Good Things To Come

I sure do love the Fall.  I looked down one day and thought it looked so pretty that I took this picture:) 

It was so fun to be wearing boots again and crunching leaves with every step!

 

A couple of weeks ago I was feeling really sad, which is weird since I seriously do LOVE this time of year! I think I had been really missing my life in Utah surrounded by my family and so many great friends.  It is so hard for me to be far away from everyone--especially as the holidays come around.  In our family that starts in October.  My Mom throws an absolutely amazing party for Halloween.  It is so fun-- I see all the pictures and I ache to be there!

I am not sure  if it was that or other things weighing on me that brought it on so strong but I couldn't shake that underlying sadness and hurt in my heart.  I felt like tears were just below the surface half of the time. 

I had been praying about it but not feeling any better.

Then I went to church and in our sunday school class

I read this quote in the lesson from  Spencer W. Kimball:

"I find that when I get casual in my relationship with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away.  If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns"

 

It felt like a little message from heaven meant especially for me! I knew that I had become "casual" and could do better.

So I took it to heart and really doubled my efforts--spending more time in the scriptures and making sure to listen to at least one conference talk everyday.

I COULD NOT BELIEVE the difference!  I started feeling so much happier and strengthened.
I had a hope that this is right where we are supposed to be and there are good things to come:)

 

It was a testimony to me of the scripture

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you;

seek me diligently and ye shall find me;"

(D&C 88:63)

I know without a doubt that our Heavenly Father loves us very much.

So much that He gave His son to suffer all our pains, heartaches and sins for us. 

I know that as we strive to be closer to Him, the burdens we carry no matter how big or small can feel light and we can be strengthened.

I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the happiness and peace being a disciple of Him brings to my life.

Fieldtrips and Caramel Apples

 

Last week I drove out in the country to meet Cannon's 2nd grade class at an apple Orchard. 

The drive was incredibly beautiful and good for my soul!

It was nice to have a little alone to think about all the good in my life and appreciate the beauty of Autumn here in Tennessee.

 

Then it was a JOY to be with my little Cannon who was thrilled to have me there. 

Which I know I need to enjoy while I can--pretty soon he will be too old and cool to want his Mom hanging around with him and his friends:)

Man I love this little boy!

 

Aren't 2nd graders just the cutest?!

 

We learned all about the orchard, went on a hayride, had lunch together and left with fresh apples and cider to share with his brothers at home.

 

I am so glad that I went even though I had a long To Do list waiting for me.  It was worth it! 

I left feeling a deep sense of happiness, I knew it was one of those days I will always remember!

 

We ended up making caramel apples--YUM!

I used this recipe below--

 

 

Homemade Caramel Apples

1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 cups packed brown sugar
 1 cup light corn syrup
Dash salt
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 to 10 Popsicle sticks
8 to 10 medium tart apples, washed and dried

In a large heavy saucepan, melt butter; add the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in milk. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 248° (firm-ball stage). Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Insert Popsicle sticks into apples. Dip each apple into hot caramel mixture; turn to coat.  Place on greased waxed paper until set. Enough for 8-10 apples.

 

oh these silly boys of mine!  Connor and his photobomb shenanigans--lol!

Can you tell Cannon is proud to share these yummy apples with his brothers?

 

And I have saved some of the cider to make these Apple Cider Caramels.

Hope you have a great week!

 

This morning I listened to this talk and was completely inspired.

(it was given at the mens meeting but I still found it powerful for me)

Easter

 We had a wonderful Easter, did you?

The Easter Bunny did indeed come and the boys were delighted with their baskets, but I forgot to snap a single picture.  Oops.  I did however require my boys to pose for pictures after church.  You can tell that they are really happy about it, especially my 9 year old Coleman:)  He was complaining that the sun was in his eyes and so he just could not smile, but I think he was just annoyed at being kept from reuniting with his basket of candy after church!  Such a mean old Mom to want to take pictures when chocolate is waiting:)

 I miss the days when I could orchestrate all their outfits for special occasions.  I tried to get the older boys to where spring colored ties--but TJ is the only one who did it.  At least I still got my two little guys into Spring-ish sweater vests!  I actually had one for Coleman too--but he refused! Augh--he is growing up too fast:)

Along with all the treats, easter eggs and fun I tried really hard to teach my sons what Easter is really a celebration of...

I wanted to share this Easter video.  I love Elder Holland and his words so much.

I want to add my humble testimony to his--I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us perfectly.  I am  grateful, beyond words for His infinte and eternal gift of the atonement and ressurection.  For me Easter is a time to not only reflect on this incredible offering, but to renew my committment to Him. 

 I wish with all my heart to live my life as a disciple of Christ.

When Connor and TJ were small and I was struggling with how to help them understand what Easter is really about,  I came across this sweet story, Mending Easter.  It was just perfect and we have read it every year since.  On Sunday, I even shared it in my lesson at church for the teenage girls and they loved it too:) 

You can find it here.

PS

I finally updated my weekly menu here.

My Favorite Weekend of the Year

 I LOVE Genereal Conference Weekend.  Not only do I get to hear beautiful, inspiring talks from Prophets of God--but I also get to spend a nice relaxing couple of days with these guys...

(I'm not sure why he was mad at the moment and didn't want his picture taken--but it past quickly:) 

 Massage, anyone?

My heart was so full this weekend.

I love my sweet family of silly boys,

and I LOVE the gospel of Jesus Christ with all my heart!

How grateful I am for the cousel and direction of prophets and apostles on the Earth today.

Listen to the conference here, it will fill you with hope and happiness too!

Beauty of Spring

Source: prod.bulbsonline.org via Melanie on Pinterest

Are you enjoying Spring so far?  We are having a glorious season here in Tennessee.  Everything is budding and beautiful!  I love this time of year, not only for the beauty of nature but the equally beautiful symbolism of this time of year.  It fills me with such gratitude for Jesus Christ and His gift of the Resurrection and Atonement.

 Last weekend I enjoyed the Young Women's General Broadcast, did you see it?  I must say my calling to work with the girls ages 12-18 in our congregation is such a treat!  We all agreed that the talks were inspiring and uplifting--and would be for anyone!  I found this sweet printable highlighting some of President Thomas S. Monson's message. 

Source: lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest

You can listen, print or watch the talks here. 
I highly recommend it!

This was like a little appetizer and now I am so very excited for General Conference this weekend.

Sanctify Yourself

This morning I saw this video and knew it would be perfect for family home evening... and it was:)

  My boys were unusually still and quiet--totally mesmerized as it played! After we had a great conversation about how important it is to stay clean and pure--worthy of drawing on the powers of heaven when needed.  

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ as a guide and a source of strength as I raise my boys.

What a blessing!

Thoughts on Sunday

Source: bellinipics.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Today I was reading an old Womens Conference address about one of my favorite stories in the scriptures, that of Queen Esther, who at great danger to herself, had the courage to step forward in a most crucial way to save her people.  She was the right person, at the right place, at the right time, with the right preparation to do what the Lord needed her to do. 

I am sure you know the statement "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14).

 I believe that each of us have a great work to perform, and that we are here at this time and place for a purpose.  We can acquire spiritual skills and understanding so that we too can be in the right place, at the right time, with the right preparation to do whatever the Lord needs us to do.  I think these skills come when we first have the desire and then strengthen our relationship with the Lord through scripture study, prayer and doing what is right...especially serving others.

I loved this part of the article

 "What do you think would happen if we were to look at every ability and every talent, every challenge and grueling obstacle, as being given to us "for such a time as this"?  Every gift and endowment from above--every opportunity, heartache, and disappointment here--teaches us, enlightens us, and makes us who we are:  women better prepared to serve the Lord, however and whenever He calls. 

 And what happens when the only desire of our heart is to give all that we have and are back to the Lord?  When we want to consecrate every gift, talent, and resource?  When we want to consecrate every relationship unto Him?  What happens?  Marvelous things--life-changing and spirit-enlarging things"

These thoughts have sunk deep into my heart today and given me lots to work on.  I am inspired to, as Gordon B. Hinkley used to say "try a little harder to be a little better."  I want to live my life in such a way to be prepared-- the kind of woman the Lord can count on to bring forth good works and glorify Him.  That is my hope and my prayer.

Here's to a new week and new goals:)

Thankful Tree

I wanted to find a way to help my family focus on gratitude this month. I truly believe that having a thankful heart is the key to happiness and abundance in life.

I am a little late in starting for the month--but I made this 'Thankful Tree' this morning anyway. It is a cut out from my friend's cricut machine( that I happened to have for a family tree project I had in mind). Anyway, I glued it on a 12x12 cardstock and I have a little bowl full of paper leaves.

My plan: Every evening at dinner go around the table and each person say something they are thankful for. After dinner we can write it on a leaf and glue it onto our tree. Simple--but I think my boys will enjoy watching the tree fill with leaves and hopefully they will develop a habit of thankfulness.

I added the first leaf this morning with the words Family.

Here is a sweet message to get you in the mood "The Divine Gift of Gratitude"

Weekend Yeah!

photo credit
I LOVE this time of year...

Weekend Plans:
(*orange words are links!)
Clean my bathrooms; enlists the boys!
Make some fall treats to Boo our friends with
Visit an apple orchard and sample some fresh cider and homecooked fritters
Fast this Saturday-Sunday
Have some yummy family meals, including this warm and wonderful soup
Really connect with my children--inspired by this sweet parenting message below:)

Love this quote from the above video regarding family meals:

"It is not the food, but the family interaction

that nourishes the soul"

Have a Happy and Sweet Weekend!

So Excited...

*everything in orange is a link just for you:)*

I am So Excited...

...that it is October 1st today! (We lu-lu LOVE Halloween around here!)

...that tonight is our 2nd annual "kick off October" family party (I am picking up fresh pumpkin spice donuts--yum!!)

...that it is General Conference this weekend (we have our packets, bingo, treats, and notepads ready!)

I am so looking forward to this weekend of snuggling my boys while listening to the uplifting messages from the Prophet, Apostles and other church leaders. Conference weekend is always so inspiring! This year, I have little baskets ready for my visiting teaching sisters to enjoy with their families. I have included the conference packets & BINGO cards(links given above) for little ones, snacks, IBC old fashioned root beer and yellow notepads for note taking(did you know that yellow is Pres Monson's favorite color?) My boys are excited to help me deliver them this afternoon. I think this will be a new tradition.

What are your October or Conference traditions?

How I love these two little skeletons:) They were so excitd when i broght the PJs home from Old Navy yesterday that they wanted to get ready for bed at 4pm! Aren't holidays so fun with kids?

Have a Super life if you want

Lately I have been thinking a lot about what I think about. I know that sounds weird.
I was listening to a talk entitled 'Finding Joy in the Journey' on my Ipod and this part has stuck in my head for days:

“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

I am really trying to guard my thoughts lately--to not allow negativity to creep in and instead focus more on gratitude. I have come to the conclusion that what I think about is powerful. What I allow myself to dwell on and my perceptions really do determine my happiness and success in life.
And so I must tend to the "garden of abundance" more diligently!

A real life Hero

The boys and I watched this last night and I can't stop thinking about it.
Truly amazing--and so inspiring!

Reminds me of the scripture found in Matthew 19:26
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them,
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Quiet Time

One of my favorite places..the sunroom:)

The house is unusually quiet this morning. Connor is off on a Scout campout and Brad has taken the rest of our little crew out to breakfast and to the Aquarium this morning, "to give me a little break". I am so grateful for my sweet and thoughtful husband. He has been gone a lot lately, and I have been feeling worn thin, so this quet time is a blessing!

I have enjoyed reading and writing in my sunroom this morning. Now I am getting ready to go for a jog with just my IPOD (no heavy double stroller laden with hefty toddlers to push this time) in the beautiful sunshine. Ahhh...what a treat!

I have loved this quiet time alone...but will be ready this afternoon for all the noises of a home bursting with boys! I am so thankful for this life with all my rowdy, exhausting, goofy, darling, boys! And I am so thankful for the scriptures and prayer that lights my way and strengthens me each day. I notice when I am feeling frazzled, the more I depend on those sacred words and heartfelt time on my knees-- what a difference it makes!

I hope your weekend is happy!

Spritual enlightment that I have enjoyed lately found here.

(Some of) The Men in My LIfe

I got a few of the handsome men in my life to pose for a picture last Sunday.

This was after church a couple of Sunday's ago. My parents came for the special day when Connor became a Deacon. Later that afternoon our whole family came for dinner. It was fun! We love our family!

Spiritual enlightment click here. It is awesome! Happy Weekend everybody!!

A Bird and a Prayer

On Saturday afternoon, I was jolted to the sound of Coleman yelling wildly for me. I ran outside to him excitedly proclaiming that he had caught a bird and (all in the same breath), asking if he could keep it!

Here was this poor little bird standing trapped under a Rubbermaid, not seeming worried at all. I guess he was too young to realize the serious danger he was in. I quickly explained that this bird was just a baby and that we should not touch it, or it's Mom would not take him back and then he could die. This worried Coleman greatly, so he stood guard (from a distance) protecting the little guy from all the curious neighborhood children until he finally flew off.

The rest of the day Coleman was worrying about him and hoping he had found his Mom and was safe in his nest. In the evening I found him sitting at our table with his arms folded and eyes closed. In front of him was his leftover dinner that he was too busy to eat earlier. After he was done, I told him that we had already blessed the food, but that it was really great of him and I was proud of him for remembering to do it before he ate.

He looked up with that sweet little face of his, kind of embarrassed that I had 'caught' him and said "I know Mom, but I was just saying a prayer for the bird. Is that OK to pray for a bird?" I was very touched with his sincere concern for that little creature. So I explained that of course it was , and that Heavenly Father cares even about the tiniest bird. I shared with him a scripture I have always loved in Matthew (10:29) about the sparrows "...and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.." . It was one of those precious moments that Moms treasure. I am so thankful for my tender hearted little boy!

Create --Body Scrubs

I am very excited about this Do-it-Yourself idea I saw on the Martha Stewart website. Don't you just LOVE to use a good scrub and feel soft and radiant all over? It is a great way to get ready for Summer! I happen to have all the ingredients on hand, so now I just need to find the time to make it up. These would make great gifts for your girlfriends birthdays, don't you think? The instructions are here.

Speaking of creating--watch this--inspiring! The message, the pictures and the music--just BEAUTIFUL!!

Spring in the Mail

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email informing me that I was the lucky winner of a Spring package from the lovely and creative Dandee. I was so excited!! I enjoy her fun blog, Dandee Designs. You should check it out. She just had her 5th baby last week and he is adorable! Anyway, it was so fun to get this package in the mail! Thank you so much Dandee!! There were lots of fun things for me, but the boys really loved the "Spring in a Can". If you want one of these, she sells them in her Etsy shop here. The grass grew so fast! Coleman couldn't wait to take it to 'Show and Tell' for his kindergarten class. He didn't have to wait long. In less than a week it looked like this-

So, Dandee inspired me to do a giveaway too. I am working on a fun package and Sisters Cafe will host a giveaway next week!

Two more little thoughts...I am very excited for Genereal conference this weekend. And I read a very enlightening article here. It inspired me to improve my fasts and gave me lots of ideas for teaching my boys about this powerful principle.

One Year Ago

I was going thru my old picture files and lookie here...Cannon one year ago and looking so happy in a HAT! This made my laugh since I had just posted about his LOVE of hats! It started young!

For sprirtual enlightment go here. Happy Wednesday everyone!