Family

I have such a fabulous family! My friends and kids will tell you that I often say, "I WON the parent lottery!!! On top of that, my husband is the kindest man I know, and although we each have our quirky flaws, I love my children with all my heart!

We have been blessed to have a loving family dog named Bilbo; a little Shi-tzu that has been by my side since 1994. He has been losing his health at a stady pace over the last several months, and on Wednesday morning he was not in my room. He ALWAYS sleeps with us. I immediately asked my husband where he was, and he replied that he had been up with him much of the night, and he could have crawled off to die. I went searching for him and found him downstairs near the kitchen with labored breathing and a 'death rattle' to his breathing. We had to take him to his vet and let them euthanize him while we stroked his head, wept, and spoke our final words to him. Anyone that has had a close family pet knows the pain of losing one. I keep tearing up every time I think of him.

We have had other personal losses this month too, but this one hurts in a deeper place. Dogs are so loyal. They never lie. They give love unconditionally, and just want to be near you. I miss him at the bottom of my bed while I do my homework. It feels like my heart has been ripped in 2, but I am so grateful to have had him all those years. He was a fabulous companion to my 3 kids. He was great company to all of us. So here's to you Bub's -and hope to see you on the other side!

Gratitude

I have a dear, dear friend with many trials in her life. The amazing thing about her is her capacity to serve others despite the pain in her own heart. One of the trials she faces right now is that her only sister, Jeanel, is suffering with cancer - check out her link on my blog list to the lower right - Jeanel's Fight - ...anyway, I rarely visit the site without weeping. This battle has set her priorities in order to be sure. There is nothing petty left in her life. I am especially struck by her gratitude list written near Thanksgiving time, so I am reprinting it here:

"I am grateful for laundry because it means my kids have clothes to wear.

I am grateful for dishes because it means we have food to eat.

I am grateful for my husband being gone because it means he has a job and can support our family.

I am grateful for picking up because it means my kids have toys to play with.

I am grateful for feeling a little sick after my treatment because it means I have modern medicine to help fight the cancer.

I am grateful for the noise in my house because it means I have three little boys to love.

I am grateful for the door that is left open because it means my boys have a safe place to play.

I am grateful for the price tag at the pump because it means I have a car to drive.

I am grateful for balancing holiday time with our families because it means my husband was raised by loving parents.

I am grateful for the alarm clock because it means I need to go to the gym to take care of myself.

I am grateful for the toothpaste on the counter because it means some must have made it onto their toothbrush.

I am grateful for my monthly trips to Seattle because it means I get to spend time with someone I love while hopefully keeping my cancer at bay.

Things in our life may not always be how we would like, but we have the opportunity to find the bright side and let it be our focus."

My trials right now feel huge, but when I visit her site, my hardships are put in perspective. I do not have time for hatred in my life. I will not allow Satan to win by poisoning my heart. Life is too short, and there is already too much pain in the world. Christ's answer was love, and I believe in Christ. I believe that He can heal ALL pain, and He will heal mine. If Suzette can act in Christlike ways, if my amazing mom and daddy continue to press on through all life's trials, if Barb can act in Christlike ways, if Hailey can act in Christlike ways, if my dear husband can act in Christlike ways, If Jacque still checks up on me and finds time for fun, love, and joy, and if Brady can still be kind through all he is suffering, then I can overcome Satan and day by day become a kinder more grateful woman and rid my heart of the poison that has taken root. I love my family and friends and also my students way too much to allow the poison to destroy me.
Love you all,
Lynette

My Baby Girl

Hailey is my baby girl, and she has always LOVED to perform on stage. She started dancing at Center Stage when she was 3 years old, and when she hit 7th grade she fell in love with the theatre. Last year she auditioned to be in the Musical Dance Theatre (MDT) department at BYU which is extremely competitive (quite frankly I didn't think she would have a chance to make it). But God must have felt that she belonged there, because against all odds she got in.

Now as her first year heads towards the end, she is feeling more at home in her major and less stressed out about school. I love having her at home and cherish the precious moments I have left with her before she is snatched away by a career or a man, But for now, she is still my baby! She had her photo (taken by the talented Jessie Alexis Elder Evans) used on the poster that advertises the upcoming MDT showcase in the Madsen Recital Hall HFAC- BYU on February 26th and 27th at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 w/ BYU ID, $10 Alumni & Seniors, $11 General Seating.

 Here is the poster with her cute photo.
Her Momma thinks she's HOT!

She's the only Freshman on the poster too!
Hope you can come and see the performance.
I can't wait!