simple inspiration

Sweet things

Things of value

My darling daughter gave the most beautiful and eloquent talk a few days ago (Night of Excellence) about self worth, knowing who we truly are, and acting accordingly. (I am biased and it was exceptional.)  I remembered her words as I looked in a mirror this morning and categorized all my faults and compared myself to those I admire. How easily I forget?

I remembered her words as I read this post by Stephanie. I do not know her but her words were touching this morning.

I remembered as I reaffirmed this morning to my son that he is special, loved and of great value, when he asked if he was weird because he asked so many questions.

I cried when I walked past this picture of our sealing day with baby J. I stopped and thanked the Lord for blessing my life with this amazing family. We are not always on our best behavior with one another, but we love each other.  We are learning and growing together. We have a common goal and purpose. We have been sealed to one another and that means a great deal to each of us.

I remembered her words of hope as I read the updates about family members pulling together as a son gave his father one of his kidneys.

She spoke to her peers about accepting our differences, not hiding behind the masks we create to cover them up. I am humbled and blessed. I can not make the comparisons. I do not look, act, or teach my children the way the media or world says I should.  We are finding peace in our Savior. Today I remembered, was taught, and give thanks.

“The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone’s theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel—a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Way of the Disciple,” Ensign, May 2009, 75

spelling

I have NEVER been a very good speller, something my family can attest to. I can proofread a paper numerous times, run the automated spell check and a few days later still find a few mistakes  (commonly found in my blog posts and titles)

I often find that I have have retype the blog verification security "word" (you know when you want to comment on someone's blog) 3 or 4 times before I correctly write out the desired selected letters.

I wish I could blame my spelling problems on something, but alas it's just me.  When you find a mistake, know that I did try and am continually trying to improve.

 

Thankfully the children all take after their father and are wonderful with words and spelling. (This one overcame her fear of speaking in public and placed 4th in her first school spelling bee). His list of wonderful characteristics could go on and on, but he's a whiz at story problems as well and we have all appreciated that in the last couple of days.

squaring up

I don't know why I put off squaring up the blocks, it's not difficult and I always enjoy the time listening to good talks or a good book.  Naptime will be filled with a little more of this today.

 

Found spurs on the kitchen counter...I'm even thankful for that.

chickens

We now are chicken farmers (if 3 hens and a rooster make us farmers).  There are plans to expand and add more chickens, but for right now it's a perfect situation for a city girl like me. (Thanks Dan and Amy.)  Hours have been spent watching the chickens, letting them out and racing around the yard trying to catch them and put them back in.

He's surprisingly the best chicken catcher around.

not so long ago

Halloween (part 2)

Miss E made the boy's costumes. She is such a great big sister. Best of all... this years costumes were refashioned from former costumes, great news for the budget.

 

 

The boys really wanted to look scary in their photos.  The babies don't really like being around their brothers looking so scary. The babies also revolted and chose not to wear costumes this year (again).

  She's far too cute to be a pirate.

 

It was tough getting a smile out of her.

Halloween (part 1)

A murder mystery party happened last night... everyone looked lovely including all the suits borrowed from various father's closets.  (Miss E was the photographer for the event and I think I'm might have to pass the camera over to her more often).

 

 

a bit of trauma because little "I" ate all the Cheerio warts from his project. It is very tragic.

a couple of links

We recycled an old heavy knit t-shirt that had a few holes into this cute hat. Hat tutorial: You can find it here

Scraps from a baby quilt I am making (from scraps of receiving blankets) I have wanted to try this Dresden plate block. I'm not sure what I will do with this practice block. I really love to make something like this quilt in Material Obsessions by Sarah Fielke. (Love the red and white polka-dots).

sweet new babies

There are babies being born right and left around here. Two new nephews in the last couple of months. A cousin any day now.  Makes me a little baby hungry.... I think I'll just volunteer to tend.