My Top 5 Love Songs

Music has always been a huge part of my life.  My first memory of starting my cassette tape collection was when my aunt Sherece bought me the C+C Music Factory tape for my birthday because I loved that song, "Everybody Dance Now."  I was only about 7 or 8 years old, but I was SO excited!  I would listen to it over and over!  As I grew up, my music collection grew bigger.  Among my favorites were Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, and Mariah Carey in my early days.  When I was old enough to babysit my younger sisters, I would turn on our giant stereo system as soon they left the driveway as loud as I could and dance/exercise with them.  We'd grab our hairbrushes and pretend they were microphones.  I also remember listening to the radio for hours hoping to catch one of my favorite songs so I could record it onto a mix tape.  Thank goodness now for the internet, iTunes, Youtube, and Google.  

Through the years, I've come to appreciate the many different genres of music.   I thought it would be fun to compile a list of just a few of my favorite love songs in honor of Valentine's Day tomorrow.  

I've always loved Valentine's Day, even as a kid.  Growing up, my mom would always make sure we woke up on Valentine's Day to find a sweet note and candies from her and my dad.  In elementary school, I loved bringing home my sack of Valentine's that contained all the cards we passed out in class and going through them.  

Here are just a few of my favorite love songs (in no particular order)…

"Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me," by Mel Carter

I love the drama of this song!  It's a classic!  Some versions of this song have been done by other artists, including Gloria Estefan, but this original version by Mel Carter is my favorite.

"Without You" by Mariah Carey

I already mentioned my love for Mariah Carey growing up, and this song was one of my absolute favorites. "Without You" was originally performed by a group called Badfinger, but when Mariah released her version in 1994, it became an instant hit.  Her voice is absolutely incredible.

"Time to Say Goodbye," by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli

I absolutely love Andrea Bocelli!  And Sarah Brightman (especially her version of "The Phantom of the Opera")!  This song is one of Danny and I's favorites!  It is heavenly.  Despite what the title of this song suggests, the lyrics are very romantic!  Someday, I will see Andrea live in concert. It's on my bucket list.

"Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe," by Barry White

Who doesn't love the deep soul in Barry White's voice?  It is incredible!

"I Just Can't Stop Loving You," by Michael Jackson featuring Siedah Garrett

I am a huge fan of Michael Jackson.  I love to watch live versions of his songs because his dancing is amazing and the theatrics of his tours were over the top.  I once watched a documentary of the making of his "Thriller" video and his choreographer talked about how even though his backup dancers had spent much of their lives studying dance, Michael would walk into the studio and outperform them because he was just so naturally gifted.  "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" is probably my favorite song of his.  Throughout the decades, he performed this song with the different women that toured with him.  In the late 80's on his Bad World Tour, a less-famous Sheryl Crow was his lead female backup singer and if you want to see them performing this song together, click here. Sheryl's hair stylist must have used several cans of hairspray.

And because it's almost Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share an old photo of Danny and I.  I believe this was about 13 years ago.

I had some pretty sweet bangs, huh? :)

Danny and I just fit perfectly together.  We are two peas in a pod.  He is my best friend.  I'm so grateful I get to share this life and eternity with him!

Trials

Can I just magically fast forward time and wake up when it's about 5 weeks from now?

Lately I've been feeling stressed to the max!

I am trying to simplify life right now.  I'm learning to say no because extra things just don't fit on my plate right now.

I am 6 months pregnant, and it's been hard for me to have the strength and energy to keep up with things that are required of me.

Yesterday, I woke up with such a positive attitude, and then this morning was the opposite.  It didn't help that Asher woke up at 5:45, which is much earlier than he normally does.  So this morning, I was a cranky mom who didn't have much patience as I got the other children ready for school.

I've been praying hard to understand the trials that I am facing and what I need to learn, as well as for strength to get through them.

I've also been praying for my faith to be strengthened.  Heavenly Father can work miracles, but faith is required of us.

It's easy to feel lost and alone when going through trials.  It's easy to start feeling like you are the only one that has ever experienced them.

I'm grateful for my knowledge though, that I have a Heavenly Father who is waiting to hear from me, and can uplift my spirit whenever I need it.  He can help to lift burdens off of our shoulders.  He gives us the strength to press forward, even when we want to wallow in our pity.

I recently read two articles about the challenges that other families experienced that made me realize how small my trials are compared to what others have gone through.  My trials seem almost like nothing compared to theirs.

This turned my attitude around.  It made me feel grateful for everything that I have.

I am so blessed with a husband who helps me so much, in every aspect of my life.  He's been such a huge help around the house.  And he's always a listening ear and comforts me whenever I need it.

I am so blessed to have 4 (soon to be 5) children that are healthy and happy.  It is certainly not an easy thing to raise children, but I have been so blessed by their sweet, innocent, humble and forgiving ways.

I am so blessed to have the knowledge of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful for my testimony.

I am grateful for forgiveness.  Heaven knows I've had to ask for forgiveness from my family many times, and I've also grateful for my knowledge that my Heavenly Father forgives me for my weaknesses.

I am going to strengthen my faith and press forward.  Trials are necessary for our growth.  Maybe I should get this enlarged up and framed for my wall...

image source

Asher is 2!

On January 23rd, Asher turned 2!  I'm a slacker for just now writing about his birthday!

After I got the older kids to school, I took him out to breakfast at my favorite cafe and bakery, where we had quiche and fruit.  He gobbled it all up!  And of course, we had to get some fresh baked cookies and muffins afterwards!

I let him lick the frosting bowl while I made his cake

After breakfast, I took him to the park near the beach to play.  It was such a gorgeous, warm day.  After lunch and nap, we took the whole family (including Grandma and Grandpa) to the movies to see Nut Job. Then, it was back home for pizza.

And of course, presents and cake...

He cracks me up how he just relaxed on a pillow while opening all his gifts!

This car has been a huge hit so far :)

Here is Asher last Friday after the school assembly where Payton received the Star Writer award.  He had to step through every puddle, and had a giant smile on his face the entire time.  

Asher is such a sweetheart.  I think he is my most cuddly, affectionate child and I LOVE it.  He always randomly wraps his arms around me and gives me hugs and kisses.  

He has such a fun sense of humor, and loves to laugh.  I think he will be quite the jokester when he grows up.  

We are so extremely blessed he is part of our family!  He is such a special boy and I feel so lucky and grateful to be his mother!

I sure wuv that little guy!