Heaven in our Home

Yes, I do know it is St. Patricks day. But other than making the milk green, which I didn't really do this year, I never do much more to celebrate other than wear the traditional green (obviously so I don't get pinched).  And since the holiday is pretty much over, I can now move on to thinking about Easter again with this lovely video.

I loved this talk when I first heard it. Especially this part:

Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of theHoly Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].”

So many times this past year I have felt very alone and have had to remind myself that because Christ was once alone, I will never be. It also healed my heart a little when Elder Holland spoke of the types of companionship that we have in this life and included family members on both sides of the veil. This tells me they are never far away and it is somewhat comforting to know that this little boy has a brother who I am sure loves him so much looking out for him from that side while we are doing our best to protect him from this side.

And just because I am having so much fun with photoshop, here is another one of my practice prints:

I LIVE

Some of you know it has been my goal to learn to use photoshop for a little while now. I realized last night that you can have a free 30 day trial, so I decided to test it out and see if it was worth it for me. Well, I made a print!! It is very rough and kinda just a test run for me since it was a short verse. This has become one of my favorite scripture passages, so even though it is more like a rough draft, I still love it.  It speaks peace to my heart.  

Out-numbered...still

THREE soon become FOUR

little brother arriving June 2013

We have a thumb sucker on our hands (hopefully a habit he is not born with). David is really proud of his muscles (what he chose to focus on when looking at this picture). 

Sunday Will Come

The Countdown to Easter continues....

This was one of the last talks given by this great man and my absolute favorite. Such a great message of  peace and comfort. Enjoy!

Countdown to Easter

Easter, my new favorite holiday, is quickly approaching. Never has this jelly bean, candy egg, giant bunny hiding stuff holiday felt so sweet and so special. Valentines day is considered the holiday of love, but in all reality Easter holds the most love.

I like the idea behind Lent though it is not something I personally participate in. Not necessarily what it has become, a time of giving up a sin or bad habit for a month only, but of preparing oneself in body and spirit to celebrate and recognize such a holy day. As my thoughts have so often turned to that first Easter Sunday this past year, I have reflected many times on the days and hours leading up to that ultimate sacrifice and largest symbol of love the world has ever and will ever see.

So, in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday this year, I will be sharing some thoughts and feelings about this special holiday. A Lent of giving, rather than of giving up.

And to start, what has become one of my favorite quotes from President Thomas S. Monson:
“In our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: ‘He is not here: for he is risen.’”



And a short video.

Some Day

Someday, somewhere down the road (hopefully a short while off) a Sunday will pass without a painful emotional meltdown. Today is not quite that Sunday. But it will be... Some day.

Happy Valentines Day!

Today is Valentine's day. I got to wake up to flowers from my sweetie and later he is taking me to get a pedicure and then out to dinner. I can't wait! Usually Valentine's day isn't that big of a deal for me. And we definitely do not wait for February 14th to tell each other how much we love and appreciate one another. But this year, especially after the rough year we have had, today will be a really nice chance for us to get a little dressed up and reflect on how no matter what happens, no matter what trials we are given, no matter how rough the road gets, we are in this together... forever. So happy day of LOVE everyone! Make sure you enjoy your sweethearts.