GOING BACK TO ZACHARY!

A little over a month ago Ivy and I began earnestly praying and fasting for a home of our own in Zachary. We loved living in Zachary especially because of the schools and the home town feel of it. When we were forced to leave and moved to Baton Rouge we always knew that we would return it was just a matter of having to accept Heavenly Father's will for us at that time. Yesterday we were approved for our first home and guess where it is? ZACHARY!

Our home is beautiful! It is on a a quiet street in the heart of Zachary. It is on a corner tree covered lot. It has a heart shaped fish pond in the backyard which is breathtaking. We have a gazebo and several fruit trees in the backyard. The landscaping is very nice and compliments the house. It is a 10 room home and Ivy and I will have one portion of our home to ourselves which is what I am very excited about!!

It is old fashioned and cozy just what we both prayed for. I know that this home was sent to us by Heavenly Father knowing our hearts and our desires for our family. He knew that we would need a large home because Teayona and Arielle would be coming home. He knew before we could ever imagine their return.

How wonderful Heavenly Father is. How he has blessed our lives and answered our righteous prayers. The children are so happy to be returning to Zachary and have already began to pack. We close on the 21st of this month. You can rest assured that we will be packed and ready to go well before the closing date.

I will post a picture of our new home soon. I will continue to rejoice and give thanks to my Heavenly Father and my brother Jesus Christ.

Good Night and God bless.

Changes good and bad...for better or worse.

There is so much going on in my life right now, and prayer and scripture study have never been more prevelant in my life.

Tomorrow we are starting production for an animated series based on my book, The Chronicles of Daddy-Man! I am really looking forward to it, and feel that it has been a long time coming.

I am doing what I can to magnify my calling and recently Ivy has been called as Ward Executive Secretary. We are still Ward Missionaries and had a great and inspiring meeting yesterday.

We are also adjusting to having Arielle and Teayona back home after they moved on their own for 4 months. What has been the biggest adjustment is Teayona coming back to our home pregnant. We are all still trying to get over the surprise of realizing that she is going to have a baby. I lay awake at night trying to make sense out of it, but I still can't. Thank goodness that I have a strong testimony or else I would have lost it months ago when they first decided to move out.

Teayona has decided that she wants to keep her baby and I don't think she is aware of how difficult it will be for her. Ivy and I have explained that it won't be easy, but we will do all that we can to help her get through what is a difficult time for all. There is no possibility for her to marry the father of the baby because he is getting married in August and he already has a child...a 3 year old. Teayona is unemployed and doesn't seem interested in getting a job. Sometimes when her father and I talk to her it is as if we are talking to a 6 year old. She is in a denial phase and it is very frustrating at times. We keep praying, fasting and trying to be there for our children, but sometimes they do not want us to be there for them and I think that is the hardest thing for a parent.

These changes are difficult, but I know that if Ivy and I continue to remain unified and strive to be the best parents we can with the help of Heavenly Father we can overcome the feelings of desperation, dismay and heartache for our children who choose to make the mistakes that they make. We can't change them...they have agency to choose for themselves and that is something I had to come to terms with. I am anxious and excited about some of the things going on in my life but there are some things which I am not anxious and excited about and will have to deal with when they come.

Prayer is so helpful. Our prayers bring us closer to our Heavenly Father and gives us to know of his will for us. Be prayerful and develop a relationship that will help you to deal with changes good and bad...for better or worse which comes in your life because they will and there is nothing you can do to stop those thngs.

Just when you think you can't love any harder.....

The more I am around my precious grandson, the more I realize how love can grow stronger and deeper. My grandson is so special, so important to me and I absolutely adore him. It is amazing watching him when he realizes that it is me holding him. I know that he has a special bond with his mother, but I am so pleased and happy that he smiles that certain way when I am talking to him and the way he laughs when I tickle his chin. I love him and it is an extension of the love I have for Haley and only makes me love her more. She is such a gentle and loving mother. I love watching her when she and Noah are interacting. She talks to him and he does his very best to talk back to her. He giggles and tries to get to her, and when she settles down to put him to sleep, he snuggles under her neck and she gently rubs his little back. It brings me to tears of joy when I see my child with her child and the love she has for him. I imagine how it feels...and I know exactly how it feels because this is the way I felt about her and still feel today.

Babysitting Noah Gabriel

Babysitting my Grandson is great! Tonight I watched him while Haley and Benjamin went to see Narnia. I get such a kick out of watching him, and we have developed such a sweet bond already. Noah gurgles and laughs when I speak to him and I know that he understands me which even makes our bond sweeter. He is such a good baby, hardly crying and so eager and bright eyed. It was a pleasure watching him and I look forward to many more times spent with him.

My Grandson

Today, I was a little down after having a migraine(a very bad one) since 6:30 this am. I have so much to do, deadlines to meet and new challenges in my life. Haley called me a couple of times today and kept me company over the phone. When I have migraines I usually can't take the meds because they make me fall asleep and it was only Michael, Arturia and I home today, so talking to Haley helped ease the pain a little. I was on my way to the worse pain imaginable, throwing up and all when the phone rang....it was Haley once again. She told me that she sent me an email that would make me smile. I eagerly opened my mail and viola! I was reminded how beautiful my grandson is and how much he blesses my life! I still have a migraine, but seeing these pics I can't wait to feel better so I can hold this precious angel in my arms. Good Night.

CHANGE

After working hard with my Daddy-Man Team which includes (Ivy, Seth, Tiff, Severia and our children as well as theirs), we finally have the Red Stick Animation Festival behind us. I can finally say that I am glad it is and probably will never enter it again. I still have not fully recovered from being so tired and out of sorts. It is hard readjusting not using every moment other than time for prayer, Sunday School preparation and the small time that I spent with Ivy and the children, on Daddy-Man. We didn't place in the festival which means I didn't get the "Red Stick", but I learned a great deal and managed to get a few new contacts and interest by a producer in Canada.

There is still much going on with Daddy-Man. Ivy did a great interview on a local television show. I wasn't happy with the way I looked, so I won't talk any more about that. I hope to start promoting my book full throttle next month. Haley and Little Noah Gabriel are well and Haley is adjusting to her new role as mother very well. I am very pleased with her and Noah Gabriel is getting more adorable every day.

The title of this blog is Change. I have a big change coming in my life this weekend. I still am bewildered at this change which I am headed for. I am making preparation for this change and have made some of the physical changes already such as removing my nose ring and deciding what to do with my "real hair". In my heart, I know these things are necessary in order for me to handle what I am "called" to do effectively. Unfortunately, I am unable to discuss this change until after this weekend, but I know it will take a lot of support from my family. I lean on them for so much already and hopefully will be able to lean on them a lot more.

Today is a day of reflection for me. I have decisions to make which could have an impact on so many. I trust and have faith that all things will be put in place today in preparation for this weekend.

A Family Outing

Today was one of the best! Ivy got all us all out of the house and we went to the levee to see how much the water has risen. I had never seen it so high before. I was even more surprised when Haley, Benjamin and Baby Noah Gabriel came to the levee as well. I consider it to be Noah Gabriel's first family outing and I was so happy and proud of the new parents. They are both doing so well as parents and Noah Gabriel was so cute! He was wearing the outfit that Ivy and I bought him! Afterwards we went home and had a picnic style dinner of chicken, macaroni salad and rolls. It was fun. Everyone was really tired afterwards, but it was a good tired, we were all together as a family and I had a much needed break from working on things for the Red Stick Animation Festival this upcoming week and everything else pertaining to Daddy-Man. Here are a few pics from today. I'll put more on my facebook album. Good night!

Today was a good day

It doesn't seem like I have been a Grandmother for 2 weeks, but I have and I am still on Cloud 9! I attended the afternoon session of General Conference with my daughter, son and little Noah Gabriel and I was so pleased to be with them. Haley and I had dinner afterwards at Laginappe, while Benjamin went to a meeting and then to the 7pm Session. After dinner Haley, Noah Gabriel and I went to the store to shop for lunch between sessions tomorrow. I stayed at their place until after the men's conference. It was a very nice day. We had a book signing at the Zachary Library at 10:30 this morning that really went quite well. I finally completed my Character Bible and powerpoint to pitch at the Red Stick Animation Festival in 2 weeks. I still don't believe I completed it. I was so tired and did a great deal of praying for my mind to be clear and that I would be able to get a guide for 26 episodes completed. It was grueling, but once again prayer got me through it. I was a little disappointed that there are some corrections that I need to make, so I just completed them. I am so excited about pitching Daddy-Man at the festival this year! I know that I will be nervous, but that is part of the excitement. I am hoping that all of my friends and family will be able to show up and give us their support. Anyway, I am starting to get sleepy and it is 12:21am. I am glad that we don't have to attend church until 11:00am due to conference.

The Patterson Family plus 1 return to church

What a great testimony meeting! Haley and Benjamin returned to church with Noah Gabriel in tow! It was as if he was a little celebrity or something! I...naturally, was there waiting in the parking lot to take pics of them when they arrived. Everyone wanted to get a look at him. I think everyone was more surprised that they came to church seeing that Haley only had Noah a week ago. She looked great, I must say. I went out yesterday and bought her a nice loose fitting dress and dressy flip flops. They were only going to stay for testimony meeting, but stayed for the entire 3 hours. The baby slept until the end of combined third hour and when he woke up he was just as sweet as ever. They came over to dinner and I was so happy that Noah Gabriel came to Grandma's house for his first visit! Arielle fried fish and it was delicious. Seth joined us for dinner and Chris and Erica came over a little later. We made plans to have Erica's shower on May 5th at Arielle and Teayona's apartment.

Arielle and Teayona took all of the kids home with them!!!! It is really quiet now. Ivy is catching up on some of his homework and isn't it obvious what I am doing. The girls have an extra day out from Spring Break because they have to get their eyes examined in the morning.

My eyes are beginning to get heavy. I am really tired. I just wanted to share my day as it was one of my best in a long time.

Good night!

THE LAST FEW DAYS

The last few days have been incredible! Noah Gabriel is just amazing as well as his parents who I am still in awe of.

I have been with them every day since they came home and it has been wonderful. I get to hold my grandson whenever I want and when he looks at me I have the most warm and intense feeling.

Tonight we watched a movie together and I held Noah Gabriel the entire time. Some would say that I am spoiling him, but what did anyone expect???? I am going to spoil him.

My family spent the day at Haley and Benjamin's yesterday. We had a lot of fun! The girls were able to hold their little nephew and they were estatic even Mikaeylla who didn't want to put him down. We all agree that Noah Gabriel is the most beautiful baby in the world!

I am about to settle down for the evening. I have much to do in preparation for a couple of events for Daddy-Man. I know that it is only through the power of Heavenly Father that I am able to do all of the things that I have been able to do. I am so tired at times that I just want to stop, drop and sleep, but a little voice inside of me continues to tell me that I can do it and I just pick myself up and do it.

It has been a long and exciting Easter Break. Wonderful things have happened in my family and I look forward to watching little Noah Gabriel grow up with so many who love and adore him.

Good Night.

I will cherish these picturess forever. My first picture with my grandson, Noah Gabriel Patterson. He is "Simply Beautiful".

OUR BLESSING

Being a Grandmother

Having my own children has been a wonderful experience (at times). Witnessing the birth of my grandson, Noah Gabriel Patterson has been an experience I will never forget and one of the most precious and sacred things I will ever be a part of.

First, let me say that my grandson is beautiful! I know, I know people always say that about their own. But Noah's face is perfect, his eyes are beautiful and he is developing a little personality already.

Second, which probably should be first...mother is doing wonderful. She has impressed me and I am still in awe of her. She was in labor for 36 long, grueling, painful (very painful at times) hours before finally asking her doctor to perform a c-section. She didn't take her epidural until she was dialated to 7 and absolutely couldn't take the pain any longer.

It was difficult initially to watch my daughter in so much pain, but I knew that it was a labor of love. I know how much she loved Noah and wanted what was best for him. The nurses kept telling her she could have the epidural at any time and that she didn't have to worry about giving in to the pain, but Haley held out because she is like that...strong and wanting to experience her labor.

Benjamin was amazing! He was by Haley's side the entire time except when they gave her the epidural. He whispered encouragement in her ear and supported every decision she made. There was a special moment between Benjamin and myself when they were giving Haley the epidural. We were in the waiting room and I was on the computer. I looked to tell Benjamin something and I saw his head bowed in prayer. When he finished he looked up at me and he was crying. He wiped his eyes and shared his feelings of love for my daughter, feelings he said he never thought he could feel. He talked about how amazing she was and how undeserving he felt of her love. I told him that they were both deserving of each other and how happy he has made my daughter. I know they were meant to be together and to share a union of their love with their son is a result of obeying God's laws. They are truly blessed.

When I finally went home after all was well with Haley and Noah, I could rejoice to myself and thank my Heavenly Father for all that he has done for my posterity. Our family has been blessed beyond measure. When I look at my daughter, I still see my little girl, but I know that she is a woman, grown up, married and with a beautiful child of her own. She will be a wonderful mother I know she will. She and Benjamin will be great parents and pass down to Noah all of the things he will need to know to be a loving and kind individual.

I am so happy this day! I can't wait to go back to the hospital today to see my family...especially Noah:)!

Have a wonderful day!

Being a mother isn't easy.

If you think being a mother becomes easier as your children grow older, take my advice...it doesn't get any easier. I wouldn't trade being a mother with any other job, but it certainly takes a lot of hard work, learning to keep your mouth closed sometimes and always having a ready shoulder for your children to cry or lean on.

Random thoughts as I start my day....

Have you ever thought about what your marriage is worth? I was watching the news this morning where a woman who was married to Beattles Paul McCartney was awarded some 48.6 million dollars after being married for close to 4 years. She was tickled at the outcome and I was astonished! This was because I did the math...money verses love and eternal happiness. When they married they claimed it was forever...they both stated they found the love of their lives. She didn't sign a prenup because she wanted to prove to everyone she was not marrying for money. In the end she did just that. She married for money. She fought, cat scratched and discussed the private things of her marriage to ensure she received a huge settlement. Love...huh? Eternal happiness?

Ivy and I talked about the worth of our marriage. We both agree that it is priceless. If we divorced, we walk away with nothing but a failed marriage. It wouldn't matter how much money we earned, we failed. We failed ourselves and we failed our children.

Just random thinking this morning. Have a good day.

Girl's Night Out

Last night was fun. It was our 2nd meeting of our special Girl's Night Only...get it? Anyway we inducted a new member last night, Monica. Tiffany, Nina, Monica and I met at Teayona and Arielle's new apartment. Pat, Ina, Teayona(who had to work), and Arielle(who is in California until Tuesday) couldn't make it. We talked for a bit then went to Cafe Phoenica for dinner. We all love the food there (Greek). The meal was wonderful and the conversation and friendships were even better. We all have so much to bring to the table and we are all so very different but yet so much alike. I know that sounds crazy, but eventhough our personalities range from near perfect to close to psychotic, we all enjoy our lives and our familes and our roles as mothers and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.

Monica will be a good addition to our group. She was a little uncertain of what to expect, but after the icebreaker where we told her why we have our special Girl's Night, she was okay and the night was off to what I deemed to be one of my best nights out in a long time.

We ended earlier than we did the last time, but the time was indeed well spent. We have already started planning next month's get together. We are going to meet on the 11th. That is the weekend before Nina's birthday. We are going to have a wig party! That's right up my alley and I am looking forward to seeing everyone with different hair styles.

I love my friends. They can get a little crazy at times, they can make me crazy sometimes and I know I make them crazy most of the time, but they are a part of my life and without each part of my life that they represent (does that make sense?), I am extremely grateful for my Heavenly Father who knew what kind of friends and support system I would need.

Donna out for now.

A Good Night

The title says it all. The long day that I had watching Haley going through the ringer at her dr's appointment. She was tired and hungry and Dr. Thomas told her that if she isn't ready next week (39th week) they will schedule her appointment to induce. We were at her appointment for almost 2 1/2 hours!

Benjamin met us and Haley went home with him, I headed to the Relief Society Celebration where I hooked up with my girl, Tiffany. She is a Godsend (sometimes) and knows me better than some people who have known me for years. Anyway, after Relief Society we went to Walmart and bought a bunch of candy, and came home. She sat here with me as I talked to her about some of the things I have been and still am going through. She always knows when to comment and when to just say nothing. That is one of the things that I love about her. She doesn't care where I have been but she does have a lot to say about where I am going.

Anyway that is the beauty of surrounding yourself around people who have your interests at heart and aren't afraid to tell you when you are screwing up. You know how some people worry about telling you something because they don't want to hurt your feelings. Enough about Tiffany..her head is big enough already.

Tonight is Ivy's last night on the night shift. He doesn't have to go back to work until Monday and then it is back on days. I am glad because he will be back at night where we all want him to be. I will finally be able to go to sleep at night in my bed. Hoorah!

In closing, I am fortunate to have the people in my life that care about me.

Good Night.

Trying to go to sleep

Here it is 11:27pm, I have been at Haley and Benjamin's the entire day and during the evening while Benjamin was at Mutual. I was tired from the "False Alarm" this morning and never went back to sleep after Elle left at 8:15 this morning. My eyes have been heavy all day and I just kept thinking I would fall asleep and wouldn't hear Haley call out if she needed me. The doctor told her the meds they gave her would knock her out and that if going home she should not be left alone. I stayed busy around their place, but now that I am home and kicked back...there is a big problem I am experiencing and that is a lack of sleep. I don't do the warm milk thing and I don't want to take a valium, but I do want to go to sleep because I need to have Arielle to the airport at 5:00am, for her trip to California.

So, I am going to try to catch some zzzzzs.

Good Night