A Few of My Favorite Things

I am not a shopper, spender or decorator.
I am really not into "things" and

I am pretty good at getting rid of stuff I don't use.

But there are some things I really do treasure.
Many of my books fall into this category.
So do my china, silver and crystal.

I received all of this when we were married almost 24 years ago.
It seemed like an extravagance at the time (and it still does to some extent),
but my Mom convinced me I would never regret it.
She was right!
Our family and friends were very generous with their gifts
and I have service for fourteen.

I haven't used our china enough recently, so I decided to pull them out for Easter dinner. The kids loved using the "fancy" dishes and goblets.
Over the years, many of the goblets have been lost,
but that's okay. I still have 8 or 9.

The china pattern isn't what I would choose today,
but I still think it is beautiful. I love how the delicate silver edges come to little peaks.
I think the silverware is classic and I would choose something similar now.

My mother-in-law fell in love with our silver pattern and bought a set for herself.
When she passed away, I was given her silver and I have enough for 16 people.

My favorite part of the whole set is the gravy boat.
I love the shape of the handle and
the peaked ends of the dish.

In fact, don't tell anyone, but I actually have two of these gravy boats.
I'll admit we didn't use them at Easter, but come Thanksgiving time,
the kids' table won't feel neglected!

Benjamin Franklin was Right!

Apparently haste really does make waste.

Awhile back I ordered business cards and other supplies to help with fundraising for our 3 Day for the Cure Walk. I was in a hurry to finish my order when I realized that I could add some calendar magnets for free! I quickly entered the information and completed the order.

Days later the box with all my supplies arrived. I was pleased with how everything turned out, until I saw the magnets. At least they were good for a laugh!

I know I am not a particularly speedy walker, but I'm certainly not that slow! The walk is designed for a 3-4 mph pace. I can do that!

Easter Weekend Highlights

Getting to visit with my brother Scott and my sister Jenny
(Love that cheesy smile!)

Our Easter egg dyeing extravaganza.
Thanks to my awesome sister-in-law Denise!

All the beautiful colors!

Spending time with my Dad!

Having Aaron come home from BYU!
Cammi is happy too.
Celebrating Molly's birthday!

Visiting the cemetery, singing "Did Jesus Really Live Again"
and hanging Easter ornaments in the tree near Mom's grave.

Cousins

More cousins

and even more wonderful cousins!


Watching my sweetheart play with our beautiful granddaughter.

What a weekend!

Better Than An Elephant!

We have a winner! Congratulations to the winner of the "Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room" CD . . .

DaNell!

I have known DaNell for more than 10 years and she is a wonderful friend. She is the mother of eight children and she is a gifted teacher and mentor. She has poetry in her soul. She is a great listener and I love to have long conversations (the kind mothers rarely have time for) with her. Despite her busy schedule, I know that DaNell will make time to listen to this CD and will be able to discern what she needs to implement with her family.

I really think that EVERY LDS woman (and her family) would benefit from this CD. Please consider buying or borrowing this CD. On my current "to borrow" list I have:

Molly
Rachel
Bryn
Leticia

Please let me know if you would like to borrow a copy.

Sweet Easter Sunday

I love Easter and the chance to focus on my Savior, Jesus Christ, and his atonement.
We got to spend Saturday with lots of family. We dyed eggs, hunted for eggs and even had a passover dinner. This year's dinner definitely went better than last year's!

One of the things that stood out to me was the symbol of the four cups of wine. It is based on this scripture:

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments.

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. Exodus 6:6-7

We used grape juice of course, but we drank four times to remember the beautiful promises.

1. The Cup of Sanctification of Consecration
Promise: I will bring you out of Egypt.

2. The Cup of Praise
Promise: I will deliver you from their bondage.

3. The Cup of Redemption
Promise: I will redeem you with a stretched out arm.

4. The Cup of Acceptance (Also known as the cup of Elijah)
Promise: I will take you to be my people.

I am so grateful on this Easter morning that my Savior has brought me out of the bondage of sin. He has redeemed me and I praise His holy name forever. I am blessed to be called one of his daughters.

HAPPY EASTER!

Not So Ancient History

**Don't forget to read THIS POST and comment to win a CD+DVD**


Yesterday, I walked 4.5 miles.

The day before, I finished reading the Book of Mormon.

Last week, we spent our spring break in Arizona.

We love vacationing with family (especially while wearing sunglasses)

I got to visit my friend Tammy, our friends Stuart and Malissa,
as well as a candy factory! Here are the kids hard at work.

We also toured Frank Lloyd Wright's home and architecture school.
His blend of form and function is beautiful and amazing!

We also explored music and instruments from around the world at
the fantastic Musical Instrument Museum.
My favorite part was the Experience Gallery that was completely hands-on.
We tried a nickelodeon, drums, bells, ukeleles, harps and this huge gong!


But the best part of our trip was attending the
Easter Pageant at the lovely Mesa temple.


The music, dancing and acting were phenomenal
and the costumes were spectacular.


But Evan's favorite part may have been eating the
giant 3 pound bag of popcorn!

Will you forgive me?

Early this year I listened to a fabulous CD. In fact, it was so good that I listened to it twice. The second time I even took notes and then I watched the bonus DVD included in the package.

I know I should have shared it with you then, but I got busy.

I did tell a couple of friends about it. One friend even ordered a copy. I decided to get an extra copy to share with you. I meant to tell you about it, but you know how it goes. I had so much going on. First it was my husband's birthday. Then March was just crazy busy and then there was spring break and . . .

Enough with the excuses!

I'm going to interrupt myself to tell you about one of the most powerful CDs I've ever heard. Author Jill Manning speaks specifically to LDS women. She explains how she became fascinated with elephant society. Elephants have very strong, matriarchal families. The female elephants work together to protect and raise their young. In times of danger or crisis, they encircle the young elephants as a means of protection.

But this isn't just an interesting zoology lesson. Instead, Manning uses this as a metaphor to empower LDS women to step forward and protect their families from pornography. She doesn't use guilt or scare tactics. She covers everything from teaching toddlers to choosing a spouse. Most importantly, she helps you feel that there IS something YOU can do. You shouldn't ignore this issue, but you shouldn't be stressed about it either. This CD will help you get started in whatever way is right for you and your family. And since it is only 60 minutes long, you can find time to fit it into your busy schedule!

As a peace offering, and to help you forgive me for not sharing sooner, I have decided to give away one copy of "Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room".


So please leave me a comment. I will select a winner by random drawing this Saturday. In case you don't win, I also have another copy available to loan. Just let me know. You don't have to do an elephant impression or tell me your best elephant joke. Just leave a comment.

Just one woman (you!) can make a difference in this elephant-size problem facing our families and our society.