My Favorite Sunday of the Year

Easter Sunday has always been and always will be my favorite Sunday of the Year.  I "feel" my Savior near and I "feel" His love on this day more than any other.  I am sure it is because I think of Him and all that He has done and does for me more on this day.  I have always felt the difference and I hope I will continue to....I like the feeling.  

I am very thankful for Christ's atonement and the love it took to do that for each of us.  I am so thankful that by His choice and Will He was resurrected and that we will be too.  No one has ever loved us more! (not counting our Heavenly Parents) I love Jesus Christ...the Son of God....our Brother and Savior of the World!

We do celebrate the traditions of our fathers and enjoy treats of plenty.  This year our kids at home also got a soft stuffed toy.  They take after their dad and really like them.  Having Easter on Conference weekend was wonderful.  The treats were appreciated more being able to stay home and enjoy them while enjoying the conference.  I'm so glad that our kids are old enough to enjoy the talks and watch all the sessions with us.  I really like my kids a lot!

Larry and I left the house early so we could visit the home of our grands and leave them a cheerful surprise on each of their porches.  This year I found bunny tracks at the dollar store and used them which was much easier than the flour and stencil we used last year.  Larry and I bought stuffed bunnies last year when they were on clearance and I saved them and remembered I had them and we even had an extra which was perfect so that Trichelle's little bun in the oven could have one too.

Each grand was thrilled and surprised by the gifts they found on their porch.  The older grands got side walk chalk as well.  I think they all look pretty happy.

 My grands thrill me to pieces and as I received pictures from their mommies I couldn't help but smile and get a little teary eyed.  These little's melt my heart.

I love surprising my grands and adding to their Easter fun.  I hope they don't catch on and that we will be able to do this for a few more years.  I'm really glad they all live close....that is truly a blessing!

Larry invited the Sister's over for breakfast and to watch the first session of Conference with us.  They were as thrilled to receive a cute bunny and some treats as my grands were.  It was fun having them over.  Sister Frazier told me that we are her adoptive family.  She likes hanging out with us.  The missionaries are fun to have over.  They have such great spirits!

I love Conference being on Easter.  I love hearing the words of God given to us through our leaders.  Yesterday we were told that each speaker was assigned their topic...assigned by the spirit.  I love the revelation given to us through the Holy Ghost.  It's such an awesome gift.

 There are always so many wonderful messages.  Too many to have a real favorite.

 Yesterday after conference I received a nice text from a dear friend saying: "There was a talk in the later conference today that reminded me of you and Larry.  He mentioned that there are those that make everyone feel included and loved.  Whether it's attending a youth sports game or driving a widow around.  It's not about the calling but what you've done to help others.  That's you and Larry."  How nice it that?  I was impressed with my friend for taking the time to send that sweet message to brighten Larry and my day.  She could have just thought it but she went a step further and shared it with us.  It did make our day.  It's nice to be recognized every now and then so you know that you are making a difference.

 There are always so many good reminders!

 The talk by Brent H. Nielson hit me the hardest. He shared the story of his sister who had left the church when she was older.  He told of how him and his brothers and mother tried encouraging her back only to push her further away.  Finally they just loved her and prayed for her and included her in their lives.  It took 13 years before she came back but she did come back.  I couldn't control my tears...it hit home.  Kimleighel came over after the talk to give me a hug and she said that she just realized that my brothers and my sister had all fell away as well as Larry's sister...I gave her a tight hug as I whispered "your sister" too.  I know that in time all will be back....♥

Trials will always be part of this glorious life.  Our trials strengthen us and make us better.  Crazy how that works but it does.

No matter what though our Savior is always there for us and already paid the price.  He also showed us the way and paved the path.  We are never, ever alone!

In as much as we do to another it is as if we are doing it for Him!  If we could remember that better we would do so much more than we are.

Every day we need to study the scriptures and pray.  These simple principles will carry us through what ever comes our way.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True and Complete.  It is such a blessing in my life.  I find peace and comfort from keeping the commandments and serving in my callings.  I love the guidance of the gospel, the gifts and tools we are given to help us, and the leaders that love and support us and instruct us through revelation.  I am thankful for a Prophet that leads and guides us. I know that he talks to our Father through our Savior, Jesus Christ.  They all love us and want to help us back.  I know the Book of Mormon and the scriptures talk to us and will be answers to our prayers.  It's important to read them daily.  I know that our Savior LIVES!  He lived and died for us and lives again.  He came back as he said he would!

***I invited my mom over to have dinner with us and she declined because she would miss watching 60 Minutes...and that's what she does.  A little reminder to me why I hold back and keep space between us.

The More or Less Meme

The More Or Less Meme

Stolen from: The Archives HERE

3 (or more, or less!) things... 

1. ...you cannot live without.  My Savior...knowing he is there and always will be there for me.  My hubby and family. Food....I really like food too.

2. ...you CAN live without, but cannot seem to part with.  Old clothes that hang in my closet and old shoes.  My craft supplies that I used years ago. Decorations that I have had for years.

3. ...you wish to accomplish this COMING week.  Buying discounted Easter candy and gifts for our late Easter Egg hunt next Sunday.  Taking dad to the VA Hospital for a few appointments.  Picking up the grands from School a few days and letting them all sleep over on Friday.

4. ...you have accomplished this PAST week.   I went to the Temple.  Took a few friends to lunch.  Went and visited a friend that had a knee replaced and took her a little gift so that she knows we care.

5. ...on your holiday (or non-holiday) 'wish list.'  My hubby recently put this thought in my mind...I would really enjoy new furniture for the family room.  Some new clothes.  Something always on my "wish list" is for my kids and their families to be happy and healthy.

6. ...you would like to change about yourself.  I wish I could lengthen my torso...I have such a short waist. Lift my left eye lid so it didn't droop...however that is hereditary.  I would also straighten my back so it wouldn't hurt.

7. ...you like about yourself.  I like my smile.  I have a kind and caring heart. It's easy for me to make and keep friends.

8. ...you should be doing right now instead of what you ARE doing.  Nothing....it is the end of the day and I have done all that I have needed to do.

9. ...in your life that could use a little more organization. Oh crud...there is more than three.  My laundry room, closet and garage could really use some major organizing.

Conference Weekend

For the first time in years Larry didn't have to work and was able to watch Conference with us.  I really look forward to conference weekend and the things I know I am going to learn.  I take notes to keep me focused but I am really glad that all these wonderful talks come out in the Ensign and that Larry orders the CD's for them.  There is always so much to pack into our minds to try to remember.  I don't let myself get overwhelmed any more about all the things I "should" be doing.  I just try to grasp what I can ...I accept myself for the things I am doing.... but of course get "thoughts" of things I could be doing better and work on them.  The day goes quickly on these weekends.

After the priesthood session most of the family went to LaFerovia.  It's a tradition and one we all enjoy. (we missed Julie and the girls and Ivy and Zaden) Sometimes it's hard having two families with traditions on the same days.  It all works out though...  I had received a few texts from Ivy and she was feeling sad that she had to miss. She's old enough now to know what she is missing.

Usually we let the grands sleep over but since  Trichelle's kids were with their dads we postponed the sleepover for a week.  It will be better since they can come earlier and get more play time in together.  I'm excited for next week and so are my cute grand babies.  They love coming to our house and we love having them here.  Oh the simple things in life....

Catch Up

Today I had a lot of catching up to do.  I had loads of laundry and a few other things that I needed to do.  Kimleighel reminded me that I said I would make cinnamon rolls too.  I was able to get it all done before noon.  I hadn't made cinnamon rolls for years and was pleased with how yummy they turned out.

Carla came over so that we could run to the farm store to get some bases for feeders.  We are going to use them for candy jars.  Robin came with Carla.  We went over to Kathy's first to check on her since she just had her knee replaced.  Carla and I had made her a cute gift basket about a week ago that we took to her.  I know it brightened her day and was appreciated.  She seemed to be doing okay and we didn't stay long since the therapist came in minutes after us.We had a good time hanging out for a few hours.

When Larry got home we took Kimleighel and Jared with us to help clean the church.  Matt and Kathy were already there and we went right to work.  The couple that was in charge never showed up and we found out later that they had forgot and was at a Rodeo.  So funny because I can totally relate to forgetting.  They forgot even though they had been reminding us about it. hahaha  It worked out in our favor though because they made us chocolate chip cookies later.

Food 4 Thought Friday

Food 4 Thought Friday!

A little feast without the calories!!

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! Go HERE to JOIN IN!!!

Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 
   
Breakfast ~ What time you do usually arise in the morning, and what time do you hit the sack? Usually I don't make it to bed before 10:00 but that's when I like to be in bed by.  I will wake up without an alarm by 6:00 am and usually am up and going for the day between 6:30-7:00. 

Lunch ~  What makes you the most jealous of others? hmmmmm.....probably when I see the talent of others that I wasn't blessed with.  I also get jealous at times when I don't have as much money as I wish I did and I am with others who have plenty. (or appear to)  This is a funny jealousy though because I know some of my friends have made comments over the years of how I never have to worry about money.  That has never been true...I have always had to budget what I have and for the most part of perfectly content.
 
Dinner ~ Name one of your biggest regrets in life. I can't really think of any but one should probably be that I didn't further my education at least in College.  I feel like I have furthered my education by being a stay at home mom.  You learn so much from staying home and making everything happen and work out.


Midnight Snack ~ What is your favorite thing to snack on?  How often do you snack during the day? I LOVE Chocolate and usually have a little every day.....ok.....not every day just most days.  I also like jelly belly's because it's best to only eat one at a time to enjoy each flavor.  I snack 3 or 4 times throughout the day.....usually when I am not as busy. (I almost said "bored" but I am never bored)
 
Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)  Try to be like Jesus...Follow Him!  Jesus and our Heavenly Father are always at the top of my thoughts.  It's really hard to make wrong choices when I am thinking of them.  Sometimes I have to pray a little harder to have the strength I need to over come a temptation and sometimes I have to pray right away after falling short so that I can repent immediately.  But the important thing is to TRY TO BE LIKE JESUS and FOLLOW HIM!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 

Kimleighel's Graduation Announcement

Kimleighel and I were so excited that her pictures were done so fast.  We sat right down and designed her graduation announcement.  WooHoo....I think they are pretty darn cute!

Kimleighel's graduation pictures!