6th Picture Tag...

I have been tagged twice to do this challenge. I suppose it is time I do this.

I was tagged by my friend, Dahlene and my sister Sandra. It was fun looking at the picture they posted so here we go...

This picture was taken Easter 2006...It was fun to see these old pictures. This picture was taken in our AZ house. As you can see we are coloring eggs and trying to have fun. I sure hope I helped create some good memories in this house.

If you are tagged then you find the sixth picture of your files and post it on your blog to share what it is. I had fun looking at old pictures.

I am tagging:

• Bobbi Jo
• Janae
• Jolene
• Diane
• Annette

Be Agressive, Be, Be, Agressive...

Miss Kayci, KICK That ball!! I got to cheer for Kayci during indoor soccer. Every game I threatened to stand up and do the "Be Agressive" cheer. She would say, "No Mom, Please don't embarrass me".

This was a good thing for Kayci, she is so shy and just doesn't dare be agressive. She will learn, I suppose. She will be starting outdoor soccer in April. I'm excited to keep seeing her improve.

I taught my primary class today about being kind. We talked about why it is important and discussed ways to be kind. Here is a quote I had each of them read aloud.

" We should always think about how others feel. We should be kind to everyone, as Jesus was. He loves all of us. It doesn't matter how we look." Cheryl C. Lant

Faith...Do you Have Some?

I am so excited to share what I did...This idea came to me on Saturday. I have wondered for weeks how to complete my cabinet. I actually amazed myself. It's alright if nobody else thinks this is a cute idea, because I DO. I love it!!

This is the hallway to our bathroom, and bedrooms. This cabinet is there to hold linens, I was never sure what to place on top so I placed some books that we want to read and a dictionary which I enjoy using time to time.

A few weeks ago I had bought this Faith sign at the dollar store. I wanted to paint it a bright color so that we could see it well, since Faith is such an important thing to have. This jar my sister let me buy it at the DI. Luckily, she was able to find one for herself. I decided to place the jar next to my faith sign, but I couldn't decide what to put in the jar.

This is where my good idea came. On Saturday we went to the dollar store to get flip flops. I saw the flowers at the store. The idea came to buy Lemon Head candy and place in the jar and then put the flowers inside.

This helps brighten up the hallway and is such a fun thing. Thanks for humoring me with my idea. Have a wonderful day!!

Something to think about: Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. Alma 32:21

Just Wanted to Share...

Just wanted to share what is on my heart today. This morning in my sacrament service I had such an amazing moment.

The speakers today were our stake presidency members. I haven't felt the spirit like this in so long.

The speaker that really touched my heart was teaching us about hearing the words of the Lord. To have a soft and humble heart that we may hear the words that we need to hear.

I cried through the entire meeting. He tought us to find where our hearts should be and learn to forgive those that have hurt us in any way. My heart is full because I had been given the chance to have my heart filled with forgiveness, and find the words of the Lord for me. It was just over a year ago that I had my own Gethsemane. I knelt before the feet of the Lord and pleaded and desired that my heart be healed and able to love and be loved. I have a testimony and knowledge for myself that the Lord will truly heal our hearts and will give us a pure heart. I know that it is hard and takes sometime and work to have a change of heart. When we plead and desire for such a change we can have it. As I tought in my primary class today...Jesus will never come in unless we open the door. Jesus is waiting for us to open the door of our heart to let him in. I am so grateful that the Lord has given me a humble and pure heart and now my job each day is to choose to keep it open.

Here is a scripture that helped change my life: Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

Isn't this what we all desire, to see God and be with Him in the end?

Finally...it took long enough

I can finally sit down and roam around in blogland. I have had a productive Friday morning

I was able to pick-up around the house, vacuum, do my morning dishes, and sit outside with John while he jumped on the trampoline. Lunch is in the oven and so I thought I would take a few minutes to do a post and look at other blogs.

Back in February I posted a project that I wanted to work on that month, but I kept procrastinating. I finally completed my table runner and thought I would show what I did.

I bought clearanced material at Walmart to place on the back of my table runner. It is a light yellow leaf print. I think it turned out alright.

I had embroidered this table runner over a year ago and never did anything else with it. Since I started blogging I have been able to see that I could also do things and be creative. So, I decided to make this table runner become usable. My plan for this table is to find a pretty tall lamp to place on it with cute picture frames or something else on it. We'll see what happens.

Thanks for coming by!! I do enjoy everyone that visits and appreciate your kindness.

Have a great weekend!!

Ms. Tooth Fairy, are you coming?

This week has been an unusual week because of the flu going on at our house. Yesterday, I did nothing. Seriously, I sat around most of the day and took the day off. Mostly so I could read and finish my book for the book club I joined. (It was a interesting book)

Anyway, Kayci had the flu and stayed home from school. While in her misery she had an exciting day yesterday. Her FIRST loose tooth fell out. It was so fun for her. We had to take pictures so that we could have these for later.

I tried to take a picture yesterday, but Kayci did not want her picture taken while she was feeling sick. Today was the day we could fix her hair and take a picture.

Thank Goodness for GIRLS and a loose tooth!!

Did you say DINOSAUR?

A couple weekends ago we drove to dinosaur land. Vernal, UT is known for being dinosaur land.

We are fortunate enough to live here. We have been here for one year and never took the time to see the Dinosaur National Monument. So, we drove seven miles and hiked to see the dinosaur bones.

It was an easy hike and a lot of fun. My kids were able to do it easy. It is such beautiful country out here. Kayci and Clarissa had so much fun pretending that the dinosaurs were there with us.

John had fun being on an Indiana Jones adventure trying to catch the dinosaur.

We drove around and found a beautiful camping spot that we will for sure be staying at this summer. It is right a long the Green River.

It so fun to see what was created for us to enjoy.

Have a great day and go find a spot to enjoy!!!

Duane Johnson?

We have had the flu at our house this weekend. We had a fun day planned for Saturday but had to be changed because of the flu. My husband decided to take those that were well to the movie and see "Race to Witch Mountain". We were explaining to my three year old son, John, that he was going to the movie. I wasn't sure if he understood what movie he was going to see but then he said, "Duane Johnson movie?" My husband and I looked at each other with surprised looks.

I was shocked that he even knew that. I thought, "Oh my I can see we watch a lot of the Disney Channel".

Much better

I am happy to say that I had a much better day. I am feeling back to normal. I'll be back, my little boy, John, is pounding at the door saying, "Mom, I need to ask you something".

Four hours later and I am back to finish my post. I had to go do activity day at the church for the

8-11 year old girls. It was a fun activity.

Anyway, today was a much better day and enjoyed myself. Now I am too tired to go do my dishes, so they will sit until tomorrow.

Well, yesterday during my melt down I wanted to work on a project to get my mind off of things. I had found this picture frame for $1.00 at our thrift store (the DI) a long time ago. It is has been bothering me because it blended in with the wall. So, I decided to change it up a little.

I painted the picture frame navy blue. I didn't want to put a picture in the frame so I decided to create an embroidered Spring quote to place inside. Here is what I came up with. I had seen the quote on a blog and used it (here to see the blog). I drew the flower and a sun also wrote the quote on the material and then did the embroidery over the pencil markings. Does that make sense? I had a lot of fun doing this and I as able to complete it all yesterday. It really helped take my mind off of my stressful day. Thanks for your comments and support. This has been a lot of fun getting to know so many people.

Have a wonderful evening and a great weekend!! Spring is coming!!!

I looked up Spring in the scripture Index, so here is something to think about regarding "spring"

"And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen."

AUGH....LIFE is an Adventure!!

Today has been one of those days. I haven't had a day like this for a while so I guess it is my turn. I am normally not a complainer because after I'm done I always feel sick inside and wish I never had opened my mouth. But, sometimes it is good to let it out.

First, I drove into town to get eggs for rolls I was making and the truck I was using over heated and I was stuck. Our van has been in the shop and was informed today by my husband that it is going to cost $2800 to fix the transmission. WHO HAS $2800 TO FIX a 1999 Van?

Luckily, my husband's boss was letting him borrow a work truck so we were able to go pick up my van so I could get home before my girls got off the bus.

The van drove alright and hopefully will last long enough for us to find a good deal on a new (used) van.

Anyway, today I really wanted to cry. I worked hard at not crying.

Needless to say, I made it home before my girls and was glad of that.

I did say a prayer when I got home to let Heavenly Father know that I was sorry for murmuring and I know that the Lord has a plan for us. I do have FAITH that this will all work out and we will have what we need. I know this because the Lord has never failed us yet and we are extremely blessed. My husband still has a job and starting this month has started working three jobs so that we can get out of our stupid debt and start saving our money.

For this I am happy and have peace in my heart again. I really wasn't wanting to write this for sympathy or whatever. I just need to let it out. Thanks for letting me share!!

Titus 2 Tuesday...Sandra

I have been thinking about who I would share about today. I decided that I wanted to tribute my sisters. I have learned much from them throughout my life. I am the youngest of six children. I am very glad about this because I have been able to watch all of my sisters and pick the attributes that I like and have them part of my life. I have also been able to see what hasn't worked and try to keep that out of my life. Today I am starting with my sister, Sandra. Sandra is the closest to me in age. We are eight years a part. I have been blessed having her in my life. Growing up I would say I looked up to her the most. Watching Sandra I learned how to make friends at school. She was always kind to everyone and I always thought that she was very popular. I wanted to be like her because she was always in a class presidency and knew a lot of people. I remember Sandra was always being asked out on dates. As a little girl I had fun when the guys would come over and pick her up. I always remember her being very spiritual. I always enjoyed visiting her in her bedroom and every time I saw her she was reading the scriptures. I know that she has always been close to the spirit and able to touch many people for good. The time came that Sandra found the love of her life and got married. I was 11 years old and I thought my life was over. I just knew I would never see her again and I was so scared because I wouldn't have a friend at home. I was alone after she left but I was always happy when I got to go visit her. (I'm sitting here bawling) Anyway, I am so happy the Heavenly Father placed us in families and that we can learn from them all. I know I probably haven't done a good job explaining what I learned from Sandra, but she brings excitement to the room and is full of love and really enjoys having fun. Today, Sandra is still teaching me to be creative and to enjoy making my house a nice place for my family to be. You can learn a lot about her by visiting her blog (In This Small House).

Flour up your nose...

Today is a beautiful, Sunny Sunday. I almost forgot that we had to change our clocks but a neighbor called me last night to remind me to change our clocks. I told her I was so glad that she called because I really wouldn't have changed my clocks. Thanks to my neighbor we were able to know the right time. Anyway, A couple weeks ago I taught my kids a game I would play as a child. This flour game is the only game I remember playing for Family Home Evening with my family. The rules to this game is to drop a penny in a pile of flour and then with your nose try to dig it out. My kids actually had a lot of fun but I think the best part for them was playing with the flour after digging with our noses. It was a fun time. Have a nice Sunday and remember to have fun with your family. As the famous saying says, "A family that plays together stays together". Or I like the one that President Thomas S. Monson says, "A family that prays together stays together". I love my little family. I can't imagine being anywhere else right now.

It's Coming...and Other Fun Stuff

I write this post while I am on the phone. I am on hold with the Pinal County Assessor's office. I have 11 calls ahead of me. I thought well, I should do something while I am waiting. So, here I sit. Yesterday, I was outside and noticed something on my tree. The buds are on my tree!! I was so excited. I told my kids to look because this means the leaves are coming soon. YES!! 9 calls ahead of me... Also yesterday I tried to take it easy because I wasn't feeling very well. I was able to get my kitchen clean and then I did some crafts on my table. Here are some pictures of what I did. I had so much fun and it really helped me stop feeling how miserable I felt. Yeah, 7 calls ahead of me...

I saw at the Small House blog that she placed a floating R in one of her jars. I stole her idea and did the same thing. I think it turned out cute.

This next picture, I bought this candle holder at the DI for .50 cents and decided that I didn't want it red anymore. So, I fixed that problem. I also was given the square and the letter D by my sister and painted these also. I loved how it turned out.

Yes, 2 calls ahead of me...

My last picture I show is a board that I found also at the DI and wanted to make it into a chalkboard for thoughts. This is hung by my front door where I will place a little message for everyone to see each day. Our first message of the day is "smile". I painted the edge a navy blue color it looks really nice in person.

Finally, I got through to speak with a person regarding our property in AZ. Thanks for spending time with me on hold. Doing this helped the time go faster.

My Favorite Things continued...

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things...(I can hear you singing, it is such a fun song to sing)

During President's Day weekend I spent the weekend at my parent's house. While I was visiting I was able to hang out with my sister, Sandra, at Small House (Check out her blog). My sister had a craft for us to do. This is what she had ready for me to paint. I added the bow and used ribbon to hang it on my wall. I think it is so cute.

This next picture is where I hung the D. I love it there. My only dilemma with this wall is not knowing what to put on my shelves. Nothing has come to me yet. If anyone has any ideas for me I will love to hear them. Have a great Wednesday!! I was able to open my front window today for fresh air. It is 62 degrees outside. SO NICE!! I can't wait to plant flowers outside and get our yard cleaned up. This Spring we are planting grass seed. A few people that owned this house before us let the yard die. We are really ready to have grass to play on. I sure hope it works.

Titus 2 Tuesday...

I've been thinking a lot about my friend Josephine. I met Josephine in AZ while living in the Gilbert Meadows apartments. I really wish I had a picture of her. I decided I didn't do well at taking pictures of past friends and people I knew. Since you didn't have the honor of knowing Josephine I just hope you can have a person like her in your life. I want to tribute Josephine today. Just a little bit about her, she was a fun loving, southern stubborn woman. She brought love, fun, stress, service, and headaches to my life. Josephine was an elderly lady that was all alone. She wanted to die so badly. She missed her husband so much. I lived in the same square as her and if she needed help with anything she would only call me. One experience I will share is that Josephine loved Popsicles. For each meal she would only eat popsicles. Well, when she would run out she would call me to take her to the store so that she could get more. The person I am, I couldn't say no, so I would load my little girl and we would go to the store. Josephine would eat these Popsicles so often that she got pneumonia. I never knew that a person could this sickness from eating Popsicles. The doctors told her that she had to stop. The Bishop of our ward and the Relief Society President visited with me and I was told that I could no longer take Josephine to the store to buy more Popsicles. I thought, "great, how in the world can I say no to this lady?" Well, Josephine got better and was still addicted to Popsicles. Of course, I still took her but I tried to tell her I wasn't supposed to. She didn't care. A couple years went by and other experiences happened with her that I was able to grow from. Finally about six years ago Josephine was able to pass on and be with her husband. I remember telling my husband, if she doesn't get to see her husband right away she will be finding the Savior and demanding that she see him. I hope she was allowed to see him. I know she is with him now. I loved this experience with Josephine and will always have a love for her in my life. After she passed on my family and I would visit her grave every Memorial Day. Since moving to another state I can no longer visit and have missed it so much. I hope that when I pass on she will be waiting for me also. I would love to give her a big hug and tell her how much I loved her. She was like a grandma to me, one that I never got to have of my own on this earth. I love the bond of womanhood and what we can give each other, if we open our hearts. Something to think about: "As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar."

What...Two Awards? Amazing!!

I dropped by my favorite blog, In This Small House, and noticed I was given two awards. Not just one but TWO!!

I received the star commenter award.

I enjoy receiving comments but I really love to leave a comment to let the person know I dropped by and enjoyed their blog. Every blog is unique and never the same as anyone else.

I can really tell what a personality is like by looking at someones blog. It is so fun!!

This next award I received is the lemonade award. I thought maybe I deserved to sit down and enjoy a glass of lemonade. Earlier I made some lemonade, put my feet up, and have been enjoying my lemonade while I work on this post.

Now I get the privilege of passing on these awards to a few of my blogging friends that I enjoy visiting. I also get stressed out about passing these on because I enjoy so many. Here are those that I pass this on to.

I was noticing that some ladies had already received this lemonade award so if you have I'm sorry you are getting it twice. I guess that just gives you another excuse to sit and enjoy a good drink of lemonade!!

Winona- She has an amazing talent with quilting. SHe deserves to enjoy a good drink of lemonade having gone through a painful few weeks. Thanks for your comments also.

Annette- She is my sister-in-law and she needs to enjoy a nice drink. She is busy with her four children and expecting her fifth child. She does a lot for her family. Thanks for your comments.

Bobbi Jo- I just recently met Bobbi Jo and found that she lives in the town I just moved from. I have enjoyed visiting her blog. Take a break with a yummy drink and thanks for your comments too.

Leona- She works hard at helping her grandchildren and her own children. I have enjoyed following her blog and appreciate her comments.

Kris- She has a fun blog to look at. She takes good care of her family and wants to improve herself and her family. Thanks for your comments also.

Becca- I like to look at this blog every once in a while. She is doing a great job being a farmer's wife. She has had a sick family and for sure needs to take a break and enjoy a good drink.

Jolene- This a friend of mine from AZ. She works hard at taking care of her family and serving the ladies in her ward. Take a break!! Thanks for your comments.

Janae- This a good friend also from AZ. She is a wonderful homemaker and a very good mother. She serves hard for the children in her stake. SIT DOWN and have a drink of lemonade. Thanks for all your sweet comments also.

Dahlene- She is also a friend that I met in AZ and enjoyed getting to know her more through blogging and good old Face Book. I know she is a wonderful mother and serves hard also. Thanks for your comments also.

I'm giving you all permission (guilt free) to put your feet up and enjoy a cold cup of lemonade and keep those comments flowing. A comment can make someones day. I know it makes my day when I receive a comment from all of you.