In the Meantime, Aren't We Blessed!

Hymnal Happiness

2010-02-11T05:10:00.000-07:00

Lately, this hymn has been in my mind a LOT.

It's one of my most favorites...

"How gentle God's commands, How kind His precepts are,

Come cast your burdens on the Lord and trust His constant care.

Beneath His watchful eye His saints securely dwell.

That hand which bears all nature up shall guard His children well.

Why should this anxious load press down your weary mind?

Haste to your Heavenly Father's throne and sweet refreshment find.

His goodness stands approved, unchanged from day to day.

I'll drop my burden at His feet and bear a song away."

Some of my favorite words in this song are... gentle... constant... watchful... securely... haste... refreshment... approved... unchanged... drop... song.

Isn't it wonderful?

Especially I love the thought, "That hand which bears all nature up shall guard His children well." Especially right now when we're focused on the hope of spring, we can see the miracle of nature all around us. We know that not even a sparrow falls without Him knowing and He tells us to consider the lilies... How much more then will He guard His children.

Love it.

The hymns make me So Happy.

June Roses and January Raspberries

2010-02-01T15:44:00.009-07:00

So I got a June Rose on January 19th!!

(Or rather a January Raspberry.) It was so so exciting!

I was working, very diligently, I am certain, when my co-worker called me to get up and "Come and Look!" I figured she was going to show me some guy she thought was cute

so I got up with a "Really, Brenda?" look on my face...

When what to my wondering eyes should appear???

President Monson came to the hospital to visit a patient! (No, it wasn't a widow. But it was a man to whom President Monson had been Bishop so many years ago.) It was so so exciting. Everyone was excited. All work pretty much stopped while he was here because we didn't want to miss the chance to shake his hand when he left. And when he left, he stopped and shook our hands and spoke with us and was so so kind. A son of another patient stopped President Monson and asked him to come in and visit his father and President Monson said, "Well, I'd love to say a word to your father." So kind.

It changed the whole day. Really.

I kept thinking, if this were the time of Nephi, he'd be Nephi! If this were Alma's era, he'd be Alma! So exciting. And the truth is - He is Christ's representative on the earth... You could feel that while he was here. I wished a little that it had been Jesus here, but President Monson was really dang close. (Should I use dang in the same paragraph with Jesus and President Monson?)

I'm so grateful for the Prophet. I'm so grateful that he showed up to my work. I wanted so badly to just run to him and say, "Everything will be fine right? Could you just tell me what Heavenly Father wants for me right now?" And then I realized that is exactly what he tells us every six months in General Conference. And through the Spirit we can know those things for ourselves all the days in between those blessed 4 days out of the year.

C'mon. So lucky. So blessed. So happy.

We've Proved Him In Days That Are Past

2010-01-27T13:45:00.005-07:00

I'm in love with this quote from President Hinckley:

"From where we speak, it is a beautiful April Sabbath morning. The tulips are well out of the ground and will soon be bursting into flowering beauty. In the winter of our doubt there came the hope of spring. We knew it would come. Such was our faith, based on the experiences of earlier years. And so it is with matters of the spirit and soul. As each man or woman walks the way of life there come dark seasons of doubt, of discouragement, of disillusionment. In such circumstances, a few see ahead by the light of faith, but many stumble along in the darkness and even become lost. My call to you this morning is a call to faith, that faith which is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1), as Paul described it."

I am looking forward to Spring. I know it's coming. It has never not come. Every year, without fail, trees and flowers blossom, snow melts and life grows all around. Every year.

"In the depth of winter I finally learned that there within me lay an invincible summer" (Albert Camus).

"So it is with matters of the spirit and soul." Heavenly Father always answers my prayers. He always has. He always will. I've proved Him in days that are past. I don't have to keep proving... I know He's there. He's unchanging. His characteristics are unchanging. His patience and kindness don't run out. He doesn't go away. His love never fails. His forgiveness blossoms anew every time I kneel in the spring of repentance.

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." (Isaiah 54:10) That's true. I know it. I've proved it in days that are past. And I know that if I forget (which we all do at times) that He'll be patient and help me remember and love me patiently every second as I stumble along the way. He has given me the iron rod to cling to for stability. Stability and safety and security, guidance, balance, and reassurance.

I'm a Springer. And that makes me, especially in the wintertime, So Happy.

The Best 4th of July Ev.Er

2009-11-04T13:32:00.006-07:00

Ok -- even though this was so long ago, it was SUCH a happy day!

First -- An Apron and Breakfast and Serious Patriotism. So fantastic. I loved every second.

Then, the cemetery, slurpees, Jamba Juice, the Pie and a bbq. It was a lot of food.

mmmmmmMMMMMMmmmmMMMMM

And THEN! -- Yep...

The Jonas Brothers.

Can't you tell that's what you're looking at?

Stadium of Fire was AWESOME!

It was so last minute -- and a super fun decision!

We were at THE. TOP. of the stadium -- I was occasionally afraid that the jets would hit us or that the fireworks would fall on us (which kind-of did happen - the fireworks not the jet).

We found out what it was like to be 12 again -- we were completely surrounded by screaming girls. We joined right in -even learning some of the words to songs we had never heard- don't worry. So much fun!

This 4th of July made me SO Happy!

Oh My Long Time Bez Posts!

2009-11-04T12:39:00.019-07:00

I have so many happy things to catch up on! It's been almost 6 months since I've posted anything and a TON of stuff has happened! I don't know if I should work backwards or start from the beginning... maybe just right in the middle? One happy thing is that I got a new macbook! Love it. Ok -- to the happiness. Maybe I'll do a little preview and then break it down in separate posts. Good idea.

July --

The best trip to Provo Ev.Er.

The best 4th of July Ev.Er.

The best trip to Wyoming Ev.Er.

The best trip to Chicago Ev.Er.

The fastest (and best) trip home Ev.Er.

The best Park City family vacation Ev.Er!

August --

The BEST birthday EV.ER (and I am so not kidding!!)

The best trip to Disneyland Ev.Er!

A really super fun surprise party!

My Favorite Birthday Dinner Ev.Er! (The actual party instead of the week before like someone thought for the surprise party! :))

September --

The best new/old mattress/bed Ev.Er.

And my first try at Second Day Hair. (Be glad there's no picture.)

A very lovely dinner!

October --

The best Black Hills Bacon for General Conference Ev.Er.

The best trip to California for the best first birthday Ev.Er!

The cutest African "Chicken" costume Ev.Er.

Ok -- there was more stuff... But that's a good run down! More details soon! Stay tuned! :)

Let's just say, these last few months I have been So Happy!

Your Mom's Face

2009-06-21T12:16:00.010-06:00

Yesterday was such a good Saturday!

Can you believe it started with exercise?? Amazing. I never would've gotten out of bed if Carolyn hadn't called and had the discipline to go to the gym early on a Saturday morning when we had been dancing the night away late the night before! I was glad I did it though! Because then I ate like a mad-woman the rest of the day! YUM!

First up... Blue Plate Diner.

This obviously wasn't taken yesterday - or by me at all. Just rain - no snow.

The S.M.A Omelet (spinach, mushroom, and.) Good Food. Good Environment. Great Friends.

And RAIN! It felt so much like Seattle yesterday -- I loved every second. I loved that my hair was all flat and I loved the thunder and the comfort that somehow comes with the rain. So cozy.

Next... Mini's!

We headed straight over and had 85 conversations at once about the city, okra, your mom's face and creamy mashed potatoes.

I love Mini's. And so do Carolyn and Casey. Yum Peanut Butter Fix!

I am a certified Springer. As you can see. Although my brother can fit two hot dogs WITH bun in his mouth at once. Or a can of Coke. Serious.

I had a s'mores please cupcake and got a diva cupcake for my later meal... and Nalene enjoyed Twisted Sister. The cupcake - not the group. Well, maybe the group. Just not yesterday.

I was the only one to make an enormous mess. Oh well.

Last "official" meal of the day -- Thaifoon! Yum again!!! It was Amy's Birthday so we celebrated with some Thai food and great conversation. Carolyn was the Evil Jungle Princess or maybe the Princess of Celestial. And Amy painted her nails at the table. It was awesome.

How lucky am I to have such amazing friends???? The conversation was worth every calorie.

And crumb. Awesome, Andrea!

Round it all off with a review and share of ALL of my mission pics -- how could it get better?

Nothing makes me happy like friends and food! So Happy.

I Left My Heart In San... Diego

2009-06-01T21:44:00.009-06:00

Well, today I was supposed to be in California, going to Disneyland and visiting my favorite Burnhams!

Last October I was in California to help my Grandma move back to Illinois.
After everything got finished up, I stayed an extra day and went down to San Diego to see my dear friends,

Elder and Sister Burnham.

Aren't they wonderful??

Oh I love them so so much!

We became friends when we were all working in the Seattle Temple.
It is such a blessing to know them! Since they're from Canada, I probably never would've known them without the Gospel!

Aren't there so many fantastic blessings from the Gospel??

One of my favorite-EVER road trips was with Sister Burnham. We had so much fun singing and talking all the way to and from Vancouver, Canada. Home was by way of closer-to-Vernon than we planned. It was wonderful. We didn't get to sleep until after midnight and had to be up at 4:00 a.m. to get Sister Burnham to the airport! When I knocked on her bedroom door to wake her up, she sat right up and was ready to go in 11 minutes flat! I mean dressed, ready, packed and she even had made my bed. Come on. She is so incredible. More energy and heart than anyone I know.

Now they're serving as missionaries in the San Diego Mission -- at the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center -- but since the Visitor's Center is closed they are finding lots of other ways to serve.

And they are wonderful!

They get to spend time at the Temple each week - working inside and out.
When people come to the Temple, they ask questions and can learn more about our beliefs by talking to the Burnhams and other missionaries like them.

I love this picture of Sister Burnham teaching. She is an excellent teacher and such a love. Definitely one of the women I admire most in all the world. Y ella esta aprendiendo espanol y lo puede hablar muy bien! And she is learning Spanish and can speak it very well!

I enjoyed taking pictures of the Temple that day and the surrounding grounds.
We saw a HUGE spider climbing down its filament from a tree. It kept climbing up and down and it was yucky! Sister Burnham thought perhaps it had filled the measure of its creation - but I don't think we killed it.
So... Spider alert -- there's a spider at the end of this post. Don't turn the page... Please, Please don't turn the page...

(It's the very very last picture.)

Elder Burnham is an excellent photographer and has taken such fantastic pictures of the Temple and the beauty of San Diego. He is one of my favorite men in the world. I love talking to him about - well everything - and especially the Gospel. He is such a straight arrow and has a deep and firm understanding of the Gospel and a tender heart. I remember neat conversations in the Temple with him -- especially when The Lord of the Rings movies came out because he loves Gospel Parallels just like me!

Did I mention how much I love the Burnhams???

They were involved with helping me finish all the Temple work for Hilda.
I am so glad they were there with me. That was one of the neatest experiences of my entire life.
They really cared about her because they knew I loved her so much.
That made me love them even more!

Doesn't that look like the Tree of Life?

Gorgeous windows of the Temple

I so wish I could've been with them this weekend.
Last time I was with them was right before the vote on Proposition 8.
I was so grateful I got to see them "in action" helping people understand some really important doctrine. They have always been representatives of Jesus Christ, but right now they get to wear a name badge that tells the world so.
I am so grateful to know them and hope someday I can be like them.

My dear sweet friends have for years, made me So Happy!
The spider picture's next! Don't turn that page!

Oh My So Happy

2009-06-01T15:22:00.008-06:00

So I just got a call from Sister Beck's secretary saying thank you for a note I wrote to her - Sister Beck - because she's so busy she can't respond personally but wanted me to know how much she appreciated it. How super nice is that????

She is seriously the greatest.

How cool is it that she put me on her to-do list and thought to say thank you??
I mean - come on. She is the greatest.

And have you listened to her Women's Conference talk yet??? Because you so should.

Who's surprised.... Sister Beck makes me So Happy!!!

Sees Makes It Better

2009-05-31T18:30:00.001-06:00

Carolyn may kill me, but this night was too happy to not share.

We needed a movie break so we headed to dinner first at Citris Grill.
YUM!

We were hungry though so before the salad and soup came we ate...

DESSERT!

Carolyn had gotten a box of Sees Candy from work and we dove right in.

Carolyn was surprised (as was I truthfully) that I knew what was inside a good percentage of the chocolates in the box.

Carolyn cut them into quarters and we ate and ate and ate! YUM!
Then we ate a great dinner and drove up and down Highland Drive.
No we weren't cruising. Just looking for pajamas.

Carolyn and Chocolate make me So Happy!

A Lovely Evening

2009-05-27T22:34:00.008-06:00

Last Monday it was my turn to host The Lovelies.
And my are they lovely!
We had such a lovely time! (If the hostess does say so herself!)

I mean, are we cute or what? We even were color coordinated and it wasn't even planned!
left to right - Amy, Lori, Julie, Elaine, Carolyn, Danielle.
We really missed Sister Kapp, Carol and Loe.
Doesn't it kind-a look like Lori's squeezing my fat roll?
She was a little. Wait - don't look at my fat rolls.

We had crispy bread with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese,
spicy honey chicken with honey citrus vinaigrette from Our Best Bites Blog
and broiled pineapple with coconut ice cream and chocolate corks that ELJ made.
So YUMMY!!!

The dressing wasn't my very favorite - but it was good enough.
I added red peppers to the salad and it was yummy and a little more colorful!

Since it is the beginning of summer I thought it would be fun to give everyone a "Jar Of Discovery!" This was my favorite gift of all time from the Second Saturday Girls in Seattle. If you look at the table in the above picture you can see the jars - they served as our centerpiece too.

Each jar is filled with ideas for activities that might help you discover things about yourself, as well as making you get out of your comfort zone a little.
There are rules to the jar.
Rule #1 - You can only remove one idea at a time.
Rule #2 - Once you take out an idea, you can't put it back.
Rule #3 - You can't pick another idea until you've completed the one you just pulled out.
Rule #4 - If you can't complete an idea, you have to get approval from the group to move on.

Fun huh?

The conversation was better than the food.
I love those girls so much!

I was super lucky because my wonderful friend Amanda and her cutie-pie Nathan came to visit for the day from Wisconsin!
I never could have made it by 6:30 without all her chopping and cooking expertise!

ELJ came over at 6:00 and helped finish all the chopping and cooking and I needed her too! She was a whiz with the pineapple -- I could barely live a day without her and I certainly can't throw a party without her -- EVER!

It was so fun to have Amanda and Nathan here -- he is the happiest baby I have ever been around in all my life! I loved getting all caught up with Amanda and it was amazing to both of us that no matter how much time passes, we're friends like always. Isn't that a miracle?

My Lovely Friends make me So Happy!

Ongoing General Conference Happiness

2009-05-25T16:15:00.005-06:00

Ok - this is so up my alley. Cute Stephanie over at Diapers and Divinity is running a General Conference Book Club! How smart is that??!! Every week she picks a different talk and then you can read it and comment and it's great. So, I got carried away today and thought I'd just share my thoughts on my own blog about Sister Lifferth's talk.

I love this talk and I love Sister Lifferth! Besides being incredibly intelligent, articulate and spiritual she has the cutest clothes ever! She was adorable each day of Women's Conference! Love her!

I swear, I highlighted half the talk! I love that she talks about being reverent with each other. Don't you think sometimes we just get all bumped and bruised because we forget who we're dealing with and we don't make a "reverent place in our hearts" for the other sons and daughters of God we meet everyday?

She gave such good examples of how to determine that for ourselves with real everyday applications or possibly irreverent times. I super love her line - Harshness in our training begets resentment, not reverence. So true!!! Remember how Sister Beck (at BYU Women's Conference) quoted Joseph F. Smith (I think) and said that while we cannot force our children to heaven, we may force them to hell while we try and make them better but are not as good as we should be ourselves! Man, I love her. (Check out the link to her talk - you can totally hear me laughing in the background! I love it!!! Besides loving every second of her entire talk, of course!!!!!)

And how excellent for Sister Lifferth to show that the real reason for reverence is at it's core - self-discipline. I am so going to try and be more reverent. I laugh outloud in church sometimes and have even been known to chuckle in the Temple. I'm pretty good about the cell phone in church but profound respect mingled with love is not always my first thought. And that is respect and love for God and our fellow man. Being reverent helps us follow the first and most important commandment! I love it.

Another thought I love -- creating a place of reverence in our hearts. Isn't that a fabulous idea? That is something I can do. And I can go to that place and be reminded of it in times that require reverence and then maybe someday I can just BE that person. That's my goal.

OK - I'm a huge general conference nerd. Who's surprised - come on.

Last thought - (like in testimony meeting - I know the time is short, but...) Isn't it great that President Packer promises not a miraculous transformation but a quiet one. How appropriate is that??? I certainly could use those blessings - so I will try to live the law connected to those blessings -- Reverence. Great talk. Aren't we blessed???

Seriously - General Conference and this new awesome book club I found make me So Happy!

Amy Heaven

2009-05-03T18:03:00.002-06:00

Oh What Can I Say More?

SO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't She Lovely?

2009-04-22T23:04:00.010-06:00

I have a fantastic group of friends.
Specifically, there is a group of us
"Trying A Little Harder To Be A Little Better" this year.
AGK got us all together and encouraged us.
I decided I would try a little harder to be a better homemaker
(cuz JBB says we should :)).
Here is my first effort realized.

Cute chair covers, eh?
Each month we get together and have dinner and a great time.
February's dinner was at ELJ's.
YUMMY!
Everyone brought soup, ELJ made salad and I brought dessert.
And Aprons!

Are we cute or what?
Oh Man I love that lemon fresh fabric!

The ladybug apron for Lori (who knows I LOVE Dolly and sent me this link to her interview on the Today show that I missed the other day - I mean that is friendship!).

The heart apron for AGK (who I completely adore).

I made two aprons from 3 fabrics.
We were missing a few of The Lovelies but we had a fabulous time!
I got the pattern for the aprons at A Feathered Nest.
Love that blog!
My mom had to super help me because it wasn't as easy as I thought it should've been. But it was my first "solo" sewing project and I think they turned out pretty dang cute!!! Once I got the hang of it (thanks only to my mom's super human patience) they took me about an hour to finish.

Homemaking and The Lovelies make me SO Happy!

Going Green

2009-04-21T23:58:00.001-06:00

Oh. My. Favorite New Musical.

I got to see Wicked tonight. It was FANTASTIC!!!!! I loved every single second! The music. The sets. The costumes. The story. The singing. The script. The Wizard of Oz references.

A. Mazing.

Honestly, sometimes my life is just too perfect!

I got to go tonight with ELJ and her sis and 3 super incredible grandkids. So Fun.

Also, it was the first time I've ever used a men's restroom when it was not specially set apart as a woman's bathroom. The lines were SO long! Crazy long. Clear back into the theater long. So -- I went up to the third floor thinking only the super-needy would head up there -- but no. Super long line. But no one going into the men's! Well - ok like 3 guys. But we lined up and as soon as the coast was clear we were in! The mom and daughter ahead of me were having a whole, "No mom, I don't have to go." - "Look, if you don't go now, don't even think you're getting up during the show - just try and go" conversation and precious time was wasting! So I gave the mom a little push and said - "you go!" She was like - "well I really don't have to but I know she needs to go..." I couldn't hold back - I said, "Go, Go, Go!" Come on lady! One stall, intermission-over's-warning already rang and I've gotta go! So after I said - go go go - I said - alright, I'll go! So I jumped the line and I was in! And it made it back with one minute of intermission left! PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the theater. Love it - loaf it - lurve it.

There were definitely some Gospel parallels in the show - but I need to listen to the music some more to remember them all. Fantastic.

I can't wait to know all the music by heart and get to belt it out in the car all the way to Provo. :) (That's just the farthest place I could think of that I regularly go.)

Noah always calls Sister Rasband "the Rasband of Oz." I like that title. :)

Soooooo... If you get the chance - take it. Definitely. It will make you So Happy!

How Do You Say Happy Birthday In German?

2009-03-24T22:53:00.006-06:00

Well -- Happy Birthday to Hilda today.

She would be 96. Isn't that amazing?

I miss her a lot.

It's amazing to me that one person can mean so much to you in such a short time. But she did.

You can read some happy memories of her here...

I remember just two days before she died we were talking about death.

She said, "When I die, you can be happy. It's what I want. I'm ready."
I told her, "I will be happy because I believe you'll be with your family again."
She said, "Ach (waving her hand in front of her face). I don't believe that."
I said, "Well, one of us is wrong and one of us is right and I think you're going to be very surprised."

She laughed with me.

I used to dream about her occasionally but not anymore.

I hope that even though she's busy somewhere she remembers me.

Did you ever know someone that you were absolutely sure you knew before you came to earth?

It was like that with Hilda. I think she was the whole reason I went to Seattle.

There were other wonderful things for me there - but she was the real reason.

I'm pretty sure Ryn got to meet her already.
Lots of times I'll tell Heavenly Father to tell them both Hello and I miss them.
I'm sure they get the message.
It'll be so good to see her again someday.
Thinking about the miracle of Hilda makes me miss her and at the same time,
So Happy.

Break A Leg! (Wait - Not REAL-ly)

2009-03-24T12:00:00.001-06:00

{Sigh}

The Melodrama is over...

It was a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Damsel In Distress and The Hero!

Thank you so much to EVERY single one of you that came!
I have the best family and friends in the world!
I'm so sad that I didn't get pictures with everyone that came!

Awesome Brothers and Awesome Katie My Sis-in-Law!

My Grandma!

The lovely Brittany and Brianna - miss you guys!!

And the Disney Girls --
it was the kind-of day when you opened your mouth and a song came right out!

My First Favorite Friend Kathy from work!
(She gets to be first favorite because 1. she is and 2. she reminds me SO much of Colleen!)

I love the Women's Conference Ladies SO MUCH!
And the Tidwell family is perhaps my favorite family this side of the Mississippi -- They're always keeping it real smooth!

And I got 4 bouquets of flowers!!!

From the Women's Conference Ladies, The Jack's and My Mom!

Stacey also sent a gorgeous bouquet that she MADE! And she even sprayed with perfume! I'll take a pic of those too -- they are so so pretty!

I also had a few little fans!

My cousin's Adorable son Caleb -- I was so happy he let me hold him!
And during intermission he kept saying, "More More!" Love Him!

I'm pretty sure I'll be moving to Disneyland ASAP to become Mary Poppins or Snow White because having the little adorable girls come up to see the "princess" (ME!) was potentially the coolest thing ever.

So opening night -- I completely fell! It was pretty funny -- my dress was so long that I had to hold it WAY up in order to run across the stage during the Pink Panther chase. I kind-a forgot and down I went! I shrugged to the audience and then had to crawl off on my knees whispering, "HELP ME!" as loudly and softly as I could until they dragged me off stage.
I got quite a cheer when I ran across the other way and made it without a fall.

(the lip sync to "Think" by Aretha Franklin -- SO FUN! How'd'ya like the American Idol microphone?)

Being a part of this fantastic show made me SO Happy.
(I may make you all watch the DVD later -- not sure if that'll make you so happy!) :)

"We Love You, We Do..."

2009-03-23T19:48:00.010-06:00

Wow! It's been a long time!!!!!
Sorry to all my faithful, lonely readers out there waiting with baited breath for a new post!

There's so much to post about that I thought I would play some catch-up (or ketchup -- ever wonder why it's called that?) to pay tribute to all the happinesses that have been happening!

First Up -- A super fun birthday party last Sunday with my favorite peeps.

Good Food, Good Friends, So Much ELJ Love!!!

Two of the quotes that we shared for the "program" that reminded me so much of her...

There are three words that sweetly blend,
That on the heart are graven;
A precious soothing balm they lend:
They’re mother, home and heaven.
-- Author Unknown

Woman’s influence can bless a community or a nation to that extent to which she develops her spiritual powers in harmony with the heaven-sent gifts with which she has been endowed by nature. If she does not forfeit her priceless heritage by her own willful negligence, she can be largely instrumental in safeguarding democracy and downing a would-be tyrant. Year in and year out, she may cast the aura of her calming and refining influence to make certain that her posterity will enjoy the opportunities to develop to their fullest potential their spiritual and physical natures. – Harold B. Lee

Am I the luckiest girl in the world or what? I know. I know. I can't believe it too.

It was so fun to be with her granddaughters too - Annie and Becca! Love them!!!

(PS - in the background you can kind-of see my newly recovered overstuffed chair! Love it!!)

You know there's no one else like ELJ that makes me So Happy!

I Heart Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T23:58:00.003-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day all!

Things I love:
God
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
My family - everyone and especially Aidan and Chloe
My friends - everyone and just kidding! Everyone!
Seattle
The Temple
My hollyhock picture
My 30th Birthday Scrapbook - see #3 and 4 although they're not numbered...
My job
Convertible Mini Coopers
The Book of Mormon - is it bad this came so late on the list?
Well - all the scriptures...
General Conference - So much. Come on. Love it.
General Relief Society Conference. Even more.
Of course -- Julie B. Beck!
BYU Women's Conference - I love conferences apparently.
Music
Flowers
My photos
Blogs - see the huge list on the side of this page.
My books and my Winnie the Pooh bookends
Disneyland
byubroadcasting.com find a talk database feature
Speaking in scripture :)
My mom's egg rolls and chicken dumplings
My visiting teachers
Homemade oreos
Singing at the piano with ELJ or talking in the kitchen or sitting in the comfy seats by the fire or watching tv with JEJ too or...
Talking on the phone to EJR or watching Golden Girls together or just reminiscing about old episodes together or talking about the Gospel together or...
Ok so I do have favorite friends...
The Golden Girls
The Trying Harder Girls
The Book Club Girls
The Second Saturday Girls
Dancing
My polka-dot umbrella
Walking around Green Lake
Dolly
Lots of dead people - well it's true... I'm just saying.
Traveling
Trader Joe's
ANTM
The Sound of Music
Parties to watch either of the last two items
The Turkeys and all the emailing
Miracles
Pickles -- and snickers pie and lemonade but I don't think Mrs. C reads this....
Pizza
Memories
Future Plans
Promises
Visiting Teaching
Mail - you know, good mail - not just junk
Argentina
Driving
Sledding with my family even though I almost died walking so far in the snow...
Good jokes - got any?
Lists
Being So Happy.
(Hope your day of love was filled with it! Think about what you love and it will be!)

ARRRRRRGH!!!

2009-01-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ok -- another calendaring item I'm sure you won't want to miss.

I am "starring" in the Stake Melodrama! It's titled "Shiver Me Timbers" or "The Little Love Boat." I'm the lovely Spanish maiden who gets kidnapped by the evil French pirates and then is rescued by my hero Capitan de la Cruz. :)

I have two lip sync numbers. You so don't want to miss it.

March 13-14th. Not 13 through the 14th. Just once on March 13 and once on March 14. So you've got two opportunities to catch the show. :)

I mean there is swashbuckling, deceit, love, intrigue and incredible cheesy jokes. You can't beat it. We may be up for a Golden Green Globe this year. Just wait.

Being in the theater again makes me Oh So Happy!

Ha! hahahahahahaha

2009-01-28T12:17:00.003-07:00

Ok -- I guess I should've explained that I want a username for a hypothetical account that I may end up setting up to potentially see if there are any available singles in the Salt Lake area. Maybe.

Hypothetically.

We'll see.

So -- while iluvoldpeople is particularly appropriate for me as a person, it may not be totally appropriate for a single's website. I mean if it's gonna be that it might as well be iluvsickoldpeoplewithcash.

Also - while nopolygsthanks is hilarious -- same story. Whaddya think? Mo'men was Ballsworth's idea -- a play on Mormon and More Men... ha!

Do you need to revote? Go ahead. Vote again.

Let your voice be heard.

Democracy and hilarious names make me -- So happy!

Hey - how bout sohappy for a username?

Self-disclosure aka Let That Freak Flag Fly!

2009-01-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else think it's a problem that while I've watched Biggest Loser tonight I've eaten half a hot and ready pepperoni pizza and a whole bunch of candy cane joe-joe's from Trader Joe's?

Yum.

Sick.

So Happy.

Rise and Shout?

2009-01-27T20:18:00.004-07:00

It's official. I'll be speaking at BYU Women's Conference.

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!! And wow. I feel so blessed and a huge weight of responsibility.

Anyone who can spare the time -- I would so appreciate your support that day!

Mark your calendars -- I think I'll be speaking on April 30 at 2:00 p.m. somewhere on BYU campus.

You can register online already! Or if you can only come for my talk I can get you a ticket for just that session. I know - it's a Thursday, in the middle of the day, in Provo. But... Please? I'd love to see friendly faces in the audience. Not that the sisters that go to Women's Conference aren't friendly - but you get what I mean.

It's a huge honor - but wow.

My topic is "Come what may and love it: Choosing joy and faith in Jesus Christ."

Thoughts?

Women's Conference still (and knowing who else we'll get to hear from on May 1 (my favorite day of the year) (see labels for a clue...)) makes me So Happy!

It's Electric! (BoogyWoogyWoogyWoo!)

2009-01-07T22:25:00.005-07:00

Well -- Hello 2009!

Today while I was getting ready for work, I heard Patrick Swayze singing "She's like the wind" and it made me feel two things. One: Really, Patrick? She's like the wind through your tree? What the heck? Two: I miss blogging. So here I am!

I'm taking a new, simpler approach to blogging. Just thoughts, short, random, whatev... And no more Dolly titles. Unless they're easy to come up with but that was keeping me from blogging! I am rather impressed with myself though for making it 5 months (ok 4, because I did not post even ONCE in December) with all titles of Dolly songs. Oh, remember Dolly? Love her!!! I have so much to post!!!

So. Yesterday I got out of bed. Good job, me. For some reason though, my lovely, fleecy pajama pants loaded up on static from my sheets and when I hit the snooze button on my alarm, I was shocked so hard that I actually saw the electricity! I saw the shock. It lit up! Like the lifesavers you can spark with! That was my finger. Ow! It happened like 4 more times because I like to snooze. Ow! What's up with all that electricity?

Getting shocked doesn't really make me so happy but blogging again and with a new cute for winter 2009 background (found at http://www.simplychicblogs.blogspot.com/) - So Happy.

I Believe In Santa Claus

2008-11-30T16:42:00.004-07:00

And look at the first gift he brought me this season!!!

"Congratulations! You were selected to receive tickets for this event:.

Number of Tickets: 4
Event: Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Christmas Concerts
Performance: Thu, Dec 11 at 08:00PM"

Needless to say, getting to go to this concert for the third year in a row makes me SOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY!

More Where That Came From

2008-11-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Week of Thanksgiving!!!

So recently my cute sister-in-law, Katie, was featured on Raspberry Lemonade because she is so crafty and awesome!

It's a super cute crafty blog!

And guess what! I'm getting featured too! But not because I'm crafty because many of you know I am craft-challenged shall we say... But be that as it may... Raspberry Lemonade still liked reading my blog and wanted me to share my thoughts on gratitude on her blog. You know I've got 'em!

So take a little trip over and see what I've got to say! You can comment there and here too!

Having someone like my ideas enough to want them on her blog makes me So Happy!

Speakin' of the Devil

2008-11-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was visiting with an elderly gentleman who LOVES to talk. It takes me 25 minutes to just get out of his house - and that's after I'm standing up, with my hand on the door knob all ready to leave. He always comes up with one more thing to say so I can't leave - which really is sad and sweet at the same time.

But last night it was FUNNY. Because he said to me, "I've figured out the problem with the Mormon Church."

"Oh you have?" said I. "What would that be?"

And he said, "Well, they've been having so many problems, you know, in California, because of that Preparation H."

I didn't hear much of anything else he said.

Stuff like that makes me So Happy.

Islands in the Stream/Bridge Over Troubled Water

2008-11-13T19:51:00.021-07:00

Did you ever have 4 of the best girlfriends in the world? If you did, then you would know what it's like to come home from work and have this lovely package on your doorstep!

I'll give you a play by play.

"I've got a golden (ok silver) ticket! It's ours Charlie!"

The Turkeys are my dear, dear, dear friends from high school. I was so lucky to move to Illinois in my junior year because that's where I met the Turkeys. It still strikes me as funny that we named ourselves - but we sure did and it sure stuck! (I actually don't totally remember how that came to be...
except the vague, general concept.)

I have so many great Turkey memories. Lots of Allerton, jumping and shaking our booties, Madrigals (in fact, Christmastime sure brings back lots of memories from all those songs) especially The Holly and the Ivy among others. Also, "Sailors", WKRP, "Subway Capitol Hill", Wuscious Wee, Hubway, Carrie-Calls, "SLIPPERS", $5000, American Music, "Hero", putting on lipstick, sheets as towels, duck slippers and oh so many more. We laughed and cried, fought, made cupa-cupa-cupa, went to prom together, graduated and laughed and cried some more before we went away to college.

We lost touch for a while and then found each other again. But, in the meantime, they were there for me during really sad times. Miraculously, even after all this time, it's like no time at all has passed. We're close as always even despite the almost 3000 miles that separate us.

(The fantastic cupcake people actually sprinkled some extra sprinkles on top of the plastic that covered the cupcakes!
So thoughtful! So yummy!)

We live all over the country and the other 4 are all married with 2 (well almost 2) kids each.
I'm so proud of the wonderful wives and mothers they are -- of the contributions they're making in their communities.

They are truly beautiful people.

And they're my Turkeys.

(There were instructions to let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for 4 HOURS before eating them so you can bet I'll be setting my alarm to get out of bed at about 11 tonight to have a little snacky-snack!)

(That's a sweet potato cupcake! So Cool!)

So, not only did I get a fantastic super great job, I got a dozen cupcakes and reminded that I have the best friends in the world.

What's the nicest gift you've ever been given?

How appropriate that in November - well and since I was 16 - the Turkeys make me Soooooo Happy.

Bubbling Over

2008-11-12T14:00:00.001-07:00

What a fantastic day! Yesterday, the Toolson's came to see me!

Bishop and Sister Toolson were in my ward as soon as I moved to Seattle and I loved them immediately!

It was so fun to get together and reminisce. I was surprised at how many of my Seattle memories include the Toolsons.

Remember Mike Snow humming Hotel California? (Maria - I know you're doing it right now. :)) Sabrina picking up that last piece of torn paper bag off the floor with her teeth? The Bishop laying on the floor playing whatever game that was just cracking up and making us all laugh so hard! Remember their driveway? :)

I remember too so many things that they taught us. They never have had a fight.
Remember how much Bishop Toolson loved the Bible and his mother and Sister Toolson and us??? Remember the story about her wedding ring?

Remember all the yummy treats and how loved you felt when you were at their house?

What are your favorite Toolson memories?

Aren't we blessed when good people choose to serve the Lord?

Being with them tonight, and the blessing of their friendship always, makes me So Happy.

9 to 5

2008-11-11T20:57:00.013-07:00

Remember how I knew I'd get a miracle even when I wasn't sure how the miracle would come?

Once upon a time, I needed a car. I wanted a car that had 4 doors and a sunroof. And I only had $5500 to spend.

So I gave my list to Heavenly Father and you know what? I got EXACTLY what I prayed for.

EXACTLY.

My former roommate, Katesta, reminded me of this when she used our praying experience from the yellow/red brick house move to help her find a new apartment. We had some very specific criteria for the new place we were moving all those years ago. There were 5 of us and we wanted to all room together. We wanted to pay less rent, live closer to campus and stay in our same ward.

And you know what? We got EXACTLY what we prayed for.

EXACTLY.

So. I tried it again. And I was RIGHT! I got my miracle.

EXACTLY.

And boy am I glad! I started my new job today! And it is WONDERFUL!!!!

My favorite scripture - well you know me and favorites - but still My favorite scripture:

"And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni, and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto them according to their prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto them IN EVERY PARTICULAR." (Alma 25:17)

Ammon and his brethren prayed a lot of prayers. But they were answered in every particular.

When we pray specifically and get specific answers, we MUST give thanks to Heavenly Father.
Well, I suppose we don't have to, but if we don't when it is SO easy to give credit where credit is due... not maybe the best choice.

I know that Heavenly Father wants to bless us.

He wants us to know that He loves us.

And that doesn't change even when we haven't yet gotten the blessings we think are best for us.

Like Sister Johnson always said, "Thanks for the next. I'm sure of this." can not be our attitude if we want to give credit where credit is due.

So I say, Thank You for now. Right now today.

It was a glorious first day of work. The hospital where I got a job is three miles from my home, I already knew one of the ladies I work with and she is fantastic, I was offered more money with this job than any of the others I was offered and it's EXACTLY the kind of work I hoped for.

And the way I got this job that was NEVER POSTED?

A miracle.

First, this lovely woman was called to be the General Relief Society President.
(Isn't that 55 cent dress phenomenal?)

Then, she called this lovely woman to work on the General Board.

Then she became the General Relief Society President too.

I love the Relief Society.

Then there was the miracle of our becoming friends.

Then the College of Social Work had a commemorative birthday party for
Sister Spafford (because you're right, Maria) and Sister Jack took me with her to the party.

While at the party, I talked to the Dean of the College of Social Work who knew there would be a job opening at the hospital.

I called about it and two weeks later, I got the job.
The job that really wasn't and certainly wasn't posted.

And that came JUST in the nick of time

It is definitely my job.

It is an absolute miracle.

So Grateful. So Happy.

Real Love

2008-11-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

Aren't you ever just blown away by how much you're blessed by the lovely and loving lives of others?

You've seen those signs that say, "All because two people fell in love."

When two people fall in love, they really do change the world.

Certainly my world has been blessed by so many faithful, loving, happy marriages.

My parents marriage has blessed my life in so many ways. Not just by giving me life either. But by being faithful to one another they have blessed me with security which is not to be undervalued in our society! That's just the very start!

I remember thinking on my mission how grateful I was that my Mission President and his wife had a solid marriage. They spent their time focusing on us and not on their own issues. They were probably not issue-free (although I'm pretty sure they were) but they were solid and the world was blessed.

50 years have made so very many people So Happy.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2008-11-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is where I live.

For those who don't know better, it's called Waterbury.

For those who do, it's called Narnia.

Living here and the new fallen snow make me So Happy!

The New Ensign's Here! The New Ensign's Here!

2008-11-05T17:43:00.003-07:00

It's the next best thing since Conference!!!

And to be able to read all the words of a living Prophet and other Servants of the Lord

Makes me SO Happy!

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

2008-10-07T17:30:00.034-06:00

I love that we got to listen to the Prophet of the Lord speak this last weekend.
What a miracle!
So much of it felt absolutely directed to me and I am still grateful.

The first weekends of April and October make me very very happy.
In fact, I can always hardly wait!
I was so happy that Seth and Katie came to share the last session with me and they were perfectly obedient to my no talking rules! Love them!
Then we headed to Temple Square to document the loveliness that is that block.
I can't believe it's going to be all lit up so soon for Christmastime!

So, wasn't General Conference thrilling?

And A NEW TEMPLE IN ARGENTINA!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so thrilled. I cried and cried in my car.

And Rome! How fun was it to hear everyone's reaction to that!?!

My favorite talk was Elder Cook, President Uchtdorf, Elder Wirthlin, Elder Holland, Elder Bednar, Sister Dalton, President Monson, President Packer, Elder Andersen,
and President Eyring.

I'll have to look at my notes to see if I had other favorites too.
Ok - Elder Ballard, Elder Nelson, Elder Hales, and Elder Oaks.

I love that for 8 hours (really 10 counting RS Conference) we get to listen to wonderfully inspired leaders tell us what Heavenly Father wants us to hear.
And what beautiful, beautiful messages He sent us.

Some of my favorite quotes...
"Hope you know, we had a hard time." Elder Cook

"Faith is not a feeling, it's a decision." Elder Andersen

"No room in the inn was not a singular expression of rejection,
just the first." President Monson

"If only we could glimpse what our Heavenly Father has in store for us in the next life and in this life as well, our hope would become unshakable." Elder Uchtdorf

"I leave you the Lord's promise that you will have the righteous desires of your heart." President Eyring

"Those who refuse to read the Book of Mormon are like spoiled children who refuse to eat a meal lovingly prepared for them." Elder Aidukaitis

"Prelude is not a time for conversation." Elder Oaks

"Hope is one leg of a three legged stool which stabilizes our life regardless of rough or unstable circumstances." Elder Uchtdorf

"We have enormous spiritual reservoirs available to us. Be not afraid -- only believe." Elder Andersen

"The scriptures are written to bring us hope!" Elder Uchtdorf

"Come what may and love it!" Elder Wirthlin

"Darkness, afraid, river, alone." Elder Holland

"The brighter our hope, the greater our faith. The stronger our hope, the purer our charity." Elder Uchtdorf

"Almighty God being my Helper they cannot come here!"
President Packer (quoting Brigham Young)

"Remember the Lord has said He would fight our battles."
Elder Holland

"Meaningful morning prayer proceeds the temporal creation of every day." Elder Bednar

"The next time you're tempted to groan you might laugh instead." Elder Wirthlin

"Let us once and for all establish our residence in Zion and give up our summer residence in Babylon." Elder Christofferson (quoting Elder Maxwell)

"Heavenly Father hears and answers every sincere prayer."
Lots of People

"We would all do well not to speak of [the Savior] as though He were the friend next door. He is the Firstborn of the Father." Bishop McMullin

"Jesus will make everything alright. When Jesus comes I will be able to hear and you will get your legs." Elder Andersen

"Angels are sent as emissaries to convey love. The scriptures are filled with accounts of angels. Seen or unseen they are always near." Elder Holland

"The Holy Ghost is the witness of and the messenger for the Father and the Son." Elder Bednar

"Don't be consumers of vice but guardians of virtue." Sister Dalton

"The Lord will let you feel His appreciation from stepping away from the possibility of sowing the seeds of disunity."
President Eyring

"You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone." Sister Dalton (quoting President Monson)

"We may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will be grander than we could have imagined." Elder Uchtdorf

"The dial on the wheel of sorrow eventually points to all of us. Learning to endure is part of our on the job training." Elder Wirthlin

"God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges we face, Nor Will He Ever." Elder Holland

"In the midst of winter we find within us an invincible summer." Elder Uchtdorf

"There must be opposition in all things." Almost Everyone.

"The will to win means almost nothing without the will to prepare." Sister Dalton

"Understand the principle of compensation. While it may not come at a time we desire, the faithful today know that every tear will be returned a hundredfold." Elder Wirthlin

"We must carry on the devoted, committed tradition of the people who built this church." Elder Ballard

"You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find you've got a lot of empty yesterdays." President Monson

"Each marriage starts with two built in handicaps - two imperfect mortals." Elder Nelson

(Seth was not going over to tell that couple that it was a little inappropriate to snuggle on Temple Square. Although, come on. Inappropriate? He actually had found some edible plants on Temple Square! Don't tell anyone he tested to make sure they were really edible! They were! So many fun plants on Temple Square!)

"In troubled times the Lord has always prepared a safe way ahead." President Packer

"Heavenly Father's great Plan of Happiness allows family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave." Elder Nelson

(Aren't Seth and Katie so cute?!?)

"Let us relish life as we live it... Do human beings ever realize life as they live it -- every, every minute?" President Monson

"Make pleasant memories for the future." President Monson

"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." President Monson

"Harmony in marriage only comes when one esteems the welfare of the spouse as the highest priority." Elder Nelson

"Then, with emotions in my heart, I closed the door and faced an unknown future." Elder Cook (quoting Bathsheba Smith)

"Sometimes the things that are best for us which bring eternal rewards are most bitter."
Elder Cook (quoting President Harold B. Lee)

"Heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that fits appropriately." Elder Holland

"The Savior, resurrected and glorious, lives and reaches out to us." President Eyring

My take home messages?
Heavenly Father loves His children. He does know we're having a hard time. He wants us to be happy. We must invite Him into our lives so He can be involved in all the details. He has already provided the way for us to have hope. Let's be united, kind and courageous and find our training programs from the scriptures. Let's be reverent when we should be and never forget how much Heavenly Father loves us - especially when things are hard.

I really love Him.

General Conference, New Temples, The Gospel and being with family make me SO HAPPY!

Just Because I'm a Woman

2008-10-06T23:43:00.030-06:00

Last Saturday was filled with my favorite women!
And at least one miracle occurred!

My dear, dear friend, Linda Johnson, came to Salt Lake City!

She and 4 of her friends from Seattle came down to Wendover and then took a little roadtrip so they could visit Temple Square!
So So Happy!!! All-Week-Long-Waiting-For-Them-To-Come-Happy!

Linda has been my dear friend since I moved up to Seattle.
She is one of the kindest, sweetest, most faithful and thoughtful people I have ever known.

I miss walking around Green Lake with her!

(Isn't that a phenomenal picture? I took that! It's so watercolory! I love it!!!)

I have lots of angels in my home that remind me of her.

Last Saturday we got together on Temple Square and unfortunately, because of Relief Society Conference, the Conference Center and the RS building were closed. But we spent time looking at the Temple, walking around the gorgeous grounds, touring the Joseph Smith Building where we ate Fried Pickles! (they are so good!),

peeking in the Tabernacle and hearing a pin drop, finding Linda's friend's lost eyeglasses (what an answer to prayer and thank you sister missionaries!), and touring the North Visitor's Center where we walked up into heaven and heard the Christus statue talk to us.

It was absolutely blissful.

I love talking about the Church.
I love thinking about the Gospel and explaining how perfect it is.
I love talking to other people about their beliefs and connecting on common ground.
I love the Gospel.
I love the Church!
I love looking at the statues of Joseph and Hyrum and thinking of all they sacrificed for us.
I love thinking about the blessings that I have in my life because of their lives.

(This pic and the Christus are not ones I took...)

I love looking at the statues of John the Baptist and Peter, James and John and knowing that they really did return to the earth and restore the Priesthood.
I love looking at the Temple.
I loved talking about the Angel Moroni and explaining that Moroni was a man who had a father named Mormon. Mormon reviewed the records kept by all the ancient prophets and gave us the "Readers Digest version" known as the Book of Mormon.
How fantastic!
How perfect!

My happiness didn't end there last Saturday!
It was the Relief Society Meeting!

(Hahaha!
This is my best effort at a pic of Sister Beck, Sister Allred and Sister Dalton!)

Oh that day is so happy for me
(as previously noted in the Sister Beck post).
But this time it was happy too because of all the
friends that came with me!
I think Baley deserves her own post because
she is so incredibly happy!

I mean, how happy is that face?

My friends Katesta, Karen and Charlene also came to
Relief Society Conference.

Karen always "keep[s] it real smooth!" Love her!!!

We had the best seats in the World!
We were like 4 rows from the front!
(Well, from the front section that's all cordoned off for the VIP's.)

So, it was a miracle that Linda Johnson came to Temple Square.
And it was a miracle that we got to be so close at the RS Meeting.
So close that I got to talk to Sister Beck before the meeting and give her her birthday card. :)

Don't you just love favorite people?

Then... I learned a good lesson.
When you go to the parking garage and you're on the BYU Women's Conference Committee maybe don't act like Marilyn Monroe in front of the GINORMOUS fan.

(So fierce.)

Because someone else on the committee is sure to see you.

But Baley is adorable!

(Darn that we're not better in focus!)
Oh well -
everyone got a good laugh at committee meeting last Friday.

Linda Johnson, Temple Square, Baley and Relief Society Conference make me OH SO Happy!

Potential New Boyfriend

2008-10-02T12:00:00.001-06:00

Dear October,

I love you. I'm so glad you've come back again.

I love the apples you bring me, the colorful leaves, football games, cider, pumpkins, sweater weather, rain, General Conference and I love

Yes I do. Thank you, October, for bringing me the Count.

Count - you can move in with me anytime. You are so yummy. I love your chocolatey goodness and wonderful sweet marshmellows. I can eat you without milk (since I don't have any right now) and I can eat you any time of day. I know you have friends Boo-berry and Frankenberry, but I like you much better than them. I wish you were available to me all year round- but I found you yesterday at Target and that makes me -- SO Happy! Love, Amy

Calm on the Water

2008-10-01T16:00:00.008-06:00

Monday I was disappointed. It's ok. It happens.

But I decided that it's important for me to express my faith before the blessings come.

I mean - I want Heavenly Father to know (if He reads my blog... :)) that I trust Him now. Before a miracle happens.
Not just after I get the blessings.

I believe in miracles. They've happened in my life and in lives of others I know.

So today I made a list of miracles that I can readily bring to memory. I started with scriptural miracles - but quickly moved on to personal miracles and they've just kept coming to memory
all day long.

**Moses parted the Red Sea.
**Moses was found by Pharoh's daughter - of all the women by the river - and what a huge river!
**Crickets and Seagulls.
**Nephi. He built a boat. He shocked his brothers. The Lord made their raw meat sweet. He kept forgiving. Nephi is a miracle.
**Getting UT residency for tuition right in the nick of time.

**Finding $500 after my young woman Ali told me the story of our meeting 15 years ago on a plane when she was 5.
**Calling Carolyn to my presidency before I even had seen her and she was PERFECT.
**Getting a job at the Social Research Institute which paid a huge chunk of my tuition. I saw the flyer for it the day the application was due but I still got the job. Amazing Blessing.
**Becoming friends with the Disneyland Girls.

**Being at the intersection in the right moment to see my young woman need me.
**Being able to go to Europe with Catheryn.

**Meeting Anastasia in Germany.

**Aidan.

{That kid is a genius and I'm not kidding or exaggerating!!
He knows his opposites which we were practicing here while he played my favorite exercise game of up and down (which consists of him riding on my leg while I move his like 20 lb body up and down. I can go about 4 times before my leg dies.)}

**Finding my condo (on craigslist!) And it didn't sell before I bought it. MIRACLE.

**Being called as YW President on the very day I was going to change to the single's ward.

**Being inspired to do the project for Sister Beck.
**The project worked!
**Running into Sister Beck on Temple Square with all the YW.
**Colleen's family waited long enough to have her FUNeral that I could come during my fall break.
**Going to see Luella after Women's Conference 2006, even though she was already a pumpkin, and that was the last time I saw her. If I wouldn't have gone I wouldn't have seen her the whole time I lived in Salt Lake.
**Linda Johnson came to Temple Square. (Pictures soon to come!)
**Getting called to the BYU Women's Conference Planning Committee.
**The Turkeys. Connecting with them initially. Reconnecting with them recently. Totally worth more than $5000. (So glad Cora made it into the pic with us!)

**Working on the Thursday night shift at the Temple. It was perfect. Those were my people.
**Getting my job at Life Care at Home so I could move to Utah.
**Feeling inspired to move to Utah.
**My money that should've run out in January of 2008 has lasted until now (with a little left still).
**Getting my first job at ManorCare.
**Meeting Hilda.

**Making the connection from Hilda to Jan Conger.
**Getting to do Hilda's (and her family's) Temple Work - and the Burnham's were there for it all!
**Being in the Temple with Elder Scott.
**Getting to introduce Sister Kapp and her husband in Seattle at a conference. To the conference participants - not each other. ;)

**Sister Kapp sitting in front of ELJ and me at the concert two weeks ago.
**Visiting teaching assignment that let me be friends with Maria.

**Maria and I deciding not to move to that FANTASTIC apartment because we didn't know I'd be moving here. Then I moved here.
**Sitting by Elder Wirthlin on the plane on the way home from Ricks College.
**They found Catheryn and Steve.

**Seeing Dolly in the park. What a miracle.

**The Blue Notebook.
**The Antipas recipe.
**My mission president and his wife being here for dinner with ELJ, EJR and their husbands.

**Getting to be in the Solemn Assembly session for President Hinckley and President Monson.
**Picking the very right songs for Stake Conference May 2006. Wow.
**Being in the foyer of the Temple so I could see my friend Sister Chris when she visited Seattle.
**Being called to the Argentina Neuquen Mission.

**Totally embarrassing myself on the phone with President Monson - the miracle is I didn't lose my membership in the church after calling him a liar. Ask me sometime.
**Getting to be with President Hinckley in the Salt Lake Temple for a devotional.
**Being friends with ELJ. Of all the people she knows, I get to be one of her friends. (One that gets to sit at her kitchen counter a lot and eat ice cream and one that calls me when I have blind dates to see if I need rescuing and takes me with her to the symphony - oh how I love her.)

**Being friends with EJR. Of all the people she knows, I get to be one of her friends. (one that she shares jokes with and buys dresses for and watches The Golden Girls with and lets read her manuscripts and plays dominoes with even when it's hard - oh how I love her.)

**I was born! Into my family at the very time I needed to be born.

(Come on that is an awesome picture.)

**I was born into a family that embraces and lives the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ!

**So many Luella miracles.

**Luella herself was a miracle.

**Thinking to call the American Cancer Society about the job posting and finding out about the other available job.
**Just deciding to send my resume to Caresource even though there were no job openings.
**Passing the Social Work Licensure Exam.

My dad always says, "The Lord loves a coincidence."

I think it's true because you can choose to see His hand in all things or not. He never forces. So I want to be a part of the righteous generation - not seeking a sign like the wicked generation - but seeing the signs of His Love everywhere.

I doubt not the Lord nor His goodness.
I've proved Him in days that are past.

So while waiting, I will not doubt. I will be patient. I will be hopeful and I will live my belief that if I have to wait until eternity for some blessings, the blessing of the Atonement is enough until then. More than enough. And the amazing thing is - that's not the only blessing He has given me. See above list for proof.

What miracles are you most grateful for?

Past, Present and the Promise of Future Blessings make me,
So Happy.

Eagle When She Flies

2008-10-01T10:37:00.006-06:00

Happy, Happy Birthday (although a little belated on Sept 29th) Sister Beck, Dear!

Happy days will come to you all year!

If I had a wish, then it would be,
A Happy, Happy Birthday to you from me!

You may have notice that I love Sister Beck. And lists.
So here's a list of some of my favorite Sister Beck quotes!

"It is time for Relief Society to fulfill its purpose as never before."

"Just as the Savior invited Mary and Martha of New Testament times to participate in His work, women of this dispensation have an official commission to participate in the Lord’s work."

"We know through the Prophet Joseph Smith that Relief Society was a formal part of the Restoration and that a similar organization for women existed in the Church anciently. (awesome!!!) The Prophet Joseph taught that Relief Society was “divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God,” “according to the law of heaven” to help the Lord “bring to pass the . . . eternal life of man.”

"The purpose of Relief Society as established by the Lord, is to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare them for the blessings of eternal life."

"Early pioneer women were driven from homes and persecuted because of their faith. Others survived fires and floods. They crossed oceans and walked thousands of miles, tolerating dirt, illness, and near starvation to help build the Lord’s kingdom on the earth. Many of them buried husbands, children, parents, and siblings along the way. Why did they do this? They did it because the fire of their faith burned in their souls. These remarkable women were not seeking fine clothing, greater leisure, large earthly mansions, or more possessions. Like you, they had a conviction and a testimony that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ was true and that the Lord needed them to do their part in establishing His kingdom on the earth. Their pursuit of personal righteousness was a daily effort to become more like the Savior through repentance, scripture study, prayer, obedience to commandments, and through seeking after everything “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.”

"...whether we are married or single, old or young, we have a duty to defend and practice the truths found in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”

"Children being born now are growing up in an increasingly sinful world. Our homes are to be their refuge from the daily encounters they have with evil. Relief Society should be organized, aligned, and mobilized to strengthen families and help our homes to be sacred sanctuaries from the world."

“If I never come back, if you never see me again, if I’m never able to teach you another thing, you tie yourself to Relief Society. Relief Society will be your mother.”

"When we serve in another auxiliary we are not released from the sisterhood of Relief Society. Because we do not go in or out of Relief Society, we are always connected to the purpose and responsibilities of Relief Society and are blessed by all opportunities to be examples and faith-filled shepherds to our Father’s children."

"Without personal revelation, we cannot succeed. If we heed personal revelation, we cannot fail."

"It was prophesied that in the latter days the Lord would pour out His Spirit upon His handmaids. This will happen as we allow ourselves to be still enough and quiet enough to listen to the voice of the Spirit... Most of all, revelation requires us to have a sufficient degree of personal righteousness, so that on occasion revelation may come to the righteous, unsolicited."

"The real power in this great worldwide sisterhood lies within each woman. Though we may see ourselves as weak and simple, we all share a noble heritage and can develop a faith that is equal to that of remarkable, faithful women who have gone before us."

"We have a vital role to play in helping build the kingdom of God and preparing for the Lord’s coming. In fact, the Lord cannot accomplish His work without the help of His daughters. Because of that, the Lord expects us to increase our offering. He expects us to fulfill the purpose of Relief Society as never before."

Wow. All that just from her talk last Saturday
(about which there is so much happiness to blog!!!).
There are so many great Sister Beck quotes, I may have to add a favorite daily quote box!

She is remarkable.

I could go on and on about how grateful I am that she is our leader at this time.
She has refocused us away from ourselves and onto the Lord where we can find
Ultimate Hope and Purpose and Joy.

She is leading us FULL-SPEED-AHEAD to ready ourselves and the world for the Savior to come again and I am thrilled to walk in step with her to do whatever I can to strengthen my little corner of the fort.

Aren't We Blessed?!

Last night at a book club I attended, one of the girls started talking about the controversy from last year over Sister Beck's talk. All 10 of us (single girls without children) couldn't understand why or how anyone could take offense at her loving words. We each and all fully support her. Then, now and always.

Sister Barbara B. Smith gave a talk called Season for Strength.
Sister Beck certainly has shown that she is equal to the task of the season in which she finds herself serving.
I know the Lord is her strength and we can add strength by supporting her and praying for her.

So today, let's celebrate her. Happy Birthday Sister Beck.

Sister Beck makes me SO Happy!

Sneakin' Around With You

2008-09-29T09:12:00.030-06:00

A year ago today my friend Colleen made her return appearance in Heaven.

I'm sure that she did not sneak in but that her arrival was
greatly anticipated.
Her FUNeral was like 3 hours long.

These were some of the flowers Maria and I got for the FUNeral.
We knew she'd love flowers coming out of a pumpkin.
Then we found that box that actually SAID Colleen.
It was a sign.
So today I just want to use my Colleen language and record all the fun things we used to do and say. Maria and my mom will probably understand most of it - well some anyway - the rest of you can think about wonderful inside jokes that make you smile when only the two of you understand.

Colleen memories:
Harold andMaude, Arthur Arthur, The Best Little *House in Texas.
"My brother named..."
Phil (actually Rich), Kirk (actually Rick)
Straight Hand Across, Jen
We can be a bus!
The purple afghan.
Our accident on the way to Phyllis's dad's funeral after we had a prayer.
Hot fudge sundaes.
The Turtle.
Cool Pleasures.

(Sorry it's not right way up)
Heart Attack Window Decor.
Katherine Weeks Genes/Jeans. I still have them.
"Pop Up!" (Bonnie Parkin).
Sister Parkin's silver umbrella pin.
Airflow.
Hurricane Ridge.
Our bracelets.
More precious than rubies conference.
Celebrating New Years at Jack in the Box and watching the fireworks from the middle of Hwy 99. I had our celebration paper in my car for years. It may still be in there actually.
The little purple thing. My little purple thing was black.

Valentine's surprise for KW.
The wild thing monkey.
The enormous monkey for KW when she was sick.
KUU (KW) license plates.
The wet wedding dress story.
We don't ask how, we just ask why.
Treasures of Truth book (ok these are a lot of KW memories too but they so go together)
Deleted.
Tar-jet, Tarzhay, Target. Same store, three different locations.
How she'd always brew the coffee in the hotel room.
Matches in her make-up bag.
"Paradise View"
Going to the symphony for Christmas.
Lip plumper.
The secret way to go to the Temple off of 2nd Ave and 99.
The Contra-alto man singing Handel's Messiah. Wow.
Fetus-man.
The money tree.
Putting one rose bud in water in a bowl from the Stake kitchen for the reception.
Women at the Well.
The Seattle Temple at like 4 in the morning.

Sister Lily.
Loving the Seattle Temple all the time.
Just heading right up to the room instead of going to the Chapel. Don't worry - we're on time.
Praying to get to the Temple on time. You pray, I'll drive. We made it.
Salon Excellence.

Krispy Kremes - "That'll be $8.57 for your two donuts and chocolate milk please."
Eating lunch in the triangle.
Sequim.
Carol.
Aletha.
Blu Water and S'mores.
Blu Water with the Croshaws.
Time Outs.
Chinook.
"Day-oh. One day sale one day sale one day sale. Friday only at the Bon Marche." (sung to the tune of Day-o) One day sales- all the time.
When she got stuck right in the path of the naked bike Fremont parade.
"Tendencies."

Clip on the eyebrow.
Life is Real.
The Bug Stik.
Green Cake.
Thai One On.
Moonshadow.
Moon something - in Richmond Beach - so yummy!
ARTERIALS!!!!!!!!

First favorite everything.
First Favorite Fred Meyers.
Buying a table turkey for her brother named John when he was attached to an IV.
I'm not a real person.
Hair colors changing - on all of us.
Going to see Ed and how he'd shrug up his shoulders when he laughed and how much he loved her. And how much they had decorated their apartment on every square inch for whatever holiday it was.
Sneaking Around With You...
Science Project Hair.
Me falling asleep on the couch ... "Sarah Brown is my..."
Ben and Jerry.
Lunches at China First.
Carl and George at Aldercrest.
Bedroom Makeover with Tanni.
Eating at the Space Needle with Mom and Lacey.
Yes - we'll take the bottle of Martinelli's for $15.
Ice chips in the ER for me.
Olpin Enjoyment Weekend.

Zoopas.
Getting invited to dinner and then just going to Zoopas on Sunday.
The Sundance House.
Gregory Ann.
Septmeber Grass.
The Scary Closet.
Kitchen Dick Road.
Dungeness Spit.
Road Trips.
Christmas downtown -- The Figgy Pudding Contest.
Resting at the Bon Marche.
Claustrophobia!
My birthday party on the patio with the turtle tablecloth and the flip flop key chain.
Riding in the back of a police car - no air bags. - no ticket.
Like 45 police behind us on the bridge after the accident.
Documentation!
Non-verbal communication.
Old Navy - those pajama pants. (Hey I'm wearing them right now!)
You Pick- We Pick.
50th Surprise Birthday Party - "Ok everyone come out of the kitchen!"
Tacky Postcards.
El Gaucho - YUM!
Ivan. Marjorie.

Going to Leavenworth to get her the music box to replace the one that she had gotten in Europe and brought home and showed her roommate and the roommate thought she bought it for her so the roommate took it and thanked Colleen for it!
Chocolate Pudding. Or tapioca for KW but you have to eat it our special way.
LuDean.
Dagne.
Jennie Folan and the greeting card placemats.
Let's go to the Outback cuz you always know what you're gonna get.
Dilletante's.
Movies.
Louise.
Marathon Saturdays.
Her first favorite daughter that she never had.

So many more...
And so many more pics too - I'll have to scan them in though because a lot of our documentation happened before digital cameras.

The day Colleen got sick, she was actually moving down to Utah.
I was so excited for her to come and live close to me.
Her heart was the biggest heart I have ever encountered.
At her FUNeral there were so many people to whom Colleen had been their best (and maybe only) friend.
I miss her -- I can't wait to see her again.

Thinking about Colleen and being so grateful for our memories makes me SO Happy.

Walking On Sunshine

2008-09-25T17:25:00.003-06:00

I passed my licensing exam!!!

I'm so so so happy!!!
I am now a full fledged Clinical Social Worker -
which means I should know what I'm talking about.
Uh-oh.
I was so scared to push the "finish" button -
but I passed with a 79 and I only needed a 70!
So that's fantastic!!!
Thanks to everyone for praying for me!
Everyone can breathe a huge sigh of relief!!!!
3 little letters - CSW - make me So Happy!

Love is Like a Butterfly

2008-09-23T09:00:00.006-06:00

So I crossed over into Iowa.
I had butterflies in my stomach right away.
There was a lot of unfinished business there that is finished now.
I listened to my Iowa song and tried to just be brave.
Mostly, it worked!

All pics taken out my window while driving!
Not recommended - but the best way when traveling alone!

I pulled into my friend's house about 9:00 p.m. just in time to see all the lightening bugs! I loved it! I also went past John Wayne's birthplace. Who knew he was born in Iowa! (Iowans I guess!)

It was so nice to see my friend Sister Jones and her husband.
They were so great to let me stay at their house for a night.
The missionaries live there too so we shared the bathroom - not while they were in it -
just, you know, the same location.

A little Iowa humor -- who would name a town Grimes?
Just the first of many crazy town names to come.

And check out the happy water tower! Every city has one.
(A water tower, but not necessarily a happy water tower!)
One city has a "Hot" and "Cold" water tower!
This city just had a smiley face tower!
So friendly.

I was planning to stay a little longer in the Des Moines area - but everything seems to have worked out just right. I found out my dad was going to have to leave for California earlier than we thought, so I decided to move everything up and get going. I didn't get to see a couple friends that way - but it was worth it to see my dad for a couple days!! Of course!!!
But that comes later - first, Des Moines.

Sister Jones drove me to downtown Des Moines so I could get on my way.
Those butterflies came back to my stomach as soon as I saw the signs for West Des Moines.
This was the sight of a lot of teenage distress - in fact, I'm not even sure I want to include this on my happy blog. But - it is happy because I'm finally done with all of it - so maybe that's why I should just leave it off. I'll just show the symbols of my healing.
But first Sister Jones and I went to have lunch together and it was FUN!

It was wonderful to see her after so many years. You know those people in your life that are just always important to you even when it's been years and years since you've seen someone?
That's Sister Jones. Really important to me.

After we said goodbye I headed over to the home of someone I used to know.
She's long gone now - literally and figuratively out of my heart -
but I just needed to somehow say goodbye.
So I did.

I know you are thinking,
"Well, that's just a silly little miniature bottle of perfume."
And you're right.
But it is also an offering that symbolizes years and years of pain -
laid right down and let go!
Nothing has ever felt so good.
I mean it.

(Hear the choir sing a lovely chord of "AHHHHHHHHHH".)

Then I headed over to the Stake Center where I had gone as a teenager -- so good to see it.
Lots of memories -- dances, piano playing, Amelia Airhead, Becky Allen, the chocolate chip cookie story, square dancing, Sister Williams, Bryan Arazani... so many more.
And the songs - oh the songs that come right to my mind when I think of that Stake Center!

I was surprised at how little it was.
You knew how you go back to your elementary school and you're surprised at how low the ceilings are?
Like that.

Then I headed to the mall! I thought this mall was absolutely the bomb dot com when I was a teenager.
And you know what?
It's just a regular old mall in the middle of Des Moines! Wow!
The piano player was playing which was nice. That used to be a really big deal.

But it wasn't such a big deal now. I just knew this store would have the nicest bathrooms.
That's why I went there.
And that seemed a little symbolic too. :)

I realized so many things on this day.
Here are some of my lessons learned from this day of my trip.
(And about 18 years of thinking and crying over this.)

#1 - I will not idolize people but I will love them.
#2 - Luxury is not necessarily happiness but accomplishment from hard work is.
You really can't buy happiness.
#3 - All people are just trying to make it through. We will hurt each other along the way but we don't have to stay hurt. They didn't get it either.
#4 - I will not be afraid to love knowing my happiness can come from being the one who loves and that true love comes from God alone.
#5 - I really can have anything I want- so decide what I want! It may not be the same as everyone else, so don't buy their advertising that it is!
#6 - I've been to Paris. Come on, Des Moines. It's just a mall. I don't need your umbrella bag. Thanks.

All that from going to this store. And said 18 years.
I pressed on to Ames, Iowa where I got to have dessert with my good friend Cathy Carlyle.

My first job (besides detasseling (which I may soon speak of)) was babysitting her daughters. They are a wonderful family.
It was so so so good to see her and get caught up.
It was as though no time had passed at all.
Except a lot of time has passed and now one of her girls is in medical school and the other will be soon!
So, yes. As a matter of fact, a lot of time has passed!!!

They mow the ditches in Iowa.

And this is how they spray the fields! (Wish I could remove those power lines...)
(Get ready for lots more corn pics!)

The "theme" of my trip was a daily calendar picture.
The day I left on my trip the calendar was the very picture of a monthly calendar I had on my mission.
I had really been hoping for a transfer in September of 1997.
Really, really, really hoping.
Then I turned the calendar to October and it was this picture.
I knew I wasn't getting transferred.
I wasn't.
And then August 4, 2008.
I tore off the August 3 calendar and found this one!
It was the perfect theme for my trip.
I kept it hanging out of my cd player for the whole trip.
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
I had been all these places before - but I returned with new eyes.
And boy, did I see!

The new vision has made me, So Happy.

Better Get to Livin'

2008-09-22T11:05:00.023-06:00

After my close call with certain death from the tornado that I barely scraped by...I continued my journey across Nebraska.
It was long.

I finally made it to Iowa!
But not before stopping at Winter Quarters.
This is a wonderful memorial to the Saints that lived and died in this area.
They built a city here, after slogging through the Iowa mud, and so many, many died here.
In just one winter (1846-7) more than 600 people were buried in the cemetery at Winter Quarters.

The Temple here is absolutely gorgeous.

There is nary a Visitors Center where I don't see someone I know!
The tradition was not broken during this visit! I walked in and said, "Well, Marian Osborne! What are you doing here?" And there she was! She lives right here in SLC in my same condo complex and is in my ward! She was so happy to see me because she is the birthday-card-giver-extraordinaire and she was worried she would miss my birthday because she hadn't sent my card off before she left with her sisters for their trip to Nauvoo!
So -- she walked out to the car and got my card!

After they left, I started talking with the missionary who was going to take me on the tour of the center and I showed her the card Sister Osborne gave me. When she saw my last name was Springer she said, "Do you know Seth?" and of course I do! It turned out she was his good friend! (So, don't tell, but I called him real quick and they got to talk for a minute!)

It was a wonderful visit to Winter Quarters! I really didn't understand what an important place this is in Church History. The Temple there is absolutely beautiful and the pioneer cemetery - breathtaking. (Remember that Seinfeld? I always think of that when someone says breathtaking.
You know you did too Maria. You.)

(Mormon Cemetery... 1846-7, 1863... It is estimated that 600 immigrants were buried here)

On the ground in front of this statue it reads,
"Gird up your loins, Fresh courage take,
Our God will never us forsake."

This little grave stone says Amy P. Poor little Amy!
I wish I knew your story!

I love that the cemetery is right there next to the Temple.
A perfect, beautiful, peaceful message.

There's my wagon I drove across the plains. The statue in the background is headed west. Recognizing the great sacrifice of the pioneers was overwhelming.
During the tour of the visitors center, Sister Henson told our little group that there was a tradition among the pioneers.
Whenever one person started singing "Come, Come Ye Saints" all the other pioneers would join them. She said there was hardly a time they weren't singing.
Then she started singing and we joined her.
Well - I tried to through my tears.

Feeling the spirit of this great place made me, So Happy.

Light of a Clear Blue Morning

2008-08-28T19:21:00.020-06:00

I can see the Light of a clear blue morning.

I can see the Light of a brand new day.

I can see the Light of a clear blue morning.

Everything's gonna be alright, it's gonna be ok.

Cuz I am strong and I can prove it.

And I've got my dreams to see me through.

It's just a mountain, I can move it.

And with Faith and Love there's nothin' I can't do.

Cuz I can see the Light of a clear blue morning.

I can see the Light of a brand new day.

I can see the Light of a clear blue morning.

Everything's gonna be alright, it's gonna be ok.

These pictures were all taken on my trip (except the first one from Maria's reception in Seattle).
I know some of them are blurry - and from the evening - but I like the Light in all of them.

I like the Light that shines in a new day and those Dolly lyrics.
And I love all of you.
Thank you for all the support and virtual hugs.
It's a New Day and I'm So Happy.

It's All Wrong, But It's Alright

2008-08-27T23:00:00.011-06:00

Every once in a while is it ok to not be so happy? Mom - if this will make you sad please don't read on. Really. That goes for Stacey too...

Today I saw someone who looked just like my sister, Catheryn. I mean - just like her. JUST like her. For a second I really thought it was her. She moved like her, her hair was like her, everything. But fake Ryn was too tall. I was standing at the hospital entrance where I had taken a client for a blood test. We were waiting for the valet guy. So I just started crying. Just right there. I watched her walk away for a long time until I couldn't see her anymore. Fake Ryn - not the valet guy.

(Somewhere in Nebraska)

I really miss her. Catheryn - not the imposter.

It wasn't bothering me so much but then tonight I was watching Everybody loves Raymond and Debra was sad because her parents were getting divorced. So she snuggled up to Ray and just kept saying, "tighter" and he would squeeze her closer. And some days I just wish I could say "tighter" to someone. Well - I guess I could just say it to someone. That would be a little weird though - they'd be like, "Um, tighter what?" But you know what I mean. A real someone. My someone.

So -- all of you with two extra arms in your house - (hahaha - my friend Heather has a little Barbie arm that she carries with her all the time and it freaks me out!) - but you know - two other human arms that aren't yours - go get tighter. It'll make you so happy.

(The Winter Quarters Temple)

Thanks for "listening". And I will be So Happy tomorrow. Promise. (And isn't it cool that all my August titles are Dolly songs? My mom totally figured it out! That actually does make me so happy - but not capitalized tonight. Just, so happy.)

The Grass is Blue

2008-08-27T00:51:00.002-06:00

There were so many
GOR. GEOUS. SITES.
seen on my roadtrip home.

One of the most spectacular things I saw was on
my first night of driving.
Traveling to Nebraska I came upon a huge storm!
I thought I was driving into a tornado because the sky was so green and the clouds were so enormous! These were all taken out my window (or windshield)!
There was hail, torrential rain, wind -- I was scared!
But the beautiful scenery certainly helped.

Just thinking about some clouds...

The Storm in the distance...

The Storm coming closer...

Hello Little Gray Storm Clouds... Where is your friend Winnie?

This one is seriously straight out of the Creation.
It doesn't even look real! But it was SCARY!

Notice the massive traffic. I was a little worried that no one was coming out of the storm and no one else was going in! Like Willie Wonka's chocolate factory. So I called my friend Annie to get a check of tornadoes but there was just a severe thunder storm warning. I was a little worried I was going to be spending the night in a ditch hoping it would pass. But I made it to Ogallala and had a lovely evening at either Super 8 or Motel 6. I think Super 8 because there wasn't a light on for me.
Whatever happened to Tom Bodette anyway?

Amazing.

Annie assured me I was soon coming upon a town -- Chapel, Nebraska -- where I could potentially stay in order to avoid more storm. I pulled off there and saw the sign --
"Chapel, Population 979."
Awesome.
Although there was a symbol denoting available lodging on the exit sign to Chapel on the freeway, I was unwilling to stay at the Empire Motel.
I should've felt welcome there -- there was a large group of people (large for a city of 979) sitting outside the motel smoking and chatting it up.
But there were no lights.
And I was pretty sure that everyone in town probably had keys to every room in that motel.
No amount of my shoving a chair under the door handle was going to protect me in that town.
So on to Ogallala I went and I made it!

(Clouds and a little sunset from earlier in the day shot out my window behind me!)
(PS - don't try driving and taking pictures at home. Or when you're not at home but you're in your car and want to remember everything you're seeing. Danger Will Rogers.)

Traveling across country (storms and all) - I mean who doesn't love some weather- and being 9 hours closer to home, seriously made me
So Happy!!!

Here {I} Come Again!

2008-08-24T10:07:00.003-06:00

Wow. I have been so bloggy neglectful.

But have no fear.
My lack of posts does not reflect any sort of lack of happiness.
In fact, there has been so much happiness that I hardly know where to begin!
Except of course I know where to begin because --
Remember how I went to see Dolly????
(If you don't, you soon will!!!)

So - I won't start blogging, yet, exactly
(except to put up a little pic of Dolly just for a taste of what's to come).

Suffice it to say this last month has been one of the very best of my life and there is so much happiness headed to this page -
- well, it's just bursting out of me.
I've crossed off two items from my "list of things to do before I die" in just the last three weeks.

Amazing.
And I've been grounded and centered and I remember what's really, really important again.
And I LOVE our country.
And I LOVE my family.
And I LOVE the Midwest.
And I LOVE Dolly.

So I had to download 8 gigabytes of pictures and look through 816 posts from other blogs that I like to look at.
I didn't.
Well - I did download - but I quickly skimmed other's blogs (except those of you that I love!) and I am sure I missed hundreds of recipes, cute things kids did, book reviews, latest cutest helpful products, great camera angles and more.
Oh well.
Like I said - I'm starting to remember what's really important again - and maybe there really is something to simple living.
I've purged years of "stuff" and gotten all filled up again with what's real and good.

So - get ready all.
And thanks to all those who asked me to please get blogging again!
I'm so excited to share this last month with all of you,
and, as always, I am,
So Happy!!!

The Magic Kingdom (in Utah!)

2008-07-29T13:15:00.001-06:00

So in May, and today, because I'm just wishing I was there,
My friends and I took a pretend trip to Disneyland.

First we made pretend Dole Pineapple Whip
YUM!
And ate it while listening to "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room."

Then we headed to Provo to go to The Disney Store!

Heather totally LOVES the Little Mermaid.
Loves her.
Loafs her.
Lurves her.

Oh, Annie, Mogley and Baloo.
This day was all about Bare Necessities.

All the girls -- love them!!!

Meghan, Annie, Heather, Amy!
And our Disney friends above -- love them!!!
Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Pluto, Daffy!
So Disney!
We are all twin Disney Fanatics!!!

When we left the store we all ate a giant pickle
Just like when we were at the park.
Park.
What I mean is - the Magical Land of Disney!

Then we headed to Chadders which is a really good fake
In-N-Out!
YUM!!!!!
(The phone on the table is the one Heather had to get after
Splash Mountain drowned hers.
Not so happy. :))

I wish I had pics of the churro that we bought at
Taco Time on the way home.
It perfectly ended our Utah-Disney day.

Those girls, Mickey and Minnie and especially
Mary Poppins make me
(Real Disney Trip memory blog coming soon
(almost 6 months later!))

So Happy!!!

Other Sheep

2008-07-27T20:54:00.006-06:00

Tonight some lovely lyrics have been floating through my mind...
by Henry W. Baker

"The King of Love my Shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never.

I nothing lack if I am His

and He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow,
My ransomed soul He leadeth
And, where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed
And yet in love He sought me
And on His shoulder gently laid
And Home rejoicing brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
with Thee, dear Lord, beside me,
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never.
Good Shepherd may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever."

So Happy.

Just Dew It

2008-07-26T19:18:00.005-06:00

No - not Mountain.

Sheri!

Yesterday, while getting ready for the day, I decided to listen to a Women's Conference talk. The truth is, I just didn't want to listen to another 80's lunch rewind or whatever (yes I was getting ready during the lunch hour). So, in the spirit of trying to be prepared to contribute something to my upcoming assignment, I flipped on this year's BYU Women's Conference and decided against watching Sister Beck's talk again, although that was a hard decision because, boy oh boy, (good expression incidently) is that talk good. Instead I chose Sheri Dew. She's always a crowd pleaser for sure, as well as inspirational, motivational and spiritual.

(The Relief Society Building - yes, there's a building for Relief Society! Directly east of the Temple. :))
(And yes, I took all the pics in this blog - except the ones of me and the one of Sister Dew.)

And this talk did not disappoint. In fact, I've been thinking about it for most of the day and I'm
really feeling like some action is in order.

So I thought I'd share.

The theme of the Conference this year was "Awake, Arise and Come Unto Him" taken from Moroni 10:30-32. Sister Dew talked about how dewing those 3 things will ensure we have the righteous influence Heavenly Father has blessed us with and expects of us in the circles in which we find ourselves.

Sister Dew said, "Influence is not about elevating self, but lifting others."

She also said that "influence to lift others comes as we come unto Christ. To come unto Christ means walking away from the world. And walking away from the world means choosing holiness and purity over worldliness and impurity.
Our Father wants us back, and He wants us back clean."

Isn't that excellent?

She said, "We may not be the first generation of sisters to be influenced by the world but we need to be the last. We’ve got to be the last. The apostle Paul said it best. “It is high time to awake out of sleep… The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:11-12).

"If it’s any consolation we’re not the first generation to struggle with this. In 1873, Eliza R. Snow said this to the Relief Society. 'I have thought how necessary for the Saints of the living God to be more of a distinct people than they already are… to be as different from the rest of the world as our privileges are more exalted—we should be a shining light to the nations of the earth. But I often say to myself, are we what we should be?'

We're certainly not the first generation to be influenced by the world but we must be the last.

(In fact, there are so many good quotes from that talk - that'll have to be a new happy little "element" of my blog.)
(Speaking of happy and little - remember Bob Ross? The happy painter? Happy little clouds, happy little trees... I may have to do an 'ode to Bob Ross post'.
Catheryn seriously loved him.)

You know -- I think there is just too much world in my world. I realized it especially when she read again this quote from President Spencer W. Kimball.

"My dear sisters, may I suggest to you something that has not been said before or at least in quite this way. Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different
—in happy ways—
from the women of the world."

Isn't it wonderful that President Kimball say "distinct and different in HAPPY ways"?!!! That alone made me So Happy!

But what are those ways?

I mean - he's talking about drawing "the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality") to the Church.

How are we different in happy ways from such good, spiritual women? Are we?

Rather -- am I?

Sister Dew continued, "It has been 3 decades since that call to action... Are we ever going to do more than just quote President Kimball? We have the gift of the Holy Ghost. A living Prophet. Spiritual gifts. Access to Priesthood power. Ordinances that endow us with knowledge and power. Unique leadership training and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness. We should be far more distinctive than even the very finest women in the world. Are we? In our everyday lives do we talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ and testify of him?
Are we women on a mission to build his kingdom? …Are we the women God needs us to be in the latter part of the Latter-days?"

No wonder they want us to study For the Strength of Youth (as Sister Beck emphasizes it). It is the guide by which we can measure just how far the world has moved away from the Gospel and if we are drifting too or holding fast to the Iron Rod.

"Sisters it is high time for us to arise and have the influence that God intended us to have. It is high time for us to lead the women of the world. It’s high time for us to model the distinctiveness and happiness that sets true followers of Jesus Christ apart."

So, the world in my world, and distinct and different in happy way #1.

A good chunk of the world flows right into my living room through the ol'boob tube.

So - today, I unplugged it.

Yep - I'm gonna see if I can just go a week without watching it.

(Or at least make it more difficult so that if I really do need to see something I'll have to make an effort to watch it - you know - a conscious choice instead of just falling back into that comfort zone of nothingness. Watching movies with friends doesn't count, right?)

I mean really - how important are the Kardashian's? Or knowing what's happening on The View? Or having Oprah tell me how to live my best life? I'm pretty sure I know how and it didn't come from listening to the Big O. (Sister Dew said she heard someone quote a talk show host in Relief Society the other day. Then she said, "Come on! Surely we haven't become so numb that we would endorse an openly immoral celebrity in the Lord's organization for women.")

But occasionally I get lulled and think all that nonsense matters.
So I'm grateful that Sister Dew has provided me a wake up call in the form of her talk.

She said, "If we truly want to walk away from the world, our single most important pursuit is
to seek to hear the voice of the Spirit."

She also suggested we think of our life as a ministry (which Sister Parkin suggested here too). Not just church callings or taking care of our regular activities but thinking what can I do to really minister to others.

"I’m not talking about doing more although it may mean doing things differently. I am talking about focus and perhaps further consecration. Making of your life a ministry means consciously asking yourself in regular everyday situations, “Why has the Lord brought me here today?” and then looking for ways to build up people and the kingdom. It means asking the Lord what He needs you to do… Ministering might mean… starting a blog to share what you believe online. (Awesome!) (She didn't say awesome by the way.) It is our stewardship, after all, to pass along the legacy of what it means to be a woman of God to the next generation… We’re the ones who need to define Latter-day Saint Womanhood. Not anyone else. This means speaking up and reaching out. It means seeking to have influence in as many ways and with as many people as possible. Those who think of life as a ministry tend to be less lonely, less likely to feel that life has spun out of control, more inclined to have a gentle heart, more filled with purpose."

She quoted the scripture - "For even the Son of Man came to minister not to be ministered unto" (Mark 10:45) and I find myself thinking, "But of course! He was the Savior! He had to know He was here to serve others and get His comfort from His Father
- the God of all comfort (one of my new favorite scriptures) -
with whom He was totally in tune.

The only thing that's different between Him and me however - besides the absolutely obvious many things - is me.
Heavenly Father would bless me with the same comfort. The same peace. The same opportunity to serve in my circle if I would do the same things as Jesus did while He was away from His Father the same as I am now.
We have the same commandments and the same promises.
(How miraculous is that?!).

Except - it's all made possible for me through Jesus Christ.

So it's almost even more incumbent on me to follow Him - since He gave me the example - perfectly - and provided the way for me to get back on the path - lovingly and miraculously mercifully.

I'm kind-of overwhelmed by it all this morning.

Sister Beck said, "There is eternal power and influence in motherhood."
So true.

Sister Dew believes it too.

"What is our potential influence as we and our sisters across the earth rally together for the cause of Jesus Christ? Will you consider the collective power of one? What if every woman in Relief Society living near a Temple went to the Temple just one extra time this year. How much more revelation would flow into the homes of the church? Or – what if we each did one thing this month, just one, to improve our ability to hear the voice of the Spirit? Or – one thing to become more pure? Or – tuned out one talk show and studied scriptures instead… Or – went to cheer on one Laurel we’re not related to. Have you noticed how many times I have said or? What is one thing you could do and would be willing to do? Or – and here’s the big question – what if every sister in Relief Society looked and prayed for one just one opportunity to share the Gospel this year? ...Now does this seem just outrageous? Or is it exactly what President Kimball foresaw; that we, we would be a significant force in both the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church in the last days. I believe it. And I believe it’s high time we make it happen. I’m going to try. Will you?"

Yes, Sister Dew! YES!

"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said this, 'Something is going to be asked of this dispensation that’s never been asked before. We must be ready to present the Church of the Lamb, to the Lamb, and when that happens, we must be looking and acting like His Church.' This may seem impossible but… with the Lord’s help and our best effort we will prevail…

Our Father sent us now precisely because He knew we would not stop until we got the job done. We are followers of Jesus Christ and we have been his followers and loved Him for a long, long time. Nothing is more important than working and sacrificing and enduring for Him. Let us be the generation of women that, finally, walks away from the world. If we will awake, arise and come unto Christ we will have a degree of influence…that has no limit and no end.

We can do this. I know we can."

That's because the women of the Church have the ability to be different and distinct in happy ways from the women of the world because we have the Gift of the Holy Ghost! And when we follow His promptings (acting quickly to follow every inspiration that is honorable and right) - whether we are mothering our own children or another's (including perhaps someone who may have children older than we are (aka old lady friends)) - we can have influence.

I could go on and on and on. Surprised?

I'll step down from my soapbox for today... but not for long. :)
What are you dewing to avoid worldly influence?
How dew you righteously minister to and influence others?
What are we dewing to prepare the Church of the Lamb to present to the Lamb when He comes?
I'm not saying you aren't, I'm saying you are -- please tell me how!

(And, seriously, if you're still reading at this point, leave me a comment. You get a prize. Just tell me you saw this. :))

Sister Dew quoting President Monson said -
"We cannot escape the influence our lives have upon the lives of others."

She's right - I mean it's one way or the other - not in between.
But we can certainly choose the things by which we will be influenced.

And how grateful I feel for those righteous women who have had influence on my life.

And so many more... Boy, do I love those ladies.

So I'm going to Just Dew It.

And a new resolve to try harder, the Gift of the Holy Ghost and the Promise of the Atonement make me So Happy.

Express Yourself!

2008-07-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

Tonight at dinner, ELJ's sister said something that caught my ear.

Heck-a-molly.

I hadn't heard that before!

So we started discussing expressions. You know -- what we say to not swear.

My most common phrases are: Holy Mackeral. Oh my gosh. Holy Moly. Good Night! Doggone it! Good Gracious. Freak Out! Darn. (I also have been known to say...) Oh my heck. Fetch. Flip. Dagnabit.

Other ones I've heard before that make me laugh: Oh my golly. Gosh ol'Friday. Man o'war. Honest to Peter. Heavens to Betsy (I'm gonna try and incorporate those last two). Heavens to Mergatroid (was one I hadn't heard before tonight but came up in conversation). For the love. Rats. Well, I'll be!

So - how do you not swear? Especially what do your grandparents say to not swear? Those are the best ones!

Funny, creative non-swearing language makes me -- So Happy!

Pioneer Amy talked as she drove and drove and drove and drove...

2008-07-24T11:00:00.000-06:00

Two years ago today I drove my U-Haul Wagon into the Valley.

Isn't it beautiful?
I talked so much on the way that I was WAY over my minutes
-- by 800 minutes!
Fortunately Verizon helped me out and changed my plan.
Phew!

We were so tired after unloading.
Then about a week later I had to move everything again because my apartment flooded.
So move #2.

Then I moved into my condo! Move #3.
That's it.
No more moving.

I Love my condo!
Except it really needs to be painted.
Sometime soon. Get ready everybody!

Those first few months here were so fun!
I went to Vegas,

Enjoyed BYU Football with Ryn, Steve and Wesley,

Enjoyed BBQ's with the Pyro-Pit and the Fam,

(who has the pics of the pyro-pit?)

(Lani had pics of the pyro-pit! Thanks!)

and had my first favorite dinner party ever!

Then -- there was a lot of death.

(not me)

There was more. Not So Happy.

But there were lots of other really happy things in
the last two years!

Aidan!

Seth and Katie got married!

Grad School!

Stacey's having a baby!

Disneyland!

Sister Beck!

So many miracles!

Young Women!

3 trips to Seattle!

(Isn't that an amazing pic? I took that!)

Like 1000 blind dates - maybe not really so happy!

Happy Birthday lunches!

And lots more.

Yesterday on Shutter Sisters there was a wonderful post about time passing.
She said that when we say, "This too shall pass" we always think of the bad things.

But the truth is - it all will pass.

The good times with friends, the happy moments with family,
the peaceful seasons with God --
it all passes.

Their question was- what are you doing to pass the time?
And how are you making sure you remember it before it passes?
Interesting isn't it?

These last two years haven't been entirely happy -
but I am so glad that I live in Utah now.
It's wonderful to be close to family and friends here.
I love living close to the Headquarters of the Church --
getting to go to Conference and special events like
President Hinckley's Funeral.
(He died too in the last two years.)

I love Utah.

I'm so grateful that Brigham Young brought the Saints out here and that they followed him!
Leaving Nauvoo couldn't have been easy.
But they did it.
And so did I.

And I really am So Happy.

Happy Summer!

2008-07-23T11:05:00.016-06:00

This first picture just made me so happy.
Don't these pictures make you so happy!
And wish you could be in the water?

(All photos courtesy of www.boston.com/thebigpicture) Love that blog!

He is awesome.
Is he going in or shooting out like a rocket?

Um- does that Chinese pool have chlorine in the water?

Doesn't that look so posed? Action shot! Hilarious!

It's the aquatic version of Where's Waldo!
Is there not a maximum capacity?
Seriously, safety first people!

I think he totally looks like Dan (my bro)!

Woops-a-daisy!
Um - where's that dude's head?

Happy Summer everyone!
Go eat some watermelon, get wet, get sunburned, BBQ, garden...
What means summer to you?

Summertime makes me So Happy!

Thank you for being a friend...

2008-07-22T23:17:00.009-06:00

Well - the Florida sun has set for one Golden Girl.

Estelle Getty - best loved by me as Sophia - died today at age 84.

The girls at work were so nice about breaking the news to me.
Then both Annie and Heather sent me a text to let me know they were feeling my pain.
I have such good friends.

You could say they're a lot like these ladies...

Watching the Golden Girls has provided more laughter in my life and so much fun with EJR.

Some favorite Sophia lines...
Dorothy and Blanche are both in Sophia's bedroom
talking about Rose.
Sophia wants to be going to sleep but can't since
everyone's in her room.
Then Rose knocks on the door and Sophia's had it.
Rose says, "Sophia?"
Sophia says, "Hi. This is Sophia. I'm not in. Leave a message after the beep and I'll get back to you. Beep."
Rose says, "Hi... This is Rose..."

Rose comes in with some very smelly catfood.
When Sophia walks in she smells it and says,
"Is that seafood medly?"
Rose says, "Well, yes it is!"
Dorothy says, "Ma! How did you know that?"
Sophia says, "They used to feed it to us at Shady Pines."
Dorothy says, "Ma - they did not force you to eat seafood medly at the nursing home."
Sophia says, "No they didn't. You could go hungry."

Have any favorite Golden Girls moments?

Which one's your favorite?
What made you laugh today?

Those Golden Girls have made me So Happy.

Isn't her home beautiful?

2008-07-22T15:10:00.000-06:00

Images of one of my most favorite places to be....

So beautiful.
So comforting.

"The Blue Chairs"

I made that afghan!

Yum! I love cake!
And it's so light and fluffy in this house because you don't hit the
side of the bowl with the spoon to get any extra batter off after you've whipped it up!
It takes the air out of the batter!

What images bring comfort to you?

This beautiful home and its wonderful residents make me
So Happy.

Feliz Cumpleanos!

2008-07-21T10:15:00.015-06:00

Quisas el hombre mas amado de mi vida es
mi Presidente de mi mision.

One of the most beloved men in my life is my mission president.

El es un hombre increible. Tan amoroso, tan inteligente, tan dulce, y le encanta comer helado!
Yo creo que el sabe todo en cuanto al Evangelio de Jesucristo.
El fue uno de los primeros misioneros en Mexico.
Tambien fue sellador en el Templo de la Ciudad de Mexico.

He is an incredible man. So loving, so intelligent, so sweet and he loves to eat ice cream!
I think that he knows everything about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
He was one of the first missionaries in Mexico.
He was also a sealer in the Mexico City Temple.

Y el es mi Presidente.
And he is my Presidente.

Yo fui tan bendecida poder tenerle como mi Presidente.

(Y la Hermana tambien - como podria yo decir bastante para describir sus dones y calidades?
Ella tambien es increible. Le encanta las flores y puede hacer chocolate (para beber) que yo creo es magico! Nunca pudimos hacerlo como ella! Puede cocinar una cena como para un rey con dos papas y una zanahoria! )

I was so blessed to be able to have him be my Presidente.
(And la Hermana also -- how could I ever say enough to describe her gifts and qualities?
She also is incredible. She loves flowers and can make hot chocolate that I think is magic! We never could make it like her! She can cook a meal fit for a king with two potatoes and a carrot!)

En Augusto ellos van a celebrar 50 anos de casados.
Yo he sido tan bendecida por su casamiento.

In August they will celebrate 50 years of marriage.
I have been so blessed by their marriage.

Esta es una foto de cuando fueron casados!

This is a picture of when they were married!

Los dos son una bendicion tan grande en mi vida.

They are both a huge blessing in my life.

Y hoy es el cumpleanos de mi Presidente!

And today is my Presidente's birthday!

Les visite dos veces en Mexico - en 2002 y 2005.
Les extrano muchisisisimo!

I visited them twice in Mexico - in 2002 and 2005.
I miss them so so so so soooooooo much!

Me encanta esta foto! Que chistoso! Zona urbana --
parece urbana a ti?

I love this photo! So funny! Urban zone -- seem urban to you?

(Estas son fotos de mi visita a Mexico. Viajamos por las montanas y encontramos a un pueblito y estas mujeres eran muy amables con nosotros. Pues - Presidente y Hermana Huerta no han encontrado a personas que no son sus amigos - o no quieran ser sus amigos entre algunos minutos!!!

Yo soy gigante en Mexico!)

(These are photos of my visit to Mexico. We traveled in the mountains and found a little village and these woman were very friendly to us. Well - Presidente and Hermana Huerta haven't ever met people that aren't their friends - or who don't want to be their friends within minutes!
I am gigantic in Mexico.)

Mi Presidente me enseno a ser obediente, a trabajar fuertemente, a amar a otros, a tener fe, a ser fuerte y a amar a Nuestro Padre Celestial mas que senti antes de mi mision.
My Presidente taught me to be obedient, to work hard, to love others, to have faith, to be strong and to love our Heavenly Father more than I felt before my mission.

Me dio muchas bendiciones durante y despues de mi mision. Me encanto poder vivir cerca a la casa de la mision por casi toda mi mision y estar con ellos. Comi mucho helado en su casa, cante en su casa, ore en su casa y pude escuchar a el orando - que fue hermosismo cada vez. Pensaba yo que si abri mis ojos hubiera visto a Nuestro Padre Celestial en la sala con nosotros por que yo se que El escucha cuando Presidente Huerta ora.

He gave me many blessings during and after my mission. I loved being able to live near the mission home for almost all of my mission and be with them. I ate a lot of ice cream in their home, sang in their home, prayed in their home and got to listen to him praying -- which was so beautiful every time. I thought if I opened my eyes I could've seen Heavenly Father in the room with us because I know that He listens when Presidente Huerta prays.

Cada dia pienso en ellos y ojala que viviera mas cerca!!!
Each day I think about them and I wish they lived closer!

Saque esta foto cuando visitaron a mi casa en 2006. Fue la cena mejor de mi vida al tener Presidente y Hermana Huerta, Hermana Jack y Presidente y Hermana Rasband a la vez!
Mis preferidos de todo tiempo!
I took this photo when they visited my house in 2006. It was the best dinner of my whole life to have Presidente and Hermana Huerta, Sister Jack and President and Sister Rasband all at the same time!
My favorites of all time!

Son personas tan celestiales.... Les amo con todo mi corazon.
They are such celestial people... I love them with all my heart.

Feliz Cumpleanos Presidente. Le quiero.

Yo se que el quiere solomente que yo sea feliz -
y el con la Hermana Huerta me hacen --
Tan Feliz.

I know that he only wants for me to be happy -
and he and la Hermana Huerta make me --
So Happy.

I have a family tree... with branches by the dozen or half dozen anyway!

2008-07-20T22:50:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we had a fun family reunion!!!
Some of the cousins from CA came as well as Utah cousins and Laura from Ohio!
It was so great to be together!
I'm excited that the other CA cousins are coming to Utah soon!

Trying to get it together...

"Say Rear!"

Alright, ELJ, you're right. My legs really are white.
Wow.
I'll put that lotion on them, I promise.

This was one happy grandma!

I was so happy to get to meet little David!
We're glad he's a part of our family and I'm so happy for
Valerie and Will!
He sucks on his fingers just like Noah used to!

The Johansen's

Mike, G, Walt
It was Grandma and Walt's 8th Anniversary on the
day of the reunion!
We are so glad Walt is a part of our family!!!
He makes Grandma (and us) SO Happy!

The Reid's/Knowlton's

Such a sweet little Agnes!
I couldn't have fallen in love with her any faster!

Such a proud Papa and his little guy Grant -- adorable!

It took Grandma Cheryl to get all the great-grandkids together for a picture with Great-Grandma G.

The newest little cousin - Eliot

Ryan is an amazing boy -- so good and kind and
watching out for the other little guys.

I'm anxious to see everyone else's pictures!
I don't know how I didn't end up with a Lystrup family picture!
Or pictures of me and Bekah!!
What were we thinking?!

This is apparently the largest bag available! Hilarious!
They were great for holding all the leftovers we took home from Grandma!

It was so fun reminiscing and sharing stories!
I say we have a Disneyland reunion next!

We sure missed everyone who wasn't there!
I made everyone take pictures of me by myself to represent the Springers!

Being with my family makes me So Happy!

Mamma Mia!

2008-07-19T01:11:00.003-06:00

Is Great!!!

I definitely recommend this totally happy movie!
I left with a huge smile on my face and singing all the songs!
Loved it!!!

Chorus lines reminiscent of Bollywood,

a pulsating tile dolphin ( I wish I could find a picture of),

Pearce Brosnan singing - which is not great (in fact everyone laughed out loud when he started singing the first time- it's not bad just so cheesy!) but boy is he cute -,

ABBA ABBA ABBA and general cheesy fun.

This movie made me So Happy!

Something Extraordinary

2008-07-18T18:03:00.013-06:00

Some days are just so incredibly happy.

Don't you ever feel like you're the luckiest girl in the world?

Me too!!!

These two ladies are extraordinary.
Between them (and really each alone) they have visited practically all the countries in the world and
blessed more lives than are numerable.

I mean they have literally changed the world!

From service to literacy to transitioning to "Get[ting] a Life" and "Personal Ministries,"they have changed the world.

And I got to be with them!

We had a lovely early birthday lunch together and I loved every second of getting to be with my lovely Sister Jack and Sister Parkin. Aren't they just the best???
(And isn't my jacket so cute?)
Yummy food at The Garden in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building downtown and wonderful company!
The perfect birthday lunch.

This was the scene of the rest of my afternoon happiness:

It was so nice to be at the Temple.
We saw lots of people we knew throughout the day and that made it fun too!

But mostly it was just fun being with my favorite ladies...
Isn't it wonderful that Heavenly Father knows exactly what will make us so happy?!
I am so extraordinarily grateful for my friends who bring so much love and happiness to my life!!

My Wonderfully Extraordinary Friends make me -- So Happy!

Going to the Temple and We're Gonna Get Married!

2008-07-17T23:04:00.008-06:00

So the big day.

The nervousness was that I couldn't find my Temple Recommend! I had just been in the Temple - but my recommend was nowhere. But - don't worry. I got to see the wedding.

The nervousness I didn't know about was.... Joe forgot the marriage license! The wedding went off a little late- (an hour) - but no problem. It gave everyone a chance to catch up and we all loved it.

I especially loved just hanging out in the Temple --
thus the Seattle Temple Pics.

(Obviously most of these were not taken on their actual wedding day... The Temple is actually undergoing a little construction so during the waiting and the wedding we could hear some banging that was a little reminiscent of the sound of the Tyrannasorus Rex coming to kill all the people on Jurassic Park.)

Here they come!
After the fastest (and very lovely) ceremony in the West...
Announcing Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rank!

Massive paparazzi!

Lovely little Teo and the beautiful bride
(sorry I don't know how to photoshop out Rachel...)

Lovely Peonies at the Temple!

The reception site was absolutely gorgeous:

Rays Boathouse right on the water.
And the food. Oh my the food.
Everyone was thrilled by the yummy "Shirley Temple" drinks too!
It was a perfect reception site.

After everyone chowed down, Maria and Joe's friend Shane conducted a touching ring ceremony. Joe and Maria wrote down some of what made them fall in love and why they chose to get married. It was really beautiful.

In the meantime... Teo and I were hanging out waiting for her to walk the rings up to the front for the big exchange. Fortunately, Maria had seriously tied the rings on to the pillow for fear Teo might drop them and the rings would slip right into the water through the slats on the deck...
Well - she was right. Teo dropped the little pillow but the rings were, as mentioned, seriously tied on. Although Maria gave me a look of terror... Everything was just fine.

Guera Salsera and her new primita.

(That guera just finished a half ironman triathalon and is basically my total hero.)

When the ring ceremony had ended Joe and Maria were like - "um... great. Ok! It's done!"
So I yelled, "Kiss!" from the back of the room
and they kindly obliged!

Mo's feet were not so happy that day.
Remember sausage fingers from yesterday?
It was like massive bratwurst feet after hours of
standing standing standing!

It was a wonderful day. Besides the wedding I... went to the reception. Which will have to be talked about tomorrow or another day because I am so tired tonight and I'm almost blogged out. But still... So Happy!
Seeing Maria So Happy made me -- So Happy.

Charity Never Faileth

2008-07-17T09:20:00.008-06:00

I just have to say -- I love Relief Society.

Last night I went to Enrichment and it was so much fun!

We made cute bracelets and I think may be in love with making jewelry! Easy and so creative! I only had to remove all the beads I had strung 4 times...

But the best part was... well, when I walked in, I felt a little uneasy not knowing anyone and truthfully no one made any real effort to get to know me. But I sat down at a table and started talking with the girls there and met some of the nicest girls ever! It turns out everyone in this ward is pretty new and with 4 Relief Societies, no body really feels like they know each other. (Or fewer people than I thought anyway.)

By the end of the night I had a pretty bracelet and at least 3 new friends.

I love Relief Society.

It just felt so comforting being with them -- there really is strength in numbers and comfort in Sisterhood.

Relief Society makes me --

So Happy!