Be Loyal & True to the Royal Within You!

Adventures in Brigham City

2012-02-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Oh, the great adventures that await us! We had a fantastic weekend together as a family and I wanted to share with you some of the highlights. Forgive me for the blurry pictures. We literally ran out the door to get away and I completely forgot my camera. Oops!

Friday afternoon, Brian and I went to Shae's school to celebrate her unbirthday and ~~embarrass,~~ and highlight our AMAZING daughter. We then checked her out of school early to bring her home to pack her bags on a overnight get away to Brigham City! Woohoo!

There are 2 things I have always wanted to visit in Brigham City. First up:

Maddox Ranch House

Brian ordered the Prime Rib and I got a Sirloin steak. We were both overwhelmed by the portions, but the taste of everything was delicious. My favorite part were the rolls. Oh, the homemade rolls with raspberry butter.

The restaurant is GINORMOUS and it is an high end restaurant to go to. So, I jumped on the opportunity to teach Shae how to be a lady at a fine dining restaurant. She was taught about courses, butter knives and plates, why so many forks, keep your napkin in your lap, don't run around the table, say please and thank you, how to place your fork on the plate to let your waitress know you are done, etc.

After our dinner, we drove out to see the new Brigham City Temple which is still under construction. IT.IS.GORGEOUS!

From the sides, it feels like the Salt Lake Temple. We are so excited to go up to the open house when the temple is being dedicated. So exciting!

Later that night, we tried to get some swim time in at the hotel, but it was very crowded with lots of kids and Brian became irritated. So we went back up to our room to watch Bed Time Stories!

Saturday morning we got up early to go and visit the:

Golden Spike National Monument

As a child, the only thing I could remember about this place was GRASSHOPPERS EVERYWHERE!

I have a huge fear of the nasty insects and to return to a place where every step was walking on a grasshopper lined path just grosses me out!

We spent a couple of hours exploring the museum and the site helping Shae earn her Jr Ranger Badge. It was so much fun to learn with her and the story of the Golden Spike is an incredible one to learn. Lots of fun, lots of learning!

We drove out to see the Spiral Jetty in the Great Salt Lake, but unfortunately it was under water. So to make up for the 35 minute drive out to see it, we stopped and talked with the cows that lined the gravel road to get there. Brian mooed at them and I tried to coax them to come to the car with my soft animal voice, which none of that worked. Meh, cows are weird, anyway!

Alas, our trip had to stay short as we have church obligations this weekend for Stake Conference.

We had an amazing Stake Conference that focused on the temple, missionary work and perfecting ourselves. Our YW "High On A Mountain Top" choir sang the opening hymn and I cried like a baby. They were SO good.

Later on Sunday, we headed to Brian's parents for Michelle's birthday party.

I loved that they served veggies, fruit and whole wheat rolls for the night, it was awesome!

Above is a picture of Brian and Shae at his parents house that I took with Instagram. Kind of a fun photo app to play with.

I end with a picture of the National Park Service Sign. When you study what the National Parks stand for and that everything has a meaning to each item, it is touching. We are so blessed to have so many National Parks here in the state of Utah.

2 thougths come to me:

1. Every family should have their own Sign that represents them. (Janice Kapp Perry also encourages each family to have their own family song, too!)

2. President Longhurst taught us yesterday that God's greatest classroom is out in the mountains. Let's get out and explore and learn more. We have so many beautiful places literally at our fingertips.

A life lived in fear, is a life half lived (and it is very lonely!)

2012-02-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

Look at me! I can do this!

I have been debating for months now whether to let go of my blog, facebook, pintrest, every and all social media distractions. Not an easy one to make and something kept saying in my heart "it's not time to say goodbye."

In many ways, my time is so limited and the distractions cause me a ton of stress. TON! Even when I know better, I can use them as an excuse for not doing what I am suppose to be doing. Like right now, I am training the Ma/Pas for Trek tonight, and I have not fully cemented what I am going to train on (it's in my head) but for some reason, I feel a stronger pull to post a blog. Go figure?

So, why am I here now? Posting? Honestly, a couple of days ago, I was very sad. Melancholy, unhappy and discouraged. I couldn't put my finger on it until it hit me, I am feeling very lonely!

I went to our Stake Women's Conference last Saturday and I greeted some of my dear friends in the Stake. They asked me how I was doing and I expressed my love for them. I normally hug these ladies, but with a recent head cold and congested voice, I apologized for not my normal greetings. My friends reply completely caught me off guard, she said "That's ok, you are way above us now, you don't have to worry about impressing us here on the lower level." or something to that extent.

We are on different levels? What? Hold the phone! I know she was paying me a compliment, but what she has said has haunted me for the past week.

I have thought over the last month or so and find that my feelings of isolation are the majority of my own fault. Have I separated myself from those around me, so they would think that I am placing myself on a different level? I would post things on social media's and then delete them in fear that I might offend or upset. I would have blog posts come to my mind and then blow them off in my own feelings that nobody really cares to read about that. I stopped writing thank you notes because I feel that I would have to write 5 a day to thank those who help me.

Bottom line, I'm living a life in fear.

Well, no more! I am taking the bulls by the horn and not holding back the good parts of me. Because when you get the truth, I'm really just an ordinary girl with lots of dreams.

So here is the update on our family since last November. We have been very busy and also are very exhausted.

1. November was a very hard month for me. The Stake YW President had surgery and so the responsibility of running the show fell on me. We had 3 major events happen in November. A missionary fireside, a recognition dinner and 7 YW in Excellence's to attend. We made it through with flying colors and I just kept counting down to December 1st to hand the responsibility back to President Monson and almost take the month of December off. HA! That would have been nice.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I was called to be the new Stake Young Women President and my husband was called to be a High Councilman a week later. I did not see that coming at that time and with all the events in the new year, I was shocked. It has been a whirlwind of emotions and work and I am learning so much. In some ways, this is the coolest thing ever and in other ways, I.AM.BEING.STRETCHED!

2. As a family, we have decided to have small adventures every month so that we can spend time together either as a family or as a couple. We have done Little America, St. George, Ice Skating, and soon we are going to see the Golden Spike. I know, try not to get jealous.

3. My husband is now the proud owner of 2 companies. He has worked for his dad for 18 years and is now the owner of his family's company. This was so exciting for us as he can now take the company in the direction that he wants it to go and that is a wonderful payoff for the stress of running the business.

4. Shaeler is doing very well. After mom had a breakdown with her school teacher in November, we are taking a much more relaxed feeling with her homework. She wants to start singing lessons, but I told her she has to practice 2 solid weeks of piano before we start into singing. So far, she has been working very diligently.

5. I want to start living my life with a fuller purpose of living my dreams and setting goals. I have a personal assistant (electronically) that reminds me of all the things I need to do on a daily basis. I think life would be full with more joy if there were weekly goals to achieve my personal dreams too. I am working on a list. I want it to be fun.

I'm still here, please don't forget me! I am doing the best that I can and I love you all!

Thanks for being my friend!

She's Got a Way About Her

2011-11-03T16:22:00.000-06:00

For some reason, when I look at these pictures, the song "She's Got a Way About Her" by Billy Joel pops in my head.

Listen:

She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her

She's got a way of pleasin'
I don't know why it is
But there doesn't have to be a reason
Anyway

She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know what it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me

She's got a way of talkin'
I don't know what it is
But it lifts me up when we are walkin'
Anywhere

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around

She's got a way of showin'
How I make her feel
And I find the strength to keep on goin'

She's got a light around her
And everywhere she goes
A million dreams of love surround her
Everywhere

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around

She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know what it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me

She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
Anyway

Love my little Angel at Hallowween!

Trek Training at Martins Cove

2011-10-05T19:38:00.003-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, Brian and I awoke at 3:15 am to embark on our journey to Wyoming for the Martins Cove Trek Training. We had a ball riding in the Tippet's big SUV and laughing with great friends as we traveled 5 1/2 hours to Martins Cove.

There are so many awesome things that I learned there and I really should take the time to write down all the things I learned, but my time is limited and so I will share with you my favorite part of the trip.

After you leave the cove, there is an area that is dedicated to the young men that came to help rescue the Martin Handcart company. These young boys carried the people across the Sweetwater River. These statues depict the young men as they are rescuing these early pioneers.

These pioneers were freezing, hopeless, starving and near the brink of death.

These young men came to save them and basically extended the invitation "Take my hand, get up, you're going to die." They call it a Forced March. A forced march is doing what you have to do even though all circumstances are against you.

Everyone in their lives will have a time where they will have their own Forced March. There will come a time or multiple times that we will have to "get up" and move forward or we will physically, spiritually, emotionally or mentally die. When everything around us seems hopeless and yet we still do what is right.

Even the Savior, Jesus Christ, had to experience his own Forced March from Gethsamne to his Resurrection. These moments are meant to be, to make us stronger and to pull us closer to our maker.

"To the Rescue" our prophet has asked us. I have found that in my personal life that I need to slow down and listen to the inspiration to help others when they are experiencing their forced marches. I cannot solve their problems, but I can extend my hand and love them.

See this picture below:

90% of the visitors see a young man carrying and saving this little girl.

If you take the time to listen, and pay attention, the spirit will guide you to things that you may have never noticed before.

See the baby in his arms. Most of us never would have known that this statue had a baby in his arms along with that little girl.

Do not let a day pass by that you are not noticing the trials of those around you. Listen to the still small voice within you to guide you to those who may need a hand. Miracles will come of it, this I know because I experience it everyday.

Do something great today! You have been blessed with the gift of charity. Think of someone who may need that gift from you and then act on it!

Come Hear A Prophet's Voice

2011-09-30T12:32:00.001-06:00

General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing

President Dieter F Uchtdorf

A fine member of the Church was talking with a neighbor who was not of our faith. When the topic of discussion turned to general conference, the neighbor asked, “You say you have prophets and apostles? And twice a year in a worldwide conference they reveal the word of God?”

“Absolutely,” the member replied with confidence.

The neighbor thought about that for a moment. He seemed genuinely interested and then asked, “What did they say in the last general conference?”

At this point the good member of the Church went from feeling excited about sharing the gospel to feeling embarrassed. Try as he might, he couldn’t think of the details of a single talk.

His friend found this troubling and said, “You mean to tell me that God speaks to man in our day and you can’t remember what He said?”

The brother felt humbled by this exchange. He vowed that he would do better to remember the words spoken by the Lord’s servants in general conference.

We all know how hard it is to remember every message of general conference, and I’m confident that we need not be embarrassed if we don’t remember everything. Nevertheless, there are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations.

In preparation for general conference, let me suggest three basic concepts that may help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words spoken by the Lord’s servants.

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.

Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitude for the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation.

2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof.

3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.

If we listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit, they will serve as a Liahona, guiding us through the unknown, challenging valleys and mountains that are ahead (see 1 Nephi 16).

Since the world began, God has raised up prophets who speak the will of heaven to the people of their times. It is our responsibility to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.

Our merciful and loving Heavenly Father has not forsaken and will not forsake His children. Today, as well as in times past, He has appointed apostles and prophets. He continues to reveal His word to them.

What a marvelous privilege it is to hear God’s messages for each of us during general conference! Let us prepare well for this great blessing of divine guidance delivered by His chosen servants.

For this is no ordinary blessing.

Good, Better, Best

By Mary-Celeste Lewis

In his October 2007 general conference talk, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talked about activities that are “good, better, and best.” When he got to the part about “the overscheduling of children,” I squirmed guiltily in my seat.

I knew I was doing too much. I was in school plays, taking challenging classes in school, and was involved in several other activities. I hadn’t been attending Young Women activities faithfully, and my Sundays were filled with the stress of trying to complete last-minute homework. Practicing music and editing the school newspaper had lost their element of fun and had become work.

Elder Oaks’s talk made me take a good look at my schedule. My activities were good, but there were too many of them. I had to choose the best ones. As I tried to decide which activities to forsake, I realized that the gospel of Jesus Christ was the best priority anyone can have. I put prayer and scripture study at the top of my list, and since then, my life has run more smoothly.

Elder Oaks taught me that when we do what the Lord wants us to do first, everything else will fall neatly into place. If I study my scriptures before I play games or even before I do my homework, everything important will get done. When I base my life around the Lord, instead of adding Him in as an afterthought, my life has an added measure of peace and success.

Now I’m very careful to listen to the counsel given at general conference!

I Can Find Answers through General Conference

President Uchtdorf teaches that if you think of some questions before general conference, the Lord can speak to you through His prophets and apostles during conference.

1. As a family or class, discuss what you need to learn, either individually or together. (For example: How do I strengthen my testimony? How should I deal with a problem at school?) On a piece of paper or in your journal, write down your questions.

2. In the weeks leading up to conference, you could think and pray about these questions.

3. Listen carefully during conference (it may help to take notes). Then write how the Lord—through Church leaders—answered your questions.

4. On another piece of paper, you could draw a picture of yourself doing what you learned.

Things that make me happy..........

2011-09-27T11:57:00.002-06:00

1. Picking fresh raspberries off of my raspberry bush and coming the next day to find even more raspberries from the day before. PLUS, finding joy in beating the birds who are eating my raspberries to the fresh ones and singing "neener, neener, neener!" as I do it.

2. Having my husband tell me to make a reservation at Little America for an overnight stay. And it being a mandatory and most important priority in our lives to have more "time just you and I." Gosh, I love that man. Hey, honey, the reservation is done!

3. Seeing my friend Kristen smile while drinking a Fanta Red Cherry Slurpee. The poor kid has joined the "I'd rather endure death than be pregnant like this" club. Welcome Kristen! As a new member, we get to initiate you by spoiling you as much as we can until your overwhelming pukiness subsides. So happy for this lady that she is having another baby. I live vicariously through her pregnancies, so we must do the best we can to keep this lady in good spirits. Anyone have any good movies to recommend to her? She stuck on the couch for a little while and will probably be the only time in her life that she will have the desire to sit and watch movies. Take advantage while you can!!!!

4. The family hug after family prayer and seeing who can be the first to say I love you.

5. My sweet daughter Shaeler. Lately, that kid brings me the greatest joy. She has been struggling the last month or so, and at 7 years old had to take a large slice of humble pie. Part of growing up, I guess. Learning, growing, and seeing some of the realities of this world. I find myself having to hug her and rub her back. She really is quite tender hearted and desires to make everyone happy. She tries so hard to please those around her. Her little spirit has grown so much over the last little while and her spiritual wisdom is surprising sometimes. Life is awesome with her in it and I want her to know that I love the relatioship we have as mom and daughter.

6. Friends that I can serve. It seems the last little while, there is crisis after crisis coming from left and right. I was telling my friend, Katie, that sometimes when I get the news, it feels like a round house kick in the face and it isn't even happening to me. I've cried one too many times at church lately. However, I choose to find the silver lining in taking these opportunities to reach out and serve those the best I can. Honestly, it has been a healing to me, and hopefully a small healing for them. I have found that the most charitable thing I can do in those situations is just listen and provide compassion for those I love. I recently gave a talk about charity and all I can think of lately is who can I help today and it eases some of the personal stresses that I have been feeling.

7. Visiting Martins Cove and preparing for Trek. This last weekend we drove to Wyoming to be trained for our Trek that is happening next summer. I am so excited, I could pee my pants!!! So many awesome and amazing things are being planned and we have WAY exciting personal events that may happen also. I feel the call of my ancestors to help them teach our youth in a way only they can. I have never laughed and giggled so much on a trip and I feel so lucky to work shoulder to shoulder with some AMAZING people!! Putting my Trek bonnett on and feeling an overwhelming emotion as I lay my pioneer clothes out on the bed, that their holiness is as high as my temple clothes.

Decisions.........

2011-09-10T07:24:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the MIA for the last little bit. I was a bit distracted with Labor Day Weekend and then Shae started school on Tuesday. My family needed my full attention and I needed to give it to them.

This last week has been an interesting one. Never before have I had so many decisions to make that could lead me down so many different paths. I find it interesting that you set a goal and then circumstances happen that could end that possibility. Is it a test to see if you really want to achieve that goal or is it a sign that your destiny in meant for a different direction and God is prompting you? Not sure, but I am getting that living in limbo land is not really an option. Hmmm. I guess this is all part of being an adult and especially learning how to be like our Heavenly Father. It's tough. But that is what life is about, learning and growing and getting out of our comfort zones. If you are thinking you should be worried about me, don't. I am just fine. Just in a place that I have to make a decision.

This leads me back to be very grateful that I have the gift of agency. I have found that it is much harder to make the decisions between 2 really good choices. It's no longer about right or wrong. The choice comes down to is it his will or not?

Enjoy your weekend and I will talk to you Monday. I get to hang out with "The Ladies" of the DUP. They ALWAYS make my day! So, I may be delayed, but know I am laughing my head off with a group of 65-95 year old women and I am 32. Good times! Good Times!

Alis volat propriis

2011-08-30T09:27:00.001-06:00

Rejoice! I am grateful for....

2011-08-26T11:13:00.000-06:00

1. Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins.

2 men, 1 dream of bringing the family together with high quality old fashioned ice cream. Their dream certainly changed my life. I remember being a young child and the joy I would feel being taken to the Baskin Robbins in Kearns on 5400 South. It was always one of my favorite treats of my life and I am so grateful for those wonderful memories. Today, I still LOVE Baskin Robbins ice cream and was treated to a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake for my birthday. IT WAS AWESOME!! As I try every day to eat better and better and give many things up, this will be one that will either be the last or never let go. Burt and Irv, thank you for fulfilling your dreams. You make my dreams come true too! And I mean that with all my heart as I am eating a leftover piece of ice cream cake. Cheers fellas!

2. Beautiful, inspiring, and loving friends of my life. I remember long ago crying my eyes out and venting my sorrows to Brian. "Why do they have to be so mean?" I remember saying. I remember going to my closet and praying to be taught how to be a better friend to those around me. So hopefully I could be a good friend to others and be blessed by them. Oh, how that plea has come to fruition ten fold on their part, still working on me. I love the women who are a part of my life. I love all the variety of women in my life. Some I see constantly, some every once and a while and some is just contact by social media. I am so blessed by their talents, their perspectives and their personalities. I am spoiled by my girlfriends and I hope that I can be just as good for them as they are for me. Thank you ladies, for everything that you have done for me. Thank you for teaching me that there is a sisterhood bond that is deep and enriching and is as beautiful as a woman's touch!

3. My family. I am so grateful for Brian and Shae that it overwhelms me sometimes. I truly have wonderful people in my life that are so very close to my heart. My husband is a good man. He is such a hard worker and I am inspired by his vision for our future. There are so many possibilities and he keeps me focused on keeping my head down and working our guts out so that one day, we can achieve our dreams. I love that he is humble and when things are off, he will work hard to get things back on track. He is so good to me and I am so lucky to have him in my life. Shaeler is also one of my greatest joys. My baby is 7??!! This is unbelievable! She is growing up into a beautiful girl inside and out. She makes me laugh more and more everyday. Her quotes, her sense of humor, her questions, her observations are signs that she is not a baby anymore. She is growing up. I am just trying to soak it all in as much as I can! I love you both, oh so much!

4. My Heavenly Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost! C'mon, you know me, you had to see that coming right? I can't help it! I end with all gratitude to them because everything I have, every blessing, every lesson, every breath is because of them. EVERYTHING! I would not be who I am, without them. I am trying so hard to be a better person everyday because they inspire me for goals that are not of this world. I know who I am, I know their part and I have work to do in this life. I prefer to do that work with their constant companionship so that I can get it kind of right. And to feel that peaceful healing when I mess it all up. I am so grateful for all that I have been given.

There is Beauty All Around

2011-08-25T09:57:00.000-06:00

One of the things I love about Utah is our beautiful mountains. The green trees and bushes that cascade down the rugged and jagged cliffs of the mountains are unbelievable.

I also love the mountains because they remind me of how small I am and I am in awe of all of the creations that have been given to me for my enjoyment. There is a spiritual feel in the mountains and I really enjoy the time that I can get up there. Well, mainly in the Summer time because I made a deal with the mountains to not come up in the winter time. Remember the ski adventure? We made a deal and I keep my promises.

This last weekend, Brian had to do some work up at a cabin and invited Shae and I to tag along. We packed up our bags and decided we would go for a little hike while we were up there. I am so glad we did.

Scenery around dog lake

Shae is such a good little hiker. I thought this little adventure would be a great preparation for the big hike this Labor day weekend. She did a great job, plus no dad around to carry her if she got tired. She had to do it all on her own. Great job Shae!

Shae has this thing when we are out in the wild that she likes to collect "nature". She forgot her "nature" zip lock bag and asked me to take pictures of her "nature." The following pictures are what a 7 year old sees as collectible "nature" items in the wild.

A Feather

Wild Flowers

Not sure what she saw here, but I had to take a picture of it.

????

Wild Dandelion to make a wish on. I kept telling her to wish for an ice cream parlor at the top of the mountain. She eyed me kind of funny and then closed her eyes and made a wish.

Funny thing is that when we made it back to the cabin after our hike, she ran to the freezer and shouted "My wish came true!! There are otter pops!" Unfortunately, we could not partake, they were not ours. For those of you who are feeling bad for her right now, don't. She had cheesecake and cobbler later that night at the Cheesecake Factory. Now we really know that wishes come true because Mommy is always wishing for Red Velvet Cheesecake! Woohoo!

A butterfly

Shae on a rock!

More Wildflowers

We had so much fun on our little adventure. She kept asking me what things were called and I had very little knowledge. We set a goal to be like Shae's best friend Baylie and bring a nature book next time with us to identify things.

Truly our mountains are so beautiful! I am so grateful that they are all around me!

Why Scripture Study?

2011-08-24T11:54:00.000-06:00

At BYU Education Week, I attended a class on how to be a better gospel teacher. I felt like a little peasant sitting amongst all these great people that were seminary teachers, gospel doctrine teachers, maybe even some institute teachers, etc. These are the people that teach the sincerest form of doctrine, the big leagues to me. Even though I don't teach day after day or week after week, it is a study that I love and want to grow in. So, I attened their class. He he!

One of the major points that was repeated quite often is that people will change their behaviors when they understand the doctrine that is taught and why we believe it. As I observe the youth in our stake, I have found multiple times that we as the adult tell the youth what they can or can't do without any or very little explanation as to why?

So, as I have been planning my scripture study posts and tips to share with you, I thought I would give you some of the why's that are promised if we study our scriptures daily. Below you will find a list of scriptures that specifically identify the promised blessings to us, if you study and read your scriptures. I am hoping that if we all understand the why's of scripture study, that you may realize that there are beautiful and wonderful blessings that come from diligent efforts.

Joshua 1:8
Psalm 119:105
Luke 24:27-32
1 Nephi 1:12
1 Nephi 15:24
2 Nephi 32:3
Jacob 2:8
Alma 17:2
Helaman 15:7-8
Doctrine and Covenants 11:21-22

I sat down and wrote out the scriptures and then wrote out the promised blessings that I found. I was blown away by what is promised. I have put those blessings to the test and found that our Heavenly Father delivers on such blessings. I like that I can bank on that. And the best part is, I always receive more blessings than what is promised above.

I hope that one day that when my posterity reads my blog book that they will know the reasons why their grandmother LOVED her scriptures so much. Scripture study is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life!

Adventures in BYU Education Week!

2011-08-15T21:46:00.000-06:00

Hello my friends,

Just wanted to take a few moments to tell you that I am having the time of my life at BYU Education Week. Day 1 has come to a close and my body is full of spiritual edifying. I totally forgot my camera, so for today, we will have to make do without pics. Sorry!

Today is also the day that I drove up and came back home to spend FHE with my sweet family. So I was very nervous to be doing a ton of driving by myself. Clearly, I survived. The construction in Utah Valley is crazy awful and I have a hard time with depths. So when people start slamming on breaks, I begin to sweat.

My goal was to be able to see my favorite speakers so that if their classes were to become too full by the end of the week, I at least was able to attend one of their classes. I pulled into the parking lot we normally park at for Women's Conference and it was empty, so I continued to cruise up closer to find a great parking spot. It was awesome!

Making a change of plans, I went to Hank Smith's class as my first class. Hank is a friend of mine and I wanted to support him as he is becoming a Big Shot BYU Institute teacher. Hank's class was on trust and it was really, really good. Some of the things he taught were answers to questions I have been asking for years. Hank is growing up on us and it is so awesome to watch him in the process.

Went to a second class about communication through the color wheel. Not really my cup of tea, but it was very educational.

After that, I ran over to the Ballroom to squeeze into S. Michael Wilcox's class. Wilcox is one of the best teachers I have ever heard. His class was about turning negatives into positives and he gave me a whole new perspective on Jacob 5. To hear him teach on how he is turning the negative despair from losing his wife into positive life altering lessons is inspiring. He truly is a great teacher and a master scriptorian.

Last, I spent 3 hours with Brother C. Well, President Christensen now, however he will be Brother C in my heart forever. He taught on the Lecture's on Faith and it was U.N.B.E.L.I.E.V.A.B.L.E!! What I love most about Brother C is that he not only teaches doctrine, but deep doctrine and then he will crack a joke in the middle of it that seems almost sacrilegious and yet he is so endearing and the combination of the two makes you fall in love with him. I miss him and his Friday night classes that we use to go to. One more year and he will be back teaching again. I cannot wait! The opportunity to hear him now was like a surprise treat. He is just a great teacher! Originally I was going to leave early to beat traffic home, but the spirit was so strong with his teaching that I stayed the entire time. So glad I did!

Came home to find the family is doing well the first day without me and Shae wanted to teach the FHE lesson on the trampoline. Blessings do come from being obedient. We had a great night together and I am so excited to head back up and continue to be taught, to study and to feel the spirit for hours on end.

Words cannot describe my joy today. I cannot wait to see and hear what happens the rest of the week!

Suzanne

Just for Giggles...

2011-08-12T11:39:00.000-06:00

Whenever I feel a little blue, or down, Lionel Richie always makes me smile. Not his music, just the posters and my thoughts about him when I see this:

My ALL TIME FAVORITE POST I have ever written was

Lionel Richie Takes Me Back!

Go ahead, click it and review. Make sure you watch the video. It will totally make this Friday AWESOME!

Scripture Study Techniques and Ideas

2011-08-09T10:46:00.000-06:00

A lot of my time lately is spent hours at my desk at home reading and studying and pondering and learning as much as I can from the scriptures. I love it! I cannot get enough of it.

I have enjoyed scripture study suggestions from the Red Headed Hostess which her blogsite is: www.theredheadedhostess.com

She has taught me so much, but the way she does things is not necessarily how I would do things.

And so my search for scripture study techniques turned directly to the source I feel most confident with: Church Approved Manuals and Materials.

On lds.org, you can find ALL the manuals used that are Church Approved. Including manuals used for seminary and institute classes. Oh yeah, you heard me correctly, ALL the manuals are available online.

I know, I know, it was like a candy store of scripture delightfulness for me and I about cried when I found the manual "Scripture Study- The Power of the Word of God."

I cannot stop reading and studying from this manual and I am learning S.O. M.U.C.H!!!!!

I thought that periodically when I came across something that was so awesome that I would share the technique for those of you that would like a quick little snipit on making your scripture study just a little bit better. Maybe even mind boggling!

So, here wer go for the first technique that I want to share with you. And it has to do directly with the Ensign. Get up, go get it and you will love this.

Let us begin with the Principle of Prophetic Commentary on the Scriptures is of Great Value. Elder Marriner W. Merrill, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

“The Bible is a good thing, the Book of Mormon is a good thing, and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants is a good thing. They are the words of the Lord. But I say that the living oracles of the Church are worth more than all of them. If we could have but one of them, give me the living oracles of the Priesthood for my guidance. Of course, it is proper and a good thing to have it all, because the living oracles of the Church work in harmony with what is written, and their counsel will not come in conflict with the words of the Lord in former ages. But the conditions of mankind change. The counsel that was suitable for the Saints forty years ago may not be so suitable today. Hence the importance of having in our midst the living oracles of God to guide us day by day in the performance of our labors” (in ConferenceReport, Oct. 1897, 6).

How does this apply to you and me?

In your Ensign, the first presidency always gives a first presidency message. That's the first article I read because to me it would be the most important message of the entire magazine. I have found that the First Presidency will pick a gospel principle that will directly help us with our current problems and situations that we face today. Now note this:

Elder Marion G. Romney, then an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in which he emphasized the importance of prophetic interpretation of scripture: “Another fundamental to bear in mind in our search is that the manifestations of the Father’s will to this generation did not cease with what is written in the Doctrine and Covenants. He has not left us unguided to jangle over the interpretations of those revelations, nor does he leave us ignorant of his will on current issues. He has given us living prophets to interpret those revelations and to declare to us his will on present problems” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1945, 89)

The First Presidency Message is a brief monthly interpretation of the scripture they choose that will help us in our lives. It would be of great value to note in our scriptures what our current prophets are teaching us from that scripture.

For example: This month the First Presidency Message is titled:

"Love at Home- Counsel from Our Prophet"

In this message, President Monson does not directly refer to any specific scripture, but his counsel is profound and should be noted with our scripture studies. However, you can find the scriptures you enjoy that talk about loving one another and write in a quote from President Monson's message that speaks to you.

For example: by the scripture 1 John5:2 where it says

2By this we know that we ^alove the ^bchildren of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

I would then write on the page in the margins: "To you parents, express your love to your children. Pray for them that they may be able to withstand the evils of the world. Pray that they may grow in faith and testimony. Pray that they may pursue lives of goodness and of service to others." Thomas S Monson, First Presidency Message, August 2011

Or by the scripture Doctrine and Covenants 88:123 where it says:

123See that ye ^alove one another; cease to be ^bcovetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.

I would then write in the margins next to this scripture this quote from President Monson's talk:
“Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family. One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows. Let us not put off what is most important.” Thomas S Monson, First Presidency Message, August 2011.

Can you see how adding current revelation to the scriptures, we then have expounded the meaning and depth to it? I think this is a wonderful technique to do once a month when we receive our Ensigns in the mail. Many times the prophets will site specific scriptures and we can add to that scripture our favorite quote from that talk which will expound that scripture and you will find personal meaning and counsel when you do so.

I hope this was beneficial to you, because I know for me, it has been such an amazing technique to add to my personal scripture study. This technique can also apply for General Conference talks and the Church News.

Just For the Giggles

2011-08-05T08:47:00.000-06:00

If you knew me well, you would know that I am a person that loves to laugh. I get my sense of humor from my dad and we laugh at some of the corkiest things.

Yesterday, I bought a birthday card from the "Awkward Family Photo" section. I was busting out laughing in Target as I was trying to find a card that I liked best.

I came home to find out that they have a website for the "awkward family photo".

Some of my all time favorite photos are the self portraits with the second image reflection:

For example:

This one explains why dolls creep me out!

This one says it all!

This one gives a bad vibe for the family. I'm just sayin~

This one is too close to home!

As much as I mock, I can run but I cannot hide. I too was part of the whole double image fad.

What makes sense of having a double image on one sheet of paper of yourself?

What were we thinking??

My Review: The Message by Lance Richardson

2011-08-04T10:09:00.001-06:00

My friend Ann just recently lost her father to cancer a little over a month ago. She has done a courageous job blogging about her experience of losing her father and the many hours she spent taking care of her dad in the last moments of his life. I ached for my friend and prayed for much strength as she was going through this process.

This last Sunday, I was given a quiet moment to sit down with my friend and talk with her. My number one concern was how she was doing. She shared with me her experiences, her life lessons and then asked me to read a book. It is called "The Message" by Lance Richardson.

This book is about a man's near death experience of the Spirit World. It is a small book, just an afternoon read really, but it is a very interesting perspective and experience he shares about his life and the after life.

I have always known that there is an after life and a spirit world. As I read this book, there were many aspects that he presented that were peaceful to me. I cried as he was dying and telling his son to be strong as he watched him die and that he promised that he would come back. I found great comfort in the peaceful feeling that he talked about for the spirits of those who have passed on. His story describes what the spirit world looks like and what are the spirits of those who have passed on doing.

I recognize that this is one man's experience and I am not claiming this to be doctrine. It was his experience and he felt inspired to share it. However, I will say that I am glad that he did. When I finished reading his story, I felt great hope for this world and motivated to be a person that focuses on relationships and service. A book that motivates me to be a better person, I give a full thumbs up!

A Healthy Quick Enjoyable Breakfast

2011-08-03T09:24:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share an easy, quick breakfast that I really enjoy. Breakfast is crucial to getting that metabolism up and going high for the rest of the day. A meal that cannot be missed.

Some of us are extremely rushed in the morning and do not have a ton of cooking time for the most important meal of the day. Hence, why I love this breakfast because it is fast, easy and most importantly healthy. (No, the whole grain in the Lucky Charms is not covering it!)

Above you can see a bowl of Kashi Crunch cereal. I LOVE Kashi cereal! Very healthy and tastes really good. I usually do 1/2 a cup to 3/4 of a cup of Kashi with a 1/2 cup of skim milk. On the plate is a Morningside Veggie sausage and 4 strawberries. Veggie sausage takes 30 seconds to heat up in the microwave and the straberries are raw and very sweet. Morningside makes great vegetarian products that taste really good. I had their veggie hamburger a couple of nights ago and it was yummy!

No crazy recipe here, just eat and go! Happy Breakfast!

BYU Education Week........I am going!!!

2011-08-01T11:59:00.000-06:00

AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! I did it! I am fulfilling one of my dreams and attending BYU's Education Week!

I am so excited, I can't stop smiling! I am so excited to have a week long courses from my favorites:

David A Christensen

S. Michael Wilcox

Hank Smith

Brad Wilcox

just to name a few.

To think of all that time studying and reading and pondering, I think I have died and gone to heaven!

Let me know if any of you are going also?

A Book, An Idea and A Teaching Opportunity

2011-07-29T14:25:00.000-06:00

I found this book as I was preparing for Girls Camp this year. When I found out the theme of the book, I instantly bought it. The book is called:

"The Princess and the Kiss"

A Story of God's Gift of Purity

Here is the description of the book from Amazon:

A loving king and queen present their daughter with a gift from God - her first kiss - to keep or to give away. The wise girl waits for the man who is worthy of her precious gift. Where is he and how will she ever find him? The surprising answer in this marvelous parable will touch the heart of parent and child alike.The Princess and the Kiss beautifully portrays the ageless message that "love... comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith"

I have read this book many times to Shae and she loves it and I love it too! It is very funny and classic and conveys of message that I love. If you have a daughter, I HIGHLY recommend getting this book for her. Especially as the media is becoming more and more bold on degrading the female body and spirit.

A little while later, I had an idea. Would this not be a great theme for New Beginnings, Standards Night or YW in Excellence?

The possibilities are endless on this one. Also, this craft from "Under My Umbrella" would be an absolute perfect and gorgeous hand out for the event.

Go to http://undermypolkadotumbrella.blogspot.com/2009/12/glass-jar-lantern.html to get instructions on how to create these amazing jars!!

I can honestly say that as I work with the YW and their leaders, virtue and chastity is one of the biggest problems that are spiritually wounding our young women. We as mothers, leaders and women need to be bold on our stance of virtue and chastity and very clear of what the standards are that have been set by prophets of God for their safety and protection.

If you would like a brush up on what the For Strength of Youth booklet teaches us, click here.

My Perspective on Prayer

2011-07-27T10:13:00.001-06:00

10 years ago, I had a friend that I would go walk with early in the morning. She was a non-denominational Christian and I am a Mormon girl. When we would go for our walks, she would ask if I would be upset if she prayed out loud during our walks. Out of curiosity, I agreed and proceeded to listen. Her prayers were very positive. She always prayed for others, she prayed for help in all things and she recognized God in all aspects of her life. Other than a few things, our prayers were much alike.

One day, she asked me why I didn't pray out loud with her? I explained to her that it was not the way that I was taught to pray. Which then turned her question into, why do you pray the way you pray? Being a young girl of 21, and just fresh into the adult world on my own, I never questioned why I did pray the way I did and who/where does it tell me to pray like that.

I couldn't answer her. I didn't know how to answer her with an educated, doctrinal sound answer because the only answer I had was it was how we are taught to pray in the LDS church. That conversation has haunted me for years, as it could have been an opportunity to share with her our commonalities with prayer and also the scriptures in the Bible and the Book of Mormon that teach us how to pray. There are so many times I have replayed that moment in my mind with what I wish I could have said.

Fast forward to yesterday as I was spending time with Brian as he was playing on the Internet and we watched a preacher give the opening prayer for a Nascar Race. In the past, these prayers are very humble and enjoyable to hear, but the prayer we heard yesterday was beyond disrespectful and prideful, that I had a rush of emotions that I wish that I could share my perspective of prayer with that man as I wish that I could talk with my old friend.

So today, I would love to share my perspective on prayer and the things I have learned. I actually have made up a laminated card that I keep with me to review every once and a while to remind me of the things I have learned and studied about prayer. My hopes are that some may be educated, some may find their own inspirations and some may find the commonalities we share in saying a prayer.

How Can We More Effectively Communicate with God?

1. We should pray frequently. We should be alone with our Heavenly Father at least two or three times each day: '...morning, mid-day, and evening.' In addition, we are told to pray always. This means that our hearts should be full, drawn out in prayer unto our Heavenly Father continually.

2. We should find an appropriate place where we can meditate and pray. We are admonished that this should be 'in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.' (Alma 34:26.) That is, it should be free from distraction, in secret.

3. We should prepare ourselves for prayer. If we don't feel like praying, then we should pray until we do feel like praying. We should be humble. We should pray for forgiveness and mercy. (REPENT). We must forgive anyone against whom we have bad feelings. Yet the scriptures warn, our prayers will be vain if we 'turn away the needy, and the naked and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart [not] of [our] substance...'

4. Our prayers should be meaningful and pertinent. We should not use the same phrases at each prayer. In all of our prayers it is well to use the sacred pronouns of the scriptures - thee, thou, thy and thine when addressing Deity in prayer. Elder Bednar has counseled us to use our morning prayers to "design and create our day." Our evening prayers are to report back to Heavenly Father on how we did. We should pray about:

a. Our work against the power of our enemies and the devil.

b. For our welfare and the welfare of those around us.

c. Counsel with the Lord pertaining to all our decisions and activities.

d. Be grateful enough to give thanks for ALL we have.

e. We should confess his hands in all things.

f. We should ask for what we need, taking care we not ask for things that would be to our detriment.

g. We should ask for strength to overcome our problems.

h. We should pray for inspiration and well-being of the President of the Church, the General Authorities, our Stake President, our home teachers, our family members and our civic leaders.

i. The Holy Ghost will help you know about what you should be praying for.

j. Pray for spiritual gifts and patterns to help you become more like the Savior.

5. After making a request through prayer, we have a responsibility to assist in its being granted. We should listen. Perhaps while we are on our knees, the Lord wants to counsel us.

'Sincere praying implies that when we ask for any virtue or blessing, we should work for the blessing and cultivate the virtue.' - David O Mckay

When counsel is received, have the discipline and strength to act on what has been asked of you.

This is just the beginning of what I have found on prayer. Some personal notes to add to this is that I never really thought that the actions of my day was/is preparing me for my next prayer. Striving for a worthiness by my actions, sayings and thoughts directly relate to my self preparation before I kneel and pray to God. If I want sincere communication with Deity, I better live the life that shows the proof of my willingness to be obedient and follow the Saviors example. The other perspective I love is Elder Bednar's counsel in designing my day. My thoughts turn directly to the temple. Just think that if we have the power to design and then create our days, what would you want your day to be like? Then you go and do it and report back that evening, the personal growth, the goals obtained are immeasurable!! AMAZING! There is so much more to learn and be taught and I am eager to continue to add to my knowledge. I have found that when I consider these items, that my prayers are more in depth, much longer and also so much closer to feeling the spirit when I do. I hope this helps you on your own quest for knowledge. Happy Praying!

Shae turns 7!.

2011-07-26T10:13:00.000-06:00

This kid brings me some of the greatest joys in my life. Her personality is coming in quite strongly now and she is one crazy child. Now that Shae is seven, I have kissed goodbye those baby years and I am embracing her childhood now. Although, this kid has me rolling laughing all the time.

Some things about Shae at 7:

1. She LOVES movies. She easily picks up lines to any movies and has such a knack at quoting them at the funniest times.

2. She has a style all of her own. Sometimes I put up a battle, but most the time, I let her choose the clothes she wears. They are always "eye catching" ensembles that get lots of attention. She has been nick named Punky Brewster if that gives you any clue of what I am dealing with.

3. Shae has continued taking swim lessons and piano lessons. She has a year under her belt in both these activities and she is doing very well.

4. She lives, breaths and wakes for play dates with her friends. Especially with Bayli. This gives me great joy that she has such great friends to play with and that she has those interactions all the time. Healthy for an only child.

5. She loves cookies and cream ice cream, raspberries, pizza, eating at Sizzler, and Reeces Peanut Butter Cups.

6. She prefers to snuggle with her dad at night to fall asleep.

7. She constantly carries around with her at least 2 stuffed cats. Stripey and Pepper.

8. She is very curious and asks a bazillion questions. Some are just simple and some are into deeper things. For example, she asked me the other day why people open and close their mouths when they kissed? Yeah, at 7 I am dealing with this topic.

9. She has a sincere concern for others. Sometimes when I catch her praying, I hear 3 things:

a. Bless me to have a great day. b. Bless my family to be safe c. Bless ______ to help them feel better.

10. She is such a great kid. Very obedient, humble and meek. I love her to death and cannot wait for another awesome year to watch her grow up to 8. AAHHHH! My baby is turning 8 next year. Excuse me as I go weep in the corner curled up in a ball.

Here are some pics from her birthday celebrations!

Leatherby's

Riding with her dad

Somehow she turned it into a photo shoot of herself.

She wanted fireworks for her birthday, so I caved and got sparklers.

Birthday Morning!

Her Sidewalk Chalk Birthday sign!

We Celebrate His Life!

2011-07-21T17:09:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was Brian's birthday! The man in my life is now 36. Where does the time fly?

Well, we did our best to celebrate his life and our love for him.

Signs of love around the house!

Chalk sign on the driveway listing 36 reasons Brian is AWESOME!

We decorated the house with streamers!

Shae was bound and determined to get him a pinata! So we got him a Pinata!

Filled with only candy bars that are worthy of such a guy! No crap candy here, people!

We love Brian so much and hope that he had a great birthday! The celebrations continue this weekend, but yesterday was all about him! Well, and the day before that when I took him to lunch.....ok and today too when I took him to lunch again. Man, I'm on a roll

Girls Camp Zarahemla Style With a Side of Virtue

2011-07-19T10:47:00.000-06:00

Welcome back campers!! We as a stake headed up to Camp Zarahemla last week to have the time of our lives and to spiritually strengthen the young women of our stake.

This year, as a Stake, we focused on the 13th Article of Faith and each ward was given a word from the 13th article of faith that also tied in with their yw value color. The stake was given the word "chaste" and we had the yw value of virtue. I am so glad we did!

Each day, the stake focused on all the aspects that chastity and virtue entail. The first day, we did a skit about a princess on a quest and then that night we talked about how that quest and the symbolism's in the quest tied into their lives. Sister Monson ended with her talk about sexual purity. IT WAS AWESOME!! She challenged the young women to commit to be sexually pure from this day forward. Then she read straight from the For Strength of Youth of what sexual purity is. It was blunt, it was bold and it was the exact thing that needed to be said especially in today's world.

The second night, our Stake President came up and gave a talk about Temple Marriages. Sister Longhurst compared making temple covenants to the story of the Secret Garden. That we need keys to open the gate to get us inside. President Longhurst was also bold in that he told the young women to choose wisely who they date and hang out with. He also counseled them that no one should touch them in their "bikini" areas. The girls totally got that one. He then had each of the young women come up and shake his and Sister Monson's hand giving a verbal commitment that they would go to the temple. The youth then shook hands with the rest of the Stake Presidency and the YW Stake Presidency to end at a table where they would sign a certificate that committed them that they would go to the temple. VERY COOL!

The third day we did an Armor of God hike where each of the SYCL's taught about their piece of armor and bore testimony of what they felt on that subject. The young women had paper dolls that they dressed as they went to each station. Very powerful coming from the youth. We then hiked up a very tall hill and unfurled and raised our virtue flag to the world. A special group of young women sang the Armor of God song and then we had a special prayer and blessing by Bishop Broadhead. I was amazed how strong the spirit felt up there.

We also had a ton of fun with tubing down a river, a 200ft slip and slide down a large hill, games, candy, more candy and gourmet smores.

I am so grateful to be part of the events that help build testimony and strengthen the youth. I think the hardest part of my calling is watching the youth I love make poor choices and thinking "What more could I have done to help them make the best choices in their lives"

It's time to be bold, ladies! Be steadfast and immovable and lead by example of what power comes from a righteous woman!

Yay Girls Camp!

What to Eat? Summer Salad

2011-07-08T13:04:00.000-06:00

I get asked quite a bit what I eat lately. Most of you see me with my sugar free pudding packs as I am on the go, but I really do eat quite the variety.

Today, I would love to share with you my favorite salad that I eat. Inspired by Wendy's Berry Almond Salad, yet way cheaper and a bit more healthier.

So here we go:

3-4 oz of Chicken Breast

Blueberries

Strawberries

Romain Lettuce

Slivered Almonds

Sugar Free Raspberry vinaigrette

I usually make this just for myself, so the portions are for one. Add Romain lettuce to a bowl. Shred up cooked chicken breast and add on to salad. Wash a handful of blueberries, wash and slice up 4 strawberries, sprinkle on slivered almonds on top, and I do about 3-4 Tbs of dressing. It's only 5 calories a Tbs, I can go to town with this one.

Sometimes I will add a little low fat skim mozzarella cheese to my salad. But only when I remember.

Voila! Easy as pie and way cheaper than $5.00 salad at Wendy's.

Very delicous and very healthy!

Enjoy!

Take My Son...

2011-07-06T09:28:00.001-06:00

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art..

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas,

There was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands..

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly... He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'

There was silence...

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'

But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'

Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the Real bids!'

But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

'We have $10, who will bid $20?'

'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel.. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'

A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'

The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'

'What about the paintings?'

'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will... I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.

The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'

Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

What are your actions bidding for today?

I Love that Man!

2011-07-03T16:32:00.001-06:00

Well, I did it! I survived High Adventure.......at home!

Brian left Wednesday afternoon to go to High Adventure with the Stake. Shae and I were left to make it on our own while he was gone. I had no fears of the house falling apart or anything like that, it's just not seeing Brian for a time is hard on me.

I love that man! He is my other half and we are in constant communication everyday. I miss him terribly when he is away.

We entertained ourselves at night with nightly walks to the playground. That's the hardest time becuase that is usually when Brian is home.

We are so lucky to have many playgrounds around our neighborhood. I cannot express enough the peaceful and calm feeling of sitting at a park bench, talking with friends, enjoying the cool summer evening. Such a wonderful feeling!

We wanted dad to know how much we missed him that we spent a night writing him a little love note to give him when he got home!

"Little" may be an understatement.

Who knew sidewalk chalk can be so much fun?

Tis the Season...........It's Girls Camp Time!

2011-07-01T03:38:00.000-06:00

Oh, it's the most wonderful time of the year!! Tis Girl's Camp Season!! Merry Girls Camp to you! For those of you that have served in Young Womens for the LDS Church, this is a big event, if not THE biggest event for the young women. And it takes a LOT of time to prepare for!

Lives can be changed, spirit can be felt, testimonies can be strengthened, hours into the night of laughing, loving beyond the smells, with a dash of nature is what I call pure bliss! Worth every minute of hard work, planning, and stressing.

This is what my office has looked like for a while. I will clean it up and then not but minutes later, the desk returns to this form. I am completely fine with it because there is order to my madness. I also love this kind of mess because I know the great value of what each pile means.

This is the work I love! I love Girls Camp and putting together the little details that could possible teach doctrine, strenthen testimonies or renew commitments in the lives of those I serve. Being a part of putting together such an amazing event is wonderful! Get's me out of bed at 3:00 am to work because I am so excited for it all!

Here's to all the women who give freely of their time to such a sacred event! May you be blessed for your sacrifices, may you find sleep when you need it and may you witness the hand of the Lord changing the lives of his daughters! Thank you for your service! Merry Girls Camp to you!

Put Your IPOD On Shuffle

2011-06-28T18:46:00.000-06:00

First 10 songs that play:

1. A Little Love - Meaghan Smith (Which is so ironic because it is my favorite song right now.)
2. Real Life - Hank Smith (Good friend of mine and he is a phenomenal speaker!)
3. Let is Snow - Michael Buble (Funny because today is the hottest day of the year here in Utah.)
4. I Do Adore - Mindy Gledhill (My favorite song of hers right now!)
5. 1st Principles of the Gospel -Discourses of Brigham Young (I know, and I love it!)
6. Just Getting Started - High School Musical (1 word, Shaeler!)
7. Take Me Dancing -Meaghan Smith (I LOVE LOVE LOVE this girl!)
8. You Got Out - Meaghan Smith (Apparently the IPOD is picking up that I listen a lot to her. This song is pretty cool because it has a Johnny Cash kind of feel to it.
9. Power of Intention - Dr. Wayne Dyer (I bust out loud now when I think of him and the singing whales!)
10. Temples, Salvation for the Dead - Discourses of Brigham Young

Well there you have it. I am little surprised that the shuffle does not include my podcasts because that is where I spend a lot of my time. I love to listen to the BYU Speeches and LOVE to listen to General Conference. Do you know any of my songs or am I in my own world?

Personal Evaluation on the Basics

2011-06-27T22:00:00.000-06:00

So, my awesomely cool friend Kristen gave me this link to a woman's blog and said "You're gonna love her, her scripture journals are amazing!"

The kid was not kidding!! A woman named Shannon has a blog called theredheadedhostess.com and she is a seminary teacher in Bountiful Utah. I could not stop reading all of her suggestions and ideas to teach not only myself, but the youth and most importantly my daughter.

She did a post about the Church Board of Education giving the CES teachers a list of basic doctrines that all youth should know and have a foundation of knowledge about in the gospel. I cannot tell you how as I read this list, I was like, yeah this makes complete and total sense. Her list goes as follows:

The Godhead – God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost

The Plan of Salvation – Premortal Life, Mortal Life, Life After Death

Creation and the Fall

Atonement of Jesus Christ

Marriage and Family

Dispensation, Apostasy, and the Restoration

Prophets

Priesthood – Aaronic and Melchizedek

The First Principles and Ordinances – Faith, Repentance, Baptism

Ordinances and Covenants

Commandments

THEN, this awesome lady is putting together study guides on each topic to evaluate yourself, your children and a study guide to do with your husband. IT SO AWESOME I COULD SCREAM!!!

What I love most about her background is that she is very visual and that is somewhere that I lack. Children love visual aids and so I pulled some pictures she had done about prayer and made my own picture about the Godhead for Shae and I think she finally gets that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are not the same person. Hooray! Why did I not think of a picture. Because I am lame!!! Shae loves the pictures and I love the redheaded hostess! I am a huge fan and thought that you too should know about her awesomeness! Later on, I will share my own scripture journal experiences that she has taught me!

Here is her link if you would like to go and check her out! http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/

Short Term Goals: July with a BANG!

2011-06-24T16:24:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the mild delay in my post this morning. If you hadn't noticed, I have been on a blogging run lately. I made the decision that when I started this blog and got heavily into it, that if I ever decided to quit, I would give it a good run before my finger would hit the dreaded delete key.

So, I started the 30 days of blogging run. It has been going really quite well, other than sometimes the post I am asked to do, I do not have enought time to sit down and put out. So, it gets rotated to the end of the list. Today's post was not delayed for that reason. Today's post has been snail slow because I am snail slow. I went to Lagoon yesterday with Shae and this time I brought Dramamine with me to help me with the motion sickness I have recently developed. I split the pill in multiple pieces hoping to not have to much of the drowsy side effects. Lately, because I have been years off of taking almost all or any kind of drug (other than the occasionaly Advil for a headache and of course my vitamins) I have noticed that my body will really soak in the effects of any drug.

Hence, when I got home from Lagoon last night, I prayed in great gratitude that I was able to keep my eyes open and stay awake. I kid you not, I fell asleep as my head was heading down to hit the pillow. Today, however, I am STILL feeling the side effects of the stupid drug. Nothing is making me feel better, naps, sugar, more naps, even more sugar, I can't kick this feeling. Stupid Dramamine!!

So, to cheer myself up, I am doing the short term goal list for the month of July. Me, my dad and my sister are lists kind of people. Great joy comes with the check off mark. So here is my list for the month of July. If you need anything from me, add it to the list. ;)

July Short Term Goals

1. Finish Leader Tuck-ins for Girls Camp
2. Figure out talk for Girls Camp
3. Plan out fun adventures for Shae and I to do while Brian is away at High Adventure
4. Lions Club duties (deposits)
5. Plan Fourth of July Festivities
6. Plan SYC Training
7. Pack and get ready for Girls Camp
8. Survive Girls Camp
9. Birthday dinner for Christy
10. Birthday celebration for Brian
11. Birthday celebration for Shae
12. Weed
13. VT drop offs (busy month for all the ladies)
14. Personal goals (workouts, scripture study, etc)
15. Hair Appointments
16. Oakcrest visit
17. Nap
18. Nap
19. Nap, oh dang, it's that darn dramamine talking again. See even typing is making me tired. Peace out!

My Review: 17 Miracles

2011-06-23T09:51:00.000-06:00

I have seen the billboards all over Salt Lake advertising for this "17 Miracles" movie. Didn't really think much of it until I was at a Relief Society Party and the movie was brought up in conversation.

Over and over again, I kept hearing that I would cry my eyes out and that it was an incredible movie. So, last Tuesday I went with my friends Kristen and Renee. Prepared myself with my own handkerchief so I wouldn't have to use the sleeve of my shirt.

As we gave the ticket lady our tickets to go in, she too said "Oh, I hope you have your tissues, this one's going to make you cry." Which, thankfully again, I thought of my handkercheif and was so glad for my preparation.

The movie is filmed from Levi Savage's point of view during the Willey/Martin handcart journey. We witness every hardship, suffering, starvation and enduring of the cold that the pioneers had to experience for that certain Trek. I had read "The Price We Paid" and a few other books before I went on Trek a few years ago, so I was very familiar with the stories. What I loved about this movie was that they also focused on the many miracles that each person witnessed and wrote about in their journals.

I love the character of Levi Savage. His humility and his strength to help the pioneers through this hardship is inspiring. My heart goes out to him for his humility in repenting for wanting the Saints to wait until Spring to head to Zion.

Of course, I was gleefully excited when the movie recognized my Pioneer heritage: the Loader family. They focused on Tamar's point of view mainly, but also gave a great tribute to the relationshiop of James and Amy Loader. I was so excited to see them portrayed in the movie also.

I did get my giggles and snickers as many of the same actors in previous LDS movies played parts in this film. I kept leaning over to Kristen saying, "theres' Joseph Smith with a beard." or "there's Alvin" aka Elder Johnston from the Best Two Years. All the actors did an amazing job, even though we love them for who they played previously.

Yes, I did cry. But not the heaving, curling up in a ball in my seat, shaking kind of cry. I mostly teared up when the Saints would pray to Heavenly Father for help. For some reason that struck a chord in me. Maybe because I have felt what it feels like to have to pray and have a feeling of complete surrending and asking God for help. For a brief moment, I felt like we at least had that in common.

Overall, the movie is beautiful! The story line, the scenery, the relationships that are portrayed. It was such a joy to watch and when the movie had ended, no one left until the credits had ended. Almost felt like we had witnessed something sacred. What a lovely feeling!

The Heart of a Lion

2011-06-21T17:32:00.000-06:00

One of Shae's greatest strengths is that she is a very strong little girl. When she was a baby, she would fall down and then get right back up without crying. She only cries when she really gets hurt.

A few years ago, Shae fell down and cut her chin open. We had a late night visit to the ER and as they stitched her up, the doctors were amazed at how calm she was during the entire process.

When Shae had to have sealants put on her teeth, the dentist wanted to give her laughing gas so she would hold still while he did his thing. I assured him that she is really great in these kind of situations and said no to the gas. Again, he was amazed at how still and patient she was the time he worked on her teeth.

Yesterday, Shae had to have ~~20 something~~ some warts froze off and her doctor was concerned for how painful the process would be for her. I assured the doctor that she is one tough cookie in which we proceeded with the freezing. When we were done, the doctor said that she had never seen a child so calm. My reply was "I know! She is just super great!"

What a wonderful gift she has been blessed with to be able to stay calm and peaceful during times of pain and suffering. She really has the heart of a lion!

Post a Picture of Somewhere You Have Been.....Santorini, Greece

2011-06-20T08:17:00.000-06:00

Right after I graduated from the University of Utah, my mom called and said that she was going on a trip to Greece with her sister Claudia and her husband Ralph, my Aunt Lora Lei and her sister Gaylene. For some reason my dad was not able to go, so she asked if I wanted to come with her. Of course!!

Through this trip, I was able to visit Athens and a few smaller cities, but I will never forget our stop on the island of Santorini.

It is a large volcanic island in the Mediterranean that part of the island collapsed into the sea. Hence the gorgeous cliffs on one side of the island and the black sandy beaches on the other side of the island.

I remember eating at a restaurant that was located right on the edge of the cliffs and adoring the view of the Mediterranean sea. It was such a happy moment in my life.

One day I would love to go back to Europe and visit Santorini again. One day!

A Habit I Wish I Didn't Have!

2011-06-17T15:31:00.000-06:00

Well, this is a very interesting question to have to answer. Where to begin, or what area would you like me to focus on? What I would find more interesting is to ask Brian what habits he wished I didn't have. Now there's a good dinner conversation!!

A few things pop into my head

like:

Nail biting

Knuckle popping

Putting my arm out over the passenger when braking hard

poor spelling and grammar when I write

saying the word "crown" when talking about "crayons"

being too opinionated

being too blunt

etc. etc.

One habit that I have and have been working on very diligently is to not cut

people off during conversations. I get so excited when I am able to talk to someone that my brain starts running at a much faster pace and I get excited and I will cut people off during mid sentence. I hate it when I do that. It is not that I don't care about what they have to say or that I think that I am right, it is just a matter of I am so excited and passionate about what I am talking about, that I for some reason cannot constrain myself. In fact when I realize that I have done it, I will immediately stop, apologize for doing it and then ask them to continue.

Humiliating every time!

Now, I am not one to leave a thought on a negative note. So, I want to reassure myself that I am not a bad person by listing some of the habits that I have worked hard on this last year. Lots of discipline and effort and sometimes still it doesn't feel like a habit, but I can definitely feel the rewards for choosing to do good things. Please don't take this as a bragging opportunity, I just prefer to recognize the good over the bad.

Great habits I have developed or are currently working on to develop:

Getting up early to work out

Working out

Washing my face at night

Applying lotion and sunblock everyday

Studying

Taking Notes

Writing Notes

Smiling Everyday

Doing kind things for Brian and Shae

Being a positive person and finding the bright side of things

Eating healthy

Actually a better list to make out would be the habits that I would like to develop in the future.

That list includes:

Saying hello and goodbye to people when at parties, groups and gatherings

Laughing instead of getting upset

Listening more and willing to act

More willing to give

Expressing more gratitude in word and notes

Make my bed everyday

Having conversation with complete strangers.

Well that's a lot to work on, but I am more than willing to try.

What Habit do you wish that you could better develop?

Why not start today?

Summer Slip'n Slide

2011-06-16T15:12:00.001-06:00

Shaeler begs non stop to be able to play outside in the sprinklers. Her "ideal" birthday party is a backyard sprinkler party. This year, as a treat for her and B, we bought a Slip'n Slide for them to play on.

They have had a ball and have spent multiple days and hours playin in our backyard.

Isn't that how summer is suppose to be?

Playin with your best friend outside in the water for hours on end.

I bring them out fresh apples, turkey and crackers and they think they have died and gone to heaven.

Here are some shots of the ladies riding the wave!

"BEST DAY EVER!"

Post a Picture of you and your friends....

2011-06-15T11:55:00.000-06:00

When I was in elementary school, my friend Kamie taught me a song that I have never forgotten and have used as a motto for my life:

"Make new friends,

but keep the old.

One is silver and

the other is gold."

Today's post is to post a picture of me with my friends. I consider so many people my friends, that I tried to find as many pictures as I could.

I love every single one of you ladies!

The Reason for my Blog Title

2011-06-14T09:15:00.001-06:00

Long ago, I heard a talk given by Harold B Lee called "Be Loyal to the Royal Within You." It was such a profound talk about how to become like our Father in Heaven in all aspects of our lives. I was so touched by the talk that I made it my life motto. I had the words printed out and placed above our kitchen window to be seen and read everyday. I added true to the statment as a reinforcement to remind me to never deviate or forget what the responsibilities that come from who I am and the promises I have made to God and my family. I try everyday of my life to live with the spirit, with peace and with finding joy in everything. Below I have pasted President Lee's talk and I hope that you ejoy it as much as I have!

Be Loyal to the Royal Within You

HAROLD B. LEE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harold B. Lee was President of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints�when this devotional address was
given at Brigham Young University on 11�September 1973.
© Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Complete volumes of Speeches are available wherever LDS books are sold.
For further information contact:
Speeches, 218 University Press Building, Provo, Utah 84602.
(801) 422-2299 / E-mail: speeches@byu.edu / Speeches Home Page
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My beloved brothers and sisters, I am overwhelmed at this magnificent audience of over 23,000, according to President Oaks's estimate. The background screen has been raised so that those sitting behind the screen could have a place in sight of all of us. Thank you, you wonderful brothers and sisters--my friends, in the same sense that the Master called his disciples friends; not servants, but friends.

I am delighted to be with you. While my schedule does not permit me to have this wonderful experience very often, I said to the brethren, "I think it has been so long since I was here last that you probably have recovered from my last visit." I would like you to know, however, that my thoughts have often been with you, when I have not been on the campus. You have never been absent from my mind, as one of the greatest student bodies of the world, and, I think, with no exception.

I am more grateful than I have words to express for this award that I have received. No one who seeks to serve our exemplary Master, as I desire to do, can take lightly the honor that you have accorded me, for I realize that He alone is the perfect model. The Master said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Some people scoff at that, saying, "How can we be made perfect, even as He is perfect?" But the Prophet-Leader of this Church declared "that it is like a ladder in this Church: you climb step by step, until you arrive at the top. But it will be a long while after we go through the veil until we have reached the fullness of the glories of the Celestial Kingdom."

In a revelation, the Lord has declared that those who live the laws of the celestial kingdom here, when they pass through the veil and are resurrected, will be quickened by a portion of celestial glory and then will continue onward until they receive the perfectness (D&C 88:28–29). Only then can I be satisfied that I could be the model, when I shall have arrived at that place where the Lord wants us all to arrive. Nevertheless, I want to express appreciation to those who have made this presentation to me and for this opportunity to speak to so many of you in this special setting--so many of you that I am overwhelmed, that I confess that I am very nervous as I stand before you, wondering if I have enough of what it takes to address such an audience.

Humility

When I was a stake president, I called to serve as the junior member of the high council a man who had at one time been in the stake presidency. I asked him if he had any diffidence in accepting this junior position, and he replied, "The only honor there is in any position in this church is the honor that we, ourselves, bring to it. It doesn't make any difference where I serve, or when."

I echo that same sentiment here today. The only honor there is in any position, in that one sense, means that no matter where we are or what we may be called, it is the honor that we, ourselves, bring to it that makes all the difference in the world.

Some who have had an illustrious heritage seem at times to be boastful. Someone has said, "Humility is a rare virtue. When most people become humble, they soon become proud they are humble." I was in the New England Mission when there were some high-named missionaries there. They had the names of Grant, and Madsen, and Kimball, and Smith, and so on; and some of them had only names like Lee and Jones. And those with high-sounding names, so the mission president said, felt themselves very superior. I shall never forget when our good friend, President S. Dilworth Young, stood before a group of those who were shrinking back, thinking that they were not so popular, and said, "Let me tell you folks something. You may not have illustrious ancestors, but each of you can become a great ancestor." And it is that which I say to you folks here today.

Blessings Contingent upon Obedience

I heard President Howard Bennion, who was a scribe for his father, a patriarch, tell about listening to many of the blessings of his father. He noticed in these patriarchal blessings that they were contingent upon "if you do this," or "if you do that." He said, "I began to call them 'iffy blessings.'" He said, "As I watched and had in mind those men to whom those 'iffy' blessings had been given, . . . I noticed that those who did not heed the warnings fell by the wayside."

As you know, that started me to thinking. I looked back through the revelations in the early rise of this church, and I found that the Lord had given 'iffy' revelations to many of the early leaders. If you want an interesting exercise, read what the Lord said about William E. McLellin, or what he said and what he warned about Thomas B. Marsh; and because they did not heed that warning, as others did, they failed. They lost their testimony and fell by the wayside.

I repeat to you here this morning something President Grant once said that rather startled me. He said he had heard of men who declared that they had had a personal visitation from the Lord. And then President Grant added, "Some of those who had that experience lost their testimonies. It seemed that they became puffed up in the pride of their hearts, perhaps thinking that they were more special to the Lord than others who had not received the same experience." And I say when one receives that kind of a visitation, it must be that he has had a vision; for, as Moses said, one couldn't stand in the presence of the Lord except he had been quickened by the Spirit of the Lord (Moses 1:13–15). As the Lord said in a revelation to the Prophet:

For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh except quickened by the Spirit of God.

Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind.

Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected. [D&C 67:11–13]

As I have thought of that, I am sobered by it. As I pray for the guidance of the Spirit, and seek to rise to the responsibility which has been given me, I don't ask for any special endowment. I ask only to go where the Lord would have me go, and only to receive what the Lord would have me receive, knowing that more important than sight is the witness that one may have by the witness of the Holy Ghost to his soul that things are so and that Jesus is the Christ, a living personage. It is that which guides me through many of the experiences of life.

A Balanced Education

Because I cannot come to this campus very often, there are several things I wish to say that may be preliminary, in a sense, to my basic remarks to you; there are many things I would like to say that I may not have the time to say.

The men and women who are admitted to Brigham Young University are encouraged to pursue an education that is concerned with the spiritual, the intellectual, the cultural, and the physical aspects of their nature. The Board of Trustees expects our students to be diligent in using the resources of this great institution in acquiring this kind of education. One of the most important skills that you can learn at this university is the ability to budget your time carefully. You should certainly provide sufficient time for Church service, time for attention to your family responsibilities, and time for adequate but not excessive social activity. All these things are important, but you should devote most of your time to the acquiring of an education. This is the central objective of your university years, and in many cases your parents' sacrifices make it possible for you to come here. Education is also the major reason for the Church's enormous commitment, financially speaking, to this and its other institutions of higher education.

"Why has the Church been concerned over the years about the maintaining of schools for learning in secular subjects?" we are often asked. And our answer is, "To develop the whole person and not just the intellectual--that we want those who graduate from this university to be not just intellectually but spiritually, and culturally, and physically developed." I am reminded of the story told of the boy who went to college and obtained a part-time job chopping wood, to work his way through school. Others, seeing his proficiency in chopping wood, asked for his services, and he accepted. He soon had so many of these offers that he began to neglect his studies and became a woodchopper and never completed his education. Now I have no quarrel with being a woodchopper, but that wasn't the purpose of his going to that institution. You can get that kind of an education elsewhere. So, keep in mind that the prime purpose of coming here is to get the kind of basic education that balances and prepares you for the battle of life.

I listened some years ago to a startling confession of a man who stood in a high place. I shall speak carefulIy of this, lest you try to identify him. He said he had gone to a midwest university, where he received his Ph.D. in education. His father, who was in the Presidency of the Church, went to his graduation exercises and, after the exercises were over, took him to lunch and said to him, "My boy, for eight years now you have done very little in the Church. You have gone through your college years, and now you have gone through your Ph.D. years, and you haven't been very active in the Church. I want you to promise me that when you get back home you will get active in the Church."

But the son said, "When I returned home, to my shocking surprise, the boys with whom I had graduated from high school had grown spiritually until they were Ph.D.'s in religion, but I was still in the high school age. I had laid aside my religion for eight years."

As I listened to that rather sad confession, and being closely associated with that man, I watched him go through the rest of his life. He never did have his spiritual self catch up with that intellectual side. The result was that he failed to take the counsel of his father. He went through life making decisions by his own measure of what was right and wrong, and finally he lost his place in the Church and was excommunicated because of his conduct. I say, as you think of that, it should be a warning to all of us that we must keep our spiritual selves as alive and growing as our intellectual selves.

I listened to an excerpt of a testimony of a man who was a member of the Twelve and of whom President Grant had said that he never knew a man who had a greater gift of prophecy than did this man. There was put in my hands a quotation from a sermon that he had delivered some fifty years before, which proved to be the last sermon he had ever delivered as a member of the Twelve. Before another conference, he was dropped from the Council of the Twelve and subsequently left the Church. This is what he said, in that last sermon: "That person is not truly converted unless he sees the power of God resting upon the leaders of this Church and it goes down into his heart like fire." And I repeat that to you here today. The measure of your true conversion and whether or not you hold fast to those ideals is whether or not you are so living that you see the power of God resting upon the leaders of this Church and that testimony goes down into your heart like fire.

With these illustrations, perhaps I can impress upon you again what I have said to you before, especially some things that I said at the inauguration of President Dallin Oaks in 1971. The First Presidency had previously declared that because of its unique combination of revealed and secular learning, Brigham Young University is destined to become a leader among the great universities of the world. If that lofty goal is to be obtained, it must be based upon the extraordinary efforts of the students of Brigham Young University, as well as the dedicated and skillful instruction and research of faculty and staff of the university. And I added at that inaugural exercise, "The acquiring of knowledge by faith is no easy road to learning. It will demand strenuous effort and continual striving by faith. In short, learning by faith is no task for a lazy man." Someone has said, in effect, that, "such a process requires the bending of the whole soul, the calling up from the depths of the human mind and linking the person with God. The right connection must be formed; then only comes knowledge by faith, a kind of knowledge that goes beyond secular learning, that reaches into the realms of the unknown and makes those who follow that course great in the sight of the Lord" (President Brigham H. Roberts).

In seeking this balance between things academic and spiritual, we, of course, hope that you will conduct your lives in a way that will reflect credit upon you, upon your parents, upon the Church, and upon this university. Now, one word of caution about overstressing your religious opportunities to the neglect of your college studies or your family responsibilities.

We have had shocking examples of Church leaders in some stakes and wards who have seemingly used their business and Church assignments as excuses for neglecting their families. In one case I heard a wife say, "Because he was so much away in his business and his Church responsibilities, I was just little more than a hired woman in his house." I have frequently counseled, and I repeat it to you again, to all of you here: "The most important of the Lord's work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes." We must never forget that.

Standards of Conduct and Appearance

Your code of honor, which has been spoken of, contains important principles of conduct that the First Presidency and the Board of Trustees expect all students and employees of this university to maintain. I was greatly pleased with the address of President Oaks on this subject at your opening assembly, as reported in the press. Now, I only had a brief report, and I'm anxious to get a copy of the complete text. May I merely say, however, that I heartily endorse all that I did read, and because of my confidence in President Oaks, I endorse all that he said that I didn't read.

Without belaboring this subject, may I merely say: do not underestimate the important symbolic and actual effect of appearance. Persons who are well groomed and modestly dressed invite the companionship of the Spirit of our Father in heaven and are able to exercise a wholesome influence upon those around them. Persons who are unkempt and careless about their appearance, or adopt the visual symbols of those who often oppose our ideals, expose themselves and persons around them to influences that are degrading and dissonant.

The Home

Outward appearance is often a reflection of inward tendencies. Someone has said that a shoddy housekeeper is more often than not the evidence of an unsuccessful manager of her household. And may I add, so often is it the reflection of the kind of treatment she gets from her husband. An author once said, "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." And I would add to that, "A woman happy with her husband is better for her children than a hundred books on child welfare."

It was Samuel Smiles, a philosopher, who once said, "It is a common saying that manners make the man. There is another saying that mind makes the man. But truer than either, the third, the home makes the man, for the home training includes not only manners and mind but character as well. It is mainly in the home that the heart is touched, habits are formed, the intellect is awakened, and character is molded."

Recently in one of our wards a young girl in her late teens said in her talk something that was very meaningful. She was out with her father in the country where they lived, helping him with the chores. They made their living milking cows. At four o'clock in the morning, as they began their work, the father said to her, "My girl, you are the product of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and you are also the product of a Latter-day Saint home. If you fail, your church and your home have failed also." And then this girl added, "That was impressed upon my mind, that I had a responsibility to the church to which I belonged and the home from which I had come."

President Oaks and I were talking at our last board meeting, and I commented upon the high standards of BYU conduct as I had observed it then and had learned of them from others. He remarked that most importantly the reason for that kind of conduct was that most of the students have come from true Latter-day Saint homes. That, you students must realize, is the fundamental basis of what we are trying to impress here, right conduct.

We had a visit here from Mr. Eugene R. Black, former president of the World Bank. I became associated with him when I was a fellow director of the Equitable Life Assurance Society. He had come here to participate in a businessmen's seminar at the Y. After he returned to New York, and at our next board meeting, I was anxious to get his appraisal of what he had seen and heard here. His comment was to this effect: "John W. Gardner [and many of you know who John W. Gardner is] must see this as a model for college campuses, because of its superb high standards. I have never seen the equal anywhere in all the world." Now here is a man of world learning and world experience.

The Role of the Wife

Now, just a word to women students, in this day, when so much is being said about the prime role of the woman. We say the prime role in life for a woman is to become a wife and a mother. It is wise for young women also to receive a proper education. You might think of your education as an insurance against the uncertainties of life. As Mark Twain said of his daughter, Susan, who died when she was twenty-five years of age--he was on a lecture tour in Europe and couldn't be home, but when he wrote about her he said, "Susie died at the best time of life. She had lived her golden years, for after this, there come the risks and the responsibilities and the inevitable tragedies of life." No one knows what those inevitable tragedies may be. And it is well that we educate our women as well as our brethren as an insurance against the inevitable tragedies that come--disabled husbands, widows. I would caution, however, that a husband, when his wife works, not thereafter expect perpetual care and aid from his wife, but rather he should assume his own responsibilities in his family. I think careless husbands may often expect more than a wife should be expected to give.

One of our daughters graduated from this school. She received a minor in childhood education, and afterwards she, with the wife of one of the students down at Stanford, in order to help their husbands, obtained a license to conduct a small nursery. They were getting along very well, until both of them began to prepare for new motherhood. So the public nursery had to give way to their own private nurseries. Our other daughter didn't quite graduate from the University of Utah--she's here on the stand--because she found a higher education for herself. She has been just as successful as a mother because she never lost her desire for education beyond the college education. Educational opportunities for learning shouldn't end with marriage; a mother should keep herself aware of what is going on in the world so that she can keep pace with the learning of her growing-up family. If her husband has been a college student, the more she can make herself come to understand the problems in his life, and he in her life, the more likelihood there is that there will be a successful marriage relationship.

The Husband's Responsibility

Now I'd like to say a word to the men and their responsibilities to women. I had a very revealing letter from a cultured, college-trained wife and mother of four children, from up near Ogden. She was writing in answer to the question why so many women are leaving their home and family responsibilities. I suppose thinking of the so-called women's liberation, she wrote, "It may not be her fault, nor her husband's alone, if there be a fault-finder for each situation in our lives, yet I feel strongly that the religionists of today must take partial credit for the loss of a woman from her home, because in the system of secular teaching, the marriage is only till death do them part. Well, in this sophisticated society," she argued, "with a husband engaged furiously in building his career without the need of his wife's educational help or confidence--and highway deaths occurring at a rapidly alarming rate during the last twenty years--if she doesn't 'fit' into one's world, she might say, 'Why wait for death? Why not leave now? Why not, while I still have youth and brains and can find companionship on my own level?'" Then she added, "When religion teaches only a temporary binding, why adhere to such a counterfeit binding? Especially where the husband takes his wife for granted." And then continuing her comments:

"And don't be startled, you husbands, when I say many, many men, I'm afraid, do just that. Men are sadly neglected in today's world in not being taught high appreciation for their wives, throughout life. There is always the courting-flavor of appreciation from the men until the marriage-bed has been accomplished, and also, until the first child appears on the scene. How many men are literally prepared for the advent of a son or daughter in the home immediately? Some men actually seem to resent the 'intrusion' of their own children into the world, because these seemingly take the affections of their wives away from them. In view of this attitude on the part of the males in marriage, where has the educational aspect of marriage gone astray for men in this last generation? If the religious world teaches that marriage is only till death do them part, that kind of temporary binding is not the kind that endures." But I say to you today, thank heaven that in this church, by the power of the priesthood, marriages are performed not only for time but for all eternity.

On These Three Things . . .

And then this cultured mother went on to give some "old-fashioned words that have meaning for successful living: There are a few words that have real meaning, so let's try a few of them. How about honesty? How about charity? How about faith, morality, character, intelligence? You might say we know that everyone has intelligence, especially if he's been to a university and been educated, but I beg to differ. Being given an education does not mean that a man is educated, any more than having knowledge makes a man have intelligence. Intelligence is using knowledge with wisdom. How many of our actions in the world require wisdom, real wisdom, that which is beneficial for other men, and not to build self, except in a worthwhile way? For that is the place of each of these old-fashioned qualities. Yes, to build other men and women and children, to teach them to rise up and sing in their glory at being alive, and to be able to help other men and women and children find the joy in this life." And then she concluded her letter with something rather significant: "I married my husband for better or worse. My marriage may not be perfect, but I will work as hard as I can to make it better. I love America. I love my husband. I love my children. I love my God. And why is this possible? Because I truly love myself also."
These are certainly some sobering thoughts for you men: I agree with the wife who said, "You men must put 'for adults only' movies out of your life. You men must put 'adults only' magazines out of your life. You must put 'adult humor only' out of your life. These three things alone will destroy you." Remember what the Lord said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself" (Luke 10:27). Brethren, if you truly believe what the Master said, to love your neighbor as yourself, then turn it about and get the inference of the Master's further injunction, to love yourself as well as to love your neighbor, as this wife has said.

On these three things hang all the burden of the law and the gospel: the love of God, the love of neighbor, and the love of yourself. In this day when so many seem to have lost the desire for decency, the desire for perfection, may we teach them to pray, as did the old English weaver, "O God, help me to hold a high opinion of myself."

Follow Those Who Preside

Now, you have given me a most prized award of exemplary manhood. By this token, you apparently have accepted me as someone who has all that exemplary manhood should have. I shall try to be worthy of the honor that you have conferred.

Now may I make a personal reference, which I'll try to treat in such a way as to preserve the confidentiality. It involved a beautiful, young wife and mother from a prominent family. She had gone away from her home and was now in the East. She had gone out into an area where she and her husband had taken up with those in the ghetto, and she wrote me a rather interesting letter, and I quote only a paragraph: "Tomorrow my husband will shave off his long, full beard. Because of the request of the stake president and your direction in the Priesthood Bulletin, he must not have the appearance of evil or rebellion if he is to get a recommend to go to the temple. I have wept anguished tears; the faces of Moses and Jacob were bearded, and to me the wisdom and spirituality of the old prophets reflected from the face of my own spiritual husband. It was like cutting out for me a symbol of the good things my generation has learned." Then the letter concluded with a challenge to me: "We are prepared for clear, specific, hard-line direction as youth. Wishy-washy implications are not heard very well here. We look to you to tell it straight."

I don't know whether she knew just what she was asking for when she asked me to tell it straight, but these are some things I wrote to her: "In your letter you address me as 'Dear President Lee,' and in your first sentence you refer to me as the Lord's prophet. Now, in your letter you tell me that you are saddened because with the shaving off of the beard and the cutting of the hair, which, to you, made your husband appear as the prophets Moses and Jacob, he would no longer bear that resemblance. I wonder if you might not be wiser to think of following the appearance of the prophets of today. President David O. McKay had no beard or long hair; neither did President Joseph Fielding Smith; and neither does your humble servant whom you have acknowledged as the Lord's prophet.

"The inconsistency in your letter has made me reflect upon an experience that I had in the mission field when, in company with some missionaries and the mission president, we were at Carthage Jail, where the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and his brother, Hyrum, took place. In that meeting there were recounted the events that led up to their martyrdom. Then the mission president made some significant comments. He said, 'When the Prophet Joseph Smith died there were many who died spiritually with Joseph.' Likewise there were many who died spiritually with Brigham Young, and so with others of the presidents of the Church, because they chose to follow the man who had passed on, rather than giving allegiance to his successor upon whom the mantle of leadership had been given by the Lord's appointment." And then I asked her, "Are you following, in looks, prophets who lived hundreds of years ago? Are you really true to your faith as a member of the Church in failing to look to those who preside in the Church today? Why is it that you want your husband to look like Moses and Jacob, rather than to look like the modern prophets to whom you are expressing allegiance? If you will give this sober thought, your tears will dry, and you'll begin to have some new thoughts."

My final advice to you lovely girls who are present, perhaps likewise struggling for answers to difficult questions: Accept this word of counsel and apply it to yourselves, you girls, and you young men. Keep your eye upon those who preside in the Church today, or tomorrow, and pattern your life after them rather than to dwell upon how ancient prophets may have looked or thought or spoken, because if you really believe what you say, you will honor the one who presides today as a prophet, seer, and revelator. For the Lord gives to his leaders in their own dispensation and their own time the things that he would have given to his church for the guidance of his people in this present day. This is the thing that makes this church strong. God isn't an absentee father. Jesus is the head of this church. This church is founded upon apostles and prophets, but Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, is the chief cornerstone. He reveals his mind and will by the power of the Holy Ghost to those who preside, as each President of the Church can testify. Today we see the evidence of His direction as we are seeing His work going forward day by day in our time. Well, that letter seemed to bear fruit, because I had another letter from this sweet sister. She said something that pleased me: "I recall the trials of last week basically being a challenge to my sense of individuality. I have a finer understanding of others now. I also see that, like the Council of the Twelve, we may have individual viewpoints, but each is necessary in the deliberation. Yet by our decision through the mediating and truthful power of the Holy Ghost, we will become of one mind without force. Again I feel refreshed in the blessings which always follow difficulties. I've pondered on these experiences and wonder why I felt pressed to share them only with you. I trust you will know. We all long to counsel with a wise man and take comfort in the Lord. Perhaps I wrote my prayer."

And then she said something that thrilled me, "God bless you, President Lee, that your voice may be heard above the chaos of these days." That is my plea to you today. With chaos in the world, unless the voice of those who preside today can be heard above the voices of chaos in these days, where are you going to look? Where are you going to go?

Remember Your Heritage

Now, a final injunction to womanhood. I think President McKay has left us with one of the most beautiful messages to point out how valuable you are to a young man if you keep yourself a sweet, pure girl. And I wish that everyone of you could remember this and perhaps get a copy of it, to write it somewhere where you could read it every day of your life. And this is what he said:

But there is a beauty every girl has, a gift from God as pure as sunlight and sacred as life. It is a beauty that all men love, a virtue that wins all men's souls. That beauty is chastity. Chastity without skin beauty may enkindle the soul. Skin beauty without chastity may enkindle only the eyes. Chastity enshrined in the mold of true womanhood will hold true love eternally.

Now note this, as he closed his statement:

The flower by the roadside that catches the dust of every traveler is not the one to be admired and seldom is ever plucked. But the one blooming way up on the hillside, protected by the perpendicular cliff, is the flower with the virgin perfume, the one that the boy will almost risk his life to possess.
Do you girls get the meaning of that last statement? Don't be a flower by the roadside that catches the dust by becoming a plaything for a young man who doesn't appreciate your womanhood. But be like a flower blooming up on the hillside, protected by a high cliff, with your virgin perfume, so that you will be the one whom a fine handsome young man will almost risk his life to possess.
I say to you girls--and you men, I hope you listen to this--beware of the man who comes to you professing that he loves you and then seeks to destroy and rob you of the most precious thing you have in life. No man loves the girl that he wants to harm, and don't you forget it.
May I just offer one or two more thoughts. One of our Latter-day Saint men during World War II was over in England. He had gone to an officer's club where they were holding a riotous kind of celebration. He noticed off to the side a young British officer who didn't seem to be enjoying himself at all. So he walked over to him and said, "You don't seem to be enjoying this kind of a party." And this young British officer straightened himself a few inches taller than he was before and replied, "No, sir, I can't engage in this kind of a party, because, you see, I belong to the royal household of England."
As our Latter-day Saint boy walked away he said to himself, "Neither can I, because I belong to the royal household of the kingdom of God." Do you realize that, you young people? There are things that you cannot and must not do if you remember your heritage.
I am reminded of the old court jester who was supposed to entertain his king with interesting stories and antics. He looked at the king who was lolling on his throne, a drunken, filthy rascal, doffed his cap and bells, and said with a mock gesture of obeisance, "O king, be loyal to the royal within you." And so I say to you young people today, remember your heritage, and be loyal to that royal lineage that you have as members of the church and kingdom of God on the earth.

The Lord's in His Heaven

A young missionary spoke to me in the temple yesterday, after we had had an hour or so of questions, and said, "I represent these missionaries in telling you we have respect for you, but will you tell us something that will strengthen our testimonies and make us better prepared to go out as missionaries?"

I responded by saying, "Well, let me share with you an experience I had with one of our business executives. His wife and children are members, but he is not. His twin sons are attending Brigham Young University, and one of them is planning to be married in the temple next year. But he said to me, 'I can't join the Church until I get a testimony.' I said to him, 'The next time you are in Salt Lake, come in and visit with me.' As we talked following our business meeting a few weeks later I said to him, 'I don't know if you realize whether you have a testimony or not; or if you know what a testimony is.' And so he wanted to know what a testimony is. I answered him by saying, 'When the time comes that your heart tells you things your mind doesn't know, that is the Spirit of the Lord dictating to you.' And then I said, 'As I've come to know you, there are things that you know in your heart are true. No angel is going to tap you on the shoulder and tell you this is true.'" The Spirit of the Lord is as the Master said:

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is everyone that is born of the Spirit. [John 3:8]

So I said to my friend, the business executive: "Now, remember that your testimony won't come in a dramatic way, but when it comes, the tears of gladness will water your pillow by night. You'll know, my beloved friend, when that testimony comes."

This morning my lovely Joan handed me something that gave me strength--because I knew throughout the night she was troubled and worrying about me, I suppose more than I was worrying about myself in preparation for this morning. She handed me something that had been written by one of our great teachers, the late Elder Adam S. Bennion. It was this: "Whenever we live to the best that is in us, we live up to the ideals He gave us." Did you get that? "When we live to the best that is in us, we live up to the ideals that the Master gave us. To follow Him brings peace to the soul." Then he had a quote from a writer who said something significant:

It isn't the wreaths in the windows,
It isn't the shining tree,
Or the children, rapt and waiting,
Brings Christmas to you and me.
It's the marvelous self-forgetting,
It's the thoughts we are sending far,
It's our hearts aglow, uplifted,
It's a wonderful guiding star.

[By Alex Thorn]

Yes, you young people, He is there. The Lord is in his heaven, and all is right with your world if you keep his commandments. He spoke to the weeping Martha, who was mourning the death of her brother Lazarus. He looked at her as she wept, kneeling there at his feet, and declared, "I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." Then he asked the question, "Believest thou this?" Tears now were gone, and she replied, "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world" (John 11:25–27).

You Latter-day Saints, the youth of the noble birthright, if you can say, as Martha said, "Yea, Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world"--if you can say that and know that he is in his heaven, and you believe that with all your soul, you will not be trapped in the pitfalls of life. I can say to you young people that I know--as did Martha in that flash of testimony--I know that he is up there. He is there, and he is closer to this church than you have any idea that he is. He is the resurrection and the life. And though you were dead, yet shall you live. As he lives, you shall live. If you believe in him, you shall live in everlasting life, as one who has won the fight and has kinship to him who gave his life that men might be.

With all the conviction of my soul, I leave my blessing with you wonderful people. I am thrilled with the spirit that you bring here to such a vast audience. I want you to know that in my heart I have a love, a special love, for folks like you.
We witnessed something wonderful in the great Munich conference where we had those from at least eight different countries, including France, Holland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria, as well as those of us from America. Here they were members from countries whose political differences had caused war and bloodshed. And yet we brought them all together into one congregation with a peaceful, sweet spirit!

I was moved to repeat what the apostle Paul said to the Galatians: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither, bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus... and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:28–29). And then I paraphrased to them, "You are neither German nor Austrian, nor French nor Italian, nor Dutch, nor Spanish, nor English, but you and I are all one in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in the hearts of all of us here there must be no war." And so when we believe, and know that the Savior loves us all, regardless of nationality or color or creed, then we have gained something that the world does not know.

I bear you that sacred testimony, that I know with a witness that is more powerful than sight. Sometime, if the spirit prompts me, I may feel free to tell you more, but may I say to you that I know as though I had seen, that He lives, that He is real, that God the Father and his Son are living realities, personalities with bodies, parts, and passions--glorified beings. If you believe that, then you are safe. If you don't believe it, then struggle for that witness, and all will be well with you. And so I bless you, and commend you, and thank you again for the honor that you have conferred upon me this day. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

15 Interesting Facts About Me

2011-06-13T15:11:00.000-06:00

(Attempting to revive from the blog fog).
1. I love being a girl and all things girly.
2. My favorite candy is Reisen
3. I am an ice cream connoisseur.
4. I cannot stand piles.
5. I have no creative skills (crafts, decorating) what.so.ever!
6. I have a depth perception problem. Stairs are the worst and extremely difficult for me.
7. I.Love.Shoes!
8. I enjoy reading and studying everyday.
9. My favorite workout is riding my bike outside.
10. I am a very spiritual person.
11. I get a kick out of random kind acts for others.
12. I am extremely tender hearted for animals, small children and youth.
13. I am a romantic at heart and love to read and watch love stories.
14. I am not ticklish and would prefer for someone to beat upon my back than to have a massage.
15. I wish that I had a talent of making desserts.

Congratulations Shaeler!

2011-05-24T12:48:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, we were invited to an award's ceremony for Shaeler's school. All we knew was that Shae was getting recognized for an award. As Brian and I drove to the school, we talked about how honored we felt that she was being recognized in some way for all of her hard work this school year. (Trust me, it was hard work. I had to sit next to her for ALL of it!)

It was not until the end that Shae was called up and given the highest award that the school gives out.

Shaeler was awarded the Principal's Award.

She was nominated by her teacher and also principal for this prestigous award.

I was blown away. I cried and I had a moment and I am one proud mom!

We love you Shaeler! We ar so proud of all of your hard work, your obedience to your teachers, your kindness to your peers and friends and the sweet spirit you bring as you light up a room!

Way to go Shae!

Easter to the 2 - OOOOOO- Eleven

2011-04-25T17:31:00.000-06:00

I had to post some of the highlights of our Easter Getaway. There are WAAAAYYY more pictures to come from Audrey and much better quality because she is a pro. But I thought I would post some of my own silly pics from the weekend. I apologize that they are in random order and I will do the best I can to explain.

We did the LOA poster and this was my favorite comment on the poster! ;)

LOA poster with the pictures of the Savior on the door. This is our Easter decorating!

This was my Easter egg for the year!

Shaeler helping Audrey with dying eggs!

Someone hooked a large swing to the giant ponderosa tree that is hidden back in the mountains. We had a ball swinging on the new swing. This is Brian's creative swinging method.

Shaeler swinging above my head. At one point of the swing, you are 15 feet in the air.

Brian and Shae

Picture to show the height.

According to Brian, you got the best moment starting on the back two logs behind him. He was right!

Maddie and her awesome sun glasses!

Maddie screaming like a baby on the swing!

The perfect sunset for a "high moment" for myself.

This year Shaeler got a unicorn pillow pet and mega mind for Easter.

I have a ton more pictures, but I don't have a ton of time to talk about them all. You are welcome to go to my facebook account and view all the pics there.

This year we also did a scavenger hunt, the Passover dinner and a few extra highlights that I am waiting for pictures from Audrey. Hopefully she will deliver?

Robert and Michelle's Wedding

2011-03-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

This last week, we had the opportunity to attend a family wedding.

Brian's sister, Michelle, was married to Robert on March 4, 2011.

They chose to have a Vegas wedding and so we packed up our bags and drove south to support the happy couple.

It was so nice to meet Robert's side of the family, as they are the nicest people.

Here are some shots I took of the special occasion.

Michelle's Boquet

They were married at the Sam's Town Casino on the balcony.

Michelle's colors were lavender and black.

Pretty flowers.

Shae and Maddie playing Angry Birds while they wait.

Brian and his dad. They look so much alike.

Joyce (Brian's mom), Brian and Michelle (the bride)

Michelle was a bit nervous before the ceremony.

Maddie (Michelle's daughter) and Michelle

Brian chatting with Michelle

Shae and Me

Joyce and Grant (Brian's Parents)

Robert kissing Michelle (and yes, he did cut his hair in a mohawk for the wedding).

The Bride and Groom

Bob, Rose, Robert, Michelle, Joyce and Grant

After the wedding, we headed to a buffet for the wedding dinner.

All I have to say is that they had a dessert buffet with multiple flavors of hand scooped ice cream.

I almost fainted because I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

I told the ice cream server that I would be back for more after my first scoop, and he looked at me like "yeah right."

Let's just say, I proved him wrong. It was AWESOME!

Gives me the giggles!!

2011-03-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry, but this had me laughing so hard this morning. It brings me the greatest joy to look at.

I think I shall make my own copies and post them around the neighborhood and community. My biggest highlight would be Subway or something.

WAIT!! We need to get this on a T-Shirt!!

Carry on creepy Lionel Richie!

I Heart the Accordion

2011-02-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

There is a song on the radio I would hear and love it merely for the accordion sound. I had no clue what the song's name was and would ask friends if they did. As I would describe the song with an accordion, I would get a little smirk from their faces. Then they would ask me to sing it and when I would sing the accordion part, because that is my favorite part, the chuckles would begin.

Well my friends, I found the song. It's called Stereo Love and it one of my favorite songs to run to. From here on out, I am not singing the song to be mocked anymore! You can hear it here!

enjoy

First Annual Cookie Hall of Fame Nominations!!!

2011-02-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have decided to do a Dessert Hall of Fame for my blog.

Those of you that know me well, know that I am a sugar-aholic. My specialties are baked goods and ice cream.

Especially ice cream.

Rest be assured, that if I give a recommendation on the following items above, I get a 98% approval rate from others that agree with my opinion. It's a gift, I know, and I feel that I need to share my gift.

Each month, I am going to pick a specific item from the sweet-aholics likes and nominate my favorites for your enjoyment. I am completely open to any recommendations that you may give, in fact I welcome the challenge to see if you can beat my suggestions. I will happily go out and sample or freely accept any donations for consideration! :)

Sample dates are strictly to Friday and Saturdays, and I welcome any who would like to join me in the testing and judging of such sorts. These lists will be on going and if they are recipes from you, I will share those recipes once the sampling and approval process has been completed. I have a reputation to protect!

One thing I need to make clear before I begin is that the nominations are required to be gourmet. If an elf, a girl scout, a french aunt from the Nestle family or any mass production item is brought to my attention, it will be immediately discarded. If I refer to the grocery store, I mean the bakery at the grocery store.

So this month, I focus on the cookies.

There are 3 types of cookies that I prefer: 1. Sugar Cookie 2. Snickerdoodle and 3. Sugar Cookie with frosting.

I have yet to find a restaurant that meets my preferred needs of these cookies, however there are a few grocery stores and my own baking that I like. Have not found the king of the sugar cookie yet.

For other flavors, I do have some highly favorable recommendations:

Here are the nominee's:

The S'more Cooke from Over the Top

If you like chocolate and marshmallows, this cookie is a dream. A chocolate cookie with chocolate chips, then marshmallows and graham crackers layered on top, baked so the marshmallows are crispy, and then drizzled with a light chocolate fudge. Mmmmm! So good! I'd take a dozen of these any day over the campfire roasting of a marshmallow.

Over the Top's Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookie

My husband loses all control when I bring him one of these cookies. If you like peanut butter, especially a Reese's candy bar, this cookie will assist you in losing all self constraint. This is Over the Top's signature Chocolate Chip Cookie with Reese's Peanut Butter Cup layered thick on top. It is not a one bite cookie! It is hands down my husbands and mine favorite cookie from Over the Top.

Now, I have just picked my two favorites, but Over the Top's menu also includes cookies that have:

Snickers

Twix

Butterfinger

Mint

Coconut

Lemon

Baby Ruth

Almond Joy

M&M's (Shae's pick)

Toffee

Milky Way

My mouth is drooling just thinking about it. Must move on very quickly, my thighs are quivering.

My next nominations comes from a quaint little cookie shop called RubySnap!

My dear friend Christy, emailed and called me that these cookies were to DIE FOR, and that I must try one. It was of such high importance, that she went to the store that afternoon and bought me some cookies. Truly she was inspired to share her new found piece of heaven, as I will forever be in her debt for giving me cookies that changed my life!!

This little shop is a cookie store that loves to reference the good ol' days. See that polka dot box in the left hand corner. That is what they pack their cookies in. If you see one of those boxes, grab it and run. It may be theft, but it will be so worth it for when you open it! (just kidding, I would never recommend robbery, unless it is a dear friend who owes you something....just kidding again, maybe.) Each cookie is given an old fashioned name and each cookie is UNBELIEVABLE!

My third nomination is the Penelope.

This is a peanut butter cookie that is dipped half way into milk chocolate. I literally had to rip this cookie out of my husbands hand to get a taste. Once I partook, I could see the evil glare in his eye that if I came near him again to get more of the Penelope, I would lose an eye or something.

Which leads me to the cookie that was hands down the best cookie of the bunch.

The fourth nomination goes to the Scarlett: A red velvet cookie with cream cheese frosting.

Now, I love the Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet cheesecake and I also love the Nothing Bundt Cake Red Velvet Cake. However, this cookie left them all behind in the dust as the Red Velvet Queeness. It was so good, I inhaled it. NO ONE but me got to taste and eat it. It was moist and the right sweetness with the creamy frosting on top. For a small blissful moment, I was whisked away to the clouds above Europe. I can still smell it and taste it in my mouth.

Sadly, the Scarlett is a seasonal cookie, and will only last until the end of the month. I may drive down town every day just to enjoy it while it lasts.

So there you have it! My nominations so far. I highly recommend trying these cookies yourselves and have posted the stores links below.

www.overthetopcookies.com

http://www.rubysnap.com/index.html

Ladies, enjoy!

And

You're Welcome!

And

You got something better?

BRING IT ON!

Puzzled, Dazed and Amused!

2011-02-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

I am super excited to confirm the rumors that I finished my first 1000 piece puzzle that I have EVER owned. I love puzzles and we have small ones that we help Shaeler with, but I have never bought one of my own to put together.

There is such a calming feeling as sitting down and figuring out what piece could go where, next? Part of me loved to sit down for a little while and work on the puzzle and then another part of me had to hold back the inner cleaner that wanted the puzzle done so I could clean up the mess.

This puzzle was a piece of cake until we got to the tree. That took us hours of work because every piece look exactly identical. Grr! There were several pieces that Brian and I could not find so we would go through piece by piece until we found the one that fit. Many hours passed by working on that tree.

As I worked on the puzzle, I couldn't help but have the thoughts that working on a puzzle is a lot like life.

In the beginning, we only get small pieces of where we need to go and what to do.
There is great support in finding those who we have similarities.
You cannot force things that are not meant to go together.
When frustrated, step back and let things clear up in your mind. Sometimes frustration makes things even harder.
You cannot quit. This is a process that is step by step, piece by piece. Endure to the end!
Those who are smart, reference the creators instructions or pictures for guidance.
Every piece is important. Even the lost pieces are needed and must be found.
Remember that the creator knows the big picture. He knows how things will turn out. Yes, there is great reward at the end of our hard work.

Putting a puzzle together was a great experience. It brought our family together and we all helped. With all the hard work, I am the hardest time putting it away. I guess one more day of display will suffice............well until the cleaning personality can't handle it anymore.

Someone Fire the Tooth Fairy!

2011-02-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know about your children, but it seems that Shaeler will go through a bout of losing her teeth. Not just one, but multiple teeth in a week.

The tooth fairy is struggling with keeping up on her daily visits.

The tooth fairy may have forgotten to come...............two nights in a row.

Go ahead, fire the tooth fairy! She needs a vacay................somewhere tropical. Perhaps there is a baby crocodile looking for cash. Heck, mom will pretend to lose teeth just to cash in on the money Shaeler is getting.

Has the tooth fairy ever messed up at your house and if so, what was her "excuse" that time?

A Return with My Favorite Things!!

2011-02-15T12:48:00.001-07:00

I am such a great mood today, that I thought I would share with you some of my favorite things that are making my life so rockin awesome lately.

So here we go in no particular order:

Favorite Eye Things

Rimmel London Gentle Eye Make Up Remover and Philosophy: Eye Hope cream.

I cannot get enough of these two products. As I am now in my early 30's, and noticing the aging effects on my eyes. I wanted to do my part to protect the skin around my eyes that best to my ability. The Rimmel eye make up remover is so gentle and soft and CHEAP!! Reminds me of MK eye make up remover, except a third of the cost. SCORE! Super happy about that. The Eye Hope is a very gentle eye cream that moisturizes, diminishes and smooths. The eye cream was not cheap, but I use so little that I am hoping that it will last me at least 6 months. Super happy about these two products and Yes, I can feel and see a difference with my eyes! Hooray!

Favorite Hair Things

The life of my hair could seriously be a soap opera, however I am happy to report that I really love my new hair stylist Cassi. I poured out my soul's complaint of my hair drama and she assisted me with some product that I am "in love" with. Seriously, I would kiss these products, like on a commercial, yet I shant because when I see people kissing stuff like (trophies and such), it reminds me of idol worshipping. Ya know?

Anyway, It's a 10 leave in conditioner is wonderful, magical and lovely. So lovely. We live in a desert people and my hair would become all crazy full of static due to a lack of hydration. Da, da, da, da! It's a 10 has saved the day. Hair is so smooth and soft. Next I apply the Bed Head Small Talk and I would buy this stuff in a barrel if they would allow me. The best way to describe this product is it reminds me of a whip in taming your hair in what way you want it to be styled. It's like a task master for disobedient hair, which is my hair ALL.THE.TIME!! It helps with volume and shine and I love it. LOVE IT!

Favorite Movie Discount for FMN!

I have been debating for some time to start a tradition with my little family and after the Disney Movie Club contacted me, I was a go. Disney Movie Club offered me 7 video's for $20.00 of my choosing. All I have to do is be a member for 2 years and in that 2 year period buy 2 video's for full price. The rest of the time, I can buy Disney video's for huge discount rates and once a month I say yes or no to some of their movie suggestions. These are the 7 I picked out and I am itching to get more.

Every Friday night, we sit as a family and make air popped popcorn and apples and watch a movie together. Shaeler and Brian LOVE it! In the summer time, I want to get a projector and play the movies outside against our house or fence. I love the Disney Movie Club!

Favorite Things for Reading

This year, I set a new year's resolution to do a lot more reading. Especially in my spiritual education. This month I am reading:

Jesus the Christ (Excellent)

The Book of Mormon (Pure Bliss)

The Infinite Atonement (Highest Recommendation from multiple Bishops)

Return (So Beautiful)

I am reading ALL.THE.TIME. And I love it! I LOVE IT!! It's like a spiritual buffet and everyday I gorge myself. I am learning so much and truly my testimony is being strengthened. My goal is to have them all done by the end of the month. Piece of Cake, right?

Favorite Things: Juan Diego lives in My Basement, I swear!!

Brian has decided to experiment on the floor of our storage room. Instead of paying big bucks for concrete stain, he has decided to try a home remedy to stain our concrete floor.

Iron Sulfate + Coffee grinds + Water = Cement Stain

I have to admit, I was surprised when the floor started turning brown. This is the dry color up above and it is actually quite a lovely dark brown when it is wet, which should be the color of the floor when the sealant is applied. It has been funny watching Brian with his experiment, well other than the over whelming coffee smell in my basement. I will have to keep you posted how it turns out. I am just waiting for Juan Diego to follow the smell to our house and ask for a cup of Joe. Sadly I will reply, no.

Favorite Things with Young Women

I am not sure how to talk about this one other than last week Brian mentioned something to me about my calling and it was the right button that I broke down into tears. I was frustrated, lost and felt so empty in that aspect of my life. This last Sunday, I had an answered prayer and felt so strongly about my purpose with the Young Women and the leaders of my stake. I cannot be something that I am not, but I can use the gifts and talents that I have been given to help others. It was a HUGE epiphany and I feel on fire!! All I will say is that I love the young women, I love the leaders I get to serve with and I am honored that I can work and help build the Lord's kingdom with his precious daughters.

So much.!?!.!

2011-01-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

I'm here, well last time I checked I was still here.

So many wonderful things happening in my life that I keep thinking to myself, this NNEEDDS to be recorded!!

Just not enough hours in the day.

So I am making myself a check off list of blog posts that I need to do.

That way if they don't get done, at least we all know what has happened this month and the guilt of documentation will haunt someone else. HA!

So without further ado:

1. Alexa got her medallion and I earned my bee! We celebrated at the Roof.

2. Spent 2 nights celebrating Kristen's birthday.

3. Read 3 books this month that I would love to review: Counseling with Councils, The Parenting Breakthrough and However Long and Hard the Road.

4. Spoke in the YSA ward and taught a lesson for 1st Ward Conference.

5. Shae and I are reading the Chronicles of Narnia together. The first book "The Magicians Nephew" is AWESOME!

6. Hit a Huge personal goal for myself.

7. We have inherited Netflix for a while and I am enjoying folding laundry to justify sitting down and watching a movie.

8. Brian and I have started back up our date nights and they have been some of the best date nights EVER!

9. Attended my first City Counsel meeting.

10. Shaeler was the first student in her class to get 100% on her spelling test and sentences. 20 words and 2 sentences a week is tough for her. We celebrated by getting her out of school early and taking her to see The Dawn Treader followed by a Jamba Juice.

Life is good and oh so sweet. I have pictures to share and thoughts to get out, but this will have to do for now.

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

Tech Savy or Tech Lazy?

2011-01-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Remember a long time ago, when we saw movies about the future? You would see a person with a blank clipboard and their fingers pressing into a blank slate. I always wondered when technology would get that advanced. And then today, I'm in awe of all the different technical advancements that are at my fingertips.

For example, I am not typing this blog post. I am using a software called Dragon Naturally Speaking. It is a headset and microphone that I speak into and it types my blog post as I speak. Can I just say it's totally awesome! Between this headset and microphone and the Internet and my computer, I am accomplishing so much by very little effort.

So I pose this question to you as I've been pondering it for the past few days. Is the advancement of our technology for our betterment or is technology making us lazy?

I know for my husband, that as he uses the Dragon headset, he will be able to type endlessly without worry of spelling or grammar. That is very powerful for him. I am using the headset for my personal use of a Journal. Many times I cannot sit down to type things out because I don't have the time. But I can always say it out loud and if it's recorded, well that's fantastic!

I don't know. I just know that technology is amazing and we're becoming quite tech savvy over here.

Registration is Here!

2011-01-05T21:11:00.002-07:00

BYU Womens Conference is now open for registration.

AAAAHHHHHHH!!!

It's like Christams!!

April 28-29, 2011.

I am so there................well because I already registered, duh!

Come join us this year!

Click here to get the details and to register: http://ce.byu.edu/cw/womensconference/

If you would like to spend the night with us, leave me a message. The more the merrier I say!

I go simply to here Sister Beck's talk. You can call me a Beck Follower! YAY!

Best Friends = Best Christmas

2010-12-28T15:57:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Friend,

This Christmas, I had a heart felt prayer. I asked for help in finding Joy in Christmas. You know where it says in the scriptures that Heavenly Father will bless you so much that you will not have room to receive it? Well, He wasn't kidding. This month has been one joyful moment after another. Some of the sweetest moments for me, I choke up a bit. One that will be forever in my heart is the sweet joy of best friends during this Christmas season.

For myself, I was invited to go with my 2 best friends in the whole wide world to have dinner and see David Archuletta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing. AMAZING!! Honestly, I am not a big Archuletta fan, but the boy did a fabulous job. I have to admit, he wasn't the highlight. Being able to spend an evening with Christy and Kristen, that was heaven on earth for me. I thank you ladies for a beautiful evening of great conversation, uplifting emotions and the honor of spending time with 2 of the best ladies I know.

Temple Square is always gorgeous when it is lit up like this!

Shaeler made sure that she got her best friend Bayli a Christmas present this year. The 2 could not wait for Wednesday afternoon to exchange presents and build a Gingerbread house together. Here they are after opening their presents:

Now the Gingerbread house is a whole other story. I let Shaeler pick it out at the grocery store. The icing was basically crap. It started out pretty, but within 5 minutes, the sucker fell down. Let me illustrate:

Minute 1

Minute 2

Minute 3

Minute 4 we were trying to save what we could.

Minute 5, it was a goner!

Shaeler and Bailee didn't care a bit. They each grabbed a piece and began gnawing away.

How lucky we are to be blessed with such beautiful angels in our lives. Friends make life sweet and blissful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

Dreidel Magic!

2010-12-28T15:39:00.001-07:00

My Dear Friend,

We started a new tradition last year that we were very excited to carry on this year. A Dreidel Party!!

This is where we actually play dreidel with chocolate coins and have dreidel spin offs. Add some food, lots of candy and we have a winner of a night. Here are some pics to recap!

Chocolate Coins!

A real wooden dreidel.

Excellent Company!

Shayn getting the Shin side and saying "shiz"

Shayn boasting to Brian about his shiz.

Shaeler had returned home from a week with grandma and grandpa and got a new Panda bear from the trip. She named her Patty.

I love the dreidel party! We end the night with the edited version of "National Lampoons Christmas Vacation." We are planning on doing it again next year and would love to have more company. There is something magical about the dreidel parties. If you could hear me now, you would hear me singing "Dreidel Magic" to the song "Summer Magic"

Dreidel on!

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

Utter Joy Is..............

2010-12-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

Freedom for a few days to get as many errands done without the worries of time!

Playing "Win it in a Minute" (see pictures in last post) and Scribblish with friends at a hotel and laughing into the night.

Seeing the First Presidency Christmas Message live and having my breath taken away with the music that was played and sung.

Being able to spot the red fox at the airport because it's shiny red coat is so apparent against the white snow.

Going to the Relief Society dinner and grateful for being moved around the room so I could talk to a lot of people.

Wrapping presents with the "Master" Julie late at night and being told I had to wrap it again because the paper was upside down. (which I really did have to do! LOL)

Listening to Christmas music for the past 3 months and still enjoy hearing it during my workouts now that we are 9 days away from Christmas.

Shaeler getting surprise gifts from the North Pole.

Going to 2 temples in 2 days and receiving a sacred spiritual memory.

Being invited to a Girl's Night Out with my favorite people in the whole wide world to have dinner and listen to David Archuletta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing!

Having my car detailed at the dealership to have all stains in the seats dissapear!

Finishing the challenge I accepted with the Book of Mormon a day early!

Having an entire month dedicated to serving others around me.

Shaeler taking a whole new attitude and becoming the sweetest child I have ever met (knock on wood.)

Ribbons, Tool, Pretty Labels and Picture Labels, Christmas Cards and beautiful wrapping.

Dear friends and loved ones that make my life "oh so sweet" and kneeling in prayer thanking God that he has surrounded me with such amazing people.

Having a calendar that syncs with Brian's so that we are on the same page with our crazy lives and know what is going on and don't double book things.

Technology that fits in the palm of my hand and I still have yet to find out all of it's capabilities.

Finding a pink poinsetta and buying it to place on my desk.

Executing my 12 days of Christmas with the theme of "Favorite Things!"

Laying in bed with Shaeler and telling her my Christmas memories as a child.

Shopping with Becky for Sub-4-Santa and appreciating the blessings in my life.

Naps in the afternoon (power naps people! Longest nap is 20 minutes)

Making hot chocolate for Bailee and Shaeler after they were out playing in the snow. (Basically eating it.)

Bells, bells, the story of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" and even more bells.

Waking up at 5:00 am and being giddy the rest of the day because I bought myself 2 extra hours in the day.

Sitting on the couch late at night staring at my beautiful Christmas tree!

Thinking of the Savior and all that he has done for me. Truly beginning to understand and love the day of the birth of the Savior.

Recognizing the gifts I have been given from a simple prayer in asking "Help me find Joy during Christmas."

Wonderful Wordless Weekend!!

2010-12-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Huddle in! We are doing an instant replay....

2010-12-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Friend,

I know, I know, it has been a while since my last letter, but I have really good excuses this time. The past week and a half have been the best of times and the worst of times. Here I will give you the short version of what has been going on:

Saturday after Thanksgiving, I had that weird tummy ache. Well, it turned into a full blown stomach flu come early Tuesday morning. I experienced pain in my abdomen that was unreal. I started throwing up at 3:40 am and then Shaeler joined me in the puking fest at 5:30 am. The two of us laying in the family room, watching movies and each having their own pink puke bucket is quite the image to remember. Brian did the best he could to help, but had to leave for work and so we had to fend for ourselves. It took Shae 2 hours to bounce back to her normal self. As for me, I felt normal again come Friday.

So, Friday I decided to slam out most of my Christmas Shopping. I was all over the valley early in the morning, running as fast as I could. I had to buy a computer from a lady the night before, so I stopped at my work to drop the computer off. As I was loading the computer onto the elevator, I caught the door with my foot so I could get the rest of my stuff and myself in. As the doors closed, they stopped with a 3 inch gap and nothing happened. I pressed the buttons and tried to open the door manually but I was trapped. The anxiety that took over was unbelievable. I started to panic. I pushed the help button and called the alarm system. I luckily had my cell phone so I called upstairs to my office and cried for someone to come help me. I then curled up in a ball and cried until my co-workers were able to get the doors open. I am EXTREMELY claustrophobic and that was really nothing. But it got to me and and I freaked out.

I received a call that same day from one of my favorite person in the world and she wanted to help me out with my Christmas decorations. So Saturday, we headed to Tai Wan Imports and picked out Christmas decor of my favorite colors. See below:

I LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE my new tree with new ornaments. It was so awesome to be with her and experience her expertise in decorating which I really have none of. We stopped and had lunch at Kneaders (yay for their baguettes!!) and then we decorated my tree in the afternoon. Thank you my friend!! From the bottom of my heart!

I really felt like nothing could really top off that experience, until I went downtown for the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

It seems the hot tickets right now is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with David Archuletta tickets. My heart was set on hearing the prophet and the 1st Presidency and my dreams came true.

The lights, the music, the choir and the orchestra. It was all so magnificently put together and it was nice to sit and watch it live. I loved every minute of it! Driving in the fog at night was well worth the sacrifice. I felt like each talk was directly for me and the concerns I was having over the past few days. I love it when that happens! Thank you for tickets that have made my Christmas start off right!

Now, I am off to bed a bit earlier tonight. I am training my brain to be an "AER" with no alarm clock. This takes work people and I am pooped out! Until the next post.......................Remember Who You Are!

Always loyal and true!

Suzanne

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

My dear friend,

Here we are at the tail end of the Thanksgiving weekend. The cat is out of the bag, that it is my least favorite holiday of the year. There, I said it, let it be known. On a positive note, our Thanksgiving weekend has been most joyous and much to be grateful for this year. First that everyone is alive and breathing, that makes the top of my list. Pretty much everything after that is gravy. But I do have much exciting news to share in that Brian bought me a Thanksgiving present.

Wait for it..........................................drum roll..........................................................................

A NEW CHRISTMAS TREE!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Nothing beats the phone call to meet him at the store and pick out the tree that I would like. Hooray! We bought a 7.5', pre-lit 900 bulb Fontaine Fir. PRE-LIT!! That in itself makes me tear up a bit. Hold on, I have to get a tissue.

My decorations are improving, but my tree is glorious and I put it right in front of the front door for all to see. Shaeler went nuts decorating this year. We couldn't help but laugh as she decorated most of our ornaments in one section of the tree. I have been slowly placing them all over the tree so she will not notice.

Decorations were all up before Thanksgiving day and that was a first for our house. Thanksgiving was really wonderful this year. We woke up early, worked out, spent time together as a family, prepared our salad assignment and then headed out the door to pick up my dad and head to Erda for Thanksgiving dinner with my dad's side of the family.

Friday we spent the day together as a family and decided to let Shaeler choose whatever she wanted to do for the day. So we went and saw this movie:

LOVED IT!! I am dying to see it again.

We ate at La Luna and then bought groceries to make breakfast for everyone the following morning.

Saturday, I made my dad's pull a part bread (which has quite a reputation now) and Brian made mountain man breakfast for all of the Rentmeister family. I snuck out to go work out, only to leave early feeling very ill. I spent all day Saturday in bed as my stomach and guts felt like they were doing the twist/tango/extreme pain dance. It later became the chills and body aches.

Today I have felt a lot better, but am extremely tired. So, I had a nap after church and I am feeling a ton better. Good times!

In the middle of all of this Thanksgiving partying, we have been enduring the cold and snow storms like no other. Average temperature was 13 degrees and the snow storms have been CRAZY! Do you remember that year that it started to snow in September and it snowed all the way to June? Why do I have a weird feeling that this year is going to be all crazy with the weather much like that? I don't know, but I am glad that Brian did not have to work outside in the 13 degrees last week. I just fear that January could be a very cold month this next year and I always feel bad for Brian and his guys to have to work out in it.

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Again, I want to wish my parents a Happy Birthday and please know we love you guys!

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

Oh, and Winter said to tell you hello!

2010-11-22T21:14:00.001-07:00

My Dear Friend,

We had a lovely weekend! My how much you appreciate the little everyday things when you don't have to make any trips to the ER for the weekend. Ha! I couldn't have asked for a better weekend for myself.

Friday, I went with Kristen to see Harry Potter. We debated whether we wanted to go because we had heard some not so FSOY worthy parts of the movie. Kristen found some articles that debunked our concerns and so we went. I was ready to walk if I needed to. It actually was pretty good. Very true to the book and it was fun to laugh and giggle with Kristen during the movie. Can I just say that Kristen is the coolest girl to hang out with? I dare say I shall. I appreciate her perspective and down to earth point of views. The girl is for real. I appreciate that I can talk to her and "unload" so to say and she listens and gives great advice. Thank you Kristen! Thank you for the lovely time at the movies!

Friday night we cleaned the house as a family. And the heavens opened and the angels sang as all 3 of us worked. It was so glorious! Cleaning the house is so much faster when we all do it, not just me. Friday had totally made my weekend. We ate over at Kneaders for soup and bread and I ran into some old high school chums. Garret and Sarah. I met Garret when I transferred over to Taylorsville and sat next to him in my Physics class. From day one, it was none stop laughs. A true friend to me. He and Sarah are high school sweethearts and I went to their wedding because they were good friends to me. They have 3 boys and now live in South Jordan. Good for them!

Saturday was another day of finishing tasks. I went grocery shopping, worked out, went to the temple and then we met friends for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory. LOVE the restaurant, LOVE the conversation. As we headed out the door, snow was covering the streets and cars and was sticking like glue. We immediately headed for home. So glad I did, because when I awoke Sunday morning, I found Shae and Brian outside in this:

Yup! Winter has arrived in full force. Always seems to happen around Thanksgiving time. There was so much snow and it was heavy. Unfortunately, we do not own a snow blower and Brian has been using the snow shovel my dad gave to him when they sold their home 11 years ago. That bad boy has been ground down to practically to the stick. He was only able to shovel my side of the driveway and was tired.

Shae on the other hand is pumped for her new found Winter Wonderland. She found her coat, boots, gloves and snow pants while I was sleeping and joined her dad. She quickly made snow balls, snow angels and tromped around the yard leaving her mark.

I am not one that enjoys the cold. Not one bit! So I stay inside and prepare the Hot Chocolate for the loved ones after they can no longer take the numb fingers and cold noses. Drink up, baby! We are heading in for a high of 16 over Thanksgiving! wohoo!

I love that she is wearing pajamas under her snow suit and the nice peacock flip of hair on top of her head. AWESOME!

So, Winter is here and I am counting down the days until Spring shall arrive. I love the snow until Christmas and then after that, I start praying for the weeks to fly by so I can feel the warm weather again!

Sunday was a day of visiting 2 wards and a fireside. We had a panel of seminary teachers answer questions from the youth. We had some great answers given and my favorite quote from the night is "Donuts are Holy!" Think about that one! LOL

Always loyal and true,

suzanne

That Twinkle in Your Eye

2010-11-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

My Dear Friend

Just wanted to note a conversation I had with Shaler the other day:

"Mom, when I get married, I want to match my husband like you and dad match!"

"What, we don't match?"

"Yes, you do! You look exactly alike!"

"Uh, no honey! I have blond hair and your dad has brown hair."

"Yeah, but you both have the same eye color!" (Which is true!)

"And what color is that?"

"Hazel and you both have that twinkle in your eye."

"Shaeler, do you know what that twinkle in the eye means?"

"Yes, it means that God is with you."

"That's right! Did you know that you have that same twinkle in your eyes?"

"I do?"

"Yes Shaeler, and I hope you marry a man that has the exact twinkle in his eye as you do in yours."

6 years old and we have already began to dream of marriage and her future husband. Didn't see that coming!

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

Fireproof My Marriage

2010-11-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

My dear friend,

I want to share today something that has been on my mind for over a week now. I think I need to type my thoughts out. So bear with me. Last week, as Brian was surfing my facebook page (he always uses my account) he saw a picture of a good friend of ours in the arms of another man. He called me in and said "I don't think this is appropriate, do you? I don't think ______ would like seeing his wife like that with another man." I agreed and we continued to scroll through her pictures only to find a picture of the 2 kissing. Ok! Now we both want to know what is going on. Not but 4 months before we were looking at pictures of her and her husband on a beach vacation kissing and now she has listed herself in a relationship with another man. WHAT?

Come to find out, my friend had an affair and is now divorced in a matter of weeks from her husband. This hit both Brian and I like a ton of bricks and we are both blown away. These are people we love and would go out on double dates with and now their marriage is over and very quickly. A family with 3 children that were sealed together are now torn apart. Both Brian and I are devastated and we really are not even involved.

Many nights I keep asking Brian "How do we fireproof our marriage?" We both agree that if we said "oh, that would NEVER happen to us," we are just setting ourselves up. So, for many nights now, Brian and I will talk about how we can prevent our marriage from falling apart. Fireproofing it, if you will.

We live in a world that divorce and infidelity is very common. I think the latest statistic said that 50% of couples get divorced. I hear of rumors of marriages being destroyed because of social media relationships and I see all the time couples around me going their separate ways. Whether I like it or not, it is the world around me. The only control I have is my own marriage and that is where my focus should be.

This is a list that Brian and I have come up with in fireproofing our marriage. If you have more to add, please share:

1. Do not allow yourself to linger in the danger zones. I am reading a book by Wendy Watson Nielsen and at the beginning of the book, she talks about being in Africa and taking a picture of a Leopard that walked right past their vehicle. Elder Nielsen wanted them to get out of the area immediately, but she was distracted of taking pictures of the creature. It wasn't until she developed her picture that she could see why he was in a panic. The look in the Leopard's eye was scary. She didn't see it because she was in the middle of it, but Elder Nielsen saw the danger and was trying to get her out as fast as he could.

I ask myself in all of my choices, am I lingering in a danger zone for my marriage? The friends I have on facebook, to the men I work with, to the media allowed in my home, to the way I treat my husband or talk about him to friends, am I in a danger zone? Is a circumstance that I allow myself in, a first step for a weaker marriage?

The answer is simply to be aware and don't get in the danger zones in the first place. As I think of my friend, she placed herself in what seemed harmless situations but really made it that much easier for her to slowly leave her husband. I find myself wanting to spend all my time with Brian, so that when danger is around he can see it and pull me out as quickly as possible.

2. Up keeping a strong spiritual marriage. We believe that marriage is ordained of God. If the foundation of a marriage is God then we feel that we must strive for the same goals on the spiritual level. Going to church, praying together, reading scriptures together, going to the temple, FHE. Brian and I have found that if one of us is not spiritually motivated, we not only stop the progression of ourselves, but also the spiritual progression of the other. Sad but true. Hence if the marriage is focused on selfless service, love and forgiveness which is key doctrine in our religion, that has to help with building a healthy relationship between husband and wife.

I like to term this that when you marry your husband, you have to break up with the world and never look up their number again.

3. Continue to court after marriage. This is where Brian and I have been very blessed. Brian's parents have always offered to watch Shaeler on Saturday night so we could have a date night. Date nights we talk and share and set goals and sometimes flirt. This can be a challenge some days, but we always miss each others companionship when we are not able to. I think praise and compliments and actions should be the biggest part of courting. Praise and validation from each other that we recognize the small things we do for each other. Kind words and not mocking or jabbing each other. If I had a boyfriend that jabbed at me all the time, the date would be over in 5 seconds. We strive to honor and esteem each other.

The other day, I asked Brian why he never gave me a nickname? He has given EVERYONE else a nickname but me. So I asked him. His reply was "no other name would fit such an elegant lady." Wow! Now that was a great thing to say. He was meaning to impress me, and yet he was being honest and I love him for it!

4. Focus on your perfect companion, they will come. It seems that Satan has a way of subtly pointing out the weaknesses of our spouse. So much that we forget the strengths and all we see are the weaknesses. But here's the deal, when we make it to the Celestial Kingdom our spouse will be perfect. So it doesn't make sense to sacrifice eternity with our Heavenly Father because the weaknesses of our spouse (that is just for this probation of life) which will be made perfect in the eternities. The price is too high to sacrifice for an affair that may or may not last. I remind myself of a couple of things everyday. 1. Look for Brian's strengths and 2. remember that I am not perfect and he has to live with me too.

To be honest, marriage is work. It is much like a play and this life we were never promised the fairy tale ending right now. We got through the first act in the premortal world and we are now at the second half where the climax is coming. Usually there is conflict to build the climax. You can't expect the happy ending of a play without the climax of the story. The happy ending will come in the next life. I did marry my Prince Charming and everything will work out in the end.

My heart goes out to our dear friends. I don't know all the details of their circumstance and I don't pass judgement. I wish only the best for them both and hope that I can learn from their choices. My marriage is everything to me. Brian is the best thing that has ever happened to me and he is so worth the fight!

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

My Only Complaint, I was freezing cold!

2010-11-14T22:05:00.000-07:00

My dearest friend,

We are back from our St. George weekend. Brian and his company needed to complete 16 hours of continuing education for their licenses, so they decided to head South to knock it out in 2 days. I love St. George as it has always had a special place in my heart and was looking forward to a nice warm weekend when Salt Lake would be in the 30's.

While the men were at class, the women played. Some of the activities that Shae, Joyce and I experienced were:

1. Swimming in the pool.

2. Shopping at the mall and outlet stores.

3. Eating out for lunch.

4. Buying apples and chocolate at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

5. Napping.

When the men returned home, we went out to nice dinners as a company and then Brian and I would head back to the hotel for bed. Well, the first night Shae talked Brian into going swimming. Here are a few pictures from that:

I, of course, LOVE the shopping. I wanted to get some Christmas shopping done, but have no clue what to get anyone. So instead, I bought a few things for Shae and I. I believe I have an obsession with accessories right now. I bought a shirt, a necklace, a scarf, two flower pins and Shae a skirt. I also bought a new pair of jeans which totally made my day because they were a size smaller. Hard work is paying off in the small things, ya know?

I chuckle when I look at that scarf. When my boss took me shopping last year and I went back to exchange a few things, the sales agent tried to get me to buy a scarf very similar to this ruffly pink one. I didn't buy it at the time because a. I felt like a clown in it and b. it was $40 for the thing. No, thank you!

Now, I have a scarf very similar with little pink balls on it and it only cost me $11.99. Yeah, thats right, I saved 28 buckaroos. Eat that Ann Taylor sales lady! Ha!

We really enjoyed our trip to St. George. My only complaint was that it was 60 degrees down there, but it felt like 30 degrees to me. I was freezing the whole time. Our room heater would not work and I would dread getting out of bed because the chill factor was unbearable. We cranked the thermostat up to 85 and we still froze. Kind of disheartening! That's alright, we found a new love that made us forget our woe's at the Nelsen's Frozen Custard stand. Two words: Strawberry Concrete!

It was to die for! We went back the second night to get another one because we knew it would be months before we tasted such celestial glory of all yumminess! Yup, I just made that word up!

I am chuckling right now that I solved my freezing woes with ice cream. Oh, the irony of it all. Thank goodness for rice bags and the microwave. We have a new found friendship. Now if I can microwave my rice bag at church and wear a snuggie to Relief Society, my chilliness woes would be over. Ah, a girl can dream right?

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

A Fabulous Night!

2010-11-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

My dear friend,

Wednesday night was an incredible night. It was our Ward's YW in Excellence and I think they did a wonderful job. Their theme was butterflies and they used a talk from Ezra Taft Benson of how a young woman develops like a butterfly. Need to find that talk and read the entire thing. They did a video highlight that showed 3 pictures of each young women when they were a baby, a little girl and now as a young woman. Watching their transformations was so heart touching. I too love those YW and each has a special place in my heart. It is definately hard to watch them grow up and then leave YW's. Those that were Beehives just a few years ago are now Laurels. I could cry. (tear)

The night was great for me personally because I finished my YW's medallion and was recognized that night. Yes, I can hear the mumblings as I did that night, I have already earned my medallion a couple of years ago. However there are a few reasons that I did it again.

1. Because I can! General YW President Sister Dalton challenged us to earn as many as we could and being proud to wear it and what it represents.

2. This round, I earned it with the same requirements as a YW. Leaders are only required to do half of the projects and experiences, but I wanted to do it all just like a YW.

3. I am a full believer that I would never ask someone to do something that I am not willing to do myself. I enjoy working with YW and their leaders about the different experiences that we may be doing at the same time. There is a power and connection when you are doing the same thing.

4. I wanted a gold medallion with the ruby to remind me of virtue and it being added last year.

5. I love the Personal Progress Program.

Here are a few pictures of the night.

Me and Shae! 6 more years and she is in YW's!

My new gold medallion with the red ruby.

My beutiful daughter. How I love her.

So happy to have my daughter with me on such a great night of my life!

Those that know me, know that I wear my medallion every day with my family medallion. I am not sure if I will ever take that one off. I will wear the gold, but I didn't do it for the medallion. I did it because I have a testimony of the Personal Progress Program. It is a wonderful way to teach how to walk with Christ and be able to enter the temple worthily. I LOVE it!

Since your wondering, yes I am a few hours away from earning my bee and have finished the Book of Mormon already. Then I will go back again and start earning another medallion. I will until they release me, but then I will do it again with my daughter. Ah heck, I will always do Personal Progress because every time I do, I always learn something new.

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

The Fun Has Just Begun!

2010-11-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

My dear friend,

November is just as busy as December for me. For the next 2 weeks, I will not be home almost every night. You don't even want to hear what my Sunday's are like, it would make you cry. Yes, it's that wonderful time of the year for YW in Excellence. CRAZY! Check on me before Thanksgiving. If I am passed out on the front porch, call a massage therapist ASAP!! I respond best to cake, cupcakes or raw cake mixes. As for Brian, he too is extremely busy with work and hoping to get on top of things very soon. Shaeler is happy as a lark with school and her playdates. We are taking a break from swim lessons right now but are continuing on with the piano. Shaeler came home with a really cool school project.

They mummified her barbie at school!

I know they shaved her head, but I don't think they went into the cleaning out the brain through the nostril business. I didn't tell her about that either.

She was ecstatic and she learned so much about Egypt and Mummies. Yet another reason I love her school.

As for myself, I have been fighting the drama of finding a new hair dresser.

Raise your hand if you know what I am going through. Breaking up with your stylist is like breaking up with a boyfriend. You can't help but compare to the last one, your scared to death to move on and you have those darn reoccuring thoughts of going back.

I had made up my mind that I wasn't going back and having been trying other stylists to get back on the scene.

I am pretty happy with stylist #2. She took me a bit more blond that what I am use to, but I am thinking through a few more visits and being honest and open of what I like or not like, I could see myself sticking with this one.

See! It's like dating! Ridiculous!

On another note, work for me has been crazy busy. Wonderful things that I have been blessed with is that my computer screen got switched out with the old SEO's and now I have a ginormous screen to look at. It is the size of a screen I would put in my bedroom if I wanted a tv in there. I have a new laptop to work with from home. (The old duct tape job is limping along.) And my boss told me yesterday that he felt bad that he missed my birthday so he wants to take me to lunch and go shopping like we did last year. Remember that story?? Ahh me, that one has to be in person. But I am SUPER excited about lunch and Shopping!

Brian is recovering well. At least he says so. He is ready for life to get back to normal and calm done a bit. Work is insane for him. I am doing the best I can to help him in whatever he needs. He is still extremely happy in serving in his calling. He loves YM and the Presidency that he serves with. He perked up a bit when we went to dinner at Texas Road House last Saturday and we ran into our good friends. Chad and Ann, Jordan and Katie. He laughed so much like I haven't seen in a while. As I sat at the table, I couldn't help but have a "home" like feeling. Not like I lived with these people, but like being with them felt good as going home. I wonder if we hung out in the Premortal world? That I do not know. What I do know is that heaven wouldn't be the same without good friends to laugh with. I hope the Celestial Kingdom includes sitting at a table with these good people laughing about Brian's bed time, Chad's stories and Jordan's OCD's about food and dates.

One more thing I want to add before I go. I have a testimony in the power of prayer. I have had very specific things happen to me this last couple of days and I can testify that God listens and talks back. Sometimes we don't know why and sometimes we know exactly why. This morning, I got a good talkin to from Ann Dibb that was specifically to me. Won't go into details because of its sacredness, but Ann Dibb delivered the message to me and I know it was directly from Him. Thanks Ann! I love ya!

Always loyal and true!

Suzanne

Everyone has a story.

2010-11-06T10:43:00.000-06:00

My dear friend,

Yesterday was a day of people. I had to drop my car off at the dealership early in the morning for an oil change and my 60,000 mile check up. This visit would take multiple hours and knowing how much I love hanging at the dealership to read and study, I had far too much to get done to enjoy such a blissful event. So, I asked for a shuttle to take me to my destination. As I sat there, the receptionist who I have briefly spoken to when I am there, came out to clean up their new coffee/hot cocoa/popcorn bar. To this day, I still have no clue what her name is, but I think she is a hoot to talk to. I will name her Wanda for now. She looks like a Wanda.

Wanda is 64 years old and is of Asian decent. She has worked for the dealership for a very long time and has a full opinion about all people should be able to carry a gun on them. Grocery store parking lots especially. As Wanda was cleaning up, I turned to her and said hello. She replied a brief hello back. I then asked her how she was doing and she lit up with the invitation for a conversation. She had told me that she liked working at the dealership and that she also has a part time job to pay for her bills.   She teaches children on how to understand their brain thought process and better develop their brain developement. This was the coolest conversation. She went on about how horrible caffeine and sugar are for the brain, especially in children and that our kids need more protein. She loves her job, but being close to retirement age she didn't want to work much longer. Wanda's husband use to have a second job so she would not have to, but his second job coaching the A-team for basketball became her second job and she couldn't handle it. My heart went out to Wanda and I enjoyed my conversation with her. She just wanted to be heard and tell her story and I hope that my listening ear made her day a bit better.

I then hopped into the shuttle with an elderly gentleman that I have been driven before by. Again, no clue what his name is, so we will call him Carl. Carl asked me if I was going into work and looking down at my workout clothes, I declined and said I was in a round about way on my way home. He asked me what I do for a living and I told him. Carl works for the dealership as a driver from 7:00 am -11:00 am. He enjoyed his job and was greatful for people like me needing a ride so he could keep his job. Carl asked me more about my job and I told him it was a little hard right now as I have had to let go 2 coworkers in the last few months.   Managing people is tough business, especially if they don't want to work. Carl told me about his years as a Supervisor at the Union Pacific Railroad and he understood what I was talking about. I asked Carl how long he had worked there and he said 30 years with a proud grin. He then told me that he wanted to be an artist and his dad got him a job at the railroad to pay for his college education so he could major in art.  Carl then became an apprentice and then the supervisor and never had the chance to go to school. I asked him if he draws today and he said a little here and there. He told me that his wife was inspired by his work and she started into oil paintings of landscapes that they display at their home and childrens homes. I asked what he prefferred and he said that he would do oil paintings of portraits if he could.   I told him he should and he blushed.

These two conversations have been on my mind a lot lately. Everyone has a story. Everyone wants to be heard. Everyone needs some sort of validation. I really enjoyed talking to Wanda and Carl because they taught me so much from their life experiences.  Usually, I am pretty shy and dont' say much when I am around people, but I think I am going to try harder to find out more stories of the lives of those around us.

I have a story to tell you:

Yesterday, as I was cleaning my house, the doorbell rang. I never answer the door unless I know who it is. I peered through the window and saw 2 men standing at my door. Each had a beer can in their hand which they drank from and one was smoking a cigarette. If these were salesmen, I would NEVER buy something from that. I didn't aswer the door and the men headed back to their truck that was parked in front of my house. They stood there as they were drinking their beers and then they started unloading their belongings on my front yard. Coolers, blankets, beer, sleeping bags, food etc. What the?

I called Brian and told him what was going on and he told me to call the cops. I probably would have gone out to talk to them to see what was going on but there were two problems: a. Alcohol was involved.  Being alone, a woman, I was not touching that one.  b. I was out numbered. Being alone, a woman, I was not touching that one.

I called my neighbor next door to see if they might be her husbands friends.   He goes camping a lot with his buddies. She looked out her window and didn't know them either.  Hence, I called the police station with my regular phone and I can hear Brian on my cell phone asking for keys to a vehicle to get home to me. I had his truck (remember I left my car at the dealership) and he was racing home to help me. 2 phones at each ear and dispatch would not let me hang up with them until an officer arrived.  Neither would Brian.

Finally, a cop car pulled up and a police officer got out and spoke with the gentleman. Unfortunately, the gentlemen had finished their beers and thrown them in my trash can right before the officer arrived. They looked a little upset that a cop car showed up. He spoke with them and then the police officer came to my door and rang the bell. I opened the door with the men staring at me and the officer explained that they thought they were at a house meeting a friend for the U of U game. The officer explained that they had the wrong house, a young woman who was alone called the police and they needed to leave. They apologized and packed all their stuff up and left very quickly. Right after everyone left, Brian came zooming in his dad's truck to have missed the whole event. He said he drove 80 the whole way except in the constrution and that made him mad. I explained to him what happened even though he was on the phone with me the entire time. We laughed and then Brian left and I resumed my cleaning.

I tell ya. My life is quite the adventure lately. NEVER a boring day. So there's my story for the day.   Oh, I forget! I didn't tell it right. Every great story starts with a "So there we were......."   and ends with a "and I found $20.00." So I will leave you with this:

"and I found $20.00."

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

Random Thoughts...

2010-11-04T16:02:00.000-06:00

My dear friend,

Today has been one of those days where completely random thoughts are entering into my head. Do share, you ask? Alright.

Today on the stairmaster, I checked to see how many flights of stairs I step in a workout. 83!! I then checked to see how many flights of stairs the Empire State Building has: 86!! I figured between my workout, home and work, I easily climb the same amount of steps as the Empire State Building. That's just insane!!
While we are on the subject of the gym, there is a new trend of workout attire that I am seeing becoming more popular. They are gym pants with jeweled wings on the butt. I'm not getting this statement. Why would anyone want wings on their butt? Back, yes, but the bum just seems a bit weird. And sparkly none the less.
I took my ring in to have it cleaned today. I haven't had it cleaned in maybe 8-9 years. Let's just say, it was really dirty. Let's just say it took Mike a long time to clean my ring. Lets just say, I thought he was going to yell at me. HOWEVER, It looks like a brand new ring. I may show it off like I was newly engaged or something. I feel newly engaged. Can I get married again? Get lots of presents and go on a week of vacay? No! Grr! I can say it gave me a boost in spirits and it was FREE!!
I had to go to Target last night and I saw the Halloween candy was on sale 50% off. I bought a few bags since they were $3.00 a piece and they are the GINORMOUS bags. I thought that when I got home that I would be cheered and applauded for bringing home some really good candy and maybe lifted upon some shoulders for the extra special treat..... I got booed! Sometimes I feel under appreciated for my special efforts. That's fine, I don't have to share. May take me 6 months to do it by myself, but I recognize when pearls are thrown before swine. ;)
I had a tough lesson on my mouth yesterday. The more and more I study my scriptures, the more I am learning the power of what we say, how we say and when we say something and the effects it has. I think we underestimate the power of speaking. If you think about it, everything Heavenly Father says has to happen. His word is binding. If he said for the mountain to move, it would have to move. There is no "just kiddings" with him. I have thought a lot today about what I say everyday and its effects. If I were to assume that someone was not trustworthy and say it out loud, then would that be binding? Something to think about. A quote I really love is:

"Small people talke about other people.

Average people talk about material things.

Great people talk about ideas."

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

Responsibility is a must!

2010-11-03T19:26:00.001-06:00

My dearest friend,

We have had some great lessons about responsibility here at the Rentmeister home. Many events that came naturally and have really blessed our lives. I am around the youth a lot these days, and I am surprised that some have a hard time understanding two words: Work and Responsibility! Mind you, there are some incredible parents out there that are teaching lessons on work and responsibility that I wish I was being taught. So, I continue to be a good student and then feel a responsibility to teach Shaeler these wonderful life priciples for her life. One way we do that is that Shaeler has chores. She has chores everyday and then she has extra chores when we clean the house or extra events. Some of Shaeler's chores she does is:

1. Make her bed and clean her room
2. Say her prayers (not a chore, but she includes it in her morning routine)
3. Brush her teeth.
4. Fold her laundry and put away
5. Practice piano
6. Homework right after school.
7. Clean her toy room when needed.

Last night, Shae and I spent a couple hours together cleaning her play room. I should have taken a before shot, but for 6 months, the room was trashed with a capital T. I have been itching to clean it for a while now. I myself enjoy cleaning. I remember when I was a young girl, I would clean and organize the playrooms of those whom I babysat. Yes, I was taught that when you babysit for someone, cleaning was included with the service. However, I held back because these were Shaeler's toys and the mess that she made. She was responsible for the room and she was going to clean it.

Shaeler worked hard. She never complained and she followed my lead in organzing her toys. I would dare say she really did half the work. I as her mother and super pleased. She will be greatly rewarded for her responsibility and hard work.

Now, if I could get her to help clean out the storage room with me, life would be really sweet!

Don't worry, I never ask her to do something that I am not willing to do. I will clean this mess. It's my stuff, I did it and I will be responsible for cleaning it up. Maybe I can get Brian to be my helper on this too. Yeah, yeah, that's the ticket, he needs a lesson on responsibility too. ;)

On one last note, Kristen and I have dear friends that were in a bad car accident last Saturday night. They were at a party and were driving home a few blocks and did not buckle their children up. I see this all the time in my neighborhood as we drive home from church and even Shaeler is begging to not have to buckle up when driving such a short drive. We are guilty of it too! Our friend was t-boned by an 18 year old driver, and 2 of their children were hurt very badly in the accident. Please! Please! Please! Buckle your children up, no matter how short/far the drive. It is way more convient than a body cast and having a child with stitches and staples in their head.

Always loyal and true,

Suzanne

November 1, 2010

2010-11-02T15:53:00.000-06:00

My Dear Friend,

Another Halloween has come and gone and this year was full of its own moments of scariness. We survived yet again and now have the perspective to that whatever comes our way next, we will fight back that much harder. It's funny how you can set plans for certain things and then plans can change so quickly. I look back after this weekend and I am grateful for patience and flexibility.

This year, Shaeler chose to be Alice from Alice in Wonderland. I had thoughts of making her costume again this year, but felt that ordering her costume online may be the better path for myself. I chose correctly. Shaeler made a beautiful Alice, she is such a gorgeous little girl. Yes, I am biased, but she is all I've got and I will dote on her if I want to.

Our festivities began Thursday as Shaeler had her school Harvest Day celebration. I was able to attend half of it and walked into the room as Shaeler and her classmates were playing Halloween Bingo. Her teacher walked past me with bright blue hair and it didn't take me long to figure out that she was Thing 1 from Cat in the Hat. I sat and watched as the children were fed 2 cupcakes, a cookie, orange cool aide with dry ice and candy that would even send me into a sugar shock. We were able to leave a little early and hurried home to watch "Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief as we finished the book a few days before."

Brian came home with a scowl on his face. Trying to figure out what was wrong, he said he didn't feel well and was in a lot of pain. So, he had a hot bath as Shaeler and I finished watching the movie. I went in to check on him, and he felt no relief. He made the decision not to go into work the following morning and I knew that we would have to visit the doctor the following day.

As Friday approached, I was concerned about Brian and him feeling better, but also making sure that Shaeler would have a wonderful day before the Trunk or Treat. We took Brian in to see the doctor at noon and he gave Brian 2 antibiotics and told Brian to come back Monday morning. I did my usual running of errands and so forth and then Shae was able to play with her good friend Bayli. We got ready for the Trunk or Treat and we headed out the door without Brian as he was still in a ton of pain. We had a birthday party to go to later that night, in which I had to sadly decline. So at the Trunk or Treat, I bought Reeses, Snickers, Twix, M&M's, Laffy Taffy, and skittles to hand out. In return, Shaeler brought back Tootsie Rolls, Dumb Dumb Suckers and Pixie Sticks with a few Butterfingers and Crunches. I felt the trade was a bad deal. It has been a 2 edged sword that bag of candy of hers. On one hand, I am grateful she has ~~crap,~~ not my favorite candy, then I won't eat it. On the other hand, I felt jipped with the exchange! I spent a lot of money. Oh, well!

We returned home to find dad hungry and in pain, so we fed him and put him to bed. The following Saturday, his pain increased much worse and by the afternoon, he was screaming and punching walls and I knew that it was time to take him to the ER. So we went back to the hospital and I almost felt like the reception desk would yell out "Brian" like they do on the old television show "Cheers" every time Norm walked into the bar. To make a long story short, Brian had surgery that evening, I watched the entire procedure and then he had to spend the night at the hospital. I stayed with him until 11:30 and then returned back to the hospital that morning at 5:30 am. Brian had the nurse call me at 5:20 to make sure that I wouldn't have a late arrival. Thanks honey!

Sunday we checked out of the hospital around noon. Being a bit apprehensive to leaving Brian behind because of the last time, I called his mom to come over and be at the house so I could fill prescriptions. I sensed a bit of hesitancy to come as Brian had snapped at her to leave when they came to get Shae at the hospital, but I assured her that he was doing a lot better.

Running on 5 hours of sleep is not my forte. I was tired and doing the best I could to be a nurse for Brian and an entertainer for Shaeler. We had big plans to have a special Halloween party Saturday night. I could tell the stress was wearing on her too. So we snuggled together as a family in our bed and watched "How to Train Your Dragon" on her small DVD player. I held her hand and rubbed her back as she fell asleep safely between her concerned parents.

Life is getting back to normal now. Brian was suppose to take off a week of work to heal and he made it 1 day. If I was a betting woman, I would be rich on that bet. It seems that the life lessons we are being taught back to back and it makes me wonder what is ahead for the future. I am trying to be a good student and learn from these experiences so when the next round comes, I am that much stronger. I can tell you this though, with everything that happened this weekend, I come away with this life lesson:

Nothing but pixie sticks for the Ward Trunk or Treat next year! Ha!

Always Loyal and True,

Suzanne

Gratitude is a blessing!

2010-10-20T14:42:00.000-06:00

We were asked last week in Sunday School what our favorite talk from General Conference was. In my heart I shouted: President Monson's talk on gratitude!!

I also have been working on my PP, and #1 is to list out all the small acts of kindness those around do for you and recognize their acts of kindness. So today's post is recognizing those attributes and then figuring out how I can show my gratitude for those that have been so kind to me.

Here we go:

I am grateful for:

A loving Heavenly Father, friends who listen and are concerned, neighbors going beyond the usual, family who is eager to help me, coworkers that laugh with me, open communication with my spouse, an obedient and humble daughter, leaders who inspire me, apostles teaching truth, youth who lead by example, trials, frustration, long suffering and trying to understand a bit more of unconditional love.

Today, I struggle, however if I focus on my blessings, it could turn out to be a wonderful day!

For a Good Laugh!

2010-10-12T17:22:00.000-06:00

I know. I know!! Don't ask, because I have no explanations at this point.

And no, I did not lose a bet that the loser had to be a mime! You be quiet!

Letters of Love!

2010-10-08T14:14:00.000-06:00

I have been down in my basement this last week, looking for a few pictures. As I was rummaging through boxes of my childhood, I came across these letters that my parents had written to me as I was in the Young Women's Program. I could not help but chuckle when reading these letters and feeling the love that my parents have for me.

My dad has a very subtle and quiet sense of humor. My opinion, I think he's hilarious! Please read the next 2 letters below from my father:

Dad, my dedication to keep my room a mess was all for you! All for you, my friend. I was happy to take one for the team!

Reiko?? Wut Ever?? LOL

Tried my best to cry in front of the YW leaders, dad. Really I did!

My mom was always the one to give me the greatest praise and focus on my strengths.

Yes, my entire childhood, my mom was the only one that called me by Suzanne. Now, that is the name I go by and rarely do I hear my other names. This is not by choice, it just happened that way. Most likely because Brian will only call me by Suzanne. Not once as I have known him has he ever called me Suzie or Suz. Kind of ironic, since he is the King of nick names.

Thank you mom and dad for taking the time and writing these letters. They are so very meaningful to me and thank you for loving me for who I am.

I try to follow your example and I write little notes and a long letter to Shaeler every year. I hope that she will cherish her letters as much as I love mine!

When you love someone, please tell them. This life goes by way to quick to not at least express our love for one another.

October Is Here!

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It seems that there is no way around it, but October is a fabulous month for a child. So many activities to be done, people give out candy and you get to dress up and pretend to be something you are not. I have always loved Halloween when it is kept clean and fun. I have no taste for the scary and dark stuff. No thank you!

Shaeler was so excited to put up the Halloween decorations this year, and so last night we had a party to do so.

We put up caution tape on all the doors that needed caution: Hence the bathroom!

We made little bats and pumpkins for my Orchid that is no longer in bloom.

I replaced the table cloth I had last year with this new one.

Cosmic Creepers stands and guards our back door.

Shae decorated her room with lights and another kitty.

We have a designated place for the witches to hang their hats and brooms.

We made goblin suckers to hang/fly in our entry way.

I just love my fall wreath!

Leftover candy from FHE. There is something about a Reeses that screams HALLOWEEN!! Perhaps its the orange?

We watched Bednobs and Broomsticks to start our Halloween month off right. LOVE this movie!

Happy Halloween decorations always make the house so much more fun!

Let the Halloween month begin!

Now This is What I am Talkin About

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Video Courtesy of KSL.com

I LOVE this story!! I have actually seen these boys running around by my house. I think that Mack Bawden is truly a shining example of what a friend is and living a Christ-like life! He gets it!

I bet that even though he is sacrificing his Senior year track career, that he will be blessed 10 times what opportunities would have come if he had not stuck with Cameron. God Bless you Mack!

You inspire me to think less of myself, and reach out to others. Thank you for reminding me to

Love One Another!