I added a new song on my play list today. It's Twinkle little star and I chose this for my sweet little grandson Ian. When Ashleigh and Alex went to Hawaii, Mal and I took care of the boys. Ian was just a little guy and when I would put him in his crib and tuck him in, I would sing this song. He would listen and look up at me with those big beautiful eyes and that incredibly sweet smile. Even in the semidarkness his eyes would shine and we would have these "precious moments", just us two.

Grandma is doing great! She has her appetite back and is so much stronger. Grandpa Jim is still in the hospital. They are doing tests and think he might have valley fever. We hope he has a quick recovery!
I got this story from the gal that taught R.S. Ive always loved it.

There is a story told about a man who was asleep one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told him he had a work for him to do and showed him a large rock. Explaining that he was to push against the rock with all his might. This the man did and for many days he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulder set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, satan decided to enter the picture, placing thoughts in the mans mind such as,"Why kill yourself over this, you're never going to move it." or, "Boy, you've been at it here for a long time and you haven't even scratched the surface", etc., giving the man the impression that his task was impossible and that he was an unworthy and unprofitable servant because he wasn't moving the massive stone.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man and he started to ease up in his efforts. "Why kill myself" he thought. "I'll just put in my time, putting forth just the minimum and that will be good enough". And that he did, or at least planned on doing until he decided to take his troubles to the Lord.

"Lord" he said, "I have labored long and hard in thy service putting forth all my strength to do that which you have asked me, yet after all this time I haven't even budged that rock half a millimeter! What is wrong? Why am I failing?

To this the Lord responded compassionately, "My friend...when long ago I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you to push against the rock with all your strength, and that you have done. But never once did I mention unto you that I expected you to move it! At least not all by yourself. Your task was to push. And now you have come to me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed and ready to quit. But is that really so? Look at yourself, your arms are strong and muscled, your back sunned and brown, your hands are calloused from constant pressure and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have, yet you still haven't succeeded in moving the rock, and you come to me with a heavy heart and your strength spent., I, my friend, will move the rock. Your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in my wisdom, and this you have done."

Be sure and head down to the bottom of this page and visit my playlist. Malorie is working on this for me and I'm loving listening to some of my favorite songs and artists.
Mom had a better day yesterday, the evening before was a little rough- and hopefully today will be even better!!! She is still pretty weak so keep up those prayers. A few days ago Mason called Grandma. "Do you feel better, Grandma Curtis? Did you hear my prayers for you high in the sky?" " Yes, I did." " Oh!" And then he ran off to tell Ian all about it!

Good News!!
Grandma is doing well. She is still in ICU but they keep telling her she will be in a regular room soon. As soon as she feels hungry, she can eat and she has not had to have any pain medication, which is amazing. When I went to see her today, she was watching "Jeopardy" so that was a really good sign.She is going to make it up to Utah, I'm just sure of that, for the reunions.
The next great news is that my brother Craig is getting his first book published!! It is the western, and of course he already has another book completed. It is with Granite and so I will be selling his book at Deseret. I am so excited--- it's about time!

I regret to inform you that I need to give a warning! If you are one who likes to go in and read the posted comments, beware of "Valpal". She is related to me, but only by blood! She really can't help it, it is the Curtis genes running amuck in her veins!! She is a feisty one.When we would get into a fight as young girls, I would grab one hunk of her hair, and she would grab mine and we would pull as hard as we could! We really didn't fight that much because we loved each other so much....and we still do now that we are, um, mature women!! All kidding aside, I love you sister!

Thank you, Lauren,For taking and posting these pictures for me. Of course I don't know how to do it yet!! Now my kitchen is almost complete. When Darrell hears me say that, he just cringes!

Just a few more for good measure.

This post is for Ashleigh because she helped me get these for Mothers Day, for Valorie because she appreciates beauty, and for Big Papa who put in a request.

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother"

" The noblest calling in the world is that of a Mother. Motherhood is the most beautiful of all the arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who bears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give." David O. McKay

" My Mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it." Mark Twain

"Always be nice to your children because they will choose your rest home." Phyllis Diller

" A little boy forgot his lines in a Sunday school program. His Mother was in the front row to prompt him. She gestured and formed the words silently with her lips, but it did not help. Her son's memory was blank. Finally, she leaned forward and whispered the clue, "I am the Light of the world". The child beamed and with great feeling and a loud clear voice said, " My Mother is the light of the world."

" My husband and I are either going to buy a dog or have a child. We cant decide whether to ruin our carpets or ruin our lives." Rita Rudner

For two solid hours, the lady sitting next to a man on an airplane had told him about her grandchildren. She had even produced a plastic foldout album of all nine children. She finally realized that she had dominated the entire conversation on her grandchildren. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I know you certainly have something to say. Please,tell me.... what do you think of my grandchildren?"

I absolutely love being a daughter,sister,wife,mother and grandmother. These are the roles I have chosen in the theater of life, and although I don't deserve an academy award,the performance for me, has been unforgettable!! Have a wonderful Mothers day, all you wonderful Mothers!

"What would men be without women? Scarce, sir, scarce." Mark Twain