thank you, Elijah!

A couple of weeks ago, we had a marvelous lesson in Relief Society on Elijah and what his purpose was. It has been on my mind every since. Rod and I are taking a class together, and we were asked to list our priorities in the first class, which was just before the Elijah lesson. Let me share my top 5 priorities:

1. Eternal life with Rod.
2. Loving and lasting relationships with my family members
3. Finding joy in life (men are that they might have joy)
4. Being healthy
5. Live within our means

Now, in our lesson we review the fact that through the higher priesthood, Elijah brought forth the sealing power. This is in direct correlation with my top priority. Without that marvelous gift of sealing, we could never be with our loved ones in the hereafter. One of the most sacred experiences of my life was kneeling in the temple with Rod and having that blessing bestowed upon us by a worthy temple sealer. This was a very bitter/sweet experience also, as this was my second experience of being sealed. When I divorced, my biggest worry was what would happen with my girls and the fact that they were born in the covenant, but that I was no longer sealed to their father. I received a letter signed by Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and James E. Faust. This letter contains the best news ever given to me. It states:

"Children born in the covenant or sealed to parents are assured the right and privilege of eternal parentage based upon their individual faithfulness and agency. If such children remain worthy, these birthright blessings remain secure in the event that the sealing of their parents as husband and wife is canceled. For each of us, the realization of eternal blessings is conditioned upon personal worthiness and individual agency. Such blessings, including our eternal family relationships, will be determined by our wise and loving Father after we have completed our mortal probation. "

I was so happy when I received this letter and found that the sealing of my children was still intact. All was not lost, after all. Of course, we are always told that such blessings are predicated upon our own personal worthiness. I love my girls more that words can express. They are precious and magnificent and I am privileged to have played a part in bringing them to this earth. I think of my dear parents, and the heritage they have given me. I love my sisters and my brother - they are such a huge part of who I am. I am so thankful to have eternal ties to the family of my childhood. This also means that my girls are still sealed to their father, whom they also love. And it means they have those eternal ties to their sweet grandmothers who have passed on, and to all their other relatives and ancestors who fall under the sealing powers.

I am also thankful to have eternal ties with the family of my adult hood. My, how our roles in life change! There is no one I think of more often, I would rather spend time with, than my incredible children and my adorable grandchildren, and of course my soul-mate, Rod. That I have eternal ties with these valiant children of God is a blessing for which I am grateful beyond expression. Thank you, Elijah!

I'm Special

Julie totally inspired me today when she talked about being special on her blog. I found this quote in my files. I can't even remember where it came from, but I still like it. Thought I'd share it. Each of us is special in our own unique way. I am so thankful to know that I am a daughter of God and that he has a plan for me. What a beautiful thing it is!

I'm Special In all the world there's nobody like me. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person like me. Nobody has my smile. Nobody has my eyes, nose, my hair, my hands, my voice.

I'm Special No one can be found who has my handwriting. Nobody anywhere has my tastes for food or music or art. Nobody sees things just as I do. In all of time there's been no one who laughs like me, no one who cries like me. And what makes me laugh and cry will never provoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else. EVER! No one reacts to any situation just as I would react. I'm Special I'm the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities. Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I'm good at, BUT NO ONE IN THE UNIVERSE CAN REACH THE QUALITY OF MY COMBINATION OF TALENTS, IDEAS, ABILITIESAND FEELINGS. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but non can match the symphony sound when all are played together. I'M A SYMPHONY. Through all of eternity no one will ever look, talk, walk, think, or do like me. I'm Special. I'm Rare. I AM UNIQUE AND PRECIOUS... And in all rarity, there is great value. Because of my great value, I need not attempt to imitate others. I will accept -- yes, celebrate -- my difference. I'm Special And I'm beginning to realize it's no accident that I'm special. I'm beginning to see that God made me special for a very special purpose. He must have a job for me that no one else can do as well as I. Out of all the billions of applicants, only one was qualified, only one has the combination that it takes.

I just want my precious daughters to know that the best job I ever applied for, and was chosen to fill, is that of being their mother! I love you three more than my luggage!

French Banquet

Our neighbors, Bob and Freddie, invited Rod and me over for a fantastic gourmet french dinner this afternoon. Freddie is from France. She speaks 5 languages and is a world traveler. She is such a darling neighbor (69 years old). She is just a little tiny thing - I bet she doesn't weight 90 pounds soaking wet. She is very friendly, and keeps an eye on our house when we are gone every day to work and school. We had them over for our traditional Christmas Brunch along with some other couples. Freddie prepared an amazing feast and we thoroughly enjoyed it .

A beautifully set table with gorgeous hand embroidered linens, fine crystal, and hand made china.

Putting the finishing touches on the escargot.

Just look at that goose!

Freddie really went all out. We had several kinds of pate, french pickles, wonderful bread, pickled asparagus, Prosciutto, escargot, goose, stuffing with truffles and chestnuts, and incredible chocolate mousse Christmas log cake. She served sparkling blueberry and cranberry juice to Rod and me, while the rest of guests enjoyed fine French wines and champagne. She even had some French beer for them. It was fun to meet some of Bob and Freddie's friends and enjoy their amazing hospitality. We certainly enjoyed toasting in the New Year with our wonderful neighbors.

Happy 2009

Well, it's a new year. We decided to give our kids a trip to Disneyland for Christmas, so we spent the 30th and the 31st there. Just let me tell you that they threw one heck of a New Year's Eve party! I have never seen so many people packed into in one place in my life! I got a little claustrophobic. You couldn't even walk down Main Street. You just had to go with the wave of people.

It was fun to see Becca and Nick try on the fun hats. They are cute kids.

We went on Space Mountain (several times). The first ride was amazing. As we slowed to the finish, they forgot to stop our car and we got to ride again without waiting! Becca and Nick were so happy about that. I was a little apprehensive. I had survived the ride, but would I survive a second round without a little break??? Actually I really got in to it. I even had my arms up! I am behind Becca.

Day two - I did it again. I went on Space Mountain with the kids. I was just glad to be done with that one. My favorite ride is Soaring Over California. That was really fun and we did it both days!

I think my favorite part of this trip was the Parade. It was so colorful, with really neat Christmas songs and floats. Lots of dancing characters. It was so beautiful!

Becca and I tried to pull the Sword out of the stone.

We had two fun filled days. We got to go on all the attractions we like and did not have to wait in very long lines because we got there early, and the we used the "fast pass" on some of the rides. We didn't even have to wait when we did that. As an added bonus, we ran in to the Wheelers while we were there the second day! We enjoyed having a nice dinner in the park at New Orleans Square with friends from home. The fire works were also amazing! This was a great way to bring in the new year, and we will all remember this trip - I think more than any presents we would have gotten.