10th day of Christ

The Gift of Prayer: Matt. 26:36–45; Luke 22:39–46; Alma 7:11–13
Christ was a good example and prayed to Heavenly Father... especially in the Garden of Gethsemane which was an extra special prayer and where he felt the weight of the sins of the world. The Gift of prayer is a blessing in our life. How wonderful that we can talk with our Father in Heaven and He can answer our prayers. The kids shared that they like to prayer when they feel scared so that they can be comforted.

12 days of Christ

We're kinda making this up as we go along, but this year I decided to do the 12 days of Christ to countdown to Christmas. I caught the vision of this idea from Sarah Reber's 12 days of Christ shared on Sugar Doodle. It was one of those things that instantly inspired my heart and got my wee little brain thinking of so many ideas.

I altered the original a little and we'll see how it goes this year. I know this will be a meaningful new tradition in our family, especially as we have the kids help prepare the devotional or share a scripture story. I want to keep it simple and easy and not froofy (my spell check is telling me this is NOT a word.)

Basically I picked 12 Gifts from Jesus that we have been given. Each night we'll take 5 minutes to share a scripture or scripture story and picture to go along with each gift. I decided I wanted to end on Christmas Eve so that we could end the night of our spiritual program and do our Gift to Jesus for the upcoming year. (Did you know the real 12 days of Christmas begins on Christmas day and goes until January 5. Interesting fact.)

The beautiful thing about this tradition is that every year it can be different. You could pick 12 different Gifts... or just share a different story, quote, song, or scripture to go with each one. I have a million different ideas for this so we'll see what comes to pass. For now, we are using pictures from the Gospel Picture Art Kit and the story on the back. We'll hang each up on the wall so by the end we'll have 12 photos of Christ to remind us of the REAL reason for Christmas. So excited.

I wanted to note the stories we are focusing on each day.

12th day of Christ...

The Gift of The Word of God. (The Sermon on the Mount). Matthew 5-7.

Jesus gave us the gift of His teachings ... through the Scriptures. He taught us our to live righteously.. As we learn of His words and choose to live righteously, we can have JOY.

11th day of Christ...

The Gift of Faith. (Christ walking on the Water) Matthew 14: 13-33; Mark 6:45-51

If we have faith in Christ, we need not fear all that is around us in this world. Christ will lift us up and strengthen our faith as we follow Him.


more tomorrow on day 10...  wa-hoo!!

a break ... for JOY

Here I am at 5:44 taking a break. Jimmy's home late. Dinner isn't ready (but we're having leftovers so that's okay - right?). I started feeling very burned out... like to the very tippy end of my rope. I started feeling like yelling at everyone. So - a movie for the tots who just finished homework and chores. A cup of apple cider for me. Dishwasher emptied. Dishes soaking in the sink. And the thought to search the scriptures for JOY for a few minutes of REFRESHment. Here's my favorite for today:

10 minutes are up. Off to do dinner... hopefully with a better SPIRIT about me. Hopefully I'll find my JOY.  sigh...

phew... got it done

Yes, sometimes I'm a dork. When I get a FREE shutterfly book, I can't stand to NOT get it... even though it means staying up until 11 uploading all the finished pages. I quite like the finished book... each page makes me happy... seeing those little tots and our normal life and the bright colors. What happy mail it will be when it arrives.

So - was it a JOYful Autumn? Well... honestly, overall I've had a crazy time with it all, but I have a blessed life and I love seeing the good adventures we had... though oh-so-normal they all are. Hopefully when the kids look back on it, they'll have some fond memories.

I snuck in this little calendar since I loved last year's so much. This year they added a feature to put photos on the special event dates... such as birthdays (the kids will love that!). I decided to add some family history photos. I zipped it together quickly so it's not perfect, but it'll be good.

Do you BELIEVE?

We've had a little bit of a bah-humbug in Hannah this holiday season in regard to Santa Claus. Last year she wanted to BELIEVE... she enjoyed BELIEVING. She had fun with it all. This year... she was determined to boldly state her opinion that Santa "is not real!!!" We've had a few conversations with her about keeping the fun alive for Abraham (who boldly states that he BELIEVES in Santa Claus).

I've asked Hannah why she didn't BELIEVE in Santa Claus anymore. Finally tonight when she was doing the dishes and I was making pizza dough, we had a nice chat about it. She listens very carefully, even when we think she isn't. She had heard me say that I start saving for Christmas to spread out the purchases all year long. And she didn't think it would work to have Santa fly a sleigh around the world in one night. Sigh... her little brain is a workin'.

And she asked me if I believed - "for real mom"? She wanted it straight.

So I explained what isn't real... a cute little bearded man living at the North Pole making toys in his workshop and flying around the world with reindeer and a sleigh. But what a cool job this mom has of being a "Santa's Elf" (wink-wink). (She liked that part! It brought the magic/spirit-of-giving sparkle to her eyes)

What is real... Miss Hannah... is BELIEVING in the Spirit of Christmas... of giving... of joy... of all the good things that Santa Claus symbolizes... reminding us of Jesus. Yes, if we focus on the presents we miss that specialness of Christmas... but if we focus on the goodness, kindness, giving spirit, and joy, we REALIZE what is real and good.

I asked her if she'd rather us not have any "Santa" at all... no stockings, no Santa presents. She got a grim look on her face and shook her head no! I think she knows it's still a fun part of Christmas. As my friend Katie said, "When kids ask if Santa is real, they are asking for permission to Believe. It is a fun magical time of year and they just want to partake in that fun. Don't we all!"

Come Monday... I'm giving her this 5x7 page. I'm hoping it might help keep a sparkle of excitement in her eye and to BELIEVE in the Spirit of Christmas... and all that is real and true.

looking back - Hannah's Baptism

Sweet little Hannah (who is not so little these days now that she's 8)... was baptized on November 6, 2010. She was a darling! She was really nervous, but very excited.

She came to me later that afternoon during quiet time and asked me to help her find some primary songs to play in her room. She turned it up and sang along with “Scripture Power” and “If the Savior Stood Beside Me.”

After a while, she came to me and said, “Mom, when you were a little girl, did you wish that you could be baptized every day.” She started to cry. I think her heart was tender because she loved the special feeling she had on her baptism day and wanted it to last. She is a sweet girlie.

I thought she might enjoy having a poster of her baptism day in her room so together we came up with this. She picked all the photos and I arranged them.

A few things I'm so glad about...
1. Hannah wanted to wear my baptism dress that my mother made me. It was so sweet. I made some little purple flowers to put on the ribbon and in her hair.

2. We passed around cards for all in attendance to write a little note to Hannah. As soon as all the festivities ended, she took all of them up to her room to read through them.  She LOVED them. We put all those 5x7 notes in a spiral-bound book with these other cards including room for testimony, journal entry, mom's memories, letter from dad, family photos, photos of those in attendance. I think the little book will be a special keepsake for her. Hopefully it will remind her of the special feelings she had on her Baptism Day.

what does your JOY look like today?

by Stephanie at homegrownhospitality

angels in blogland presented me with these 2 thoughts this morning... i like 'em.

Christmas *LIGHT*

1. christmas lights, 2. White Christmas, 3. .dreaming..., 4. Felt Gingerbread Biscuits // Star group, 5. Merry Christmas flickr!, 6. I *heart* Christmas, 7. Christmas Tree, 8. LDS Temple Salt Lake City, Utah, 9. Peace

Lastly... a lovely little quote from a prophet of God:

"The real Christmas comes to him who has taken Christ into his life as a moving, dynamic, vitalizing force. The real spirit of Christmas lies in the life and mission of the Master....

"If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees — alone or with loved ones — give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments" (Howard W. Hunter, "The Real Christmas," Ensign, Dec 2005, 22–25).

Still... still... still.  Sweet teachings of all that is good about Christmas - turning hearts to God.  Love that reminder!!

"A Merry Little Christmas" Book GIVEaway

I have a little GIVEaway going on over at Simply Fresh Designs. Nothing fancy like all the silhouette giveaways... but a sweet cheery book for someone to receive as happy mail.

Christmas Service Countdown

I love this idea I found on Sugar Doodle shared by Michelle Taylor. "Michelle writes, "I just created this sharing time using the poem from the December 1990 Friend Magazine by Laurel Rohlfing."

You can get the pdf or .jpg download on sugar doodle.

This also reminds me of the 29 Gifts Book. Even kids can give "Service" gifts in little ways.

A Cheerful Heart

I saw this cute little quote at Kneaders and wanted to recreate it to remind myself to let others (especially in my family) see the cheer that is in my heart. Every day I remind myself (multiple times!!!) to be kind and of good cheer. But especially at this season, my heart is full of gratitude and love for my family and the blessings the Lord gives me. Every day is not easy or sprightly. But every day I see at least a little good that surrounds me.

During the month of November I wrote a nightly gratitude list... my Gratitude Journey. I knew it would uplift my life... and it did. It was a hope filled journey for me... that I want to continue.

Happy December!

Christmas Tree : Lights, Memories, Traditions

As is our family tradition, we put up our Christmas tree today (the day after Thanksgiving). The kids enjoyed themselves. We listened to Jimmy's Mannheim Steamroller cd as background music. The kids selected a nice random variety of ornaments... some fancy... some homemade... some school projects by the tots. They like them all. As for our tree, a friend gave us a hand-me-down 8 or 9 years ago. It has probably seen better days.

But tonight as we were reading a Christmas story by the tree (well... while Tru was undecorating the tree - rather), I was thinking about how it just doesn't matter to kids what the tree looks like. They love the LIGHTS and the MEMORIES and the TRADITIONS.

My dad altered the words to a familiar Christmas tune... "Oh, Christmas Tree". Growing up, we decorated our tree with felt ornaments to go along with the symbols:

Oh, Christmas Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree

You represent Eternity.

The Bell is JOY

The Heart is LOVE

The Dove is PEACE from God above.

The Star reminds us of His birth

The night CHRIST came to dwell on earth.

May we remember sacredly, the meaning of our Christmas tree.

I've tried to continue these symbols in decorating my tree because I love the tradition and meaning.

"Christmas is a time of lights. We light our homes and trees, our streets, and our store windows. Processions of singing families carrying torches wind their way through the snowy Alps of Austria as they go to attend church at Christmastime. On that first Christmas night lights appeared in the heavens, especially one bright star that shone down on the manger where the Baby Jesus lay. Far away in the “new world” bright lights were also seen in the heavens.

"... At this special time of year may you feel the JOY of Christmas, remembering Jesus as you see the LIGHTs of Christmas." First Presidency - December 1972

Grateful Heart

1. Thanksgiving, 2. CORN!, 3. Mississippi Thanksgiving Colors, 4. Tempting Pumpkin Pie Recipe, 5. Happy Thanksgiving!, 6. Autumn decoration, 7. warm wooly socks., 8. Plenty Thankful, 9. Happy Thanksgiving

I love each of these quotes I found throughout November... each shares a great message!

"It has been by observation ... that when I focus on what I don’t have, I tend to become increasingly self-centered, selfish, and crabby . . . [But we can] find true happiness in cultivating humble, grateful hearts."
…Mary Ellen Edmunds


“Living in thanksgiving daily is a habit that will enrich our lives and the lives of those we love...We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to BRIGHTEN all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more JOYFUL, more likable....The absence of gratitude makes a person miserable.” Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Sept. 2001


“And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.” (D&C 78:19.)


‎"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." - W. T. Purkiser


"When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.” Gordon B. Hinckley

So Much by DudaDaze

LDS Primary Theme 2011 Cards Freebie

This week's Freebie on simplyfreshdesigns is LDS Primary Theme 2011 Cards.

im · per · a · tive

I liked this Definition of IMPERATIVE:
1:
a : relating to, or constituting the grammatical mood that expresses the will to influence the behavior of another
b : expressive of a command, entreaty, or exhortation
c : having power to restrain, control, and direct

2 : not to be avoided or evaded : necessary

Today we're focusing on definition part 2... in relation to ... exercise.

I decided TODAY that it's not merely desired or optional anymore... but EXERCISE is now IMPERATIVE ... essential for my health. There are too many factors needing major attention here. Cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, stress-level, emotional health. It hasn't been able to be a priority because of life with 4 tots... but I've decided that has to ch-ch-ch-change!

So - really - the only option in my present life is a.m. exercise . . .  6 a.m. to be precise. I should be able to handle 20 minutes a morning - right?  The ONE morning I did it, my soul sang with JOY... I loved the morning silence before tots woke.  I felt the JOY in accomplishing.  But... oh, how many times I've set an exercise plan only to have it foiled by pregnancy, sickness, or plain ol' mama-exhaustion.  So - I'll plug along and do my best and not get discouraged when other top priorities are given full attention.

Here's to a healthier life!

Gratitude Journey

I've loved doing daily gratitudes in November's past... so here we are again in November contemplating blessings.

I kindof agree with Anne here:

"Thanksgiving should be celebrated in the spring. I think it would be ever so much better than having it in November when everything is dead or asleep. Then you have to remember to be thankful; but in May one simply can't help being thankful ... that they are alive, if for nothing else." Anne of Avonlea

But then again... that's probably why Thanksgiving falls in a wintery month... because Heavenly Father knew gratitude would keep us going.

I've decided that this month living in Thanksgiving daily is going to be a journey... climbing higher, being lifted, looking upward ... Gratitude does that for the soul.

"Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong. We should regularly express our gratitude to God for the blessings He gives us and to others for the kind acts they do for us." [lds.org - Gospel Topics]

Vintage Halloween Coloring

Does it count as vintage if it's only from my childhood? ... we'll just go with it.

I wanted to share my favorite coloring pages when I was a kid. I loved these. And today my tots are coloring them. I love that they don't care that they are hand traced. The top 3 were my favorites growing up.

Here's the download for the pdf if anyone else is interested in vintage halloween.

Hope Smiling Brightly Before Us

Little Miss Hannah is 8 years old today. How could this cute little bug... grow so quickly? 8 years have come and gone. sigh...

Here she is at age 3ish. Bright little girlie!

Today I felt like the title of the post - Hope Smiling Brightly Before Us. (for 1... I finally got some meds to help this awful rash... that gives me hope that one day I'll stop itching and be healthy).

But most importantly... I feel like Hannah is a little ray of sunshine. She's an awesome helper. She smiles and is cheerful at home. She laughs. She sings - even opera! She loves to read. She loves hugs. She is kind. A boy at school said she is the smartest and the nicest girl in the class. She really is a good, good gal. She was so excited about her new scriptures with her name embossed on them. She doesn't like a lot of public attention, but in small groups she likes to shine.

Miss Hannah is a bright spot in our family. She does pretty well handling her 3 brothers as you can see:

Happy Birthday Miss Hannah Mae. We sure love you!

It's that time again ... Merry Monday

I wanted to rework my favorite quiet book to give as a freebie to the public. I investigated Terms of use on the cute Primary images I had purchased, swapped some images, and such...  It appears it's all fine and dandy... and ready to go.

Today we have a new Merry Monday - We Believe Freebie on the Simply Fresh Designs Blog.

Go forth and check it out!

Theme for Today: HOPE

Hope Valley by Earthwater

Did you know there was such a place as HOPE VALLEY? I didn't ... until today. It does exist ... in England. Some day my feet may walk there. It is lovely.

That photo got me thinking about HOPE.

I won't list the eternal amounts of marvelous quotes I love about hope, but here are a few talks I want to listen to or read today.

Infinite Power of Hope by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Joy of Hope Fulfilled by Elder M. Russell Ballard

Hope, the anchor of the Soul by President James E. Faust

Brightness of Hope by Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Got HOPE? It's a good thing.

a bit of cheer = *LIGHT*

Love this! Just keep moving... This sums up my day... I really just wanted to hang out in bed all day and watch a girly movie and then read a book. Instead I MOVED and got some projects tackled. Hopefully the MOVING made for a more balanced and fulfilling day.

vol25 'life is like riding a bicycle'

You know why I love this one? ... the light... the cheerful colors... the hanging mini quilt... the rug... the plant. Makes me want to decorate my house in all the cheerful colors I love.

Allie Hoopes

I love what this gal, Heather, is doing with the Joyful Life Library. To honor the joyful life of her baby Samuel who died, at 6 weeks old,  she started an organization to donate books to the local picu so the parents can read to their sick kiddos. So sweet and inspiring!

Isn't this so bright and fun?! It's a sewing kit for girlies from the Discovery Store. I want to put together my own homemade kit for Christmas with brightly-colored little felt shapes/projects, ric-rac, buttons, embroidery thread ... for miss hannah ... who has a great interest in CREATING.

Just another Merry Monday

Just wanted to let ya know that I posted another freebie for Merry Monday on my Simply Fresh Designs Blog.

We have the 8x10 size:

the 4x6 size:

and the new 3x4 size (2 on a 4x6 print)

love me a Buttercup Yellow bike

Really - can I just win this bike?... but only in yellow (more like buttercup). ... and only with 2 tots strapped in the back instead of a dog. I'll keep the bright-cheery flowers. Yep... I'll cross my fingers. The Jordan River Trail is calling me .... Yodel-ay-hee-hoo!

Lift up your head... and REJOICE

This scripture caught my eye this morning and reminded me of my mission to capture Joy this Autumn season. Life is good.

Here is something that lifts my heart lately ... This is a present for Miss Hannah for her baptism. Shhhhh, don't tell. It's 20x9 and fits perfectly in a frame from Ikea.

Love this 12x12 size and need to pick up a frame at Michaels.

I'm quite in love with family history and photos... not that I know a thing about the real work of family history... that is utterly confusing...

BUT I love reading stories and seeing photos of those who came before... my roots. Those really old photos are so wonderful. I always wonder what struggles these people endured ... how they overcame... what kind of faith and strength they had. Love it all.

I'm making preparations to sell these custom Family Tree Prints on my Simply Fresh Designs Website.

Turning my heart to my fathers (& mothers!!) .... makes my heart REJOICE.

One-Year-Old

Our little Truman turned 1 today. He is a cute skinny tot. He walks all over the place, falls all over the place, and has a very loud and shrill scream. But he babbles so cute and lays his head on our shoulder when he meets someone new. We sure love this little kiddo.

*LIGHT* in the Trenches

I've been thinking about life in the trenches lately. I'm often reminded that this stage of life with 4 tots under the age of 8 is a challenging time of life... oh, it's good too... there are many blessings and joys... but...

The constancy of little ones NEEDing all day is overwhelming. I either have a babe on my hip while working, OR 1 or 2 little ones wanting a love, OR 1 or 2 older tots wanting to be heard ... or all at the same time.  It is good to have these little blessings in our home ... just overwhelming for this mama.

Those without little ones would tell me to cherish the moments because soon they'll be gone (or the tots will grow to be teenagers!!). I know - it's true. But the daily stuff is often full of challenges - physically and emotionally for young mothers.

So yes... the 24/7 trenches.  So - how do we survive? I read a brief snippet of a book by Linda Eyre about life in the trenches.

"I needed to find the LIGHT in my trench of motherhood...

I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less."

Linda Eyre

ah-ha... there can be LIGHT in the trenches. It may not make the hard work go away, but it will make it more bearable.

"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon [the mothers of zion] were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." Mosiah 24:15

LIGHT is good.  It's essential to survival.  Elder Holland, in our recent Regional Conference, counseled us to build a reservoir of faith to gather from when times are tough.  Replenish... Refill... Rejuvenate... all important things to work on.


10:30 a.m. - p.s.  the person who said, "Don't cry over spilled milk," never had a baby grab an open formula bottle which dumped itself into every unimaginable and uncleanable area of the stove. Or maybe they did and 50 years later couldn't remember why spilled milk would have been so traumatic and so they gave their grandchildren that advice.  ... hold on.... the LIGHT will come.

Seeking *Light*

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism.
Walk with FAITH, rejoicing in the beauties of nature,
in the goodness of those you love,
in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine."

— Gordon B. Hinckley

 

"The dishes were so clean they sparkled,

throwing glints of LIGHT around a room that was once shabby and rundown."

(New Era, Apr. 2003)

"Whatever you are doing, take a minute to notice the GOODNESS around you." Stephanie Ackerman

"A sacred LIGHT comes to our eyes and countenances
when we have a personal bond with our loving Heavenly Father and His Son."
James E. Faust (Ensign, Nov 2005)

"With all the strength of my soul,
I testify ... that the gospel of Jesus Christ
is that penetrating LIGHT
that makes of every hopeless dawn a joyful morning."
President Thomas S. Monson

 

“That which is of God is LIGHT;
and he that receiveth LIGHT, and continueth in God,
receiveth more LIGHT;
and that LIGHT groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”
(D&C 50:23–24).

(sorry - i wish i had linkies to all the photos I gathered from flickr long ago. i'll have to do better giving credit where credit is due)

Quiet Books - Prophets and Apostles

Just thought I'd let you know I posted another quiet book freebie on my simplyfreshdesigns blog.

I'm quite excited about this one. It was so fun to learn some tidbits about all the apostles. I love seeing their photos as small tots too.

My favorite quotes when researching for this:

"Some might say it is not the leaders who are important, but the message they bring. Yet, if our children do not know the names of the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, they most likely will not know their messages either."  Neil L. Andersen, “Teaching Our Children to Love the Prophets,” Ensign, Apr 1996, 44

President Harold B. Lee said: “As the Latter-day Saints go home from this conference, it would be well if they consider seriously the importance of taking with them the report of this conference and let it be the guide to their walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1946, p. 68).