How do you say goodbye?

It's been a long time since I took time to write on my blog. There are many reasons, but the biggest one? I lost my son Clint McKell 15 months ago. Feb 3, 2011. The worst day of my life. Losing a child is something that if you have not experienced, is not warrented or would I want that for anyone. I wrote about Clint in my last post. I wrote about taking him to the Phantom of the Opera before he went on his mission. The day the world stopped for me was a bright cold, sunny Feb morning. I got a phone call no mother should ever receive. My beautiful boy was gone. All I remember was falling to the floor screaming.. screaming - I couldn't stop screaming. I don't remember much of that morning, other than my husband wasn't home, and my daughter in law was with me. She is the one that started calling people together. Slowley and quietly they gathered, shocked, stunned, in tears. I was an absolute mess. I don't remember calling Vinny - until later that day - but I guess I did - and he told me later that he never wanted to hear me cry like that again. Just writing this is hard. I have tears. It is so hard to talk about that day. But my grief - even after 15 months is just still very fresh. Because of his death however, I want to be an advocate for Drug abuse. Clint had some deomons in his life, and if I can save ONE PERSON from going through what he did, then I could be somewhat happy. Clint was our "golden child". He had everything. He was so talented... so wonderful. But he hurt his neck on his mission - and playing football - for which he had a full ride scholarship. He started to lose everything. His scholarship - his jobs, (RN) and finally - his marriage. We moved back from the east coast.....and saw him go to jail, we saw him go through drug court, we saw him actually live at the Salvation Army - and get sober. Such a great day. He was sober..something I never in my life would actually say my family had been through. At any rate - he was an up and coming comedian in Utah - and was doing so great. He missed his own first headlining show, at WISE GUYS - Trolley Square. Five days later, he was dead. I still don't know all the details of that night - I have so many questions. The autopsy left us with more quesitons than answers. But - I am happy to say that I did see him 2 days before his death, and he hugged me to death. He told me I was his best friend, and had always been there for him. The night before he passed - he repeated that. He was happy, upbeat, so HAPPY. And then - he was gone. Yes - life this past 15 years have been so hard. What I HAVE learned from this - is there are a lot of mothers out there that have lost children, and people are so so ready to be there for you. I have been let into many circles of Moms that have lost kids, and people who have been in my shoes. I honestly didn't know drug abuse like this was so prevelent. I have learned a lot from this experience. More than I ever wanted too. But in this journey, I have also met some incredible people that have declared that will dedicate their lives to sobriety for Clint. I still hurt. I always will. I think about him EVERY SINGLE DAY. No mom should have to bury their child. But I know so many of you have. I thank all who were there for me, and who still are. You don't know how much that means to me. I am hurting. I will hurt. But I am grateful for the knowledge that families are forever, and I WILL see my son again someday. I know he is free of his demons. The living are left with the hurt. If you are in a situation like this - or know someone who has been or is... feel free to contact me. Let's fight this terrible disease that invades and permeates homes, families, and communities. This is dedicated to you son. My beautiful boy, Clint McKell. I will post a pic of him later.

It's been a long time since I took time to write on my blog. There are many reasons, but the biggest one? I lost my son Clint McKell 15 months ago. Feb 3, 2011. The worst day of my life. Losing a child is something that if you have not experienced, is not warrented or would I want that for anyone. I wrote about Clint in my last post. I wrote about taking him to the Phantom of the Opera before he went on his mission. The day the world stopped for me was a bright cold, sunny Feb morning. I got a phone call no mother should ever receive. My beautiful boy was gone. All I remember was falling to the floor screaming.. screaming - I couldn't stop screaming. I don't remember much of that morning, other than my husband wasn't home, and my daughter in law was with me. She is the one that started calling people together. Slowley and quietly they gathered, shocked, stunned, in tears. I was an absolute mess. I don't remember calling Vinny - until later that day - but I guess I did - and he told me later that he never wanted to hear me cry like that again. Just writing this is hard. I have tears. It is so hard to talk about that day. But my grief - even after 15 months is just still very fresh. Because of his death however, I want to be an advocate for Drug abuse. Clint had some deomons in his life, and if I can save ONE PERSON from going through what he did, then I could be somewhat happy. Clint was our "golden child". He had everything. He was so talented... so wonderful. But he hurt his neck on his mission - and playing football - for which he had a full ride scholarship. He started to lose everything. His scholarship - his jobs, (RN) and finally - his marriage. We moved back from the east coast.....and saw him go to jail, we saw him go through drug court, we saw him actually live at the Salvation Army - and get sober. Such a great day. He was sober..something I never in my life would actually say my family had been through. At any rate - he was an up and coming comedian in Utah - and was doing so great. He missed his own first headlining show, at WISE GUYS - Trolley Square. Five days later, he was dead. I still don't know all the details of that night - I have so many questions. The autopsy left us with more quesitons than answers. But - I am happy to say that I did see him 2 days before his death, and he hugged me to death. He told me I was his best friend, and had always been there for him. The night before he passed - he repeated that. He was happy, upbeat, so HAPPY. And then - he was gone. Yes - life this past 15 years have been so hard. What I HAVE learned from this - is there are a lot of mothers out there that have lost children, and people are so so ready to be there for you. I have been let into many circles of Moms that have lost kids, and people who have been in my shoes. I honestly didn't know drug abuse like this was so prevelent. I have learned a lot from this experience. More than I ever wanted too. But in this journey, I have also met some incredible people that have declared that will dedicate their lives to sobriety for Clint. I still hurt. I always will. I think about him EVERY SINGLE DAY. No mom should have to bury their child. But I know so many of you have. I thank all who were there for me, and who still are. You don't know how much that means to me. I am hurting. I will hurt. But I am grateful for the knowledge that families are forever, and I WILL see my son again someday. I know he is free of his demons. The living are left with the hurt. If you are in a situation like this - or know someone who has been or is... feel free to contact me. Let's fight this terrible disease that invades and permeates homes, families, and communities. This is dedicated to you son. My beautiful boy, Clint McKell. I will post a pic of him later.

The music of my life

What makes a person tick? What makes a person move? For me, it's music. It has always been that way, and for me, I can always feel the rhythm in everything I do. It's in the way I talk, the way I walk. It's in the way I clean, the way I work, the way I laugh, the way I love, and the way I play.

If I were to have any senses taken away from me, I have often wondered which ones I could truly live without. I would not want to be blind... but I could not bear to hear the sweet SWEET voice of a child or loved one. I couldn't bear not to hear a choir's majestic talent, that has at time - moved me to tears.

I remember going to The Phantom Of The Opera, with my oldest son Clint, before he went on his mission. I sat there with tears streaming down my face, as I heard the incredible talent that the company that performed it had. I have so much respect for people who can truly sing and captivate an audience.

I am glad I had teachers who instilled in me at a very young age the love of music. I like to think that I always have had this gift.

There is nothing I like better than someone who can sing, and someone who always has a song in their heart. Except for maybe a good book? But that is another story.. =)

The big 5-0...

I need to update my blog. It's been awhile. Okay - what to write?

I turned the big 5 - 0 a couple of weeks ago, and it has caused me some time to do some serious reflection on my life. Wow, where have the years gone? It seems that the older I get, the faster time goes. A couple of days ago, my cute niece Kelsie came and saw me, along with her little girl Adalee. We were talking about life and things, and I remember I made the comment that when Adalee was 20, I would be 71. WOW. That about knocked my socks off.

I think about my kids, and their lives. It was so fun to go back to North Carolina recently and see all the kids there. It was great getting to hold and cuddle Hailey, Bella, and Rocco. I am SO excited for Chad and Cynthia's wedding coming up in May. And being out here in Utah - being around Holden and Hadlie, and soon Jett, has been a delight. That is one of the best benefits of being this age. Being a grandma.

Which brings me to what I really want to talk about today. My grandmothers.

My grandma Beckstead was a pistol. She was full of fire and hot sauce, I swear. She was such a tiny little thing, but she knew what she wanted, and she never backed down. She knew how to pinch a penny like no other. She always had a cake ready for us on Sunday's, and we always knew we could visit her AND Bob Barker any day of the week. (well, excluding weekends.) She had to be the biggest Jazz fan I knew.

I have a lot of Beckstead in me. I see where I get my "Well - I've been here for 30 minutes, it's time to leave" from. (Sound familiar, anyone?) She loved to shop.. (Yup - got that too.) And I always knew grandma loved me.

When grandma got sick, I remember at the very end I was back east living. She was staying with mom..and I remember calling her. She didn't remember much, but I called her one day, and sang to her, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". She tried so hard to sing along with me. I will never forget the tears, or the memory. How I love my grandma Beckstead.

Grandma Nielsen. So many different memories. She taught me my first piano lessons. She was also the librarian at the elementary school that I attended, and she used to always let me go pick out books after school. She instilled in me a love of reading and a love of music. Grandma always made me feel like she wanted me there at her home. We would often walk to her house after school. We would play dress up - and she would watch us put on silly plays for hours.

Grandma always made me feel like I could do anything. She too, always could pinch a penny. Buy it, use it, wear it out, and then use it again. Both of my grandparents taught me to love my Savior, and instilled in my a great love of the gospel.

I miss them both. Now that I am a grandma, I can only hope that my grandchildren will love me as much as I loved these great women. Yes, It was "scary" for me to turn fifty. But with the wonderful examples I have had in my life - including my own sweet mother, I think I will be okay. It's funny how much smarter my mom is the older I have gotten.. =)

I am glad that I come from such a rich, sweet, wonderful heritage. I remember my grandparents telling me to "never to do anything to hurt my family name, for good people had worked hard to give me that name". I want them to know that I am so sorry for anything I have ever done to tarnish any of their names, and I have worked ever so hard to make that right.

I love them all.

Being a grandma, actually, is the best job in the world. Along with being a mom. =)

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...

Nikki turns 14!!

So- Nikki turns 14! I can't believe it. As I contemplate the last four years since she has been here - I am more enthralled with her every day. She is my caterpillar who has blossomed into a butterfly. Nikki never ceases to amaze me. She grows more beautiful as the days go by. She is smart, voluptuous, intelligent, gentle, kind, soft-spoken, witty, and just full of charity.

Nikki - I KNEW that you were mine. As it states in our story of the Russian adoption -I worried over you - I fretted - I wondered if you were cold. I am so glad that you are mine and I am yours. You are such a compliment to your sisters, who adore you. You are loved by all who meet you.

The world is yours, Nikki. Go out and get it!

Her picture will be up in a few days! School pictures just came in - we just have to scan them.

We love you!

Mom - Dad - Aliana - Cami - Frankie!

Joseph Smith - The Prophet

I add my testimony to that of many others. I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God! This gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through a true and living prophet. I want all to know I know this for myself!

LDS Leaders warn us and encourage us to fortify our homes

After watching conference - this was sent to me. I REALLY like it - and it opened my eyes. Listen to it - you will feel the spirit of it - and I hope with all my heart you will gain a testimony of it.

I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Elder McKell's shaved head!

So - Elder McKell plays soccer last week. Well - in order to get "INTO" the game - his companion and him decide to shave their heads like mohawks. HAHAHA! Well - on the way home from the coast - an hour and a half away... they have to stop at the Mission President's office. So - they can't let the Mission President see them like that, right?? So - they put hoodies on, like the gansta's they are (it's P-day) and go in. Of course, they are greeted immediately by Pres. Dyches! (Which makes it all the more funnier!) He is thinking "I am SO going to get busted"!

Well - they finally made it home - and they had to shave their heads. Here is a picture of Elder McKell. Te Quiero!!! AND - 424242!!

Relative Humility

Well - this morning was REALLY fun! (When you listen to this - just turn our music off at the right). Amy, my daughter in law, called us the other day, and said the the popular radio station G105 was having a contest based on a new television series, "Opportunity Knocks". Well, we called in and became one of the families that would be involved in the contest! We each had to answer a series of questions to see how well we know our family.

NO CHEATING ALLOWED! =) The girls were up for it - and we had a blast. It took a few days to complete - and then we were live on the air at about 8am this morning. WE WON!! We won a really cool camera (worth over $200.00 bucks) and some Janet Jackson Tix and some backstage passes!! We get some free T-Shirts..and we will see what else. We won 7-2.

Listen and enjoy!

Vinny's Parents

Vinny's parents are just the greatest! They raised the man I love to be the man he is today. "Nana" (Mom) is always doing for others, sending out little gifts for the girls, writing me little letters, calling to check on me. She truly cares, and it really shows. She has a contagious smile and laugh and she knows EVERYBODY! Once you know her, she is your friend. Plus - I've never seen ANYONE drive an RV quite like Mom! =) She is the best, and I truly admire her. I want her to know how much I love her for making me feel so much a part of the family.

"Granddad" (Dad) - well - what can I say about him? He is adored by his grandchildren, looked up to by his children, and he is a good - honest - decent man. He stands for integrity, honesty, he is a true Christian. He is always supportive of us, and I'm astounded sometimes at all the things that he taught Vinny to do as a young boy/man. It seems he is the best handyman ever.

We sometimes take our parents for granted, but I really felt like writing today and thanking our parents for making us who we are. Thank you Mom and Dad, for all you do for us. We love you so much!

My Parents

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As I have gone through my older years, there have been many times when I have turned to my parents - and they have had good council for me. I will never forget a about ten-twelve years ago, when my Dad felt very prompted to sit down and write a letter on Pride. I hold that letter in highest esteem. It seems that he is always there when we need him.

These past few weeks/months have been very trying on us. We have turned to the Lord so many times. And Vinny has called my Dad - (he calls him "Pops") to talk of gospel things. Last night my Dad felt once again impressed to talk to us about a talk from General Conference by David Bednar -" The Tender Mercies of the Lord."

I just want my parents to know how much we love them. I'm so glad I was raised in a home with the gospel - being taught gospel principles and learning correct truths. I was hugged and loved and told "I love you" daily. We knelt in family prayer. We had scripture study. We had family home evening. We were taught to love one another and be Christlike.

I truly love you, Mom and Dad. I just want you to know. You are the best. Thank you for your undying support and love. You may not be rich in the things of the world, but you are the richest people I know in the things of the gospel.

What a Missionary!

This week has been somewhat challenging. We have found ourselves calling upon the Lord several times. We have decided that no matter what - we will put our lives in the Lord's hands and do His will. Once we decided that -we have felt great peace.

In the midst of all of this - we received a beautiful letter from Morgan's mission president, President Dyches. Vinny wrote a book called "Grace Divine" and sent it to him. It is truly a marvelous book - and we have had several wonderful comments about it - it is available for sale on his Celestine Publishing site. (On the right hand side of our blog). I just have to share some of the comments of that letter.

He thanked us for the book, and talked specifically about two chapters. He said it would help him teach about the importance of grace with those who perhaps feel we approach salvation by "earning our way to heaven".
He said a few other things and ended with this.

"Elder McKell is an outstanding Elder. I want you to know that he teaches the Gospel with power and inspiration. He is an excellent mentor to his companion.

May the Lord bless you always in His work."


I just had to share. This letter uplifted our hearts, warmed our very souls, and touched our lives. Elder McKell is doing AWESOME! We are SO SO proud of him!! Elder McKell's letter this week talked of a woman that he had the opportunity of getting ready to baptize. He is a District Leader, and though he has is struggles at times, he LOVES the work he is doing. He loves his companion, and he loves his Mission President. He loves the gospel - and I am so touched by hearing the man he has become. He is a breath of fresh air - and I miss him and love him so much! Te quiero, Elder McKell!