little girl parties

Pink, presents and pretty things seem to be the theme for little girl parties.

We had two this weekend and they were sure fun. The second one was a princess tea party for mom's too. It was so much fun to dress up, use all the special dishes and silverware, put napkins on our laps and enjoy many fun special foods.

I watched my little girls eye light up when I put on a dress and heels also. We need to do more special days where we celebrate being girls and remember how much fun it is to be a girl. I hope that she always takes time to enjoy special feminine moments and develops the graces of womanhood. I'm still figuring it all out so maybe we will learn together.

how come?

How come it seems when you declare good feelings and success you end up in a heap. I have no idea why I have been crying today but I have. It's almost as if admiting to all the world that God loves me irritates Satan and he has to make sure I feel crumby for a while. I don't know why the feelings of confusion, or doubt, or failure can hit so hard but I'm done with them. I am ready to move forward. I am ready to

"Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it and there is no reason it can't be better than today.

Thanks Emily and Anne and all the locals who just happen to call today or spend time with me. We really are never alone.

confirmation

"Just as Jesus used a child in His mortal ministry as an example for the people of the pure love they must and could have to be like Him, He has offered us the family as an example of an ideal setting in which we can learn how to love as He loves. That is because the greatest joys and the greatest sorrows we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from putting the welfare of others above our own. That is what love is."


Henry B. Eyring, Our Perfect Example," Ensign 11/2009


If was so fun to receive this in my inbox this morning. Like I said, when you are looking for understanding and answers they suddenly seem to be everywhere. My Father in Heaven sure must love me.

Celebrating family

So here is the book I am studying, Strengthening Our Families, An In-Depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family. I am so excited to be a part of the solution in strengthening families. My desire is to strengthen my own family is such a way that we can weather the storms of life knowing that we have each other with God at the helm. He wants us to succeed.

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesusu Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

(Proclamation; para. 1)

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As I learn to know God more I am learning of the importance of family. He has given us the gifts of immortality and eternal life through his son Jesus Christ. Henry B. Eyring said, "Eternal life means to become like the Father and to live in families in happiness and joy forever." The family is the most important relationship in this life. It is in the circle of family that we have are greatest joys and our greatest trials. It is where we are tested, refined, and given joy. Ideally it is where we feel safe, supported, and loved, a place where it is okay to make mistakes and try again. Even when these things are not part of our family life our Heavenly Father provides a way for these experiences to make us better. He helps us become all that he would have us be and to receive all the blessings he has in store for us.

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With family on my mind I am celebrating positive families portrayed in the media. Recently I saw two movies that gave me hope because they portrayed family in a positive light, supporting each other and working together. They were whole traditional families - husband, wife, and children.

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The first one I saw was Blind Side . This movie is about a mother who allows her nurturing instincts to extend to the needs of a boy she sees. She risks what some might see as personal safety, safety of her home and family, opinions of her friends and neighbors in order to act on true principles of love and duty. She is amazing by herself but because of her example and gentle invitation, her whole family is in support of welcoming this boy into their home and family. You see the husband's support in letting his wife follow inspiration. You see the children recognizing and doing what is right rather than what is popular. You see a young man nurtured in a family grow and reach greater heights with the support of a family. And once again the more they give, the more they are led by principle, the better they each become and the stronger the family unit becomes.

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The next movie I saw was Extrordinary Measures. This movie was about a family pulling together rather than apart through medical challenges. It was about a father rising up to truly provide for and protect his family. Husband and wife loved and supported each other. Family time was cherished and enjoyed. (I don't agree with Harrison Ford's idea of entertainment being him constantly swearing - rather frustrating.)
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I feel hope each time I see family celebrated. I can make a difference by strengthening my own family and supporting those who are seeking to do the same.

The future is as bright as your faith. (Pres. Monson)

Precious Gifts

by Dorothy L. Elam

This year let's give a gift of love

To all who need a friend

And try to offer hope
Where discouragement has been.

Let's share the many fruits of faith

With those who fear and doubt,

And use the gift of charity

To spread God's love about.

(Friend, 1/10)

As I begin my quest for understanding I am amazed at how the Lord provides so many sources and learning opportunities. It is as though once I have made my request to understand I suddenly see answers everywhere. Yesterday I got to know a new friend. She and her family have moved in close by. She is going through some difficult times and I get to help her through them as we both learn "to offer hope where discouragement has been. . . and share the many fruits of faith with those who fear and doubt," I am learning that the offering and sharing always blesses both of us.

The Ensign's article about Relief Society suddenly has many gems for me. Sister Julie Beck shares her grandmother's advice "When I was a young mother, I asked her if it was possible to rear a righteous posterity in a world filled with wickedness. She raised herself up, and pointing at me, she emphatically said, "Yes! You must! That is why you are here!" That is why I am here. To raise a righteous family. That includes honoring my husband, loving my children, reaching out to others -- nurturing.

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Joseph Smith said "If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates." I have a great work to do and I am not left alone to do it. One of my many resources is a circle of sisters, the Relief Society. As we look to those women on either side of our circle we are told by Pres. Packer "Your every need shall be fulfilled, now, and in the eternities; every neglect will be erased, every abuse will be corrected." This is not an idle promise. I have the opportunity to attend a RS womens group where amazing women admit that life has had huge challenges and we work to help each other overcome those challenges. I have women in my family. I have women who are seeking with me the responsibility of educating their own children. (Another and another source of help for me)

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I am excited to have started this journey. "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reporoof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:14-16)

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I am going to start with remembering that which I have already learned. I am going to look for opportunities "to provide relief--relief of poverty, illness, doubt, ignorance, and all that hinders the joy and progress of woman" Ensign and that includes my own.

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pictures: 1 trying to make a ziggurate of Ur out of legos, 2 the first 4 days of creation. It felt so good to finally do something creative, and it was about the creation.

A goal/need for me

I am having a desire to better understand my role as woman and wife. I want to know what it means to nurture. I want to know what the prophets have taught and I want to live these teachings. I have lots of my own ideas but for Christmas I got a new book that I want to truly learn from and let it change me. It is a book about The Family: A Proclamation to the World. I want to let it change me for the better.

In an effort to learn I am hoping to share here some of the things I am learning as well as many other sources that keep coming into my life. It is time I figured out who I am and what I am suppose to be doing and how I can help the sisters in my life do the same. I am not here to preach to anyone but just to share my ideas, discoveries, hopes, thoughts, and questions.

So now that I have made my goal out loud and written down I hope I will be better at following through and please know that I would love to hear your thoughts, know your sources, and grow together.

A real January

This is the first winter in so very long that has continued to feel like winter. We have had continual snow since before Christmas. The ice on the roads is only finally breaking up. I really like the beauty of white. It is pretty and clean. It makes me want to eat soup, read books, curl up with my children on the couch sipping cocoa, and just stay home.

This is the view from my balcony. We have never had so many icicles. Today Mr. O is trying to break up the ice and get it off the balcony. The water goes right down the wall and often seeps inside the house. It is a frustrating situation. He has tried several different fixes but nothing works yet.

If anyone has any helpful solutions, we would love to hear them. Happy winter day!

I have a dear friend whose son got married this week. I was able to go to the reception last night. This friend is an inspiration to me. She has had more than her share of troubles and challenges yet she is cheerful and always reaching out to others.

One of the most important things I am learning from her is to look for and recognize blessings. She is feeling very blessed and loved as she has been carried through this wedding with love and so many little miracles coming together to make everything just right. What I really appreciate is that she is quick to share the stories, the miracles, the joy that they bring, with me and everyone who might be interested. She is in her own sweet way bearing testimony of the love of her Savior in her life.

Last night she was just glowing with beauty inside and out. I was seeing His reflection in her countenance. I know she will downplay her beauty but she is truly becoming the graceful, beautiful woman that she wants to be and she is a lot closer than she thinks.

PS 359 days until Christmas! Although I think with loving family, great friends, and recognizing the Savior in our life each day, it is Christmas everyday.

more family fun

Here are the instigators. Shooting each other is fun but takes on a whole new perspective when you get organized,

have teams,

and are seeking to protect or rescue this beautiful princess.

Thank you John for being so much fun.

sleigh riding

My kids are hooked on this kind of sleigh riding. The truck takes you up and you have a long fast ride down.

Happy Birthday Tall One

Tall One is now 14 years old. He celebrated with cherry pie, homemade ice cream and snow boarding. Tomorrow he will be ordained a teacher in the Aaronic priesthood. I am so please with the fine young man he is. I love you!

Our New Year's Celebrating

With such a gorgeous edifice it is hard not to get a good picture.

We spent New Year's Eve picking up Jacob and visiting temple square.  We got there early enough to see the Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration movie and then walked out into a wonderland of lights. It was so beautiful.   Jarle had wanted to see the lights and I am so grateful we were able to fit it all in.

New Years day was spent with my side of the family.  Amber is visiting from Maryland with her family and got to help with the planning.  Her little family is so cute.

This is the the crew that enjoyed breakfast at Golden Corral

Another temple square picture.

We welcomed the New Year in with all my inlaws at Kristen's house.  We played games, ate food, and watched movies (or napped) until midnight.

These are the great instigators and providers of our New Year's Day fun.  Mom and Dad, thanks for breakfast, gifts, and family time.  You are wonderful.

Here are a bunch of the boy cousins. 

These little princess cousins sure had a good time together.

Once again the new blog editor has confused me and my post.  Sorry.  Hope it makes some sense and I think I'll go back to the old one again.  Apparently change is not always progress.