the Conference came from Moses 6:33-34: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you. Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me. How do we walk with the Lord? What does it mean to serve the Lord? What is my mission? We are here to develop ourselves and build the kingdom of God. Taking care of our posterity takes precedent over all things. Sister Beck spoke about Rebeca as one of the most important and pivotal people in her generation. She knew how to get revelation. Each of us is as important to our time and family as Rebeca was to hers.

What is the Lord's spirit? It is the power to know and do his will. Go to the temple and pay attention. Receiving and acting on revelation is the most important skill we can develop. We cannot navigate this life without it. If sisters of God know and do what they have covenanted to do, the world will be okay.

How do we choose to walk with the Lord? We need an increase of faith and personal righteousness. We need stronger homes. We must seek out and help others. We have individual and group responsibilities. Women are like a lioness at the gate of the home. She guards her home from evil influences. We must prepare our children to go out and serve the Lord. This takes power. There must be priorities or we lose power.

Sister Beck developed a system that she has tried to live by. It involves three categories of priorities: Essential, Necessary, and Nice To Do. She gave a list in each category but asked us to seek to develop our own list by revelation. Essential: seeking revelation, spending some time in the scriptures everyday, personal prayer with pen and paper, time to ponder and fast, keeping covenants, repenting and partaking of the sacrament weekly, going to the temple frequently, sharing the gospel, expressing testimony often, giving service. The essential things are necessary for our salvation. Necessary: attention to home and family; making a home where the Spirit can dwell; having a house of order; cooking meals so that we can have a place to gather and teach; smiling!; teaching our children through family home evening, playing and recreating; being a support and comfort to our husbands; becoming self-reliant (which is going to become even more important in the times to come); avoiding debt; loving one another. Nice To Do: crafts, lunch with friends, movies, reading, hobbies, "time-out". These are nice but they won't save us. It takes personal revelation every day to order our priorities.

Now this is a mighty long list and we absolutely can't do it all. We must make our own list and prioritize to walk with the Lord. We can't do it all. We can't work every shift. For mothers with children at home, we must be at our best at the swing shift! Safeguard that time--meals, teaching, time together.

She shared a scripture in D&C 84:106: And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also. The single sister are strong! They don't belong to a "single" or "family" ward. Just a ward where they are needed and can strengthen others.

Visiting Teaching has great power when it is done correctly. We need to be a true friend, not an assigned one. It is an opportunity for daily service. Visiting teachers are the "first responders" when there is trouble. We truly all belong to a "relief" society, patterned after the order of the priesthood and functioning like a quorum.

She gave a suggestion for scripture study: obtain a new paperback Book of Mormon and write three questions on the blank page in front: 1) Who am I? 2) What are my responsibilities in the house of Israel? and 3) How can I fulfill my responsibility? Write the answers to these questions in the back of the Book of Mormon as we read and discover our answers.

One final scripture: D&C 133:57-59: And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fullness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity--To prepare the weak for those things which are coming on the earth, and for the Lord's errand in the day when the weak shall confound the wise, and the little one become a strong nation, and two shall put their tens of thousands to flight. And by the weak things of the earth the Lord shall thrash the nations by the power of his Spirit. I truly believe and testify that as women we represent those weak things of the earth that are being prepared for the Lord's errand. We shall confound the wise and thrash the nations by the power of his Spirit. We have a great work that the world would tell us is unimportant. There is nothing farther from the truth. Satan would have us believe that womanhood and motherhood are of lesser value. The opposite is true! But we must walk with the Lord to have the strength and power to fulfill our divine missions. I know this is true.

Family Fun Fourth!

2009-07-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the Hales Family Reunion. We were based at Mom and Dad's house and went on many great little excursions. I will say that this was one of my favorite family reunions. I felt so much love for my wonderful family. Thanks to everyone for being the BEST!!

Haley's Mini-Man Dance

2009-05-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Haley is running for Junior Class V.P. We worked hard all weekend putting this skit together. I don't know how it will come across on the video, but in real life it was HILARIOUS!! My camera kept shutting off so you will have to watch it in 3 segments. She'll find out this afternoon the outcome of the election. I'll let you all know. You'll have to scroll down to the bottom of the blog and pause my music first.

He Is My Joy and My Song

2009-04-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

We were late. Again. A last minute decision sent us running to another chapel across town. As we stood waiting to enter, we were warned that there were no seats available. I didn't want to make a grand entrance and parade to the front row. The special guest has now arrived! Let the meeting begin! As the doors swung open, three people on the back row made their exit and we quickly squeezed four bodies into the three places. I greeted a familiar face next to me and took a moment to scan the room for more. It felt so familiar. The same families on the same benches; some bigger than before and some smaller. Families have a way of doing that. They grow and then they shrink. A wave of homesickness washed over me as I looked to the front left pew where my own family had always resided. How I miss the Milton Ward. I quickly spotted my special friends and exhaled in relief. Friends have a way of bringing comfort just in knowing that they are nearby.

The meeting proceeded. The first speaker began in a sing-song voice. She spoke with enthusiasm about friends as if we were all five years old. We all need friends. True. I listened with anticipation for the end to come. Not that I didn't enjoy what she was saying, but the purpose for my visit was next. I fidgeted in my seat. It was time. My heart jumped as I watched the two nervous 17-year-olds walk to the pulpit. My best friend followed them and sat at the piano. Her beautiful daughter sat with her. I knew her job would be turning the pages. She spotted me on the back row and gave me her warm, familiar smile. I was glad she knew I was there. The piano began the familiar notes that only weeks before had not existed until I carefully arranged them on the page. The inexperienced boy and girl stood nervously waiting for their entrance. They began. "The Lord is my light. Then why should I fear?" That first phrase brought peace. I relaxed and let the music float toward me and around me and finally into me. "The Lord is my Light! He is my joy and my song!" I thought my heart would literally burst as I felt the reality of those words. Tears streamed down my cheeks. "He is my Redeemer, my Savior and King. This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring." I was filled with that assurance. "By day and by night, He leads me along." It felt a little like giving birth but without the pain. Joy, joy, joy! That's the only way to describe it. My friend looked for me as she walked back from the piano. Our eyes met for a moment and I knew that it was good.

Whether I share it in word or in song, I must declare that Jesus Christ is my Light! He is my salvation from sorrow and sin. He is my strength. I know in His might I'll conquer at length. He leads me along and I willingly follow.

A Bit Of A Review

2009-04-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

My thoughts are not focused in the least this morning, but I miss blogging so I will proceed unprepared. Let's see, I will start with this weekend and work my way backwards. General Conference...AMAZING! We enjoyed the family time and ate too much great food. I was excited to see that Haley and Collin had their favorite talks and are growing in their love for the Gospel. Did I have a favorite? So hard to choose. Elder Bednar's talk on the temple was one of my favorites. Elder Christopherson's talk on covenants was also very meaningful to me. I am so grateful to led by a prophet of God in these troubled times.

I was able to attend the General Auxillary Leadership Training last week with the General Young Women's Presidency. It was just what I needed to hear. I've been feeling a little trunky in my young women's calling, but it was clear to me within the first 5 minutes of Sister Dalton's message that I still have a purpose and a mission to fulfill as a young woman leader. I have found a renewed love for my calling and more specifically for "my" girls.

In connection with this, I decided to work on the Virtue value in personal progress. I have been learning some amazing things connected to virtue such as more about the kind of woman I want to be, the connection between virtue and the Holy Spirit, and where I personally stand on this path of virtue. I intend to complete this project and re-earn my Young Womenhood Recognition. A great project!

From my last post, you can see the fruits of my labors of the past 2 weeks: Haley's prom dress. We had a great time designing and making her dress together. It was a lot more work than I had imagined and made me appreciate my own Mom. She was also a great help with this project. I'm sure I called her at least 2 or 3 times a day. I don't know if we really saved money by making the dress if you include time. But Mom reminded me that as mother's, we don't count our time. It is truly a labor of love. I learned more about sacrifice and motherhood with this project than I have in a long time. What a wonderful blessing to be a mother!

Prior to the prom dress project, Sally asked me to speak at her Relief Society Birthday Pary. Sally is an amazing planner and the party was spectacular! There was a "Zen" theme with bamboo, rocks, sand, and gorgeous fresh flowers. The food was delicious. I spoke about the symbolism of bamboo: it is strong and resilient, it adapts to difficult environments and bends with the wind without breaking. Then I talked about my own life experiences that have required me to bend and adapt and most of all, trust in the Lord with all my heart. I wrote an arrangement of "The Lord Is My Light" for that night and Haley sang it with me. It was a tremendous growing experience for me. I learned so much and realized that I have a message to share. My life experiences have more meaning when they can be of help to someone else. Thank you, Sally, for a life-changing experience.

More Prom!!

2009-03-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

Prom Pictures!!

2009-03-27T17:31:00.001-07:00

I could write pages about the last two weeks, the dress, etc. Later...

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

2009-02-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I attended a Provident Living Fair in our area. The keynote speaker discussed financial conservatism. It was inspiring and eye-opening. Then we had the choice of two more classes out of 8 or 10. I chose the marriage and family relationship class and the time management class. I feel that we can never learn enough to help improve our relationships, but I normally avoid anything that has to do with management of any kind, especially time. Yuck!! You see, I am right-brained. I can't possibly be expected to plan. I like to live in the moment and take it as it comes. So, why did I choose that class? I don't know. It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. And just as I expected, the class presented a "system" for organizing the household. It was a card system of jobs filed on 3x5 cards. Not excited. Now don't get me wrong. I've actually tried many organizational methods....with little success...including this one. The best system so far for our family was the job chart. But the kids sort of "out grew" it a couple of years ago and things have been going downhill ever since. I sat in the class thinking, "Wow. That's really amazing for you and everyone else, but it will never work for me." I did come away with a few ideas for cleaning the bathroom more effectively. That was that. Or so I thought. I couldn't get that class out of my mind. Those 3x5 cards would creep into my head and I would promptly push them out. But I knew I needed to do something to get order restored to our home and family. I needed a way to involve my children. They were becoming really lazy and I was becoming really exasperated.

Sunday morning, I was standing in the shower and a thought came to my mind. (My best inspiration often comes in the shower.) "This isn't about you. It's for your kids. It's the best way to get them involved again." I resolved to give it a try. Monday morning came and I headed to the Dollar Store to purchase 3x5 cards and a file box. By the time the kids returned from school, I had Monday's jobs all listed on separate cards. I said, "These are the Monday jobs that I didn't finish today. There are 8 cards and 4 of us so if we each do 2 jobs, we'll be done in no time." And we were done in no time. There was no complaining or whining. Everyone just got in and got it done. It was truly a thing of beauty. Each day, I would make more cards for the coming day of the week. After school, the same thing happened. Smooth.

Until Thursday. We weren't home. Nothing got done. Friday...same thing. Was it all going to fall apart? Not on my watch. So on Saturday, we pulled out all of the cards that didn't get completed during the week and divided and conquered. IT WORKED!!! To my relief and amazement, order is returning and it is happening fast.
Each day as I would sit down to write more cards, I would pray for guidance and then everything would fall into place. I feel very blessed and quite humbled. I just needed to look at the situation from a different perspective. Being a mother isn't so much about me keeping a perfect house, fixing delicious and healthy meals, and being SuperWoman. It's more about teaching my children responsibility, order, discipline, work ethic, respect and love. And as I'm teaching my children in this laboratory we call home, I might end up with a clean house, warm meals, and happiness. My children are happier when they know what is expected of them and they are held accountable for it. I am happier when it's not about me and what I want but it's about US, the family. I'm also happier when I find order, much to my right-brained resistance. So, maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Who's Been Eating My Poridge?

2009-01-23T11:31:00.001-08:00

Pictures by Bryce

Arrow of Light

2009-01-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Last week, Bryce was awarded the "Arrow of Light" award in cub scouts. This is the highest award in cub scouting. He has worked very hard to earn this award. He also has amazing scout leaders who have encouraged him and helped him learn and accomplish many new things. Thank you, Brother and Sister Hatch!

Bryce learned about fitness, being a good citizen, first-aid, enjoying the outdoors, woodworking, sports, mental skills, and more. He participated in activities that reinforced these skills. So far, he has earned 16 Webelos activity badges. Collin has been serving as his den chief. He enjoyed working with the webelos den and they really loved him, too. Brother and Sister Hatch have spoken very highly of him as a leader.

A good friend of our family, Brother Taggart, presented the Arrow of Light to Bryce. He talked about young heroes in history: Sacajawea, Joan of Arc, and Joseph Smith. He told Bryce that he was developing the same qualities as these individuals as he works in scouting.

We are so proud of you, Bryce!! We love you!!

Nature....Continued

2009-01-13T15:25:00.000-08:00

Today while I was driving, the rays of the sun reached down and penetrated through the window. As I felt the warmth on my face, I had that same peaceful, full-of-love feeling as I did yesterday while watching the drip. Another gift.

Nature's Secret

2009-01-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

While I sat eating my lunch this afternoon, I picked up a book and read:
Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And 'tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.
This is one stanza of a poem by William Wordsworth. As I read it, I was struck by the power in nature to quiet our thoughts. I dreamily stared out my window and began watching a drip of water fall from the roof. As I watched this simple process, my mind became still and I felt immense peace and joy, even being brought to tears. I began to wonder if that tiny drip enjoyed falling so fast and so far. I wondered if it felt a thrill like dropping from the top of a roller coaster. I was sure that the water was happy. My favorite author, M. Catherine Thomas, wrote: "Throughout the history of the earth, Man comes and goes tending to his daily life in the midst of Nature and, though from time to time he is distracted by her beauty, he rarely sees into her secret." William Wordsworth saw that secret. I started to see into it today. I plan to spend more time this year understanding why all Creation was made. I hope to take more time watching the birds fly, the leaves dance, and the sun smile. Then I will smile and enjoy the air I breathe.

My Family Is Awesome!

2009-01-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, they are. The term may be out of date, but it describes how I feel about my amazing husband and children. On Sunday, Nathan sat down and interviewed each child. They spent quite a bit of time and came up with goals in 4 areas: physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social. (I didn't get an interview. I'm not sure if I can make any resolutions. It's that word: resolute. It's so.....rigid.) Anyway,last night for Family Home Evening we just chatted about our goals. We each expressed our biggest challenge and how members of the family can be supportive. We all felt empowered when we knew that we weren't alone, but had the support of the collective group. And wouldn't you know, we were all able to get up early today and tackle those challenges. Speaking for myself, I don't think I would have gotten up early to study and exercise if it wasn't for last night's exchange. So, to my family: I LOVE YOU ALL!!! You are AWESOME!!!

Here are a few pics from the holidays:

Trying To Take A Picture Of Jayne...

2008-12-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

Closing Christmas

2008-12-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

As you may know, I struggled with Christmas a bit this year. But as it all comes to an end, I have spent some time reflecting and realize that there were some very beautiful moments that have made it all worth it. Let me share a few.

The Sunday before Christmas: All of my meetings were canceled so I decided to go to choir practice and join in singing with the ward choir. There were no fabulous arrangements or amazing solos. It was just nice. As a participant, I felt peace in singing praises to my Lord and King. After church, we stayed in our Sunday best and gathered in front of the Christmas tree for pictures. It was just another precious moment as I realized how my children are growing up. They are amazing, don't you think!

The Monday before Christmas: My ever thoughtful husband invited a sweet widow in our ward to join us for Family Home Evening. She had expressed to him that she knew a dramatic Christmas reading but hadn't had a chance to perform it. So, of course, Nathan told her that our family would love to hear her reading. She came for dinner, then put on her shawl and performed a moving and emotional portrayal of Mary as she found out there was no room at the inn. We sang songs together and the children performed their talents for her. It was another beautiful moment for me.

Christmas Eve: We decided to change our traditions a little bit and join our friends, the Stegelmeier's, on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning. We all went to an assisted living center in Ogden and sang Christmas songs to the patients there. We even took along the pipe chimes and played for them as well. I'm having a hard to find words to describe my feelings about this moment. Many of the people were very touched by our visit. My heart swelled within me and I had to choke back the tears as I watched their faces soften, the corners of their mouths turn up, and a hand reach to brush away a tear. Definitely a highlight of the season.

Each of these three experiences occurred as I forgot myself and did something for someone else. Each experience filled my heart with love and reminded me of my Savior and His love for us all. I will try to remember this secret to Christmas success for next year.

A Christmas Gift

2008-12-23T23:34:00.000-08:00

I just watched this video clip from YouTube. It touched my heart. Merry Christmas!! I love you all.

Without Murmuring....

2008-12-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

There is a story in the Book of Mormon about a man named Lehi and his family who leave their home and journey into the wilderness. The Lord was leading them to a promised land. The journey was very difficult. Nephi, who is Lehi's son, says, "We did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness." (1 Nephi 17:1) I thought a lot about those women in the wilderness this morning and how difficult their lives must have been. They lived in tents. They probably walked as they journeyed. They didn't have many fires. No bathrooms, laundry, kitchens, day spas. There were probably wild animals, insects, extreme heat or cold, lack of food and water. I can only imagine how hard it must have been. Nephi continues, "And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings." (17:2)

I have not been journeying without murmuring of late. In fact, I'm not sure if it even qualifies as murmuring anymore. Maybe outright whining and complaining. So how did these women do it? "And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them." (17:3) As we strive to keep the commandments of God, He does nourish us, strengthen us, and provide for us. Nourish, strengthen, provide. That is how these women bore their burdens without murmuring.

I asked myself, how has the Lord nourished me? To nourish is to promote the growth of something. We are in constant need of nourishment to our body and spirit. Yesterday I was nourished by the power of music. We sang Christmas hymns in Sacrament Meeting and in Young Women's. We took the youth group that sings in our home on Sunday nights out caroling last night. I was nourished by the energy of their youth, by the sound of their songs, and by the love that shone from the faces of the people we sang to. It was a marvelous day.

How has the Lord strengthened me? To strengthen is to make stronger or to increase our ability to resist force. I was strengthened this morning as I studied the good word of God. I am strengthened by a good husband who is patient and loving. I have asked myself if I am really getting stronger spiritually. What I am learning right now is how to dust off and get back up as I continually fall. Hopefully that is spiritual exercise.

The Lord continually provides for me and my family. I once learned that the definition of prosper is to be made able. So when the Lord says he will prosper those who love him, He is making them able to accomplish His work. This is happening continually in my life. I may not be getting rich, but I am being made able to do what needs to be done.

"I will also be your light in the wilderness.... and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led." (17:13) Not only does Jesus Christ nourish, strengthen,and provide, but He is our light! He is my Light! I do know that it is by Him that I am led. I feel Him near, bearing me up. I hear His reassuring voice, "I am right here." It keeps me going. Maybe I can begin to bear my journeying without murmuring. I will try. Then I will get back up and try again.

Jesus Once of Humble Birth

2008-12-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Eleven days into the "official" Christmas Season (according to me) and I am finally coming to terms with it. As a child, I loved Christmas!! What child doesn't?! It always seemed perfect, warm, magical, full of love and happiness. As a mother, too many of those qualities are missing. It seems that as the calendar flips over to December one, a switch flips in my brain and I turn in to the "Momster." Christmas has become a time of great stress for me. The sad thing is, I don't think I'm the only one out there who feels this way. However, with all I have learned in my life about choice and agency, I know that I have a choice about how I feel about Christmas.

Sunday night, as a family, we watched The First Presidency Christmas Fireside. The music was beautiful! "Once In Royal David's City" was especially memorable for me. The messages were comforting and inspiring. The greatest power came as the Holy Ghost taught me personally about what I need to do to "fix" Christmas for myself. It's all about a baby born in a manger. What Christmas has become in the world has, in my opinion, grown grossly out of control. As the gulf between these two grows wider, something deep inside of me becomes more uncomfortable. So, I will fight to keep what is sacred about Christmas from being covered up in a pile of glitz, lights, paper, presents, money, busy-ness, etc. I want to feel that peace that only comes from the Savior of the World. As I clear away some of the clutter, I am finding that peace.

Once In Royal David's City
Once in royal David's city stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven, who is God and Lord of all,
And his shelter was a stable, and his cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.

And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love;
For that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heav'n above,
And he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

2008-12-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

I had to restrain myself from blogging everyday last week. Is it okay to blog everyday? I had no idea how fun this would be. Why is it so fun, I ask myself. I think I found the answer. I'm learning something new and my brain is going wild with the excitement of new connections. Last week, Nathan and I watched the program "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life" on PBS. We learned that it is not too late to improve the health of our brains. Really, I had never thought much about brain health. Most of the information was everything we already know about living healthy lives: healthy diet, exercise, sleep, wear a helmet, etc...But what I hadn't realized was the value of learning new things. When we learn someting new, our brains form a new connection. We have countless connections. When we stop learning new things, those connections start breaking apart. I think that has been happening to me. So, just in the nick of time, I found something to keep those connections happening. I learned how to add pictures to my blog. I learned how to create a playlist and add music to my blog. That was very exciting! A learned how to add a blog list. I might try a video or slideshow this week. Look at me GO!! (pause the Christmas music before you watch the video!)

Thank You, Lindsay

2008-12-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving weekend with family in Vernal. It was great to see the ones we love so much. Lindsay showed me her blog and I was inspired to actually move forward with this. This seems to be a theme for me lately. Often, when I don't know what to do or I am out of my comfort zone, I do nothing. What I really need to do is move forward anyway. Taking that step into the dark can be a scary thing. But what I forget is that taking steps moves me closer to where I want to be. I get nowhere when I do nothing. Wow!! That sounds overly simple. Why do I struggle with some of the most basic lessons? It's a matter of faith. I have learned from experience that moving forward even in uncertainty always leads me somewhere. Then as I travel that uncertain path, I soon find that I am once again in the light and my path is being fine-tuned somehow. I come to forks in the road and by moving forward, I find out which fork is best for me. Sometimes I learn this lesson by chosing the wrong fork. But I still learn and I still move forward. So, I move forward in this new age of BLOG. I step forward into the dark and already, I feel that I am on the right path.

Change of Direction

2008-07-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

I started this blog thinking it would be a great way for family to keep in touch and share thoughts with one another. At the same time, other family members had the same idea in other ways and I no longer felt the necessity for it. I then realized that I need a personal outlet for my own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and family life. I also need to brush up on my writing once again. So, here goes!

Welcome!!

2008-04-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, this is exciting!! I have absolutely no clue how this works, so I'm going to practice a bit and then I'll pass on what I know to all of you. I hope this will be a great way for us to stay in touch with each other's lives. Here goes!!