Temple Tuesday aka Tuesdays with Larry

Since Sunday this thought has been strong on my mind.  It ISN"T always easy to follow the promptings of the Spirit.  I shared an experience because the Spirit told me I should of when I was prompted to take something to a gal I only knew from others.  We had never met or talked face to face.  We only knew each other from friends and face book.  I had noticed from a post of hers that she was sad and upset.  I felt bad but it wasn't really my place to help....or so I thought.  I was busy doing things and the Spirit whispered that I should take her something...anything...but go to her.  I absolutely did not want to.  I had some good reasons too.  She doesn't even know me, I will feel weird, I don't even know what she likes.  The Spirit didn't give up.  It reminded me of the time my nephew called me to tell me that I was appreciated and loved.  My nephew had never called me before or since and I knew his message that day was from God.  I'm sure there were plenty of people close to me that had been telling me those same things but when Bryce called I recognized that he was following the Spirit and was speaking for God.  So, maybe God was using me this time so that this gal would know that her prayers were being heard and that God was answering them.  I decided I would but was still feeling really uncomfortable.  I still wasn't sure what to take her or really do.  I started looking around at what I had at home.  I had some treats and a little sign that said something about faith.  Now I think there was a specific reason I even bought that sign....God knew I was going to need it.  I sat down and wrote her a little note.  I shared with her my little experience with Bryce and told her even though I didn't know what she was going through God did!  I drove to her work breathing hard and nervous as ever.  I found her and handed her the gift and quickly walked away.  Thank goodness she was busy....maybe that was an answer to my prayers.  I really did feel pretty dumb as I got in my car and returned home.  I knew I had followed a prompting and that I was being used as God's instrument but that really wasn't a huge comfort at the time.  The comfort and peace came when this gal thanked me and was appreciative for my actions.  Months later she sent me another little reminder saying that the sign I had given her was hanging in her bathroom and that she looked at it every day.  Whew....I am really glad I wasn't completely stubborn that day.

I had another awkward experience giving a friend a Book of Mormon.  Again the Spirit told me that I should.  I was totally against it.  My friend wasn't even close to being religious and I knew the Book of Mormon wouldn't be opened, let alone read.  The feeling that I should didn't leave and so after months of putting it off I bought a Book of Mormon and had the name printed on the cover and wrapped it and left it on the porch with a little note inside.  I was chicken and figured I was getting it to them even if I was just leaving it on the porch.  My friend told me that it meant so much and that when the book was opened it was brought to their chest and hugged.  I was also told later that my friend didn't plan on reading any of it but it was nice to have. hahaha....sometimes I wonder if I should send a scripture for them to turn to and read.  At least that way it might get opened and glanced at.  That thought isn't as strong though and so until it is I probably wont.

So, sometimes I believe we think that following the promptings of the Spirit should be easy and make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside and I'm just here to say that is not so!  God takes us out of our comfort zone to strengthen and challenge us.  I remember another time when Jaydan was a newborn and we were prompted to ask a neighbor if the missionaries could come teach them.  Again I did not want to.  This cute little family were religious and so good already and I didn't want them to think I thought any different.  I couldn't deny the answers to my prayers though.  There was a "catch" to the answer of my prayer.  Jaydan had some kind of bubble in his throat that needed to be surgically removed so he could eat and breathe better.  We were praying that he wouldn't need surgery and asked Heavenly Father if there was anything we could do so it wouldn't have to happen.  I remember sitting in the Temple and reading from the scriptures and every scripture seemed to speak about missionary work.  I noticed this and so I closed the scriptures and let them plop open and then I would read again.....the same thing continued to happen.  I did it several times because it was fascinating me.  I knew who we needed to talk to but both Larry and I were feeling chicken.  We waited until the night before we needed to take Jaydan to the doctor to make our visit.  The family was cute and nicely declined our invitation.  They even seemed to still like us and I didn't feel like our friendship was altered.  They didn't even accept and God knew they wouldn't but He was testing Larry and I.  The next day at the doctor we were told of the miracle that had happened.  The bubble that had been blocking most of Jaydan's throat was barely even visible and he didn't need the surgery.

There are many times I know that I have not followed the Spirit.  Usually it's because I am not comfortable doing what I am asked.  I worry too much about me feeling dumb.  A turning point for me recognizing and following the Spirit happened many years ago.  It was winter and it was cold.  I was driving home and noticed a car off to the side of the road and just past the car and young gal was walking.  I offered to take her home and she was happy to let me....then the Spirit said....go put gas in that car.  The gal wouldn't have seen me because she was home but I thought no way she will know who it was.  Like knowing who is was was some kind of bad thing.  Actually the gal didn't even know me and I didn't know her but I didn't put gas in the car and felt terrible ever since.  I think this experience was good for me because I never wanted to feel that way again after feeling prompted to do something and recognizing the prompting.

Just a Few Thoughts.....I hope that by sharing my thoughts and experiences that I am able to help others in some small way.

Kimi brought Behr over today so I could love on him.  He really prefers Kimi and didn't take his eyes off her.  What a wonderful blessing baby Behr is to our family.

Larry and I went to the Temple like we usually do on Tuesday afternoons.  I love the Temple and Larry.  I had prepared dinner this afternoon and Kimi had it hot and ready when we got home.  We didn't go out to eat because the missionaries were coming to visit us.  I also love missionaries.

Fun Bunch Lunch

Well four of us showed up today and it was nice visiting with those that came.  I know we talked a lot but I can't remember now what we talked about.  I know we didn't mention Christmas because I wanted to hear about Jodi's new Harp.  I do remember Patti telling us that she went snow shoeing for her first time and really enjoyed it even though it wore her out.  I know we talked about New Orleans and Cruises. Jodi has finally convinced her hubby to go on one in May.  They are going to love it.  Oh and I now remember talking about friends whose kids have made poor decisions.  How it's hard to have people that we love and care about hurt and make mistakes.  Even when the mistake is huge and against the law I still believe people should be forgiven.  There is still so much more good in that person than not.  I believe in consequences and boundaries.  I think consequences are important for change and growing.  My heart is sad for the family we spoke of today and even though I don't know them I will pray for them.  I'm so thankful for the atonement of Jesus Christ....it's for every little mistake and the huge ones too!  I'm thankful for my dear friends that take time to share a few hours with me. . . what a blessing they all are!

I didn't mean to take this picture.  I was setting the camera and it went off.  It made me laugh out loud and I couldn't help but think of Davaleen.  Davaleen always got candid shots of us and maybe this is from her. (oh how I miss her)

My "Soap Box"

I love Sundays and I love them even more since our Church time is now 9:00 am instead of 1:00 pm.  I feel refreshed and ready for inspiration in the mornings.  Today I felt the Spirit more than once and got my own personal revelation.  I love recognizing and feeling the Spirit.  It's not that I didn't feel the spirit when we had late church it's just that I prefer mornings.

When we were on our Cruise a comedian that we were listening to made a statement about being spiritual but not believing in organized religion.  I have heard many people say that and it got me thinking.  Belonging to a Church and attending often is essential to growing closer to Heavenly Father in my opinion.  I study more and serve others that I am certain I wouldn't if I was left on my own.  Organized religion guides and directs us and helps us get our own personal revelation from Heavenly Father and His plan for us.  We are given many opportunities to serve and I truly believe that serving others is part of the Great Plan of Happiness and what this life is all about.

I am a people watcher and notice what others do.  There are many who do good things for people that don't go to church but I don't think it is as consistent as those that attend often.  The Comedian sells his CD's and takes that money and buys pizza for the homeless.  That is such a wonderful act of love and kindness but there is so much more that he could share if he attended a Church regularly.  He is on his own path though and doing wonderful things with the talents he has been blessed with.  We all have different paths and just because they are not the same doesn't mean one is wrong. (I really do believe that)

Attending Church regularly takes commitment and a lot of time.  It's not easy all the time that's for sure.  Preparing lessons or attending classes makes us think deeper.  We read His Word during those times and learn of His ways better.  We are prepared for personal inspiration.

Having Faith and Believing in Jesus Christ and Following His Example is Most Important but helping our neighbors and friends along the journey is very important too.  Helping our neighbors and friends is way easier when we know them and their needs.  Going to Church often and participating is how that happens.

Today the message that I heard was being prepared and listening to the Holy Ghost.  This life is where we prepare ourselves to meet Heavenly Father again.  When we are prepared things go smoother.  Preparation is essential in most everything we do.  Following the promptings of the Spirit will put us on the path that Heavenly Father has for us.

I'm thankful that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I believe there is good in all churches but I do believe ours is complete with nothing missing.  I know that the powers of the Temple are real!  The ordinances in the Temple are essential for us to have eternal families.  We are the only church that has the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion.  I think we might take this wonderful gift for granted since we really don't know what it feels like not to have him with us.  We are blessed and The Church is True and Complete.

I have good friends that don't believe like I do and that's okay.  I don't mind living a stricter life and not experiencing the ways of the world because I feel peace and power by restricting things from my life that the worlds says is okay.  Everything The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints teaches us is for own safety and good.  I want to be safe and feel healthy and happy and that's what God wants for us too.  His guidelines are blessings and because He cares.  I had restrictions and guidelines for my kids as well because I wanted them to be safe and happy because I love them and care about them so much.....God Loves and Cares About Us More!

We had cake and ice cream to celebrate Mya turning 8!

Mya's Birthday Celebration

Mya got to spend the night with us to celebrate her turning eight!  Seriously I can not believe how fast my little grands are growing up. The time seems to be going even faster than when I was raising my little ones.  Mya was so excited which thrills me to the core.  Natalie and the kids stopped by on Thursday and Mya just snuggled with me the whole time.  I could tell she was excited for "HER" day!  I'm so happy that our little birthday sleepover tradition was started because it's a blast spending time with each of our grands.

When Mya came over after school on Friday, I asked her if she wanted to go shopping for her birthday present since we had time. She told me she thought we would do that tomorrow and she just wanted to play.  She ended up going to Trichelle's with Kimleighel for a minute so Kimi could get her "Behr" fix....she was missing him.  Kimi wanted to stay but knew I was excited to have Mya and so TJ brought Mya back when he took Ivy to her dads for the weekend.  Ivy wanted to come give me a hug too.  I'm glad that the grands like coming over every chance they get.  I can't believe how tall Ivy is.  She probably is taller than me but her mom has trained her to bend so she doesn't look taller than us.  It was fun getting hugs from Ivy and seeing her for a minute before she had to go.  I can't say it enough....I adore my grands!

It was time to start dinner and so Mya found an apron and helped me prepare our meal.  Mya butter the bread for our garlic bread.  She helped by keeping me company. (that's what she said)  She did stir the sauce for the spaghetti a little too.  It's kind of fun having little helpers in the kitchen again.  We ate and then played and then Mya chose a movie for us to watch.  She chose Santa Claus 2...she is a girl after my own heart.  I like Christmas Movies any time of the year.  Mya snuggled with grandpa a little and I know he loved that.  We even talked grandpa into spending the night out in the front room with us....his first time!  Mya and Grandpa got the couches and I had a mat on the floor.  I really love my grands because I really don't like sleeping on the floor and need a thicker mat. ☺

I am so impressed with this cute little one.  Before going to bed Mya read her scriptures and wrote in her journal her cousin  Kamryn gave to her.  Mya notices when people aren't modest and it bothers her.  She pays attention to the word of wisdom and the things she is being taught and will call you on it.  I don't buy pop often but a few weeks ago we did have some Coke and I was having some.  She asked me what it was and reminded me that there is caffeine in it and if it wasn't okay for her to have then why would I be drinking it.  She's right and since then when I have bought soda pop for our house it has been caffeine free. I hope she will always be so mindful and strong in her beliefs and behaviors.  This little girl is a Spiritual Giant!

We slept in a little.  I got up and showered and got ready for Jared's basketball game and by the time I came back little Miss Mya was awake.  I know she is not a morning person and that she probably wouldn't want to go to Jared's game so I gave her a few choices.  She chose to stay home and watch cartoons.  (Kimi was upstairs)  She was ready for pancakes when we came home. (Jared's team won by one point...it was intense)  My grands love pancakes and so that's usually what we make.  Mya decided to eat hers on the bar and I decided to just let her.

Mya invited Kimleighel and Jared to come shopping with us.  She loves her Aunt and Uncle and they are so good to all the little ones.  Mya knew she wanted to go to Joann's to get her birthday gift.  Mya loves crafting and creating.  She is very mindful of what she wants and puts a lot of thought into it.  She is also very mindful of the price and doesn't want to spend too much.  She ended up with a craft using plastic mesh and yarn and some earmuffs and gloves.  She was tickled pink and so was I.  Mya chose Arctic Circle for lunch.  She likes that little mini corn dogs and that's the only place I know of that has them.  She did not play in the kid area and even though we had seats in there at first it was just too noisy today and we all moved to another table.  

Mya wasn't in any hurry to go home and just wanted to go back to my house. When we got home we got right on her craft.  I think I might have cut it a little off but I think it will also be okay.  I told Natalie and Justin they might need to help Mya adjust a little.  

Mya wanted to play as long as she could. She's pretty good at playing by herself.  I went up in the room upstairs that the girls like playing in and found her in the middle of a huge mess that hasn't been cleaned up forever.  She was content and happy though and so I let her be and will not worry about the mess.  I seldom go up stairs in that room and it's because I get frustrated how messy it always seems to be.  I have to remind myself that things don't have to be orderly all the time and to stay downstairs.

After playing inside for quite awhile she talked me into going outside with her to play.  Heck...it's her celebration and I didn't plan on doing anything else so I went out and played with her.  We rode scooters and wiggle cars.  We raced to the play ground and I am thankful that Mya gave me head start because I barely beat her.  Mya played on the swings and a lot on the ice.  She ended up falling a few times but was tough.  Mya climbed trees when we were going over to see the cows.  My kids all loved climbing trees too.  Mya has always reminded me more of her mom but right now at this age I can see Justin.  I see him through her eyes and freckled cheeks.

We finally decided that it was time to take this cutie home.  When we got there Parker was out taking care of his bunnies.  I don't think I have wrote it here but Parker's bunny "Bark" ended up being a female...a pregnant female.  On Macie's birthday "Bark" who now is named "Vixie"had seven cute little bunnies.  Parker is pretty good at taking care of them all.  He knows if he doesn't that they will be taken away.

Everyone was happy to have Mya home.  We were happy that we were able to spend so much time with her.  Oh how I love celebrating birthdays!

Kimleighel Time

Since Kimleighel had the week off because Trichelle and her family were vacationing we decided to go to lunch.  Kimi has wanted to go to Zupa's for awhile and today we made it happen.  I had plenty I could have been doing but I know that my time with my kids is limited and everything can wait.  It was fun being with Kimi and listening to her talk.  Kimi reminds me of myself with all the talking she does.  I love that she shares so much with her mommy.  Kimi is constantly telling me how beautiful and wonderful I am.  I hope I encourage and compliment her as well.  My kids really are such wonderful examples to me.  They are each such special blessings.  I am thankful for Kimleighel and can't wait to see what's in store for her.  One of my favorite things that she told me today was that she wasn't going to change who she was to satisfy someone else.  She had been talking to a young man on face time and being her silly self.  I guess he made some comments that hurt her a little but also made her realize that she was happy with who she is and wasn't going to change.  I admire her for telling the boy to lose her number because she didn't want to talk to him again.   I admire Kimleighel for loving herself and feeling good with who she is.  I wouldn't want her to change either.  Kimleighel is Happy and Fun just the way she is.  I'm glad we had our little time together.  I love Kimleighel!

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!!! 

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 BACK IN TIME

Breakfast ~ What occupation did you want when you were a child? From the time I can remember I always just wanted to be a "Mommy".

Lunch ~ Name a few favorite memories of your elementary school days.  I remember taking naps in kindergarten and one child got to wake everyone up and I never got a turn but always hoped for one. (maybe not a favorite memory but one of my earliest)  I loved playing kick ball and hop scotch and four square.  I was the Hopscotch Champion for the entire school in 6th grade.  I played the flutophone loved playing Little Red Caboose.  I got in trouble with some other kids and had to stand with our arms out...it might have happened more than once.  I loved collecting rocks in 5th grade because of the teacher. 

Dinner ~ What is one smell that brings back memories from your childhood and why? Coffee in the morning. My mom and dad started each day with a cup of coffee and I still enjoy the smell because it reminds me of my childhood home.

Midnight Snack ~ Who was your best friend in elementary school? Kevin Weise was my best friend...I even named my child after him.  Tricia and Carol Larsen, Tami Endow, Julie Hall, Suzanne Trewett, Mindy Peterson, Lynn Halpin, Nancy Webb, Tonya Stockberger. Junior High? Mallory Hyde, Tonya Stockberger, Suzie Hendricks, Teri Cottrel, Lisa Van Natter,   High School?  Tonya Stockberger, Mallory Hyde, Kim Porter, Jeanne Taketta, Carol Larsen, Carol Smith. College? Kim Taylor, Mallory Hyde, Tonya Stockberger, Laurie Henry.

Recipe of the Week ~ (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?) 
Relax and Enjoy what is happening in your world right now!  

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Back to My Life

Sadie Lou came to our house today for Kimi to tend.  It was fun having her over.  Sadie is such a cute baby and smiles more than any baby I've ever met.  She makes my heart smile as big as the smile on her face.  I got to hold her and love on her a little before I went bowling and it was nice.  She's just so cute.

After bowling I picked up some treats for SNAP and came home and finished up the laundry from our trip.  The kids were good and did all theirs before we got home and I was glad because Larry and I had enough of our own.  Kimi talked me into running to the store with her to get some treats which meant I wouldn't have time to fix dinner before leaving for SNAP.  Kimi said that she would fix it but we ended up buying a rotisserie chicken for dinner instead.  A friend of ours was at the store and told me that I might be nominated for "Mother Of The Year" because of my fine meal in my shopping cart.  I also had Ding Dongs for dessert and some bread.  I just laughed and reminded him that my family is growing and we are all pretty darn healthy in spite of how I "prepare" my meals.  I grabbed a little chicken and a Ding Dong and headed out the door.

Virginia's ward came and did our activity tonight.  The kids put vinyl on a tile and then painted over it.  The kids from the other ward were really good about helping our participants and it looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.  The tiles had to be baked and the vinyl peeled off and so we will get them next week.  Everyone was excited and proud of their tile.  There are a "few" artists in the bunch.  I felt very happy tonight and had a few of the kids tell me they loved me.  Oh my that brings me so much Joy.  I'm glad that I am making a little difference in their life.  They are making a huge difference in mine!

Sometimes when I drive home I hear some pretty strange things from one of the gals I take home.  Tonight was one of those nights.  It kind of reminded me of the New Orleans "Crap" Story....something I did not need to hear or know.  The gal read something bizarre on the internet where a lady lost weight and so she is going to try it.  I told her she just needs to change a few things at a time in her diet and walk more.  I guess she thinks she might be the "Lucky One" that doesn't have to change any habits and will loose if she does the bizarre thing she read.  Oh my gosh...I'm not going to lie....I gagged!  I am certain I did NOT make eye contact...oh but I was driving her home! ☺

(The tiles turned out pretty and shiny!  Even the ones that I thought were kind of ugly ended up looking great)