Trials and Tribulations

It's four am. I can't sleep. It's been four days now. Aliana has been diagnosed with H1N1 - better known as Swine Flu. She also has pneumonia, AND bronchitis. When she gets sick, she does it big time. I have made my bedroom the sick room - complete with masks, medicines, drinks, books, etc.

Watching your child be that sick is not fun. Even though she is fifteen, I don't like it at all. I would rather go through it for her. Hearing her cough so hard that it almost makes her cry, breaks my heart.

I wonder how our Heavenly Father feels as our parent, when we as earthly parents stand by and feel so helpless with our children when we try so hard to help them, but they have to go through this process on their own. He must feel similar feelings, with everything we do. Not just being sick - but with the choices we make in our lives. Does He feel helpless, wishing He could reach out and save us from ourselves at times?

I can't even imagine what it must be like for Him. I have a glimpse of it, being a parent, and being entrusted with the care of these precious children He has given me.

Then I think of myself - and the choices I have made, and continue to make. Sometimes I have chills. I am so so very glad for the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only did He suffer for our sins, He suffered for every single pain that we have to endure, every trial, every tribulation that we must go through. And hopefully, when we return home, we will be told "well done, thou good and faithful servant".

I am grateful for the knowledge that I have in this life of the gospel and of a kind and loving Father in Heaven. I know He loves me and my children, and watches over us. With Vinny being away, not having the priesthood in our home has been the single hardest thing that I have had to endure, for I have come to rely on it so much. I am grateful for a husband who honors his priesthood, and who I know can use it and is ready and willing to be worthy at all times.

Sleep may escape me tonight. But, I feel the spirit, and I know my Savior is near. Since General Conference - I have felt a stronger urgency to be more dedicated to write my testimony and share it more, especially after listening to Elder Holland's testimony about the Book of Mormon.

I am not going to be a "fence sitter". I want the world to know what I do believe. I DO however, believe in compassion, and kindness, and being good to your fellow men.

As I go through my journey, if I have offended anyone.. please forgive me. I want so much to be Christlike, and I want my children to know that, my grandchildren to know that, and my friends and family to know that.

Yes, the trials and tribulations will come, but they will also teach me. And hopefully, I will use them as I should - as life lessons.

The grandkids in Utah and North Carolina!

Well, even though I really miss my Hailey bug, I'm so grateful that I got to spend three and a half years with her in Raleigh, North Carolina. That was a treat. She was just starting to have sleep overs.. so I'm sure she was as shell shocked as we were when we left. Also- as I mentioned in my previous blog, Rocco Aiden was born shortly after me leaving, and that has been really hard on me, not even seeing him.

But, getting to spend time with Holden and Hadlie in Utah has been a blast. Holden is all boy, and Hadlie is a lot like Hailey, very sweet, and just a joy to be around. I love my grandchildren very much. They are my world. I can't wait for the next two to get here, and at times, it just seems incredibly unfair that I have to be so far away from half of them. ARRRGH. It's a no win situation. The one good thing, is Grandpa (Vinny) is there back east to pick up the side of me that can't be there. He told me a cute story last night. He has been in New York for his Dad's birthday. Chad and Cynthia left to go to a party - and left the baby (Rocco) with his sister Kathy and him at her house so they could go. Around 11pm, Rocco fell asleep, and Vinny put him to bed. Five minutes later, he woke up. Grandpa picked him up - and in his own words, "laid him on the bed, and talked to him for about five minutes". They just stared at each other. They both fell asleep- and woke to the "paparazzi" snapping pictures of both Grandpa and baby sleeping. =) I wished I could have seen that peaceful, beautiful picture...

So today, I share with you beautiful pictures of my wonderful grandchildren. I NEED some new ones of Hailey, but give what I have. I love you all, and will list them in this order. ( I think they will go bottom to top.) Holden, Hadlie, Hailey and Rocco. Then, Morgan and Natalie's baby,(just the picture) Isabella (just the picture).. =) I can't wait to meet these two! (Isabella will be Hailey's little sister).

I always wanted to be a young grandmother. I adore my grandchildren, and I want them to know that, even if they are too young right now to actually comprehend that. I LOVE EACH and EVERY ONE OF YOU. I love how love expands, and not retracts.

My children are good parents. I am proud of them. I am proud of them.

I glory in my posterity..

Been SOOOOO Long!

Gosh- where has the time gone??

Well - 3 and a half months ago, we piled our stuff in a truck, and made the move from Raleigh, North Carolina to Draper, Utah. I can't believe we have been gone SO LONG and I haven't written! It's fall now - and I love the colors on the mountain. Morgan is home from his mission, and married. We are now expecting two more grandchildren, Bella, due in December, and another one (Morgan and Natalie's) due in April. Life is good.

Vinny is still working for the Pentagon, back East - so I don't see him but once every six weeks. It is a tough sacrifice. I hope that one day everyone will truly understand just how hard this has been on US. I miss and love him dearly with all my heart.

Aliana and Nikki and Cami grow more beautiful (if that is possible) with each passing day. And I swear I have the most beautiful grandkids. I even have one I haven't even seen yet!! Rocco Aiden was born right after I moved out here... and I cannot wait to see him. He is Chad and Cynthia's son, and is so beautiful.

So - with the passing of summer - and the beginning - and almost ending of fall, I write of the beauty of the seasons. I write of my love of my family, my love of the gospel, and the love I have for my family and friends.

May you all wrap yourself in the warmth of love this season.

Nikki try's out for a musical at school!

So - Nikki has surprised us all to death.

No, REALLY!

She came home from school two weeks ago, and announced that she was going to try out for the school play. My shy, quiet, (in public) Nikki?? And to top that off, it's a MUSICAL!!

Well - I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but we encouraged her to no end. She would have to sing a solo to try out - and dance. She has been staying after school every other day for two weeks to do it.

It's the "Music Man". We will know next week if she got the part. She is in 8th grade now - and even though she has really busted out of her shell at home, she has always been the "shy one" at school. I couldn't believe it, she sang Taylor Swift's "Love Story" for her tryout audition.

I'm SO proud of you, Nikki!! You have no clue. Just keep it up - and keep having faith in yourself.

I do.

Oh, I do!

QUESTION????? For all

Okay everyone. I have a question.


Do I put my playlist back up on here, or is it too distracting? I had it up forever, but I post a lot of videos, and I didn't know if it was too confusing. So, I will let you vote.

On the count of three... start VOTING!!


(Even Jillian who is almost 2 can vote)


YAY ME!!

So this is my "vida loca"

Welcome to my crazy life....

I can't remember the last time I had a really really rational thought. But then, that's what makes me so unique, right? (smirk)...

If I could try to define me in one word, it would be....ME.

Just me.

And I'm really glad Heavenly Father didn't make any others. OH MY. Although my dad does get confused still and calls me Lisa - he has my whole life..although she GRUNDLES cuter. He's even starting to call me Cheri now. LOL! And she's the caboose!!

You see, in my family - there are six kids. Lynette is the oldest. I came right behind her, just a year and a half apart. Brenda was just fifteen months after me, and then came my only brother, Larry. I think there are a couple of years between Brenda and Larry - but I'm getting way too old to count..

After that - Lisa was nine years younger than me. She was just my little shadow, and I took her everywhere I went. It didn't bother me at all, and to this day, we are great friends. I just love that quote that says "God knew we loved each other too much to be friends, so he let us be sisters." I feel this way about ALL of my girls.

When I was sixteen, yes, sixteen, the caboose came. =) Cheri Ann. Gosh how I loved that baby. She was spoiled rotten, and my poor mother. Dad worked out of town a lot - so - ...we spoiled her all day - and mom got to take care of her all night! lol.

You know - I love when I go to Utah. We always have "Sister's Day". Sometimes we let my brother in. He has a really cute wife named Leslie - whom I love. After all - she has put up with him for all these years....

I am proud of my family. I miss them more than words can say, and I love to tease them to death. I love all their children, each in a unique and special way. I hope they all know that. I have always told them "I'm your favorite Aunt". There's just way too many of them now for me to get away with that... and I'm too far away!! LOL So now, it's just "I'm your favorite Aunt DANA." (Which IS true..)

Sometimes I get miffed with things that I think shouldn't be happening to me. I wonder why aloud a lot. My ever so patient husband (most of the time)... just smiles and says..."well, your body will be perfect one day". I want perfection NOW. That's why I have a hard time learning patience... YA THINK?

I love to sing, I love to dance, even if I'm way to old to "get jiggy wif it" anymore. Who cares? I love that Vinny loves my music - and shame on me for not playing as much anymore. He bought me this beautiful baby grand piano - and I sit here by it and think....."PLAY, PLAY"....


I like to think that I could write a book. I would love to do it for my grandbabies.. Wouldn't that be great?? With pictures and everything - so I CAN UNDERSTAND IT. HAH!

I remember thinking that my life was pretty dang good how it was. But that was before I knew it could be DELICIOUS. I know that if we live the gospel - we can always know that, but with a faithful priesthood holder by my side,

Okay now this is turning into mush. Sniff. I need a tissue.

Back to the quiet of the day - where my best friend of the moment, Frankie, lays content at my feet, curled up in a ball. I never knew a dog could be so devoted. I think I would like to be a dog in another life...IF I took as good of care as I take of my Frankie..

I am funny when it comes to music. I rejoice in all - from church - to coldplay - to Frank Sinatra, to Count Basie. I love Taylor Swift, and Okay - kill me. I like Miley Cyrus. ( Notice I have girls...)

They have taught me so many fun things that I thought I was ready to walk away from. Like "Mom let's have a makeup party" to "Mom, can I borrow your shoes" - to "Mom - can I go to the dance".... (gulp) Can't quite understand how they got that old already...

And now - it's TIME to go get my missionary. In four weeks. My lil boy/man will be home. Can you believe it's been two years already?? We are flying out to get him..I can't wait to meet everyone he is so excited to have us meet.

For now - I am having fun catching up with cousins that I haven't heard from in years, and some I've NEVER heard from (wifeepoos - that's for you Steph) who I know I am already great friends with. What a great family I have!

Life IS what you make it. Make IT COUNT. Even if you are living a crazy life - not knowing where the next turn will take you - and hoping you can just hang on for the ride.

As my good friend Kathryn says, "I want to go out with boogers on my sleeves, and leaves in my hair, and a cassarole dish in my hand, knowing that my life was USED." Kathyrn - you are wonderful. We were truly cut from the same cloth...only I was in a much larger pattern... lol!

Enjoy your day, everyone!

In times of trouble...

You know, I have almost been married for seven years now to my sweetheart Vinny. April 26th is the perfect day for a wonderful anniversary. The only thing bad about it, is that I didn't find him years ago. He is all that is good and to be cherished.

Our home has always been called "Always something" but lately I have been wondering if it should be called something more like "In times of trouble." Jeffrey Holland had a great quote for that which I keep in my scriptures to remind me that in times of trouble if we could only see angels and chariots of fire coming at reckless speed to our defense... I LOVE that quote (and of course I am paraphrasing.)


Our time in Raleigh has been hard. Not because we haven't met wonderful friends, quite the contrary. But our Stake President had a vision that he would see the day that many would be left without jobs - and he was concerned enough to call a full time missionary couple to a mission out here to help with this problem. We have been one of the ones hit... and though we came out to "help family" with a job.. it has not turned out to what we hoped it would be.

We don't know where life will take us or roll with us yet. But, as I look at my sweetheart's face, as he comes through the door, telling me about yet another missionary experience that he had this morning, and the service that he seems to always be doing for SOMEONE, my heart still skips a beat, and the beat goes on......the beat goes on.


He is my everything. Even in times of trouble, I am with the most perfect of men, who choose to be happy, who choose to work as hard as they can to do anything for their family, who choose to tell me I am beautiful even when I feel I am not. He is good to me beyond belief, and I marvel at his wisdom, the way he has molded my children as his own. They call him constantly - just to talk.

He is a man of integrity..a man of happiness, even when he is down, he reaches for the gospel to pull him up. I feel like I am so lucky...why me? All I can say is if ANY of you - ANY of you are having problems in your marriage - watch "FIREPROOF" - it should be required before marriage and during all years of marriage. My husband emulates this kind of behavior.

I want him to know publicly I love him with all my heart. I adore this man who though at times, we struggle to keep our "tempers" in check, His heart IS my heart, and I knew the first time I talked to him I would marry him. It was that significant.

Ours is a true love story. It will be until the end of time. I adore him silly - and I love how he makes my heart beat a little faster, how he makes me want to be a little better, how he has crinkly, smiley eyes, and a robust laugh.

Vinny - I love you. Don't ever think for one moment that I don't realize I am the luckiest woman alive.

You simply put, are the VERY best..

And Cami turns ELEVEN!!

Gosh - I feel horrible. I haven't been on this site for 3 months.. but it's about time, hey? Cami had her 11th birthday - and she is growing like the angel she is. I don't understand why I was so afraid to adopt her, she was so young. That's probably why... and I wasn't sure if she would like me.

But she is all mine. A line I will steal from Vinny and his sister Eilene. She is Me, mine, all mine. She is so special, so trusting, so happy. Oh, she can be quite bossy when she wants, but that's what eleven year olds do, don't they?

She loves to write stories, and they are good stories. She always roots for the underdog, and she loves to draw. Her imagination takes me places to new heights... to the mind of an eleven year old.

Cami - I am so grateful for you. What you have brought to my life is much much more than I could ever possibly bring to yours. You are beautiful inside and outside.

Keep practicing for America's Next Top Model, my dear. For one day - a butterfly that is already half emerged, will finally fufill her destiny and become what she may.

Thank you Heavenly Father, for my Camilla Rose. With those gorgeous freckles on her nose...