2010 November

Recognizing my Creativity

November 5, 2010 Leave a Comment

The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.” – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2008 Relief Society Broadcast

I still remember when President Uchtdorf gave this talk, “Happiness, Your Heritage”. It hit me that creativity is something that can be accomplished daily – daily!! Many times it is already happening and I just need the eyes to see it. Thus I begin my new habit for the next 21 days. I will recognize the creativity in my life. I will create and journal it here. Thanks to Rhonna Farrer for the inspiration. Her challenge (many rounds ago) in 2006 is how this blog began. Now for the 21st round (how could I not participate in the 21st round of the 21-Day Challenge??) I will journal my creativity habit. Starting today and ending on Thanksgiving Day. Perfect.

Today we created happy sharing memories with friends. Every Friday here is Friend’s Day. From 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. we open our home, backyard, and mostly the treehouse 😉 to any friends that want to play. I love it. It is a time to celebrate friendship and learn how to get along with those we love. Here we cherish friendships and friend’s day.

It also means the other days during that time are family days. I love that time too. Time to create memories and learn together with the people we will be spending eternities with. That’s very important too.

Today after I scooped ice cream cones (because these special days mean special treats) I remembered visiting my Great-Grandma Alder. She always had ice cream and cones on hand. Shortly after we arrived at her place for a visit she would say “Sheldon, get the cones”. And Great-Grandpa would every time. I remember that about our visits the most. That and the amazing marble maze upstairs and the shuffleboard downstairs. 🙂

I will be putting photos into these posts as I find time. Photography is one of my favorite creative expressions.

Filed Under: 21 Day Challenge

Happy Day!

November 2, 2010 4 Comments

Did you?

Many thanks to all the men and women in the past who made it possible for me to vote today. I am thankful for the chance to choose to vote. Right behind me in line was one of my friends that got to vote for her first time today. Her excitement was contagious.

p.s. I love this series of photos taken today. Want to vote on your favorite? 😉

Filed Under: {holidays and celebrations}, {Ta-Da! accomplishments}

Spotlight: {Autumn}

November 1, 2010 4 Comments

Jacob: Autumn is artistic!

Joshua: Autumn is silly (said with much admiration).

Katey: I’m silly too! and Autumn too.

Andy-roo: Autumn says “good night” to the boys every night.

Jacob: She tells one big secret for all of us and then she doesn’t want to leave and plays around.

Katey: I love that Autumn lets me snuggle in bed with her sometimes. (When it is late and they are both not on the sleepy side of life.)

Mommy: I love that Autumn is a little mommy to Caleb. She helps take care of him and makes sure he is happy. I love that she adores reading. She can read sooo many books already. Autumn is reading the Book of Mormon Stories book and only needs help with a few words on each page. She reads to her little sister and brothers when she gets home from kindergarten (this is her current favorite set of books to dig into) and always makes sure that she reads at least twenty minutes every day. She is also good at telling time. (p.s. Her teacher told me that when her students are done with centers they get to “read” books. She said Autumn is in high demand because all the children want her to read to them when they are done. So sweet.)

Daddy: Autumn never does anything half-way. When she is sweet, she is super sweet – with kisses and hugs and snuggles and an adoring smile.

Autumn loves to help out and now has two chores at home that are all hers. She gets to feed Duke and sweep the kitchen floor. In her free time you can find Autumn drawing, day dreaming, playing with friends, painting her nails and dreaming up fun ideas. Autumn loves a good, colorful, sparkly craft and adores sweets. She always yells her goodbyes to her friends when I pick her up from school. Even her teacher and classroom helper get a shout-out. She is a sweet girl with a compliment on the tip of her tongue.

We love our lively, colorful, smart, kind, fun-loving girly girl Autumn.