30 Nov 2007

Just checking in - still running low. Hormone Headache week too.....But all in all - I'm getting stuff done. The Lord blesses me with strength and energy when I ask. Truly a blessing!

I've got many sites to check out today - I've been making a list in my planner so when I had time I could just sit down and check them. Today's the day! I'll put a picture on to show you what DJ did for me this week (in addition to other things too!)

These are the girls little cubbies - big enough for a brush, comb, toothbrush, and anything else they might want. The extra cubbie is for pretties. I put their color tags on so they know which cubbie is theirs. This is a work in progress - eventually it will be higher on the wall - but we really needed it for now - in a lower location. I hope to add a couple of additional cubbies on later too - we'll see. I'm just so glad to have it up and usable now.

Here's what I've been busy doing. My girls helped out a ton with the tree - and I got the rest of the stuff up. It's really getting us in the Christmas spirit! Don't tell my girls - but the presents are hidden in bins under the stairs! The ones the ornaments came out of :) So sneaky!

Speaking of presents - I have a few more to wrap up - but I'll be done with them soon - maybe even this weekend! I'm most excited about doing bug soap for the boy cousins. We're using gycerin melt and pour soap - and putting plastic bugs in it. Should be fun! I've got to get my shopping list done for date night tonight!

Well - that's about all for today: 2 Nephi 25:26 - We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ....that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

We start our Christmas stories tomorrow night. I'm really excited about this and optimistic that the girls will listen this year. We have a binder that we start reading from on Dec 1 - with stories for every night that leads us up to Christmas. It was a great gift from a good friend one year!

Have a wonderful day!

27 Nov 2007

I'm mid crash I think. Had too much fun over the last several days and it's caught up with me. I got up - but had to go back to bed and slept for almost 3 hours this morning. It's been awhile since I had to do that. Thankfully my girls have enough to keep them busy during these times.

We had so much fun at the concert! I was surprised at how old Billy Joel looked - he reminded me of Celine Dion's husband (grey/white hair and all). But it was still a fun concert - especially that DJ went with me. I can't image another concert on a Monday night that we'll be missing FHE for - and that's a good thing. I kept thinking about my girls - so it was a good opportunity to think of what's really important.

Thought for today: Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Pres. Hinckley uses this scripture to talk about the loneliness of leadership. Sometimes in doing what we know is right we can feel lonely too. What a blessing it is to have family and wards to surround us with those who believe as we do.

Have a good day :)

26 Nov 2007

Monday! DJ is hard at work pruning the roses and cleaning up the yard. I've been rearranging some things. So - life is somewhat back to normal.....with the concert tonight!

We had such a great weekend! So enjoyed seeing everyone - just wish that we had more time to visit. Life gets going so fast that you can't get everything in! We have some things planned for our next visit (or two) already!

Well, I have to hurry off to the library to get some things on reserve. Have a great day! Here's the thought: 1 John 4:21 - And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

19 Nov 2007

So I missed yesterday....It was a busy day here. We did our duet in Sacrament Meeting, then went to pick up P (that gal I mentioned) and when we got there - she and 2 of her children were waiting in the car for us!!!!! She saw us pull up and hurried in to get her husband and other son. They all came to church. Dad and one of the boys only lasted a few minutes - that kid has energy! Mom, daughter and the other son stayed thru Sunday School. Then that son checked out the primary class - found that he was in the same school class as one of the girls, and left to go out to the car. P and her little girl went to RS with me. I know she was interested because she was really paying attention - looking around people to see who was speaking, etc. She even cried a couple of times! I know the lesson was on Revelation (#22 in the manual) but don't know much beyond that - it being in Spanish. After RS - Spanish Branch has Sacrament. They were too tired to go on - but I was really impressed that they made it through that much! H (Dad) was really nice to us and we exchanged phone numbers with the plan of having dinner at each other's house after the holidays. H even inquired into our plans for this week :) After church I went visiting teaching - getting home about 5:00. We started out about 2:30 and did 2 visits.

Anyway - it was good. I've got a picture to share today:

This is the recipe Card holder I got done. Don't worry A, I'm doing another one - so we'll still get together for that :) - I just think it turned out so cute! I used the Shabby Princess Urban Kiwi Kit - and the font was fontdinerdotcom Loungy. I even put a pattened paper on the bottom :) Anyway I'm feeling so crafty!

We tried the paper bracelets and they would probably work for the really determined/dextrous cousins. Might need some adult help too, though. But so much fun! My nephew T really had a great time making a black one. It held his attention amazingly well! He's 11.....We would also need a paper cutter to get the papers the right size - but all in all - it's not too crazy! I'm excited to see your papers, Sharon!

So today - I'm doing a couple of recipe cards, baking some pumpkin bread, doing laundry, and general cleaning. Should be a great day! Tomorrow I'm really taking it easy so I'm all set for our trip!

Thought for today: Doctrine and Covenants 59:21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.

After doing my grateful page - I was a bit dismayed at how short it was - I guess I pictured something single spaced, small type, filling an entire page. Alas....But some of my items were rather general - like metal, and wood, etc. I don't know if it helps. It was good to just sit and think of what I"m grateful for! I should do that more often.

Have a great day everyone~!

17 Nov 2007

Here again! I was reminded of how much I enjoy the shopping experience as well by your comments, Sharon! It really can be fun - especially when you're looking for something for someone else! Thanks for the reminder! Have to put this picture on before I forget....

I'm thinking some of the cousins might be interested in making these over Thanksgiving - so we're going to give it a try tomorrow and see what we can come up with. From the book: Paper Crafting: 20 projects to fold, cut, mold, weave, pierce

Did any of you catch Oprah the past couple of days? It was amazing to watch the transformation of a hoarder's house! I still have to show DJ.....

Thought for today: Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Ties into an interesting experience yesterday. I'll give you the short version. A lady I met at the park came over to my house and I ended up giving her a Book of Mormon and saying a kneeling prayer for her. She said she'd read the book and was crying and gave me a big hug after the prayer. All I can say is - The Lord can make any of us missionaries if we are open to it. She speaks Spanish (and enough English to understand me - I think). I'm going by her house tomorrow to bring her to church if she's able to go. I still don't know it all happened - I am home most of the time - but still the Lord gave me the chance to share the gospel!

Have a great day!

15 Nov 2007

So I bruised the palm of my left hand a couple of days ago - I'm really feeling it! Last night we took the activity days girls to the temple - cold but nice! This morning I was up at 3:55 with DJ to get ready and go to the 5 am session at the temple. He's spending the whole day there as our ward has an assignment. One session was all I could manage (and barely at that!). I'm really hoping for a nap today.

After watching mega disasters this week - I'm grateful for oil (gasoline) and hope when it runs out we have something else in place to sustain our lifestyle. Yikes! That show really makes me look at things differently! I'm so enjoying my candle warmer - I have a sage and cinnamon candle warming now - it smells so good. This time of year I alternate that scent with blackberry. Truly delightful! I'm thinking of doing at least one page with a big old list of what I'm grateful for all over it! I'll have to post it when I get it done.

I am on the last crochet washcloth for my girls (color coded of course!) - It's Kimball's blue one :) The girls are so helpful when they have their color cloth to clean with! My hands will recover ;) I figure as long as I hurt - I know I'm still alive.....

I've actually got several books to check out that are about Fibromyalgia. Haven't lost hope yet.....

So the thought for today: (At first glance I thought the heading said 'Gender: An insidious trap" - the word was actually greed :) - Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

So - how much is enough? The past two weeks we've been paring down our wants - and you know, I haven't missed the things I could have bought! I'm finding that contentment is found in gratitude for what you have. What a blessing the peace the spirit bring is! Have a bounteous day!

14 Nov 2007

Hello everyone! It was such a busy day I didn't get a chance to post yesterday! Today I have many ideas of things I could do comming to mind - but I'm trying to pace myself. Hopefully I can get something done today....

Thought for today: John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Such a nice scripture! Have a great day!

12 Nov 2007

Such a nice long weekend! Sorry I haven't been on to write - but I've thoroughly enjoyed my time. Don't have much to say today - I'm busy cleaning and getting organized. It's all good.

So I got around to looking at the DUP website - and unfortunately they will be closed while we're visiting. So - my family history project will have to wait!

Thought for today: 2 Nephi 9:52 - Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.

I haven't been doing a Thankful list - but I have thought of a couple of things I'm thankful for - Paint! I'm glad my walls can be colorful - instead of just white. Paint is great. I'm also thankful for magnets - makes life fun! I'm thankful for paper - such a useful part of my life! I'm thankful I know how to read - life would be so less rich without that skill!

Well - lots to do. We're reading some nursery rhymes this afteroon!

8 Nov 2007

So many questions/comments! I don't come up with ideas myself - I snitch other's ideas. The blocks are made of wood - I got the basic blocks at a craft store. I'll probably have DJ cut me some for future fun. I measured them - they are about 2 1/2 inches square. Then I made a template in my scrapbook program and selected papers that I liked and numbers to go on too. So All I had to do was print out, cut out squares, glue onto the wood, gently ink the edges, and put a coat of modge podge on top! For the amount of effort - it is really an easy, beautiful craft. Now I've got to get some small rectangles to put the month names on so my calendar blocks will be done! My little girls have had so much fun playing with the blocks - I might have to make some just for them!

My board is upside down in the picture - but it gives you a better idea of how it looks. I also put a picture of the back of it - so you can sort of see how it started out (minus the slot holes for hanging). It has a 3 inch border all the way around (cost me $17.99 at the craft store for metal and wood together). DJ use silicone to glue the metal in place for me. I just printed out some pretty papers (in the girls colors) and trimmed them to the size I needed, glued, then topped with another layer of modge podge (that's also the aforemetioned glue). Now I need the wall finished where I want to hang it. I'm going to put together some sort of chart. Here's my inspiration:

Can't remember where I got this - some scrapbook site....in August. I have a blue one too....:) I want to make something similar - and put it on a sheet of magnet backing. - I'll cut out holes (like a grid) - so that each of the girls can put a flower (or some other item with magent on it) next to each task. Their names will be across the top instead of having the days of the week. Still in the planning stages - but that's what I have in mind. Eventually I'd like to have seasonal magnet pages to use - just to make it fun.

For our Thanksgiving get together - maybe we could do blocks? I'm planning one to help me make decisions - with 5 out of the 6 sides saying variations of No! (I roll it when someone asks me to do something....akin to drawing lots in the scriptures ;) Anyway - it's all making me feel a lot craftier than I should! I have to say, Sharon - that I have thought myself crafti-capped. After this past week, I think anyone could do stuff like this. I've been checking out books on paper crafting and other such things - it does get you thinking!

Thought for today: (and I didn't plan this) - Hebrews 10:35 - Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward.

How much of what we do is limited by our mental mindset? I know running is much in the mind - you can run as far as you think you can. In other words - you can limit yourself by just thinking you're not capable. Our bodies are miraculous. They can do more than we think. We are more than the sum of our parts. Let yourself be made into something you can't currently comprehend! It's all about looking up rather than looking in.

Have a wonderful day!

7 Nov 2007

I found the scriptures - after asking the little ones where they were. Taylor's face brightened right up and she showed us just where she had put them - in a little used drawer. Feels good knowing where they are.

Have to hurry this morning - going to the school.....

I'm feeling so crafty, though! Here's some pics:

The calendar blocks - Turned out so great! Pink and green for the living room, tan and brown (and blue) for my office.

Sorry it's so dark! This is a magnet board for the girls - more details about what I'm doing with it later. I had so much fun finding a font for each of their names!

I think that's going to have to do it for now....more later!

6 Nov 2007

So me.....Yesterday I thought I'd be really smart and put all of our Books of Mormon in one container - so we'd be set when it was scripture time. All went well until scripture time and we couldn't find the scriptures. Still don't know where they are...;) Our house really is only so big - It's driving me nuts!!! I'll let you know where they are when I finally find them!

I only did 7 quarts of potatoes yesterday. So the potatoes continue today. It really is one of the easiest things to can - hardly any prep work at all. I know potatoes keep well on their own - but for some reason I really like the bottled little potatoes. And the washing machine.....how else are you going to wash all those little potatoes? It works.

So I have big plans today - finally doing my calendar blocks - decopage. And maybe some other things. Thinking about doing a decorative clothesline. Like Santa's laundry or something.....I'll get some pics. I'm also working on plans for our Homemade Christmas. This year we've decided to go with that theme. It's giving us some focus and we still have time for what we need to do.

Have to mention I get the Digital Scrapbooking Magazine - and I love the online stuff. They send me an email to let me know the magazine is on it's way - and add a link to the online version. If you click on the link and let it open, along the top you will see the option - Archives. Click on that and scroll down - and there are past issues of the magazine, as well as Digital Scrapbooking books (several volumes) - what a great thing! I'm still working my way through all that material!

I have a recipe for you today! From a Scrapbooking Newsletter (somewhere...)

Chocolate Pots de Creme

3/4 c. Milk
1 c. (6 oz pkg) semi-sweet chocolate bits
1 egg
2 Tbsp sugar

Heat milk just to a boiling point. Place all the other ingredients in the blender and add the hot milk. Blend at low speed for 1 minute. Pout into 6 oz. cups and chill for several hours. Fill cups about 1/2 full since the pots de creme is very rich. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

When I made this I used carob chips (just to see if I could) and it was so sweet that next time I won't add any sugar. DJ really loved it! Actually all the kids enjoyed it. Just too sweet for me. But very rich and chocolately. So quick and easy - the hard part is waiting several hours for it to chill.

Thought for today: And now, by beloved son, nothwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to preform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God. Moroni 9:6

Pres. Hinckley adds: You have not failed until you quit trying.

Have a great day!

5 Nov 2007

So enjoyed everyone's comments on prayer. I especially like the part about sincerity! I don't think I've ever fallen asleep during my prayers...maybe that season hasn't come for me yet :) Why is it that we are easier on/kinder to others than ourselves? As I pictured Sharon cold in bed saying her prayers - I thought how I would give full credit for that. I wouldn't do the same for myself. Why is that? Maybe we would be a lot happier if we treated ourselves like we treat our friends. Just a thought.....

I have a new favorite movie - The Ultimate Gift. Have you seen it? I'm putting it on my Christmas list because it has such a great message. We saw it at Chuck and Sue's a couple of weeks ago and just loved it! Any other great movies out there?

Today I'm going to can baby potatoes. My little girls will help me sort the bins of tatos and then we'll put the in the washer and away we'll go! I just love the buttery taste that the potatoes have when you open and use them up!

We watched the series You - on a diet, You- the owners manual, and the other You show (don't remember the whole name). It's inspiring us to try and eat a bit better. So I'm going to make some bread....sometime. No defined time for that yet.

I got busy and did some scrapbooking this weekend - not just organizing the many kits I have - but actually creating layouts. I'll post a couple here. I am planning on getting them printed at 4X6 size and putting them in a photo album I have yet to fill. Have to say I was inspired by the Ollie turning 1 card I got! It's in the album :) - so cute! Anway - here's a sample....

Not too fancy for some of them - but getting the pictures out of the computer at any rate.

Thought for today: Doctrine and Covenants 11:13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.

I was feeling a bit down the other day - realizing that I wasn't reading regularly to Mckay. She so wants to earn her free pizza coupons....I even wrote a note on the paper we're supposed to send back saying "we'll so better next month" - and then inspiration hit! We read the scriptures! I can count that. So, even though we aren't taking any special time out of the day to sit and read - we're still reading! Have to say I was feeling some joy!

Have a great day everyone!

3 Nov 2007

Happy Saturday! DJ just got home from his half-marathon this morning! It took him 2 hrs and 13 minutes. It's nice to see him - even if he has many things to do yet today :) Halloween was so fun for the girls - they are still on a candy high! So nice to hear that everyone had a good Halloween!

My cold is getting much better- my voice is even back in the normal range! Just taking it easy today - like yesterday. I really don't have much to say :)

Thought for today: Doctrine and Covenants 88:126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come.

Is anyone like me in thinking we only get full credit for our prayers if we're on our knees? I'm not taking about spur of the moment, part of your day prayers. I mean the night time ones where you're already laying down and you know you need to get back up to kneel down to pray. Extra credit for kneeling on the floor....

Maybe it's just me....:0 Have a great day everyone!

1 Nov 2007

Thanks for the well wishes of health. Last night I didn't feel like watching anything spooky - and I wasn't up to going with the fam to the trunk or treat - so I surfed my channels and found a show on Discovery Health about a girl born without a face! It so touched my heart! Just when you feel like you're riding a bit low - you see something that makes you realize how truly blessed you are. I recorded a bit and showed the girls a clip when they got home - it generated a bit of conversation :) ANyway - I'd recommend seeing it if you get a chance. It really started my November with a grateful feeling.

Here's a pic of the girls just before they left - Everyone looked so nice!

Have to mention - this Saturday is Digital Scrapbooking Day for those who didn't know - lots of fun stuff and freebies out there. I've got a few sites on my list to visit - Peppermint Creative, DigiChick, Scrapbook-bytes, and KBand friends. Today I'm organizing my freebies again. It's a real visual feast. Just seeing all these beautiful papers makes me feel good.

Here's a bigger pic of the treats, Reg - I got the idea from Shabby Princess.

I really like the new look - thanks for the info Regan! It took much of the day - but it looks so nice! I was secretly worried that when I got on today - it would be back to normal :) Silly Probably! It's fun!

Well, on to a thought: 1 Galations 6:9-10 And let us no be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.

Such a good thought! With so much going on - it's easy to be weary! But it is worth the effort that we can give. Have a great day!