Dill the Fish & Jane Kisses

Today I had the hairbrain idea to go and buy a fish. Jane loves them and I think they are pretty fun to. They can be a "boring" pet to some but I love watching them gracefully swim about. We picked out a beautiful fan tailed beta (cause they are the lowest maintenance). He's a purpley, silver and blue. We have named him Dill for his new place of residence is a big, tall glass pickle jar! I love it. He's got lots and lots of room to swim about.

I'm glad Jane and I took this little outing together because the rest of the day I was struggling a bit. Those days don't happen often but it was like I hit a wall and started to stress and get anxious about all the to dos and things coming up in life. Do you ever have those days? Where a cloud of darkness seems to creep in and rain down all the "unsuccess" of your life? Those silly clouds!! Good think sunshine can always overpower them. I still got much done and strived to surpress those feelings and count my blessings. The greatest moment was when jane and I were laying on my bed...well I was laying she was playing ;). I had a few tears and she came right over to my face and gave me kisses. It was a sweet and tender moment. I have so much to be thankful for in my life and that little gal is a BIG one. Families are so wonderful and so important! "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings!" There really is so much to be thankful for!!!

We also tried doing a hairdo with Jane's thin and delicate hair. Thanks Aunt Lara for the fun butterfly clip!! Her hair is so smooth though all clips slide out pretty quick. I can't wait till we can do more with her golden locks!

June 1st!!

4 years ago today I returned from the greatest mission on earth: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania!!! I can't believe 4 years has come and gone, but then I look at all my life has brought and I feel so blessed. To be married to my best friend, live in a little home, have a beautiful daughter and a son on the way, be in a Releif Society presidency, worked as a full time Graphic Designer, built an app with my husband and so much more.

Life is full and it passes quickly. Every day is important and special. When I got off the plane in WA I wore my Amish cap and was surprised when all my family was in a hat!!! It was so special and awesome. I love these people so much! When you get off a mission there is almost a surreal feeling. You haven't seen these dear people for 1&1/2-2 years and then all of a sudden you're back. Back into the world, into the hustle bustle, your time is "yours" again, you feel a little upside down for a little bit. Missions are incredible and I will never regret or forget serving the Lord in PA.

I learned so much about the things that matter most in life on my mission. I learned how to really care about the scriptures and importance of prayer. I learned things that I treasured and wanted in my family some day. I learned a great time managing discipline (that I need to be better at again). You learn so much on a mission. I also learned that I was being pursued by an amazing man; James Spencer. My mister knew he was in love with me but it took me a mission and a few months after to realize how much I loved him back. I cherish the sweet letters he sent me on my mission. All my companions began calling him "Stationary Boy" because his paper and letters were so sweet and special. All the many families and individuals I met on my mission are sooooo dear to me as well. I think of all of them so often and pray for them and their happiness. These people are ingrained in my heart and soul. I care so deeply for their success in life. True success really is living a life pleasing to God. Because truly when you do so you are at your happiest state yourself. His teachings and principles bring happiness! His plan for us IS a plan of happiness. Another group I cannot fail to mention is companions! I was blessed with amazing companions that I treasure as sisters. Each one was unique, beautiful, talented, faithful and fun! I have so many memories with these sweet women that I forever cherish and hold so dearly. They each are the most AMAZING women! I felt so blessed to serve by their sides.

So, I will say it again, Yinz all should serve a mission. You won't regret it, you won't forget it and you won't ever be able to replace the thing you learn and people you meet. I love PA, I live the people there, I love the Lord, I love missions and I love happiness!

Perry Sparkle

A great giant among men passed on today and leaves the world a better place. Elder L. Tom Perry served as an apostle of Jesus Christ and gave 100's of talks, traveled 1000's of miles to serve, and gave countless hours and years of his life to be a special witness of Jesus Christ. This man lived and died a true living example of what we all should be in this life. He exemplified goodness. My favorite thing about Elder Perry were his eyes. I would always call them; "twinkle Perry eyes."

I have always thought that Elder Perry really had a little sparkle in his sweet eyes. His jolly character, big grin, fun sense of humor and very personable character all add to that sparkle. You can tell much about a man by looking into his eyes. There is a history and a sense of who you are that eminates from those little globes. When you look into your eyes what do you see? It's a good test to evaluate who you are and what you want to become. I want to become more like Elder Perry! He was remarkable.

He just spoke to us recently at our Regional Stake Conference. His demeanor and words were inspiring and uplifting. The quotations following are about and from this wonderful Giant among men:

"Elder Perry was a great man, a friend and a tremendous leader," Gov. Gary Herbert said in a statement. "His friendly smile and optimism always encouraged everyone he met, including me, to try a little harder, to stand a little taller and to be a little better."

One of his most well-known quotes came during the 1998 semi-annual church conference, when he said: "The almost universal gift everyone can develop is the creation of a pleasant disposition, an even temperament."

 

Elder Perry you have lived and served with all your heart and soul. Thank you for the man you were!!! I pray that I can become more like you and add some "Perry Sparkle" to my eye.

Talk we listened to in his honor:

"Finding Lasting Peace and Building Eternal Families"

Be a "Lifter"

Self worth and self esteem are so important. I have been reading this great parenting book and one of the sections is on this great subject and how important it is for your children to be lifted up with a sense of self worth. Within the readings were these two quotes from amazing disciples of Christ:

"One of the root social problems of our day concerns the lack of self-esteem."

~ James E Faust

"We can add to each other's storehouse of self-esteem by giving deserved, specific commendation more often, remembering, too, that those who are breathless from going the second mile need deserved praise just as the fallen need to be lifted up."

~ Neal A Maxwell

The Maxwell quote hit home because this is something I've thought about often. There are many who seem to be doing great, who are strong and strive to be independent and enjoy life, but those people still need little pick me ups every once in a while. Sometimes I feel rundown and weary even though I may not seem to. Life has a way of wearing all of us down a bit. Even if we are happy and doing well getting compliments or assurances from others fills our self esteem storehouse a great deal!

A sweet sister in my ward texted me this on a fast Sunday (the first Sunday of each month we're invited to fast and can share our testimonies in our church meeting):

"Just wanted to say thank you for your testimony today. You have one of the sweetest testimonies I have ever heard and love when you bear it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and beliefs with me. You are an amazing woman! "

This probably seemed like a little simple text to this great woman in my ward but to me it meant the world. There is a great need in our world to lift. To lift one another and be a happier people. There is so much criticism, judging, back biting, gossiping, and the world needs more "lifters." When you think happy thoughts and voice them you allow others self esteem and your own to soar. Spread happy thoughts wherever you go. It can literally change someone's life to feel of worth and importance. Make sure your children know it, make sure your siblings feel it and most of all make sure you know it: you are of infinite worth!

The world is a wonderful and beautiful place but it can feel very dark, lonely and depressing to many. Self esteem truly is a "root of social problems" and can be tackled by being a lifter in our society and noticing the good in others. Don't pass up giving a compliment, don't allow the world to tell you who you are, be a lifter and you will make this world a beautiful place!

Dirt Digging

Today I mustered the courage to begin getting our garden beds weeded and ready for planting. Just a bit ago I had two completely done and then life got busy, we got sick and the weeds took over again. They've been a little eye sore out my kitchen window far too long and something had to be done. Also, I yearn to see little seedlings popping up! Gardening is truly therapeutic and exciting to me. Just not as comfortable being over 32 weeks pregnant.

Once the beds are weeded and all set to go the planting will begin! We've got zucchini, carrots, peas, beans and more to get buried in the earth. I'm hoping even with having a new baby on the way and lots going on that we'll get a nice fun crop this year!

It was really cute to have Jane digging beside me for a little bit. She laughed so hard when she'd toss around dirt with her little rake. Also, she enjoyed eating her first handful of dirt. Getting my girl to be a green thumb already ;).

Memorial Day

Today we proudly hung our American Flag and celebrated the freedom and sacrifice and blessing of this great nation. I love the American Flag and the colors our country holds dear. I love the Stars and Stripes. I love America. We are so blessed because so many put their lives in for their country and serve so bravely.

It was a sunny/rainy day and Jane and I enjoyed a puddle jumping walk together! She loved the rain! Then, we got to have the Cahoons down from Ashton and do some campfire cook'n and corn on the cob eat'n. It is always so much fun to hear Matt's stories, hold sweet Penelope and talk with Paige. We love them!

I am thankful for family and the joy they bring to my life. I have learned much about love, devotion, respect and service through my family.

My 89 year old Grandpa, Maynard, still honors this great nation with his service. At age 89 he still plays the bugle and marches wih fellow vets. He is from the age and generation that has great respect and pride in this nation. The freedoms we are blessed with are because of strong and faithful men like him. It was that way from the very beginning of America. Those with courage, zeal, and dedication made this country what it is. Happy Memorial Day!!

Rice, rice baby!

This little gal LOVES rice and noodles. She could live in Asia for sure! She gets that from her daddy who could eat rice every meal, every day all year long. Not very often do I let Jane just go for it crazily with her food (especially after I just mopped), but today was an exception. I have found that I don't care as much lately about her messy eating exploration habits because no matter what it will be fairly messy. Little fingers love to explore and touch everything. Jane is definitely an explorer. Even when she is totally exhausted and falling asleep she will move her little fingers and touch whatever she can reach. I love how curious she is about the world around her and how eager she is to learn and grow. So I'll keep filling bowls of rice and picking it out of hair, off the floor and wiping it off faces and fingers, cause that's what it's all about. Love this little messy eater of mine!