Cowboy heaven

Garrett and Leona think Grandpa's Place is cowboy heaven!
We did have to find some suitable horses.
Oh and Leona didn't want to be outdone.

Happy Birthday

It's been awhile.
I guess being a year older merits a post.
I feel great and being 58 doesn't seem to hurt.
Too much. The candles created a lot of light and way
too much smoke. Garrett was finally satisfied that Grandma
had a birthday--cake, candles and all!

momto11

I love everyone of my children.
They each are different.
They are each special.
I want to be the best influence for each of them and
without getting into their faces
too much
Help them as they embark on the path of life.

Spencer is getting married!
How fun to have the opportunity
to help them celebrate.
I'll try to not get in their faces...

Joseph is learning to work as an underling.
Not an easy thing for him. I hope we can guide him constructively.

Emily is home from the Philippines; Brigham is still serving in Brazil;
Gea is finding companionship with good young men and friends.
Krista and Sam are making a wonderful home and life for them and
their children.
Sarah and Earl are learning parenting and etc.

Then I have four still left at home struggling to find
their way as teenagers.

Sometimes this mom to 11 isn't so great
and I let them slip through the cracks.
I need to do better.

I have to do better.

I will do better.

Joan...

Mom...,
Sister Christensen...,
Dear...,
Mel...,
Melanie...,
Joan...,

Sometimes I feel caught between a rock and a hard spot.
Do I try too hard?
Or not hard enough?
Am I a convenience?
Or an inconvenience?

I sink my life into family.
They sink their lives somewhere else.

Maybe that means I am doing my job
Somewhat.

I'l keep trying.

My testimony

Today was fast and testimony meeting. We had more than the usual "unusuals". It was a good meeting. We have decided to only have one person at a time in the family bear testimony and leave the time for others. Gea bore her testimony and it was really sweet.

But I would like to record my testimony.

I am so grateful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation; to know where I came from, why I am here, and to know that this life isn't the end makes everything worth it. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the countless blessings we enjoy as a family and that I enjoy as His daughter.
I can't even start to count the number of times prayers have been answered. I know He is aware of me. I know He love mes and I love Him. Sometimes I find myself drifting from things I know I should be doing (reading the scriptures, personal prayer etc.) but I know how important those things are and feel power when I return.

Choices

Today.
Two weeks.
I made the choice to get a handle on my health.
Good for me.
No really.
Good for me.
I have accepted the idea that it will take time.
And effort.
I didn't really want to talk about it but I should.
Hopefully, time will say more than words.
No swimsuit pictures.
This picture is 10 pounds after two weeks.
Front shot isn't too bad but that side!!
Ugh!! Ugly.
Oh well.
So there it is.
Two more weeks really restricted and then I gradually try new foods.
That's the part that scares me.
But
It's my choice.
(I'll post the pictures later. Can't find the cord...)

Still working on project 365 minus . . .

I am using my paper journal as well but this month I have decided to focus my control outward...
this month is the month of love.
It is not about me.
It is about others.
I choose to look for ways to make others happy
And, so far
It feels good.