About Me

I’m continually surprised how vastly different my life’s journey has been than the one that I dreamily envisioned for myself as a young girl. Now, as a not-so-young girl, I try hard not to think about the future too much, or dwell on the past, but to stay in the present and discover the joy and peace in the here and now. I’m practicing mindfulness.  Frankly, I’m not really that good at it yet, but occasionally I surprise myself.   

The greatest gift I have been given in this life is the knowledge that I am a daughter of Heavenly Parents and that I have a Redeemer whose atonement makes it possible for me to be with them again after this life.  This knowledge of Their perfect love, which has been verified continually throughout all my struggles and triumphs, gives me the strength to keep going, keep trying to be my best self, and keep loving no matter what. I cherish the blessings of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and my knowledge of my Savior.

Coming in a close second in the blessing category, is motherhood. My 7 children have been a major focus of my life for over 31 years, and still light up my days with their humor, courage, and love. I’m thankful my youngest daughter (16 years old), is still here sharing my life and my home, keeping me humble, giving me a reason to get up each day and snuggles each evening.  Having adult children, in and out of my home, is a gift and a challenge I blunder through, much the same as I did with young children and teenagers.  Hopefully, they will continue to be forgiving and patient with my valiant, though sometimes unsuccessful, attempts to get this parenting thing right.  Of course, the dividends are my grandchildren, whom I adore and who love me just the way I am.  They make me laugh even when I feel like crying, reminding me that life is more a comedy than a tragedy.

Speaking of tragedy…I have been divorced for 4 years, still loathe that word, and won’t even say “ex-husband.” I’ve probably learned more from the experiences associated with this than any others in my life, besides those of motherhood. With the Lord’s help, I’m still learning, healing, and getting to know the woman I am now.  Some days I even love her.  That’s progress!

My happy place is my home.  I love it here.  We invite the Spirit to be in our home, and we aim for love, kindness, and growth.  I’d rather be here than anywhere else, 90% of the time.  I’m not exactly a hermit (although I might be if I didn’t have kids), just a sensitive person, who mostly finds the world overwhelming and confusing.  Except for Disneyland.  That’s also a happy place.  (But I wouldn’t want to live there!)

I’m a dauntless seeker of mental and physical health, having experienced various health issues throughout my life, including depression, anxiety, and obesity.  Through these struggles, I’m learning compassion for myself and others.  I’ve also learned that I can wholly trust and rely on my Jesus, who suffered all things so that He would know how to succor His children. He understands and offers His grace to get us through. It’s beautiful.  It’s true.  I’m living proof.