We Seek After
These Things
Recently returned from serving the people of Honduras for 3 years

Friday, April 23, 2010

. . . Hurricanes . . . Tsunamis . . . Earthquakes . . . and now Volcanos? . . .

The photos from the volcano

Eyjafjallajokull

(how do you pronounce that you ask?)

are incredible. My kids have been terrified of volcanoes ever since the
movie Dante's Peak came out and we all went to see it.
I quite liked it, but they were terrified!




You'd think we lived just down the street from one - as much time as they have
spent worrying about it!

I can't imagine living in the shadow of one much as the people in
Iceland do . . . can't even imagine . . .

Here's the kicker -

We have a

"once in a lifetime"

girls trip planned to Paris with the sisters, cousins and nieces
for May 13th.

What do you think my chances are of getting stuck there forever more!! ??








Tuesday, April 20, 2010

A Ree Cookbook You Say . . .

I seldom enter giveaways but this one caught my attention:

Home based Mom of whom I am a big fan, met Ree , of whom I am a big fan, at a cookbook signing. And I already was a big fan of the cookbook. So I couldn't resist. I you'd like to enter too, follow my links to the

Home Based Mom Today!



Ree Drummond - Portland Book signing



OoOOoOoo! Look how lovely autographed . . .



Isn't this a darling cake platter - home based mom is posting directions tomorrow to make it but I suspect a candle stick, vase or beverage server of some kind attached to this beautiful platter.

How darling is this!




Monday, April 19, 2010

Some Conference Thoughts . . .


LDS General Conference Moments


Some of my favorite moments . . .


I just wanted to share a few thoughts with you!

We know that we live in challenging times. The adversary is very cunning and he knows the important influence that women have in our homes and with our families. If he can wrap his chains of discouragement and fear around us he is so very happy. Each of us deal with many varied and unique challenges such as -

  • Unemployment
  • Death
  • Chronic pain
  • Pornography
  • Disease
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Depression
  • Unhappy Marriages
  • Suicide
  • Eating Disorders
  • Abuse
  • Cancer
  • Divorce
  • Alcohol Abuse
  • Mental Illness
  • Physical Disabilities
  • Homosexuality
  • Teen Pregnancy
  • Child Abuse
  • Bankruptcy
  • Inactivity
  • Drug Abuse
  • Infidelity
  • Immorality
  • Prison / Jail
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Wayward Children
  • Caring for the Elderly

If you are normal you are probably dealing with multiple challenges on this list. We look around us and think that behind our neighbors doors "all is well". But we all have trials and challenges to overcome - it is called "life" and is an important part of gaining experience here in our mortal lives. But Satan, the adversary would like us to believe that we can't overcome these challenges, that life is too hard, I can't be a woman of faith and "stand strong and immovable". He uses his tools of fear and discouragement to bring us down and to influence us in our thoughts and actions.

During our recent General Conference, as mothers (and fathers) we received a

"Call to Action"

to save our children and to strengthen our homes.

We also received the counsel telling us how to do this.

Here is some of the direct counsel we just recently received that can assist up to accomplish those things we were directed to do. I hope that as we study these new conference talks and messages from our prophets in the months ahead, we can use them to save our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and strengthen our homes and families.

Holland "Above all, start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you."

Foster "My mother assured me that if I stayed on the road of truth, even when it seemed hot and dusty, even when there were distractions, the end would be better than the beginning. I will be eternally grateful that Mother told me.

Anderson " I promise you that as you speak of Jesus Christ, you will feel the power of heaven blessing you. AND "If a child is not listening, don’t despair. Time and truth are on your side. At the right moment, your words will return as if from heaven itself. Your testimony will never leave your children."




Uchtdorf "Love is what inspired our Heavenly Father to create our spirits; it is what led our Savior to the Garden of Gethsemane to make Himself a ransom for our sins. Love is the grand motive of the plan of salvation; it is the source of happiness, the ever-renewing spring of healing, the precious fountain of hope.

As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit."

Scott "Jesus administers the balance between justice and mercy conditioned upon our obedience to His gospel."

Cook "the significance of spiritually going to the higher ground, living a better life, and clinging to saving ordinances was abundantly clear. The Savior’s example and life teach us to spiritually avoid the low pathway, where the things of this world dominate."

Lant "First, we must love the Lord with all our hearts, and we must love our children. Second, we must become a worthy example to them by continually seeking the Lord and striving to live the gospel. Third, we must teach our children the gospel and how to live its teachings. "

Monson "Over the years I have heard and read testimonies too numerous to count, shared with me by individuals who testify of the reality of the Resurrection and who have received, in their hours of greatest need, the peace and comfort promised by the Savior."



Hallstrom "In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”







It is how we respond to our challenges that makes all the difference. Giving up is not an option and we must remember to turn to our Savior quickly, where we can find the only true source of peace.



Monday, April 12, 2010

{lovely lovely lovely}

We're Back . . .

and we had a lovely time!

~~ lovely lovely lovely ~~

I think you'll see why . . .

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It's hard to leave someplace as beautiful and warm
as this . . .

and come back to

UTAH!
(where spring is slooooowly arriving :)



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Is this guy not adorable . . .

Or WHAT??



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Urrrrhhh!

I think I had one tooooo many cupcakes!



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See! I told ya! Lovely!





Monday, April 5, 2010

Here today - but gone tomorrow

Hmmm . . .

Utah - 33 degrees, two inches of snow in my backyard today. Very un-spring like . . .

I was just longing for something warm!


(barn - Alpine Utah)

Looks about like this! Brrrr!

We're so excited - we're off to visit Dustin & Cami, Karianne & Greg. On April 1st I received an email from Dustin saying "pack your summer clothes it's 90 degrees here!"

Just as I was imagining all my summer accessories, flip flops, swimming suits, sun screen and a supply of basking in the sun magazines . . . it dawned on me . . .

"Wait a minute!"
"This is not an April Fools joke is it?"

Thank fully not - it's really 90 degrees in Raleigh North Carolina.

Sunshine here we come!

(Spring - Duke Gardens, Raleigh NC)

But I did get some spring flowers in pots on my front porch today. I'm hoping they will be lovely when I get home and not frozen! It can't snow forever here right! ??


I Really Shouldn't Turn on the TV


Haven't seen this show in ages . . . just happened onto it today and now




once again I'm hooked




but . . .



I'm totally lost as to who all these girls are in

Simon Camden's life . . .

Apparently, I have a lot of catching up to do :)




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