"COUNT" Your Blessings!

"COUNT" Your blessings.......ah, ah, ah!

Happy 40th Birthday Sesame Street! We go way back! Love you!

It is so easy to let my mind go crazy......to lose all sense of peace in my life. To live in fear. It is easy to let the chaos of life cloud my vision. To be angry and miserable. It is hard to see life go on when I am stuck in a memory. I guess that is kinda like post tramatic stress. You can't get past something that happened in your life, and suffer from the aftermath.

But.......It is also easy to push some of this stuff out of my head if I think about ALL that I am thankful for. It is easy to feel peace when I thank My Heavenly Father for the wonderful blessings. It is easy to see life go by when I think of the bright side and try to serve.

So, I will COUNT my blessings.....ah, ah, ah!

1. My family.......I mean my whole family! Hubby, kids, brothers, parents, in laws, nieces, nephews....the whole ball of wax!

2. My home. I soooooo love my new home. It is my dream home, my heaven on earth. I love to look at the river and watch the wildlife. I love being out in the country! I love the colors and smells of my home. Sooooooo love it!

3. My Friends! Since I have no sisters (blood) I am so blessed with friends. I have friends that I had when I was 3. I have lifelong friends, new friends, blog friends ward friends, and friends in Heaven! (love you Janatte and Teresa)

4. The callings I have had in this ward- I have loved them. I am looking forward to my new one!

5. My body and the ability to do the things I love to do. I love to scrapbook, work on my computer, take pictures, go snowmobiling and so many others. I am also grateful that I can do the things I hate....like the dishes!

6. My testimony and the Gospel. If you asked me one year ago if I had a testimony, I would have said yes! I did, but it has grown in leaps and bounds. It has grown in a way that one grows through a trial if you turn to Heavenly Father. It has grown more than I ever dreamed it would. I know that what I believe is true and good! Whooooo Hoooooo!

7. The faith of my hubby! It is amazing the faith of that man. I got a good one. He is such a good guy. I am here to tell you! I know that if it was me going through what he has gone through, I would be a pouty puddle! Love him for all eternity!

8. The Holidays! I am so excited to be with all my family. After what we have been through, It makes time together so priceless. We are doing Thanksgiving with my parents......and I am so grateful!

9. My worldly possessions. I know, I shouldn't say that, but I am. I love my car, my clothes, cameras and printers, and all my houseful of luxuries!

10. And yes, my trials. I know what is inside me and how I feel, and I know that I wouldn't be this way without what I have been through. I am a survivor! :} I can do hard things! I have faith. Not that this hasn't been super hard, but I know that I have had earthly and Heavenly angels to help me. I know that during the hardest times, I was carried.

Oh yea, I am Thankful!

Testing Your Courage to Endure

“Even when you feel the truth of [the] capacity and kindness of the Lord to deliver you in your trials, it may still test your courage and strength to endure. The Prophet Joseph Smith cried out in agony in a dungeon: “ ‘O God, where are thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?’(D&C 121:1–2). . . .“The Lord’s reply has helped me and can encourage us all in times of darkness. Here it is: ‘My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes’ (D&C 121:7–8).”
Henry B. Eyring,

:O Sweet Memory Monday

Yellowstone 2000 with my friend Marla. We have been friends since my Junior year.

 

One Nation Under God

I thought you would find this painting very fascinating . Wherever you put your mouse, the description of that person is shown on the left.

Take some time and check it out. I am amazed at this.

Click on this link-

http://www.mcnaughtonart.com/artwork/view_zoom/?artpiece_id=353

I hope you had a great Sabbath. I did. We had a AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL, SPIRITUAL Sacrament meeting.

My Heart Goes Out…….

I was in a spa store in Utah when I heard the news about a shooting at Fort Hood. Thirteen men down…. I felt sick. I found out today that one was from West Jordan, Utah. My parents recognized  his name. It is the son of a neighbor that I grew up with. Nemelka’s lived about 1/2 of a mile from us. They were in my ward. We were all friends. My dad farmed their land.  They had several boys. This man was one of their boys. Their Son. Their Grandson.  I have been sick. Even though they moved away years ago, our family has great memories of them. My heart goes out to their family.

It is so hard to understand a tragedy like this. There are so many tragedy’s on the war front, but not likely to happen on American Soil. One act of violence affects so many lives.

To the Nemelka Family: You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Click Here to read the article

The community placed around 30 flags in the Nemelka’s yard.

And here to see tribute from his Uncle

A Little Catchin’ Up to do!

I got lots of stuff swimming around in this head of mine.  Gotta get some of it written down……you know……for posterity!

On Sunday we got released from the R.S. Presidency. Bawled like a baby. I have LOVED working with these girl friends of mine. I love them to pieces. Then just a few minutes later, through all the tears I was called to the 2nd counselor in the Y.W. I am so excited and we have the best girls in our ward. I love girls camp so I am so excited for that to come rollin’ around.

Sunday night we were just hanging out and the doorbell rang. It was Natalie and Kenzie, two of the girls in the YW. They brought me cookies and a sweet note welcoming me into YW! I was sooooo touched. I was seriously speechless…….that doesn’t happen very often. They are amazing! 

A few weeks ago, JP had a spot they wanted to biopsy (skin) so we patiently waited for the results for that. We went in on Monday and found out it was OK. Thank goodnes. 

Debbie (I worked with her in RS) came over and brought this. It explains her and my lives right now! So cute

I got my coasters that I won from here I LOVE them. They are beautiful. Thanks Livin’ Lousiana!

On Monday JP and I left for Utah. We headed to Provo to have dinner with Nicole. We went to a restaurant and we were headed to the rest room, and I saw this guy and thought…..Boy, does that guy look like my dad! I looked and it was my cousin, Craig. Wow! So fun to see them! (and he does look like my dad)

I took JP to the airport and have had 3 days with Nicole. Whoooo Hooooo!  We blew up an air mattress in her little room and had so much fun. So fun to hang out with her!   

We did tons of shopping, and made bead watches. Watched movies and ate. So dang  much fun!

On Wednesday, we met my Aunt Bonnie and Sandy, My cousin for lunch. It was so fun to see them.   

On Thursday I met Lisa Bearnson for Lunch. We went to the Zinn Bistro for lunch. She told me that it is a family owned  business and all the kids work there. She told me that it  is wonderful food but that the family is RUDE. Wow……were they RUDE, but it is is seriously in the top 3 meals of my life. The food was wonderful, but I have never been treated that RUDE at a restaurant. We laughed.  We actually got kicked out, because it closes at 2. It was 2:30 and we ordered at  10 minutes to 2, so we had like 30 minutes to eat. We asked them to take our pictures, and they WOULDN’T!  It was hilarious!   Quite the experience. We thought about calling an complaining, but……they don’t care!

So…..we went to a nearby cemetery to talk, since we got kicked out of a Restaurant!!!!!! Fun to see her.

I am so thankful for the wonderful week I have had! :}

I am now waiting to pick JP up at the airport. Sure did miss the man!

 

We Must Exercise Faith

“In Moroni we read that ‘without faith there cannot be any hope’ (Moroni 7:42). We must exercise faith to take on life’s challenges and changes. It is how we learn and progress.”

Steven E. Snow

A Sneak Peak for Holly

We did a photo shoot for Holly for Halloween. I am kinda slow getting her the CD so go here  for a sneak peak.

Hope you love em Hols! I do!

I left on Monday to come to stay with Cole for the week. Having a blast! Pics later!

The post of Halloweens Past

Soooooo…..this is a long post! I’m lovin’ the memories!

                                     

       

  

:) WADAYA THINK…..OR KNOW THURSDAY

Jump over HERE to see more of these family pictures! :}

The other day I got a phone call. It is the kind of call no one likes to get. It was my daughter, informing me that her roommate’s dad just passed away of pancreatic cancer. It sent me in a tail spin of emotions. She had just flown home to see him a few weeks ago, and so the family was finding it difficult to purchase a flight home. I set out to see if I could use my flyer miles, only to find out they were expired. I talked to a representative at Delta and I was told that for $50 dollars I can reactivate them, and for $150 here, and $10 dollars there we could work it out.  ( to purchase a flight was from $900 to $1500) Her Bishop then volunteered to pay the fees if we could use my miles…….But then a member from her home ward booked her a flight and she is on her way home tomorrow. I do not know this family, but my heart panicked.  I cried for their loss. I could, in some way, feel the pain.   They are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!

WADAYA think about Halloween?  To be honest with you….I love it. I have never focused on the gory part, but I love the costumes,  candy, pumpkins, colored leaves and trick or treating. When my kids were little, this was our Halloween Day:

1. Make or buy costumes (mostly made)

2. Dress kids in costume for school (if it were allowed)

3. Make sugar cookies for the Grandmas

4. Carve pumpkins

4. Go trick or treating at mall

5. Go to Grandma’s to take cookies and show them costumes

6. Ran door to door

7. Attend all Halloween parties available

I have so many fun memories and I am preparing a fun post for Halloween. (fun for me) So stay tuned…………..

One Hour Life-History

 

I love scrappin’ and journaling my life. I found this and I think it is so cool. I feel that anything we can get on paper, or computer is great! I am seriously gonna do this!

One-Hour Life History

By Carol Huber

Writing a life history sounds like a monumental task, but it can be done in an hour. It’s easy. It’s even fun. Here is one way to begin:

• Set aside an hour—use a timer to ease your mind—and find a comfortable place to write.

• Use a legal pad and a ballpoint pen, a typewriter, or a computer. Or if writing is difficult for you, talk into a tape recorder and have someone else transcribe it.

• Begin with your name. Simply write “My name is …” Tell how you got your name, what it means, your nicknames, etc. If you were named for Aunt Matilda or Grandpa George, write that down.

• Now write everything you know about where you were born: the name of the hospital or the address of the house or the location of the farm. Add details about the weather, the time of day, and the day of the week.

• List the names, birthplaces, and birth dates of your parents, brothers, and sisters.

• Name the schools you attended, including college. You may be tempted to begin a long story about the time you and your best friend got lost collecting for a paper drive. Resist the temptation. Straying from the assignment will run into overtime and make you reluctant to return to your history.

• List the organizations you joined as a child—Primary, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts. Did you play the tuba in a marching band?

• List important Church dates, such as your baptism and other ordinances, and your Church callings.

• List the date, location, and other significant details of your marriage. Then list your children and their birth dates. Mention important changes in your family—a child’s marriage, deaths, divorces, moves, and jobs. Remember, keep to the bare bones of your life. You only have one hour, so stick to the facts.

• Describe how you have spent your adult life—at work, at home, and so forth.

You’re done! Make a clean copy of your work. Use page protectors and insert it into a three-ring binder. The binder will make it easy to add material later on. Keep this history with your baby book and journal. Continue to write in your journal. Your one-hour life history will be a fair representation of your life. You never have to worry about writing your life history again if you don’t want to.

Of course, you may want to think about it again. You can add more to your life history in one-hour increments. Try one of the following options. When you finish a project, make a clean copy and put it into your three-ring binder.

• Write a story about an event in your childhood. The story doesn’t have to have earth-shaking significance; it just has to mean something to you. Begin like this: “I remember when I was seven …” You will be amazed at what you remember!

• Elaborate on any of the topics in the first history. Add the details you had to skip before.

• Perhaps you have already written some stories about your life and your family. Locate them and add them to your three-ring binder.

• Add photographs to your history. Seeing the faces and places described in the text can help it come alive. You can purchase archival-quality pages to hold photographs; or copies of your photographs can be made on a copy machine and included in your binder.

• Write down your testimony. This is important for every Latter-day Saint. Schedule a special time, perhaps on fast Sunday. Seek the Spirit of the Lord.

• How about a romance chapter? Write the story of your courtship, engagement, wedding, and honeymoon.

• Write some memories of your children. Reminisce on their babyhood and the cute things they said and did.

• Write about yourself as you see yourself. How do you feel and what do you think? Describe yourself, not just physically, but with other interesting details: that you cry over sentimental movies, love baseball, and hate beets.

• Write about your best Christmas, summer vacation, or annual family outing; write about any holiday or vacation, for that matter.

• Make lists. For example, what are your favorite foods?

• Write about items in your home that have a special meaning to you. If your son cut his teeth on the back of a chair, write about it. And mention any furniture handed down to you from a loved one.

• Write a one-page annual update of the highlights of the past year.

• Make a fancy cover for your binder, add index tabs, or think up more topics.

Gradually, you will write a life history rich in detail. But don’t think about that. For now, have fun in just one hour.

Update

We drove 6 hours to sit for 3 hours in the Doctor's office at Huntsman. But it was interesting. The radiologist here said it was probably malignant unless proven other wise, and Huntman said Benign unless proven otherwise.........what a head rush! So Huntsman said to retest in 1 year. (what the heck) and they told us here to retest in 3 months. So that is what we will do. Cole had the day off so she met us there. It is so fun to see her. She is so stinkin cute.

Does anyone have any advise of adrenal glands that don't work anymore. I think that is what mine are doing. To tired to work. I feel exhausted from the inside out. Yes......adrenal exhaustion!

But I am so thankful for the 6 hours that we were able to just TALK. It is precious time for me. One of the things we talked about was how we all deal with cancer. Most people don't know what to say. (I am one of those people) Some say things that make your mouth hang open. I heard a rumor that someone told a cancer patient that they could have controlled it with diet. :{

This is some things I have learned about our experience:

1. A cancer patient is NEVER cancer free. Never! Maybe the doc says they are, but each and every day, they worry about reassurance.

2. It completely changes they way you think and live.

3. It proves that people are wonderful. We have been sooooooo blessed with love and support from sooooooo many people. I don't know what I have done to deserve such people in my life!

4. It either makes your heart mad or grateful, mine is grateful!

5. It is important to "Stay in the moment"

6. It has taught us empathy

7. I have learned so much about faith just watching my sweet husband's testimony grow about "HIS WILL"

8. I pulls families together

9. I have learned the after math of cancer surgery. The anxiety, sadness, physical problems, fear, and life altering challenges

10. That we live in 3 month incerments. And that our live revolves around test results.

11. That God lives and is aware of us. That my Savior has carried me through this. That He has sent angels into my life to help me through this. That His hands are the hands of our family, friends and ward members!

We carved pumpkins with Stacy and her friend Luke. It was super fun!

JP

MeLuke and StacyJP ( the pumpkin says it all!)MeI really do like Halloween. It is hard not having little gobblins in my home......I guess I will just wait for the gradkids!

Groceries

I LOVE emails.....you know the good ones that are forwarded around all over the place. I have laughed, cried, felt peace and even felt that they were sent from Heaven on a bad day.
I have a friend, Maria Laura and we met in Blogland. She is a great friend. She sent me this. I love it!

The Groceries

Enjoy take time to watch the very last sentence, a minute read. Read this story and follow the recommendation at the end.

As I was walking down life's highway many years ago, I came upon a sign that read, Heaven's Grocery Store. When I got a little closer, the doors swung open wide, and when I came to myself, I was standing inside.. I saw a host of angels, they were standing everywhere, one handed me a basket, and said my child shop with care. Everything a human needed was in that grocery store. And what you could not carry you could come back for more, first I got some patience, love was in that same row. Further down was Understanding, you need that where ever you go. I got a box or two, Wisdom and Faith, a bag or two and charity of course; I would need some of that too. I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost; it was all over the place. And then some strength and courage to help me run this race. My basket was getting full, but I remembered that I needed Grace, and then I chose salvation for Salvation was for free.

I tried to get enough of that for you and me, then I started to the counter to pay my bill, for I thought I had everything to do the Masters will. As I went up the aisle, I saw prayer and put that in; for I knew when I stepped out side I would run into sin.

Peace and joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf song and praise, were hanging near so I just helped myself. Then I said to the Angel, how much do I owe.

He smiled and said, just take them where ever you go. Again I asked really now, how much do I owe. My 'child' he said God paid your bill a long, long time ago.

I also got an email from my cousin Virginia. She sent this:
This is a quote from President Monson

“You’re Acts of Kindness Reflects the Nobility of Your Soul”.

So so true. I decided long ago that people wouldn't remember how clean my house was or if my dishes or laundry was done, but they might remember acts of kindness.

Have a great Sabbath!

The Climb

I was headin' to Walmart a couple days ago, and I heard this song on the radio. It is sung by Miley Cyrus and it is called "The Climb" I know I ask in my heart daily for tender mercies to get me through some of this STUFF! I loved this. Here are the words:

I can almost see it

That dream I'm dreaming but

There's a voice inside my head sayin,

You'll never reach it,

Every step I'm taking,

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking but

I Got to keep trying

Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down but

No I'm not breaking

I may not know it

But these are the moments that

I'm going to remember most

Just got to keep going

And I, I got to be strong

Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes you going to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

Keep on moving

Keep climbing

Keep the faith baby

It's all about

It's all about

The climb

Keep the faith

Keep your faith

(this song is on my playlist! It is awesome)

And.... on Wednesday night we had a tribute open house for Jana and Kennedy.

I have been working in the RS with Jana for 2 1/2 years. I soooooooo love her. They are leaving our ward and I am so sad. She is one of those people in my life that "I know she loves me no matter what and I never worry about what she is thinking or saying about me." She is so amazingly talented. I will miss working with her and seeing her on a weekly basis. I love ya Jana (and Kennedy too)

We have the most amazing ward. I thought I would just throw some goodies together. No Biggie..... so many offered and brought food. We had sooooooo much. I love my ward! ;}

The Blanket that Carol made her.


Carol, me and Jana. Debbie (not pictured) was out of town and we missed her terribly.
Some things I have learned working as the RS Secretary and with these wonderful sisters:

1. To say yes when someone asks you to pray. (it is my least fave thing to do it scares me to death)

2. The love a President can have for the sisters in her ward

3. To remember to take the roll every Sunday (duh I did forget some days and had to remember who was there.)

4. The joy of visiting sisters in our ward

5. The love the 4 of us have for each other

6. I have learned so much from the trials of these sisters

7. The talent Jana has when doing enrichment (or what ever it is called now)

8. How Carol gathers the sisters together that are alone.

9. How to love and serve

10. That I must be loved by my Heavenly Father to be able to work with these sistas!!!!!!

What a blessing it has been!

Lifting Burdens

How can we not feel comfort through this message. Thanks Sandy!

http://www.youtube.com/MormonMessages#p/a/1/coef8G5ax6E

Just some more stuff!

Please don't think that I was making fun of the seriousness of the swine flu. I hope no one thought that. It is tough. And I hope it made someone smile, but it is so serious. I pray for those that have it, and pray for those that don't, that they will be protected. My daughter works in a pharmacy, so she sees it every day. I worry that she will get it. It is one of those things that we put in the Lord's hands. huh?

Just an update. A few weeks ago, JP went in for an ultra Sound. It was just to check the problematic lymphocells from his surgery. (the ones that he had to have drained all summer) They found a nodule. I don't know if you have heard the phrase....."The straw that broke the camel's back?" Well, that was pretty much me. Couldn't make it through Sacrament meeting with out falling apart. It was our decision to not tell any one, and just ride it out. That lasted 24 hours for me. I then said......"#1- I am not lying to your mother! #2- The kids will be ticked if we don't tell them. #3- I can't do this alone and neither can you #4-I know the power of prayer and support through my blogland friends, ward and family (and others to :)

So we told a few people, went down to Huntsman for another ultra sound yesterday, and have to wait till Monday to go back down to talk to Doc. But.......the radiologist told him that he didn't think he should worry, (easy for him to say) These can or cannot be cancer. It is very small. I will say that my nerves are shot. Thanks so much for all of your prayers, love and concern and especially your service and support to us. I know that conference was focused alot on service, and I have seen the service come to us, whether , it be cards, comments or emails, food, hugs, gifts, flowers, phone calls, books, texts, lunch to talk, visits......or so many others. We have felt the love of the Lord's hands through yours. Thanks isn't even a word that works when I want to express my appreciation to you!

He is an amazing man. He never lets this interfere with his job or his calling. He worries so much about everyone else. He has such great faith, and even thought this has been extremely hard on him, he carries on and helps those around him. He is my hero! He is my dream husband. The kind I always thought about when I was little......hard working and caring. He goes beyond that!

I got this cute email from my cousin Sandy! I laughed out loud. It will make your day!!!!

And......a gift from AbanyI went to see them the other day. Abany is 7ish. She is my little friend. She gave me these sweet gifts and said, these are special, and they are for you. They are special. It was a sweet gift that touched my heart. (She LOVES golf balls!)

Swine flu paranoia gets out of hand...

Happy Birthday Ingrid

We did a birthday party for Ingrid's 40th Birthday. Her daughter, Ashley told her she wasn't coming until the night of her Birthday, (today) And surprised her by being at my house. It was so fun and she was so surprised!

I went to Sams Club and got the cake. I loved how it turned out!

When everyone got there, I gave them a paper to fill out. I am going to make her a book, with all the pictures, and the wonderful notes and stuff. It is gonna be so cute.

We made cafe rio burritos! (great for a big crowd) Yum

AshleyBrandonTylerSaraChris, Ingrid and AshleyIngrid and DavidMom, dad and IngridAshleyMy mom and Venice have been friends since they were little girls. So fun to see her.
Kent and Ingrid Gotta love him huh?





Happy happy Birthday Ingrid!!!! Love ya tons and tons!

:) WADAYA KNOW........OR THINK THURSDAY

First of all Check out "Little Mr. Stein" HERE. He is a dear friend of the fam, and they are so cute. so check em out!




True Destination

I have been thinking so much about my destination. About my family's. I know I let in to much of the world. Satan wants us to feel our true destinations is money, a nice car, big houses. God wants us to view them as a blessing, but not let them control us.


I have always wondered and worried about my final destination. I want to make it. I want to come through the refiners fire with no burns and anger.

Some days I think I won't make it. Yesterday was one of those days.


We've had a hard few days, and may I just ask that you pray (are you sick of me asking that yet?) for our family. It is the pits, but because I read this quote, I have to continue. To sail over my trials, not being afraid of the arduous journey we are undertaking and to someday reach the final destination.



True Destination
“Early European converts [sailing to America] . . . had overcome many stumbling blocks. They had a testimony that revelation comes from heaven and that prophets and apostles are again on the earth. They had faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. “They had come to understand the sublime destination that was in store for them. They were not fearful of the arduous journey they were undertaking, and their ultimate destination was not really the Salt Lake Valley. Their true destination was paradise followed by exaltation in the celestial kingdom.” Quentin L. Cook


Another thing:
I love sharing my blog. It has been the greatest blessing in my life this year. It is such a great way to get feelings and fears out of my head and into word form, maybe someday my grandkids can understand what me and grandpa have gone through this year.

My concern: I do have lots of people looking on, so cool, but unless I know who you are I am fearful. It doesn't take much these days.

I am considering going private. I have had a gut ache the past few days, and this is one thing that I don't want to be worring about. Please let me know who you are and where you are from. You can email me. jkaypaz@aol.com

I know it is hard to comment on every ones blogs. But I want my commenter's (and especially my faithful ones) to know that you are my bright spot! I have felt so down and alone, and YOU! YES YOU! have helped in ways that I can never explain.

I love commenting because I know I can leave one without picking up the phone and bothering you in your busy lives.....so I can just say HI or that I am thinking of you. It is a true blessing in my life this year. I love being able to follow so many wonderful lives and being so inspired by you! Love you to pieces!

TOTD
“I bear you my testimony that God the Father lives. He set a course for each of us that can polish and perfect us to be with Him. I testify that the Savior lives. His Atonement makes possible our being purified as we keep His commandments and our sacred covenants. And I know from my own experience that He can and will give us strength to rise through every trial.”
Henry B. Eyring

Stories and Parables

I got a few emails I wanna share. I learn so many life altering lesson from stories and parables!


After you read these parables, take this little test.
Who is the bowl that the little boy is making for?
Why did the parents move grandps back to the table?
Why would a person wear 2 catching mits?
What did the friend do to save Kyles life?
Why did Kyle become a babe magnet?
What was the grateful smile for?
How much time and energy does it take to help a friend in need?
What sends you into the fastest rage: Rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage or tangled Christmas lights?
Would you rather have a pain or be one?
{Little joke on this test thingy!}

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..

' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back sometimes.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone... People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.' I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him... He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes . My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives. ' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football With my friends He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! ' He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.. When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never Be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.. Kyle was valedictorian of our Class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. he was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. Thanks,' he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.' I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable...' I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. with one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.
Now, Seriously my peeps,
I have had a few really bad days. Not like a clean out your locker kind of day, but a "I'm not sure I can get out of bed and function day. Trying so hard to remember that fear and faith can't be together. Can you have enough faith to not be afraid? Ummmmmm, Sooooo I was super down. I got on my email and I won these from Lisa Click here It truly made my day. She sells these beautiful coasters. I am telling you that this was one of those times that I am giving Lisa one of those GRATFUL smiles......just like the story!

Thanks Lisa so much. You really did lift my spirits.

:0 SWEET MEMORY MONDAY

Today I spent the day cleaning my craft room. It is so hard to do that, cause I seem to sit in the middle of the room, and take a walk down memory lane. I LOVE to look at my scrapbooks. So many wonderful memories.

I was looking at some pics when Stacy got her mission call. We took the kids to Utah and did a temple tour. It was so fun, but a hard time because we knew she would be leaving for 18 months, but what a wonderful experience. We went to Salt lake and Timpanogos Temples. We did some shopping and went to Cabellas!
June 2006 ( so love these people)






At Cabellas On Saturday we had our Super Saturday. We have the best Enrichment (or what ever it is called now) crew ever!!!!! Our 2nd counselor is moving from our ward and it is making me so sad!
:{ She is so talented. I made her a book of all the enrichments she did the past 2 years so when I get it all the way finished, I will post it......it is so cool!

The theme was 100 dresses. So the sisters brought gently used dresses to donate to a shelter for women to be able to dress up for work or job interviews. They hung the dresses around the cultural hall. It was quite a sight. We had a waffle bar.......have you ever had a waffle with caramel topping, peacans and whipped cream? Oh my gosh!!!!!!I know that I am so loved by my Heavenly Father to allow me to work with these sisters. (S.C. Relief Society Presidency) We have been together for 2 1/2 years and I FEEL SO BLESSED! It has been a priceless experience, and working with them has been proof to me that there are angels on earth! (Photo tip: In Christine's photo class she taught us how to position people so they look thinner.....How did this work?)

Our classes included: Hair bows-Bead watches-coupon clipping 101-Missionary work- and compassionate service.

Daily Gem:
Accepting God’s Will under Difficult Circumstances

“I witnessed how [a] faithful family dealt with great adversity. Several members of the Quero family had died in a terrible car accident. Brother Abraham Quero lost his parents, two sisters, his brother-in-law and his niece in that accident. Brother Quero showed an admirable attitude when he said the following: ‘This was the time to show loyalty to God and to acknowledge that we depend on Him, that His will must be obeyed, and that we are subject to Him.’ ”
Rafael E. Pino,

The makings of a friendship!

On April 7th 2008, I received this comment on my blog:

Lynn said...
Hi! You don't know me, but I just stumbled upon your blog. I have really enjoyed what I have read thus far. I too am a member and I am new at the blog world just since Jan. this year. I was tickled pink with your home video of your daughter coming home from her mission. What a beautiful family you have. My blog is set to private,but I would love to share our family's life with you if you wish. My e-mail is on my profile. Just let me know. I am looking forward to reading more about yours. Conference talks this weekend were so awesome!


That started a wonderful friendship. We have blogged and emailed each other for 1 and 1/2 years. We have watched each others lives, the good and the not so good. She has been an amazing friend to me. She has been such a strength to me this year. A while ago, she said that she was going to Salt Lake for conference. I knew if she drove, she would have to go through IF! So I told her that if they would stop just off the freeway, I would meet them there so we could meet!

When I got out of my car and saw her I just started to cry, she is so cute! It was a blast to get to see her and meet her husband and parents!


I know that we knew each other before this life! I have just felt it! It seriously made my day to meet her! It was only for about 5-10 minutes, but sooooooooooo exciting!
Sorry my eyes are so puffy, I had "one of those mornings at church" (one of those melt downs)


Thanks Lynn, for all of your love and support that you have given me this past year a half! Love ya sista! :D