Chocolate Cheesecake

A few years ago I went on a quest to make the perfect chocolate cheesecake. I learned a lot on my  journey and after many failed recipes, I took what I'd learned, combined some recipes, and came up with this fantastic, tempting, delicious recipe. No, it's not healthy, but every now and then its okay to splurge... and this, well, this is worth every decadent calorie.   

Crust: 
24 Oreo Cookies, crushed
6 Tbsp. butter, melted

Filling: 
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
4 large eggs
2 tea vanilla extract

Topping: 
Whipped Cream
Chocolate Sauce


Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press onto bottom and 1" up side of a 10" springform pan.

In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in Sweetened Condensed Milk. Mix until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Pour into prepared crust. Bake 60 minutes in a water bath. When time is up, turn off heat but leave cake in oven for 1 hour. Remove from oven, cover, and refrigerate.

(Tip: two premade chocolate crusts can be used as a short cut instead of making an oreo one from scratch.)

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 30 - Conversations with Diety

There are few things I cherish as much as the beautiful opportunity to converse with my Father in Heaven. I can't imagine trying to fumble my way through this life without His help. There is a comfort and a power in knowing that I can turn to Him for anything and that He wants to help me find joy and peace. I know what it's like to make decisions without Him. I also know the uncertainty and indecision that dissolve as I involve Him in my life. I am grateful to know that I am the daughter of deity and that He really does love and care about me. I am grateful for a personal relationship with our Eternal Father that allows me to find joy, peace, comfort, and purpose in my life. I am grateful for the knowledge that I can turn to Him and that He is ALWAYS there.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 29 - The Power of Paint

As individual as we are at our house, so are our rooms. Each of our children gets to reflect their personality in the decor of their personal space, and I think it is safe to say that we like color. White walls are for hospitals; your home should reflect the warmth and depth of your personality. All my years of interior designing and decorating have taught me that the cheapest and most effective way to change any space is with a nice little bucket of paint and a few hours of sweat labor. And the best thing about it? If you don't like it, its easy to change! 

I am so grateful for the ease at which I can change any space in my home. I love fresh paint and I love color.

 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 28 - Good Food

Though I haven't always believed it, good food is about more than taste, presentation, and texture. In fact, the last few years have been quite a 'food' journey for me.There was a time that my day was a play from one sugary, processed snack to another. I'd start my day with a delicious bowl of Lucky Charms or Cocoa Puffs (w/ half and half, of course!) and end it with a bowl (ok, who are we kidding? It was more like half of a carton) of ice cream. Luckily, good genetics and a forgiving metabolism have saved me from some of the serious complications that are typical of that diet. Even more luckily, however, was the discovery that the way I feel - physically and mentally - is directly linked to the foods I put in my mouth! 

Surprise! Turns out our bodies aren't designed to be chemistry labs. I know, crazy, right? 

About 4 years ago our family began a journey to re-align our diet with the Word of Wisdom. We started by cutting out additives like hydrogenated oils, artificial dies, and high fructose corn syrups. Slowly we've almost completely eliminated all processed foods from our pantry. Other than whole grain pastas, we pretty much skip over any packaged items at the grocery store. We consume lean poultry and meats in appropriate (4 - 6 oz) proportions, and instead load up on fruits and vegetables.

This fall, I decided to take my personal diet a step further, eliminating all refined sugar (including white flour) except for on special occasions. I'm not going to lie, it has its difficult moments! But the rewards have been worth the sacrifice. I feel better now than I can remember ever feeling. My chronic body pains and headaches have all but stopped. My body feels (and looks!) strong and healthy! And, slowly but surely, I find myself craving healthy choices over desserts. I am grateful for healthy, natural foods that taste good and more importantly make me feel good.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 27 - Socks

Tis the season of stinkin' cold days outside and, for whatever reason, the blood-circulating mechanism in my feet likes to go on strike from October through March. Thus, today I am grateful for socks to keep my toesies warm and cozy. 

That's it. Nothing too inspiring, I know. Socks. Just warm, snuggly, cute socks. 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 26 - Garage Mechanics

For several weeks my son and I had to share a vehicle while his sat in the garage - DEAD! Sure, we could have towed it into a professional mechanic shop and for some surely ridiculous price tag, paid to have it fixed... but, where's the fun in that? Instead, for several nights my hubby, brother, and son were up to their elbows in grease as they rebuilt and dropped in a new engine. And, as the fruits of their labor fired up and pulled out of the garage symbolizing the end to my days of juggling a car with a teenager, I was soooo grateful for my cute garage mechanics.

(On a side note - I am also grateful for the father-son time that was spent and the unbreakable bonds established between the men I love.)

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 25 - Boy Scouts

The Boy Scout program recently celebrated its 100th birthday in the United States. Though some may feel it's an antiquated program, I am grateful for the role it has played in the development of my husband and sons. This weekend, in particular, I am grateful for the Boy Scout program. 

Saturday was my oldest son's Eagle Court of Honor... and, yes, I am one proud mama. But more than that pride, I am grateful for an institution that sets high standards for our youth and helps mold our boys in to honorable men. I am grateful for a program that teaches the value of setting goals and achieving them. I am grateful for an institution that supports the Constitution of our great country. I am grateful for it's unwavering promotion of God and faith. I am grateful for the myriad of skills learned and the memories made through hands-on adventures. I am grateful for the men and women who donate their time, energy, expertise, and in many cases money, to help our young men have quality experiences. And, I am grateful for the small role I've been able to play, hopefully "making the difference in the life of a boy." 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 24 - Floccinaucinihilipilificatious Words

There's a certain satisfaction to hearing my daughter chide me for using words that are "TOO BIG."  The funny thing is, I don't think my vocabulary could by any means be considered a plethora of ostentatious or prodigious words. In fact, often in conversation I suffer from a touch of lethologica. However, I'll admit, I do have a fascination with words. I gravitate towards "educated" words and find myself abhorred by derogatory or profane ones. I truly believe that the language we choose to use is a direct reflection of our intelligence. Spencer W. Kimball said it best when he said, "Profanity is the attempt of a feeble mind to express itself forceably." 

Though sometimes I find my writing a bit farctated with lesser-known vocabulary, I'm not a cantankerous conversationalist by any means (or at least I don't think I am), and I am far from a abecedarian. And I'm certainly not an agelast. In fact, sometimes I defenstrate good manners and find myself neck deep in the cachinnation of immature things such as borborygmus and other normal bodily functions kids find funny. -

Yup, I'm grateful for a knowledge of words and their meanings. I'm grateful for a mind that's like a sponge and for children that make me feel somewhat smart. And, when I'm at a loss for words or I don't know what something means, I'm grateful for online dictionaries. As I'll bet you are too at this point, because surely you had to google at least one word in this post. (I did!) 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 23 - My Prerogative

Daily I count the blessings that make it possible for me to do what I want to do when I want to do it. I am grateful that my husband's employment provides us with the necessities of life so that I don't have to punch a time clock. I am grateful that I get to spend my time with my children and that I am in a position to always be able to put my family first. I am thankful that I get to make my own writing schedule and that I have a publisher that isn't overly demanding of my time. I am thankful that the only boss I have to answer to is myself (although, I'm probably the most demanding boss I've ever had!).

If I want to take a walk - I take my camera. If I want a new piece of art work - I paint a picture. If a book is calling my name - I read it. If my muse is speaking - I write. I'm grateful that I can dictate the manner in which I spend my days and the order in which I prioritize the things on my to-do list.

Yes, I am a girl with a prerogative and I'm not afraid to use it!!!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 22 - Smart Phones

I'm not gonna lie, three years ago when my hubby surprised me with my first smart phone, I cried... Not figuratively, LITERALLY!  I went on and on about how I am invisible to touch sensor technology. Heck, the "magic" sinks in public restrooms NEVER work for me! There isn't a touch pad debit machine that recognizes my existence, and even the RedBox can't seem to sense me pounding on its screen. Why in the world would he think a smart phone would be any different? - For days, I cried out of frustration, because, just as I predicted, that stupid phone wasn't smart enough to recognize me... and then, magically, one day it did. 

Today, my smart phone is my life line. I depend on it to keep me linked with the "important" stuff in my life (ie: publisher, friends, family), it feeds me my daily dose of news, and occasionally, I find a moment to blow on a mindless game. It organizes my time, takes photos, and even helps map my route to new places, leaving only one question left unanswered: How did I ever survive without this thing?

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 21 - My Laptop

I know I said that my camera was the one piece of technology I couldn't live without, but my laptop is a close second. I have a really nice home office with an expensive desk, an exquisite view, and a great PC; however, I've grown to prefer my laptop. Why? Simple: cause I can use it while lounging on the couch! Hope's Journey was started on a PC, but finished on my laptop. My upcoming release, Everything You Need to Know About Girls Camp was written 100% on my laptop. My monthly scouting newsletter, The Eagle Ridge Talon, is, you guessed it, usually always constructed on my laptop.

Could I function without out it? Yes. Do I want to? No.

Thank you, highly technical geek-types for making this little standard a "comfort" in my life.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 20 - Sugar Free Hot Cocoa

There are few concessions for a sugar-addict who chooses to "eat clean." It seems that almost every product at the grocery store contains, among other "toxins", sugar and/or refined wheat. And, as I've come to discover, most sugar-free or sugar-alternative products are better left alone. On a cold day, however, nothing quite hits the spot like a piping hot mug of sugar-free cocoa. Okay, so its not the same as a piping hot mug of the full sugar stuff, but for this girl, it hits the spot. So, as the days shorten and the nights wax cold, I am grateful for evenings spent cuddled by the fire with a steamy hot mug of sugar-free goodness. 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 19 - Music

Some people have been blessed with musical talents and abilities that are nothing short of extraordinary... and for their talents, I am grateful. My musical ability begins and ends with the ability to turn the stereo (or iPod) on. On the heals of the AMA's, I am reminded how much the musical talents of others shape my life. I love music... pop music, country music, inspirational music, and especially funny music. I like songs that have embedded humor as well as songs that motivate me to be a better person. On my current play list you will find: The Zac Brown Band, Pink, Maroon 5, Train, and Blake Shelton to name a few.

I like to sing loudly in my car. I like to dance crazily in my kitchen. But trust me, because I choose not to torture you, those performances are reserved for the eyes/ears of my family only.... Yes, you are welcome! :)

If you want to see someone who's qualified to do both, check this talent out: Pink's AMA performance of "Try"

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 18 - My Camera

I'm not really a "gadget" girl, per say, but there is one piece of technology that I pretty much couldn't live without.What can I say, I love my camera! We're pretty much attached at the hip... uh, errrr, neck-strap. There is a joy directly associated with capturing a moment in time. The balance of light, texture, color, and shape is a masterpiece waiting to be captured. Nature is the most beautiful canvas; human emotion the most masterful design.  - And the ability to capture it all... absolutely amazing! 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 17 - Friends

When I was a kid I thought friends were the people who I hung out with every day. They were the girls who played barbies with me and  the boys who chased me in games of cops and robbers. "BFF" status was based solely on availability to hang-out with me after school.  - Then adult hood reared it's big ugly head and I began to realize what a real friend was.... And I have been blessed with some of the best friends on the planet!

I am grateful for all of the friends that have blessed my life - for those who have held my hand in tough times and for those who've held my heart despite separations of time or distance. I'm grateful for the ladies who keep me up laughing into the early morning hours. I am grateful for friends who offer me a hand when I need it (even when I think I don't!)  I am grateful for my scouting friends, my ward friends, and my long-time friends. For those who knew me "way back when" and those who've recently crossed my path.

Thanks to all my friends for not laughing (too hard) at me! Thanks for putting up with my blabber. And most of all, thank you for enriching my life!

Friendship Quotes

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 16 - Time

I, like most of you, find the hands of time spinning faster than I can keep up. From the moment my eyes open till the time I crash to bed, I am going... doing... living!

And, though I don't get to spend all of my time doing what I want to do, I am grateful for that moments that lend themselves to strengthening my family, expanding my knowledge, and continually moving towards becoming a better person.

So, here's to time! Time to read. Time to write. Time to play. And time to build memories with those that I love.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 15 - A Miraculous Gift

It was the spring of 2009. My then six year old son was exercising his independence by helping make his lunch. He'd successfully maneuvered the opener around a can of applesauce. Reaching for the newly released lid, he grabbed the sharp edge and in a single clean swipe, took off the top of his thumb.

The following spring in an equally random event, he took off the top of one of his fingers.

Today my son has two complete hands. Why? Because the human body is a miraculous organism with incredible, intricate, and frankly, astonishing, healing abilities.

Like my son, I have had my share of injuries. I've had more incidents/traumas than I can possibly remember and more stitches than I could ever count. I've delivered four babies - each miracles of their own right!  I've had my share of aches and pains, bumps and bruises - and yet, day after day this perfectly imperfect, miraculous mechanism we call a body, continues to self-repair and recuperate.

I am grateful for a divinely designed body - complete with it's little idiosyncrasies and imperfections. I am grateful for it's power to heal and repair. Our bodies are truly a gifts from a miraculous, loving creator - Gifts that deserve our utmost care and respect, no doubt.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 14: Bright Futures

I have the privilege to rub shoulders with some of the most amazing young people on the planet. In a somewhat rare opportunity, I get to work both with the Young Women in my LDS congregation and the Boy Scouts of my community.... And I can say without a doubt, there is no place I'd rather be! These kids are remarkable. They bring me joy today and give me hope for our future.  I am grateful for the chance to witness their greatness in bloom. 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 13 - My Shadow(s)

Someone once shared the thought that "there are people who love their families and there are people who love their dogs." To that I would respond, "I love my dogs because they are a part of my family!"

There's a certain companionship and love that can only come from a canine friend. As ridiculous as it may sound to some of you, I consider my "puppies" to be my non-complaining, ever-loving, always devoted children.

Lilah is my sweet little 120 pound "baby girl." It's hard to believe it's been almost five years since we brought home our clumsy, awkward, big-pawed puppy. And, while she's definitely grown into her paws, she's still just as clumsy and awkward as she was back then. I begin and end every day with her jowls rested on the edge of my bed and her sappy eyes beckoning for my attention. She is my constant companion in the very literal sense of the word. If I'm writing, she's by my side. If I'm cooking, she's by my side. If I pick up my car keys, she beats me to the door. If I'm watching TV, she's watching too. And if I sit on the floor... well, of course, she sits ON MY LAP!

About ten years ago we rescued Rocky. How someone could neglect, abuse, and abandon this loving little guy, I will never understand. Though we weren't in the market for another dog, the moment Rocky met my husband it was love. He jumped onto Ry's lap and nestled his nose dotingly into his neck. Of course, with a move like that we had we had to bring him home. Over the years he's successfully intertwined himself into each of our hearts, and in return we've sufficiently spoiled him.

I am grateful for these two little (okay, one's not so little!) shadows in my day. I am grateful for their sweet, adoring eyes that want nothing more than a little sliver of my love. I am grateful for their companionship and their non-judgmental, ever-accepting devotion.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 12 - Clean Closets

If you're unfamiliar with OCD, it comes in various forms. There are washers, doubters, checkers, counters, hoarders, and as is my case, arrangers. I don't like the word "arranger" though - it lacks that smooth-roll-off-ones-tongue ability. I prefer "organizer."

As you might imagine, in a house with six people, maintaining organization isn't an easy feat. There are moments when my obsessive need for order finds me fighting the compulsion to clean up everything.... the right way! (Which, FYI, is always my way!) I have to remind myself that it's okay for the cereal boxes to be out of order, for the dishwasher to be loaded chaotically, for the bath towels to be folded in halves (instead of thirds) and randomly sorted instead of color coded. These, I'm trying to convince myself, are normal habits of non-OCDer's and there's not harm in being NORMAL...

Or, is there?

Needless to say, I'm always grateful for any semblance of order I can find... and keep. Today that order exists in my closet. (Not the kids closets, mind you. Those you'd be good to sport a face mask before opening.) Their color-coded, equally spaced, neatly arranged order - while it may seem ridiculous to you - brings peace to my chaos and puts a smile on my face.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 11 - Heroes

In the early morning hours of Sept. 12, 2001, I restlessly lay in bed, angst ridden about the attacks on this land that I love. Never has my citizenship meant so much to me as it has since that now historic day. But it wasn't the images on TV or the influx of patriotism that touched me most...

As I prayed for peace and comfort in those quiet morning hours, reassurance swept over me in the form of a Black Hawk helicopter. Though they frequently fly over our area for training exercises, never before had one shaken our windows at 3:00 am. And, in those moments, that unexpected presences meant the world to me. I took comfort then - as I have every moment since - that I live in a country of freedom and security BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM.  Gratitude doesn't begin to encapsulate the feelings of debt and honor with which I have for our service men and women.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Ten - My Eldest

I don't know where the last eighteen years have gone, for surely it doesn't seem like my time with my first born has been that long. Even before he was born I knew that he was one of Heavenly Father's most special spirits. Little did I know, however, what a GIFT he would be in my life!

I've learned SO much from this kid! He's intelligent beyond his own comprehension, but even more than that he is KIND! Never in my life have a met someone with such a compassionate heart and an unquenchable desire to serve others. Not a day passes where he doesn't seek to lift someone's burden or brighten their day. He's such an example to me - and to his siblings. He's a wonderful big brother, cousin, and friend.

I'm grateful for this young man who calls me "mother" and am humbled to have him in my life. I look up to him and am excited at all the possibilities that await his future!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Nine - Our Caboose

If I tried to claim that "I don't know where this kid came from," it would be a lie. This lively spirit that completes our family is, I'm sure, a clone of his father! From day one, "Boo" has been gracing our home with his smile, his energy, and quite frankly, his teasing antics. He's fearless, yet humble. Silly, yet compassionate. Smart, yet playful - a perfectly balanced bundle of delight.

And the best part is, although he's well on his way to being bigger than me (believe me, he compares our heights almost daily), he's content to be my LITTLE BUDDY. He graces me every morning with a kiss and a hug. He fills my day with smiles and is never afraid to let me know how much he loves me....  

I am so unbelievably grateful for this little guy. He truly lights up my world! - I love you, "Boo", and hope you never outgrow your mommy! 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Eight - My Awesome One

Last night, my daughter Talia received her Young Women's Recognition Award. For those of you unfamiliar with this program, I suppose it can be best described as the Eagle Scout equivalent for girls. At the culmination of three years worth of setting and achieving personal goals, providing many hours of service, and learning multiple life-long skills, she has certainly made her parents proud! 

I am grateful to be the mom of this wonderful, talented, fun young lady! Not only is she smart beyond belief and oozing with talent, she is also "wet-your-pants" funny and the stubborn equivalent of her mother! She fills our kitchen with the delightful smell of baked goods and my life with laughter. She gives me undeniable hope for the future of our society. I love you, "Awesome One", and am grateful every day that you chose me to be your mom! 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Seven - My Lu

Last night I went to bed feeling the utmost gratitude for my daughter Olivia.Yesterday, in a culmination of many projects, Olivia helped me cross a major "to-do" off my ever growing list. Together we conquered the daunting task of cleaning out and reorganizing our laundry room cabinets. For this, I am grateful. But there are so many other reason's I thank my Heavenly Father for sending us this sweet girl.

(BTW: she penciled herself into my calendar for a "grateful post" later this month in correlation with her birthday.... silly girl thinks I can wait 30 days to express my gratitude for her!)

As a baby we coined her our "Angel." She was exactly the sweet, easy going, happy baby we needed in our home. With big brown eyes and an even bigger heart, she daily fills our home with joy. Her tender nature is a pleasant breeze in a home full of type-A personalities. She is helpful and kind and smart... and beautiful to the core. Thanks, "Lu", for simply being the wonderful you that you are!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Six - Ancestory

What do a 18th century Rhode Island freed (black )man, a 19th century (English) Australian exilee, a Confederate soldier, and a body guard for Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith have in common? How about an Italian immigrant, an English servant, or 16th century Irish royalty?

These are but a few of the threads that, when woven intricately together, make up the fabric that is me.

I think its safe to say, that like many Americans, I am truly a potpourri of ethnic, cultural, and even religious backgrounds. I have ancestors that called their home England, Germany, Scotland, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, and some who were even North American Natives. Some were royalty and some were servants. Some were law-makers, and likewise, some were law-breakers. Interestingly enough, if you dig back a few generations, my family line crosses that of President Borack Obama. I'd bet if I did enough digging, I've probably got a distant link to Mitt Romney in there too.

What does this tell me? Well, simply put, that we are all a big interconnect family. If we trace enough names, I'm probably related to you somehow too....

But honestly, family history is more than just plotting names on a tree. Each of these individuals that makes up my past has a story. They are more than a name, they are a person, and each of them has contributed - some in large ways and others in less easily measured ones - to make me the person I am.

I am grateful for the men and women who paved the way before me. I am thankful for who they were and what they did that made my life possible. I am honored by the great personalities that make up my ancestry.

"If you don't recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your ow stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are." - Madeleine L'Engle

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Five - Right to Vote

Last week, armed with facts, figures, and my personal convictions, I ventured to my polling place and took advantage of the great opportunity to cast my vote. I'm not into partisan politics and rarely do I find myself aligned with one party or the other, but as a CITIZEN of the United States, I am grateful for the RIGHT TO VOTE. 

Whether you swing blue or red or somewhere in between, the RIGHT TO VOTE is a privilege and a responsibility none of us should take lightly. While there is no perfect candidate for any office, as an American people we have the responsibility to do our research, learn the facts, and make a decision based on our own findings and opinions. 

On the eve of the 2012 elections, I am thankful to live in a country where my voice counts. Indeed, as a citizen of this great country, I am grateful for the right to vote! 

"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting." = Franklin D. Roosevelt

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Four - Goodly Parents

A handful (or more) of years ago, two young people fell in love, got married, and decided to start a family. 

Cliche as it may sound, I am grateful for that decision. Without them not only would I not be the person I am today, but quite frankly, I wouldn't be. Period. My existence depended on that beautiful young blonde and her stubborn, long-haired beau. 

I am so grateful for the parents I have been blessed with. They've taught me the value of hard work. They've taught me about unconditional love. They sacrificed much for me and my siblings when we were young, and they continue to do so today.  I'm grateful for the things that they taught me and the virtues that they've showed me. I am thrilled by their support and involvement in my children's lives. 

Every day I see hints of them in me (and I'm not gonna lie, some of those revelations are more delightful than others!) Being a parent is hard work. So, at times, is being a spouse. I'm grateful for the example my parents set for me in both of these aspects.  

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Three - A Loving Savior

Many years ago I had an experience that literally brought me to my knees. I was crippled by my deficiencies; broken by my mistakes. My state of imperfection was not just humbling, it was horrifying!  There was no hope of ever measuring up... 

And, without the grace of our Savior, there was no hope of making my wrongs right. 

I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. My testimony in him was founded at one of the lowest points of my life, but my need for his divine love and intervening grace is never ceasing. I am grateful for the knowledge that He is there to help me through the hard times. I am grateful for His Atoning sacrifice on my behalf. I am humbled that He would suffer for me. I am humbled that He would die for me. And I am humbled that He would advocate for me with our Father.    

Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is my Brother... He is my Friend. I am grateful for my relationship with Him and for HIS LOVE for ME!  

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Two - Motherhood

It's hard to imagine an existence without my children. Motherhood has defined my life in a way that my once highly desired career path never could have. I am grateful for the opportunity and the PRIVILEGE to be the mother to four of the most AMAZING people to walk this planet!

Four very different young personalities grace our home - and I LOVE and CHERISH each of them. My life is complete because of their very existence. They inspire me with their talents and abilities. They make me laugh, they help me grow, and I'm not sure a single day has past that they didn't teach me something.

   

I'm humbled to have been entrusted with such amazing spirits. I am honored by their examples of love and service. And I am grateful for the blessing of being their mother.  

30 Days of Gratitude: Day One - My Better Half

I've decided to take on the challenge of posting each day this month one thing for which I am grateful. Coming up with 30 things is not hard for me, because, honestly, I have much gratitude for the many blessings in my life. Posting on my blog EVERY DAY for 30 days, however, may be a futile challenge! 

Day One:

When I count my BLESSINGS, I count him TWICE!

Many moons ago, when I was young, spunky, and perhaps even a bit foolish, I met an equally young, kind of quiet, and very wise (I mean, obviously: he married me!) young man. Little did either of us know at that tender age just how intertwined our futures would become.

Even then, he was different from the other guys I knew. The first time he tenderly kissed my forehead, I was a goner.  That soft-spoken, kind, and oh, so very patient boy was exactly what this loud-mouthed, opinionated, handful of a girl needed. He balanced me perfectly - and, four kids and seventeen years of marriage later, he still does.

He is the anchor that keeps this OCD nut sane. His patience is impeccable, his devotion unmatched. His constant pursuit of faith and knowledge inspire me. His wisdom humbles me. His laughter recharges me and his smile melts my soul! Today and everyday, I am grateful for my Ryan.

Healer's Destiny

Welcome to the media blast for Healer's Destiny, the great new novel from author Julee F Page.

Not only are you entered for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Julee F Page, you also have the chance to win a copy of Healer's Destiny, as well as lots of other prizes from other authors and bloggers. In total there are 8 prizes to give away. That means 8 winners!

Enter on the Rafflecopter on this page, then hop on over to the other participating blogs listed beneath the Rafflercopter for more chances to enter.

A war is waged on humanity when the kingdom of Kavorin
realizes only male heirs are being born. The curse can only be broken by a
young girl brought up in secret. Her heritage protects her from human magic,
but in order to break the curse she must leave everything she holds dear and
face the most powerful man in the kingdom.

The daughter of a gifted blacksmith and student to the great
magician Gethin, Eliana finds her world turned upside down as she leaves her
home to fulfill her destiny. Trolls, heartless bandits, and dragons are only a
few of the dangers Eliana will face on her journey. What she doesn’t expect to
find is an angry god behind the chaos her world has been suffering from for so
many years.  

 

About the Author

Julee Page is an RN from SLC, UT. She lives with her husband
and two beautiful sons. Reading has always been a passion of hers and writing followed easily behind. While she loves all types of literature, Fantasy and Science Fiction are her favorites. She hopes her works will be enjoyed by many in the years to come.

 You can discover more about Julee at the following links:

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