Welcome Summer! Well, it isn't exactly quite here on the calender, but when the kids get out of school (even though I am kid-less), it means summer has officially started. And today was their last day of school, so alas it is summer time! Because I only work 15-16 days a month I get to enjoy the other 15-16 days that I have off, so I have decided that this will be a summer that I stay busy. Not like I usually am not busy, but it is going to be a fun busy. So the last two days I have been off and I was thinking, wow, they are almost over but what have I done with them. Well lets see, the gym takes up 2 hours of my day, but really about three because I always spend a little time when I get back pulling weeds or watering plants. Yesterday I went to Costco only to return something and then I drove to Columbia, SC to the Temple. I spent 40 minutes in the little LDS book store, the only thing close to Deseret Book within hundreds of miles from here. I bought a few CD's, a piano book, a book, and my Ensign from May and June, since I was delinquent in renewing my subscription, but have no fear, because I have payed my dues in time to receive my July edition.
I had a wonderful time in the Temple. I went with the only reason in mind to serve someone else. That person being Hannah Rock; born in 1770 in Kentucky. The amazing thing was that just as I was going to leave the Celestial Room some great counsel was given to me as I read from D&C chapter 6. I have read this chapter over and over again because it has become one of my favorites in the past few weeks, but something new caught my eye, which gave me new insight and hope. A few weeks ago the following quote by John A. Widstoe was read in Sacrament meeting, "I believe that the busy person on the farm, in the shop, in the office, or in the household, who has his worries and troubles, can solve his problems better and more quickly in the house of the Lord than anywhere else. If he will leave his problems behind and in the temple work for himself and for his dead, he will confer a mighty blessing upon those who have gone before, and quite as large a blessing will come to him, for at the most unexpected moments, in or out of the temple will come to him, as a revelation, the solution of the problems that vex his life. That is the gift that comes to those who enter the temple properly, because it is a place where revelations may be expected." If that doesn't make you want to go more to the temple, then I don't know what else will. I have a testimony of this and have seen it play out over and over again in my life, but even more so in the past 6 months. The thing I love about having to drive 90 miles to the temple is it gives me plenty of time to ponder and listen. Which sometimes, we need. But the sad thing is we too often find ourselves too busy to take the time to listen. The time there and back makes my temple experience so much more.
A little tangent...So this summer is going to be all about fun. I am told that I am too serious. Forget serious. I'm going to be more relaxed and just have fun while enjoying the ride! So to celebrate the kids getting out of school or the start of summer, I spent the morning and mid afternoon searching for a new community bank and talking about refinancing my home. Yes, I know it's about time so you don't have to tell me. I met some pretty great people and almost felt like I was back in Nampa where everyone knows your name. Then because it was 93 degrees and felt like the middle of August, I made my way to the Middlebrooks pool, where Sharon and Shelly were already hanging out there. Not 30 minutes into my enjoyment it started to sprinkle and a few seconds later we had ourselves a true southern storm. It down poured for a good 30 minutes giving us 1/2 inch of rain according to Allen's rain meter. Well, by then we had had ourselves a lovely chat inside of course, before the sun came back out and we continued our sunbathing pleasures. I left Sharon's with a bag of goodies meaning squash and cucumbers. I have never been a fan of squash until this year. I'm not quite sure if that is because my taste buds have changed or if I have just been introduced to the southern way of cooking it. Nick's grandmother makes this amazing squash casserole. I know my western friends only do it with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter...can you believe they have never heard of such a thing out here...for reals. So I came home and made me some western style squash, cucumbers and vinegar and an old recipe of chicken, salsa, cream cheese and bread crumbs. It was pretty much to die for and the first dinner I have cooked in about 4 weeks. I know, shame on me, but us single girls don't find enjoyment eating by ourselves. Eating to me is a social event.
So of course I can't stay home for long. Always have to be going, so I called Sharon back up and we went to explore Rita's. Now my sister Tristen rang me recently to tell me that we had a Rita's in Charlotte. I didn't know what she was talking about, but then vaguely recalled her telling me about this place she visited in DC. Well let me tell you, Sharon and I will be going back at least once a week during the summer, which means I might just have to add an extra spinning class to my week or just eat the sugar free. So Rita's has Italian ice...my all time favorite. But they also have Frozen Custard. Not quite as delicious as Nelsons in Bountiful, but close. So we had custard on the bottom then I had mango and lemonade Italian ice, then more custard. Sounds, big and bad for you, but really it was like maybe 6oz. I think next time I will stick with just the Italian Ice. They rotate 12 of 52 flavors at a time. They even had pumpkin pie. I think I will save that for the fall and enjoy all of the flavors of summer. I tried banana and watermelon with real fresh fruit. They were okay, but I love sour, so I think Lemonade will be my favorite for now. I forgot to add that Rita's is next to Trader Joe's. So of course we had to stop in to see what we could find. Sharon had never been there and found herself some gluten free pancake mix. And I found me some creamed honey, since I am out of Grandpa Randy's whipped honey. I am sure it will not add up to his, but at least I will have it for my English Muffins that I pretty much live on, until I can get mom to send me more. I did do a load of laundry and I really need to clean the mold from the toilets, which I swear I just did, and now that I have my new Dyson Vacuum cleaner that I absolutely adore, I need to do some more vacuuming, and I am sure there are other things, but for now they can wait while I enjoy the start to what I am sure will be the best summer ever with or without you!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Happy Birthday Nickalaus
Today is Nicks Birthday. Here are just a few things that I like about him:
His eyes sparkle when he is happy.
He has never raised his voice at me, even when he is mad at me or frustrated or irritated with me he still keeps calm.
I love to watch him in the kitchen. He is so proficient and confident when creating something to enjoy.
A gardner at heart, how fun it is to see what he can grow from a few small seeds.
He has a testimony of the gospel and has planted such strong roots in such a short time.
He always looks hot; in gym shorts, jeans and a polo, shorts, or a suit.
He is financially smart.
He is humble.
He is independent.
He is tall, dark and handsome!
He can do laundry and keep a house with a very clean bathroom.
Any man that can teach himself to play the piano and enjoys playing and working on developing his talents has my heart.
I like it when he calls in the middle of the afternoon for no reason other than to just say "Hi" and when I'm on my way to work to tell me to have a good day.
I love it when it's late and he gets this glimmer in his eye and says, "Do you want to go for ice-cream?"
I think it is great that he isn't lazy, that he is an early to bed, early to rise kind of man.
He magnifies his calling and has a desire to serve.
I love to hear him laugh, especially when watching Modern Family.
He is a good listener.
That deep southern drawl, brings this western girl a smile!
I smile more because of him, when he texts me, when I get an email from him, when he calls me, when I think of him, and when I'm with him.
His eyes sparkle when he is happy.
He has never raised his voice at me, even when he is mad at me or frustrated or irritated with me he still keeps calm.
I love to watch him in the kitchen. He is so proficient and confident when creating something to enjoy.
A gardner at heart, how fun it is to see what he can grow from a few small seeds.
He has a testimony of the gospel and has planted such strong roots in such a short time.
He always looks hot; in gym shorts, jeans and a polo, shorts, or a suit.
He is financially smart.
He is humble.
He is independent.
He is tall, dark and handsome!
He can do laundry and keep a house with a very clean bathroom.
Any man that can teach himself to play the piano and enjoys playing and working on developing his talents has my heart.
I like it when he calls in the middle of the afternoon for no reason other than to just say "Hi" and when I'm on my way to work to tell me to have a good day.
I love it when it's late and he gets this glimmer in his eye and says, "Do you want to go for ice-cream?"
I think it is great that he isn't lazy, that he is an early to bed, early to rise kind of man.
He magnifies his calling and has a desire to serve.
I love to hear him laugh, especially when watching Modern Family.
He is a good listener.
That deep southern drawl, brings this western girl a smile!
I smile more because of him, when he texts me, when I get an email from him, when he calls me, when I think of him, and when I'm with him.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Little Glimpse of Heaven
Yesterday I experienced a small glimpse of Heaven. Our stake has been planning for months to have the Columbia Temple be open and run only by our stake members on Memorial Day. What an amazing experience it was. I had been scheduled to work 10-10 but was able to switch to work 6p-330a so that I could go. Even though I had planned months ahead, the night before my friend had called to see if I wanted to ride down with her, but Satan and his tactics always try to get in the way. Let's just say he didn't get his way this time, even though he tried. Sunday night I left Nicks with the most amazing peace and comfort. As I drove home I kept thinking is this for real and as I went through the day yesterday I continued to have this same feeling of peace. So with 5 hours of sleep I went to the temple. I really thought I was going to have a difficult time keeping my eyes and ears open and my emotions under control, but I had no problem at all. I just kept thinking this must be what Heaven is like. Brother Johnson the High Councilman over temple work was standing outside the temple doors welcoming everyone in. At the front desk was a brother from my own ward. Every where I turned I saw people from my ward and stake that I knew. We had gotten there an hour early knowing that if we didn't we wouldn't get in the session and we were right. They filled the room to capacity with 62 people. Now that may not sound like a lot, but for that little temple it was packed.
Our Stake President was on the other side of the veil when I went through which was pretty neat. I imagine when we get to Heaven the voice on the other end will sound just as familiar. What an amazing experience that will be. The Celestial Room is always such a peaceful place for me. And again most all faces looked familiar. It was just like Heaven will be I'm sure. As I sat there I picked up the scriptures and turned to D&C 6 and read verses 19, 23, and 36, "Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity...Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?...Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." Over the past week I have turned to this section several times to find peace. It has been an answer to my many prayers. And again as I sat and read it in the temple that same sweet peace was present and I could not doubt again the personal revelation that I have been blessed with over the past several months. Heavenly Father is in charge and when we let Him, He will create for us amazing experiences. As I made my way towards the exit, My friend Jared Blacker's wife (from Nampa who I grew up with and lives in Concord) came into the Celestial Room. As I was talking to her, Sister Larson the Patriarch's wife came up to talk to us, but just as she was approaching me a brother from my ward came over and whispered in my ear, "Always remember, you are a Diamond." I don't know what came over me, but it immediately brought tears to my eyes. He tells me this all the time, but for some reason it had more meaning and reassured to me that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father who loves me. It was fun to talk to these sweet ladies for a very short time.
Just as I was leaving the Celestial Room a lady who looked familiar to me came in. I had seen her several places in the temple, but couldn't put it together. I don't know her name. But it finally occured to me that I had met her once on Valentines day. We actually met at the bank. Nick had taken the tithing to the bank and the counselor in the bishopric had also been there. It was his wife who had come up to the car to introduce herself to me. She stopped me and out of the blue told me things that I really needed to hear. It was totally unexpected, but again was another tender mercy that Heavenly Father gave me. As I was waiting in the dressing room my friend Loren Belk was also in there. She said almost the same thing to me that the sister in the Celestial room said. It goes to show that Heavenly Father is in charge and sends messengers to be answers to our prayers. The interesting thing was that I ran into several sisters who were in Nicks ward and each one came up to me to tell me what a wonderful man he is. That he is. And that was all I could really say when they wanted more information from me.
On the way out of the temple I ran into Jared Blacker who had actually been in the session. He stopped me to give me his new phone number and said, I just feel better with you having it. It really is interesting how someone you grow up with can still make it feel like your little piece of Nampa is with you when you are together. I had seen him earlier in the week at a Stake Meeting and felt the same way.
I have a testimony of temple work, that families can be together forever, and that our ultimate goal is to make it back to our Heavenly Home knowing that we did our very best. Sometimes I stumble and fall. And sometimes I don't want to get back up again and keep going, but I eventually stand up, brush off, and keep going. That is what this life is about. How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who knows my fears and hears my prayers and who loves me inspite of my weaknesses.
Our Stake President was on the other side of the veil when I went through which was pretty neat. I imagine when we get to Heaven the voice on the other end will sound just as familiar. What an amazing experience that will be. The Celestial Room is always such a peaceful place for me. And again most all faces looked familiar. It was just like Heaven will be I'm sure. As I sat there I picked up the scriptures and turned to D&C 6 and read verses 19, 23, and 36, "Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity...Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?...Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." Over the past week I have turned to this section several times to find peace. It has been an answer to my many prayers. And again as I sat and read it in the temple that same sweet peace was present and I could not doubt again the personal revelation that I have been blessed with over the past several months. Heavenly Father is in charge and when we let Him, He will create for us amazing experiences. As I made my way towards the exit, My friend Jared Blacker's wife (from Nampa who I grew up with and lives in Concord) came into the Celestial Room. As I was talking to her, Sister Larson the Patriarch's wife came up to talk to us, but just as she was approaching me a brother from my ward came over and whispered in my ear, "Always remember, you are a Diamond." I don't know what came over me, but it immediately brought tears to my eyes. He tells me this all the time, but for some reason it had more meaning and reassured to me that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father who loves me. It was fun to talk to these sweet ladies for a very short time.
Just as I was leaving the Celestial Room a lady who looked familiar to me came in. I had seen her several places in the temple, but couldn't put it together. I don't know her name. But it finally occured to me that I had met her once on Valentines day. We actually met at the bank. Nick had taken the tithing to the bank and the counselor in the bishopric had also been there. It was his wife who had come up to the car to introduce herself to me. She stopped me and out of the blue told me things that I really needed to hear. It was totally unexpected, but again was another tender mercy that Heavenly Father gave me. As I was waiting in the dressing room my friend Loren Belk was also in there. She said almost the same thing to me that the sister in the Celestial room said. It goes to show that Heavenly Father is in charge and sends messengers to be answers to our prayers. The interesting thing was that I ran into several sisters who were in Nicks ward and each one came up to me to tell me what a wonderful man he is. That he is. And that was all I could really say when they wanted more information from me.
On the way out of the temple I ran into Jared Blacker who had actually been in the session. He stopped me to give me his new phone number and said, I just feel better with you having it. It really is interesting how someone you grow up with can still make it feel like your little piece of Nampa is with you when you are together. I had seen him earlier in the week at a Stake Meeting and felt the same way.
I have a testimony of temple work, that families can be together forever, and that our ultimate goal is to make it back to our Heavenly Home knowing that we did our very best. Sometimes I stumble and fall. And sometimes I don't want to get back up again and keep going, but I eventually stand up, brush off, and keep going. That is what this life is about. How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who knows my fears and hears my prayers and who loves me inspite of my weaknesses.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Hope
I find when my life is busy, trials are more challenging, and time speeds up. That is my explanation for taking a short blogging break. I do write in those times, just not publicly. It is in these times however that I grow; growth that I am thankful for. I become more humble, prayerful, and reliant on the Lord as He gently guilds my path.
I am hoping for a very relaxing and enjoyable summer. I usually have so many plans for the summer and it flies by too quickly...but not this summer. I am going to enjoy every moment of it. From the humidity and heat to the beauty of the lightening bugs as they swirl the night sky and smash into my windshield leaving their last light for me to enjoy. I have thought about going home for the 4th of July, but planned in the winter months to be here for that weekend, so that I might experience the festivities I have heard so much about in the tiny town of Faith, NC. I will however go home the end of August to meet my three new nephews who will all be born by then.
I have a song in my mind that has been there since yesterday. It is sung by Pink called Glitter in the Air. Her voice is so gentle and peaceful as she sings about love, trust, and fear, but what I really hear from it is Hope. People always talk about having faith, but I think we often forget about having hope. Hope+ Faith=Expectation! Go here and watch and listen to this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSAkNDbTXJ0
Have you heard or rather listened to the lyrics of this song? They are so beautiful and have caused me to reflect on all of the wonderful small moments of beauty and wonder in my life. I love the line that says, "Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry." There is something about touch whether it is physically or spiritually that makes one feel oh so good. Every once in a while Nickalaus will hold my hand in a way that it makes my heart flutter. Probably something he is not aware of, but I love that feeling.
So this summer I am hoping to enjoy all of the beauty and wonder and excitement it will bring.
I am hoping for a very relaxing and enjoyable summer. I usually have so many plans for the summer and it flies by too quickly...but not this summer. I am going to enjoy every moment of it. From the humidity and heat to the beauty of the lightening bugs as they swirl the night sky and smash into my windshield leaving their last light for me to enjoy. I have thought about going home for the 4th of July, but planned in the winter months to be here for that weekend, so that I might experience the festivities I have heard so much about in the tiny town of Faith, NC. I will however go home the end of August to meet my three new nephews who will all be born by then.
I have a song in my mind that has been there since yesterday. It is sung by Pink called Glitter in the Air. Her voice is so gentle and peaceful as she sings about love, trust, and fear, but what I really hear from it is Hope. People always talk about having faith, but I think we often forget about having hope. Hope+ Faith=Expectation! Go here and watch and listen to this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSAkNDbTXJ0
Have you heard or rather listened to the lyrics of this song? They are so beautiful and have caused me to reflect on all of the wonderful small moments of beauty and wonder in my life. I love the line that says, "Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry." There is something about touch whether it is physically or spiritually that makes one feel oh so good. Every once in a while Nickalaus will hold my hand in a way that it makes my heart flutter. Probably something he is not aware of, but I love that feeling.
So this summer I am hoping to enjoy all of the beauty and wonder and excitement it will bring.
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