Shell's Diaries

Ever since I decided to go back to school to get my bachelors, I have neglected a few things: the dusting (well, I never really did do that to begin with), my vegetable garden, scrapbooking, making cards, and oh, this blog. As I finished up another term this week, I remembered I did indeed have a blog, of which I completely forgot about! There is so much social media. Take your pick and you will be connected with the world in an instant and find out the most interesting things about people; some of which I could surely do without ever having known. I got rid of my Twitter and Instagram accounts. I never used twitter and rarely used Instagram. And who could forget Pinterest. I really do like Pinterest, but have found less and less time for it. And it's a good thing Pinterest is in cyber-space, because I certainly would have no room for the real life bulletin boards in my house. I stopped following some groups on Facebook, and un-liked 99% of my political pages. Boy, did it feel g...

I was born a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was raised in this gospel, and I am raising my children in this gospel. I love the standards for which it teaches, the doctrine of the church, the fact that we have a living prophet on the earth today to lead and guide us. The video below is a short clip of what Latter-day Saints are; more commonly known as the Mormons.  Have any questions, or want to learn more? Just ask. I'd love to send you a free Book of Mormon and can get you in touch with missionaries that can help answer your questions.  The teachings of this church have helped shape my life and give me direction in a world with shifting values. It can do the same for you too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg7OVOKqeQU&feature=youtu.be

Fourteen years ago, in May, my husband and I moved from Ogden, Utah to our present location of Oregon City, Oregon. I was pregnant with my 2nd child, due September 24th. This boy would be my first child to raise (as my first born died at nearly 4 months old). I remember when he was born and thinking of the many milestones that lay ahead, such as his baptism when would turn 8 years old. I remember then thinking when he turned 8 that in the not too distant future he would be a teenager.  He will be 14 in a few weeks. As each child has come along, I have had similar thoughts.  Josh, my 11 year old, has started middle school, and will be 12 in a few months.  Reagan is 9 and in the 4th grade.  I have no choice but to already be thinking about when she becomes a teenager because she is already wishing she was there. I, on the other hand, could wait a tad bit longer. My youngest, Hailey, just started Kindergarten...... today. She is my last. She has been home with m...

Recently I took my children to the local community swimming pool for family swim.  While my older children wanted to swim inside in the big pool, my younger two daughters opted to stay outside and play in the wading pool.  My girls hopped in the pool and started playing in the water as I settled into the lawn chair I brought and pulled out my math book to start studying. Not two minutes later a young boy, about 8 or 9 years old, stepped out of the pool and approached who I believe to be, his mother sitting on a bench holding another small son about the age of 2.  My head turned as I, and the other few adults and children who were in ear shot of the argument, heard this young boy screaming at his mother and using foul language at her, all over a piece of gum, from what I could tell.  Now, being a mother myself, I can empathize with any other mom who finds herself in such a situation where her child has become irrational, especially in public. I immediately say to mys...

I came across a post I wrote last year about being a mom. I needed the reminder, as being a mother is the hardest thing I've ever done, yet the most rewarding. Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there!

Has there ever been a time in your life when something happened to you that you felt was unjustified? Has someone ever said anything to or about you that was knowingly false? Have you just felt that sometimes you get the raw end of the deal?  I imagine all of us have experienced one or more of these scenarios at some point in our life.  I know I have.  It is at times like this that can define our character and show to all around us what we are made of. And sometimes, our reaction TO the false accusation or unjustified behavior towards us is more of a problem (if not dealt with in a mature manner) than the actual issue at hand.  An incident recently happened to our business that I allowed to fester inside me; something that I chose to be upset about.  Was the incident unfair? Absolutely. Do I have tangible proof that what was inflicted upon us was unjustified? You bet. Was there dishonesty towards us in this recent experience that had a negative af...

I've been trying to catch up on my scrapbooking lately, trying to get it all done by April, before I go back to school.  I decided to re-do my daughter McKenna's scrapbook that has been falling apart the past couple of years.  McKenna is my first born child who passed away just shy of 4 months old.  You can read more about her short time here on earth and the circumstances behind her passing here and here . As I was going through her pictures and other items I saved, I came across all the sympathy cards John and I received, and the poems given to us after she died.  The tears started flowing as I reminisced of her short life and the many wonderful people who supported us during this very difficult time of our lives. While I was reading through everything, I was thinking about the recent shooting in Newtown, CT, of the 20 innocent beautiful children whose lives were taken early; thinking of the many parents who were still mourning the loss of their dear sw...