What we do for R & R – M&Ms photo shoot

July 12, 2012 6 Comments

Caleb and I headed out to the treehouse for some fun self-portraits – timer style.

When asked what he wanted to do for the next photo he said – “Eat candy!”  {He has the best ideas.}

So we did.

Thankfully I had a sharing-size bag of M&Ms waiting from my birthday (Thank you PTA.  😉 )

He wasn’t too sure about the sharing part.

We finally figured it out though.

One for me:

Eight for him:

Repeat.

Further proof of smiles that come when sharing that melt-in-your-mouth goodness:

Filed Under: {happy times}, {photography captures}, {tickles and smiles}

Spark

July 4, 2012 2 Comments

A favorite phrase from the scriptures for me has always been:  Spark of Freedom.

It seems to me equivalent to a mustard seed of faith.  Just a bit – a spark.  That is all that needs to be there to start with – and so much can come from that.  A desire = a spark.

At this time in the Book of Mormon, Moroni (chief captain of the Nephite armies) writes a fairly scathing letter to Pahoran – the chief judge and governor of the land – and wants to know why the government is being neglectful of the men he is in charge of.  He tells them what’s what and then makes this promise:

“I will come unto you, and if there be any among you that has a desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark of freedom remaining, behold I will stir up insurrections among you, even until those who have desires to usurp power and authority shall become extinct.”

Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my God whom I fear…” (Alma 60:27-28)

What an example of no-fear leading.  Now, thankfully, Pahoran was still steadfast in liberty and explains to Moroni about the insurrection in the land – the rebellion of the king-men.  He explains his position:

“I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free.” (Alma 61:9)

Together they devise a plan to take back their land.  Pahoran also asks Moroni to build up the other leaders in the army.  “See that ye strengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord; tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free.”  (Alma 61:22)

Pahoran ends his epistle by calling Moroni brother.

I love Pahoran’s care and concern for them all and that he doesn’t take offense at Moroni’s letter.  Calmly and boldly explains and asks for what is needed.  He bears his testimony in so many ways in that one epistle.  What would our land be like with such leaders?  Love Pahoran’s promise too – “Tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also ALL those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free.”

That’s us.  Deliverance will come… one way or another… we need to stand fast in that liberty.

Now for one of the cutest things I have EVER heard.

Caleb adored the fireworks at the family reunion last year.  Completely and fully loved.  My sister Anna (she’s on the left)

captured his cuteness visually:

 

And Jim Bob caught the audio:

Caleb – Work!

May there be many “works” for you today.  And as you’re watching the works – think about that spark of freedom within you.

Happy Independence Day all!

Filed Under: {happy times}, {holidays and celebrations}, {one little word}, {tickles and smiles}

*spotlight* Brendan

July 2, 2012 1 Comment

Jacob:  I love that Brendan is so inventive and creative.

Katey:  Us too! (Her and Hailey)

Hailey:  Yeah, we’re going to be doctors!  (inventive and creative?  I guess that could work for a doctor.  😉 )

Katey:  When I grow up I’m going to be a doctor like Autumn.  We have band-aids.  We’re ready.

Faith:  I think Brendan is very good at drawing and artistic.

Steven:  And bowling.

Jim Bob:  I love that Brendan is so compassionate.  Having watched him over the last month when Caleb or Katey needed help – he is very observant.  When he sees someone that needs help he is more than willing to stoop down, stop what he’s doing and help out.  Brendan is compassionate and observant.

Josh:  Merciful.  Compassionate and now merciful.

Duke:  Brendan pets me.

Brendan:  Yes and I’m a sucker to stay for at least 10 minutes.

Calvin:  I think Brendan’s salsa is good.  And I like his treats.  And his scrambled eggs – they’re tasty.

Hailey:  You’re great at artist.  And at drawing.  And you jump on the tramp with me.  And you’re good at sharing.

Katey:  He watches us.  He babysits me and reads me stories.

Hailey:  And gives me rides.

Andrew:  I’m glad Brendan is my cousin.

Jim Bob:  Why?

Andrew:  I don’t know.  I haven’t thought about it.  Can I have some time?

Logan:  I can’t think with everyone looking at me.  Everyone has to close their eyes.  … Brendan you are really good at scrambled eggs and treats.  You are really good to have around.  That’s all I have to say.  The End.

Ruth:  I really appreciate that Brendan cares about people.  He cares that people are happy and he tries to be a peacemaker in our home.  When I have a hard day he can tell and tries to help me.  He is a peacemaker and a friend.  He is also getting really good at playing the piano and we have missed it.

Jim Bob:  *singing* “And I can’t fight this feeling anymore.” – Jacob freaked out when he found out that was a love song.  (which led to a discussion about how Brendan didn’t know for a long time either – he just thought it was a neat sounding song.)

Kyran:  *yawn* (Nothing to do with Brendan I’m sure.)  Love you Brendan. (prompted by his mom)

Steven:  Brendan has a soft heart and that very much impresses me about him.  It is one of the things I prayed for when you were born.  It’s something that your uncle Brandon has and partly why we named you after him.  I didn’t want you to be exactly like your uncle, but the soft heart is one of the best parts.  You are the kid I wish I could have been friends with growing up and I’m glad you’re my friend.

And “I can’t fight this feeling anymore…”

Kiara:  Brendan is a really great pianist.  He’s really confident and helps me when I’m upset and a good babysitter.  And he has handsome red hair and lots of freckles that are really handsome.

(and now a discussion on freckles – and how Steven wished he had freckles growing up because his mom called them Angel Kisses.  He would look in the mirror and hope for at least one.  It never happened.  Bummer.)

Autumn:  I love Brendan’s red hair and he is a really good babysitter.  And he’s a great pianist.  And at sharing candy.

Brendan:  My hair must be stylish.

Becky:  I love that Brendan is a huge sharer.  He is constantly sharing what he has – cards, candy, time, music.  One day he told me that when he’s feeling a little sad or lonely he shares and feels better.  What a great lesson! – to reach outside of yourself when feeling down.

Caleb:  I love his shirt.  (Marvel Heroes)  I love monsters on his shirt.

We have loved having Brendan live with us!

(We have cousins here!  Could you tell??)

Filed Under: {*spotlights*}

Seeking Virtue

July 1, 2012 Leave a Comment

Birthday time for me is a time of reflection (well, and a little celebration)  :).  It’s perfect that my birthday falls half-way through the year.  I like to take a few moments to see how my beginning of the year goals are going.  While visiting the Church Art Museum last year this quilt spoke to my heart:

My current scripture study is about treasure.  I decided this quilt is the perfect treasure map for me here and now.

The title is “Angel’s Portion:  Seeking Virtue”.  Angel’s Portion meaning big – this quilt is beautiful and pulls me right in.  The story quilt shows seven ladies – “each shown in an active pursuit of virtue”.  I love the “active pursuit” part.  It takes effort to become more virtuous and to seek after virtuous things – ideas, talents, and gifts.  True treasures.

A tender mercy is the fact that this quilt is in the Ensign for June – my birthday month and a perfect reminder to check in.  {front view of the quilt | full article in the Ensign}

In the article it says “Each of these women possesses a trait that can be shared with others to bless humanity:  sentinel, scholar, gardener, nurturer, caregiver, musician, and home builder. The artist explains that these women “honor those who pursue and use talents to bless humanity.'”  Is there any better way to live?

Here is a list of the goals I’m working on in these areas:

  • Sentinel –  Work on leadership qualities:  magnify calling, love those I serve, pray for those I teach and visit.
  • Scholar – Learn more about Teaching Self Government – and apply in my home.  Study photography.
  • Gardener – Help with the Heritage Gardens.  Grow a garden – especially herbs.
  • Nurturer – Tell stories!  Especially family history ones and stories from my childhood.  Consistant interviews with my children.  Pizza dough tossing and doodling/sketching skills.
  • Caregiver –  Monthly FHE service.  Look for opportunities.
  • Musician –  Teach children piano, guitar, drums – what each is interested in and keep up and learn musical talents in those areas.  Also accept opportunities as presented to play flute and sing.
  • Home Builder – Hang family photos and temple pictures throughout our home.  Paint living room and dining room.  Proverbs 14:1  ” Every wise woman buildeth her house.” (A lot of the previous goals fit into building our home.)

Some are coming together better than others – all with room to improve.

I want my goals to focus on seeking virtue and using skills to love and bless my family.  I’m thankful for a quote that jumped out to me while reading President Monson’s talk from General Conference.  It wraps my thoughts into a nice package.  A birthday package even.  “There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save.”

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Filed Under: {holidays and celebrations}, {one little word}, {reflections and deep thoughts}, {tickles and smiles}, {worthwhile}

To the Top