Sep 4, 2008

Believe it or Not......My baby is 12


Ali's 12th birthday was a bitter sweet thing for me. Turning 12 marks that Ali is really growing up. I don't know when it happened, but Ali has turned into an amazing young woman. Did I blink between her turning 8 and now 12? I feel like the time has flown by.

3 things that Ali loves about being 12
1. Being in Young Women's
2. Getting her ears pierced
3. And, last but not least being able to go to the temple.

3 things that I love
1. Watching her grow up as a member of The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
2. Being able to be her Mom and witness her growth first hand
3. That Heavenly father decided to bless me with her special Spirit

Mermaid, Again?

I let my kids choose what cake they want me to make for their birthday and oddly enough, Ali chose the same birthday cake that she did for her 8th birthday.

Mermaid cake 2008


Mermaid cake 2004

Sep 2, 2008

I get yet another Mom of the Year award. Is this life as #6?


The Puzzler


I don't know how it happened, but one day we got out some puzzles for Kandrea and the rest is history. She is doing 100 piece puzzles on her own with no help from us. She gets quite possessive over her puzzles. You are pretty special if she will let you help her do the puzzle. The girl must have a photographic memory. It is interesting to watch her put the puzzle together. I have yet to figure out her strategy.

Sep 1, 2008

Ginger Dee Clinton (Mom, Wife, Sister and Friend...)


My sister-in-law (I think of her as my sister), Ginger, passed away on July 20, 2008 in the early morning from a rare heart condition. She leaves behind an amazing husband, Jason and their four children, Erin(8), Jenna(6), Brady(3) and Holly(1). All of our hearts are breaking for the loss of our sister and friend. We all feel a void without her presence here with us. None of us feel what her sweet husband and amazing children have to be feeling at this time. Our hearts and prayers go out to them. What peace the Gospel can bring at this devastating time of loss. I am truly grateful for the knowledge that I will see my sister again. The other night, I had a dream about Ginger. It gave me the opportunity to see her sweet smiling face in person once again. Right as I went to hug her, I woke up. I am awaiting the day when I will get my hug....You are loved Ginger Dee Clinton...You will live in our hearts until we meet again...

Ginger's Sweet Family




















A Mom's Words of Wisdom




This is a letter that Ginger wrote for Erin and Jenna's school emergency kit. What a sweet note that her children will always have. It is great advice for the rest of their lives. While I was preparing my talk on The Gift of The Holy Ghost for Erin's baptism, this letter kept coming to my mind. I felt like I should incorporate it in my talk. I likened the letter to something similar to what Jesus would have written to his followers before he had to leave this Earth. I think that He would have said a lot of the same things that Ginger said. What a priceless gift for her children.

Mary or Martha?


When Ginger and I were together it was a case of Mary and Martha. Which was Ginger do you ask? Well, those of you who knew Ginger, knew the answer to that question right away...she was Mary and I was Martha. In the New Testament, it reads, Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (St. Luke 10:38-42)
Let me explain a little. Ginger spent her time building relationships with the loved ones and friends around her. She didn't sweat the small stuff. She didn't waste her time trying to put on a show for others to admire. She was always the first person to be willing to just hang out and talk. When I really needed to talk about everything and nothing at the same time, she was the one I would call. She was never too busy to talk. I am sure that she was busy when I would call, but she never let me know it. She understood that time here on this earth is precious and I feel that she knew without really knowing that we do not have a moment to waste stressing and sweating the small stuff. I hope that in time, I can learn that wonderful lesson that she so freely lived.

Lilia's Baby Blessing

Photo Anyone?







I use to get a little bothered by all of the picture taking that goes on in The Zierenberg famiy, but thank goodness for all of the amazing memories that have been captured by all of the photo enthusiasts. The thanks goes to my mother-in-law for passing this trait on.

Annual Beach House Trip


I will probably get in trouble for posting this picture. Don't worry girls, we all look equally as pretty. It doesn't happen often that the girls find time to go out in the ocean together

Ahhhhhh...Naptime, Mom's favorite time of the day!

Fun new steps for Lily girl






Our little sweet Lily pad is growing up. She is trying to crawl, but she just mostly sits in the start position and then eventually lays down. She gets tired really quick. Then she is ready for a snack. Lily is one of the best eaters we have ever had. The girl can put the food away. She loves every veggie that we have given her, but Cheerios have to be her favorite treat.