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.

Rise Up and Stand : Back to School Dinner 2013

We have a family tradition of a special Back to School Dinner to celebrate the start of a new school year.

See here and here

I like to make it a special night, we set the table with our best dishes, pour bubbly for a toast and serve up some delicious food:)

On the Menu this year:

Grilled Garlic Balsamic encrusted Pork Tenderloin

Roasted Sweet Potatos with butter and brown sugar (recipe coming--yum)

Green salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Garlic Bread

Dessert:  Warm Peach Cobbler and vanilla bean  Ice cream

We usually have a theme for the year--a phrase to inspire us.

This year I was very prayerful --I had so many ideas running through my head, there is so much I want to instill in my boys, but after some discussion as a family we decided on Rise Up and Stand.

We talked about rising up to become all that God wants them to be-- setting goals, working hard, being faithful and taking  a stand!  Be immovable.

We talked about what it means to Stand--this years youth theme is Stand in Holy Places taken from this scripture:

“Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come, for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen” (D&C 87:8).

We watched a couple of videos from the interenet projected on our big screen using our Apple TV box--(man I love that thing!)

First this one that I can not get to load on the blog! 

and then this one:

After that Brad gave each of my boys a Fathers Blessing  full of love and wise counsel, just like he does every year.

It is a very sweet experience.

I am planning a follow up family night for this coming Monday evening that I am so excited about.  I feel  like this week as I thought about our theme and how to make it more meaningful and unforgettable for our boys....I have stumbled upon some great stuff!  A blessing, I am sure!

First I was reminded of a BYU football song a couple of years ago.  So after doing a little research, I found this video, which the boys will of course LOVE:) and I love some of the lyrics that go so perfectly with our theme!

"Nothing Can stop us when we stand our ground..."

and

"Every player...fully invested, so rise up and Stand!"

  

 My boys are going to love watching this one...I can't wait from Monday's family night:)

And then an incredible Mother I am blessed to know shared this quote that she is putting up on her boys mirrors to remind them "who they are and who they can be:"  and I am doing the same!

It was a blessing to find this--it was exactly what I was looking for!!

Rise Up, O Men of God!

Have done with lesser things,

give heart and soul and mind and strength

to serve the King of kings.

taken from this hymn

Thank you Heather--I got chills when I read that! 

I hope those words sink down deep in their souls.
 That is exactly what I hope for my sons this year and always!

So here is to a new school year...

Rise Up and Stand!

Living Happily Ever After

A little while ago my friend Bianca and I were helping with the food  for a women's conference at our church.  We were hard at work making this salad (soooo good!!) for 300 ladies.

It was fun, especially getting to work with my sweet friend!

Once everyone was served we were free to take our seats and enjoy the speakers.  The theme was "Living Happily Ever After"  and I loved every minute!

I have always been a firm believer that we must make a conscious choice to be happy.  That no matter what life hands you, we can choose to live happily ever after.  I know this is possible under any circumstances because I have watched people who have a deep sense of happiness and peace even in what I would call very depressing situations.  

I believe that the key to deep and true happiness is found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  And this is easier said than done sometimes! I think as women we can be so hard on ourselves!    One of the speakers that morning shared a blog post she had read about "Drops of Awesome"  Since I am a blogger, I perked right up:)    I have to say that I completly related to her sentiments and was deeply touched by the post she shared.  In fact I loved it so much that when I got home I tracked down the blog! 

I found the original post here, and I think you should read it when you get a chance! 

Basically this witty and wise young Mom taught, that we as women should not beat ourselves up for what we don't do....but celebrate and find joy in those moments when we are doing well! 

She writes:

"Drops of Awesome!  Every time you do something good, something kind, something productive, it’s a drop in your Bucket of Awesome. You don’t lose drops for every misstep. You can only build. You can only fill."

I think of this little concept all the time now! 

I know that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and it starts inside our head and hearts!  He has promised to make weak things strong in us when we put our trust in Him.  He will consecrate our heartfelt efforts, especially in our family to be enough!  

So stop focusing on what you are not doing right and instead start counting those drops of goodness, because really

you are awesome!

Yes, pat yourself on the back:)

Spring has Come...in the house at least

 So I am welcoming March with Spring Decor.  I know it seems a little early, but I am ready for warmer weather, aren't you?

ON a little side note...I need you opinion on my front door.  Getting this door was a VERY long process, let me tell you!  I went through Lowes and it was a bit of a nightmare.  We started last Summer and after waiting 7 weeks for it to be made, it came in wrong and had to be reordered.  In the end, it is still not how I ordered it, but I got tired of the fight.  It is supposed to have panes on the windows that are black--an extension of the door--not plastic inside the glass (do you know what I mean).  I guess the manufacturer can't do that with this door, so I am not sure why they told me yes when I ordered it that way.  So what do you think?  Should I have them make panes or do you think it is fine the way it is?  My husband likes it without, but I am not sure??  I really wanted them, but now having some installer try to make them from scratch,  kind of worries me.  It may not be worth the trouble.  What do you think? 

 I found that cute little burlap bunny at TJ Max for $7... what a bargain, huh?!  Hopefully he lasts better than my pumpkin.  Remember that?  BOYS!!

 Spring on the mantel

Our board has a little reminder for my crew---what is it with boys and trash talkin'?  Ugh...

I got a new Potterybarn catalogue in the mail this week.  I am dreaming about Easter parties.

I love that banner--I think I could make it.  Burlap is so cute, don't you think?

Oh and the tulips and branches in blossom--BEAUTIFUL!

I am now on the lookout for a big white pitcher and pretty blossoms for my dining room table.

And I wanted to share a little inspiration that I watched this week and LOVED.

As I turn my thoughts toward Easter I am so thankful for Jesus Christ--I know that peace and happiness are found in trusting in Him--we are never alone.

Favorite quotes from the clip "Acting on even a twig of faith allows God to grow it" and

"...serving God and others persistently with full heart and soul turns testimony of truth into an unbreakable spiritual strength."  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Adjusting our Sails

**

I have been thinking a lot about these wise words lately.  Sometimes things don't go as planned or work out like we had hoped.  One of my boys was experiencing just that recently and we were able to have a great talk.  I shared one of my favorite poems,  Invictis with him and reminded him that yes,  he is the master of his fate--the captain of his soul.  We may not be able to control what happens to us---but we control our attitude which makes all the difference in the end. 

 Have you seen this little clip?  This man has mastered adjusting his sails.  Blows me away--a real life hero for sure!

Invictus

BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo

Small Things

Source: thecreativepaige.com via Melanie on Pinterest

This weekend I read a talk that a friend shared with me titled " Raising Self-reliant and Respectful Children" by Daryl Hoole.  It was given at the BYU School of Family Life Distinguished Lectures Series.  I was impressed and inspired with all of this speech, but a few points really hit home and got me thinking.

 I loved this explanation of respect:

"Respect is honor and esteem.  Being respectful is to do and say the nicest thing in the nicest way."

It is so easy  to slip into a negative tone with my children when they are not listening or obeying like I think they should. Children are people and deserve respect all the time too.  I am going to do better at being firm, but still nice and respectful at times like that.

I also loved this part: 

 A busy husband promised his wife "to give you my best and not that which is left over."

 I thought about that a lot. My family is number one for me, but do I give my husband and children my very best, not just whatever is left?  With 5 boys at home and a husband that is gone a lot with his job, I do get worn thin at times.  I know that is normal,  but I don't want to look back at this time in my life and have regrets.  I think that if loving my family and creating a happy, peaceful home is top on my list then maybe at this time in my life, items on my 'To Do' list need to be left undone.  Even good projects and tasks can take too much of my focus and energy--leaving me tired, stressed and worn out.  I realized that I need to be careful in how I plan my day and time, making sure I am giving the most time/energy to my family right now, you know?!  I can already see that this time is short when all my little chicks are in the nest and I don't want to waste a day of it being frazzled or "checked out".  

( I really don't think my boys would like to be referred to as "chicks"--ha ha!)

It brought to mind something else I had recently read--well actually listened to.  I have been listening to conference talks on my daily walks.  This was from 'Of Regrets and Resolutions" found here:

"Isn’t it true that we often get so busy? And, sad to say, we even wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of a superior life.

Is it?

I think of our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, and His short life among the people of Galilee and Jerusalem. I have tried to imagine Him bustling between meetings or multitasking to get a list of urgent things accomplished.

I can’t see it.

Instead I see the compassionate and caring Son of God purposefully living each day. When He interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinite value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed them. He gave them the
 precious gift of His time."

If we fail to give our best personal self and undivided time to those who are truly important to us, one day we will regret it.

Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories.

These thoughts have left me feeling more committed to taking on less, focusing more on the individual, (especially those that are mine),  and simply living more purposefully.  I sometimes get overwhelmed with the big picture --- but really the key for me is making the time to consistently do small things with great love for the most important people in my life.

Reason to Win

Coleman and I on a lunch date at Jason's Deli after a recent eye Dr appointment. 

This morning as we were rushing to get ready for school,  my cute little sports nut boy wanted to show me something on the Ipad.  I could see he was on the ESPN app (of course) and I really wasn't too interested in a players latest stats at that busy moment...

I started to tell him no, saying we did not have time for that right now, but he pleaded that it was really neat and would only take a minute, so I relented.  Sometimes I can't resist that boy:)

I am so glad that I took a few minutes to watch this with him.. 

A couple of phrases from the video keep running through my head this morning...

"The only disability in life...is a bad attitude."

and

"Life can be conquered with the right outlook...and I promise everything else will fall into place"

I think I just found some new quotes for our inspiration board:)

Thank you Coleman --what a great way to start the day!

Living below our Privileges

Source: bippityboppityboo.tumblr.com via Melanie on Pinterest

I watched this humorous little video the other day and
 couldn't stop thinking about it.

I kept asking myself...Am I  living below my privileges?

"We live beneath our privileges when we fail to partake of the feast of HAPPINESS, PEACE and JOY that God grants so bountifully."

I do believe with all my heart 
that our Heavenly Father is mindful of each one of us.  
That He wants us to be happy 
and that as we seek Him,

he will open our eyes to how 
we can fully experience 
all the beauty and happiness 
he has prepared for every one of us.

I do not want to be like the poor guy on the cruise--missing out on all the good stuff because I didn't believe I could have it!
It is funny how easy we settle for far less without even realizing it...this was such a good reminder for me. Just what I needed.  I hope you enjoy it too:)

Trying to remember...

Lately I seem to have an unending amount of this to do:

So I am trying really hard to remember these wise words:

I think I have posted this before, but I love that quote and had it running through my mind like a mantra yesterday! I do believe that is exactly what will happen someday when my home is no longer full of boys! (Sniff)

In the meantime I really need to frame this and hang it in my laundry room just to help my attitude about the huge amounts of stinky boy clothes I deal with on a daily basis!  

If you want to print this darling quote too--you can--for FREE!! 

 Click here !

Thank you Three Little Monkeys Studio!

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.

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:)

Walkie Talkies, a Shiner & some Inspiration

Coleman and his best bud Kollin have been introduced to the world of 'walkie talkies' with" over and outs" and "roger that" This is exciting stuff to an 8 year old! They talk right before bed and plan their walk to school over breakfast. So cute!

Also Cannon recieved his first true blue shiner. It looked way worse than this the next day. I was embarrassed to be seen in public with him--lets just say he got A LOT of attention! He ran into Bridger's head while they were trying to gang up on TJ "WWW smack down style". This all happened when they were suppossed to be getting a story for a nice and calm bed time routine. I try, that is all I can say:)

I was a part of a birthday party for the Relief Society (Women's organization) I am a part of. The Relief Society strengthens women and families and I LOVE being a part of it. I taught my family dinner class that night and handed out a new menu planner (found here).

I LOVED this video shown that night---WE CAN DO EXTRAORDINARY things:)

Time Out for Women in Nashville

**Don't forget to enter the $100 giveaway here**

A couple of weeks ago I had the sweet opportunity to spend the weekend with some fabulous ladies for some fun in Nashville! We started out with some shopping and a yummy lunch at my new favorite fresh mex place, Chipolte! Delish--have you been there?! So good!! I wish there was one in Chattanooga-dang it!

We found a lot of GREAT deals, but my favorite purchase was getting these cute Born sandals for a steal! They were originally $95 and I got them for $18! Woo hoo! I was so happy about these cuties that I texted this shot to my Mom and sisters:) I miss shopping with them! We always loved to get a hot deal!

So we enjoyed good eats, awesome shopping, a beautiful hotel, fun company....but the BEST part of the whole weekend was the Time Out for Women conference we attended.

The theme was 'Choose to Become' All things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23 The presenters were well prepared and so inspiring, nudging us to choose to become the women we are suppossed to be. I took notes like a mad woman and had fun sharing them with my family later. Beautiful messages and testimonies of Jesus Christ were given and I soaked it all up:)

I do believe with all my heart that God has a plan for each one of us. We are His precious children with divine--beautiful, unique talents and gifts. It is thrilling for me to know that a loving Father in Heaven will lead and guide us in our lifes work, as we seek His guidance and are willing to do our part. I think that is the key to true happiness. When your hearts desire is to please the Lord and dedicate your life to Him and His work you can't go wrong!

Me, J'lynne, Anjie and Beth showing off our new bags:)

And enjoying the rockers!

It was a sweet weekend and now I am especially excited for BYU Women's Conference at the end of the month. I have already booked my flight and purchased my ticket. This years theme is "By Small and Simple Things Are Great Things Brought to Pass. " Alma 37:6-7 One of my all time favorite scriptures!

It is going to be good! Are you going?

Inspiration on a Friday

I really couldn't be happier that it is Friday! My little crew is T I R E D and ready for weekend fun and extra sleep! Plus, the Daddy is coming home today from a long 8 day business trip-yeah!

Weekend Plans:
*Family Pizza and Movie night (watching this wrestling movie on Clearplay)
*Coleman's basketball game at the YMCA (love that place)
*Making Valentine Cookies with a cool new technique I learned (tutorial coming to Sisters Cafe)
*Saturday Night Date for my and my love (CAN NOT WAIT:)
*Sunday Morning church (first Sunday of new schedule with Sacrament meeting first-yeah!)
*Watching the Superbowl (with lots of yummy food) --Go Packers!!
*Painting my nails a pretty shade of Valentine pink
*Vacuuming out my kidmobile--oh my does it ever need it!
*Figuring out how to plug my laptop into our TV to share this inspirational clip with my boys on the big screen:


My boys love this guy! Brad used to take them to watch Tyler play at Lone Peak High School (our HS) when we lived in Highland! Our boys would get so excited to wear their Lone Peak clothes and stay up late on a school night to cheer him on!

I am so thankful for young men like this --what a great role model for our boys!

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

Need a little inspiration...Watch this!

Remember this post I wrote about Ms. Stephanie Nelson of Nie Nie Dialogues a couple of years ago? I love this girl! She is such an inspiration! Here is a little update on her story. She is a beautiful woman living a beautful life even thru incredible difficulities.

Good Morning Sunshine

Our home has a lot of big windows and I love all the light so much that I rarely shut our blinds. Every morning we are flooded with the bright morning sunshine. It really is a glorious way to wake up. Some mornings when I have a minute and all my little men are still sleeping, I like to think about this poem. It makes for a great day!

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:

The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendor of achievement,

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is just a vision,
And today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore to this day!
Such is the salutation to the dawn.
-Kalidasa
(Thanks to my little sister Mindy for introducing me to this poem! I love it!)

Happy Monday!!