I Fell in Love with An Unauthorized Immigrant
My name is Mandy Al-Bjaly. I was not born with this last name, but it is a name I chose to take upon myself in March of 2010 when I married Jad Al-Bjaly. I wrote the story of our…
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Tag Archive: mommy
God gives you who you need: part 2
It’s expected that everything about having a baby is exciting and full of blissful joy. I really wanted this post to be all that, but I also believe in keeping it real. Life is not always roses, not even when…
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Goodbye for now, Grandpa.
This morning at 6:12am I got a phone call from my dad. I didn’t want to answer it, not just because I didn’t want to wake Jad, but mostly because I knew what his call would mean: my grandpa had…
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A Mud Run to Remember
Sometimes you sign up for something having no idea what you are really in for. That happened to me this past Saturday when I went with several members of my son, Casey’s, wrestling team, the wrestling coach and his wife,…
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When you start to feel too cool for your parents…
My oldest son, Casey, started high school this year. It hit me not long ago that I only have FOUR MORE YEARS with my first born – with my precious son who made me a mother. I know that time…
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Challenges That Have Changed My Life, That Can Change Yours Too!
I adore our dear prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. Since he has become president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he has brought so much inspired counsel to the members of the church and the world. This…
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A Teaching Moment with a Slash
Sunday afternoon was pretty quiet. The boys had just finished watching some gospel-oriented shows while Jad and I took a little nap on the couch. Then, Casey and Rigel went upstairs. Casey came downstairs not long after, and told me…
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Why I Call You Princess
My beloved Eve, you are one year old today. Mommy and Daddy couldn’t love you more. You have brought so much sunshine to our lives. You are our Sweetheart, our Princess. Many parents call their daughters Princess. I actually vowed…
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The Faith of a Child
Bad guys are a hot topic in our house, usually because our boys love to pretend to be heroes. Rigel is a little different, though. He doesn’t just pretend to be a hero – he really wants to be a…
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God gives you who you need
As many of you know, I have three sons, ages 11, 5 and 3. Ever since getting pregnant with my fourth child, my friends and family have cheerily and optimistically expressed that they hope I have a girl this time….
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