survival.

Many of us have heard the old adage "money doesn't buy happiness" which is true in a materialistic setting, but sorry to burst your bubble quote man, but what about "money buys the necessities of life and makes you at ease and less stressed."

That was my motto at least for the past three months.

The past three months were pretty trying for us all. Financially, & emotionally. Only because we had a daughter who was enrolling in college, and the possibility of moving out of state, (which never happened) was nerve wracking. God obviously had other plans for us, and it was too much change in a short period of time. Our spirituality, on the other hand was solid because I chose for it to be.

Throughout this trial I couldn't help but to take a trip down memory lane when Jon and I were poor newlyweds living in a basement apartment in Utah with a new baby.

Those days were some of the hardest to overcome. I really feel as if I've come a long way since then in having faith, hope, and endurance in handling any adversity that comes our way without allowing it to kick me in the butt.

I don't need to tell you that times are not like what they used to be back in 1995 paying 300 a month for a two bedroom apartment, and for years we were in one until the day we moved and stepped foot into our first house in New Jersey five years ago.

Even though we don't own this house I treat it as if I do. Dolling it up with pops of color in the kids rooms (Noah's handy artwork on the walls), and housing it with priceless memories. I am grateful for having a thrifty sense of direction, and although I love to shop, I'd rather go out and "shop on trips" with my family. I believe that spending money on family trips makes me happier, and I know this may sound odd, but having our summer so productive with adventures helped me endure this trial. 

When the kids started school, and when we finally dropped Sierra off at college life seemed a little less hectic. Well...sort of. Life can still be hectic even now with Jon working again, but knowing that he has a job feels as if an anvil has been lifted off my shoulders. Knowing that we are secure in keeping a roof over our head, and having food on the table is satisfying to me. 

I know that Heavenly Father watched over us and provided us with the things we needed. He has blessed us with strength and determination to endure. To endure this life no matter how hard it gets. To let go of pride, and ask loved ones for help. I look at my husband and thank God that he's mine. That he picked me to spend the rest of his eternal life with. I thank God for giving me someone who stands strong in what he believes in and in working hard. 

This man that I've known for a whopping 21 years has never changed. He never grows weary to serve others, or to provide for us. He's so different from my past, and I need not ever compare him to anyone. He's the reason why I'm able to be a stay at home mom.

Trials...I'm grateful for them because my strength grows, and I feel like superwoman sometimes having  developed unique abilities such as "enduring trials!". 

After all that was said and done Jon pulls out this quote from last months home teaching lesson from President Brigham Young that said:

"All intelligent beings who are crowned with crowns of glory, immortality, and eternal lives must pass through every ordeal appointed for intelligent beings to pass through, to gain their glory and exaltation. 

Every calamity that can come upon mortal beings will be suffered...to prepare them to enjoy he presence of the Lord.

Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for our salvation."

Wow! That was a huge eye opener for me. I thank The Lord for having my eyes wide opened throughout every trial I've ever endured not knowing what the outcome was going to be. I know there will be more to come, and believe me when I say this...I am ready for them. 

I have to be, and we will survive. 

a letter to my son in the autumn of '13

This past weekend was filled with nothing but fun with this little boy, and because of his reaction to this glorious fall weather we've been having I'm writing this letter to him so that he can remember my reaction of our weekend.

Noah, 

You are my motivator, my brightness on rainy days. You keep me on my toes, and when I'm feeling blue you help me to "snap out of it" and tell me to "get out of the house" more often. Your personality reminds me of your sister Lexie when she was your age. Headstrong, willful, & being fearless in telling me of the things you'd like to do. You know me on the days that bring me down, and in a polite way with a dose of attitude you remind me that I have you to take care of and nurture. You behave like a six year old yet your only half that age, but not for long. 

This weekend with you was magnificent. Each day spent with you is always magnificent. Even when you don't take naps. You know how much I love fall, and how much I love to take pictures of us when we go out. Venturing outdoors this time of year is breathtaking, and is the most colorful season of all. Fall is my favorite, and I can tell it's going to be your favorite too. 

Papa is such a good sport at capturing photos of us, and it looks like he'll be doing that more often now that he has a job where he has weekends off! 

As you know rainy days will never stop us from venturing out and having a good time, and we sure did a lot of that this past weekend. 

I love it when it rains, and without it fall foliage wouldn't exist. The changing of the leaves in color reminds me of just that...change. It is a reminder to me that we all change with the season, and with rain all things grow...including you (tear). 

It's bittersweet. 

You know...watching you grow up, and all. Seeing you turn into a little grown up... it isn't so bad. It only helps me look forward to the day you turn five when you'll be in kindergarten, and a reader. Piano lessons with a side of dance class or gymnastics. Yes... dance, because you love dancing, and gymnastics because you love doing somersaults. 

It'll help me look forward to the day you turn eight to be baptized, and start boy scouts. When you turn 12, you'll be the biggest heartbreaker ever known to man. Turning 16, driving and dating. Something I'm going to have to get used to is..GIRLS. Turning 18, receiving your eagle scout, graduating with honors, and preparing to serve a church mission. Returning home honorably at the age of 20, college...a relationship. A good job, temple marriage, kids..... 

Overwhelmed yet? 

I am. 

Because in between these accomplishments you'll endure challenges & triumphs. 

Therefore I will be treasuring every single second of this stage in your life. Not only to have fun, but to teach you proper principles so that you can overcome any challenges that come your way. 

But for now...this is the fun I have with you. 

Going on walks, playing with cars, and trains. Picking up rocks, and splashing through puddles. Chasing pigeons, and birds. Spiderman, star wars, cartoons, and playing games on papas iPad. Going to the park, and enjoying our library days while you're still little. Cuddling, holding my hand, and having you sit on my lap every chance i get...especially at church.

These things will all be in slow motion for me, and until the day comes for you to outgrow these "adventurous days with mama phase" I will be taking advantage of them until you do. 

 

Happy fall son.

XO, 

Mama

earlier this week, & some of today.

The weather is getting chillier and nothing ushers fall like venturing outdoors to explore the beauty of God's creations, and to see how amazing it is for the eye to see how quickly one season transitions into another.

You'd think that the rain would keep us indoors, but it didn't. Not us. I can't stay cooped up all day long with a boy who is used to going to parks, and stores. Our house is not big enough for him to run around, and our backyard...well, I don't even call it a back yard. It's just a little 5x7 piece of small heaven that's in the back of our house slapped with some grass and a huge neighbors garage which is an eyesore. But...we've managed to make our summers happy with it, and now that fall is in full swing I'm trying to find things to keep this boy active. 

Earlier this week I ran a few errands so Noah and I decided to do a little bit of shopping. Sierra's bed has been in need of new sheets for quite some time now, and since Chelsea has taken over her bed while Sierra is away at school I felt it was time to buy some new sheets. 

I made my way to Kohl's where I used a gift card that I received for my birthday. I normally don't shop there so I didn't mind using my gift card to buy this nice, flannel sheet set for a bed that I don't even sleep on. But my kids come first and she was very happy when I bought warmer sheets for "her" bed. (Sierra will be too when she comes home on some weekends.)

Noah is such a good helper, and a wonderful shopper. He doesn't throw tantrums, or wander off. He's beginning to hate the cart though, and luckily for him Kohl's doesn't have any that will hold a child (he says they're for babies anyway). As I was looking through the sheet sets he grabbed one which was not too my liking, but the fact that he was helping me as to which one to choose was very helpful. 

When I picked the one I wanted he insisted on carrying it for me all the way to the register. That's quite a walk for a small person carrying a sheet set. He didn't mind, and he was so cute with his chivalrousness, and all. 

We decided to go rogue and took a different route home on that day. We were driving in a residential area surrounded with tall trees that reminded me a little bit of North Carolina. The fall foliage was beautiful, and the leaves...man they were huge! 

The rain had subsided so we decided to get down to take in the beauty of fall. 

I also found this holly looking tree, and kind of caught the Christmas bug when I captured it. 

We ventured out some more today at a nearby park, and I'll blog about that over the weekend. This boy gets too giddy when we venture outdoors. I can already tell that he's going to be the perfect boy scout by wanting to do everything that pertains to the outdoors! 

Yes...these are the moments that I cherish, and whether we are indoors or outdoors these kids spend their time in ways that are meaningful and happy, and that makes me one happy mother.  

Even when Jon exposes Noah to games. 

^^candy corns are perfection in my house right now ^^

So thank you fall, for finally coming, and for making the second week of October the best. I am 
looking forward to many moments throughout this season that gets me prepared for the upcoming holidays.

Hope your weekend is colorful, and fun! 

allen & shanna.

I write this not only so my posterity can know what awesome friends we had, but to remember that through all the hardships we have in this life that there is so much good in this world. Good in this world that involves beautiful people, and having met Allen and Shanna has been a tremendous blessing in our life. 

In the short four years we have known them they have been the greatest example to my family in love and friendship...especially when it came to service. 

Service in our church is a big deal, and having Shanna as the primary chorister put a smile on Chelsea's face every Sunday. Chelsea will miss her smiling face, and hugs.

They were there for us when times were rough especially when Jon needed transportation to teach early morning seminary. Most of all they were always there when we just needed to "hang out."

This family have been through a many obstacles, and like everyone of us have been strengthened by them. They have pulled through adversity, and never gave up. 

We will always treasure their friendship, and remember them for the things they did for us...all in the name of service. 

They have now relocated to Utah where we used to live, and know that they will be very happy there. 

So here's to you both Allen and Shanna for being some of the greatest friends we've had here while y'all were living in New Jersey. 

You will sorely be missed. 

**missing in these photos are their son Jordan, and our daughter Sierra who are both off in college. 

transitioning into autumn with a boy who's growing up way too fast.

The moisture was still lingering in the air as the day was dawning. The windows had not been rolled down once because of the warm weather we had last week. I woke up to a chill, and I could smell the dew...it's officially autumn.

As I woke up to close the windows I noticed the roads were a little wet. It had rained that night. Transitioning in between seasons may be hard for some of us. I have to admit that the transitioning of summer into fall has been a little hard on me, and I blame it on the first week of October.

Although I didn't mind the warm weather we had this past week with sunny skies, and without any rain left me in a slumber of having to expect warm weather for the rest of the month.

For a moment I was beginning to think that Jersey was going to be like Texas. Summer all year round with cold fronts hitting every now and then, or like North Carolina...a little bit of fall, with hardly any winter. Perfect weather for any one who doesn't like the cold.

Truth is I have been waiting for this day since September.

As I was driving down the road the other day I was getting giddy, and looking forward for some fall foliage. I can see that some of the leaves are hanging on to their branches while others are dying to change in color, and fall to the ground.

The fact that I have a "fall baby" helps me get in the mood for "all things fall" and to prepare for Halloween.

And so yesterday I took my little boy out to a nearby park in the Haddonfield area where we found the millionth walking trail to capture moments of this kid who in exactly one month from today will be turning four. (Sorry for the fragmented sentence folks.)

As I look back at these photos from the year before compared to the ones I'm posting now my heart swells, and he is growing up way too fast. He's taller, and his face is beginning to change.

Besides my birthday watching our son grow with my favorite season is not always something to look forward to, but it's inevitable, and I have to accept the fact that he is no longer "a baby". He'll always be my baby, but not "a baby."

But knowing that these two special occasions happen in the fall helps me transition easier into my favorite season of all. 

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

~anne of green gables

thoughts on general conference.

How awesome was General Conference this past weekend? 

Is it me or was it just as powerful as it has ever been? 

I feel that with age comes spiritual growth, & as I get older my heart becomes more compassionate, filling it up with so much love, and the depth of appreciation for the Savior becomes more and more deep.  

I lament to my kids about how critical it is for us to live this life having a firm foundation of Christ in our life, and to live happily no matter what trials, or sadness comes our way. 

I have a daughter in college, and so many of these talks spoke to me. They always do. There is never a year that goes by every six months where one of these talks is directed at me, or for me. Life is hard for many of us, and some of us handle "life" in different ways. Some of us are strong, and some of us are weak. Knowing that I have The Lord on my side to help through any trial gives me hope and the strength to help another. 

Elder Holland's talks always inspire me, and I'm probably bias because he is after all my favorite apostle. This time he gave a talk on mental illness, and I'm so glad that he is the one that brought up this issue because it had to be said. I personally have never suffered any major depression, but I know of some of my friends & family members who have, and it breaks my heart sometimes because I have no idea how it feels like to go into such deep depression. How does one get out of it when it becomes so severe? Knowing that we have the Savior to help us throughout those "depressing times" is assuring, but still...that may not be enough for those who suffer from it in a massive capacity. 

I certainly have my moments of depression, and thank the man above for making it tolerable enough for me to "snap out of it" without any medication. 

There are so many strong women out there who have persevered through the worst adversity possible, relied on The Lord, support from their family, friends, made a miraculous recovery, and made it through "life". Amazing examples such as Stephanie Nielson who suffered and survived a horrific plane crash, and a personal friend of mine Casey who has suffered from major depression, and infertility all at the same time. 

I can never imagine my life being filled with so much despair that it's hard to come out of it. Fortunately for them they have all that was needed for them to overcome their trials. Love, and God.  

My trials are obviously different from theirs. The Lord knows what we can handle, and He obviously planned my life differently than any other. Sometimes I wonder if he's given me the "small struggles" which to me are a big deal such as my husband losing his job, and having an eight year old that acts like a teenager because of the things I endured as a young child. 

Those are minor trials for me, but sometimes its hard. If I didn't have the scriptures to rely on, my family, or the Savior in my life I know that the hard things I've endured until now would have been so much harder to bear. Who knows what would happen to my family of six if we didn't have the faith, and hope to trust in God as to how to handle any trials that come our way. Who knows how our children will turn out if we don't anchor them in a gospel centered home. I really don't want to find out! 

Especially now when our oldest daughter is in college. I count my blessings, and thank God that Sierra is as strong as they come when someone invites her to a party where there's going to be alcohol, and let's be honest...drugs. 

That's college life in Philly, and luckily she as has a firm rooted testimony of the word of wisdom, and the courage to say "no". 

She has told me many times that she's strong enough to go to said parties, but absolutely has no desire to attend. She is strengthened by the holy ghost, and having taught her true principles of the gospel makes her so appreciative that we did. 

This whole weekend was too exciting for me. Having my daughter here with us from college to watch conference together made my entire weekend complete. I love my family, and am so grateful that we can all get up on a Sunday morning, get dressed, and drive to a chapel to watch conference on the big screen instead of our mac computer to listen to the words of a prophet, and his apostles.  

Our Sundays can be exhausting especially when you have little children, but knowing that you are making the effort to take them to a place where they will learn true principles, and to feel the spirit every Sunday is the perfect beginning for them to grow in the gospel, and to develop a strong love for the Savior.  

So thankful for all the sessions that were held this past weekend. I love being a mother, and knowing that I have the Savior in my life to help me through those "tough, being a mean mommy" kind of days gives me relief to know that I can wake up tomorrow to start all over again, and another chance to do it better.    

Let's make this week better than our last! 

Happy Monday!

**You can watch this awesome season of General Conference & listen to all of the talks here.  

summer in october.

Our entire week has been filled with lots of sunshine with a high of about 85 degrees. Very abnormal weather for this time of year in Jersey. Am I complaining? Not in the least. We've been enjoying this indian summer by going on walks to the park, wearing shorts, and flip flops. Temps should be in the 70's next week so it's a good thing we didn't take this past week for granted by being cooped up in the house whining saying, "it's too hot to go outside." You've obviously never lived in Texas, or the Carolina's if Jersey residents are saying that! 

This week has also been filled with smiles because Jon brought home some good news. 

After months of trying to find a job he finally landed one which will keep him in shape, and grow to love. He found a job working with this company. It's only seasonal, but at least he found something. It hasn't been easy finding a job for the past three months, and every company that seems to be calling him are insurance companies which work on 100 percent commission. Not very suitable or promising for a family of six. I am just grateful that he found something for the time being and who knows...maybe he'll get hired permanently after the holidays. He'll still be trying to find something permanent in the meantime. But when an opportunity like this comes along, and the pay isn't too bad he's not going to pass it up. I finally told him to get a job...any job, and he did. And from what I've heard UPS is a great company to work for. 

After hearing about this wonderful news we decided to do a little celebrating at one of our favorite little restaurants. I was able to use the same coupon for another free meal, and these days I'm taking advantage of every single coupon I can find! Especially when it's a nine dollar grilled cheese sandwich!  

Noah particularly loves the Pop Shop, and he never leaves the restaurant without a balloon. We're practically regulars now, and after meeting the owner we feel like part of the family. Our waiter friend Brian never ceases to amaze me. He gives the best customer service, and this guy deserves a medal on how he treats his customers. 

I couldn't have asked for a better week. In spite of "life" hitting us with down moments that are sometimes too personal to document on this little blog of mine, I'm grateful that Jon found a job, and that my spirits are uplifted by my own strength.

Sierra will be joining us for General Conference this weekend and having her living across the bridge is such a blessing. 

Listening to conference will have my hope restored, my spirit rejuvenated & my testimony broadened. It'll also help me to be fearless & to be prepared to teach my first lesson in gospel doctrine next Sunday. 

I'm telling you. It truly is the little things that make a world of difference in your life. Especially when you put your trust in the Lord. 

I am actually getting super excited with my new calling, and really getting into the scriptures...it's kind of scary, but I am looking forward to it!

no fear.

When brother Laney asked to see me after church a couple of weeks ago I literally had no clue as to why. I already have a calling and for the past three months have wondered why the only calling I have is taking inventory of the ward activity closet. Well, Heavenly Father sure put me in my place because guess what other calling brother Laney asked me to accept? 

Gospel Doctrine teacher. 

Me...a gospel doctrine teacher. I've never been a gospel doctrine teacher ever! You can imagine my surprise. I gasped. I hesitated with a bunch of ughhhs, and ummms, and when brother Laney asked if I'd accept it of course I said yes. I wanted Jon to be present so I asked him if I could go grab him real quick. I wanted to see Jon's reaction and he wasn't surprised that I'd been given such a calling. He's way too kind. I think he was trying to make me feel better by uplifting me with compliments, and boosting up my confidence with this calling. 

My patriarchal blessing says "to never hesitate to take a calling" and even though there was a tad bit of hesitation with a lot of ughhh's and ummm's I accepted it knowing that with faith, God will guide me through this. I know I'm going to learn a lot.

But still... Even though I've been in the church for 21 years I'm no scriptorian (is that even a word?). I wasn't even a devout catholic before I became LDS, and even after I joined the church I wasn't big on reading the scriptures on a daily basis like I should. There are even days right now where I don't even read a full chapter on my own. I read best with my entire family.  

I have to admit that I'm a bit petrified knowing that I'm going to be standing in front of returned missionaries, institute teachers, and members who were raised LDS to teach them. Hopefully they will comment, and help me out when I feel like I've hit a plateau with the doctrine. I know that we will learn together, and that I will spiritually grow from this calling. 

My dear friend Ceyda was visiting me at the time I was given this calling, and her words about being the new gospel doctrine teacher were very comforting. Here is this young mother whom I've known for eight years who is not even a member yet telling me that if Heavenly Father didn't trust me with this calling He wouldn't have inspired the Bishopric to ask me. She's right, and after having a bold family home evening lesson on "Fear" given by Lexie I couldn't agree more, and I was feeling more confident.  That was just what I needed Lexie, and thanks for being inspired to teach such a lesson!!

There are a lot of things that we as members of the church are afraid of doing. Such as bearing testimony, opening your mouth in sharing the gospel especially when you feel you have little knowledge of it. Giving a talk at church, or teaching a lesson. Some of us may even be afraid to fellowship, or say hi to a newcomer. It's easier to just be a wallflower at church and keep to ourselves, but that's not me...I can't spiritually grow that way. 

One thing I have learned throughout the years of being a member is to just get yourself out there to serve, be strong, and to not be afraid...but most importantly to have faith. Having the LDS missionaries over for dinner last Sunday was the icing on the cake as they shared a lesson on faith, and reminded me of the things I learned. I know that if we have faith we have no need to fear. 

I'm pretty fearless when it comes to making visitors feel welcomed, bearing testimony, even giving talks at church, but teaching gospel doctrine...c'mon. You really need to be prepared, study the scriptures, humble yourself, and know how to keep the class interesting. 

Well, this is my calling for now, and I pray that I will inspire my class, and that they in return will offer their thoughts, comments, and feel of my love through Christ's teachings. 

After all...we are all here to learn and grow spiritually together. 

No fear...just faith.  

Autumn...the most beautiful season.

Picture by yours truly.

Next to summer, Autumn is by far my favorite season.

I can't believe how quickly Autumn sneaked up on us. With the crisp, cold feeling in the air that only means one thing...actually a lot of things. 

Pumpkins, apple scented candles, mums, and family fun. It's so nice to take the kids out to a pumpkin patch and have them pick out their own pumpkin. Leaves them feeling with a sense of accomplishment. Buying colorful mums to spruce up my little front porch makes me feel as if I'm walking up to a different house (at least for three months). 

I get giddy when I go into my green hope chest and like a Christmas gift open it up to find things that I forgot I once had. Chunky sweaters, and scarves, gloves, earmuffs, and a few of Noah's size four sweaters that he'll be able to wear this year. Like opening up that hope chest, I'm opening up my life to a whole new season, and with it comes renewal.

Renewal to make my favorite season the best. This is my season of hope. Hope that these next three months will be filled with positive outcomes, and family adventures! I look back at the summer moments of 2013, and can't believe they vanished that fast. There are days when I'd like to go back to that time, but am happy that the kids are back in school. Chelsea pulled out her back to school list so fast that I myself got excited when we were out buying them. She was particularly excited in buying the colorful composition books and pencils. What is it with pencils anyway?

Watching movies that are filmed in the fall such as Autumn in New York, You've Got Mail (my absolute favorite), The Four Seasons, Dan in Real Life, and the Lake House brings me satisfaction, and the motivation to live happily. I'm grateful for movies like that. It always gives me hope that there is a happy ending to such a dramatic story! I'm especially thankful that I live in an area where fall foliage is too common, and the colors are gorgeous! The kids look forward to more leaf wars, picnics in the park, apple picking, baking cookies, drinking apple cider, carving pumpkins, and making caramel corn balls. 

Oh...and we can't forget our Halloween moments. These kids sure like to dress up.

The kids are looking forward to Halloween this year, and I'm especially excited because their costumes will be made. Chelsea and Noah will not exactly be twinning, but will be dressed like characters from the same movie, and they are thrilled! 

Fall...it truly is a happy season, and with that comes change. Change in making it the best month, and season ever!

Happy October to you!

a fulfilled moment.

So many thoughts popped into my head as I was listening to the talks from the General Relief Society Presidency this past Saturday. Each and every sister said something so significant that in one sense or another resonated with me. Attending this broadcast is a rejuvenator for me, and most of the time these talks hit close to home. I often see it in the lives of my fellow sisters as well, and I pray that we all benefited from the words of the Presidency this past weekend. 

As a sister in the gospel life shouldn't be hard. It should be pretty easy, but unfortunately we live in this mortal world where life sometimes doesn't make sense. We often wonder why bad things happen to good people...especially those who strive to live worthily. Knowing that we have the gospel of Jesus Christ to uplift us gives us a better understanding as to why we feel this way, and the confidence to know that we can do better. 

On this evening I truly felt the love by my fellow sisters. Sisters from surrounding wards in the south Jersey area all showed up and we had a lovely dinner before the broadcast. Inviting my friend Maryann who is not a member of the church brought such great joy that evening and it was nice to see others fellowship her. It's so nice to come to a gathering where we see old friends, and meet new ones. What a blessing it is to have that in our lives. 

This was Sierra's first time attending a General Relief society broadcast with me, and it was surreal. I can't believe that this little girl of mine is now a grown, beautiful young woman, and is beginning to feel the effects of what the Relief Society can do for us. She realizes the importance of this worldwide sisterhood, and doesn't "freak out" anymore when I tear up during a talk or bear testimony. It is so nice to have my daughter finally understand why Relief Society is so important to have in our lives, and how she in return will have so much to offer to her fellow sisters at her singles ward. 

Attending this broadcast is a fulfilling moment for me as a mother, and I certainly hope that I never forget the words of these great ladies, and our beloved prophet Thomas S. Monson. He inspires me in ways that are profound, and like the Savior he has a deep love for all of us. 

One of my favorite talks was by Linda S. Reeves. She was so heartfelt, and sincere in telling us how important the Savior is in our life. She told us a story about a young woman who had been baptized, and how she gave up her old life, broke her drug addiction, and quit her Sunday job. That doesn't surprise me when one joins the church, and is baptized. Those are the miracles of each individual that decided to change their life in having a new life with the help of the Savior. 

During this talk (and what a great talk it was) I was reminded of my my own conversion, and how at the age of 20 made a choice to leave a life that was filled with unhappiness. I gave my heart to committing a life of Christ, and knowing that I have a place to go every week to renew my covenants is a tremendous blessing. A blessing to know that I can always be forgiven if my heart is in the right place with God. Having to think of the things I may have done that wasn't conducive to the spirit that week humbles me, and each week as I partake of the sacrament with a sometimes "rowdy" three year old I make an effort to have a "still moment" to ponder, partake, and renew. 

Each week for the past 21 years sacrament meeting has gotten much better for me. I think it's the fact that I'm getting "spiritually mature", getting older, or now that I have a daughter who is on the same boat as me being in Relief Society I want my example to reflect on her, and I believe it has. Especially when she mentions how awesome her visiting teachers are! Whatever the reason may be I want to be a better disciple of Christ for me, and for our Savior. 

I am in no way a perfect person, but know that I have a Father in Heaven who loves me, and will never leave my side in helping me to live each day to the fullest in a way that is pleasing to Him, and to my fellow man. 

Your Heavenly Father 

Loves You, each of you...

that love never changes. 

~President Thomas S. Monson

General Relief Society Meeting, Fall 2013

**You can listen to all of the talks here. 

the best week ever in September.

This past week my life consisted of late nights, road tripping, and celebrating birthday after birthday with various friends. I haven't had any real sleep for days, and so far I'm not complaining or being ornery...yet. 

September is indeed my perfect, busy month. It's perfected with numerous friends who have the same birthday as me, and/or within days of me. It is also the beginning of beautiful fall weather, and everything that has to do with autumn. 

Due to having company, and constant get togethers with others I've neglected decorating my house with fall decor. After driving past farmers markets I finally bought some mums, and placed them outside my small porch. Buying pumpkins are going to have to wait because each year I take the kids to a pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin. It's tradition, and we never mess with tradition. 

Too bad we didn't get to pick apples or go to a pumpkin patch while Ceyda was here. She truly is a gem in my life and to be honest having her here for eight days really strengthened me in many ways. Just her overall example of how committed she is to God, and raising her daughter the best she can reminds me a little bit of me when I was her age. I love her, and miss her terribly but know that she will be back again to visit. 

Our kids loved waking up each morning to greet each other, have breakfast, and play with the train track. Celeste loves trains, and would rather play with that than dolls. These two were so sweet together throughout the whole week, and at times would both play hard to get. They had their moments but for the most part got along, and hugs, and "I'm sorry's" were always being exchanged. 

So glad that I was able to take her to her "dream cities",  and the beach. Saying goodbye is always hard, but know that we will see her again. Chelsea grew especially close to Celeste, and I think deep down she longs for a baby sister. 

 This truly was the best visit ever! 

*****

Maggie and I celebrated our birthdays by treating ourselves to the Pop Shop. Luckily for me I had a coupon for a free birthday meal, and believe me those come in handy when you purchase a nine dollar grilled cheese sandwich that has a name (Frazer)!

Maggie had never been, and she loved it! She was especially excited to have met the owner Stink Fisher. Aside from running this fabulous shop he's also an actor. 

When I was told by our waiter that he played alongside actor Mark Wahlberg in the Lovely Bones that caught our attention and we wanted to take a picture with him. Since Maggie is a theatre major they both discussed the factors of acting, and became acquainted with one another. 

I love Maggie and spending time with her always energizes me. I'm so lucky to have friends in my life who blow up my phone with texts from afar. I truly am blessed beyond measure with the greatest friends who come down from the corners of the universe to spend time with me. This birthday week has been extremely special. 

Now...I await to watch the General Relief Society Broadcast tomorrow night with more of my sisters! So excited to watch, and listen!   

Have a wonderful weekend, and let's see if I can catch up on my sleep too! I highly doubt it!