Dear 2014 ...

Thank you for all the wonderful moments .... We hugged.

We explored.

When needed, we were serious.

We sang ...

We gathered.

We celebrated.

We camped.

We laughed and cried ...

We fished.

But mostly ... we LOVED.

hope.

noun

1.

the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will
turn out for the best:

HOPE ... it matters.

Keep looking up ...

This made me smile ... Thanks, Snoopy.

"Keep looking up ... that's the secret of life."

We are like a snowflake.

All different in our own beautiful way ...

Bah Humbug.

I was having a bah humbug kind of day ... felt a little overwhelmed by all the Christmas hype and such... mostly the stress of trying to pull it all together.

I found myself day dreaming and saw myself in front of a fire place in a snowy cabin in the woods full of beautiful trees and mountains for miles ... (I was in my PJs with munchies and a pile of sappy love movies.) Alas, that dream didn't last long ...Back to reality.

I took my own advice ... Enjoy the little moments that matter!

No time for 'bah humbugs' or day dreaming!
After all, it's the most wonderful time of the year! So much to be thankful for ... so much to celebrate so much love to share.

PS: Today is a gift. Live and Love it one moment at a time.

Magnetic.

Magnetic: exerting a strong attractive power or charm

Interesting to think about huh?
I agree.

Joy is so ultra attractive, charming and alluring!

Happy Cupcake Day ...

Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Oh so yum ..

Click HERE for a yummy cream cheese butter cream frosting recipe!

Happy Cupcake Day!

What gift can I give this year?

The Savior was the greatest gift ... His life is a gift that we can enjoy and rejoice in every single day.

Have you ever wondered what gift you could give back? I have.

I believe one of the greatest gifts we can share is to find joy in our lives!

Is this always easy? No. It takes effort to find and appreciate joy - especially during tough times.

If we choose to, we can be a joy to the world - and lift others along our way!

Joy. It matters.

Find it in the journey.

Thankful.

Gratitude. It matters...

Watch with glittering eyes ...

Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you.

Because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.

This changes everything ...

Passion - any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.

Bottom line, our passions are driving us to do a great deal. 

Note to self: Pay attention to your emotions (good and bad) as they have the power to change everything.

Star Wars reminder: "Don't give in to the dark side!"

:)

Wednesday Wisdom: Good Energy!

There's enough bad stuff going on today in the world. I won't list it here. We're all aware of the negative energy that surrounds us.

What I know for sure is that we have the ability to influence the world for good by the way we live!

Today, and everyday, share the good stuff - the positive energy ... the kind that lifts, inspires, heals and motivates.

PS: What the world needs now is LOVE (which is the best good energy there is).

Where love never ends ...

Christmas caroling for Family Home Evening ...

"Silent Night ..."

 Group hug ...

Sharing a jacket on a cold Sunday afternoon ...

Christmas memories ...

Family. Where life begins. And love never ends.

Use the Force ...

This poster gives me chills. We all know the story ... he turns. He goes to the dark side. He started with light! We all start with light! It's in everyone of us. We choose the light or the dark side with every choice we make.

I love the Star Wars movies and the battle between good and bad / light and dark. It's a battle we all fight.

My personal weapon to combat the 'dark side' is to use the positive force!
Positive energy. Positive thoughts. Positive people. Positive places. Positive Prayers.

Go ahead. Use the Force. Feel the power of the LIGHT side!

It's a Wonderful Life!

When it snows ... Sledding at Carmichael Hill

Wendy and Tory ... 2008

Every year, we act out the Nativity Story ... Lauren was a fluffy sheep

Story time by the Christmas tree .... "The Foot Book"

The look of JOY ...

I am so thankful for the Christmas season and the memories we have created over the years ...
In honor of Throw back Thursday, I found a few 'oldies' to share!

Happy Thursday ... slow down and appreciate the little moments that matter!

Anticipation.

Anticipation ... I like that word! I get butterflies when I say it :)
It means there's something exciting, great, or unexpected on the horizon!

What are you anticipating?

He is the Gift ...

This is a beautiful reminder about the true meaning of Christmas ...

Called to SERVE!

Checking the mail box .... Yup, it's here!

Called to serve in TEXAS!

Hugs ...

Celebration ...

Tears ... (the good, happy kind)

Miracles ... 

Our son, received his mission call yesterday and will be serving in San Antonio, Texas for two years. He will leave in February.

This was the most incredible day/experience! We will never forget it.

Right after he opened his papers/call to serve, double rainbows appeared.

We saw it as the Lord's love for all of us and for the beautiful days and miracles ahead.

Such a wonderful day. So proud of you Kade. I love you.

~ Mom.

GO and DO.

Thanksgiving 2014 ...

My mom - Making orange rolls! 

With my sister-in-law, Kathryn and my Mom ...

My son, Kade and Kathryn

Reese's Cheesecake pie ...

The table ...

Abby ... "I am thankful for"

Love this ...

Family tradition - Bowling on Thanksgiving!

We had the perfect day together!

I have too many blessings to count ...
So thankful!

Exciting times at our house!

We received some happy news earlier this week! We were notified that a mission assignment was being shipped via mail to our son! It should arrive Friday or Saturday.

The excitement at our house is great! Where will he go? When?

We have our guesses and they are pinned to a map!

So excited for the white envelope to show up in the mail ...