McCain and Palin

I thought we were special when we started getting e-mails from Senator McCain and Governor Palin, asking us to donate to their campaign.  But imagine our surprise when they showed up at our Halloween party last night!  It was great to meet them!  And you know, McCain really doesn't seem that old in real life (the camera must add on a decade or two) and Palin was really sweet and kind of shy, not the brassy/sassy personality you see on TV.  ;)

Trick or Treat... Take One

Tonight was our ward Halloween party.  We all had a really good time.  I made my sister's yummy chili recipe and it must have been good because I made a double batch, expecting to take home some leftovers, but all that was left was an empty crockpot!  lol

Our ward usually does a Trunk-or-Treat but this year they tried having it inside, letting people decorate small classrooms instead of their cars.  It was nice because we didn't have to worry about the weather (which was perfect, btw, but you never know how it will be) and none of the kids had to put on their coats so we got to see all of their adorable costumes. :)  There were so many people signed up to pass out candy that we didn't get a room - we had to take a space in the hallway between rooms!  But that's okay since we were last minute add ons; they weren't really expecting us.  (I was bad and didn't sign up since I couldn't be positive Ryan would make it.  If he hadn't been able to come, I was gonna forego hosting a room so I could take Rori around trick-or-treating.) 

Here are some pics of our fun night...

Ginny Weasley:


Truthfully, I was still not sure what Rori was going to be, even an hour before the party.  I had a few costumes to choose from and so I narrowed it down to three and let Ryan decide.  He chose this...

The Little Red-Headed Mexican Girl:


Ryan decided to go as a Patriot and was going to wear his Welker jersey, but I told him to wear his Brady jersey, slap on his knee brace, and take his crutches.  So he did.  Here you have...

Tom Brady, out for the season with a knee injury:


I didn't really have a costume, and that was my plan.  Instead, I was festive.  You can't tell in any of the pics but I've got an orange/black french manicure, cute dangly pumpkin earrings, and I'm also wearing a Halloween scrunchy in my hair for when my hat was off. 



This was a practice "Trick-or-Treat".  When the real trick-or-treating began, the lights were off, which was nice because I had a light in Cadi's spider jack-o-lantern and it wasn't showing up at all with the lights on.  Rori caught on right away and she was very cute; she even remembered to say "Thank you" everytime without having to be prompted.  I am beginning to wonder if my little hellion is turning into an angel?  lol



Our friend offered to take a family pic and had us all say, "Daddy has smelly feet!"  To which, Rori turned to look at her daddy with smelly feet and Cadi started thinking, "Is it really okay to say this with him right here?", so we have this:



Like I said, we had a fun time!  And now we're all warmed up for the big night tomorrow! ;)

Gnarly

Have you ever seen a pumpkin stem this awesome?  I thought it was pretty gnarly... in a totally cool way. ;)

Pumpkin Guts and Letting Your Light Shine

We almost always carve our pumpkins on the Monday night before Halloween, as a FHE activity.  This year was no different.  However, Acadia's is the only pumpkin that was carved.  Rori's was too little, mine was starting to rot already, and Ryan didn't know what he wanted to do, not to mention he was still not sure he wanted to clean out his HUGE pumpkin even if he did have an idea of what to carve. 

***Disclaimer:  Aurora is in a "stripping" phase.  On Monday, she took her pants off twice.  Finally, I just left them off since it was the end of the day and we weren't going anywhere. lol





Rori was fascinated with what Cadi was doing. 


But when we offered to have her help scoop out the guts, she kept saying no.  I wonder why?












And the finished product:


Since it was FHE, we did have a spiritual discussion about carving pumpkins.  (You can find symbolism in anything if you think about it enough. lol)

First we talked about what scooping the pumpkin guts out could represent.  Repentance and removing sin from our lives.  (Good answer.)  Sometimes that process isn't easy or pleasant.  But if your goal is to have a clean pumpkin, you have to go through the yucky process of gutting it. 

Second, we talked about what putting a candle or light in our pumpkin/jaco-o-lantern could represent.  "Let your light so shine."  (Good answer)  We read 3 NE 12:16 and 2 Cor. 4:6.  We talked about how we can't put a light in our jack-o-lantern when it's full of guts; we need to clean it out first.  Then, we looked at all the Halloween candles I had burning around the room.  They were cool and we liked to see them.  When I turned the light off, we noticed how much brighter they seemed, even though the flame hadn't changed at all, just the environment we were in.  We talked about how anyone can benefit from our light, even if they are surrounded by light already.  But when someone is in darkness, they can especially benefit from our light because it can help them see where they should go until they find their way back to the light.

"To make democracy work, we must be a notion of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain." - Louis L'Amour

I am sure you have seen the many blogs and e-mails regarding Prop 8 (California) and Prop 102 (Arizona), and this morning I came across another article on my friend, Stacey's blog which I hadn't seen before.
I support Prop 8 & 102, though I am not in those states to vote on them. If you live in one of those states, I urge you to vote. And if you live in one of those states and don't agree with me, I hope you still vote. Voting is our chance to make our voice heard. Whether your votes is the majority or minority, if you don't express it, it cannot be counted.

The elections next week are not only about the presidential candidates and their running mates; there are many issues that need to be voted on and, of course, other government positions, as well. I hope we will all take the time to study out the candidates and issues that we will be voting on in our cities and our states and then VOTE for what we feel is best and right for our community and nation.

The new "place".

I'm not sure what I'm going to put on the mantle yet.  I do have some ideas of what I'm going to put on it for Christmas though!  Decorating is going to be even more fun this year! :)

Sisters

Here is an inspiring story that will tug at your heartsrings.

If you're interested in reading their blogs, here is Stephanie's blog where her sister is continuing to post her story, and here is Courtney's blog where she posts updates on her sister and the experiences she is having caring for her sister's kids.

Reading this story and some of the posts on their blogs, really made me think of my sisters.  It's hard to live so far away from them sometimes, but we always try to have special "sister time" when we are together and I'm so grateful for those times! 

This story also made me think of my own husband and children and how much I love them.  It's a touching reminder that we never know when what we have might be taken away and how important it is to cherish the moments we have together.

Compliments

Conversation between Acadia and I after church...

Me: "You did a really good job during the Primary Program today!"

Cadi: "And you did a really good job trying not to cry."

lol


Cadi and a few other kids took turns playing songs for the prelude before Sacrament meeting. Then she had a short speaking part during the program. Of course, the whole program was great. And of course, all of the moms (and even a few dads) were tearing up. I fought it during the whole program, but the last song ("If the Savior Stood Beside Me") finally did it - pushed those tears over the edge. Oh well, at least I wasn't the only one. lol

Countdown

There are so many countdowns this time of year! My daughter is counting down to the Halloween celebrations this week. The Christmas countdown has begun in all the stores. And of course, the countdown until the Twilight Movie is released! :)
But today marks one month until the countdown that is foremost on my mind right now. Thanksgiving! And even though I really enjoy Thanksgiving as a holiday: spending time with family, eating yummy food, and pigging out on pie, and even though Thanksgiving also marks when I need to have my Christmas shopping done,... it's really the Run to Feed the Hungry that I need a countdown for.

I'm having some good days, some bad days and at this point, I don't know if I'll really make my goal. I know I'll participate, I know I will run, but I don't know if I'll be able to run the whole thing. I have a long way to go! But - I have one whole month to get there. So, countdown with me to see if I can really do it! :)

Come On Baby, Light My Fire

We've lived in a lot of places but only one of the homes we've ever lived in (including houses, duplexes, and apartments) ever had a fireplace.  And we only lived in that house for about 5 months - and it was in Southern California - and none of those months were during the winter!  (Needless to say, we never got a chance to use that fireplace.)  lol

When we bought this house, we were a little disappointed that yet again, we would not have a fireplace in our home.  We have been talking for awhile about getting an electric fireplace but for the last few years, it was just talk.  Until today!  We actually started looking into it more seriously a couple of weeks ago.  Last night (as part of our "hot" date... hehehe... pun intended) Ryan and I scoped out fireplaces at Lowes and Home Depot.  This morning we checked out a recommended store that sells nothing but fireplaces, firepits, and BBQs.  In the end, we headed back over to Home Depot to buy this:
We were already planning on saving a few bucks by purchasing it in Portland (no sales tax) but we saved even more when we noticed that it had two prices listed on the same item; one being $50 less than the other (and also $50 less than what we saw at the Vancouver store last night).  We asked the sales associate which price was correct and they said that the price was the higher of the two but since they had accidentally left one with the old price, they would give us the lower price!  SWEET! 

I am so excited to have a fireplace - and I'm actually more excited that it's electric and not "real".  No soot, no ashes, no smoke. :)  We can turn it on for just looks with or without the heat.  Even when the heat is on, it's cool to touch, the heat just comes out through a fan, like any other heater.  We can move it if we ever change the arrangement of our room - or even put it in the family room instead of the front room if we want!  And best of all - we finally have a place to hang our stockings! lol  We've always put a "Santa Key" out hanging on our door on Christmas Eve so Santa could come into our house (since we didn't have a fireplace for him to come through) but now we don't have to do that anymore either. ;)

It's going to look really nice with our flooring and built in shelving in that room.  And if we did ever put it in the family room, it would match that flooring nicely as well.  When we get it set up, I'll take a pic and post it. :)

"Hands"

This week's Photo Scavenger Hunt challenge is "hands".  But instead of posting a picture of my hands or someone else's hands, I am posting a picture of something I have made with my hands...



Inspired by my parents who both crochet, and my SIL who is also a RS President and crochets blankets for her ward, and then motivated by the fact that the main source of our ward's croceted blankets just moved out of the state and realizing that we have a wide selection of blankets for baby girls while all but one of our currently expected babies are boys, I decided to learn how to crochet.

So, 2 1/2 weeks ago, I went to the store, bought a couple of "how to" books, found a simple baby blanket pattern, got some BLUE yarn, and went home to practice.  I spent a couple of hours that day just learning the basic stitches and making sample swatches.  That night, I started this blanket.  I finished it one week later.  I think it turned out pretty good - especially for my very first project!  The first couple of rows are a little looser than the rest of the blanket (oops), but other than that, I really like it and I think it will be a nice blanket to give to one of our future ward babies.  :)

I am currently working on my second blanket.  It is the same pattern, but I chose a "fuzzy" yarn and it's trickier.  I wish I had realized this before I started.  It's so fuzzy that I can't really see my stitches.  At the beginning it is crucial to be able to see the stitches and... well... I messed up a little.  But, I think I'm recovering pretty well.  I'm just having to alter the rest of the blanket to match it and I think it will turn out alright.  It's taking me a little longer, and I pretty much only work in my "spare time" or while I'm waiting (to pick up Cadi from school or at the dentist, etc.) but that's okay because the next babies aren't due until January and I've enlisted a couple of other willing sisters to start helping with the crocheting too.

I've found that I REALLY enjoy it!  I think this makes me a little "old".  I now carry around a larger bag for my purse so I can always have my yarn and project with me - you never know when you'll be stuck waiting somewhere and can pass the time stitching another row. lol  But it's fun, it's relaxing, and it's productive. :) 

I've received blankets for my babies from family members and we all cherish them!  My girls both sleep with blankets made by my mom every single night.  Rori was blessed in a blanket made by my dad.  I still have a blanket made for me by my great-grandfather!  And I've seen how much the mothers appreciate getting a handmade blanket for their baby from the ward and even though my blankets aren't perfect yet, I really hope that the receivers of them will appreciate them too. :) 

Phase One: Extractions

Acadia had her dental appointment today.  And again, I came with camera in tow. 

Before:


Getting the initial numbing done:


Immediately after the extractions:


And finally, back at home.  She was watching TV and drinking a milkshake (not using a straw, but just drinking it from the cup) and her face is still numb so she's got a bit of a milkshake mustache. lol



And here they are:


She lived!  Yay!  And now we wait for a few months.  Then it will be time for phase two: braces. 

An Update on Acadia's Teeth

Cadi's appointment will be tomorrow at noon. If you remember it, could you please keep her in your prayers? Ryan will give her a Father's Blessing tonight but the more prayers and good thoughts, the better. I know she'll be a bit nervous. And to be honest, I am too.

Let me tell you why...

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had two baby teeth pulled when I was about her age, maybe a year older. On the way to the dentist, I was so nervous that I was shaking. I kept telling my mom that my teeth were "shattering" and she kept correcting me, saying that they were "chattering", not "shattering". But it turns out I was right because while pulling one of my teeth, part of it broke off in my gums. Apparently, the dentist had to dig in there for a good 45 minutes to get all the pieces out.

Now, truthfully, it upset my mom more than it upset me. I was on drugs! I had no idea anything went wrong or that it took so long. I'm hoping that this is something that does NOT repeat with Acadia tomorrow! And either way, I really am nervous about being in the room with her. She said she would feel better if I was with her, so I'll definitely be with her (got a sitter for the munchkin) but I hope that doesn't mean I have to watch! Of course, if it was Ryan, he'd be watching and probably taking video. lol But not me. ;)

Oh, and in case you're wondering, No, I do not intend to tell Cadi about my "shattering" teeth. ;)

It's genetics... Poor girl didn't have a chance.

Last month, the girls and I went to the dentist. During Acadia's visit, they referred us to the orthodontist because of "crowding". Too many teeth, not enough space. Yesterday was the big day. Cadi had her first ortho appointment.
There is a long list of things that we're going to have to do for her. We will be extracting two baby teeth right away. That will allow one of the permanent teeth that's been trying to find room to come on down. Once it does, after the first of the year, Cadi will need braces on her front four top teeth, plus on her back molars and she will be wearing a headset to bed each night for about a year because her top teeth are all off center! One of her molars on one side is pushing the whole row of teeth and her center teeth are dramatically off center, so that will be fixed up next year. Once all of that is done, she'll have a little break and then they'll likely need to pull 4 permanent teeth (we won't know for sure until the time comes) and finally, she'll have full braces to straighten it all out. Yeah, poor girl. Poor bank account. lol

When I was about her age, I had two baby teeth pulled for similar reasons. And Ryan had two permanent teeth pulled also. Her crooked teeth are very similar to Ryan's teeth, and I had to have braces when I was about 12 or 13, too. Poor Cadi has inherited her teeth from both Ryan and myself - double whammy! I just hope that as far as healthiness goes, she gets all of my genes. She has had one cavity but other than that, her teeth have been very healthy so far. :)

She is actually excited to have braces. She thinks it's cool when you can change the color of the bands on your teeth. lol I'm sure that excitement will last a whole 10 minutes and then she'll be regretting it. lol No gum, no chewy candy, no soda... not to mention, braces hurt! Not all the time, of course - thank goodness! But at first and then everytime they get tightened or adjusted.

It's a good thing she likes smoothies. ;)

I don't feel good. :(

I realize that it is never a "good" time for a migraine, but why, oh why, do my migraines always come on days when I have a million things going on??? Million might be an exaggeration... but many, definitely many!

Oh please, drugs, please work.

I think I need a thankful list:

•Good drugs
•To be living in a time when we have modern medicine.
•That my migraine didn't come until AFTER I was able to help out a friend today.
•My girls are the sweetest girls ever. (You know I'm not in my right mind when I say that. Okay, one of my girls is the sweetest girl ever and the other can be when she wants to. And at the moment, she is choosing to.)
•Beautiful weather - gorgeous day!
•Brilliant fall colors on the trees.
•My wonderful counselors (RS) who always encourage and support me.
•My fabulous husband who is working hard for us... long hours again this week. But next week will be better - and next week is the "fun week" - lots of haunting to do!
•New batteries in my camera - which reminds me, I have another blog to post.
•Medical/Dental insurance.
•Good dentists for us and the kids. (Which reminds me of another blog I have to post.)
•BLOGS! And Blogging Friends! (Pam, thank you for the award; it made me smile... and, yes, that's yet another blog I need to do. lol)
•Christmas shopping! Yes, that is something I am grateful for! I love shopping and I love giving gifts - I just can't afford to do it all the time. So, I save up all year and then when it's time to go Christmas shopping, it's not a stress, just FUN! Plus, it means the holidays are here! :)
•And... finally... I'm grateful that the drugs ARE working and I already feel much better. Which is good because I'm 5 minutes late for an appointment. Gotta run!

Gas no longer costs an arm and a leg!

It still costs an arm, but that's an improvement over an arm PLUS a leg! ;)

In August when we left Vancouver to go camping in California, the cheapest gas here was $4.19/gallon. I was so excited a week or so ago when I saw that prices had dropped one full dollar since then! But today, I was even more excited to fill up my minivan with gas that was only $2.95/gallon! I really didn't think we'd ever see prices below $3.00/gallon again.

I don't know how long this nice break is going to last. I keep worrying that the next time I see the price sign, it will be back up near $4.00/gallon. So far, it's been a very pleasant surprise to contiue seeing the prices drop. One day that will change, I'm sure. For now, it's nice to fill up your gas tank and still have two legs to stand on! :)

"Food", Prayers, More Prayers, and More Food

As we were sitting in Sacrament Meeting today, Rori stacked some hymnals and one of the Joseph Smith manuals on the pew and declared, "Dinner!" She then folded her arms and SAID A PRAYER! Complete with "Thank you food... Bless it." After her "amen", she "ate" her food, restacked it and said another prayer. This went on several times. It was so stinkin' cute!!! Especially since this is the first time she said a prayer by herself! Yay! :)
Then at dinner tonight, because of Rori's "praying" in Sacrament Meeting, Ryan asked her to say the prayer for our dinner. And she did (with help). :) We were having salad with our dinner and she looked at hers and said, "Butterfly!" She thought the leafs of lettuce looked like butterflies. lol She picked one up and started "flying" it around. lol

Now that we've been done with the teething, she has been so much fun! She has been happier and more creative. It's fun to see her using her imagination. :)

My daughter (London Tipton, the truck driver)

We were eating dinner when Acadia noticed a bandaid on my finger and asked what happened. I told her I had burned it. She then gasped, put her hand to her mouth, and said, "Gasp!" I thought it was hilarious that she spoke the word "gasp" and we started to laugh. She explained, "I'm London Tipton." She then gasped again and said, "Gasp" once more. We all laughed and almost immediately, she burped. Right away she added, "More like a truck driver!"
lol

If the batteries hadn't died...

I would have taken a picture of Rori while she was playing this evening. I was in the kitchen making dinner and I heard her playing in the dining room. She had a(n unused) diaper and was undoing the velco flaps on it.

Next thing I knew, she was calling, "Look at me! Look at me!" So, I look... "Hat!"

Yep, she was wearing the diaper on her head. lol

Safety Patrol

Acadia has been looking forward to this day for a long time!  Today was the first day of her assignment on the Safety Patrol at school.  She had applied for it at the end of last school year and found out the first week of this school year that she had been selected to serve on the Safety Patrol.  All of the Safety Patrol members take turns working the crosswalks; they rotate weekly.  Cadi will only have to work it about every 5 or 6 weeks.  For some reason, they switch off during the day on Thursdays, so this afternoon was her first shift.

Being on the Safety Patrol requires her to arrive at school early and stay late each day of the week she is assigned.  She works the crosswalks with the other members of her team.  In the mornings, they get hot chocolate after their shift, before they go to class.  She is excited about that. lol  Safety Patrol members are required to maintain good grades as well as excellent behavior in class, toward other students and teachers, in the halls, etc.  At the end of the year, they will be rewarded with a trip to the local amusement park.  Acadia is also very excited about that! :)

Today, as school let out, she did her job and helped all of the students walk safely.  And as she did that, I did my job and totally embarressed her by taking pics.  :)

Never too busy for Bi-Zi!

We've been very busy lately and our weekends are always full of projects that need to be done, but this Saturday we took a break and set aside some time to take the girls to Bi-Zi Farms.  We had so much fun! 

Last year, I took the girls by myself because Ryan still worked his old compressed shift and never had Saturdays off.  Being alone with the girls limited us on what pumpkins we could get last year so we were very happy to have Ryan with us this time.  He was able to push a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins so we could get them as big as we wanted.  (Each paid admission gets one free pumpkin of any size; Rori got in free and was able to choose one small pumpkin for free.) 

It was a gorgeous day!  Started off foggy and cold but that quickly burned off and we loved the beautiful sunshine!  I made a little slideshow out of some of the pics, so hang out for a minute or two to check it out. :)

The Parable of the Butterflies

We had great talks today in church. Really great. One of the speakers told of some butterflies he observed on a very windy day. One was flying high and was tossed in the wind; it was not able to control where it went. The other flew close to the ground and would fly short distances at a time. This way it avoided the strong winds and was able to progressively move in the direction that it wanted to go.

Now, I have to admit, I had a hard time paying close attention in church today because Rori was being just a tad difficult. (Read: more than a tad.) But I loved this little image of the butterflies in the wind and it reminded me that even though sometimes we may think we want to just fly off and do our own thing, or see how high we can go, or "throw caution to the wind", the best plan is to stay on our course by keeping low, staying focus, and slowly moving forward one step at a time

Better Late Than Never

For two weeks I have been diligenly checking my mail in search of the October Ensign and Friend. I decided that it must have somehow gotten "lost" in the mail and was going to call to have this month's issues resent. But FINALLY, they have arrived! *whew*

I love getting the Ensign each month! And I know we can access the entire magazine on-line but I like to take it with me to bed and read an article or two every night before I go to sleep. Sometimes I take it to the gym to read as I'm doing my workout. Or I take it with me if I think I'll be waiting somewhere (like the dentist office or to pick Cadi up from school). I love the messages in it. More times than not, I feel like several of the articles were just what I needed to hear (read).

Just like General Conference, I am grateful for the chance we have to receive written messages from our leaders - monthly! Counsel, guidance, encouragement, support, etc. :)

And I love getting the Friend, too. I like to use some of the stories and ideas for Family Home Evening lessons and activities. Cadi and Rori both like looking at them during Sacrament talks.

In fact, we don't get any other magazine subscriptions. We don't even get the local newspaper! We used to, but no one ever read any of them - except the Ensign and Friend. Those are always thoroughly read, each month. :)

So, I'm really glad this month's issues have finally arrived. :)

Eight

"I love eight; eight is great! Eight is the number I do not hate."

Don't you remember that little diddy on Sesame Street?  It's one of my favorites!  Here, if you can't remember, watch this:



Remember it now?  Good. :)

Moving on...  I was tagged by Klin and who can resist someone who's blog theme is monkeys? ;)

8 TV shows I love to watch:
1. Heroes
2. Pushing Daisies
3. Biggest Loser
4. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
5. America's Funniest Home Vidoes
6. Uh... The Today Show
7. And... the news?
8. *crickets chirping*

8 favorite places I love to eat:
1. Mongolian Grill
2. Olive Garden
3. Outback Steakhouse
4. Subway
5. Green Tomatoes
6. Boppin' Bo's
7. Picnic in the park with friends
8. Home

8 things that happened yesterday:
1. Ryan's car almost got stolen.
2. Cadi had to go to school early (for choir).
3. I did three loads of laundry.
4. I accidentally kicked my dog (didn't know he was standing right behind me... oops!).
5. Cadi had a meeting after school for another thing she is participating in at school (to be announced later... like, next week sometime).
6. I tried a new recipe that only Acadia really liked. 
7. I visited an elderly woman who's husband of 56 years had recently passed away.
8. Ryan, Cadi, and I had a great discussion while reading from 2 Nephi 28 last night.

8 things I look forward to:
1. Going to the pumpkin patch tomorrow.
2. Going to Sacramento for Thanksgiving.
3. Running a 10K.
4. Giving gifts at Christmas.
5. Writing to my brother while he's on his mission.
6. The backyard being finished.
7. Our road trip next year.
8. Everyday with the people I love.

8 things I love about Fall: (Klin and I have a lot in common when it comes to fall; almost every one of our answers on this one was the same! :) )
1. The color of the leaves.
2. The cool mornings and evenings.
3. Our anniversary
4. Halloween
5. Thanksgiving
6. Decorating for holidays and season
7. Football
8. Picking Apples

8 material things on my wish list:
1. Microfiber furniture in the family room.
2. Black lacquer baby grand Yamaha piano (preferrable a disklavier).
3. A front room big enough to have a black lacquer baby grand Yamaha piano. lol
4. Summer home in Bar Harbor, Maine.
5. New kitchen sink.
6. New mixing bowls.  Seriously.  Whoever my secret santa is should check my amazon wish list. ;)
7. A finished backyard (includes finished shed, deck, uncovered patio with firepit, and landscaping)
8. A GMC Acadia... just because how cool would that be? lol

8 people I'm tagging:
Whichever 8 people want to do it. ;)

"I hate thieves. I really do."

That's a direct quote from Ryan, by the way.

Fortunately for us, our would be thieves were foiled last night/this morning and therefore unsuccessful. Thank you, Car Alarm!

We both shot straight out of bed at 2:40 this morning, to the sound of Ryan's car alarm going off right outside our bedroom window. He quickly ran out to see if he could see anyone, but of course had to throw on some clothes first, so by the time he got out there, no one was around. (To which, I'm actually grateful. The last thing we really need is a fight of some kind.) He reset the alarm, looked around quickly and determined that nothing had been taken. It did appear they attempted to disarm the alarm but that obviously didn't happen. After making sure "the club" was on and alarm reset, he came back in and called the police to report the attempt and alert them to thieves in the neighborhood. Obviously, there isn't much that can be done since we don't know who it was, but they said they'd send a cruiser to drive by and we figured that couldn't hurt.

Now that it's light, Ryan will check to see if there is any damage to the window or door but he didn't notice anything major last night so it should be okay. We've talked about a few more deterrants that we may invest in since he does have a very popular car to steal (Honda Civic).

As we finally headed back to bed (it took at least an hour for the adrenaline to calm down), Ryan offered a prayer of thanks for our safety and for the safety of our property. I was especially humbled and touched when he then prayed for those who attempted to steal our car; that they would have their hearts softened, that they would find other (legal) sources of income and discontinue their illegal activities, and that they would repent and turn to God.

I have to admit, I had already offered a silent prayer of gratitude for the safety which the Lord protected us with and asked for it to continue, but I had neglected to think of those who had tried to steal from us. I am glad that Ryan thought of it; it was a good reminder to me that our Savior has asked us to "love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them that despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]." (Matt 5:44)

So I guess Ryan's quote isn't entirely accurate. It is what he said. But apparently, it isn't exactly what he does. :)

Sharing is Caring

Or is it?

At some point yesterday I started to suspect that I wasn't just sick from overdoing it at the gym. I was having hot and cold flashes and I was feeling really sick. I think I was right because today Acadia threw up at school.

I feel bad because she was especially wonderful yesterday. She took care of Rori - even made her dinner (a sandwich) so I could sleep. She insisted on it! She kept saying, "Mom, I'll watch Rori, go lay down!" Finally, I did and I am so glad because it did help me feel a lot better. I was finally able to get up and have something to eat around 9pm last night. And today I feel a lot better, not perfect but so, so much better.

Acadia was a life saver for me yesterday, so it really doesn't seem fair for her to have to be sick today. :( I hope she is able to feel better quickly.

Lessons Learned Today

•When you need to wake up earlier than normal, change the time that your alarm goes off.

•If you haven't been to the gym in a week, don't expect to be able to run as far as when you're at the gym everyday.

•When you realize you've pushed yourself too far, stop running and try again another day.

•If you don't stop running even after you've realized you've pushed yourself too far, expect your body to get very angry with you and keep you from doing anything else halfway productive for the rest of the day.

•If you have a migraine and are trying to take a nap on the couch, your napping toddler WILL wake up early from her nap, just to keep you from getting yours.

At this point, I'm just praying I don't "learn" anything else today.

Deck the halls with ghosts and wizards...

We had fun decorating for Halloween this weekend.  We have some paper ghosts that Acadia and I had made a couple of years ago.  Apparently, two of the ghosts had been made in the likeness of Harry Potter and Voldemort.  Complete with wands. lol  I hadn't remembered her making them, but clearly she had! 





Everytime I see them, I giggle. lol

Conference Notes (Sunday)

I typed up notes last night from yesterday's sessions but for some reason, my posts are showing out of order.  If you want to read them, scroll down until you get to "Conference Notes (Saturday)". 

Now, onto today's notes.  I really enjoyed all of the talks today but as I look back over the last two days, most of my "favorite" talks came from yesterday's sessions.  It reminds me of how important it is to participate in BOTH days of conference.  If I hadn't watched yesterday, I would have missed most of my favorite talks. 

Once again, there just seemed to be a strong message of being prepared for trials and hardships.  There was also a focus on overcoming that through unity and love for one another.  I don't know if there is something coming that we need to be prepared for, but I do think it is better safe than sorry and I think it would be wise to heed the warnings and counsel of our leaders.

Sunday Morning Session
*President Henry B. Eyring
There are many conflicts and differences around the world.  But there is a great day of unity coming.
Christ will come and His people will be united.
Prophets have always called for unity.  The need for it will grow greater.
We are doing better; we are moving toward becoming one.
Heavenly Father desires to grant us the joy of unity.
It cannot be given to individuals, we must seek it and qualify for it with others.
We need to have our hearts changed - so we can be of "one heart".
When testimony of the Savior is born, the Holy Ghost verifies it.  And hearts are knit together in love.
Principles to help have unity:
Revelation - will help us know what He would have us do.
Be humble - Pride is the great enemy of unity.  Be a peace make, search for what we agree on.  Help people see the truth that they share - it's more important than the differences.  Children of God have more in common than differences.  And even our differences can be blessings.  We each have different strengths and weaknesses.
Speak well of each other.  Most often, we need to judge not and speak well of others.  We see others in an imperfect light.  The Savior will judge us generously - we should be generous in our kindness/evaluations of others.
Saints can accomplish any purpose of the Lord when we are unified.
Because their hearts were knit, they were magnified in power.
*Elder Robert D. Hales
We are Christian, so why do people attack us?  Why doesn't the church defend itself more actively?
When challenged, we may want to fight back, to "put up your dukes".
Step back, pray, follow Christ's example.
When we do, we invite others to feel His love and follow Him.
Silence, meekness, forgiveness, bearing our testimony - is not being passive or weak.
It takes faith, strength, and Christian courage.
Joseph Smith was a good example.  He did not retaliate or give into hate.
When we turn the other cheek, we stand with the Savior.
Love is the only power that can subdue the adversary.
Challenges of faith are not new and will not disappear.
Opposition can provide us opportunities to be strengthened.  Take advantage of those opportunities.
We can express our views: write letters to editors, post comments on blogs, give encouraging words, answering in love.
The Lord knows the hearts of our accusers and how to effectively respond.  Seek guidance of the spirit.
In every way, true disciples invite the spirit of the Lord.
Never become contentious.
More regrettable than accuastions are when church members act in unChristlike ways.
Meekness is not weakness; it is the badge of Christian courage.The devil laughs when we "debate".
Never confuse boldness with Satan's counterfeit: overbearance.
Instead of vindication, we should desire for people's welfare.
Defend the truth, but don't try to "score points" in a debate.
Be guileless - Be slow to anger, quick to forgive; look for your own fault first.  (reference: "Lord, is it I?")
Thomas S. Monson taught to "learn respect for others, none of us live alone" (in our homes, cities, countries)
Don't leave the high ground!  It is the safe ground!
We have a great work to do and it won't be accomplished if we give in to contentions.
Elder Keith B. McMullin
God created man and woman in His own image.
We have the capacity to bear children in our likeness.
And so, we are all created in God's image.
Hardships and heartache are a part of life's journey.  We need Heavenly Father's help.
Love thy neighbor as thyself.
Ways to receive help:
Church welfare plan and members' offerings provide relief.
The church welfare plan is God inspired.  It is heaven's help in practical ways.
Prayer.  Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.
If you feel heartbroken and alone, turn to Heavenly Father in faith.  He will lift and guide, lead you through the storm.
Jesus Christ.  Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  Be careful of how we use His name.  Give Him reverence.  He is the God of Israel, He is the Living Christ.
Sister Elaine S. Dalton
In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.
The goal of the General YW presidency is to help prepare every YW to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple.
Temples are the reason why we do everything.
The saints are to be a light and a standard.
We need to return to virtue - it is a prerequisit to enter the temple.
It is our pattern of thought and behavior; it begins in our heart and mind.
It is an accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions.
It is quiet dignity; inner strength.
Make the decision to stand for the right, even if you stand alone.Stand clean and with confidence.
Don't be "poisoned by degrees".
We must return to virtue.  Requires strict training.
The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.Now is the time to set our course.
"Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly."  Stand in Holy places.
Awake and Arise!  Lay hold on every good gift.  Find joy in living a virtuous life.
Never underestimate the power of your righteous influence.
Elder M. Russell Ballard
No enemy has sufficient power to frustrate or stop the purposes of God.
The truth of God will go forward boldly, nobly, and independant... until the work is accomplished.
Faith of the saints is tested in every footstep.
Despite persecution, the work is going forward boldly and nobly.
President Kimball told us to lengthen our stride and increase our missionary efforts.  There was a miracle of conversion as a result; membership in the church doubled.
And sincet that time, membership has doubled again.
The works and designs and purposes of God cannot be frustrated or stopped!
His paths are straight and His course is one eternal round.
This is God's work.  There is still much to be done.  We cannot afford to be comfortable or content.  We are all needed.
Believe as the early saints believed; work as the early saints worked; serve as the early saints served; overcome as the early saints overcame.
Our challenges are not easier or harder than the early saints, they are only different.
He talked of the growth in South America, specifically mentioning the growth in Brazil.  Made me think of an elder serving from our ward down there. :)
This is a great time to live. 
It is up to us to carry on the rich traditions and hallmark of previous generations of latter-day saints.
We cannot be superficially righteous; our roots must run deep.
President Thomas S. Monson
He asks us for our faith and prayers.
Change.  Nothing is as constant as change.
We must all deal with change.  Time never stands still.
This is our one and only chance at mortal life.
Opportunities come and are gone.  Don't let the most important things pass you by.
Find joy in the journey - now!
Pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find you collected a lot of empty yesterdays.
Make the most of today.  Do allw e can to provide pleasant memories for the future.
Stress comes regardless of circumstances.  Deal with them, but don't let them get in the way of what is most important - the people around us.
"They do not love, that do not show their love" - Shakespeare
"Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved." (President Monson)
One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows.
"The realization of what's important goes hand in hand with gratitude."
Whatever God blesses you with, take it and be grateful for it.
Attitude of thankfullness - Be happy all our life.
Give thanks to God; ingratitude is one of the most serious sins.
Gratitude is one of the noblest virtues.
Adapt to changes in life, realize what is most important, be grateful.
Sunday Afternoon Session
President Boyd K. Packer
In troubled times, the Lord will always prepare a safe way ahead.
He talked about many of the persecutions of the early saints.  Talked about the extermination order and how the saints petitioned the US government for help.  They were turned away. 
After fleeing to the Salt Lake Valley, the saints celebrated by erecting a US flag, celebrated patriotism by carrying the US constitution and Declaration of Independance. 
They knew the cruelties that they had suffered were due to corruption within the government but the foundation of our country was still true.  They remained loyal to that. 
They were not consumed with revenge, their course was set by teachings in the scriptures.  Followed Christ's example.
We teach and live principles of His gospel.
Lucifer is still at work, but we will stay on our course.  Anchor ourselves as families and as a church on the principles of the gospel.
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Gratitude for the Plan of Happiness
Joy comes when we choose to live in harmony with God's Plan.
Wise shoppers study their choices before making their purchase. 
Bargain shoppers and splurgers make choices that often don't endure well.
Shoplifters steal what they want.
The parable of the Shopping Patterns - likened to marriage.
Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.
Temple marriage is the highest, most enduring marriage God can offer.
Our noblest yearning is to endure and enjoy eternal marriage.
Celestial marriage brings greater possibility for happiness than any other relationship.
Marriage is not only an exalting principle, it is a commandment.
It is not only a relationship between a husband and wife, but also a relationship with God.
Having an eternal family is more than a hopeful wish.
Not taking advantage of temple marriage is rejecting a gift from Heavenly Father.
When we reject a gift, we reject the giver of the gift.
No blessings will e withheld from faithful saints.
Mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in marraige.  It doesn't help that we start out with a setback - marriage is with two imperfect people.
Harmony in marriage requires personal effort.
Minimize personal demands and maximize loving selflessness.
Seek for true happiness outside of ourselves.
God's plan allows us to choose.  There's celestial marriage and then there are other alternatives.
Beware of the adversary's options - they always breed misery.
If you've made one of those choices, you can "upgrade". ;)
Celestial marriage is preparation for eternal life.
Elder William D. Oswald
He and his wife were teaching their granddaughters to jump rope.  The girls were having trouble learning.  Then some older girls came and helped teach and show them how to do it.  The girls were then able to easily learn.
When we learn fundamental principles and are shown out to teach, it is easy to do.
Every position in the church requires effective teachers.
Principles of teaching and learning - we need to understand them adn see how they are used.
Basic principles are found in the scriptures and Teaching, No Greater Call.
Our model teacher - Jesus Christ.
He taught as one having authority - God was with Him.
He taught what His fahter had taught and He did what He had seen His father do.
Search the scriptures diligently.
Principles of teaching:
Show love to those you teach and call them by name.
Teach from the scriptures.
Encourage the pondering of gospel truths.
Pondering uses our heads as well as our hearts.
Teaching the gospel is a sacred calling.
Elder Eduardo Gavarret
Fellowship; help non members and less active members to "come home".
Christ asked, "Loveth thou me?  Feed my sheep."
President Monson pleas for those who are wandering to "come back".
Read the words to "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd"
Our care for our brethren is a profound expression of our love for God.
"When ye are in the service of your fellow being, ye are only in the service of your God."
Seek after those who are not here with us.
Elder Carlos A. Godoy
Sometimes we think we need a great, powerful experience to erase any doubt in order for us to gain a testimony.
But the Holy Ghost speaks with a still, small voice.
The Holy Ghost does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us.  He whispers and gently carresses.
If we don't heed the spirit, it will withdraw and will have to wait until we seek it and will listen to it.
The witness of the still, small voice can have a stronger impact than a visit from an angel.
*Elder Quentin L. Cook
Many of our trials and hardships are brief with no lasting consequences, but many are severe.
D&C 121:1-8
Harold B. Lee said, "Sometimes the things that are the best for us seem at the moment to be the most bitter."Good will overcome evil, those who repent will be sanctified and receive eternal life.
We will not suffer any more than what is for our good.
Trials are for our personal development.
Trials come to the just and unjust. 
Not every cloud brings rain.
Be prepared for the challenges which shall come.
Challenges may be sudden and unexpected. 
Keep the commandments.  Be grateful. 
Christ knows us personally and our trials. 
There is no grief or pain or sickness so great that the Atonement and love of Christ cannot heal.
When someone asked President Monson what he wanted for his birthday, he said "Find someone who is having a hard time and do something for them."
President Thomas S. Monson
This has been an inspiring conference.
May we long remember what we've heard at this conference.
Study and ponder the talks.
Be good citizens of our nations, be good neighbors in our communities.
Be people of honesty and integrity.
Alleviate suffering.  Be mindful of the needs around us and extend a helping hand and loving heart.
The church is founded on the rock of revelation.
Live together in peace, harmony, and love.
Follow the Savior's example.
Eternal life in the presence of God is our most precious goal.
He invoked the Lord's blessings on each of us.
Remember to whom we pray and in whose name we pray.
Listen for His voice.
Live that He will knock on our door; open the door so He can come in among us.

Bonus!

We are watching Music and the Spoken Word right now, in preparation for today's sessions of General Conference. And just a few moments ago, I caught this wonderful quote by C.S. Lewis,

"Do not waste time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor; act as if you did."

:)

Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Today's sessions of General Conference were great! I took a ton of notes but it's going to take forever to type them up... so, I probably won't post them until tomorrow. At least. lol

However, I did want to comment on one thing that really struck me. Is it me, or did there seem to be an overwhelming message today? I think sometimes we hear what we need to hear, so maybe it was just me. It seems though, that almost every single talk was either in regards to, or at least mentions directly, the trials, perils, challenges, etc. that we face. There was a lot of emphasis on how to overcome feelings of inadequacy, discouragement, fear, etc. I take notes and as I looked over my notes, out of the thirteen talks (including the opening remarks by President Monson which wasn't really a "talk") at least nine of them specifically mentioned things like: not allowing stress from challenges to get the better of us; how do we make good decisions in the presence of so many unfavorful situations; never give up, never give in, never allow despair to overwhelm you; hope is like a beam of sunlight piercing the darkness with a brilliant dawn; learn from difficult times, become stronger, wiser, happier; it is not a time to fear and tremble, it is a time to be believing; God will never leave us alone or unaided in our challenges.

What I love is that as I listened to those talks, even though they do mention our "perilous times" and the challenges we face, I didn't feel "doom and gloom", I felt inspired and uplifted. It is a scary world that we live in. And it is going to get scarier (is that a word?). But living prophets and apostles taught us today how we can prepare for and overcome all of those things. They taught us how we can be happy, even in the midst of all the chaos, "madness", and sorrow. It sounds like an oxymoron - how to be happy when you feel sorrow... but it's true, you can feel happiness, peace, and joy even when you are facing sorrows, trials, and fears. I'm so grateful for inspired leaders who instruct us in the ways of the Lord.

I hope that everyone took the opportunity to watch/listen. If not, check it out on-line, you can still go back and listen I think. And don't miss tomorrow's sessions! One of the speakers said that not reading the Book of Mormon was like not reading a letter from a loving parent. Well, not watching or listening to conference is just as foolish. How many of us would read a letter if God mailed it to us? How many would pick up the phone if He called? Well, how many would watch a special TV program or movie if He wrote and directed it, just for us? I'm telling you, this is what conference is. He is speaking to us this very weekend, things we need to know right now, living in our times. Are we going to listen? I hope so! :)

I'll get off my soapbox now. I didn't really intend to get on it, but all of a sudden I looked around and sure enough, I was standing on one! lol It's safe to say that I'm passionate about my faith and I'm passionate about the Gospel. I just LOVE General Conference weekend and I can't wait to hear tomorrow's talks! :)

Conference Notes (Saturday)

I take a lot of notes; it helps me to pay attention better and remember more.  Then I type them up here mostly as an easy reference for myself.  I never really expect anyone else to read them all (there are A LOT!) but anyone is welcome to read and reference them if they'd like.
 
I placed an * (or two) next to the talks I especially enjoyed.  And if there is an * in the notes of the talk, it is where I'm asking myself a question as I listen to what is being said.  And I used bold for statements I LOVED!

Saturday Morning Session
President Thomas S. Monson
128 temples in operation, including 3 new temples dedicated in the last 6 months (Brazil, Panama, and Twin Falls, ID)
President Monson is an advocate for cultural events for the youth to participate in.
Next month Mexico City temple will be rededicated (renovations), other temples to be dedicated in the next few months.
5 new temples announced!: Calgary; Argentina; Kansas City; Philadelphia; Rome, Italy!
Pray for areas that are currently closed to the church to be opened.  Countries will open as we pray in faith.
Heavenly Father is mindful of our needs.  The conference talks are inspired.  Listen to them.
Elder L. Tom Perry
Patterns of life's tests.  Cycles of good and bad times.
The challenge is to not allow the stress and challenges get the better of us.
Remain optimistic!
"The best is yet to be" - Faith and Hope
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.
When things were difficult, he and his wife would go to Walden's Pond to pause, reflect, heal.
Thoreau determined that the only things a man really needs are: Food, clothing, shelter, and fuel.
Spiritually speaking:  Food - The law of Health, Word of Wisdom
Clothing - Modesty, it will be a shield and protection.  Casual dress is often followed by casual matters.
Shelter - Live within your means, stay out of debt, be thrifty and frugal.
Fuel - Spiritual fuel - Store sufficient fuel.  Acquire knowledge of God's eternal plan.  Live righteously.
Simplify our lives. 
Someone once asked Thoreau, "Have you made peace with God?"  To which he responded, "I was not aware we ever quarreled."
Sister Silvia H. Allred
We have a responsibility to preach the gospel to the world.
She told of when she was being taught by the missionaries, she and her sister would race home - the first one home could read from the Book of Mormon first. 
After she was baptized, she wanted to be a missionary.  She was called to be a part time missionary and later served a full time mission.
*Is missionary work a part of who and what I am?*
When we save a girl, we save generations.
Missionary work is the life blood of the church.  It blesses the lives of all who participate in it. God loves all of His children. 
The message of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is the most important gift we have to give.
Be good neighbors/friends.  Set examples.  Smile.  Live gospel-centered lives.
Prepare yourself and your family for missionary service.
Invite.  Accompany missionaries.  Give referrals.  Share your testimony. Befriend investigators and new members.  Support, encourage, and pray for missionaries.
This is the Lord's work and He will help us do it.
*Elder Neil L. Andersen
We are a great family of believers.
Somedays are full of the spirit and inspiration.
Some days are full of feelings of inadequacy, we may feel we are losing our spiritual footing.
"You don't know everything, but you know enough."
Conversion comes step by step, line by line.
The Book of Mormon is powerful spiritual nourishment.
"Faith is not only a feeling, it is a decision."
Challenges, difficulties, questions, doubts - are all part of mortality.
Fear and faith cannot coexist in our heart at the same time.
Christ said, "Be not afraid; only believe."
We come to know what we already knew.
Told a story about a little girl named Hadley who was born deaf.  She had gone through surgeries to allow her to hear.  One day in the grocery store when she was about four, she saw a boy behind them who was in a wheelchair and who had no legs.  She asked her mom why the boy didn't have legs.  Her mom carefully explained that Heavenly Father loves all of His children and makes them each different and special.  Hadley went to the boy and told him that Heavenly Father had made her so she couldn't hear and that made her special.  Heavenly Father had made the boy with no legs and that made him special too.  She then told the boy that when Jesus comes again, she will have her hearing and he will have his legs.  She said, "Jesus will make everything alright."
Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis
How do we make good decisions in the presence of so many unfavorable situations?
Pays tribute to his father who joined the church even amidst great opposition: his mother had threatened to disown him, his wife had not decided to join the church, there were few members, not even a meeting house, etc.  But he had read the Book of Mormon and knew it was true.
The Book of Mormon is true - it is the most powerful source in conversion.
When you know the Book of Mormon is true, you know that Joseph Smith restored the gospel, that he saw God, the Father and His son, Jesus Christ, that we have a prophet of God on the earth today who holds all the Priesthood Keys, that God lives and loves us, the Plan of Salvation is perfect, etc.
God reveals the truth when people follow Moroni 10:4-5.
Read, pray, have real intent to act upon the answer you receive.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
We live in perilous times with detours and distractions.
How do we live amid it all?  D&C 59:9-10.  As we attend Sacrament Meeting and partake of the sacrament, we will always have His spirit with us, it will be a compass to guide us.
The sacrament is the most important and sacred meeting in church.  It is the only meeting our entire family attends together.
How can we prepare to partake of the sacrament?
Bring a broken heart and a contrite spirit, be seated well before the meeting begins, prayfully meditate as the prelude music plays.
Elder Nelson has said that each member bears responsibility for the enrichment that comes from Sacrament Meeting.
Dress appropriately - it is like going to the temple.  Our manner of dress indicates how much we understand and honor the importance of the meeting.
Don't violate the covenant in the very meeting that you're making it!  (The covenant to "always remember Him" - don't read books/magazines, talk, text, etc.)
Sacrament meeting music is for worship, not performance.
Joseph Fielding Smith said to "Assemble in spirit of prayer, meekness, and devotion."
3 Nephi 18:11-13
Bishopric must always authorize the sacrament.
**President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The infinite power of hope.
Faith, charity, and hope are a 3 legged stool, stability.
Hope has power to fill lives with happiness.
The absense of hope leaves us feeling sick.
Hope in the Savior is a principle of promise and a commandment.
We have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives.
Hope is the foundation of our faith and the anchor to our souls.
Without hope, we cannot receive an inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
The opposite of hope - despair, doubt, failure to care.   Forfeits blessings, drains all that is vibrant and joyful, kills ambition, advances sickness.
Hope is like a beam of sunlight, it pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn.
Hope that transends the trivial - The Hope of Israel.
Believe and expect your prayers to be answered.
Hope that if we live righteously now, we will be blessed later.
With hope comes happiness, patience to bear our afflictions.
There is hope FOR things - future events, better times.
Because of the Atonement, we can be cleansed.
Because of Jesus Christ's life and sacrifice, we can reside in peace and have ultimate joy.
There is hope IN things.  It will sustain us during our daily walk, uphold us during our trials and sorrows.
Hope in the restored gospel - principles we hope in carry us.
Prayers are heard, God will keep His promises to us, things will work together for our own good.
Hope in God and His goodness refreshes us with courage.
Hope leads to good works.
Cultivate our hope one step at a time.
Against hope, believe in hope.  In the middle of winter, find within us an invincible summer.Without faith there is no hope.  Faith is the substance of things hoped for.
Hope braces our resolve.
The brighter our hope, the greater our faith.  The stronger our hope, the purer our charity.
Move forward, put faith and hope into action.
The gospel of Jesus Christ and membership in the church strengthens faith and offers bright hope, leads disciples to charity.
Hope in and through Jesus Christ purifies us, even as He is pure.
Never give in, never surrender, never allow despair to overwhelm you.
Saturday Afternoon Session
The choir for this session was a group of primary children - LOVED IT!  I totally had a hard time not bawling like a baby when they sang "I am a Child of God"!  Acadia loved the primary choir, too. :)

*Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
"Come What May and Love It"
Every day has peaks and shadows.
Learn from the difficult times - become stronger, wiser, happier.
The Lod does not shield anyone from grief and sadness.
The way we react to adversity affects how happy we can be.Greater growth leads to greater happiness.
What we can do:
Laugh.  Anger and resentment won't result if we laugh.
Next time you're tempted to groan, laugh instead.
It will make things more enjoyable for you and those around you.
Seek for the eternal.  No one is exempt from adversity and sorrow.  Learning to endure is "on the job training".  Christ understands our suffering adn grief.  Our experiences help us to understand and help others.  What threatens to overcome us, helps us to overcome.Understand the principle of compensation.  Every tear today will be returned 100 fold with tears of joy.  Eternal blessings are promised.
Trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is our partner, helper, and advocate.  He wants us to be happy and successful.  He'll help us - He makes weak things become strong. 
Put your trust in the Lord, do your best, leave the rest to Him.  He will bless you.
*Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Heavenly Father watched over His earthly family.  But in times of special need, He sent angels.
God uses angels as His emisaries in conveying love for His children. 
Usually angels are unseen, sometimes they are.  But seen or unseen, they are always near.
Sometimes angels are sent to warn but usually they are sent to comfort.
Angels are still sent to help us, even as they were to Adam and Eve, prophets, and even Jesus Christ.
It is by faith that angels appear and administer.
Take heart, be filled with faith.  The Lord said He would fight our battles.
Search, pray, and be believing.
The latter-days are not a time to fear and tremble; they are a time to be believing and remember our covenants.
Sometimes the love of God is manifested in the kindness of people so good and pure that "angelic" is the only word to describe them. 
God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in our challenges.  And He never will.
Always, angels are around us - seen and unseen; known and unknown; mortal and immortal.
May we try to be more angelic ourselves.  Perhaps then we can be emisaries sent from God when someone is crying for help.
Elder Gerald Causse
Search for knowledge - it is impossible to be saved in ignorance.
Seek to understand the nature of God and Jesus Christ.
The glory of God is intelligence.
Heavenly Father adjusts to our level of understanding.  He is just.  He has insured that truths are understandable to all of His children.
Purity and simplicity allow the Holy Ghost to bear witness.
The natural man is an enemy to God unless they yield to the enticings of the spirit.  Become as a little child; teachable, humble, meek.
Seek with your heart.  Knowing God is a matter of opening your heart.  Feel in our heart that God loves us.
**Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge
Jesus Christ is the way, He is the light and the life.  He is the bread and the water.  He is the beginning and the end.  He is the truth and the way.
Every other way is madness.Either we follow Him and see clearly, or we don't.
Either we learn of Him and have life more abundantly or we don't.
Either we accept the blessings of the Atonement or we don't.
Only God can bless and sustain us; preserve and protect us; give us strength; heal us; forgive our sins.
And He will and so much more if we remember Him and keep His commandments.
Remember Him and keep His commandments - it is the only intelligent thing to do.
Every good thing depends on getting and keeping the Holy Ghost in our lives.
Don't think we can't follow Christ.  In life, the highest achievements are the most difficult to attain.  NOT the case here.  This is not a human endeaver, it is God's work and glory.  It is achievable by everyone.  Not because we are able, but because He is and He can make us able, too.
Oppositon in all things - life is hard for all of us.  It is also simple.  We have two choices: Either follow God or go another (any other) way.  Which way is easier?  "Come unto me ye heavy laden, take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy." 
Life is hard but it is simple. 
Get on the path.  Jesus is the way.  Any other way is madness.  Have the good sense to follow Him.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Zion is a place and a people.
People of Zion are of one heart, one mind, and dwell in righteousness.
The opposite of Zion is Babylon.
We are called to be beacons of righteousness.  D&C 115:5-6
If we want to establish zion, we must rise to this standard:
1) become unified
2) become a holy people
3) care for the poor and needy so efficiently that it is eliminated.
Zion will come AS this happens, not when it happens.
Place the Savior at the center of our lives.
Are we free from lustful desires?  We are to hunger and thirst after righteousness.
We are to become not only good, but holy.
"Give up the summer cottage in Babylon."
D&C 104:17-18 - one indication is how well we care for the poor.
In temporal things, be equal.  And not grudgingly!
Are we doing what we should and all that we should?
Learn to be content with what is sufficient for our needs.  Look after one another.
Building up of Zion should be our greatest object.  We do it through unity, godliness, and charity.
Elder David A. Bednar
Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings. 
Pray always.  Revelation is communication from Heavenly Father to us through the Holy Ghost. 
The Holy Ghost is a witness and messenger of Heavenly Father and Jesus Chrsit.
All things were created first spiritually.  Morning prayer is our spiritual prep for the day.  Then, through the course of the day, keep a prayer in our hearts.  At the end of the day, kneel and pray to report.  It builds upon and is a continuation of our morning prayer.  All prayers are linked together.
Remember our relationship with Deity.
Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude.
Give thanks in all things.  The prayers of prophets are childlike in their simplicity and powerful in their purity.
D&C 59:21
We should periodically give prayers where we ask for nothing, just expressing gratitude.
Prayer becomes more meaningful when we pray for others with a sincere heart.
Both those we love, as well as those who seek to hurt us.
If those we serve have not heard and felt our prayers on their behalf, the time to repent is now.

He dazzles me. Frequently.

Tonight we went bowling after dinner. (It has been so long since the last time I went bowling - well, besides Wii. ;) And of course I broke a nail on the first frame! Ugh. That's one of my biggest reasons for loving Wii bowling! lol) As I got ready to enter our names in the computer, I was trying to decide which nicknames to use. But Ryan had a better idea, "Why don't you put in 'Edward' and 'Bella'?"

Gosh, I love him. :)

L-O-V-E

Today is our 12th wedding anniversary! 

So here are just twelve things that I love about Ryan.  In truth, I love so many more things than that (One year for our anniversary, I made a list of 365 things I love about him... Poor guy, the list is getting shorter! lol  No, of course not.  It really has gotten longer but I don't have that kind of time.), but today you get twelve. :)

• He makes me laugh - a lot!
• He is a wonderful father.
• He works hard and provides for our family so I can choose to stay home with our girls.
• He almost always lets me have my way. lol
• He loves the Gospel and leads our family in prayer, scripture study, etc.
• He doesn't mind helping around the house and will often do it without me even asking.
• He introduced me to Lord of the Rings!  ... And for that matter, Twilight, too!
• He gives the most wonderful hugs.
• I always know I'm safe when I'm with him.
• He encourages me and supports me in everything that I do.
• He bakes REALLY well!
• He is my very best friend; He knows me better than anyone else and he loves me better than anyone else.

Here is a slide show I made from some of our wedding pics...


Happy Anniversary, Roe!  I love you!

How to...

I like to get helpful tips from others and whenever I come across helpful tips, I like to share them with others too.  And so, I give you "How to" posts. 

You're welcome. :)

This particular "How to" post is brought to you by Wide Wire Mesh Safety Gates; quality, durability, versatility, made in the USA. ;)

I stumbled upon this tidbit of knowledge quite by accident.  As we all know, women like to accessorize.  And we like pretty, colorful things.  So, we often combine those two and accessorize with pretty, colorful things. 

Let me show you this beauty that I am now donning (Sizes do vary, this particular trinket is a couple inches in diameter, as shown in the photo.  I realize that it could be larger, even I have occasionally acquired larger ones, but I don't like to show off too much, I usually prefer to keep my accessories fairly modest in size.)...



Lovely, isn't it?  One of the selling points of these are that they even change color.  Yes, they do!  Every day it's like wearing a new one.  This particular piece has varied from black, to blue, to purple, to deep red.  I believe there will be even more color variations coming later. 

Now, let me explain how you can acquire one yourself.  First, it is helpful to have a safety gate.  Set up the safety gate in a high traffic area in your home (for example, the doorway between the dining room and kitchen).  With the safety gate in place, you are ready to proceed.  Put on shoes that are comfortable and sturdy, yet tend to "catch" on things as you step over them.  Then, fill your hands and arms with items that would keep you from using them to steady yourself if you were to catch your shoes on something and begin to lose balance.  Approach the safety gate carrying the items you selected.  Step over the gate, carefully catching the toe of your shoe on the edge of the gate.  Remember, you cannot drop the items you are carrying, this is very important.  Now, attempt to catch your balance (while not dropping what you're holding/carrying) but ultimately allow the weight of your body to press forcefully down on the baby gate, preferrably using your inner thigh to apply this pressure.  Continue as the gate twists slightly under your weight.  If you apply pressure in just the right spot, this should be remarkably easy to do.  (I recommend pressing at an angle, it's a much more effective way to achieve the desired results.)  Using other body parts to also strike the safety gate on your way down is optional.  If you are precise with your strikes, you may be successful in getting "two for the price of one", though this is tricky and there is no guarantee.  In my personal attempts, I was not successful.  However, I did receive another accessory less colorful which will not last as long.  Perhaps with practice, results would improve.

I hope that this little "How to" session was useful for you.  I will continue seeking other useful information to share for future posts; perhaps homemade ice packs would be a helpful item.  I think I'll go research that now.