They like me, they like me not.

It is amazing how quickly my boys can change their minds about me. Just this morning Dallin went from shouting, "It's not fair!" to whispering the sweetest "I just love you mom," within minutes. What prompted such a tender moment? An Oreo cookie, of course. How can you not love someone who's handing you a double stuffed Oreo!

Last night Daniel beautifully thanked his Heavenly Father for his mom and said how happy we are together. Moments later as I sang to Dallin in the rocking chair, Daniel shouted, "Mom, are we ever going to get the CD player fixed." (the boys usually fall asleep to some classical music, primary songs, or acoustic hymns) I realize that my singing abilities can leave a person nauseated. I am grateful that Danny approached the situation in such a subtle manner.

Happiness is a warm bath.

My day began just as my husband gives me his goodbye smooch and I rise to face the morning. The morning included a six-year-old who threw a tantrum because he hated the new shoes that I was making him wear. How dare I by something without cool transformers on the sides. The words, "You are the worst mom ever!" rang loudly in my ears as I poured the milk over the fruit loops. Moments later the little one let out quite a few ear-piercing screams. Apparently, he was upset that his bottle of Dasani water was no longer full. I refilled it and he took a few gulps. Then, because again his bottle was no longer full, there was more screaming. By dinnertime I was done. I was desperately in need of some space from all things screaming.

In walks James to the rescue! He took the boys shopping for Valentine's goodies and I had an hour of peace and quiet in my home. The hour was beautifully spent in the tub surrounded by bubbles, the scent of vanilla candles burning, and my favorite itunes playing. To top it off I shared my bath with a handsome bowl of Bryers Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream. It only took an hour and even if James had brought home nothing more than a half tank of gas in my van, it still would have made for the nicest Valentine's gift ever!!!

I Will Miss You.

Today, my family will attend the funeral of the sweet prophet Gordon B. Hinkley, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am so deeply saddened by this great loss. This man, though we've never met face to face, has had such a tremendous impact on my life. He has brought peace and happiness into my home. As I have followed his counsel, I have grown in my relationships with my husband, my family, and my Savior. He has rescued me from trying times with his sweet messages of love. My heart is always filled with joy when I hear his voice over the pulpit. He has made us all laugh, and he has surely made us all, who follow him, better people. President Hinkley will be known as the temple building prophet who scattered the world with sacred Houses of the Lord in which families will be sealed together for eternity. I was sealed to my sweetheart in the St. Louis, Missouri LDS Temple, dedicated by President Hinkley. I have been at many temple dedications and followed our prophet as he led in the hosanna shout. How I look to the glorious day when we will meet again and together shout, "Hosanna! Hosanna! To God and the Lamb!" Thank you, dear prophet, for all you have given us. We are happy that you have returned to be with your sweetheart and will miss you so.

The following link is a tribute to this great man and his work in building the Kingdom of God: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DONH655IR1E&watch_response