Tuesday

Today I am grateful that last night I had a sleep study done. I truly feel like I am on the right track to finding some answers for my constant lack of energy.

Monday

This is what I would rather do with my laundry baskets anyday! Happy Monday friends!

I can't believe it is the last few days of June.
I have spent most of my time lately trying to capture and hopefully create sweet moments as our time with Stephan home is drawing to a close. We, he and I spend close to 600 dollars last week on things he need for his mission. He is so happy and cute when he is shopping, and just like his mom, wants to finish as soon as possible. Get what he needs and get out!
I also confess, I am trying so hard to stay calm about getting the house clean in time for all the festivities coming up. I worry too much, but I am trying not to.

I am also trying to survive this heat with a good attitude, doesn't always work. I am so happy to report though that with the milder than normal June, lots of watering, (thanks for all your help Chris!), and some extra blessings from God, many of my plants are still thriving! This is a thrill to me. I can't wait for the RAIN!!!!

If someone, anyone, would have told me two years ago... that I would spend peaceful beautiful hours in the Temple with my two sons and one daughter in law today, June 25, 2009, I would have found this so very hard to believe.

Miracles are real. Our Family is a Testimony of Miracles.

We shall find peace.
We shall hear angels.
We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds.
Anton Chekov

Sunday Blessings, Father's Day Edition

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY JARED


This is your special day, we celebrate and honor you on this day.
Even though I am sure you feel that we torture you more than honor.
We want to let you know that we appreciate all of the hard work you do for all of us.
We also love how much you play with us.
You are a crazy kooky nutty goofy guy who keeps us laughing as often as possible,
{even if we don't want to.}
We love your hugs.
We love your encouraging talks.
We love you testimony of Jesus Christ.
We love that you want to be with us all Forever, even if we drive you crazy.
We love that you can fix almost anything.
We love that you are a good listener.
We love that you are a good teacher.
We love that you read scriptures with us and pray with us everyday.
We love to listen to you sing and play the guitar.
We love that you are patient with us most of the time.
We love that you spend time with us.
We love going on vacations with you.

I love that you love my cooking.
I love that I can talk to you about Isaac endlessly and you love it.
I love your Kisses.
I love that you are so patient with my shortcomings.
I love that you dream big dreams with me.
I love that you are endlessly my Friend and Lover.

I love that our Family can survive this life,
We are in this Together!

The Answer

Today I sat down again to work on my lesson for the Laurel class on Sunday, these are the Young Women ages 16-18. I worked on the lesson yesterday and found myself overwhelmed. It is just so much easier for me to teach the precious Sunbeams, they are 3 and 4 year olds.

As I began reading and pondering I though, "I am going to miss Primary, where the answer to all of the questions is JESUS, then I realized... JESUS is the answer to our questions.

"It seams that the essence of our mortal journey and the answers to the most significant questions in life are distilled down to these brief elements in the opening scenes of the Savior's earthly ministry. One element is the question put to every one of us on this earth: "What seek ye? What do you want?" The second is His response to our answer, whatever that answer is. Whoever we are and whatever we reply, His response is always the same: "Come," He says lovingly. "Come, follow me." Wherever you are going, first come and see what I do, see where and how I spend my time. Learn of me, walk with me, talk with me, believe. Listen to me pray. In turn you will find answers to your own prayers. God will bring rest to your souls. Come, follow me."

ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND

Wordless Wednesday

Garage Bands belong in Garages

Today Christian and his band Extra Lucky practiced in my Living Room. Don't get me wrong here, these are some hard working, great sounding musicians, but I was NOT feeling Extra Lucky today.
My house was shaking and now my head is aching.
The End

Carlin and Naomi's Day

Carlin and Naomi went to the Mesa Temple
this past Saturday.

Jared and I experienced the joy of escorting them as they took out their Endowment. I went into an explanation of what a Temple Endowment is, just over a week ago when Stephan went to the Temple... here. Carlin and Naomi have been married for almost 2 years and we are cherishing the miracle and blessing of their good choices. Carlin and Naomi's story is found here. Honestly, I have felt overwhelmed having so many blessings happen in our family in such a short space of time.

Tonight for Family Home Evening, we all gathered at our house and shared sweet and tender feelings about the Temple and how tender the Spirit of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are in that Holy House.
Then we ate super yummy sorbet treats from Costco where Mollie, Naomi, Isaac, and I spent our afternoon shopping. They were so pretty in coconut shells, pineapple halves, lemon halves, and orange halves. The perfect way to end a special evening together.
♥

Isaac at the Bright's Farm

Last Friday Isaac and I went to visit our friends
and all of their animals.
♥
Above all,
watch with glittering eyes
the whole world around you,
because
the greatest secrets are always hidden
in the most unlikely places.

Those who don't believe in magic
will never find it.
ROALD DAHL

crazyland: Tombstones, Daisy's, and A Birthday Giveaway.

crazyland: Tombstones, Daisy's, and A Birthday Giveaway.

Go check out one of my favorite Bloggers ever for a great give away!!

Isaac and Jericho

Today Isaac and I went for a walk.
We started out to go visit Becky but first we went to see Jericho.
We had a lovely visit and what fun to find her home on such an impromptu occasion. Isaac had a grand time exploring all of the Lewis's toys.

Then we walked to Becky's and visited the bunnies, o so many bunnies, the chickens and all of their chicks, the ducks, the geese, and the turkeys. Isaac was adorable learning to honk like a goose.
Becky's children love to play with Isaac and I love to watch him play with them.

Jared and I had a very early in the afternoon date so that I could work in the yard as the sun was going down in the evening.

Tomorrow is another Temple Day for our Family, this time Carlin and Naomi. I can hardly wait.
Our blessing are Tremendous.

Wordless Wednesday

Hydrangeas

I love Hydrangeas

My very sweet friend over at Wendi's Happy Place grows these beauties in a very special spot with magical powers at her front door.

She knows I love them.
She loves me.
She sent me a lovely message here on my blog from California, at the beach,
"Go pick my hydrangeas, someone should be enjoying them."
I smiled so very big and picked her flowers with glee!

Thank you for sharing you beautiful hydrangeas with me Wendi.
I shared them with Becky Bright because it was her Birthday.
She could not believe you could grow them here in Mesa.
I told her you are magic.
She agreed! ;)

Everyone Should Have A Froggy Pool

Isaac Has a Froggy Pool

It sprays water in his face
Aunt Mollie plays with him

Johny wishes he could play in the pool, but will settle for a love tap.

I think froggy pools could maybe solve many problems...

I am not keeping up with my responsibilities.
I am tired way to often and it is just too easy to put off what needs to be done until later.

I am struggling with depression

If I put in writing here in my little place the statement,

I want and need to go back to the gym, I felt better when I exercised regularly!
I wonder if this will help me start? Put on the right clothes, the right shoes, get my towel and water bottle, go to the car and drive to the gym. That would be a good thing for me to do.


I need to clean my house. I need to get rid of all the things I don't need and get my mess under control.
I wonder if I start by cleaning the kitchen and my bathroom...
This one is overwhelming.

Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.
Abraham Lincoln

Stephan's Day

Today we spent a special day in the Mesa AZ Temple
with Stephan as he prepares to serve his Mission
in Nashville, Tennessee.

This has been one of the most sacred and lovely days I have ever experienced as a Mother. Stephan was radiant and it is my honor to be his Mom.
I am truly humbled to have a son willing and able to make the choice to continue following our Savior Jesus Christ.

Today Stephan received his Endowment in the House of the Lord, the Temple.
I thought I would record here what an Endowment is... "A special spiritual blessing given to worthy and faithful members of the Church in the Temple."

I copied this following statement from the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Website.

One ordinance received in the temple is called the endowment. The word endowment means "gift," and the temple endowment truly is a gift from God. The ordinance consists of a series of instructions and includes covenants to live righteously and follow the requirements of the gospel. The endowment focuses on the Savior, His role in Heavenly Father's plan, and the personal commitment of each member to follow Him.

I could not have dreamed a more beautiful day as a Mother. These are the days that make it all worthwhile.

A Day In Our Life

This afternoon, Friday, Christian and I took Isaac to see Up, the newest Disney Pixar movie, Jared met us there for his "Lunch". (That was awesome.) What a sweet and touching movie tribute to the love of a couple. Isaac was engaged for most of the movie and didn't seem bothered by the scary parts, still too little at age 2 to understand. I cried and Laughed out Loud several times, my idea of a perfect story!

Mollie spent her day preparing for EFY which she is leaving for early Monday morning with the Hatch girls. She is so excited and wants everything to be perfect.

Christian played with Isaac so much for me today. THANK YOU CHRIS!! He even took him to the park. Friday is going to be one of our summer Isaac days.

Stephan picked up his glasses rx from the optical today so that he could aquire an inexpensive extra pair of glasses to take with him on his mission!!
He even got off work earlier than usual tonight and was able to watch a movie on dvd with his dad.

Everyone was able to meet at Aunt Tricia's for a farewell barbeque for Uncle Darren because he is going home to his family tomorrow. These are special family memories I am so happy that we take the time to share when he comes to town. Grandma is feeling much better and getting over her pneumonia. I hope she will not over do it and be gentle with herself.
Aunt Kimmy is 1 week post op. on her back and moving around very well, we pray that she will get back the feeling in her leg and foot.

Tomorrow morning Jared and I will take Stephan bright and early to the Temple where he will take out his own Endowment in preparation for his Mission.
This is a beautiful Blessing.

Wordless Wednesday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JARED
1967

Two Years Old

Today, Isaac is Two Years Old!

He is the SPARK of our family.
He is full of joy and wonder.
He always wants to give everyone a kiss and a hug.
Even Mollie's friends when they are visiting.
He loves to play outside.
He loves to help Gramma water all of her plants.
In fact he thinks it is his job and I have to be careful because I often get watered too!
He loves to take things apart.
He loves to do the very same activities every time he comes for a visit.
He never gets bored of chasing the cats around and loving them.
He adores Johny and commands him to "SIT," on a regular basis.
He loves to mess around with all of the guitar equipment.
He sings in the microphone and loves to play the piano.
He can grab Grandpa's phone from his pocket before you realize what is happening!
He loves to give High Fives.
He will still take a nap with Me if he is very tired, other than that he jumps on the bed.

His birthday has been a Delightful day.
I am happy to say that the Celebrating has only begun, for tomorrow we will be enjoying cake to celebrate Isaac's Birthday and Jared's Birthday!!

YOU ARE AN UNREPEATABLE MIRACLE!