No Empty Chairs

 How did this sweet young boy grow up to become such a wonderful son?  Happy Birthday Jeff, hope your day is great.  We are so proud of the man you have become.  You have your own family now, thanks for all those grand boys!  Love you Son!

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You are right Sherine and Shannon, it is Marjorie Pay Hinckley. She is one of my favorite women. She is a supreme example of what mothering is all about. All of you mothers out there...have a great day! PS Glad to know that I have 2 followers still after so long of a hiatus. Look for many new posts coming soon. I am back.

This is a favorite quote of mine, do you know who said it? "I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk’s lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor’s children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." Do you know who it is? Tune in tomorrow for the author of that quote.

Oliver Don Ballard joined our family early March 30th at 6:33 am. He weighed 6 lbs. 15.oz and was 19 inches long. He has lots of platinum blond hair that looks like it has been styled already! Grandma is so in love with this baby boy. Proud Grandpa who Oliver is named after. He is perfect and we are so happy he is here.

We picked up a few little things for Ollie. Hope he likes them... Getting acquainted with their new little brother. He is awesome! Chilling in Mom's room... I really missed you Mom. Grandma gets another snuggle with Ollie. Happy Mommy and Daddy... Happy bunch of boys...four count them...FOUR! Their family feels complete now. Welcome to the bunch, Ollie.

This is a video that nie nie had on her blog. It explains some myths others have about our religion. Click here to view it.

Happy Birthday Gracie! Grandma and Papa sure love you. We are so happy that you are our little granddaughter. You are getting so big! We can't believe that four years ago today you were a tiny baby and we held you in our arms for the very first time. This will be a very good year for you, Gracie. Enjoy your day. Gracie is such a beautiful little girl. She has a twinkle in her eyes, her smile is delightful and constant and there is such a quiet beauty to her countenance. We are constantly amazed by it. Gracie's mind is so keen, she is one smart cookie. Show her something once and it becomes hers. Tell her something once and it becomes knowledge. She is a party for one, she knows how to have a good time. Her smile is contagious. Once Gracie sets her mind to it, she is one determined little girl. I don't think can't is in her vocabulary. Grace has a great imagination. She can be a fairy, a princess or anything magical that her mind dreams up. Skys the limit. We love you Gracie-O!!! The whole world is yours. See you at the Tiana movie.

One year ago today, we were holding this sweet baby boy in our arms... I love my Grandma and Papa... Charlie is such a happy baby boy...Every day with him is an adventure! His smile is his trademark and he is always on the hunt for something he hasn't mastered yet... Happy 1st Birthday Big Boy!!! Grandma and Papa love you so much!!!

Keep watching for upcoming posts! I know, you can't even believe it. While you are waiting...here is a great tribute to all of you mothers out there. If you haven't said all of these things to your kids...you have said many of them. I so admire all of you young mothers out their who juggle it all and who sacrifice so for their families. Sometimes the job can get a little heavy...enjoy the lightheartedness of this clip.

Eden's daddy got his new heart!!! After years of listening to Paul Cardall's inspiring music, I found out that Paul had Chronic Heart Disease. I've followed his blog, Living for Eden, for the past year. I have been constantly amazed at Paul's faith, his courage and the strength and depth of character he has displayed through out this trial. I was elated to the point of shouting out loud when I read this article on KSL website yesterday. I could barely get to his blog to read what his wife wrote. What a wonderful gift to be given to this most deserving family. I pray that God's choicest blessings be showered on him and his family. I pray also for the dear family that gave this wonderful gift. May they have peace in their decision, knowing that a part of their loved one lives on in Paul. Praise God from whom all blessing flow...

The Happy Family of Four!