silver strands

cleanse

2012-01-26T06:09:00.000-08:00

I'm doing it - surprisingly skipping and dancing through, just about finished with week1 of a 28-day detox cleanse. It's not impossible or stupid like the drink-only-lemon-water-for-10-days one (sorry if I offended anyone).

spiced butternut squash soup recipe

It's healthy. You can check it out here.

Sesame-Kale Crisps Recipe

(I ate nearly all of these - that's one entire "bunch" of kale!)

And I'm doing great - feeling satisfied and energized.

fruit-nut-bar recipe

Just 21 more days to go!

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bucket lists

2012-01-25T04:05:00.000-08:00

Have I told you about the time I helped catch this 300 pound halibut?

Well, when the big ol' grizzled fishermen had me filet it, I straddled the giant and stuck in the knife. I hit the spinal cord and its tail flipped up and hit me in the rear. Quite an experience. Anyway, I've had my deep-sea-fishing thrill. Don't know what I'll cross off next on my bucket list, but I was thrilled to see on the counter this morning, my 14-year-old's bucket list she had compiled the night before. She's got some worthy and exciting things on there, but my favorite of hers:

Be in a Tomato Fight.

What's on your bucket list?

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19

2012-01-24T04:41:00.000-08:00

My Bryan turned 19 today! We'll soon be saying good-bye as he leaves for the Philippines. He's made us proud!

Love you Bry.

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My brother, Michael

2012-01-23T03:54:00.000-08:00

I'm sandwiched between two brothers. In high school, they were both exceptionally cool and I .... well, I was not. But that's ok. Bruce is a year+ older than me, Michael is a year+ younger than me. Can you imagine how TIRED my mother must have been?!

(this was taken before #6, Darryn, came along ... I think I'm 4 in this picture which makes Bruce 5 and Michael 3 ... Camielle is the oldest and Jennilyn is the baby)

Anyway, thinking about Michael today. When we were teenagers we were very best friends. I can remember many nights one of us going into the other's bedroom, sitting on the bed and talking. And talking. Forever. Hours would pass so quickly. I had crushes on his friends and he had crushes on mine.

We talked about friends, we talked politics (he was a die-hard conservative and I had no idea what he was talking about), he was a poet and I was one of the few who could talk him into sharing his poetry with me, we talked about books and movies (well, when that subject came up, he talked and I listened), we talked about dreams of our futures. I always thought Michael would grow up to be a courtroom judge. I don't know why. He's one of the most connected people I know - you want to get in touch with anyone about anything and Michael will have a connection that can make that happen. And, this is a crazy thing, he's working on his PhD right now - weird, considering my lack of degrees :) Smart. That's what he is. Anyway, he was just a really good guy back when we were kids. And he's a really good guy now. And I miss him.

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TV love

2012-01-20T03:44:00.000-08:00

There's only one show on TV I really don't want to miss each week:

(source)

Once Upon A Time. Brilliant idea, great casting, really good story lines! The only thing I DON'T like about it is that I have to wait an entire week to see the next episode!

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dream home room

2012-01-19T03:13:00.000-08:00

Someday, when my husband builds our dream home, I want to have a library like the Beast gives to Belle:

(source)

If I can't have that, I want one like this couple's library that belongs to our family friends, the Kapps:

Today when some friends were visiting, one of the little boys was gazing at our bookshelves. When he asked me, "There are so many books here! Is this a library?", he made my day!

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close to my heart

2012-01-18T03:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe our Bryan is going on a mission! He'll be gone for 2 years - serving in the Philippines.

A year or so ago, while reminiscing on the miracles that brought Bryan into our family I wrote this:

It was early in the spring of 1994. The four walls that were meant to provide sanctuary now held my heart captive. Beating out of control, my heart whispered a silent plea. I willed the unuttered prayer to break free of the four walls and to find audience at the throne of a merciful Father. The miniature chairs held our bodies as our souls anxiously paced, communing identical hopes and worries. Grasping onto Brad's strength, respite arrived in the form of a memory.

I fairly danced into the room, my 4-year-old daughter hanging onto my skirt as she skipped along, her golden curls bouncing with anticipation. My eyes took in the child-friendly artwork on the four walls as I skated the perimeter. Brooke immediately gravitated to the miniature chairs and began "reading", legs crossed, to her "students", the numerous stuffed animals. It was like Christmas ... Not only were we picking up the very best present ever, but we were the keepers of the big surprise secret. In walked Guam Social Services personnel, one of them with a brown little bundle. My twitching arms could not be stilled. Outstretched, like magnets they drew the babe in and became his sole covering. Brooke flew off her chair, abandoning her obedient students for a glimpse of her brother. That day peace flowed from the four walls.

That was over a year ago. Our minds skittered from one thought to another; now justifying leaving Bryan at home, now chiding ourselves for not having the attorney present, jumping from comfort to chaos and back again. The past year had been one of anxiety. Pushing the evil whisperings of doubt as they'd creep in, we simply could not prepare for the worst, as some had advised us to do. Once parental rights were terminated, the selection process took a turn we'd never imagined. They wanted to take Bryan and place him in a family with darker skin. As our motionless bodies occupied seats meant for children, our racing souls darted through thoughts. The minutes dragged, feeling like marathon hours that we could hardly endure. My cracked voice broke the physical silence with a half whisper, "Are you praying?". The spoken words triggered other physical responses. The tears that began as a trickle soon became a heavy stream. My palms, moistened with nervous sweat, began to shake like the tremor of a quake. Just when I felt like my body would involuntarily bolt, the door creaked and thundering footsteps cut the silence. This time when Guam Social Services entered the room, instead of carrying a little brown bundle, they held our future. Her voice rocked the previously quiet room, booming over the pounding of my heart. "We've decided to place the baby permanently in your care. We'll continue our monthly visits .....". Her voice trailed off as Brad's arms encircled my shaking body. My heavy tears turned into sobs as the four walls once again held the best present ever. It was like Christmas all over again. It was as if I'd seen the walls break loose as my whispers escaped like twinkling gems of gratitude being caught and carried by angels to His throne.

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some of my favorite things

2012-01-17T03:41:00.000-08:00

Just for fun, here are some of the things I'm really glad to have:

* I love my titanium necklace from PhitenUSA.com ... titanium is known for balancing energy and helping with healing
* For Christmas my husband gave me these awesome Vibram shoes. When I walk in them it feels sort of like walking through mud or squishing butter between my toes. LOVE them!
* I'm a juice fanatic. The Juiceman is a good machine that gets the job done fast AND is easy to clean!
* Any essential oil lovers out there? I'm borderline CRAZY about essential oils and this diffuser from Young Living is the best ever.
* My friend, Loa, introduced me to GSE (grapefruit seed extract) as a natural way to keep viruses at bay. I swear by it.
* When listing my favorite things I would be really remiss to leave out MY BED. It's SO comfy: feather pillow, down comforter and feather bed topper.

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How I deal with "YIKES!" things

2012-01-16T07:06:00.001-08:00

I remember when I was in Jr. High

(don't be so smart-aleck-y ... it wasn't THAT long ago!)

and I'd forgotten to do some homework. I got this really sick feeling like my insides were dropping right down to my toes. I spent the entire day at school really sick - anticipating that class.

Fast-forward to a couple of years into our marriage when I got a registered letter hand-delivered from the postman. I had to sign for it. I opened it to see that the IRS was not happy with me. I hadn't reported income from a freelance job I'd done the previous year and I was in trouble. What would have been about $40 in taxes ended up being over $1000 with penalties and late charges. We were students and a thousand dollars was incomprehensible.

Since that time I've had to figure out how to live without quaking and trembling whenever bad news comes my way.

Here's how I do it:

*Take a deep breath - or several deep breaths (literally) and go someplace quiet

*Pray and express my concern - just talking as I would to a best friend who doesn't need to interject opinion but wants to really listen

*I then work out the worst possible scenario - that is, what's the worst thing that can happen if everything goes badly with this. This sounds scary, but really it's liberating. So, we lose our jobs - I start by thinking the worst thing that can happen is we have to use our savings. Then I realize that it really could get much worse - we run out of food, no gas for the car, and on and on which leads me to the really worse-case: We move out and have to live with our parents. (for me that actually sounds kind of fun!)

*Next: Can I accept this if it really goes this bad? Of course I can. I can live with it. I can even thrive in this situation because my mind then starts to drift to how I recover from this.

*Once I've accepted the worst possible situation (which, by the way, has never happened. Never. The worst has never happened!), I figure out a step-by-step plan to recover from the blow. Again, that plan is never exactly what happens, but it's a start. For example, when we were told (after Bryan being a part of our family for the first 8 months of his life) that we were going to lose Bryan, after all the negative thoughts, I started working on my step by step plan. We considered everything - every way to keep him (yes - many of them were illegal, but certainly not unethical!). We didn't actually follow through with most of those plans (though we started on them) but we did follow through with the one that eventually brought about finalizing his adoption. And it couldn't have happened without a Higher Power being in control.

So, it was a little over 3 years ago when my husband was laid off from his job and we started the loan modification process. We've been working "with" the bank for OVER 3 YEARS to come up with something that would work. (our house is worth less than half of what we bought it for 4 years ago!) I'm so grateful that I learned through previous experiences how to handle blows because through this whole process my husband and I have been at peace. We have been prepared to lose our house - so that when the notices started being taped to the door (you can only know how that feels if it happens to you - it's way worse than the registered letter being hand delivered!) we took deep breaths and plunged forward with plans B, C and D.

Did I already say that the worse never happens?

Well I came home from a week-long business trip to find that FedEx had delivered a thick envelope. It really could have gone either way - either way ... and because we had peace, it would be ok. The envelope contained permanent loan modification papers for us to sign. As soon as they receive these signed papers back from us, the house will be taken out of the foreclosure pool.

Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with gratitude I can hardly take it in!

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His Hand

2012-01-16T03:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had times in your life when an event occurs and all of a sudden your eyes are opened to see that it was many months or many years in the making? And you look back over decisions you made - one decision leading to another - that gives you the most wonderful outcome ever? And you had no idea when making some of those choices that they would lead you to the current incredible blessing?

I've had many of those eye-opening experiences. They have strengthened my belief that, if we allow, our Heavenly Father will direct us. And my testimony of His interest in each of us, individually, just gets stronger and stronger. It makes sense - after all, we ARE His children! Of course He would want the best for us and want to direct us - just like we want the best for our children and want to give them direction and guidance.

I really know that we have a loving Father who cares about our lives - the big things and the little. When I finally bend my will to His, great blessings come, among which is peace in my mind and in my heart.

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loving it

2012-01-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

There is something to love in every situation in which we find ourselves. I believe that's true. Especially after reading biographies and experiences of some people who have been through horrific events. Have you read "Left to Tell", or "Man's Search for Meaning" or "The Diary of Anne Frank"?

On a much smaller scale, when my legs went numb at the onset of MS, it wasn't hard to find the silver lining: My varicose veins that had previously caused so much aching and pains were no longer an issue. I couldn't feel them. Sometimes I have to remind myself to look for the thing to love in my situation. The more life I live, the easier it gets. It really, truly is possible to "come what may and love it".

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exciting

2012-01-12T04:29:00.000-08:00

I love it when I can see goals achieved. It's only 2 weeks in to the new year and already I've been able to check off one of my big wish list items for 2012. I love it! Today, the day this posts, I'm hoping to check off one more big item. If not, I will have at least made some progress on this particular goal.

This I truly believe: write it down, believe in it, and it will happen!

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it's a girl!

2012-01-11T04:22:00.000-08:00

We're expecting two grandchildren in 2012! And we now know that the one coming in May is a little girl. Here's a cute picture of her ballerina legs:

Back when my babies were born we didn't find out the gender of the baby until he/she emerged into the cold bright world. Our first was a precious little boy who stole our hearts and still has them. I was so certain my 2nd child was a girl that I purchased a teeny-tiny pair of solid gold hoops for the doctor to pierce her ears while in the hospital. She was a girl - in fact, she was the girl who is now having this little girl. That was the last time I guessed right on the gender of a child. Our next child I was sure would be another little girl. It was Bryan. #4 I don't remember guessing on - a girl, Sierra. And #5, the caboose: I was so sure it was a boy that we had a beautiful wood carving made in the Philippines with all our family names, including little Jex. Shockingly, it was a girl. It took a couple of days for us to name Azure, but getting her was the best little shocker in the world!We're so excited to get Brooke's little baby girl here ... they've got a whole slew of beautiful names to choose from. Can't wait to see what they choose. Trevor & Caci's little one is due the beginning of July - they're sure it's a girl. (If they inherited my great guessing abilities, we'll be welcoming in a grandson)

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best shopping

2012-01-10T04:10:00.000-08:00

My best shopping - no matter how often I try conventional shopping - always ends up being in thrift stores. And usually I'm happiest if I don't think too much about what I'm buying. Brad and I hit up Deseret Industries Saturday. We actually had headed out of the house with another purpose, but took a detour to DI. The results: 4 books and 2 cute skirts.

I'm a book hound. If I were stuck on a desert island I would be fine without make up, would enjoy foraging for food, and would do ok building a shelter. But I'd really, really, really want to have some books with me!

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joy

2012-01-09T04:34:00.000-08:00

I believe this life should be joyous. So I've had a web of tangled thoughts over the last while. Let me see if I can untangle them enough to make sense:

Sometimes, as women, we are so much the ultimate caregivers and nurturers that our "cups run dry". We give and give and give so much that we eventually feel like we have nothing else to give. But often if we are around the right people - people who are givers, themselves, our cups fill up and never run dry. We can continue to give because we're also receiving. It's a good healthy relationship that is filled with give and take.

Some people I know are not really blessed with those healthy relationships where they receive - they just seem to give. So, some of these women actually end up moving on to other relationships, knowing that they should feel joy in this life. They search for others who will actually help to fill their cups.

As I've thought on this, I've come to believe that it's possible to be a giver - even in unequal relationships - and still find joy. Here's why: Yes, the cup needs to be filled. But I believe there are ways to fill the cup even in an unequal relationship. When one looks at life analytically, one should find that joy, true joy - not superficial, comes through service. Real Christ-like service = joy. It is unselfish, it is loving. It is service that requires nothing in return - not a "thank you", not equal consideration, not even a smile. Real service might sometimes be exhausting, but when done in the right spirit it brings joy.

But because we're human, we all need our cups filled. Here are ways I've thought to fill our cups without expecting anything from another person:

1- Prayer. If you don't believe prayer can fill your cup, you haven't prayed intently enough.

2- Temple and Church Attendance. The peace and the learning that can take place in these sacred edifices will fill a cup to over-flowing.

3- Journaling. Writing down feelings somehow purges the negative, making room to absorb the positive

.4- Random Acts of Kindness. Weird, isn't it - how doing nice things for random people (I'm not talking about taking care of the people you love and are close to) fill us up?

Ok. That's all for today. I've just been around some really, really good people who seem to be constantly giving, not getting back in return, yet still joyous. So I've been doing some introspective and some outward researching and these are my findings :)

I've also been thinking about my blog. For a bit of time I was really concerned about followers and comments - and hoping to someday soon start making money from blogging. That's all gone now. If people want to read this, great - I hope it's worthwhile. I've always wanted Silver Strands to be inspirational - a place where people can find and share good things. I still want that. But in the past I also wanted popularity and even income. No longer. This blog is taking a turn. It's going to become more "real".

Still thinking of my blogging friends and hope all is well with you!

Denalee

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Memories

2011-12-20T14:12:00.001-08:00

I love this picture for lots of reasons. The people in it are my brother, Bruce and my Dad. When I see them together in this picture I think of all the boys in the family and the fun times I had sandwiched between 2 of them ... riding in Dad's pick up together and stopping for a can of pop, then laughing so hard at something while drinking it that the pop came right up our noses. Good times. The angle this picture is taken, showing all the wood (but you can't see the new wood floors) reminds me of "the old old house" where we were teenagers. We'd hang out in the family room with built-in bookshelves on every wall and an actual elevator that would carry you up to the master bedroom. More good times. On the right in this picture is a peek at my parents "Candy Bar". We're all non-drinkers, so although it's set up for beverages, my parents have filled it with candy and pictures. On the left and middle of this photo are old family pictures. Need I say more? These make my heart swell when I see them. The tiny picture just above that little table is a snapshot of some of us at a family reunion playing a rousing round of Pit. You can't see it, but there was a lot of noise, a bit of reaching and grabbing and a lot of laughing. You may be able to see that no one is sitting down, though Pit, a card game, is intended to be played as most card games are - from your chair. You can see a bit of the bookshelf on the far left. We grew up with books all around us and we all have a love of reading. Thanks Mom & Dad, and thanks to my brothers and sisters ... I got a great start in life!
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LIFE IS FUN

2011-12-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

It was Michael Jordan who said:

"Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game."

I couldn't agree more ... life is meant to be FUN! I had a great time with my siblings and parents last week. Besides lots of game playing, my sisters and I spent an hour or so at the piano. My sisters are both really good - I'm a moderate pianist. That meant enough mistakes to make it super fun and create a ton of laughs!

"Don't ever become a pessimist... a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events."

-Robert A. Heinlein

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The nest

2011-12-14T07:23:00.001-08:00

Icelandic lore says that a bird's nest in a Christmas Tree brings a year of good luck, good fortune and good health.

What do you traditionally include on your Christmas tree?

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All Tied Up

2011-12-14T07:18:00.001-08:00

My Parents:

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, 'A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!'”

-Robert Browning

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AWOL

2011-12-14T06:44:00.001-08:00

I've been missing you ... but missing for good reason: I've just returned from a glimpse of heaven. I spent a short time with my parents and ALL of my siblings. Little sleep ... lots of fun.
My parents throw an annual Christmas Egg Nog Party ("non-alcoholic of course", as they would say)They began this tradition in 1972 (the last time all the siblings were present for the party) as a gift to their community as well as a way to help us, their children, learn to serve and to socialize. It's a lot of work AND a lot of fun. More details on the Egg Nog Party in future posts. For now, just imagine how joyful it was for me to be a kid again in my parents' home with all of my brothers & sisters ... it was glorious.
Here we are in 1977 followed by a picture taken just a few days ago:

Feeling Christ in Christmas

2011-12-02T04:45:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited to be guest posting over at

SOMEONE IN MIND

about our family's best Christmas ever.

Please zip on over - it's an all-around amazing blog!

WINNER OF CHRISTMAS JARS & CHRISTMAS JARS:

Sandy at Sandy and the 1000 Paper Cranes!

I stole this idea from my sweet blog-friend, Special 'K'.

Christmas is just too exciting for me to take up any of my blogspace talking about anything else.

So a couple of things:

(source)

CANDY CANE POPCORN is delicious AND easy to make.

Pop the popcorn

Coat in white chocolate

sprinkle in crushed candy canes.

Next, have you ever wondered what 7 swans-a-swimmin or a partridge in a pear tree have to do with Christmas? I was visiting a friend this week when she shared the history of this song with me:

From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was JESUS CHRIST

-Two turtle doves were the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS

-Three French Hens = FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

-Four Calling Birds = MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE & JOHN the 4 Gospels

-Five Golden Rings = TORAH or LAW, the FIRST 5 BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

-Six Geese a-Laying = 6 DAYS OF CREATION

-Seven Swans a-Swimming = SEVEN-FOLD GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

-Eight Maids a-Milking = 8 BEATITUDES

-Nine Ladies Dancing = 9 FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

-Ten Lords a-Leaping = 10 COMMANDMENTS

-Eleven Pipers Piping = 11 FAITHFUL DISCIPLES

-Twelve Drummers Drumming = 12 POINTS OF BELIEF IN THE APOSTLES' CREED

Feliz Navidad Everyone!

2011-11-30T06:04:00.000-08:00

For a little time over the Thanksgiving Holiday our entire family was together. And this is how we spend that time:

So Feliz Navidad to all of you!

And a couple more things:

I put an incorrect link on the Perfection Creme giveaway a couple of weeks ago. SO SORRY! Check them out here.

AND .. just one more day to enter the CHRISTMAS JARS and CHRISTMAS JARS REUNION giveaway. Click the link at the top of the page for giveaways and you will be directed to the post to enter. (Sorry, I'm traveling and am posting from my iPad - not quite as easy to link up and to pretty-fy this post.)

That's it for now ... MERRY CHRISTMAS!

anatomy of opening a mission call

2011-11-25T06:08:00.000-08:00

By way of explanation for my non-LDS friends:

When a person decides to serve a mission, he/she goes through a process of earning money (the missionary supports himself for the 2 years)

taking care of medical and dental things (missionary must be in good health and dental things [braces, wisdom teeth, etc] need to be taken care of before beginning service); preparing spiritually and being interviewed by bishop and stake president.

When this is completed, everything is submitted to Church Headquarters and the prospective missionary waits (im)patiently for his/her call to arrive via the postal service.

It's a big, exciting day when the call arrives.

Bryan was working in Arizona, so when his call came on a Thursday to our home in Nevada, family members drove the few hours to deliver the call and watch Bryan open it.

Until the packet is opened, the missionary doesn't know where he is assigned to serve or the exact date he begins service. It's like Christmas - opening the call!

His a pictoral anatomy of Bryan's experience

(quite typical!):

Brad first shares a bit about Trevor opening his mission call 10 years earlier

Trevor's records as his wife, Caci, tries to sneak a peak

Bryan opened the call and read outloud ... we could feel the anticipation in the room!

"... you are assigned to serve in the Philippines Quezon City North Mission ..."

We were all so excited that it our jumping around made it hard for Trevor to get verbal reactions on video!

Trevor and Steven are our most recent returned missionaries - Trevor served in Russia and Steven (Brooke's husband) served in the Philippines! He immediately began teaching Bryan Tagalog.

proud family

excited

things finally got quiet enough for Bryan to make a few phone calls

We are all so proud of Bryan and excited for his 2 years of adventure, service, spiritual growth. He begins on February 1st.

GRATEFUL

2011-11-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving I am grateful for:

Family

(and extended family even though they're not pictured!)

source

Faith

Life

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!

memorizing

2011-11-23T05:25:00.000-08:00

REMEMBER TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR

CHRISTMAS JARS & CHRISTMAS JARS REUNION

HERE

This week's memorization will actually take me more than a week - probably 3 weeks, I'm thinking. It's "The Living Christ"

I won't be the first to memorize this. In fact, I know of about 15 young women in my area who will probably beat me to it! But here's to memorizing meaningful words!!

I expect this week to get the first 3 paragraphs memorized.

Anyone want to join me?

Here it is in its entirety:

THE LIVING CHRIST

THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLES

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

He rose from the grave to "become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His "other sheep" (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised "dispensation of the fulness of times" (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

"I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father" (D&C 110:3–4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:22–24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—"built upon the foundation of . . . apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

make a miracle

2011-11-22T05:17:00.000-08:00

I was really inspired on Sunday

when I sat in on a class for the youth.

The teacher talked about how we should be inclusive of all - not limiting our lives to those we think are "important" or "popular". It was a great lesson.

source

Then she challenged the youth, and the challenge hit me, too - as something we should all do:

"make a miracle this week", she challenged.

"It doesn't have to be something big. Maybe just learn someone's name and say 'hi' each day; maybe smile at the shy student; maybe sit by someone who's alone."

I realized as she spoke, that the obvious miracles will be for the recipients of those kindly, small acts. But I believe the greater miracles will be what happens in the hearts and souls of the givers.

I've made it my goal to "make a miracle" every day this week.

gifts

2011-11-21T03:09:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to announce that Annalee won the Perfection Creme giveaway!

And with Thanksgiving this week, causing feelings of gratitude and anticipation of the joy of giving at Christmastime, I'm oh-so-excited to announce another giveaway:

Jason F. Wright is a gifted author. By far, my favorite book of his (and possibly my all-time favorite Christmas book) is

CHRISTMAS JARS

This book helped our family create a tradition - actually, our favorite holiday tradition. We've had experiences since first reading this book that have actually been life-changing. It's a novel, and a very gripping novel at that. But mostly, it's an experience. If you've never read it, please pick up a copy - I promise, it will kick of this season of joy in a new way and you'll be glad for it!

I ran into Jason at our local Deseret Book Store where he was stopping for a few hours on his book signing tour. He took a few moments with me and shared this Silver Strand of his:

To win an autographed copy of Christmas Jars and Christmas Jars Reunion, leave a comment on this blog post.

Additional Entries: (please leave a separate comment for each entry)

*Be a Silver Strands follower

*Share a Christmas miracle you've experienced with me

*Visit ChristmasJars.com - you'll be glad you did!

*Blog about this giveaway and share the link with me

*Facebook about this giveaway

*Tweet about this giveaway

Good Luck Everyone.

sisters

2011-11-18T03:47:00.000-08:00

That's my youngest, Azure, on the right. The other one is either Brooke or Sierra ... can't tell. I know the girls won't really like this picture - they're all 3 photo-hogs. They love taking great pictures of themselves! So this one wouldn't measure up for them. But for me it's one of my favorites. That I can't tell which sister is next to Azure makes it all the more meaningful. Seeing 2 sisters curled up beside each other, sharing a single blanket. Well, there's not a better gift for a mother, now, is there? There are some great quotes about sisters. These few I'm sharing with you really strike a chord in me - about my own sisters, and about my daughters:

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us? ~Pam Brown

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty

Is solace anywhere more comforting than in the arms of a sister. ~Alice Walker

How do people make it through life without a sister? ~Sara Corpening

When mom and dad don't understand, a sister always will. ~Author Unknown

I love you girls.

green

2011-11-17T03:30:00.000-08:00

Lots of things come to mind when the word "green" is said.

money

environment

envy

vegetarian

But right now, for me green means:

CHRISTMAS

Green signifies life (remember biology class?) ... and when it comes to Christmas, green symbolizes eternal life.

PLUS - it's a really pretty color, right?

to memorize

2011-11-16T03:18:00.000-08:00

REMEMBER TO ENTER COLOR CONNECTION'S PERFECTION CREME GIVEAWAY HERE

It's time for me to memorize something fun. So this week, I'll tackle Lewis Carroll's "JABBERWOCKY"

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"

He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.

And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!

One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.

"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

(wish me luck!)

I AM A MORMON

2011-11-15T03:14:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Denalee

I'm a wife, a mommy and a grandmother; I've worked in TV & marketing but the best job I've ever had is at home. And I'm a Mormon.

Two of my favorite bloggers have created posts recently that inspired me to share these thoughts:

Camielle at RealWomenAreAlaskan is helping to debunk myths about Mormons including "cult" ideas. Please read her post here. It's informative and thorough.

Lindsey at the r house posted her I Am A Mormon profile recently and it inspired me to create mine.

You can see my Mormon.org profile in its entirety here. On my profile page I share some thoughts that are really tender in my heart. I would be so happy to share this part of me with you. Here's an excerpt:

About Me

I have a passion for life. I see life as a gigantic gift in which each day is a new little present. I've learned through my own trials of infertility; Multiple Sclerosis; contested adoption; financial disaster; losing loved ones ... that there is joy and peace to be found in everything, at every moment in every day. It just requires submission to God's will - and then the peace flows and joy fills in the holes that sorrow and pain have created. I love learning! Especially learning about what nature has to offer. I dabble in essential oils, whole organic foods, living water, and exercise. I can't get enough of reading good books! It's easy for me to become so absorbed that I have learned to get my "must-do's" finished before picking up a book. It's bound to be hours before I emerge from the turning pages! Although I help make money for our family, homemaking and nurturing are my passions. I LOVE PEOPLE! Everyone has a story and I want to hear them all. This brought me to the great experience of hosting tv talk shows in Alaska and Nevada. I'd love to continue work in television because I'm also a big ham who loves the camera. For me, LIFE IS GREAT!

For those who don't know, "Mormon" is a nick-name which members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were given because of our acknowledgment of The Book of Mormon as scripture. With the nick name and the scriptures, it is thought by some that we are not Christians. But we are! The subtitle of The Book of Mormon is: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. We read and believe the Bible - both the Old and the New Testament as well.

For more about what we, as Mormons believe, click here. For more about my personal feelings of faith, click here.

I sincerely hope to have not offended anyone with this post. Also, please know this: I acknowledge all people as good, as brothers and sisters with the same Heavenly Parentage regardless of faith or absence of faith. In opening my deep feelings, I hope that you have understood it in the way I feel it.

Giveaway AND a precious SILVER STRAND

2011-11-14T03:12:00.000-08:00

My cousin, Susan, is an amazing woman for many reasons.

You'll find her amazing because she's offering a giveaway! Yay for giveaways!!

More on that at the end of the post. The real prize in this post, though, is her sharing of one of her Silver Strands:

As one looks back over their lifetime, it is much easier to see the miracles or silver strands, interwoven with daily life. I recognize many silver strands in my life. One huge miracle unfolded in the spring of 1999.

After about 12 hours of toughing out some severe abdominal pain, believing I could “will” it away, I finally succumbed to a trip to the Emergency Room. I suspected appendicitis as the pain was high in the abdomen and very sharp at times. Over a period of many hours, ER doctors and specialists became involved, trying to make an accurate diagnosis. Eventually I was admitted for the night and was told they had asked my gynecologist to stop by the hospital the next morning. He did come to check on me and delivered the news that I needed a hysterectomy and I needed it soon. Emergency surgery was scheduled for early that afternoon.

Not many hours after I moved from the recovery room into my hospital room, some medical professional stopped by to suggest that I get in touch with an urologist to have a spot on my kidney checked. Survival was the order of the day and I didn’t pay much attention to that admonition. Once home, I was looking at a six week recovery period and with small children still at home and businesses that required my attention my focus was on getting well.

One day shortly after I arrived home I got an unexpected phone call from an urologist’s office, saying the doctor had been asked to stop by my room at the hospital but had not done so before I was released. Driving myself anywhere was not an option as I had a very large and very fresh incision. I couldn’t imagine the urgency to go see another doctor. I jokingly said that they must have found out that my insurance paid well and wanted a piece of the action.

Somehow I made my way into that doctor’s office within a few days of his phone call and was shocked when he showed me a spot on my kidney that had been detected when they were trying to identify the source of abdominal pain. This spot was totally unrelated to the original problem. He told me it was either a blood filled cyst or a malignant tumor. Shocked, I agreed to have a biopsy. Within a matter of a few days, the diagnosis was back. I was told I had renal cell carcinoma! My name and cancer had never been in the same sentence. This would mean another major surgery just six weeks after the first. I was reeling!

I had no symptoms, no reason to believe I had any kidney problems. It took all the strength I could muster to prepare for the second surgery. My family needed me. My business needed me. I would be down for another six weeks. But I had no choice.

The affected kidney was removed. It was determined that the cancer was all contained in the kidney. I didn’t have to have chemotherapy or other treatments. How blessed I was that the female related problems had manifested themselves exactly when they did so the problem could be found before it spread through my entire body. They don’t think I would have had any symptoms until it was too late.

Ever grateful for this blessing, the blessing of finding a serious problem before it was out of control, reminds me of the silver strands that are interwoven in our lives. We all have them. Recognizing them is the secret.

Did I tell you she's amazing?! Now, one more thing before the giveaway announcement. Susan owns and runs at least 2 companies: Techno Hue and Seven Arrows Color Connection. She also champions the cause of living life to the fullest through her website: Celebrate Life. If you want to be uplifted, check out all of those sites.

THE GIVEAWAY:

Perfection Crème

Certified 100% Toxic Free

· Provides plumping action within a short period of time. Less wrinkles and sagging skin.

· Contains tightening agents for both lifting and firming as well as bio-peptides. Bio-peptides reverse the collapse of skin tissue causing lines and wrinkles.

· Visible decrease in wrinkle depth within 14-30 days.

· Repairs and prevents skin aging by stimulating the skin’s defense mechanisms against oxidative stress.

· Lightening of dark circles gradually and effectively over 90 days. Repair of microcirculation by anti-inflammatory action.

· Clinical tests resulted in tremendous reduction in the pigmentation of dark circles under eyes by 45%.

· Dramatically lessens puffiness under eyes by reducing inflammation.

· Reduction in appearance of spider veins.

· Use as effective rosacea treatment.

· Rejuvenates aging skin.

· Provides younger and more rested appearance with immediate well-being effect.

· Maintains optimal moisture throughout the day and night for firmer, younger looking skin.

Long term action creates long term, permanent results

TO ENTER:

*Leave a comment

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: (separate comment for each entry please)

*Be a Follower of Silver Strands

*Check out Seven Arrows Color Connection & tell me about a product you love

*Check out TechnoHue and tell me something you learned about color

*Check out Celebrate Life and consider sharing your story on the site

*Blog about this giveaway & link to it

*Facebook about this giveaway

*Tweet about this giveaway

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

happy birthday DAD

2011-11-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

I know, I know ... everyone thinks they have the best Dad in the world. But mine really is best.

Here's why:

Rooms light up when he walks in

Everyone feels like they're the most important person in the world when in his presence

He knows how to help me put things in perspective

He never laughs at me, but he always knows how to make me laugh

Just being near Dad creates instant peace

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.

count 'em ... it really works!

2011-11-10T04:31:00.000-08:00

In a slump? Everything going wrong?

This really works: make yourself count your blessings.

Be grateful for a full 5 minutes - only dwelling on each gratitude item for a couple of seconds. It's hard at first to get past the first dozen or so ... but after a minute, everything changes! Troubles leave, burdens lift, the clouds dissipate. Everything becomes clear and absolutely beautiful.

source

"We can lift ourselves and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude."

President Thomas S. Monson

peppermint

2011-11-09T04:19:00.000-08:00

I've been diffusing peppermint essential oil throughout the house lately. It's such a refeshing, invigorating scent! Plus, it makes it feel like holiday time ... and I'm a total sucker for the holidays. And wow! Talk about a festive looking leaf!

source

So I've been thinking about peppermint. It's an amazing plant, really. Peppermint oil is an excellent digestive, anti-inflammatory, and an antiseptic. It helps the respiratory system and helps with circulation. All of this while also tasting delicious and making us happy!

source

So I did a little search and found this amazing blog:

the HWTM (Hostess with the Mostess) Daily Blog ...

with an entire post dedicated to peppermint dessert recipes! Check them out.

Here's to peppermint!

super-yum

2011-11-08T04:39:00.000-08:00

I made the BEST dinner the other night.

This is true!

Even the girls at home told me - this is the best pizza ever. It's a deluxe veggie pizza - in place of pizza sauce I covered the homemade dough with basil pesto. Then I sprinkled a bit of grated cheese (not much - trying to avoid dairy). I topped it with artichoke hearts, olives, diced tomatoes & mushrooms. It was magnificent! Next time I'm going to add garlic and scallions - thinking about also putting on some sliced hearts of palm. What I love about this, besides the taste and nutrition: It takes so little time! From start of mixing the dough to sitting at the table eating: 20 minutes!

Dough Recipe:

mix 1 pkg yeast with 1 Tablespoon sugar & 1 cup warm water

Let sit 5 minutes

Mix in 1 tsp salt, 2 Tblsp olive oil, 2 1/2 c flour.

Spread onto pie plate, then layer toppings. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.

A Day of Sunshine

2011-11-07T04:22:00.000-08:00

Update on my weekly memorizing: I did it! I now have behind me Thanatopsis, Invictus, As A Man Thinketh opening.

(source)

This week I'll memorize Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's very happy poem: A Day of Sunshine. If this doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will. It goes like this:

O gift of God! O perfect day:
Whereon shall no man work, but play;
Whereon it is enough for me,
Not to be doing, but to be!

Through every fibre of my brain,
Through every nerve, through every vein,
I feel the electric thrill, the touch
Of life, that seems almost too much.

I hear the wind among the trees
Playing celestial symphonies;
I see the branches downward bent,
Like keys of some great instrument.

And over me unrolls on high
The splendid scenery of the sky,
Where though a sapphire sea the sun
Sails like a golden galleon,

Towards yonder cloud-land in the West,
Towards yonder Islands of the Blest,
Whose steep sierra far uplifts
Its craggy summits white with drifts.

Blow, winds! and waft through all the rooms
The snow-flakes of the cherry-blooms!
Blow, winds! and bend within my reach
The fiery blossoms of the peach!

O Life and Love! O happy throng
Of thoughts, whose only speech is song!
O heart of man! canst thou not be
Blithe as the air is, and as free?

Here's wishing you all a day of sunshine!
oxoxox

Dwight-isms

2011-11-05T07:36:00.001-07:00

First, CONGRATULATIONS to Kayli from LDS Military Wives for winning the Santa Ornament Giveaway!

Laughter is good. That's why all of our family members who were in town for Halloween dressed up as Dwight Schrute from THE OFFICE:

My favorite Dwight quote:
"Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver my own food. I can drive a taxi. I can, and do, cut my own hair."

Hope you're all having a great November!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

free

2011-11-03T14:26:00.001-07:00

Remember to enter my giveaway for This BEAUTIFUL Santa Ornament from Mother's Dream Artworks!

"The moment you can visualize being free from the things that hold you back, you have indeed begun to set yourself free."

(anonymous)

Usually it's around the New Year that I visualize being free from some bad habits, but I guess the whole resolutions thing is hitting me early. I love the quote above ... I've seen it work - visualizing, then actualizing.

What do you think?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

As A Man Thinketh

2011-11-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

I've recently decided to memorize a poem or a verse of something inspiring once a week.

It's been a while since I last memorized, but I'm happy to report that I still remember "Thanatopsis" and "Invictus" (yay!)

So this week, it's this verse from "As A Man Thinketh":

Mind is the Master power that moulds and makes,

And Man is Mind, and evermore he takes

The tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills,

Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills -

He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass;

Environment is but his looking-glass.

Do you have a favorite verse or saying?

Winner & New Giveaway (Hint: Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la)

2011-10-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS To Kris Wilcox and to Meagan at Mo Pie, Please! You won the eShakti.com giveaway!

Anyone in a Christmas mood?

Meet my friend, Sheryl from Mother's Dream Artworks... a very unique artist. Yes, she draws and paints ... but her most amazing work is created with objects from nature. The giveaway item is made from a piece of driftwood!

(Shery's "Silver Strand": Family Gatherings)

When I asked Sheryl about her business, this is the touching reply:

"I think the name of my studio has a large influence on what I do. I named my business Mother's Dream Artworks in honor of my mom, who started me out as a tot, coloring and shading color book pages. She showed me how to shape figures, and in general infused a love of art and nature and creativity into all I do. We had a dream of owning an art studio/store, where we could teach and learn and sell together. She passed away when I was 17 so for me, this is a continuation of a dream. My family enjoys it when I sit at the kitchen table sculpting or painting or whatever else I may do artistically, as they say it's peaceful to have me there with them while we chat as I work."

TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THIS SANTA:

He's about 6" tall with details from sculpting clay on driftwood. Layers of paint, vintage leaves and mica snow make for a one-of-a-kind, very jolly collector's ornament!

To Enter:

Please Just Try It ...

2011-10-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

While spending some time recently with my 2-year-old grandson and his parents, I was able to catch, on video, just a little clip of a conversation that could have been a conversation between me & my teenagers, or - more symbolically - between me & our Heavenly Father. Before I grabbed the video the conversation went something like this:

Mommy: Now that it's not hot anymore you can just drink it from the cup

Gage: no

Mommy: Augustus Gloop didn't use a spoon with his chocolate river

Gage: Augustus Gloop used a spoon

Mommy: You'll like it better if you drink it from the cup.

Gage: I don't like it better from cup.

You get the idea ... It reminded me of recent talks with my teenagers at home.

So all this got me thinking about how stubborn I've been in my life. How often I imagine Heavenly Father saying to me:

Denalee, trust me. I know what will bring you happiness.

Me: No. I know what I want. I know what makes me happy. Please, please, PLEASE let me have my way.

Heavenly Father: I only want your happiness. Please trust me.

And then He lets me decide. And often, like Gage, I only get little tastes of what I really want because I refuse to let go of the spoon. But sometimes I set down my comfortable spoon, and even though I'm scared - take a big drink out of the cup. And then! and then I am FILLED with delicious goodness - and I wonder how I could ever have doubted.

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea." Isak Dinesen

2011-10-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER TO ENTER THE ESHAKTI GIVEAWAY

The loneliness you get by the sea is personal and alive. It doesn't subdue you and make you feel abject. It's stimulating lonelines
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

animals?

2011-10-24T21:22:00.001-07:00

My husband loves the line in the movie, "Beethoven" where the dad is arguing with the entire family about keeping the puppy who wandered into their home. He says something like, "We're a goldfish family, a turtle family, maybe even an ant farm family ... we're not a dog family." And so it's been in our home for years and years. We actually did own a dog for about a year in Alaska, but she turned out to be a holy terror. Then one day last year, Azure prepared a presentation for her dad. At the end of the presentation he said she could get a dog. We don't know what got into him! Our grandkids totally love "Buddy". And I love this quote: "No symphony orchestra ever played music like a 2-year-old playing with his puppy."

Dream Big!

2011-10-21T03:03:00.000-07:00

In response to those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say keep dreaming and make reality.

~Kristian Kan

Ok blogger friends ... I really want to know!:

What dreams do you have? What's on your bucket list? What have you always wanted to do, but just haven't made the time for? Tell me one or tell me 10 ... I'd love to hear!

"A chocolate in the mouth is worth two on the plate" and other chocolate wisdome

2011-10-20T03:59:00.000-07:00

First, a BIG congratulations to C.W. Call for winning the Annie Henrie art giveaway!

Winner for the EShakti.com clothing giveaway will be drawn next week, so be sure to enter!

I've mentioned before that I am a strong believer in a healthy life style. It's true that I believe in exercise and caution with what goes into the body. BUT, I do love my chocolate. And there are some pretty good chocolate quotes out there .... (all these quotes from virtual chocolate.com)

"Exercise is a dirty word ... every time I hear it I wash my mouth out with chocolate"

"I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process. It may not be true - but dare I take the chance?"

And now a serious quote that has very little to do with chocolate. But first, an explanation: I got a telemarketing phone call the other day, but the caller asked for my daughter. When I asked where he was calling from and he told me it was the MS Society, I told him I was surprised he was calling for my daughter since I was the one who used to have MS. That sparked a conversation - "used to have?", he asked. "Yes," I replied. "I know they say there is no cure and that MS is a lifelong disease, but I just don't believe that." He asked me to share my story (you can read it here, here, here, here and here) We ended the conversation with him saying,

"You are what you eat, you'll be what you speak".

Good quote from an anonymous telemarketer!

color

2011-10-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

"Colors are the smiles of nature"

Leigh Hunt

Doesn't color just make you HAPPY?! It does me!

Speaking of color, don't forget to enter my colorful giveaways!

ESHAKTI.com giveaway ends in a week

Annie Henrie Art giveaway ends tomorrow!

happy birthday TREVOR

2011-10-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

ENTER THE ESHAKTI GIVEAWAY HERE

and the

ANNIE HENRIE GIVEAWAY HERE

I was just a young 20-something-year-old when I became a mother for the first time.

As all mothers know, there's an immediate bonding love that compares with no other when that little wet bundle is placed in your arms. Oh how I craved holding and kissing my little Trevor constantly!

Little Trevor grew up to be the perfect big brother to his siblings.

and then to be the perfect daddy to his own children

And through it all ... all those growing up years, walking to the zoo, playing on the swings, buying and selling donuts at school, playing music at home, playing with GI Joes, running interferance against immature teachers, paper routes, summers at the docks, hiking, sending off on dates ... Trevor has remained, and ever will be, my kindred spirit. I love you Trevor. Happy Birthday!

eshakti clothing review & giveaway

2011-10-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm no fashion blogger ... that I readily admit!

But recently I received a GORGEOUS dress from eshakti and I am excited to sing its praises!

Admittedly, while perusing their site, knowing I'd be given a piece of clothing of my choosing to review and to keep, I looked for the most expensive item (hehehe ... I'm no dummy). But guess what?! Their clothing isn't all that expensive! So I took a different approach: What could I get that I would normally pass by in the department store - that is, I chose to NOT get a skirt (my closet is full of them - I'd rather wear a skirt and top than anything!) and I chose NOT to play it safe. I'll tell you, it honestly took me 2 full days to pick my dress. There is SO much to choose from!

Is this dress AWESOME or what?!

Things I love about it:

* It's reminiscent of the old war days

* It's majorly COMFORTABLE

* It has 2 deep pockets

* It's totally modest - no need to wear a cami or tank top underneath

BEST PART:

* It's custom fit just for me!

That's right ... any of their items can be custom fit. You just fill out the sizing form and they adjust the clothing for you! A lot of the items you can customize in other ways as well. For instance, I could choose above the knee, knee length, or below the knee for mine. Many of the items you can choose the collar style or sleeve style. Total cost for custom fitting: $7.50. Worth it? You bet! It takes all the concern away from online ordering!

2 lucky winners from this giveaway will each get $20 gift code. And check out their site to see just how far that $20 will go!

To enter:

Mandatory - leave a comment on this post AND "like" the eshakti facebook page

Extra entries:

visit eshakti.com and tell me what you'll pick if you win

facebook about this giveaway, linking to this post

blog about this giveaway, linking to this post

tweet about this giveaway linking to this post

Good luck everyone ... I'm excited about this giveaway because this is a product I love. I know I'll be back to continue adding to my wardrobe!

together

2011-10-17T10:14:00.001-07:00

Guess What??!?!?!

Bryan received his mission call and I'm so excited to tell you all that he is going to the Philippines Quezon City North mission, leaving home on February 1st!

We enjoyed a fun-filled weekend together in Arizona celebrating Bryan, his goodness and his upcoming adventure .... Exciting clothing giveaway post coming up tomorrow! And don't forget there's still the Annie Henrie Art giveaway going on now

Clue

2011-10-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

First, CONGRATULATIONS to Cherie at 'a baby called Max'

(who, btw, just found out she's listed in the top 100 bloggers!)

for winning the Swanson Health Products giveaway!

EVERYONE: remember to enter the Annie Henrie art giveaway .. we've got a week to go on that one!

I'm one of the young women leaders at church - for those who are not familiar with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all positions are filled by volunteers - there's no paid clergy, paid secretaries, teachers, or anything. Members of the congregation are given callings and can accept them, to serve in the different organizations within the church. I was just released from being a Sunday School teacher (going to really miss that!) and am excited to now be working with our young women (ages 12-18). Anyway, last night for a combined activity with the young men, we played a live game of CLUE. And (yay for me!) I played Miss Scarlett.

It was a blast. To make it more exciting, none of the cast knew "who done it".

Besides being just plain old fun, there's something very fulfilling about serving others! And it continues to amaze me that when I'm helping someone else, I am the one who walks away lifted! I love this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."

"... to grow old beloved"

2011-10-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

I've currently got TWO giveaways going on. Either click on the "giveaways" tab above this post or click here for Annie Henrie's art or here for the gift card to Swanson Health Products.

Anyone read "Good Bye Mr. Chips"?

source

I love this phrase at the end of the book:

"[he] achieved that best reward of a well-spent life ... to grow old beloved"

That's my quest every day!

ANNIE HENRIE GIVEAWAY

2011-10-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

I was going to save this giveaway till I reached 300 followers, but it's just too exciting to hold off any longer! Let me introduce you to 25-year-old artist, Annie Henrie:

I met Annie a few weeks ago when she was signing prints at a store. Before I even saw Annie I was awestruck by her magnificent work! It drew me in. And then her work became even more beautiful as I visited with Annie and felt her genuine, tender heart as she spoke.

Titled: First Blossom

I asked Annie to tell me about her personal "Silver Strands" and this is what she said:

"My silver strands are the people in my life - my parents, family and friends - these are my angels in difficult times, and a lot of my art is dedicated to them. I look back on my life with a real amazement for the teachers that were placed in my path. I was raised with a professional artist for a dad and he taught me to paint and draw when I was really little. I also was able to work as an art assistant for J. Kirk Richards, who gave me a lot of inspiration and encouraged me to do religious art. These incredible mentors and many great teachers have been a huge blessing toward helping me to create art today."

Titled: Star of Wonder

When I asked Annie what it is that inspires her work, this was her reply:

"Traveling abroad to Europe - particularly England and Italy - was a huge inspiration, and has deeply influenced my work. I basically left my heart in Italy - and it was while I was living in Florence for a month I started making religious art, which I fell in love with. I loved the contrast of these beautiful old walls that had been around for hundreds of years, and yet were surrounded by modern life. I wanted to create art that was that balance of antiquity and freshness - art that people can relate to in any age and yet will not look dated. My art is also really influenced by spiritual experiences I had while serving as a missionary in England for my church. I met people there that yearned for relief from trials, and wanted more hope and a greater purpose to life. I met people there who were spiritual, faithful people despite exreme hardships, and people who were the closest I have seen to being true angels and saints on earth for their great love for others and God. These two experiences culminated in the art I make now.

Titled: Streams of Mercy

When I looked at the pieces of art Annie was selling, I wondered how she could ever part with one of her originals! From Annie: "There have been several paintings that have been really hard to part with - usually these paintings are at points where I made a breakthrough or realized something in the creation of a painting. I've had several paintings where the idea and composition of the painting came to me in a beauitful way, in a dream or as a sort of epiphany. The hardest painting for me to part with was "Streams of Mercy", mostly because I felt that I had created an image that had a depth of emotion I had not been able to create before.

Now, down to the exciting giveaway .....

Annie is providing a large autographed print of the above image, "Tender Mercies" on artistic watercolor paper, valued at $64.99. And (to prove what a sweet heart Annie has) she will ship ANYWHERE ... which means all of you wonderful over-seas bloggers: you're in on this giveaway!!

To Enter:

an early HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all of you!

2011-10-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Some of our kids were in town this weekend, so my husband created this video ...

Halloween celebrations can be really fun. My mother tells me about how her mother would dress up so she was completely unrecognizable, then go around and deliver goodies to the neighbors. What a way to celebrate! I'd love to hear your ideas.

treasures

2011-10-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

"... where your treasure is, there will your heart be also ..."

New Testament, Matthew 6:21

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

Thornton Wilder

To Tickle Your Fancy

2011-10-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

Guess WHAT friends??!!!?!

I'm approaching 300 followers ... this means it's GIVEAWAY time!

I've got to keep these a secret, but there's no reason I can't give you HINTS ...

Upcoming giveaways include:

Clothing from an AMAZING online company (yup - dresses, shirts, pants, skirts ... and shhhh: they custom fit for you!)

Pick your own great stuff from an online health store (yes, you health nuts! this means vitamins, organic goodies, even books ...)

Art! Yay! I can't reveal the artist yet, but I PROMISE you're going to love her work!

That's just a taste of some of the exciting giveaways coming up starting .....

guess WHAT?! ....

STARTING TODAY!

We'll start with you health-nuts out there. And for those of you who want to be health nuts.

I learned about SWANSON HEALTH PRODUCTS when I performed a search to find the life-changing book, "Water & Salt, the Essence of Life". Oh - I need to tell you that I'm not getting paid or given anything free for this or ... you know ... any of that stuff. I just really, really am sold on some products here! So, this book. Truly life changing. Swanson Health Products not only has the book, but they have the Himalayan Salt that this amazing book talks about. And they have vitamins, supplements, eco-friendy cleaners, beauty products, etc.

Whether you win this giveaway or not, check out the book I mentioned. Every sentence in it struck a chord of truth in me. I figure I'm already going to live a really long life - following the principles in this book will help my long life be comfortable and healthy.

Now, about the giveaway:

Winner will receive a $25 coupon from Swanson Health Products to spend however you like.

To enter just leave a comment.

I won't make you be a follower, but you'd sure make me smile if you are one :) And I won't make you hop around and tell me what you'd buy or anything like that. BUT - if you have any great health tips you'd like to share with me - you KNOW I'd love to read that in your comment.

Okey dokey. It's been a while since I've held a giveaway and I'm excited to start off with this one. Oh! - If you want to enter more than once, you can. Extra entries if you facebook, tweet or blog about this giveaway. Just let me know with a separate entry that you did. One more thing: help me get over 300 followers and you won't believe the great giveaway that will be offered then!

HAPPY ENTERING!

(winner randomly drawn & announced on Wednesday, October 12, 2011)

it hurts so good

2011-10-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

There are some things that just hurt for no good reason.

Like a paper cut. YIKES - they hurt so bad.

(source)

And have you ever had a cardboard cut?

Yowch.

But some things hurt so good!

Like the day after a good hard hike or the day after beginning an exercise program. Those muscles hurt SO good.

Two things today hurt so good for me:

(source)

1- Last Christmas my kids gave me some gift certificates for Chinese full-body Reflexology massages. I used the last one today. I was home alone for the first time in a long time. Got my morning housework done followed my my income earning work. Then I thought: I could use a little pampering! Normally I don't know how much gifts given to me cost. But this I know: It's only $25 for a 1-hour massage. Depending on who does it, it's either soothing or a killer work out. Today was a work out.

I tell you! there are pressure points on my arms that are so sensitive I about go through the roof when the tiny little lady works her magic.

Oh man! It hurt SO GOOD.

2- My middle child, Bryan, just finished the paperwork for his mission. The Stake President submitted his paperwork to church headquarters last week - he should receive his call next week. Bryan (like all LDS missionaries) will be gone for 2 full years in the service of the Lord by serving other people. This is such a sweet time that it hurts. I'm so proud of Bryan, and so grateful for his goodness. But oh! how I'll miss my little guy. (little=19-yr-old)

to end this post ~ some things that hurt so BAD:

* child birth

* kicking the vacuum

* biting my tongue

* pimples that never mature

* hitting my head while climbing into the car

* dropping a weight on my foot

symbol of joy

2011-10-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

(source)

We lived for 12 years in the great state of Alaska.

The forget-me-not is the state flower. It grows everywhere and can be easily overlooked because it's so small and so close to the ground.

(source)

I love this quote from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

There is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower. I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet.

(source)

His talk in its entirety can be read here. And indeed, it is well worth reading over and over.

As I've thought about this short quote and the message of the forget-me-not, some of those little things that make my life joyful and sweet have been more obvious to me. Things like: waking up invigorated after a good night's sleep; running into a friend unexpectedly; being able to be home when my kids get out of school; the smell outside when it's about to rain; family prayer; technology [when it's working]; the first bite into a brownie ...

What little things make your life joyful and sweet?

Holy GUACAMOLE!

2011-10-03T04:27:00.000-07:00

I believe in fueling our bodies with healthy food.

(and fueling my emotions with dark chocolate - but that's another post)

So imagine my joy when I found this gigantic avocado at a Mexican food market! (I put the lemon in the picture so you could see that the PIT was the size of a lemon - that means this avocado was roughly the size of a football) Everyone was gone and I thought - "how about a ymmy salad with this avocado?"

Now, normally I can down an entire avocado all by myself, no problem. But this monster was way too big. (PS - I love having salads this yummy ... other than salt & pepper I don't need to add any taste enhancer!)

So I made guacamole. I used Alton Brown's recipe.

Then I thought, if I down this whole bowl of guacamole myself, that wouldn't be considered healthy. So I made a delicious dinner - lime rice (cafe-rio-style), shrimp, mango salsa.

The real reason I didn't eat the entire avocado wasn't because I didn't have room in my tummy - it's because I didn't want to repeat the artichoke episode. When I was about 8 years old and our family was serving artichokes, I sat at the table long after everyone was gone and I ate everything that everyone else was too full for. I got so sick that I couldn't eat artichokes till adulthood. If I had to go 15 years without avocados it would be a sad, sad world!

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

a simple pleasure

2011-09-30T02:34:00.000-07:00

I only posted this one of 2-year-old Gage because it's too embarrassing to post a picture of me with whipped cream all over my face.

This cream was whipped to go on top of our chocolate haupia pie we made last weekend. OH YUM.

Here's the recipe:

1 9" unbaked pie crust

1 c milk

1 can coconut milk

1 T coconut extract

1 c sugar

1 c water

1/2 c cornstarch

1 c chocolate (chocolate chips, dutch chocolate, or something like that)

1 1/2 c heavy cream

1/4 c sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake crust for 15 minutes or until golden brown - set aside to cool In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, coconut milk, coconut extract and 1 cup sugar. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water. After brining coconut milk mixture to a boil reduce to simmer and slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture, stirring over low heat until thickened. Divide evenly into 2 bowls. In another bowl, microwave chocolate until melted. Mix chocolate into one of the bowls of coconut pudding, then pour mixture into pie crust. Spread and let sit. Pour the remaining bowl of coconut pudding on top of the chocolate-coconut pudding and spread smooth. Refrigerate pie for an hour or more. Whip the cream & sugar and layer the whipped cream on the pie surface. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE!

3 novels worth reading

2011-09-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

(source)

And Ladies of The Club is a novel about a group of women in the mid-1800s. 50 years of writing by Helen Hooven Santmyer, the book was published when she was 88 years old. The novel spans 3 generations, starting with Anne Gordon and Sally Rausch who are recent graduates of the Waynesboro Female College when the book begins. This book is one of those that pulls you in to the characters' lives - so much so, that by mid-novel, I ended up dreaming every night that I lived in Waynesboro and wore long dresses as I went to "call" on my friends. If you want to escape normal life for a few days, pick up this book and let it pull you in!

(source)

Life with Father, by Clarence Day is a humorous autobiographical book written shortly after his father passed away. In the novel, Father is impatient and unforgiving of poor behavior from the gardner to his children. But Day tells the stories in a way that makes you fall in love with his father and wish to know him personally. This is another "oldie" - published in 1935. It's one that will make you smile every page that you turn!

(source)

Everyone knows about Jeeves - the brilliant butler who knows everything. But if you want to really appreciate his brilliance, pick up one of P.G. Wodehouse's novels in the

Wooster & Jeeves series.

Bertie Wooster is a rich young gentleman who "has known someone who once worked". His "what-ho"s and "abbreviations of words make for hilarious reading. Bertie finds himself in impossible situations that Jeeves can always find a way out of.

I love reading.

If you have a great novel to recommend, please share it with me!

fall is here!

2011-09-28T04:39:00.000-07:00

I love pretty much EVERYTHING about autumn!

We had some of the family together to welcome fall, and this is what we did:

Why, you ask, is there an extension cord near the pumpkin carving? Because Bryan used his dremel for his artistic pumpkin carving. For Bryan, tell him there's a power tool involved and he'll participate in anything! This is probably Bryan's last Halloween at home. He just submitted his mission papers (We're members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he has the opportunity to serve a volunteer 2-year mission. Lots of excitement here because it's now the waiting game - we don't know where he will serve. It could be Tulsa, Oklahoma or Tazmania; Spokane or Spain ... we'll find out in a couple of weeks!)

So, we have a genetic disease in our family: Holiday-itis. We can't help ourselves - we celebrate long and early. Azure's been asking me if we can decorate for Christmas for 2 weeks now. So the fact that we carved pumpkins in September is actually showing restraint for us.

Are you a big holiday celebrater? I'd love a peek into your home to see your fun celebrations!

contented

2011-09-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those glorious days when I feel that

all is right with the world

I love today.

Nothing special - just nothing hard today.

Kind of like when you realize you're not sick or in pain anywhere.

I feel exciting anticipation - the same feeling I would get as a child when Christmas drew near.

Life is good.

I sincerely hope it's a glorious day for you too!

Absolutely Unacceptable Regrets

2011-09-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have an amazing job.

I work with a group of people who are forward-thinking, team-oriented and successful.

In our executive meeting today we did a little exercise that, I think, is valuable for everyone. Here it is for you:

Imagine today is 5 years in the future. This is the last day of your life. Now list 5 regrets you absolutely do NOT want to have.

(One of mine: I do NOT want to regret that I didn't enjoy the moment every day of my life)

Looking at those 5 regrets now, next to each one write down WHY those would be horrible regrets to have.

(for that regret: that would mean that I would have missed out on the best part of this mortal experience)

In the next column, next list what you are doing or are not doing right now that COULD lead to having that regret.

(for me: sometimes I get caught up in the urgent "must do's" and get a little psycho over things that I have no control over)

The last column is where you list what you can implement RIGHT NOW to ensure that you do NOT have those regrets.

(my action plan: remind myself regularly to let go of things that don't matter; begin each day with meaningful prayer; include in my prayers requests for charity and for clarity)

Interesting fact: for me, in the last column I had the same answer for 3 of my possible regrets. This was an insightful exercise that helped me readjust my priorities. Hope you find it useful too.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

"Nothing preaches better than the act" -Ben Franklin

2011-09-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

"The world is upheld by the veracity of good men: they make the earth wholesome. They who lived with them found life glad and nutritious. Life is sweet and tolerable only in our belief in such society."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Travel Trivia

2011-09-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm in the midst of traveling. Here are some observations:

1. In America, Southwest Airlines wins for me. Today I was on US Airways and although it wasn't really negative, there weren't the smiles and accommodating employees that SWA have.

2. The guy sitting next to me who was loudly complaining to his girlfriend about a screaming baby was WAY more annoying then the baby. I didn't speak up, but thought about standing up for the stressed out mom who must have been breaking into a sweat trying to bounce the baby, dig out some snacks, offer a bottle, all the while offering non stop apologies.

3. In my determination to be as healthy as possible, I packed a DELISH cucumber & tomato salad, 2 Activia yogurts, one orange and a baggie of almonds. They took my yogurts at TSA, so I relied on my other food to sustain me till arriving in Chicago. I am currently SO hungry that while waiting for my dinner to arrive I ran down to the gift shop and bought a bag of baked chips. I devoured it. Lesson learned: next time I'll pack one or more less-than-healthy items.

4. I always fall asleep on planes. No matter how rested I am. And I always get really stiff shoulders and neck from sleeping on the plane. I haven't figures out a cure for that one yet. Except I've promised myself a massage when I get home.

That's it for today. Since I'm traveling I have limited Internet access so I'll have to catch up with all of you upon my return. Hope you're having a great week!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

hope

2011-09-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

"Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

(source)

"Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men..."

Part of my all-time-favorite scripture: 2Nephi 31:20, Book of Mormon

slave

2011-09-15T04:57:00.000-07:00

Brooke & Steven and their darling little Gage are with us for just a few more days before leaving for Arizona where Steve is starting a new job. So with Steve having time off this past week, he's agreed to be our slave. Each morning he asks me what I would like him to do (I really should have started making him say, "What would you like me to do, your royal highness?" ... but too late for that now) This morning I responded that I'd like him to blog for me. For Steven this is not the fun little joy that it is to me and to many of you. This is painful. But it's fun watching him squirm. PLUS - on a previous slave day he and Brooke did a whole a lot of cool things around the house while I was gone. This gives him fodder for this post. So without further ado, here's my son-in-law, Steven:

hello blogging world. truth be told, i am not very excited to write this. i procastinated doing this all day. but here it goes:

we were playing a game the other night and while i was dominating, brooke and mom were planning a transformation of the living room. i had mixed feelings at the time. on the one hand i love watching brooke be creative (she is ridiculously talented). on the other hand i am the slave and knew that i would be the one doing all of the labor.

at the end of the day i was very impressed. now remember, i am just the troll. brooke did all the real work with this. she had the vision. she got it done for under 20 dollars. the only thing i take credit for is the chair below.

for the most part i have really enjoyed being moms slave. mostly it consists of playing games and drinking green smoothies. honestly, the worst part of it is writing this post.

good bye.

some things I like

2011-09-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'm usually the last to learn about the latest things ... well, actually, I think I may have been the first 40-something person to get facebook way back in 2006.

(but I can take no credit - my daughter signed me up so I could be cool.)

I mean, so that I could see the pictures she was posting.

Anyway, I just learned about pinterest ...

(not surprisingly - same daughter got me going).

If you don't know about it (but if you do, just humor me, ok?) it can be your personal pinboard - you know, an inspiration board of pinned up pictures. Like when we were teenagers and clipped out pictures from magazines - outfits, hairstyles, recipes, cool projects ... So I'm getting hooked on it. Because I'm pinning things I want to make, cool looks for my dream home and more.

like this cool soap dispenser repinned from http://theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com/

And this lace skirt repinned from http://elleapparel.blogspot.com/

and this super-smart idea!

If you get on pinterest, follow me and I'll follow you back - I want to see what you like, and share what I like! I'm on as Denalee Chapman.

Pearl, Why You Little ...

is such an entertaining blog that I find myself going back regularly for a quick chuckle.

One more blog I want to share with you ... Felicity (what a great name! - she should thank her mom daily for that)

appropriately titled her blog:

Gifts of Serendipity

... if ever you need a reminder of how good life is, check in with Felicity.

That's it for today. It would take me months to list all the blogs I love - I'm counting on you checking out those I follow to see some of the best. You're all awesome. Hope you're having a great mid-week day!

insomnia

2011-09-13T04:13:00.000-07:00

it used to make me crazy.

(clipartguide.com)

Someone I know once said, "I've learned to make insomnia my friend."

So for all of you who get these bouts like I do, here are some ideas for those times when all the world seems to be sleeping except for you:

Read a good book (I'm just finishing up The Help so I can feel good about going to see the movie)

Blog - because somewhere in the world there's someone who is also awake and ready to read your post

Day Dream (when's the last time you indulged in that luxury?)

{what to daydream about: your dream home; chapter titles of the novel you're going to write; your dream vacation; create the next great dessert}

Rearrange your living room

Take care of the next day's "must dos" in the house so when you can sleep (about the time everyone wakes up) there's no guilt

Make a breakfast feast fit for a royal family (they'll treat you like a queen all day)

(lisisoft.com)

... so now that I've daydreamed and blogged ... I'm off to a little comfy corner to pull out "The Help" ... about the time you all get up, I'll be fast asleep.

just a thought to start out the week:

2011-09-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

(Sandy Beach, Sitka, Alaska)

"May we cherish each and every day, even with its ups and downs, and protect ourselves from becoming consumed in what may sometimes seem like the big things, which might rob us of all the little that are the very essence of life."

-Ardeth Kapp, "Better Than You Think You Are"

outdoor inspiration

2011-09-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

I know I've already posted a sunflower picture this week ... but .......

gorgeous, aren't they!?!

I'm a lover of Robert Service poetry (thanks to my husband, Brad)

I especially love his The Call of The Wild. I often think of this phrase:

"Have you gazed on naked grandeur where there's nothing else to gaze on ..."

and he ends most of the stanzas with:

"Then listen to the Wild - it's calling you"

Have you suffered, starved and triumphed, groveled down yet grasped at glory

Grown bigger in the bigness of the whole?

"Done things" just for the doing, letting babblers tell the story

Seeing through the nice veneer the naked soul?

Have you seen God in His splendors, heard the text that nature renders?

(you'll never hear it in the family pew)

The simple things. The true things. The silent men who do things -

Then listen to the Wild ~ it's calling you!

happy birthday gage!

2011-09-08T04:49:00.000-07:00

you make me smile.

great party ideas

2011-09-07T05:11:00.000-07:00

Brooke threw a surprise birthday party for Azure a few weeks ago ... you can see lots more pictures with creative ideas here. (ps - she's not only creative, but she totally knows how to make someone feel important!)

And then my sister-in-law threw together an amazing wedding reception for our niece. They have a very welcoming yard, AND she's a wedding cake maker!

Where do you get your inspiration for parties? I have to steal all mine - I don't have any original ideas, but I'm a pretty good copy-cat.

if I didn't have one then, I sure do now ...

2011-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

I know, I know ... I should keep a bottle of advil or something in my car and in my travel bag. But I don't get all that many headaches anymore. So it's just not a staple in my belongings. But man! I ended up with a killer headache the other day when I was on the road. I bought one of those little packets of excedrin - knowing I'd need just one tiny pill to kill the pain.

Got back in the car and zipped to my appointment. While driving I tried to open the human-proof package. Got to a stop light and decided to use my teeth ... the light turned green and my temples started pulsating wildly.

Holy schmoly ... my headache was just getting worse by the second! Why do they make those dang things so hard to open? Got to the next stop light and I was back far enough in the line where I had time to take my keys and try to open it. Oh. My. HECK.

This shows how I felt right before walking into my appointment.

Upon entering, before introducing myself to the receptionist I begged a pair of scissors, cut it open right there and dropped the pill into my mouth - chugged a bottle of water, then, feeling the thrill of conquering, I entered the office.

(PS - all pictures taken AFTER the struggle!)

Michelangelo

2011-09-05T07:47:00.001-07:00

(hercules.gcsu.edu)

Not just artistic, but also very wise, it was Michelangelo who said:

"In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it."

Kevin Hall said,

"However difficult, being able to see what is ahead unleashes the ability to persevere and prevail."

It's a tricky thing ~ being able to see what the end product may be while standing there, staring at a block of stone, knowing all the work that's ahead ... but my experience is that through prayer, quiet meditation, and an optimistic attitude one can have a pretty good idea of what the statue will look like ... and what Kevin Hall says is true! When we see the end, our ability to persevere increases. We can't help but succeed ... and this is important: we can't help but enjoy the journey, hard as it is.

Speaking of work, Happy Labor Day!

support

2011-09-02T05:40:00.000-07:00

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there."

~ Barbara Bush

fun to share

2011-09-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

I was scrolling through some old pictures on the computer the other day. I feel like you, my blogging friends, are not just some unknown-something-out-there, but are really my friends. So, I'm sharing a part of my life with you.

I've worked some in the TV industry. I love it. I would love to do more of it.

(Sierra came to help with a taping for a show called "This Week In Vegas")

I started in television when I was 19. I worked at the Osmond Studio in Utah, first as a tour guide, then as a page for the Donny & Marie Show, then in commercial production. I worked my way from being a runner to working script & continuity, to being a casting director. I loved it.

A few years after moving to Alaska our family started a magazine-style show that the local station picked up. We produced that for a few years, then I started hosting a human-interest talk show there. It's called "Splash!" and is still being aired throughout Alaska. (I get to take occasional trips back up to make more shows)

After moving to Vegas and getting to know some great people here, I hosted one season of The Vegas Splash!. (you can watch past episodes here)

It was great fun! I got other opportunities with that production company here in Vegas and have loved every minute of it.

(This was at the Sahara - with Illusionist, Rick Thomas and his very beautiful tiger)

I'm currently not working in television production - but it's not because I don't want to. When the opportunity comes again, I'll be jumping right on board!

Tell me a little about you now ~ some tidbit I don't yet know. I'd love to turn this into a conversation with you!

scripture power

2011-08-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

I love that Primary song.

Are you a scripture reader? I am. And I have a testimony of the power of the scriptures. When I am consistently reading, even unasked questions are answered for me in the scriptures.

(I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some know us as Mormons. We are Christians. We read the Bible. We also read The Book of Mormon.)

Last night I was reading in The Book of Mormon, the first chapter of Ether. My current set of scriptures is old and worn. I've marked so many verses, yet the verses that popped out for me this time were some that I had just skimmed over in the past. Not marked, not previously meaningful for me. This first chapter of Ether is where Moroni is summarizing - he tells us that Jared and his family were around when the languages were confounded because of the Tower of Babel.

(li.wikipedia.org)

I got to thinking about life at that time. It had to be really scary - not being able to understand or express - no communication. Jared asked his brother to go to the Lord and plead that their language would not be confounded. It was granted. Then this: "... Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all the earth?" (Ether 1:38)

As I was reading this last night, I imagined their situation. I thought about life for us, here and now. Languages are not being confounded, but everything else seems to be. Jobs are being lost, homes foreclosed, confusion everywhere. People, so many that we know and love, are being "driven out" ... and for those who "cry unto him whither we shall go", many are being directed to, what for them is a choice land. For those who know the book of Ether, this was just the beginning for Jared, his brother, and their families. Yes - they were driven out, and yes they were carried forth into a land which was choice above all the earth. But it wasn't an easy journey. I love this part of the scriptures because it's a model for how life can be for me. These people built barges and were in the ocean for about a year before they reached land where they settled.

(nothingwavering.org)

A little further on in the book of Ether we read about the being tossed in the waves and buried in the depths of the sea; but that they "did sing praises unto the Lord ... and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord" (Ether 5:9) all the while being bounced around in the ocean.

I want to be like them.

I want to have that kind of gratitude and that kind of faith.