Roses...

Took a little trip down memory lane yesterday with the help of my adorable granddaughter, Hallie. Her daddy had just finished planting some shrubs and flowers for me when she suddenly appeared in the livingroom bringing her mommy and I a flower she had just picked for us! She had plucked off one of the new flowers...just the head... that had just been planted! At first I was upset because her mommy and I thought she had been out in front all alone, but we later found out that she was with her daddy and grandpa and had gotten caught in the act! While I listened to her mommy explain to her that she should not pick flowers without asking permission it took me back a few years when her mommy and Aunt Erin had brought me a beautiful bouquet of roses...just the heads...from our neighbors beautiful rose garden!! It is so hard to teach a loving little heart that what they did was "wrong"...because how can doing something so sweet be naughty! Jennifer talked with Hallie with all the tenderness of a mother's heart...and still sweet Hallie just looked at us with those innocent little eyes wondering what we meant as we were saying thank you and don't do that again all in the same sentence!! :) I remember my two little girls just not understanding why picking dandelions was ok but Bill's roses were a no-no!!! There is nothing sweeter than a flower picked by a little child!!! Memories like this are etched on the heart forever! Thank you Hallie...and thank you Jenny and Erin for my bouquet (I still have it...right here in my heart!)

Happy Mother's Day to

my 3 beautiful daughters! You are wonderful mother's! My grandchildren are happy, healthy, loved, and are being taught the Gospel. I love you! Mom

A beautiful pattern...

In Seminary today we were studying Rev2-3. In those chapters the John tells of the Lord's chastisement of the 7 churches in Asia. We discussed what they were doing wrong and why they were chastised by the Lord. But then I was able to show my class the pattern and example set by the Savior. After identifying himself and stating his authority, he then told them all the things that they were doing right. It was after expressing his pleasure in what they were doing right that he then talked to them about what they were doing incorrectly or wrong, or what they could do better or improve upon. And He didn't just leave it at that, he then told them what they needed to do and how to do it, and finally he told them of the blessings that awaited those who follow His counsel. This is such an awesome pattern for parents, spouses, leaders, employers, family members, friends to use as we work with others. How different things would be if we followed this pattern!!! First, "I'm your mother(friend, sweetheart, etc) and I love you. Then if we were to say..."I really like the way you do (whatever), you make me happy or proud when you(?), etc BEFORE we offer up anything else. Hearts wouldn't be wounded and people would not go on the defensive so quickly. After sincere and honest praise or affirmation is given then we can say things like..."I've noticed that (blah, blah, blah)"..."Have you ever thought of doing (?)" or "what can I do to help you with that problem" etc...AND THEN AGAIN, show forth that great love. I just love the scriptures...I love knowing that they hold all the answers. And I know how hard it is for young mothers ( and even us older moms) to deal with all of the daily "stuff " in a calm and rational manner since from minute to minute we seem to be on the firing line!! But it would be even harder if we had never been given the pattern!! He loves us and will never leave us alone...we just have to remember that He is there!!! The Gospel is true!!! My heart is full of thanks for that knowledge! Love to all of you...