You are loved

 

I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father.

I can be happy, because I deserve it and am loved.

 

We all have dark times and feel down and need to be lifted up and this quote is a reminder to me and others to know we are loved. It just made me heart happy!

Roots 2 Blossoms

 

My friend Roxy and I started an Instagram account together. We both have a love for Genealogy, History and our families. We have learned that from our roots to our branches we can all blossom. We want to share our passion, stories, activities and other ideas with people and show how amazing genealogy is. Check us out @roots2branches

 

 

 

 

Cameron

Cameron found an old cell phone and opened it up to figure out how it works.

Today was my son Cameron's IEP. I always prepare and get nervous, every time I end up crying. Not because I am sad, but it can be emotional. Like most parents, I want my child to succeed. I don't like to watch him struggle. I don't like them to tell me he fell under the average on his testing. Cameron works really hard and he has come a long way. He does excellent in math, but struggles with words, reading and writing. Sometimes we see more progress at home than what they tell us.

Can't resist that smile

I was talking to them about a concern we had. Cameron comes home from school and tells us about other kids and things they did and he doesn't talk a lot about himself. I told the 2 teachers and the principle about I was worried about certain kids being distractions and as caring and loving as Cameron is, that it could be getting in the way of his learning. One of the teachers told me that Cameron is so sweet, caring, and loving. (which we already knew). She said one day, one of the kids we were concerned about being a distraction, who is autistic, was upset and crying. He didn't want to go to the resource class for his time. He wouldn't talk to anyone. Cameron went up to him and hugged him and said, "Do you want me to go with you? Would that make you happy?" He looked at the teachers and said, "Is that ok?" they said yes, and Cameron walked with him to the other class. The boy was fine after that. They told us, Cameron makes a difference in other kids' lives, makes them feel accepted and loved. It made me feel really good to hear that.

He loves his daddy!

Cameron may always struggle, but he is special, important, loving and can make a difference. If being what some see as "normal" would change the way my boy is then, I don't want him to change. I love him so much and I am proud of who he is.

Legos and smiling are his favorite!

 I love this song by Mindy Gledhill, Anchor. She talks about being different and how some times people may thing you are strange, but you have someone who can anchor you down and believe in you. We all need to love others for their differences. 

See the music video HERE

Veteran's Day

My Grandpa Dennis during WWII

 

Many think of today and remember those who have served our country. They remember the heroes. I often think of my two Grandpa’s who both served in World War II. They left their families and homes and went out to an unknown land and fought for our country. They are my heroes. They came home safe and had to start their lives over again.

My Grandpa Budd during WWII

I often talk about my grandpa Budd. Jerry LeNore Budd served from 1941 to 1945. He ended his 4 years on the island of Iwo Jima. He saw a lot those four years, but he saw evil from both sides of the war. 

The night before my Grandpa Budd passed away.

My mom, me, and my daughter Brooklynn's hands on his.

 

On Iwo Jima after the war was officially over, they had to stay on the island and continue to find the enemy. One day out on normal rounds they found some Japanese men hiding, the other men with him were more than willing to end their lives right there. My grandpa wouldn’t allow it. The men had surrendered, and they were unarmed. My grandpa saved their lives that day, the enemy. To me that is a true hero. 

21 gun salute at Grandpa Budd's funeral.

It has been 2 years ago today since my grandpa’s funeral. How fitting to have his funeral on Veteran’s day. I miss him so much. 

My son Cameron at his Great Grandpa's funeral.

I spent hours upon hours with him, learning about his life, reading his journal, and letters. Sometimes being a hero is loving those who may not seem to deserve it, you never know who’s life you can save.

Through Darkness find Light

Twenty-six years ago, as a seven year old girl a miracle happened in my life. I was sad, my older brother was missing and I was afraid.

On September 22, 1989 my brother Josh Dennis went with my dad and his friends on a Scout Camp. He was only 10 years old, but he was 10 feet tall with hope and excitement. That night the group camped in Tooele, Utah near the abandoned Hidden Treasure Mine. They will all excited to explore it. After entering the mine the men and boys realized how truly dark it was. A group decided to leave the mine and my dad was among them. He told Josh to follow, but Josh begged to stay with the other group. My dad agreed. Joshua ran ahead to catch up with the group. The more he ran the farther away they got. Suddenly their lights disappeared.  Josh did not have a flashlight and was alone in the dark.

We didn't find out until the next day that he was missing. I was scared and didn't know what to do. I had to stay with friends that night while my mom went up to the mine to be with my dad. The next day we were taken to my grandparents house to stay. Each day that went by I was becoming more upset and worried. My grandma tried to keep us three kids busy and kept the TV off so we didn't hear the news reports. My grandma always would remind me later how I wouldn't let myself smile and have fun until Josh was back.

I remember one day, September 27th, that we thought it was a great idea to make Josh cards to give him when he was found. I was smiling. I was excited to give them to him. Sitting at my grandma's counter we were coloring and the doorbell rang. When it wasn't answered immediately they started knocking. My grandma answered the door and I couldn't understand what words were spoken, but within seconds there were screams of joy.

Joshua was found and he was alive. I started crying and I was so excited that we could give him our cards that we made.

This experience could have destroyed a family. We could have asked, "why us?" and left the church. But we know that we are here for a reason. We are here to endure and we can make it through anything, if we turn to the Lord and Choose The Right. I love how at last night's women's conference Linda Reeves 2nd Counselor in the R.S. said "We will be exceedingly blessed if we have faith and patience."

I feel that through this experience that my family went through I always remembered the blessings we received. My personal testimony grew and continues to grow when I remember that we are important to Him. After 5 days, and nights in a mine Joshua survived. He was there with my brother, He protected Josh and He was with our family.

When Josh was on his mission Sister Virginia U. Jensen spoke about my brother's experience in Conference. It was wonderful to be there with my fiancé Ryan. Sister Jensen spoke of the song Lead, Kindly, Light. (To read her full talk go HERE.)

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom; …

The night is dark, and I am far from home; …

Keep thou my feet; …

one step enough for me.

We will feel darkness at different times in our lives. When Josh was found the searchers put a hard hat on his head, they had a flashlight and they warmed him up. We too can feel protection from our Heavenly Father, we will see his light and feel warmth from His love.

Family Heirlooms

This Bride is the 11th family member to wear this wedding dress. To read the story click HERE.

When I read this article, I felt a twinge of  jealousy. How I wish I would have had a beautiful gown passed down to me. It is beautiful and sweet. I love how it is modern to her style and she wears it well. I love that the world is embracing family history so much right now.

Endure

So many of us find things attractive and appealing. I do as much as anyone else. Some with the friends they choose, others with selfishness and some with sin. I have been trying hard to improve my life and be more Christ-like. I have been really focused on my family and trying to ignore the temptations outside of my home.

Scripture reading every morning before my kids wake has become a daily ritual and I've been focused on positive uplifting reads and activities. I read a few articles in this months Ensign and really loved the article The Harmless Little Fern.

I feel like it can relate to everyone in their own way and we need to look in our own lives to see what things seem like beauty, but really can cause harm.  I'm trying every day to be a better person. I've realized that I am not going to always go out with friends, or have the nicest clothes or other things, but I can be happy because I make myself happy. I am happy in my life and with my family. I am so thankful for my blessings and even my trials.

To read the article click HERE.