Monday, September 29, 2008

Please Vote

Now is the time to take a stand for what is right!! This video by the Catholic church says it all. So, take time now to study the issues. We NEED righteous people to vote to strengthen the family! If you live in California please vote YES on Proposition 8!! Do it for the children!!


Sunday, September 28, 2008

FIFTY TWO BLESSING PROJECT - Week Thirty-Nine

Relief Society




Once a year the Relief Society, the organization for women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a very special meeting that is broadcast via satellite worldwide . The Relief Society is the largest organization of women in the world. We gather together in our local areas for a wonderful dinner, enjoying delicious food and fellowship with other women. Then we enter the chapel to view the Broadcast. When I walk in, my mind always drifts towards my daughters, daughters-in-law and other loved ones who live far away. I know they are sitting in their chapels watching the same broadcast. Somehow, that is a great comfort to me. I was so uplifted last night. The music was incredible! The talks inspiring and moving! I especially loved the talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He made me chuckled but also brought tears to my eyes. Some of the things he talked about that touched me were:

We can find the path to peace by feeling "God's happiness" despite whatever burdens beset us.

Creating and being compassionate can help us feel "God's happiness".

Everyone can create, it brings satisfaction. Start small, it can be a smile, a garden, write a letter of appreciation, family memories. Our creations don't have to be perfect. Don't let fear of failure discourage you.

Our spirit bodies are masterpieces, to feel a fullness of joy.

We improve not only world around us, but world within us.

Service and sacrifice open windows of heaven.

The number of prayers we pray is important but the numbers of prayers we answer may be of greater importance!


You can view the broadcast at http://byu.tv/. Click on LDS Church Broadcasts, then click Relief Society Broadcast.
Enjoy.
Relief Society is a great blessing in my life. I can't imagine my life without the great support I feel belonging to this wonderful organization.

Friday, September 26, 2008

I Have Been Touched


Hearts have been touched far and wide and mine is one of them. I had read about the Nielsen Family on other blogs and for a few weeks have been following their story. If you haven't heard, Stephanie and Christian Nielsen were involved in a plane crash and critically burned, about a month ago. They are the parents of four beautiful children. I had never read Stephanie's blog, The NieNie Dialogues, before the accident. Her sister from C Jane is now reposting some of Nie's posts and I can see why so many people loved to read her blog. She is an amazing, incredible woman. Some of the things about this whole story that are most touching to me are:

Number one: Watching how a strong extended family work to together to strengthen, support, sustain and take care of one another. This whole family is such a great example to me.

Number two: The blogging community has certainly reached out in remarkable way, it is touching to see how many people are working to raise money to help the Nielsen's. I know there are also many prayers that are reaching to heaven in their behalf also.

Number three: It is always amazing to me how living the gospel of Jesus Christ helps people not to become bitter during such challenges, but remain true and faithful.

So, if you haven't already please visit the above websites and if you can help this family please do, especially pray for them. Thanks.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

52 BLESSING PROJECT Week Thirty-Eight



CHILDREN'S VOICES SINGING


Today was our Primary* Sacrament Presentation. How I love to hear the children's voices singing songs of the Gospel. This year they learned a new song, entitled "If the Savior Stood Beside Me".

If the Savior Stood Beside Me

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?
Would I think of his commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow his example?
Would I live more righteously,
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if he were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more reverently
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see him there
And because he loves me dearly, I am in his watchful care
So I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be
If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

by Sally Deford



What a beautiful song, with beautiful words for all of us to remember. I love learning from the children!!

To read more about how this song come about click here.


*Primary is the children's organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They meet on Sunday for gospel instruction, and during the week for other wholesome activities.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Our New Toy

Well, we did it!! We bought a Wii!! Mainly, we bought the Wii because I was interested in the WiiFit program. I wanted something more to do than just walking everyday. And I was concerned about the days getting shorter, I knew it would be harder to get out and walk in the evening time. This program seemed to fit the bill. Believe it or not, I am totally enjoying it!!
First you make your own little Mii!! Mine is cute, a little brown eyed brunette with braids! Everytime you get on WiiFit you can do a body test. It weighs you, does some body testing, like balancing skills, and gives you your body mass index. All this information it keeps on a graph. Then you can have fun with either, yoga, strengthing exercises, aerobics, balancing games. Sometimes the program just makes me laugh. For, instance, Mike has done it just one time. Whereas, I have done it now for 16 days. So, one day the program asks me "how is "Dad" doing??" It gave me mulitple choice answers to chose. One of which was "looking a little over weight". Being a brat, that is the one I pick. To which the program answered. "I didn't want to hear that". Too funny!!
Anyone else out there have Wii?? How do you like it??

Monday, September 15, 2008

I Madonnari, Again

It is time again for another I Madonnari Festival. So, we went Saturday afternoon to see this year's beautiful chalk paintings! Here are some of my favorites:


This one was very realistic. I love how the eyeball looked real!!


I took this picture just for Rachel, because I know how much she likes clams!!



The girl was absolutely beautiful!!


This tiger painting wasn't finished, but I loved it because it was so well done it looked textured. I felt sure if I reached out to touch it I would have felt fur!!


It was well past 6pm and this chalk painter was still busily trying to finish the gorgeous painting!


All the talented people just amaze me!!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

52 Blessing Project - Week Thirty-Seven

Priesthood Blessings



This week I needed a Priesthood blessing. I was so grateful for the comfort that blessing brought to me. Although, I know several men in my Church I could call on, I was grateful to have two worthy priesthood holders in my home to administer that blessing too me. You can read more about how Priesthood blessings for the sick are administered in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by clicking here.

Lately, for some reason I have been having some problems with my heart rate. Sometimes, it's really low and I feel faint. Other times, I can feel it flipfloping around, especially at night when I lay down to sleep. So, I went to see a cardiologist last week and this coming week I will be having a three hour stress test done. After that we will decide on a treatment. I know how to have fun!! Not really!! However, the blessing I received help me to know that all will be well and I'm very grateful for the reassurance.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Catching Up On Pictures!!

Finally, I have found some time to post pictures from our Labor Day Weekend fun!! Actually it was more like five days, we extended the weekend!!


Today's blog post is sponsored by the Letter R!!

This is outside Disney's California Adventure! Rachel just had to get her picture taken with the Letter R!!!




Rachel and Joey on the very fun and competitive Buzz Lightyear ride. We got to stay on the ride for two go arounds, thanks to Evan!!



The Finding Nemo submarine ride was fun! Katie about freaked but she survived.




Finally a carousel ride that Evan could ride on!!




Mike and Katie were the two brave souls on our group to go on the big roller coaster.


The new Toy Story ride was in 3D and very fun, but the line was way to long!!



After Disneyland we drove down to San Diego to visit with John and Amy. We also spent some time with my brother Doug and his family.

Amy and John just chillin'!!



We went to San Diego's Wild Animal Park.


My favorite exhibit by far was the lions. Here is an old car the cubs took over. I have no idea where the mommy and daddy went.


I have no idea the name of this tree, but trust me it is one you DO NOT want to climb. Can you see the thorns on that thing???




Oh, no, it started raining!! Well, not really, this picnic table had switch you could flip that made artificial rain!!

John and Joey, my nephew, trying out big ears!! How do they look??


Joel is a great big brother and gave Joey a little lift.






Rachel and Joey aren't the only ones that can dance. I don't know what brought out this impromptu dance from John and Amy, but I was happy to have caught it on tape!!


Evan enjoyed feeding the Lorikeets.




They are very beautiful birds with great big tongues!!





This is what elephants do when they are hot and bored.




We went to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute and this sea dragon totally caught my fascination. I love how they just look like sea weed floating in the water. Natures creatures are totally amazing!!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

I Will Remember


September 11, 2001 is one of the those days that people will always remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. I was getting ready for my day, and turned on the news and was shocked to see that a plane and flown into the Twin Towers, and then another one!! And then it just got worse, the other planes, the buildings falling. I still can not grasp how people could be so hateful that they would do something so evil.

I had just started a job as an instructional assistant for special education at an elementary school. So, it was off to work with a very sad heart. I thought the teacher I worked for handled things wonderfully as she tried to comfort the children and explain things as best she could. I loved how our country came together after that and was united. United against an enemy that we don't even understand. I want my country to be united again, but I don't want it to be because a tragedy happened.
I will always remember September 11, 2001.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

I Have Been Honored...

with my very first award from my sweet friend Catherine. If you haven't been to her blog "The Five of Us" then treat yourself to a French delight!!


As with any thing, there are rules I must follow, so follow I will.

The rules are:

1. Put the Logo on your blog!!

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.

Alrighty, since I have done the first two, if I may have a drum roll please I will announce my seven nominees.....

Aprilyn from The Bucklein Bunch

Lynne from Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life

Jenny from Confessions of an Overwhelmed and Immeasurably Blessed Mom

Super Cool HotMama at SuperHotMama's House

Carrie from the Keiser Family

Crystal from Crissybug's Crazy Clan

and last but not least

Susie from SoCal Greens



Thank you for your wonderful blogs that I enjoy visiting!!


Saturday, September 6, 2008

52 BLESSING PROJECT - Week Thirty-Six

This may seem a little weird to people and will especially astonish my children but I'm grateful for:



Don't misunderstand however. I'm not a Star Wars fan by any means!!! But, I can see how much happiness it brings Evan. Evan is a die hard Star Wars Fan!! Here is what his bedroom looks like:


Evan's bedspread is full of Star War Characters



His walls are full of Star War posters!!



He has Star War M&M dolls!!



Who comes up with these ideas??



He has selves filled with Star Wars Legos and Mr. Potato Head!!






Evan's favorite Game Cube games are Star Wars Lego!
These are fun games, I even try to help him sometimes. However, I drive Evan crazy because I don't know the names of the characters!!




I like the fact that Star Wars is the classic good versus evil and the good wins!! Here is the certificate that Evan received from his Jedi Experience at Disneyland.
I like the part about a Jedi being guardians of peace and justice, and that a Jedi uses the force for knowledge and defense, never for attack.

I was so happy Evan was picked for the Jedi Experience at Disneyland. It was really for kids, (he is a kid at heart) and he still looks like a kid. He raised his hand and the Jedi who picked him said, "you with the podracer". That cracked me up, they picked other kids by what they were wearing. This activity was so fun to watch. They trained the group of about 30 kids in Jedi moves and then out comes Darth Vadar and Darth Maul!! Scary!! They let each child fight one of the villains. The first one who went up with just this tiny little kid, must have been four years old. It was great to see that little boy stand up to evil!! I was just smiling through the whole thing!! I guess I just love the symbolism of kids learning they can defeat evil!!

So, I am grateful that Evan has something that he really and truly can enjoy!! Isn't that what love is all about, you can appreciate things you don't really like youself, but you can see the good in it and you know it makes the other person very happy!!

Here's Proof...

that Evan is indeed a Jedi Knight!! He fought of the very gross Darth Maul with true Jedi spirit and power! MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!!


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