My Day!!!

(This is my favorite gag gift from Dick. He

did not think I would wear it but I wore it

until the outfit was thread worn.)

Since my birthday is on June 9th, I can write anything about myself that I want. Being that this is the last night of my 58th year, I wanted to reflect on some of my most precious blessings in my life.

I have been blessed with:

1. A very kind and loving husband who sees that my needs are met and he is my very best friend. He sees that I feel secure and loved at all times. He makes my life complete.
2. Children that I love with all my heart. Three grew underneath my heart and four that grew within my heart. I always wanted a big family but medical problems only allowed three babies for me to carry. I am thankful that four more were added with my marriage to Richard.
3. My greatest gifts are my grandchildren. I have been blessed with 21 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. My love for my grandchildren is very deep and strong. I miss my babies so much when they are not around me.
4. I have wonderful parents that taught me the joys of life. Memories fill my mind of the fun times we had as a family. They taught me strong values that have made me the woman that I am today. Many, many years ago I vowed that I would grow up to be the kind of woman that my mother and grandmother were and I do think that I am getting closer to that vow.
5. My siblings are most important to me and I love them dearly. Each one holds a part of my heart and I would do anything for them. I have truly been blessed with their love and support.
6. My grandparents have given me a great heritage and strong values. My ancestry comes from good hard working and strong people. People that joined the Church and served the Lord with all their might and strength. They never waivered when asked to do their part in building the kingdom of God.
7. Friends have played an important role in my life. I have lived in many states and have left valuable friends behind in each move. Some I have kept in touch with and others are a constant in my mind.
8. My testimony is a gift from my Father in Heaven and it does grow stronger each day as I strive to live the gospel principles. I love the gospel and its teachings. It is a constant guide for me to live by.
9. I am thankful for my calling in the extraction program and the way that I am able to read the names and extract the information that is required.
10. I am thankful for a prophet that leads our Church in righteousness. A man that is called by God and is directed by His hand.
11. My home is a blessing to our family. Within its walls love radiates and everyone feels the security of family. No matter where my children or grandchildren are, they do love to come home to visit. Each one knows that this home is theirs also. My greatest times are when there are grandchildren pitter pattering around and their laughter fills the air.
12. My business is very successful and it is something that I enjoy doing very much. I am very busy, but am doing what I want to at this point in my life. Each event takes us to different places where we meet the neatest people. Nothing is as fun as seeing the smiles on the faces of little children as they receive their treats. Oh, children are so darn cute!!
13. My neighbors are the greatest and are there when ever I need them. I know that if something was wrong, I could cross the street and the McNeely's would be right here to help. We were blessed when we found this house, in this neighborhood and in this town.
14. We prayed to find a home in Brigham City and have never regretted moving here. The small town feeling is something that I have really missed since leaving La Sal many years ago.
15. Today I can't let my thoughts end without being thankful for Zella. She came into my life 33 years ago on June 9, 1976, when Richard took me to meet his parents after our second date. She made me feel so part of the family and took me under her wings as a little mother hen protecting her own. My love for her grew and grew and I do miss her so much. She taught me many things and I have been able to incorporate some of her traditions into my own family. I know that she is happy beyond the veil, but my heart is empty without her presence with me. I love and miss you Zella. Thanks for playing such an important role in my life and family.

There we have it, a partial list of the things that mean the most to me today.Thanks everyone for being a part of my life and making everyday special. I love you all very much and pray that we will always be close and our love will grow stronger with each passing day.