Mothers

My Mom is amazing! She had her first child at 17 and her last at 43! That is a lot of years of Mothering! :) She has 7 children, and I am sure that if you asked she would tell you that her greatest accomplishment lies in her children! She taught us all to live our lives in faith and to look to our Father in Heaven in all things. She has taught us all about sacrifice and the blessings of living close to the spirit.

Just the other day I was telling my Jake about a few memories I have of my Mom. Just thinking about them made my love and respect for her increase.

My Mom was single with 3 small children when she was just 23(ish). She worked to provide, not only financially, but emotionally for us. I am glad that I can remember a lot of that time. I remember special late one on one night with her. We would have one night a week where we could stay up late and choose anything we wanted to do with her. I remember choosing to learn to tie my shoes for one of them. I remember her working during the day and night to provide for us. Some nights she cleaned dentists or doctor offices. She would take us, our sleeping bags, pillows and a few toys to the office. We would play for a while and then try to sleep while she cleaned. Sometimes we we would head home around 3 am. My Mom said she always stopped at Naugles for a Diet Coke on the way home! Hahaha!

When I think back to that time I think of how she must have felt. Struggling to provide for us the best she could. Not ideal circumstances, but she made the best of it and we thrived because of it. She was willing to sacrifice for us and she did everything she could to make us feel loved and special. She always went over the top with holidays and birthdays. She always wanted us to know how much she treasured us.

And we treasure her! Thanks so much for everything Mom! I love you so much!

This is my Mother in Law!

Lynne, is an inspiration to me for so many reasons. I have to say that I appreciate most the way that she raised her son, my hubby! He is good and honest, he is quick to help whereever needed and always fair and kind to others. These are all attributes he gets from his Mom!

Lynne has been an important piece of my life. I know I have shared how much I love her over and over on this blog, but I just couldn't be more grateful for her. She is a good woman and I love her dearly!

This last weekend we got to spend some time with our mothers and grandmothers. What a great weekend!

I have to say that I come from a more than good group of women! They are all inspirational to me! I am glad to come from such good and strong women! I hope to be like everyone of them!

What about you? How was your Mother's Day weekends? Wanna brag on your Mom for a minute? I would love to hear about the women in your life that inspire you, if you are feeling in the sharing type mood, that is. :)

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Lynne Lindstrom part 2

REMEBER my amazing Mother in Law that I posted an "Inspirational Woman" about?

Well, a day or two after the post went up we were standing in her kitchen when my Father In Law told us that she had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The cancer was aggressive and we would soon discover that she carried the gene that caused the cancer cells to rapidly reproduce.

My heart stopped!

There was FAR too much! I still had so much I wanted to learn from this woman that I love and admire so very much! She is a sort of hub in the family. Everything good stems from her. We ALL love her....cherish her! She is the heart of the family.

Chemo started soon after. Aggressive. Difficult. Draining. Trying. And I am sure she could add multiple words to this list that would do more justice to what she endured...is enduring.

My sister in law said something to me one day about Chemo. She told me how Chemo has to be the most selfless thing anyone can do. Lynne chose to do Chemo, the harder route, for us. Because she loves us all so much, she was willing to give everything to keep herself alive, when I am certain, most times, the alternative seemed MUCH easier!

We have prayed, fasted and pled with the Lord to preserve her life for us.

Against all odds, a couple of months ago the masectomy was performed and an answer to our prayers was delivered. NO CANCER! She did it! She fought, we all prayed and she survived! I can't even tell you what a blessing I know we all feel that is!

She is in the middle of radiation now. She is drained and exhausted, but she is getting better all the time!

We have a celebratory cruise to go on in November, after all!

Lynne, I could never possibly piece the right words together to adequately tell you how much you mean to me! I love you so very much and count you among one of the greatest blessings to my life! You have taught me how to take my power back, to forgive all, to love myself unconditionally, to work hard to better myself, to give myself permission to be happy, to let go of the things that need letting go and to love freely! Thank you for fighting!

Thank you for YOU!



{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Doretta Little

DORETTA LITTLE

Submitted By: Maryon Wallentine

{Loretta & Maryon July 2010}

A LONG overdue Thank You!

When I was in elementary school there was a very special woman that made a HUGE impact on my life and I didn't even know her name.  I've always just remembered her as “Luke and Laura Little’s mom.” They were a set of twins in my class.

Whenever I was around her she would tell me I was beautiful and I should be a model. I remember searching her out at school functions just so I could walk by her once or twice (or maybe more) so she could tell me how pretty I was. What girl doesn’t like to hear that? I loved it!  Even through all the awkward changes of junior high and high school, when my self-esteem was on the emotional roller coaster, I remember telling myself, “Luke and Laura Little’s mom thinks I’m pretty and could be a model.” As cheesy as it sounds, this helped me on many occasions to have a little extra confidence in myself.

Now I am a mother of two BEAUTIFUL girls. Just like my mom did, I will tell them that they are the prettiest girls in the world. (Which they really are, of course!!!) If they are anything like I was, they'll believe that I have to tell them they're pretty because I’m their mom. I hope and pray that there will be a special person in their lives, like Luke and Laura Little’s mom, that will help them discover their confidence and beauty.

How do you thank someone that has had a HUGE impact on your life and has no idea? In fact, they might not even remember who you are.  Yeah...I didn't know how either.  I have been meaning to contact her and tell her thank you for YEARS!  In fact I started a letter to her almost 4 years ago but never followed through with it.  Well, I finally did something about it while I was visiting my parents in July.  I got her number from Luke on facebook and called to see if I could stop by.  She was so excited to hear from me and that I wanted to go visit.  I had to laugh because I didn't even know her name.  She was still just "Luke & Laura Little's mom".  I took some flowers and went to visit. The first thing she said when I got out of the car was "Well, you are even more beautiful than in high school!"  I could have just hugged her right then!  We sat and visited and exchanged pictures and then I told her why I needed to stop by.  She was shocked to hear she had made such an impact on me.  She was a little concerned and asked if I had felt like I wasn't pretty.  I don't remember that but I know her kind words helped me to stand a little taller.  I even learned her name!  Doretta Little.

Doretta has inspired me to try to be that person for others. It’s an interesting experiment to complement a complete stranger, or even good friend, and watch their reaction. It’s sad to see how surprised some are to hear positive comment about them. On the other side, it’s fun to watch them stand a little taller and look more confident in themselves.  Go ahead...TRY IT!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Kayla Cook

KAYLA COOK 

By: Amy Lindstrom

(Kayla with her son David)

Kayla is one of my heroes...she also happens to be one of my little sisters!

I have always admired Kayla! I think she is one of the most Christ-like people I know! She always has been! She just kind of came that way! :) There are 10 years between us. It has been so much fun to watch her become who she is now.

I tease her a lot about believing she could "metamorphasize" into animals when she was 12, going to a haunted house with Ryan and I and ruining the scary-ness of the whole thing for everyone in our group because she had us laughing so hard, being sort of an "air head" from time to time :) and lots of other fun stuff that make us all laugh. Aside from all of the fun little things that make everyone love Kayla so much, there are many more amazing things about her that make Kayla one of the most influential people in my life!

Kayla is kind, loving, selfless, amazingly talented, a sweet and nurturing Mom (which is easy to see evidence of by the constant smile on her boys' face! The kid has to fake cry when he needs something because sadness is just not something he has as part of his nature!). She is quick to serve, confident in who she is as a daughter of God and confident of who everyone else truly is, also. I don't think she can see one single bad thing in any person! If there is good to be found...it is the only thing she sees! I absolutely love that about her!

For years we all wondered who in the world would be lucky enough to marry her. Then we met Brian. It is an amazing thing to have someone you love so much find the absolute perfect person for them. Someone that can very clearly see the gift that she is to his life! He honors her. He makes her life completely happy! I love him for that (and for so much more...he is a GOOD MAN)!

Kay- thanks for being an example to me! It is an honor for Mallory to have Kayla as her middle name! I love that her name will always make her think of you! It will always remind her of the type of woman she should want to be!

I love you so very much!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Tammra Salisbury...My Mom

TAMMRA SALISBURY

By: Amy Lindstrom

(My youngest brother, Parker & my Mom)

33 years ago today, this woman was just 19 years old and gave birth to a 10lb 11oz "little" girl....ME!

I have thought about her a lot lately. On Sunday we had a lesson in church about parenting. One of the questions reminded me of a time in my life when I was quite lost. I had spent years making choices that were far from good. My Mom, I am sure, spent many years wondering how in the world to save me from my choices. Then she did the only thing she could do. Probably the hardest thing to do, really. She just loved me. It is what she had been doing all of our lives. Giving up so much of herself to do what she thought would be best for us. Her love changed my life!

My Mom has dedicated almost her entire life to being a mother. She had her first baby, my older brother, at 17. Me at 19. Then came Lisa, Tyrel, Kayla, Rachel then Parker! We laugh about Rachel being a suprise, 7 years after Kayla. Well, if she was a suprise, Parker was a shock! Parker is my sons Uncle....and he is almost 2 years younger than him! Yes, this means that I have an 8 year old brother. Our family certainly wasn't complete until he came!

And so, dreams have been put off for my Mom. She has spent the last 35 years going to Little League games, dance recitals (where she was sure to show up with a few balloons, a snickers for energy :) and a note to tell me I was the best dancer she has ever seen.), school parties, PTA meetings, etc. She has given more of herself than most women ever have to.

We have a tight family! She taught us to value one another and love each other!

She taught us about faith and relying on the Lord, something that now is so central to who each one of her children are.

She taught us a love for reading (she is a Librarian and has been for nearly 20 years!).

She taught us how to laugh. She would stay up some nights until 2 am playing card games with us and our friends.

She taught us to lighten up. She was known to stop at any moment in the middle of a grocery store isle and do a dance and sing "Dr. Who". I always joined in. Lisa ran. Mortified. As far as she could get! A favorite memory of mine! I always loved and still love laughing with my Mom! 

She taught us to be strong. My Mom has gone through a lot of heartache in her life. She is a strong women. She has always set an example or relying on the Lord for help in adversity!

She taught us love! Her encouragement and faith in our talents and abilities is always felt by each one of her children!

Now, because I know that this post would not be whole without a few more pictures...cause my Mom would want you to see her greatest accomplishment, so she can brag on us a little bit! :) Here you go!

The Boys...and Kayla.

(LtoR: The oldest, Clint. Kayla. Tyrel. Parker, down in front)

The Girlies....

(Lisa, Rachel, Kayla & Me)

THE WHOLE FAM

(of course now we are without our Dawson and Kayla & Brian have added a little boy and Ty & Suzi a little girl! Quite a crew!)

(Family Vacation at our home in Hailey, ID 2009)

I LOVE YOU MOM!

Today, for my bday, I wanted to celebrate YOU! Thank you so much for helping me become the woman I am today! :)

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Brooke Oldroyd

BROOKE OLDROYD

By: Amy Lindstrom

{Brooke & Her Hubby}

SPEAKING OF BROOKE……(after last weeks craft)

A few years ago my friend Carrie told me that I MUST check out her friends blog. I did. I loved it. I couldn’t get enough. Every single time I read a post of Brooke’s I left feeling like I wanted to be a better Mom and friend. Then she announced she was going to go private. If we wanted in, well, then we had to fess up to blog-stalking and turn over our email address so we could be included on her list of readers. I confessed. She accepted. I was happy.

Since then Brooke and I have gotten to know each other better. Still, we have not met in person, but it seems that doesn’t matter to either one of us, other than the fact that one day we would like to officially meet, only so we can confirm that we would still be fantastic friends! :)

Brooke is amazing! She personifies, in my opinion and likely the opinion of any that know her, what the perfect Mother is. She has 4 beautiful little girls and is expecting her 5th child...a boy! She is always doing such fun things with her girls. She takes special care to be sure that every holiday or occasion is extra special. I remember a post from last year about her oldest daughters first day of school. Lucky Charms for breakfast, to give extra luck on the first day. Everyone in tow, along with her friend and her kids, to cheer her daughter on as she got on the bus and then race to the school so they can cheer her off the bus! Then her favorite treats and favorite dinner after school. THIS is the type of Mother she is. Taking every opportunity to make an event special. The result….confidence and a true sense of self. You can see it in the girls’ faces. I love that! She has taught them kindness and love, service and creativity. Their lives reflect these teachings. They will continue to reflect it. They will be mothers like she is, because she is good. Really GOOD!

I am grateful for the day that Carrie shared Brooke with me. I am grateful for my sweet friend Brooke. I am grateful for her example of really finding the JOY in Motherhood and I am grateful that I always come away from a peek into her day to day feeling inspired to be better!

Love Ya Brooke!



Now ladies, I need your help…..I would love so much if you would send me a post, with a picture if you have one, of a woman that inspires you. Really, I would! Please do! Email it to me at yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com. They will be posted, in the order received, on Tuesdays. Thank you so very much! ~Amy

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Maryon Wallentine

MARYON WALLENTINE

By: Amy Lindstrom 

I must share my friend MyR with you! The more I get to know her, the more I want to be just like her!

When I came home from Utah, after Dawson's funeral, MyR was one of the first people to show up at my house, with a fresh loaf of homemade bread, mind you. That is totally her style. We visited for a few hours. I couldn't have loved it more. It was good to chat with her and I knew immediately that I was going to love getting to know her more. She is kind, fun, full of energy, an amazing mom and a loyal friend. I love all of those things about her.

I also love that she is an open book. She is not afraid to express her love for others. That is such a great quality to have! MyR has a way of making everyone around her feel like they are her favorite! :)

(However, I am sure that I AM the fave...right MyR?! Hahaha)

When we were moving out of our house MyR showed up with a delish dinner then washed all my windows and loaded a ton of boxes out of the house for me. Another day, she called to tell me she was coming over. I wasn't home, but when I did get home I found a treat for me and a bunch of handmade bows for Mal on my countertop! HOW FUN IS THAT?!

Thanks for always inspiring me to be a better person, MyR. You inspire me to be more fun, more active, more loving and especially to make serving others a part of my second nature. I love you so dearly my friend, I hope you know that!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Tana Parke

TANA PARKE

by: Amy Lindstrom

 

I LOVE Tana! She is one of those people that everyone just seems to be drawn too. I don't think I have ever heard her name mentioned without someone saying, "I LOVE TANA". It's true. She is TOTALLY lovable. 

 Tana is: fun. creative, caring, REAL, beautiful, kind, honest, a great listener, smart, an amazing mom, able to see the best in everyone, quick to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, quick to serve and offer her help whenever and where ever she can, quick to look past anyone's faults so she can see the good in them, love them for it and then help them see and love that in themselves, always organizing a reason for everyone to get together and do something fun. Spiritual, insightful, inspirational...and MY FRIEND! 

I am glad I know you Tana! You make me better! 

LOVE YOU! 

**PLEASE submit an "Inspirational Woman" that you would like to share, email your description and a picture, if you have one to yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com. Submissions will be posted in the order they are received. Tuesday's are "Inspirational Woman" days, so be sure to have it turned in as early as you can! THANKS!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Courtney Price

COURTNEY PRICE

By: Amy Lindstrom

{Courtney and her son Russell}

First, I must say that I miss her...A LOT!

Courtney and I lived in  Jerome together. We were inseperable, really. When we were together we laughed like teenage girls. It was SO much fun! We got together to scrapbook, play in the sun, sit around and watch my first ever viewing of  "Gone With the Wind", can just about anything we could get our hands on, tease her silly hubby :) and anything else that required having a blast. 

When I had the twins prematurely she came to my hospital room to visit while we waited for Life Flight to come and get me. I was scared and my hubby was already in Utah. She was the best friend a girl could have! THEN, while I lived for nearly 8 months in a hospital in Utah, she was Jake's second Mom. On the days Ryan had to go into the office, he dropped Jake off at Courtney's house at about 5:30 am! Now that's when you know it is love! :) She would take Jake to school in Twin Falls and pick him up when he was done. She was a huge part of what made all of this managable. 

Now she is livin it up in Washington. I think Washington runs through her veins. I hated (an understatement to out-do all understatements) to see her go, but to see her happy and in a place that she loves is worth it. 

I have thought a lot about Courtney lately. She inspires me to no end. She is not a talk about what you want to do, she is a DO what you want to do person. 

I remember Courtney telling me how much she loves photography. Then I went to visit in Washington. She was researching and getting ready to purchase her first professional camera. She was going to turn her hobby into a business. Within no time she was booking appointments and working hard at perfecting her skill. I remember looking through her photography website one day totally overflowing with love and excitement for her. She said she wanted to do it, so she was!

Then, there is also Courtney's passion for writing. She graduated with a degree in English Lit. She wanted to write a book and so she just starts doing it! She makes a daily goal for words written and then goes for it. Before long she had characters and story line and she is well on her way to her first novel. 

All of this done while teaching piano lessons, being a mother to 4, soon to be 5, spending every spare minute playing outside with her family, playing piano for her little girls' first play, serving in her church callings, etc. etc. She is one busy lady. However, she balances her life SO well! She has an amazing ability to just focus. Get in, get it done and move on. She is good at everything she does because she works hard at it. Her husband loves her totally and her children adore her. It is really quite something to sit back and watch! 

So, what I hope Courtney inspires in all of us is the ability to JUST DO IT! Don't put anything off for a less busy day, progress is still progress! AND be true to yourself and don't let anything stop you from following your dreams!  

Learn more about Courtney on her fabulous website full of creativity, photography and fun:

http://www.vintagegingerpeaches.com/

**PLEASE submit an "Inspirational Woman" that you would like to share, email your description and a picture, if you have one to yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com. Submissions will be posted in the order they are received. Tuesday's are "Inspirational Woman" days, so be sure to have it turned in as early as you can! THANKS!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Jeni Rideout

JENI RIDEOUT

by: Amy Lindstrom

Jeni & her baby girl, Shayne

I know I am not alone in this one! Anyone that knows Jeni, LOVES JENI! One second she has you crying because she is telling you how much she loves you in a moment you need it most, the next...your crying because she makes you laugh WAY too hard at things like Leapster's Winnie the Pooh game called "Pooh Gets Stuck". Oh Jeni!

Jeni and I had an immediate kindred sort of connection. We immediately clicked. We so totally get each other. I love when you make a connection like that. We can sit on the phone for hours and just laugh at nothing. I love that! She calls to tell me when she can't stop laughing because of a memory of me calling her when I was stuck in a deep skating bowl at the skate park, and only made it harder to get out (in front of gobs of people, mind you) when she made me laugh even harder!

Jeni is the sort of Mother I would like to be. She is fun, kind & loving. She ALWAYS laughs with her girls. They love and respect her so much! We were all thrilled to find out that Sammi & Maci would be getting a new sister. Shayne is about 8 years younger than Maci. Needless to say Shayne is one spoiled little girl!

Everytime I hear Jeni talk about her Shayne, it makes me think about how Jeni was with Dawson. D couldn't see, but he recognized the voices of the people he loved. He knew Jeni almost immediately. He knew he was about to be loved and tickled and that he would here her laughing and telling him how much she loves him. She did love him! He loved her. A LOT!

Jeni moved back to Utah a couple of years ago. It was heartbreaking to see her go. However, we are still super close! Jeni is one of those people that would do anything for anyone and is always so in-tune with the people she loves. It never fails, if I am having a bad day, she calls. She always knows what to say to make me feel better!

When I found out from a friend that Jeni had gone to Pleasant Grove (she lives in SLC) to see my sweet Dawson's grave on Mother's Day, because she had me on her mind and what I must be feeling on the first Mother's Day since Dawson's passing, and to take flowers to him because I couldn't, I was reminded again why I love her so darn much!

She LOVES! She loves with her whole heart!

She is constantly finding ways to lift others around her, by a simple phone call or a riotous laughing session.

She knows just how to make anyone around her feel how much she really loves them! That is a gift!

I LOVE YOU Ms. JENI!

Thanks for sending a little love D's way!

He knows you were there and he loves you too!

 

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Brooke Sevy

BROOKE & WILL

By: Amy Lindstrom

Sadly, I do not have even one picture of my beloved friend Brooke. However, I want to share her sweet little boy with you!

This is Will.

Sometimes there are just people in your life that you are Divinely directed to. Brooke is just that, for me.

My dear hubby and I lived in Lehi, Utah for just a short amount of time. However, that is all it took. I met Brooke and I WANTED TO BE Brooke! She is unbelievable!

She is smart, beautiful, kind and one of the most amazing women I know.

When we moved from Lehi I was so sad to leave Brooke behind. We didn't spend a lot of time together, but there was a deep bond we wouldn't fully understand until the day of my little Dawson's funeral.

I called Brooke to let her know when I was expecting my twins. She was expecting also! We were pretty darn close in due dates. We were both excited!

I then called her to let her know that my Twins were born really early. She didn't return my call for a couple of weeks. When she did, it was to let me know that HER baby was also born 3 months early. We wouldn't get to spend much time in the hospital together, but the few times we were together I watched her and her husband with Will.

Will had gone into Cardiac Arrest and lost the majority of his brain when it was deprived oxygen for so long. Doctors suggested they cut Life Support. That was NOT the answer for them. Brooke knew it. So they started stretching, stimulating, testing and working Will's muscles. I watched in awe. Again this woman was showing me the way I was supposed to be. Full of faith AND works.

We went our seperate medical ways. We talked from time to time about similarities and things that seemed to help. I can't tell you how many times I thought, in the very hard moments, of the strength of my friend. I would recommit to be better and try harder. I would follow her example. I love her for inspiring that in me.

THEN....I called to let her know that Dawson had passed away. We cried.

Something profound happened when she walked into Dawson's viewing pushing Will. I hadn't seen him since he was in the hospital. There was a certain electricity that happened between us 4, Me, Brooke, Will and Dawson. He was there suddenly and VERY excited. So was Will. You could feel it!

Then I knew.

Will & my Dawson, before they came to this earth, were valiant and noble spirits. Their mission would be a sacred one. It would be difficult. They would suffer pain, almost constantly. However, through their sacrifice MANY people would come to understand MUCH about faith, trust, love, answered prayers & miracles, Oh the miracles!

They knew that the care they would require would at times be a heavy burden, a burden gladly carried, but at times overwhelming. Their Moms would need help. And so, we were directed to each other so that we could help each other. These boys, these very very best friends with a bond that is deep and eternal, wanted to make sure that their Mom's could help each other through the hard times, because they love us.

When I held Will, standing next to my sweet Dawson's body, Dawson let me know that Will was extremely important to him. I held Will and sobbed. I have a love for that boy like I could never describe. His mannerisms, big brown eyes and so much about him reminds me totally of Dawson. He is good for my soul!

Recently Brooke shared some experiences with me about talking to Will about Dawson. Will can't talk, but he can communicate. Dawson is with him A LOT! It brings comfort to both Brooke & I.

I love Brooke so dearly. We both know there will come a time when her Will will leave this earth too. My heart aches for her already. However, she is full of faith and strong. She is determined to make Will's life the absolute best and longest it can be. She is for certain one of my heroes!

There is nothing quite so inspiring as a woman that selflessly gives so much of her life to her children, because she KNOWS who they are and she knows the sacred nature of her calling as their mother!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Devyn Johnson

DEVYN JOHNSON

By: Amy Lindstrom

This is my beautiful friend Devyn (and her hubby Matt). I love her so very much! I met her when we both worked at Subway 14 years ago. We very quickly became friends. We had so much fun together. Laughing like crazy!

Then, I got married and moved to manage another Subway store and we lost track of each other. That is until the wonderful miracles of Facebook brought us back together! :) It has been so much fun to reunite with her. To re-meet each other as OLD MARRIED WOMEN! :)

Everytime I read Dev's blog I feel inspired to be a more fun Mom and a more loving wife. She has 5 beautiful HAPPY children and I am certain there isn't a happier woman than her, over the fortune of being a mother! I love that about her.

Recently Devyn has suffered a lot of heartache over the loss of her second still born baby.

Emma, her first, was lost at about 28 weeks gestation. That is one week older than my twins were when they were born. Just recently she lost a second, also quite far along in pregnancy....A SECOND! The pain of losing one is enough, but oh the valiant heart one must have to endure it twice!

With the loss of her second she nearly lost her own life. This is what she wrote of that moment.....

"I just couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe what I was hearing and that I couldn't say anything. [as doctors desperately called for more blood and a crash cart for resuscitation] I lay there thinking "this isn't it, is it?" This can't be it, I have to make sure my kids get another hug and know just how I think they are the most special little people to ever live. And I have never been shy about my feelings of adoration for Matt, but that is because I am still looking for the words that are even adequate. I am not done searching for those words that get it just right, I need more time to make sure he really knows how I love him and how he makes me feel!"

I LOVED that last part! Perfectly said! There is something about her connection with her hubby! You can FEEL it when you read her blog. I have never met him, but I am grateful to know that my friend found someone that completely cherishes her.

Then there is her faith. It is enough to make anyone dig deeper for the same peace during such heartache and adversity.

"It has just been such an intense week. I still just can't believe that our little Vince will not get to be a part of our family here on earth. I just had such clear images of that little guy and how he would fit into our family. But what a great thing to think that we have another little valiant Spirit waiting for us in Heaven. It is amazing that the Lord finds a way through our grief and sorrow to make us feel more loved than ever. Our family is strengthened by this and the love we have felt is just unbelievable. This has been a very wonderful and uplifting week, even though it has been sad. Thanks to all of you have shown us so much love! We love all of you so much and may I just say...this life is SO good and we are SO very blessed!"

Devyn's passion for motherhood helps me to realize the blessing of such an opportunity. It reminds me that IT IS the most important thing we will ever do in this lifetime and gives me courage to be better. This is what Devyn said about her desire to have more children.....

"I am addicted to that feeling! Not so much the pregnancy part, but bringing new life into the world, adding another spirit to your family, watching as your children reunite with this precious little soul and these bonds of love reconnect...it is magical to me, bliss! I just think it is the greatest thing in the world and the whole reason we are even here...FAMILY! All these different relationships we have going on in our family, it is just wonderful! I am certainly not saying that everyone in the world should have a big family, but for me it is the best!"

{Devyn & Matt with their children: Bailey, Gus, Taite, Cy & Ellery}

**To submit an "Inspirational Woman" you would like to share, email your description and a picture, if you have one to yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com. Submissions will be posted in the order they are received. Tuesday's are "Inspirational Woman" days, so be sure to have it turned in as early as you can! THANKS!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Carrie Norris

CARRIE NORRIS

by: Kara Peatross

{Carrie & her daughter Sydney}

 I only got to live by this dear friend for around 3 years but in that time I got to know one of the nicest most selfless people I know. Not only would she watch my kids whenever I was in a pinch (like I swear she could be bleeding to death and would still happily say sure I can watch your kids). Or how she took my little boy Brady to preschool almost every day because I was really pregnant and really sick. I will never forget she did that for me.

When she lived here she was always getting people together for lunchs or birthdays. Which is much needed when you live in a town where Winter seems to last all year and you tend to not really see anyone all Winter long.

I have never heard her say an unkind word about anyone and she is the first to raise her hand to help. She is one of the few people in my life where I can just think of them and get teary because I miss them. Not to mention when I do see her (which isn't often enough) I automatically get tears in my eyes.

She taught me that in order to have a friend you have to be one. You can't just sit home and feel bad because no one is inviting you over. You call and invite them over. You cant just talk to people when you need something, you need to reach out and call or email just to say hello. She also taught me that it is more satisfying to give than to recieve.

So here's to an amazing person both inside and out. I am a better person for knowing her. I only hope that someday I can be more like her.

*To submit a post about a Woman you admire, please email it to yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com. Please attach a picture, if you have one! Thanks so much!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Cami DeWitt

CAMI DeWITT

by: Maryon Wallentine

My sister Cami is one of the most amazing people I know. She is just a happy person and is so good at finding humor in life. She has a way of helping people to laugh at their mistakes and want to be better. She tries to help anyone she can, even if it means inconveniencing herself. I know I can always count on her for anything. She truly is a special sister!

Even though Cami is single and has no children she helps me to be a better mom. She is amazing with children! She is able to discipline a child (or even teenager) while still making them feel loved and special. She is able to turn the most mundane thing into a learning situation and helps them to gain a desire to make right choices. She is loved by all the Young Women she serves in her ward and the neighborhood kids flock to her house to play. My kids and my nephews LOVE to play at Cami’s house. Who am I kidding…I LOVE to play at her house! I know when my kids are with her that they will not only be loved and have a great time; they will also learn and be expected to behave.

Cami has a talent of loving and inspiring people individually. Because I can I only tell you how she inspires me I figured I would ask a few others as well.

“Cami always LOOKS happy, even if she's not really. She's good at making other people see the bright side of things when we don't think there is one.”
– Jeanie, sister


“Wow where do I begin, Cami is a person you can just go to with a problem or whatever and she will tell you exactly what to do and she doesn't even have to think about it! It is like she knew you were coming to her with that problem or something!!! She inspires, cares, listens, willing, a life line, fun, and amazing!”
- Shannon, friend


“Cami is always a breath of fresh air! She has supported me in happy and hard times. She gives 100% of her heart without thinking of her own wishes and desires. She calls things how she sees them and that's a blessing since she sees things as the Lord sees them. She chooses to see the good in life and helps others find the good. She's a BUILDER!”
- Erin, friend


“There's no one else in the whole wide world like Cami DeWitt. Cami is one of the absolute FUNNIEST people Heavenly Father ever made. She has an incredible ability to relate to everyone and put anyone at ease. Cami is an incredible role model for teenage girls and is a wonderful Young Women's leader. Although she is not a parent, Cami is a better 'parent' than most folks with children. As a matter of fact, parents often ask Cami for parenting advice! :) She's smart, funny, talented, independent, strong, inspiring, loving and such a wonderful blessing in the lives of all those lucky enough to know her. Cami's the BEST!!!”
- Janell, sister


“I am so grateful for Cami in our lives. I love that anytime my kids spend 5 or more minutes with her they have laughed, learned and return MUCH better behaved. I don't know how she does it, but it's true! She has a special talent of communication and being able to step back, think about what to say and get it all out in a convincing way. She's just great. Everyone needs a Cami in their lives and we are privileged enough to have THE Cami in our lives!”
- Tawni, sister-in-law

I think Tawni summed it up well. We really are so privileged to have THE Cami in our lives! Maybe someday you’ll be lucky enough to know her.

**Thanks all of you that have sent in your "Inspirational Women" emails! Everyone else, keep them coming! You can email them to me at yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com and they will be posted each Tuesday in the order they are received! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Cindy Harris

Thank you SO MUCH Jill Springer for emailing your sweet post about your Mom to be included among many wonderful women we have the opportunity to learn from! She is truly an example to many....me included!

CINDY HARRIS

by: Jill Springer

The woman in my life that give me the most inspiration is my own mother, Cindy.

Her unwavering faith and positive attitude make her such a great example, one I am proud to follow.

I am an observer, and always have been. I have watched my mother all my life with family, friends, and strangers…she has yet to disappoint me in her words or deeds.

One of the things I admire most about her, is her attention to small details. Though easy and insignificant to her, she probably has no idea the way she lifts other peoples day.

A few examples of this:

- I remember some of my favorite moments being when I would walk in the door from school, and she would be laying the couch reading her scriptures waiting for me to get home. We would chat about my day, and I always admired the way she truly cared about the things I had to say. That was a very simple thing for her to do, but meant the world to her teenage daughter!

- Often times at church, or other meetings, she will take notes on the different talks. She’d then send a card in the mail to the individual thanking them for the words that were spoken.

- She would often stick little love notes on a post-it or the napkin of our school lunch.

My mom has gone through a lot the last several years, dealing with terrible, constant back pain. She always amazes me with her positive outlook. Her condition could make a person bitter and angry, but my mom always puts on a happy face and deals with what life has to offer. Is it easy for her? Probably not. I have heard her say “you always have a choice…you can either be upset or happy, and frankly, it’s easier to be happy”. Even though she hurts, she never misses an opportunity to serve. She gives all she can, whenever she can, even if it’s just a kind note, or delicious plate of cookies!

The list of outstanding qualities my mom possesses could go on and on. If I could become half of the woman she is, I would consider myself lucky. It’s so nice to have a mother who makes you want to be a better wife, mom, homemaker, friend, and person in general.

 I consider myself blessed to be raised by such a wonderful woman!

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Donna Hardy

This wonderful and beautiful woman is my Grandma. I love her....A LOT!

These last 2 months she has been on my mind a lot. My Grandpa, an absolute ox of a man I might add, was just diagnosed with Cancer. It is all over in his chest cavity. Options for fighting the cancer became a no-go when they discovered his kidney function is only 40% and his heart is not in good enough condition.

We are devestated. We are sad to think of life on earth without Grandpa and all of the "ism's" he has that makes him so darn loveable. We are grateful. Grateful to have a family lead by such a man. Grateful the Lord loves us and has given us forewarning. He knows this will be hard for us. Grateful for time, whatever time it is that we have left with him. Grateful to KNOW that we are only temporarily seperated and will be together soon. We are comforted. Comforted to know that his parents and son & daughter-in-law will be among the many that have gone on before, to welcome him back HOME. Our little Dawson will be among that number! Grandpa will be with our boy!

This last weekend we spent a bit of time with Grandma and Grandpa. I talked to my Grandma quite a bit. I have thought a lot about her. I know her heart is breaking. She is strong. She has had to be. She has had more than one person should ever have to deal with, in the way of heartbreak and grief.

It is one thing for a person to pass through sorrow, but it is quite another for a person to pass through and rise above. She smiles a lot. She has a lot to be thankful for. She is the QUEEN of a family that loves her. We honor her. It is because of her that we are all quick to laugh. Openly loving. Strong. Faithful.

I left her home this weekend thinking about how much she is loved. I thought about how I can love my children so that our family can be tight like hers.

How to raise my children with love enough that they know who they are and they are confident and happy.

How to raise my children so that when they have children, and their children have children, every single one of them would consider it the best place on earth, when they are crammed into my living room. Not a bit of floor space available. Shouting over the rumble of noise and COMPLETELY happy to stay right in that spot for as long as possible!

It is because of her. We all learned how to LOVE completely because she LOVES US COMPLETELY!

I love you my sweet Grandma! You are beautiful. You are wise. You are strong. You are my inspiration!

**Anytime....I'm just sayin, if you should ever, at anytime, like to send me a "Inspirational Woman" post of your own all about someone you find inspiring, why I would just love it! Email it to me, with a picture, if you have one, at yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com. Don't be shy now! :)

{INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN} Melissa Eyre Lombardo

Allow me to introduce you to a DEAR DEAR friend of mine...and Ryan's.

(A picture of Melissa I stole from her blog.)

My husband served an LDS Mission in Portland, Oregon. Melissa's dad was Ryan's Mission President.

The second I met the Eyre family I loved them. That is just the type of people they are. AMAZING!

I was so inspired by Melissa when I first met her. She makes you want to be better, just by being around her. Since then, and especially in the last couple of years, I have grown to love her so very much! Although we haven't had the opportunity to spend a lot of time together, it doesn't take a lot of time for me to know that Melissa is one of the greatest women I know!

There is something about her. She has an absolute light about her. You know, like you just know she knows who she is and LOVES it!

She is kind, loving, fun, full of energy, an amazing mother to 3 adorable kiddos and you can see the light of her testimony in her countenance! Everytime I am around her I want to be better. I love that about her! I think she truly sees the best in everyone and by that she makes everyone sees the best in themselves!

I am SO glad she is my friend! I only wish we lived closer. Although, I am quite sure we would spend all day everyday together laughing A LOT! :) 

{Inspirational Women} Lynne Lindstrom

{San Diego 2009 - Trying surfing for the first time)

I just can't bear to continue on with this inspirational women segment without paying tribute to my mother-in-law. There are MANY reasons why I love this woman.

I think one of the things that stands out most to everyone that knows her is she has an absolute knack for service. I remember a quote by Pres. Thomas Monson (Current Prophet of LDS Church) in the Friend Magazine. He said something along the lines of needing to pray that our eyes and heart will be open to the needs of those around us. Since reading that I have thought a lot about how to attain such a gift. To be able to see the needs of those around me, before I see my own needs, so that I can serve the Lord the way He needs me to serve.

Within moments of first pondering this I thought of Lynne. She truly possess this gift. She is a blessing to her husband, her children (all 7)  and all of her daughters in law & grandchildren. She is also a blessing to many BYU students that are in the ward my Father In Law is a Bishop of and to many widows in her home ward, where Lynne provided a luncheon and special treat for them quite frequently. She has and continues to bless the lives of SO many people!

I LOVE being around Lynne. She laughs easily and loves us all so much. She is so supportive of each one of us and believes we are all capable of anything we want to accomplish. She is fun and adventureous and I always get a kick out of her desire to try new things...especially the things that scare her. Nothing can get her down! I love that about her!

I also have a great deal of Love for Lynne and count her among one of the greatest blessings to my life because of the lessons she has taught me about forgiveness and overcoming unpleasant past events. I can look back on my life and see so much good, but I can also, thanks to Lynne's guidance, be grateful for the harder times too, because they are what has truly set me apart individually and made me fight to become better, rise above and then be deeply grateful for those experiences. I wouldn't have known that was possible without Lynne's love and guidance.

I am so blessed to have her in my life!

**Please send a picture (only if you have one) and description of a woman that inspires you to yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com. I would love to share it here! There are so many amazing people that we can all learn from. EVEN in just a few words!

In my experience, sitting down and thinking about all the women in my life that have inspired me and helped me become a better version of myself has deepened my appreciation and love for each one of them! It has been such a great thing for me! I can't wait to get your emails and share with everyone someone that is important to YOU!

THANKS A BUNCH!

{Inspirational Woman} XENNA BOYER by: Kayla Cook

Xenna Boyer: Unique Name, Unique Woman!

By: Kayla Cook

(Xenna and Kayla's baby boy, David)

What is it about the elderly that make us feel so secure and loved? Perhaps I am drawn to this older generation because I do not feel self-conscious, threatened, or intimidated by them. Xenna was my next door neighbor in Utah. During a very lonely year of High School I would frequent her warm, inviting home, and enjoy the companionship of her and her sewing machine.

Xenna taught me how to do a lot of really cool things. The most unique in my opinion, was her attempt to teach me how to tap dance. I couldn't believe that a woman in her eighties was about to give me tap dance lessons in her garage! Xenna also gave me quilting lessons. She taught me how to make aprons and handbags. She taught me just how thrifty I could be while sewing just about anything. She also taught me how to "net" which she claims is a dying art form. She was on a competitive softball team in her sixties. 

She truly is one of a kind.

Xenna's husband has had multiple strokes and now spends his days in an assisted living home. I'm not sure most of us understand how lonely life can be in this situation. Yet Xenna is always found smiling and she is always busy!

Her laugh is charming. If you remember Pooh Bear's laugh than you've got a good idea of what hers is like.

Xenna inspires me to be better, to stay busy, to be innovative, and to love others.  

She has taught me that it is never too late to pick up a new hobby. 

What an inspiring woman!

**Please send a picture (only if you have one) and description of a woman that inspires you to yourlifeuncommon@gmail.com. I would love to share it here! There are so many amazing people that we can all learn from. EVEN in just a few words! 

In my experience, sitting down and thinking about all the women in my life that have inspired me and helped me become a better version of myself has deepened my appreciation and love for each one of them! It has been such a great thing for me! I can't wait to get your emails and share with everyone someone that is important to YOU! 

THANKS A BUNCH! 

-Amy