Death of the Cell phone!

I didn't realize how often I used my cell phone and how much it was worth to me until I dropped it into the toilet. Yes, that's right, I dropped it into the toilet. I had a good laugh about it and so did Todd. I have teased him many times, because he takes his into the bathroom with him. And now, I'm the one who dropped it into the toilet, not the one who plays games on his while using the restroom! Then I called T-Mobile and I told the customer service representative why I needed to replace my phone. I'm so glad I could bring such joy to so many people this week with my story! No one else likes to admit they would do something like that, but I guess I just don't care what people think. I have now ordered a carrying case that will clip onto my pants and protect the phone from flying into yet another water death. They were so kind as to overnight it to me, so I have only been without a cell phone for about 1 1/2 days. Still...it's torture!! I had to take TJ's phone and use it! It makes me laugh!! What is the world coming to?

An answer to many prayers

I'm sitting here in tears...tears of gratitude for staff at school that are taking care of our TJ. We have spent much of our time in prayer for TJ as he struggles in this new school. For some reason he has been targeted by three boys in the seventh grade. First a boy had been teasing and tormenting him on a daily basis. That has been taken care of. Then three boys decided to corner him in the locker room recently and put him in a headlock along with a threat that if he told anyone they would kill him. I'm so thankful that he feels comfortable enough with us that he came home and told me what happened. I took care of it immediately. The next week the one who put him in a headlock received an in school suspension. Almost immediately he was called a snitch. When he told them that he wasn't the one who told, but it was his Mom, he was called a "Momma's Boy". I chuckled and said that was okay because the Stripling Warriors were Momma's Boys and they were awesome, righteous sons. I could handle that! He liked that thought!

So, these boys have continued to try to tease and torment in the hallways. They walk by and give him dirty looks or quickly thrust their head toward him trying to intimidate him. We suggested that he just continue to ignore it and look for his friends in the hallway. That worked until yesterday when one of the boys shoved him to the floor while the teachers were busy and the hallway was crowded. We pray daily for him....for strength...for the spirit to guide him to know how to handle the situations. I called today and spoke with the counselor and explained the story. She then called TJ to her office along with the principal and they created a plan that TJ is very willing and happy to follow through with. They are switching with days of the week TJ has PE and health so that he no longer has to be in any classes with these other young men. He begins the new schedule today. The counselor told him that if anyone asks why he had to switch he can tell them that Mrs. Keiser asked him to because of numbers in the classes. So, then it is her "fault" not his. She doesn't think that any of the boys who have been bullying him will even notice.

As soon as I hung up the phone I was overwhelmed with gratitude for an answer to prayer. I feel very blessed that Heavenly Father is watching out for our children. I’m thankful to all who have been praying for TJ as well.

Marriage

I have been in deep contemplation since yesterday just thinking about how to give correct or inspired advice to a friend about their marriage. I struggle with what to say and how to say it. It takes me a lot of time to ponder the situation to really see what I think is the best advice I could give a friend. I think what I have come up with is very basic and simple but it works.

First and foremost: make daily prayer a priority. Roll out of bed, if you have to, and begin your day with prayer. Through out the day stop and pray at those times when you need it or feel inspired. Pray where it's quiet. Pray where you can ponder and listen for guidance. Pray with an open heart and mind so that when you receive an answer you will have a desire to act upon it.

Second: MAKE the time to read your scriptures. I say MAKE because it's not easy to do this sometimes. Make it your priority and do it. One verse, a column, a page, or just five minutes. Whatever you need to do to get in your daily dose.

Third: prayerfully study the Marriage and Family Relations manual put out by the church. It's a fantastic book.

Fourth: prayerfully read "The Family; A Proclamation to the World". It tells what our roles are a women and men. Our rolls, as women and men, are unique and divinely appointed.

Fifth: talk to one another often. Open communication is the key to any relationship. Speak kind words. I can't stress that enough. Think of how your words would affect you if your spouse said them.

I am not an expert and I don't know everything about marriage relationships. I just know how important they are. If we take the time to work on changing ourselves instead of focusing on other's flaws, we will be much better for it in the end.

I am so thankful to be married to the best man I know. He is wonderful. He always supports me and is willing to help where needed. He is patient with my many flaws. He is my best friend. I am so thankful that my Father in Heaven blessed me with such a fantastic husband.

Fall is Here!

The leaves are turning colors. Here and there you can see it. The air is cool and crisp. It makes me sigh a big sigh; a sigh of happiness.

Life is busier that it used to be. TJ is in middle school and scouts. Alex is in 5th grade and has decided he loves playing flag football. I glad it's temporary because the games are on Monday nights and I would prefer to have our Family Home evening on Monday nights. Now we are doing them on Sunday evenings.

This week we found the time in our crazy schedules to play a family game of UNO. It was fun. I sat back and watched and savored the moments while the kids were giggling and Daddy was being silly. He has been so busy trying to finish up his final class for his degree and getting everything straightened out at work that there hasn't been any time to just be together. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Soon the class will be over and he will have completed his degree! He is so excited.

It's this time of year when I think most about Maine and family. I love Maine in the fall. It's the most beautiful place on earth. Plus, family is there. That makes Maine even more special. Some day I'll be able to go visit when the leaves are bight yellow, red and orange. That's my wish.

This time of year always makes me think of my blessings:

A loving Father in Heaven
A Savior who loves us and died for us
a beautiful family
a fantastic husband
family far away
a wonderful home
vehicles that run
cute little puppy
the best friends in the world
the laughter of children
clothing, so much that it makes huge piles when it's dirty
toys, so many they seem to be everywhere
new friends
church

And so much more! These are in no particular order, just how I thought of them. Have a happy fall day!