Finding serenity~

So we got Chinese food last night, and when I opened my fortune cookie it read:

"The strength in your character will bring you serenity."

Huh?  Now I'm getting reminders in fortune cookies?  Cool!  I would like to think I have strength in character.  Not always, that's for sure.  I stumble all the time.  But I also get back up every single time.  I have learned how to not allow myself to be consumed by fearful thoughts and worries.  I am pretty good at just letting God handle those things for me.  I know that its always in His perfect timing.  I also realize that how I think things in my life, in my children's lives should unfold is not always going to be how He thinks our lives should unfold.  I am learning that with every pain, every mistake, I learn something from it.  I usually am able to take something good from the pain.  I try not to question how or why things are happening too much.  I have faith.  I know He is in control.  I truly believe that with all of my heart.  I have learned to say, with certainty every night when I pray, "I trust you Lord."  And I do.  He doesn't want to see me hurting, or over burdened.  But sometimes, my blessings are hidden in the things that hurt the most.  So yes, I do believe that by having strength in character, you can find the serenity so many people search for.  My prayer is that all people could find it by having a relationship with our Savior.  That is where you will find your strength in character, and that is where you will find your serenity.

CONGRATULATIONS MISS EMMY ANNE!!!!

Emily entered a story into the Creative Writing Contest at her school, and she won FIRST place for the entire 5th grade.  There were over 50 entries and she came in first!  She also won a Character Award for Self Control. 

Congratulations to you my sweet little Beebz.  I am so proud of you and the talent God has gifted you with.  May you continue to inspire others with your writing ability, and the beautiful music you make with your voice.

I love you very much.
Mom

More Fun in the snow~

OK.  So I have this awesome camera my parents gave me, so why didn't I use it for these utterly adorable pictures you ask?  Because I had my phone in hand, not the camera, and they don't sit still long enough for me to run into the house, grab the camera and snap...
Here is Remi and Rico.  My parents changed his name from Niko to Rico.  As you can see, his ears stand up all the time now!  He still comes to my house 3x a week to play with Gabe and Remi.  They all get along so well, and have soooo much fun together.
I guess there is some truth to the fact that dog can be man's best friend.  I know my Dad's dogs have healed him and filled him up in a way no person could.
I am happy that I can be a part of raising Rico, and giving him the "fun" he needs while my parents are working.  Guess I better start wearing my camera around my neck...
lol

Congrats to my Jonny Bob~

Just got his permit today and he's already feeling cocky.  I'm joking.  Congrats to my son, Jon for passing his permit test today.  They grow so fast.  Where does the time go?  Jon is a kind, responsible, funny as heck young man, and I know he will use his best judgement as he learns how to drive.  Seems like just yesterday he was afraid of "lightling" and getting bacteria under his fingernails....
Its exciting to watch them grow and mature.
My prayer for all of my children is that they will love and serve the Lord, listen to Him and the calling He has for them.  Have the courage to follow it.  To love themselves, accept themselves exactly the way they are, and know that they are special, they are gifts from our Savior, and know without a doubt how much I love them.

Let It Snow!!!

Wow.  Me and my Mom joked all day yesterday about the "bad" weather hitting us.
Guess someone is trying to tell me something....heh heh.
I guess the roads must be bad when Anoka Hennepin School District closes.  They are known for never closing down.  My kids are happy.  Mom is happy she doesn't have to drive.  Dogs are super happy and lovin this mess!!

So keep warm today, drive careful if you must go out, and enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road!!

I am so proud of Emily!!  She tried out for a play at the Elk River Children's Theater, and is going to play the part of a munchkin and a poppy!!  She has more courage than I ever did at her age, and I am so excited for her!! This will be a perfect role for her to play for her first time ever.  It will give her the feel of what its like to be on stage, singing, acting, without the "spot light" having to be directly on her.  She has so much talent, and I am excited to see where it will bring her.
Congrats to my Beebz!  I love you so very much....

Daniel Gary Olson 5/30/79 to 2/6/09

The most painful tears are not the tears that fall from our eyes and cover our face,
its the ones that fall from our heart and cover our soul.
Author unknown

 

I cannot believe it was 3 years ago today that you chose to leave us behind.  Your pain was so big, and so out of control, you truly felt that leaving was the only way to end all your suffering.  I believe your suffering has ceased.  I believe you are now in a place where you are full of peace, full of love and light.  Full of all the things you desired but could not attain while here.

 

I still think of you every day.  I still find my heart skip a beat every once in awhile when I see someone from a distance who looks like you.  I hear you in Jon's voice when he says this special "HI".   But you know what?  I'm OK, Danny!  I'm OK!  

 

I will see you again someday, but its just not time.  God has other plans for me right now.  And though I miss you, I find great comfort in knowing you are safe in God's hands now.  What better place for you?

 

I love you my brother.