mormon.org I am a wife and a mother of five children...one boy followed by four girls. I have looked forward to being a mother my whole life, and here I am, in the thick of things. I strive to be really deliberate about how I mother and I am a strong advocate of living the joy in the journey of motherhood. I like to write about my thoughts and ideas on my blog (71toes.blogspot.com). I also love photography and although I gave up doing professional photography a couple years ago when I realized it was sucking up too much time from my family, I still adore when my kids will be my models. What is hope and what do you hope for? I have learned a lot about hope over the past few years since our daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic syndrome. My heart had always reached out to others dealing with heartbreak and health issues with their children, but I never thought it would be ME dealing with those issues. When our daughter was diagnosed a whole new feeling of emptiness surrounded me. But as I look back I realize the strength and bonding that has resulted in our family because we have such hope for the future. I have realized that God has carried me through the toughest moments and that trials can make us stronger. Why I am a Mormon: I grew up in a family strong in the Mormon faith. I am so grateful to have parents who raised me to love my Savior(Jesus Christ) and try to do as He would do. I am so thankful for the principles of what I believe. My faith has helped me through ...
