My 9-11 Miracle

Seven years ago, I was scheduled to be induced to deliver my third child. We woke early that day, in order to be at the hospital at 7:00 am. As usual, we were running behind. My little sister Carolee came over to care for Aaron (then 5) and Haley (then 2). She was in the kitchen preparing breakfast as we headed out the door, at about seven... On the TV, Matt Lauer was reporting that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Centers. At that time we couldn't figure out such a horrible accident happened. We hopped in the car and turned on the radio in disbelief. As the events unfolded, we were in shock about what was happening. All morning, while I was prepped for and began labor, we watched the news. Finally, we were starting to feel pretty depressed and turned the TV off to focus on the beauty of that day - bringing our little girl into the world. The labor was my longest to date (a whopping 3 hours). She was born at 12:04 pm and weighed in at 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long. She's always been a little spunky sparkly and sweet little girl. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the past seven years.

In the bottom left picture, Megan is doing her "eye trick", which was discovered at the age of two. No need to worry, I had her checked out a year and a half ago, and the doctor says that she has it completely controlled... probably doing her "eye trick" so much strengthened the muscles!! Silly little girl...

These pictures are all from today. In this one, she was worried about missing the bus, so she has that "hurry up mom, here is my smile, now take the stinkin picture!" look on her face...

Oh how I love my little Meggles!


I love the genuine look of surprise and excitement on her face as she opens the much desired Barbie that she received from Grandma and Grandpa!

Happy 7th Birthday Miss Meg - I love you so much and am happy you are my 3rd child! Your baby pictures are so dang cute, I just may have another baby just to get another girl!
(OK, maybe not - I freaked you all out, didn't I?!?!)

And because I don't think we should ever forget what happened that day, here is a video tribute I found on YouTube. I loved the feeling of Patriotism and the love of God and Country that existed in the United States for a period of time after 9/11. I miss seeing the American Flag out on nearly every home like we saw for months and months after the attacks. I miss that feeling of unity and turning to our Father in Heaven for understanding, peace, and comfort. I am so grateful that I have the knowledge of His eternal plan. I'm so grateful for the blessing of Megan on that day. I fear that we are like the Nephites, and our country as a whole, is forgetting God and all that he gives to us... I fear that more devastation will occur as we need to humble ourselves and recognize him in all things. I love this country and *I will never forget*.

The Book of Mormon Challenge - COMPLETED!

I just wanted to report that I finished reading The Book of Mormon on Thursday, August 21, 2008. I started reading it on Sunday, July 13, 2008. So it did take me a little longer than 31 days. But I'm so grateful that I DID IT!

What a blessing The Book of Mormon can be to any who choose to partake. I love it. I love the joy and peace that I receive when I read it. I know it is a true book. It is another testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It testifies of him. It teaches us how to return to him. It teaches of the beautiful atonement and His love for us. It's words fill me with comfort and peace. I am so grateful for the promptings of The Holy Ghost, which led me to begin this challenge.

I am truly blessed to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that it is the true gospel on the earth today. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to young Joseph Smith after he prayed for direction as to which church he should join. This is what led to the restoration of Christ's church. I am grateful for the knowledge of The Plan of Salvation, and that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father, and He loves me, He knows me and my greatest strengths and weaknesses. I know that being a wife and mother is a divine calling, and it is a calling that I treasure with all my heart. I know that families can be together for eternity. And although I am so very far from perfect, I know that through Jesus Christ and the atonement, and my own actions in striving to do my best and endure to the end, I can return to live with Him. This gospel brings me joy in it's purest form. And I am so blessed to have it in my life. I say these things in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.