If you make The Lord the number one you are "Following, " then He will be your number one "Follower."

When I started noticing different blogs, I glanced at the right hand side and noticed how many “followers” it had. I immediately began to fill uncomfortable with the term. I have learned my whole life that we needed to be “Followers of Christ” and that phrase had been trademarked in my mind to mean something very special. To follow, by definition, means “an adherent or devotee of a particular person, cause or activity.”

I would like to share with you an experience I had one evening. I have been re-reading the conference talks of this past October 2014 General Conference. I came across one that must have been during the session of the conference I had missed. “Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence.”By Elder Jorg Klebingat. I would like to share a quote from his talk. The adversary “..will seek access to your heart to tell you lies-lies that Heavenly Father is disappointed in you, that the Atonement is beyond your reach, that there is no point in even trying, that everyone else is better than you, that you are unworthy, and a thousand variations of that same evil theme. “ (I encourage you to read or watch it if you have not already.)

At times, I think, at some point in our lives, we have all thought some form of one or more of these. I thought of the blog I am trying to start up..”there is no point in even trying.. everyone else is better than you.” . . I currently have no followers.. who would want to hear what I have to say? Who would be interested in what I have to make? Nobody will even read these posts. As tears came, recognizing that such thoughts were coming from the adversary, I then was overcome with  a peaceful impression..  “I will read them. If you will make me the number one you are following, I will be your number one follower.”

The Holy Ghost spoke peace to my troubled soul. “You’re Right!” I exclaimed! If  I am on the Lord’s side and He is on my side, it doesn't matter who else is. If we make Him the center of our lives, we WILL have the faith to fulfill our divine destiny! And in time we will come to know what the term divine destiny means to us in our personal lives. Fear and faith cannot exist in the same place and if we strive to live as He would have us live, we WILL have the courage to do great things. Maybe not in the world’s eyes, but in His eyes. There ARE comforting words to speak to one that needs to hear them. There ARE motivational moments to share with the one that needs a daily lift. We are His Hands. We need to ask ourselves daily, “If I don’t help them, who will?” Do not wait for someone else to lift a load when our hands are able and we are right there to assist. I heard a quote long ago I think of often, “Live your life in a way that when you wake up in the morning, the devil says, ‘Oh no, They’re awake!’” There ARE things you have to offer others that no one else on this earth is able to. Think of that! I hope and pray we will not be so hard on ourselves that we give up in any degree on the things that matter most. The Lord. His Gospel. Our Families. Our ‘Neighbor’; our fellow men.

As I have thought more about “a follower” when it comes to an online definition, I realize we are not technically behind someone in rank or position. It simply means, we appreciate the work they put into what they do and we enjoy their efforts. I enjoy how there is no limit to how many blogs you can follow or how many facebook pages you can ‘like.’ If I appreciate what I see or read, I like to show that stranger or friend that their labors are benefiting me. To say thank you to a fellow member of God’s family. So if you have benefited from someone’s talent you have come across in the cyber world, don’t hesitate to click ‘follow.’ Hooray! That is my joyful thought for the day! I’m so glad I got it out there!

I see

See a gray hair and wrinkles
I see sparkle and laughter

See the bare skin and frizz
I see else wear time spent on gallop and play

See soggy and drab
I see puddles and rainbow soaked shine

See baggy and worn
I see pulled on and loved off by jewels that call her mama

See droop and dull
I see worry welled tears that gleam with affection

See same and tame
I see complexities created with meaning through moments

See just another mother
I see strength raising beings with divine destiny

Give your senses something to smile about

The things that I like about blogs that stick with me is what I want to portray in my own blog of course, wouldn't that make sense?
~Consistancy. I know everyones life gets busy and no one can blog every single day with ease unless other important parts of their lives are lacking. But I like to see bloggers that write something at least once a week. It is fun to check a blog you enjoy and see something new posted, no matter what it may be.

~Depth. I would rather check a strangers blogger that's "real" with you than to log on facebook and see friends only post about happy great fun wonderful things they have seen or done. You know their smiling faces in those photos are not always that chipper. It helps you relate to someone, human to human to hear about the good and the bad in their life. I joined a mommy group not to talk about the weather with someone. I want to be able to ask them the real questions that have been weighing on me. I want to get into a discussion about fears and joys that make up our lives as women.

~Ideas. As craft as you can means you gave it your all, no matter what it is, and you are learning to love what YOU'VE done, not how it compares to someone else. "Found this on Pinterest... Nailed it!" I love those pictures because they are hilarious when you tried something, know it didn't work out the way you wanted it to, but you don't lose sleep over it. Find an idea on Pinterest and make it your own. Be proud of the work you put into creating something that didn't exist before!

~Photos. I am a visual learner, I always have been. "Let your eyes dance around the room." is a quote I read from decorating blog, talking about how you don't want your house to look like everyone elses. Give your senses something to smile about. For me, sight is my most smiling sense. I have always loved those 3D pictures where your eyes have to go all funky to see the image. My grandparents had large framed pictures and calendars of those so many of my cousins could not see but I could. Anyway, visual. I love a blog that has a picture attached to every post. Until I continue in the process of learning my camera and photography, this may not apply to me currently but oh, it will. It is a dream of mine to take great pictures and I intend to continue to learn and practice.

SO, these are the reasons I love certain kinds of blogs, examples of the ones that inspire that are listed on the right hand side of my blog. Therefore, it is what I want to continue through the one I am trying to build now! Happy reading, seeing, visualizing!

Compliments with depth

There are these moments. The ones that make all the hard, frustrating and discouraging moments all seem like nothing. The ones that get you through the lows; from one high moment to the next.

 The constant stream of a busy day continuing without pauses in between.. then bedtime. The children are sleeping, the house is a mess but it is one of those calm evenings where, for some strange reason, it does not bother you. Husband is done with work, done texting colleagues, finished up studying, all ready for sleep. And then he sits down with you, looks you in the eye and thanks you for all you do. 'Thank you for being a great wife. Thank you for taking such good care of our kids, for keeping the house clean, for all you do. Being a sweet, calm natured person, that can't be educated into someone, but that is what you are for me. Everyone gets frustrated or overwhelmed, whether they have kids or not but you deal with everything so well. Being so agreeable with me working so much and going to school and different ideas and plans I have, your so well with it all.' (something of that nature.)

After you have been married for years and your past that newlywed stage, there are these deep compliments you long for, then learn to cherish. The ones that are past, 'your eyes sparkle like diamonds' or 'your lips send me shooting through the stars.' :D They are the ones with meaning and depth and emotion. He has teared up twice at the end of 'We bought a Zoo.' and he does not tear up too often at all. He talks of how hard that would be to lose your beloved spouse; "I was spoiled.. I had the real thing."  6 feet, 4 inches, 238 pounds. Strong and funny, always has a joke, a made up song, a movie quote, a pick up line to make me laugh and yet those times where the tears flow are just another one of those 'make me melt' times.

So when I receive the blessing of nights such as this one, they get me through and help remind me that he does appreciate me but men don't repeat them selves like a broken record when it comes to the words that matter most. It is definitely quality, not quantity with them. So when it comes, you gotta listen, appreciate and remember. Remember that they still mean those wonderful things they said.. they didn't take it back... when something hard comes along. They should be kept special, right at the forefront of your mind. And recall them whenever you need and remember how great it is to have someone who cares for you.
“If  he makes you laugh, kisses your forehead, says he’s sorry, makes an effort,

Holds  your hand, works hard ,attempts to understand you, then, believe it or not

He’s quite perfect.”

This is what I have for the heading of my Microsoft word document, where I write down the real great words; things he has said or done that I know I don't want to forget. Why do you have to picky? Why would you be out searching for more than that? Life is good. Love can be wonderful for two people who take a little but give a lot.

Taste of Child Like Memories

It really is wonderful to be alive. It is wonderful because of the knowledge of the true church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is wonderful because when you are trying to do what is right, the Lord will bless you. You can be blessed with thoughts of purpose and enthusiasm for a new day. You can be proactive, helpful and cheerful. You can feel the hand of the Lord guiding your daily efforts. There is so much to learn, so much to teach and so many to inspire. The little things that bring you daily joy can make your heart giggle; feeling light and happy. In combination with all these wonderful things, my thoughts today were directed towards my little girls. The simple joys of today were how fun it is to be able to have fun and be silly with these sweet spirits. As I have rainbow bracelets and shiny play rings on my fingers, slipping off as I try and make them lunch. I have butterfly wings on as I go out to check the mail. I have my pink feather boa get caught in the door as I bring laundry from downstairs. I have a red queen robe swishing behind me as I rush to the kitchen to get little one a drink of water. My lil K loves to play dress up, imagination, pretend. Instead of holding a horse toy, she would rather BE the horse. Lil S is right there behind her, fascinated by the excitement her big sister throws into her day to day games. They are precious and pure. They are innocent and care free. "Let them be little" comes to mind when I'm getting frustrated with all the things I think K should be helping me with. They only have those child characteristics for so long and then they will be gone. As I try and remember that, I let myself have a taste of child like memories and I go along with these sweet moments. I need to more fully soak in all the sunshine they still want to offer their mommy. Let them be little, but also let them help me remember what it was like to be little. And that is where daily simple joys can lie.

A Scene So Sacred

I wanted to add a little bit more about this item. It was truly amazing the thoughts that were able to come to my head when I was making these.

 I knew I wanted to have 'baby Jesus' as close to the center as I could get. I was thinking about how Christ should be as close to the center of our lives as we can get Him, to always be striving to keep Him close to our minds and hearts. To keep Him there, permanently. I knew that I wanted to have the tail of the star pointing straight to Him.

I wanted the clay pieces of 'Mary' be more twirled and feminine than the pieces of 'Joseph.' I wanted the pieces of 'Joseph' to be more defined, squared off, with a more sturdy and firm nature.  Thoughts of what 'The Family: A Proclamation To The World' discusses. I had thoughts of what is going on in the world right now.How some women are becoming more rough and tough as if they are out to prove something. I thought about how we are to stand up for the family. With some women wanting the priesthood, gay marriage being allowed in so many places and the difficult conversations my husband and I will have to have with our young children soon, not to mention the hard decisions they will have to make.

I knew I wanted 'Joseph and Mary's' knees touching. To have a feel of closeness, love and unity in this beautiful family circle. The miracle of Christ's birth, the miracle of His life and ministry and of the Atonement.

This very moment I was attempting to duplicate almost made me quit altogether. But the thought of how a simple handmade representation hanging on our tree would be wonderful. Thoughts of how vital it is we focus our Christmas' on Christ each and every year. At our house we have no santa decorations. We sing silly santa songs or watch movies with santa storylines, but the feel of our Christmas' are the importance of the miracle of the Savior.

So I continued because this can be one more visual reminder of why we even celebrate Christmas. The Savior's life was about service to others and that is what this season should be based upon.

How great to have this space to be able to explain all of this to those who are interested in this item for their tree this year. To hear the story behind the making. The spirit that was with me to depict a scene so sacred.

Clay Nativity Ornament
$5.00

My grandma had seen a picture I had posted on facebook of a toy knight I had made out of clay for my daughter. It gave her the idea to ask me to do this year's ornament for the grandkids.
I was honored at the request, for this reason:
Each grandkid has received an ornament every single year of our lives and she stops the year after we are married. She still has 15 grandkids to give ornaments to, so I was asked to make that amount. I had explained to her I would love to 'make a little business' since I love this clay stuff so much. She had said these could be examples for items to sell so it was sweet of her to say that, to humor me in my simple lil dream. I have LOVED LOVED LOVED getting ornaments from them each year that I have INSISTED my parents continue this on with their grandkids and they have!!
So that is why I started to make these in the first place, because of my amazing wonderful grandmother and grandfather!

Grinch's pudding face

I want to be able to look back on the moments, to read a descriptive entry written by me and then say "oh ya!! I totally forgot about that!.. Good thing I wrote these things down!" That is me. I have a horrible memory.. so I record a lot o f t h I n g s !!

Remember, S has been particular and fussy. I can't believe she is 15 months old, I just have to add that in a lot. So cereal.. stressful at our house when it comes to the kids. ( and I love cereal but only certain kinds, only with real cold milk, only if I can eat it fast enough where it does not get soggy.. :D and only for every meal :)I have to put the bag of cereal right in front of K so she will be able to take a tiny bit and once that is gone, she puts a tiny bit more in her bowl... because if it gets soggy in the milk she will not eat it and I don't want her wasting it. And I make her drink her milk and she does not like doing that.. but yet she is still asking for cereal. So evening time, hubby is working, we are watching The Grinch ( Yes it is only November 11th.. we are very into Christmas at our house and start very.. very.. early. And K decided she is not scared of the movie, so there is that) I had a salad for dinner and am still hungry so I pour myself some cereal and come sit back down next to the childrens. S wants some, I give her a little spoon ful. She some how inhales it, coughs, then makes sure she spits out every tiny little piece that is in her mouth.. I have to wash off my hand in the sink, rushing because of the horrible thought of my soggy cereal.

So I sit down again and K wants some now, so I am spoon feeding her (which makes me furious because I am feeding my four year old on the couch while she gets to sit back, relax and watch a movie which should not be ok but I am doing it anyway, for some strange reason..) So I am trying to hurry and feed me and two kids from the same spoon and the same bowl (ya we're one of those families.. at least I am)

S is whining to get back up on the couch so I get her up and she keeps pulling on my arm (because she wants both my hands on her cheeks because she is getting sleepy) So I am holding her with my leg so she does not fall off the couch while trying not to spill, one hand holding the bowl, one hand holding the spoon feeding K. I am starting to get upset at this point, hurrying to feed K before S falls and before it gets soggy.

The greatest part, I guess why I am writing about all this. It happened to be the part in The Grinch while they are shoveling spoonfuls of pudding in his mouth. I realized while I was having my annoyance moment, that part had past and I said, "Are you feeling like the Grinch right now?" K laughed and said yes.. It was ridiculous. I was being ridiculous. I was acting like a Grinch with my quick to impatience moment.
Mommy calm down.. its just cereal. . it will be alright. You're nice to try and help both kids at the same time while attempting to help your hungry tummy too.
So we turned an annoyance moment into a silly one. S stopped fussing once we were done with the cereal fiasco and it all worked out.

15 month old ball of static cling

This is a place where I can unload my thoughts and feelings with the hopes that I may get some comments along the road of those that feel similar, so we can all feel like were not the only ones going through the same things.
S was very needy today. 15 month old ball of static cling. Where ever I went, she needed to go. I know when she grabs on to one finger to walk along with me, then the other.. that it is going to be one of those days.

Kahleena was at preschool, I put on some music, let her roam through my craft box so I could get some clay creations accomplished. Living room, kitchen, back to living room, fussy fussy. I asked her if she was hungry and if she wanted a cracker, she nodded her head yes. I put her in her highchair, gave her food to her and started again, to work at the table. She very quickly realized what I was doing and suddenly refused to be hungry any longer.

I was one of those growl cries..I have not heard those very often at all. She was genuinely upset that my full and undivided attention was not on her. Have you ever really wanted to get something done with kids around.... doing the dishes, making a craft, cooking a meal... and so you give them something they normally don't get to play with because you know it will keep their attention... and then it takes longer to clean up that thing you gave them to play with then it did completing the thing you wanted to accomplish? And then you realize you could have just played with them and completed that thing after they had gone to bed or when daddy got home to save you from the craziness?

It really helps to write here. It helps because once you get your mind out on paper or screen. When the thoughts flow from your brain to your fingertips and just... out.... it puts things in perspective.

 I was so impatient with Shalae today. I was so consumed with what I was trying to finish up that I didn't read between the lines that she couldn't say..
"Mommy, this should be our time now that Kahleena is not here. I want you on my level, reading me a book or laughing with me.. This is the only way I can get your attention and if your not picking up the hint I'm putting down, I'm going to have to be more forceful in the only way I know how."
Oh how kids would put us in our place if they could reason like us. How many times have you thought that before? I think about it a lot and even if they don't get it does not give me the right to treat them any less respected than I would treat an adult. (Man this pep talk I am giving myself would have been helpful this morning!! Maybe it will seep into tomorrow..)

It also helps to write to you.. the person reading this... because if you don't follow this blog( or the program is being ridiculous and won't let you leave a comment on a blog that you want to leave a comment on so you get sick of re typing it to see if it will work this time that you just give up? That has happen to me several times) then I will not know if you are reading it or not. But just in case you are.. that is why I am writing in a "YOU" form instead of a "me" form. Because maybe YOU can relate to this post. And I don't know about you, but sometimes just knowing I am not the only one feeling a certain way, it some how makes things feel better.. not so hard. . maybe its a girl thing, I'm not sure but that is just the way I am.

Until the next thought bubble comes,

Flashbacks of daydreams

Of course, we are all different. What "sends shivers down me shins" may just get blank looks from you but my post today is about twinkle lights. Yep, white Christmas lights. Ours is the icicle lights wrapped with that dollar store silver wire stuff with lil stars on it that you decorate tables for parties with. It makes it extra shiny and extra magical. I love them because when I plug them in, things are alright. ( everything's ooookkkk;)  I have flashbacks of day dreams of when I was younger, what my kids would look like, what kind of house I would have. This is the life I wanted and this is the life I have. Twinkle lights in my girls' room reminds me of the sweetness I wanted, and got. When their laughing and twirling, smiling and playing. S always walks in after I've plugged the lights on and says. "Wooooww.. ", all mysterious like. My family doesn't know my excitement for them nor the fact that they are only aloud to be plugged in if we've had a good happy non contentious evening..when problems have been talked over, when communications have been calm. ( I only sing my most favorite primary songs on those nights too.) So, if you don't already have them, get them and they could be your cheer me up, mystical fairy tale, feel to a room too :D

Cute For Keeps Figurine

 Disney's Frozen Inspired figurine. My daughter was given a tiny castle and needed some toys small enough to play in it so this is what gave me the idea to make princesses and knights for her castle.

Cute For Keeps Mermaid

This mermaid does have a hook in the top for a necklace or charm accessory. I can add hooks to any of the tiny toy figurine items.

Cute For Keeps Food

Doll Food. An order of 21 items for $5.00

Cute For Keeps Food

Funky Photo Background. (I lay the food on tin foil when I cook it) 2 Tacos, 2 lollipops, pancakes and a lovey pie. And the croissants are my very favorite.

Cute For Keeps Food

A raise to finish with a baby in my lap, I made these about 6 months ago for my 4 year old daughter to play with. She loves it!

Cute For Keeps

Knight In Shining Armor

One or Two Golf Cake Ideas

Haha, so to add more to my blog, I am finding old pictures of things I have done... what a way to build it up huh. So since this blog is about celebrating the very best you can do with the talent and resources you have available to you, here is just an idea to go off of. So go ahead! Run with it and show me how YOURS turns out!

The ideas you could use:

I needed something easy for the "sand pit" since I didn't want to try and make brown frosting, I found some graham crackers in the cubbard and crushed those up. I scraped away some of the cake first in the shape I wanted so that I could gently pour the crumbs just where I wanted them.

My mother had some gumballs at her house, left over from a minute to win it reunion game so I stole one of those.

Toothpick and scrapbook paper for the flag.

And that is what you can get out of this random post!

:D

No sew DIY easy Nativity finger puppets

The reason I say DIY all the time, (Do it yourself) is because those 3 letters is what I look for when I am searching online projects to inspire me. So maybe it is to help you out, maybe it is to grab your attention, maybe it is how my H used to tease me about how much I used the word modge podge and how much I liked to talk about it. I don't know.

Anyway, here is my version of the finger puppets I made for K 2 years ago. Without looking into the link, I looked off a picture I found on Pinterest. (That link is no longer available, so if these look similar to yours, please leave a comment to let me and others know if your brilliant idea for such a kids activity!)
(Random tangent) I just love this! I love creativity, I love sharing with each other, I love rejoicing in others successes, I love relating to one another in this journey through life, I love how we have that in common; excitement when we make something we are proud of ! Hurray, that is a lot of love!

So, I folded a piece of felt in half, rounded the tops and hot glued the one side.
*Some of them, I cut to thin so they can't fit on thumbs very well, wish I would have measured better with those. Live and learn tip. 

I free hand cut the rest of the pieces, (if your interested, leave me a comment and I will prepare bigger and better patterns for you to follow) I also did not have tan felt on hand so every one looks a little pale :D

Voila!
:D

Making the best out of work

So, we have very tall, lovely trees in the neighbors yard... that happens to blow 90% of their lovely fall leaves in our direction. We had seen those orange pumpkin face bags in the store but, as craft as you can, I decided to go with what works for us on our budge. K at the time was practicing shapes, So we cut out shapes and reviewed them as we used our glue stick to attach our white printer paper faces to the bags. (To show off how many bags we had from all the leaves we worked so hard to rake up.. and so the garbage man could take them one by one. )

DIY Simple Christmas Countdown Blocks

I found this idea on howdoesshe.com, on this specific post here. This was the first big craft site I discovered. I was copying and pasting images to microsoft like crazy. Making plans and getting all excited..  Then, I my sister introduced me to Pinterest...... and it... was.... life changing! ;)

Wow, so, going on 3 years ago I made this. My H loves Christmas time. The only time he really gets close to 'gitty' is when the subject is Christmas time (not necessarily the actual day) So yes, it was my way of copping out on a great gift, since he is again, so hard to buy for, and making something nice that would look great in our home. So I used some scraps of wood that I had in my stash. 

I sanded them, painted them and used glossy modge podge to attach the Christmas paper. 

I printed the 'Days 'Til Christmas' onto the paper with my printer (sadly I do not have a vinyl machine.. yet.. ) and I used sticker numbers for all of my blocks. The site I found was helpful, first, for which numbers to put on which blocks so they all worked out. 

*The bow was not working out as pretty as I wanted it to be, so I did the round piece and hot glued it, then hot glued the separate bow to the top of it. If I were to do it over I would have made it all one piece so I could loosen it if it were hard to switch out the blocks, because sometimes it is. Live and learn Tip.

Voila. I was happy with how it turned out and at that time, it really was, 'as craft as I could' :D :D

DIY Small Golf Bag

I was racking my brain (and the internet) for a gift idea because he is very very hard to buy for. I found the idea among the long list here. 

(100+small gift ideas for men) I am so very grateful for resources like this that give you someplace to start for gift ideas.

So, This is a golf bag that I made for my H last year for his birthday. With the help of my mother and her sewing machine, we got it completed! She had all the supplies around her house which was wonderful. The cute golf pin is something that he had on his lap top bag that I snatched it from. 

Done and Done.

A place for the golf balls, T's, gloves, and his lucky quarter ball marker, etc. I was very proud of it and happy with the help I received. I am still new to sewing so here is one more practice project. 

Seaside

seashore

Just some inspiration for you. That is why this blog is called, as craft as YOU can. Make it YOUR own. These were some pictures we took on our vacation. I used my program to add shells in the middle, framed this and it now hangs in my bathroom. Like I'm sure you've heard before, your home should reflect you personally, your family, moments, memories, things that mean something to YOU. So find some precious pictures, make a mini collage and see how it looks on your wall!

Quote For Today

"It's important to know what makes your heart sing"

We're Not Lucky, We're Blessed

Grateful

Today, I just have to say, I'm feeling grateful. Overwhelmed with all the good things I want to do, but still grateful..

Re - Finding Me

There are kids and husband and friends and church and work and in between all of that, there is me. Time for me. Those quiet moments I get to remember who I am. My personality, my likes and dis likes. My past and thoughts of the future. My fun to do list. My appreciation for my life and all that has been in it. My talents and things I have created and have been completely proud of even if no one else in the world cared about it but me. And that is where I find me. And because of the process of re discovering me, I can once again start another day trying to make it a good one.

Dealings with those things called emotions..

Today, I still love my worry, but it's been a difficult one. I have diagnosed K with the terrible fours. She never really had the terrible twos, or really the threes, but there is something different about now. Although if I think more about it, it may be this thing called dealing with emotions and how to cope with outside elements that cause her to react negatively when I ask her to do things she does not want to do or not allow her to do things she has requested to do.

Won't this be interesting for her to look back on and read someday. If she will have glimpses of these hard days we continue to have. And how the thoughts I share throughout this blog will help her in her perspective when she has children someday. As I was showering, trying to cool down from all the frustration, a thought popped into my head... She was not trying to attack you as a mother, disrespect you intentionally.. All she knew in that moment of "childhood rage" is that she does not feel well, she loves her mother, and she does not want to take a bath. There are different levels of attention, acceptance, and care that can be measured with people in or around our world. Those that simply need or want something we have, those that used to be close to us and now because of one reason or another, are not, those we deal with everyday without our immediate choice, those that we love and look forward or speaking to; the list goes on. Those little ones in my very own home love and forgive me more than I deserve and that is a timeless truth. So I will now finish this post, pick up lil S. That just woke up and go snuggle and apologize to my two girly treasures. Yes. That is what I will do!
Wow, now don't we all feel better?

The 26 Mondays of Conference

I love having links all in one place and I am adding these, hoping that you will too!

Join with my family and I as we focus on remembering the messages we heard in this past General Conference. If you felt anything like I did, thoughts of conquering the world and sharing this great message with 'so and so' and giving a pass along card to each cashier at the grocery store, etc. So today I will start with conquering my world.. the world of Family Home Evening that is.

There are 26 Mondays until our next General Conference. I will be picking the 26 messages from this April 2014 Conference that most impacted me and then you will have a chance to find those special words in these messages that impacted you as well.  I had this idea while watching conference and just thought I would share with all of you. And if anyone would like to call that a hint of inspiration, I would.


April 7th 2014 Family Home Evening - Jeffrey R. Holland

Today my husband planned ours and decided to start with the first one. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk. What he took away from it is the even greater need we have to stand up for our believes, lives them, love them and find new and unique ways of doing so.

You can watch his message here.

We started by singing "I hope they call me on a mission."

You can find the words and music here. 

Our scripture was Alma 17: 2-6. This is when Alma, by God's grace, came across his fellow brethren, the sons of Mosiah.
 I would encourage you to read through it all if time and children's attention span permit. ;) *notice that wink there.*



Happy Teaching! And of course, Make it Your Own :D





April 14th 2014 Family Home Evening -
Ronald A. Rasband - The Joyful Burden of Discipleship.

You can watch his message here. 

Song: "Follow the Prophet" (words and music)

Scripture: D&C 81:5 (Link)





April 21st 2014
"Christ the Redeemer" by Carlos H. Amado

You can watch this message here.

Song: "I Feel My Saviors Love"
Words and Music

Scripture:  John 20:17

April 28th 2014
"Protection from Pornography- A Christ Focused Home" by Linda S. Reeves

You can watch this video here

Song: "Keep The Commandments"
Words and Music

Scripture: 2 Nephi 25:26





May 5th 2014
"Spiritual Whirlwinds" by Neil L. Andersen
You can watch this message here
(Has a "Windy Tree Metaphor" link to a short video)

Song: "I Know My Father Lives"
  Words and Music

Scripture: John 14:18





May 12th 2014
"A Priceless Heritage of Hope" By President Henry B. Eyring

You can watch this message here

Song: "Do What Is Right"
Music and Lyrics



Scripture: 3 Nephi 10:5

Amazing right!?









May 19th 2014 Family Home Evening

"Let your Faith Show" by Elder Russell. M. Nelson

You can watch this message here.

Song: "Faith", in the Primary Songbook

You can find the words and music here.



Our scripture was Alma 32:21
and Moroni 10:20

May 26th 2014
"I Have Given You An Example" by Elder Richard G. Scott

You can watch this message here

Song: "Come Follow Me" in the hymn book

You can find the words and music here.



Our scripture was Mosiah 2:17


June 2nd 2014
"If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments" by Elder Robert D. Hales

You can watch this message here

Song: "Choose The Right"
Music and Lyrics here


Scripture:
Matthew 25:21




June 9th 2014
"Let's Not Take the Wrong Way" By Elder Claudio D. Zivic

You can watch this message here

Song: "Did you Think to Pray?"
Lyrics and Music 



Scripture:
D&C 43:23






June 16th 2014
"What Are You Thinking?" By Elder W. Craig Zwick

Watch this message here

Song: "Love One Another"
Music and Lyrics



Scripture:
Proverbs 15:1





June 23rd 2014
"Roots and Branches" by Elder Quentin L. Cook

Watch this message here

Song:
"When He Comes Again"
Music and Lyrics



Scripture
D&C 110: 14-16





June 30th 2014
"Are You Sleeping through The Restoration?" By Dieter F. Uchtdorf

You can watch this message here

Song:
"When We're Helping"



Scripture:
2 Nephi 1:23








July 7th 2014
"Grateful in Any Circumstances" By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

You can watch this message here.

Song:
"I Thank Thee, Dear Father"





Scripture: "Live in Thanksgiving Daily"
Alma 34:38




July 14th 2014
"Following Up" By M. Russell Ballard

You can watch this message here

Song:
"Called to Serve:



Scripture:
D&C 88:81





July 21st 2014
"Fear Not; I Am With Thee" By Sister Jean A. Stevens

You can watch this message here

Song:
"Where Love Is"
Music and Lyrics 



Scripture:
Isaiah 41:10






July 28th 2014
"Your Four Minutes" by Bishop Gary E. Stevenson
You can watch it here.

Song:
I Will Follow God's Plan
Words, Music and Lyrics here.

Scripture
Alma 34:32
You can read it here. 








August 4th 2014
"Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease" by Elder David A. Bednar.
You can watch or read it here.

Song:
My Heavenly Father Loves Me
Lyrics and music here

Scripture:
D&C 100:12
You can read it here.







August 11th 2014
"Love-The Essence of the Gospel" by President Thomas S. Monson
You can watch or read it here.

Song:
Love is Spoken Here
Music and Lyrics here.


Scripture
D&C 121:43
You can read it here







August 17th 2014
"The Witness" by Elder Boyd K. Packer
You can watch or read it here.

Song:
"Did Jesus really live again?"
Music and lyrics here.


Scripture:
2 Nephi 25:26
You can read it here.






August 24th 2014
"Live True to the Faith" by Elder William R. Walker
You can read or watch it here.

Song:
"Dare To Do Right"
Music and lyrics here.


Scripture:
John 10:27
You can read it here.





September 1st 2014
"Obedience Through our Faithfulness" by Elder L. Tom Perry
You can read or watch it here.

Song:
"Keep The Commandments"
Music and lyrics here.


Scripture
Hebrews 11:1
You can read it here.






September 8th 2014
"The Prophet Joseph Smith" by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge
You can read or watch it here.

Song:
"On a Golden Springtime"
Music and lyrics here.

Scripture:
Moroni 10:3-5
You can read it here.





September 15th 2014
"Where Your Treasure Is" by Elder Michael John U. Teh
You can watch or read it here.

Song:
"I'm Trying to Be like Jesus"
Music and lyrics here.

Scripture
3 Nephi 13:19-21
You can read it here.






September 22nd 2014
"If Ye Lack Wisdom" By Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis
You can read or watch it here.

Song:
"Search, Ponder and Pray"
Music and lyrics here.

Scripture:
Alma 12:10
You can read it here.





September 29th 2014
"The Resurrection of Jesus Christ" By Elder D. Todd Christofferson
You can read or watch it here.

Song:
"He Sent His Son"
Music and lyrics here.

Scripture:
3 Nephi 27: 13-14
You can read it here.







I hope you have benefited from this string of gospel goodness. I also hope that it gave you the idea to continue studying previous conference talks personally, as well as with your family!

To Offer One Another

We all have something new and unique to offer this world. It happens in our own way and in our own time. Each of us are in a different stage, age, spot of progression. We all have ambitions, goals, desires that differ from one another. Respect plays a big role in how we react to those that come in contact with "our own lil world." We can choose to adore, give thanks and appreciation. We can also choose to compare and rank ourselves in the place above or below someone else. I hope and pray that we can celebrate and appreciate each others differences.

Starting this blog, I have felt myself get a little overwhelmed with all I find online. It is the "natural man" to feel down or jealous or critical or judgmental. So with that in mind, we can point out our faults, choose to change and embrace the fact that we are grateful there are those out there willing to share their ideas and achievements with friends, family and complete strangers. I am loving what I find and I hope you will find something here that you like as well!

I was able to write to a few of my favored blog ladies and ask for their help and advice with setting up my own blog. Several were able to respond to the message I sent and offer advice for me. I appreciate them dearly for taking time out of their busy schedules to assist someone starting out in her desire to add her own ideas to the long list of women's achievements. (I say women because the blogs I am drawn to are ladies who like to craft, create, share and inspire!)

Heaven's Film

Here is one of many articles that I have written.
So it's five in the morning, I have been up for two hours, and am now holding a precious little baby in my arms as she sleeps. If she wakes up, she breathes faster and faster which causes her to realize her nose is all conjested. So I am holding her, in hopes that if she wakes herself up then I can softly rock her back to sleep. I have been thinking about how great it would be to relief my bladder, get my ice cold water from the fridge, my oat and honey granola bar and maybe a chick flick playing in the back ground of all my thoughts as I sit here. Not sleeping.

When I get to heaven, one of the first "films" I am going to request to watch is moments similar to the one I'm having now in my own mothers life when she was home with her young family. Through vague memories of my lil childhood home, mixed with multiple pictures I've come to cherish of my younger years, I can almost picture a scene such as this:

With sneezes and sniffles, requests for snuggles, books read and noodle soup served, the day has finally ended. Three children all sleeping. She gets a moment to change her clothes, brush her teeth, and then.. The crying one is heard. Mustering up that mommy mode strength, she goes to retrieve her teary eyed child before the others awake from the sound. Now that baby girl knows two things; she doesn't feel quite right and momma makes it all better. So she settles right down for a snooze in those warm 'fit for just me' arms. Mommy is exhausted, warn out, and imagines that tomorrow won't be much different. But because of the deep love she has for her precious angels, she looks around for a seat.

Toys, tissues, wrappers and cups, she finds a spot on the couch, moving minimal items, as to make the least amount of noise. Getting as comfortable as possible, she soon realizes there won't be much sleeping on her part.

Now she settled down on that couch and not in her warm comfortable bed. She she did because she knew her hard working husband needed his sleep if he was going to get up early to work all day to provide for the cough medicine, diapers and fruit loops

With her toes she can just barely reach her novel that had been knocked off the table onto the floor. She remembers she got it out that morning when she thought her three girls had been sleeping in because their bodies needed the well needed rest to heal. She had opened it, only to hear giggles coming from the back room.

Now was her chance to finish that one sentence she had left off on. I wonder if she got lost within those pages, with a moment "to herself." I wonder if she imagined herself in another place or time. I can only imagine how she may have had thoughts "what if" or "maybe when." .

But then I remember my mother. I remember the thoughts she has shared with me about how much she loves being a mom, now and back then. When I have asked her advice on all the "hard stuff" she simply does not recall enough information to relay back to me tips on detailed circumstances.

See? It really won't be like this for long! Besides thoughts and feelings I record, God helps you forget the every day hard and remember the significant good! He does this for a reason. So that we continue on with life and know it will all turn out ok. If my mother decided those sleepless sick filled nights were just too difficult to go through again, I wouldn't have my two younger amazing, helpful, wonderful siblings! Oh what a heart renching thought. Sure if that was the case, I wouldn't have known what I was missing out on, but I do and the thought is sad.

She didn't know then she would have a boy next, and then another girl. She didn't know that they would reside in that trailer court housing six more years before they bought a house a few miles from that spot.

She didn't know how many tears she would shed for her children. How many nights she would stay up and worry. How many owees she'd kiss, arguments she would lose, tantrums she'd tame, laughs she'd create.   How she come to accept in laws into the family in her own way and time. How much she would completely love being a grandma. How when her children had their first kids, how much they would call to just say thank you or how heart felt the Mother's Day cards are that they now write to you.

It was always worth it. But oh how she didn't know how the most sincere thank you's would come 25 years later when a child of her own walked a mile in her shoes.

I believe she was excited for whatever lay ahead of her.

6:21am. On this couch I hear my first spring morning bird sing. It's still going to be a wonderful day.

Obsess Less

For the first time in a month or so, both children are fast asleep, in the middle of the day, at the same time! I have to pause for a moment, thinking of all the possibilities of tasks and projects I could be doing right now.. then I get to work cleaning like a girl you knows she is going to feel better when they awake. I sweep first and in that pile of dirt there are tiny white star sprinkles. I laugh to myself realizing I have not really swept since St. Patricks Day, a week ago.

 It makes me remember how K cried because she was so upset, thinking of all the trouble she was going to be in when I walk back into the kitchen. I had made green waffles and let her have green and white sprinkles on them. We had fun mixing the food coloring into the batter and watching the swirls turn into a fresh minty color. I had left the room, she had poured more sprinkles on her plate to eat plain, not realizing how fast they come out. I had to calm her down when I came back in, reminding her accidents happen and apologizing for her fear of being scolded. I knew that was coming from all the times I had already been in a frustrated mood about something else and blown off the handle at something that in a normal circumstance, I never would have gotten so steamed about.

I know that is something I need to better at. Teach more, discipline less. As I am dusting the living room, I find a plastic shamrock behind the computer back up battery on the floor. I belongs on a green necklace from our St. Patricks Day decorations. I now remember, about 4 days later, K trying to tell me it broke and me telling her that I would help her later because I was busy.. probably tidying something when I should have sat down and looked her in the eye and helped her fix her problem. Then remembering the same dilemma came up the next day, at a time I was also not paying attention.

In these quiet moments, I get to stop and think about my 'lil pretty puff princess and my goofy 'i have an idea' girl. Those two treasures are why I am even at home with the opportunity to clean, create, decor-i-tize, dream, nap and sit still. Why I don't have a manager pressuring me on a deadline or co workers who don't see eye to eye with each other. Why I don't have to wake at 6 am to do hair and make up day in and day out, surrounded by those who don't love and truly appreciate.

So I know I will find more 'joy in my journey' if I see more and obsess less. I keep hearing how fast time flys. I keep hearing they will not be small for long. I keep hearing that these are the best days and I will miss it when things like, K running towards me in church after primary, trips on her 'too big for her' sandals and gets a big rug burn. Then talks about it for days. All that will be gone and I will only have entries, pictures and memories to look back on. They won't be RIGHT THERE forever. I want to be there for this, soak it all in and looking back, know that I did appreciate and love the moments I was in.

That is my goal. It is a big one, but one I feel is one of the most important.

Picture displayed here.

Link to Motherhood Quote

 I just wanted to link back to a post from this sweet mother, who blogs daily about her LDS faith and her life in general. The women who survived a plane crash and kept her optimism despite hardships.  

You can see this post and her blog here.

"I drove to the grocery store with Lottie today.

As I drove I looked at her in my rear view mirror; she was sitting in her

 car seat sucking her binkie and looking out the window.  

Her big brown eyes blinking and watching the world out the window.

There are times in motherhood that are incredibly validating.

For me, this was one of them.

Looking at this beautiful creature in the back seat I thought about how

 amazing it truly was that Mr. Nielson and I created her.  

She is a beautiful and perfect little soul who's

 blood is my blood and who's spirit is connected to mine.

At that moment, I actually felt like a queen.

I know the world sends mothers and women messages that motherhood is boring, 

thankless and is for women who aren't educated enough to do anything else with their lives.

I think its the closest to royalty a woman can get in this world.

I have never done anything more fulfilling, more rewarding,

and more God-like than being a "plain old mother".

Of course its challenging, but I wouldn't claim the role as queen 

 if it wasn't going to help me stretch, grow, change, satisfy, frustrate,

exhaust enrich and help me experience true joy daily."

Explanation

I just had to create this blog before someone else took the name I picked for it :D Whether I ever added to it or not.

There will be crafting, positive thoughts, free printables, LDS items among other things on this blog. So, I was first thinking there are a couple things I would like to share with my fellow pinterest people, but could not figure out how to 'upload by pinner' ; add something without it actually being connected to a site. So if I made my own blog, I could pin my pictures from that.




I also was able to read this about blogging when you have children to take care of.
She talks about how you can blog when those kids are sleeping, compile thoughts in your head during the few precious quiet times in the day or write down notes on paper when they come to you.

"Blogging with kids can be an adventure–but you are recording memories that generations upon generations can read, and being your very own family’s historian".
You can see it here.



So, a couple months ago I was praying for missionary experiences. The next day, this was a headline on our internet main page on lds.org

You can see it here though I copied and pasted it because of how much I just wanted it right here to remind me.
I did not want to take it as just "a coincidence," so I finally acted on it. Whether I have 'followers' on this blog or not, I know that throughout this 'journal entry' journey, I will effect someone with my desire to speak up through the written word! :D (you will find I like the quotation marks..)

Sharing via Blogs

Publishing your life through a blog can be an excellent way to share with the world what being a member of the Church means to you.

Share with the world what being a member of the Church means to you.

What to Share?

You can be a missionary just by being a good example of a member of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For example, telling your
 friends you went to church on Sunday lets them know you participate
 actively in the gospel. By your everyday actions, others can also know
 that Mormons strive to follow Christ.

Now imagine your influence expanding even greater on a blog.

Blogging Basics

Not sure where to blog? You can use websites that are easy to use and publish with, like Blogger
 or Wordpress.

Don’t forget to promote your blog. Ask your family, friends, and fellow members in the Church
 to subscribe to your blog. Share the link to blog posts on your social media channels.

Interact with your readers by replying to comments. You can also link to other blogs in your posts.

Most important, follow the Holy Ghost’s guidance as you contemplate ways you can use your
blog to share the gospel.

3 Tips That Will Make a Big Difference 

1. Write about your day-to-day life

2. Update your blog often

3. Share experiences or what you learn at Church or in your family home evening

To Start

I wanted my own space to share the things I have created. It is so fun to visit other mommy blogs, browse Pinterest and get inspiration for all I want to accomplish for my family and I.

When I create, I start with what I already have. The wheels start turning and there is so much potential with gratitude for the things the Lord has given you.

One of my favorite LDS talks given in a General Conference, by Elder Dieter Uchtdorf is "Create."
You can see it here.

He explains how we are all God's children so we all have the ability to create in different ways.

I have a lot to learn and a lot of ways to grow and the desire to do so. I hope if you come across this blog you will enjoy browsing around :D