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