Gratitude and Blessings in May

31 *I am thankful for the power of the scriptures and how they turn you to the Lord over and over. I am also grateful that they directed me to read my patriarchal blessing which gave me strength and comfort I needed to read today.
30 *I am thankful for the safety of my husband and our son as they were rear-ended this evening. Kent also wants me to be thankful for a big truck that protected them so I suppose I can be grateful for that too. Mostly I am thankful that the Lord protected them.
29 *I am thankful for altered plans. Again we had some plans for tonight that we both felt uneasy about. We ended up rescheduling as we didn't feel good about tonight. In addition to those plans altered the rain ruined plans for Braxton and I to meet friends at the park. We ended up going to Carrie's house and doing lunch there. It was nice to have a reason to get out of the house instead of just being depressed because it was raining.
28 *I am so thankful for the spirit. Kent and I were planning to go to the temple, but oddly enough we both felt that we needed to be together as a family. We ended up going to the park where we all played together and even Kent and I took our turns on the slide.
27 *I am thankful for the opportunity to help out our apartment manager with planting flowers. I know that it was a big help to her and there is something about earth worked hands.
26 *I am thankful today for the scriptures and the opportunity to listen to conference talks on the internet. Both have really touched my life today and lifted my spirit. I am also thankful to the sacrifice of others that I may be free.
25 *I am thankful I was able to get some great ideas from my activities committee. I know that we are given committees to help us because we can't come up with every idea on our own.
24 *I am thankful that Kent was willing to take Braxton with him to wash the cars. It was nice to clean without anyone to bother me. I was also thankful for a very fun idea to go to the Bee's baseball game. Had it not been for a plane advertising the game I wouldn't have thought to go. What a blessing to have ideas delievered from above. ha ha ha
23 *I am thankful to see my body changing and getting healthier. I am also thankful I was able to lose an inch in my waist. It helps me to realize that I can reach my goals if I am patient and gentle with myself and work hard. I have been blessed with a wonderful body!
22 *I am thankful that Braxton asked for my keys and walked over to the door this morning. I didn't have anywhere to go (and didn't know where to go with the rain), but I knew it was his little spirits way of asking to get out of the house and enjoy the soggy outdoors. I needed it as much as he did even if it was just the silly pet shop.
21 *As I woke up to rain today it reminded me of Oregon. I miss that home, but I am so thankful for the time I spent there. I have wonderful memories, friends, and moments attached to that beautiful part of our country.
20 *I am thankful that Kent was willing to go shopping with Braxton and I even though he had to rush home, get some dinner, and run to scouts.
19 *I am thankful to have a clean house so that Braxton and I were able to get out and play at the park this morning. I am also thankful to have found a park that is more appropriate for my son.
18 *What a blessing it was that despite all the running we did on vacation Braxton was able to get some good naps in and be a happy traveller.
17 *I was thankful to spend an entire day with my husband and son. It was such a blessing to be out among nature and enjoy the beautiful hike. It was also a blessing to have Gordon and Holly and kids make the effort to come to St. George and see us. We are thankful for them and also for Kent's cousins and families who went out to dinner with us.
16 *I was thankful to have the treadmill to keep up on my exercise even though I was not at home. Perhaps someday I will be thankful for my own treadmill...I liked it that much.
15 *I am thankful to have my house clean and to have taken care of all the important things so I can go on vacation without any stress.
14 *I am thankful for Kent's help when I am getting ready for work. I missed him a lot as I was trying to get myself ready for work and Braxton ready for the babysitter. I am also thankful Jill and Kacey were willing to watch Braxton for me.
13 *I am thankful for the opportunity to attend my friend Janessa's wedding. I am also thankful for the temple workers. It was my first time to the Salt Lake temple and I was trying to get there on time. I didn't have a clue where to go but I was helped by so many kind people and I am so thankful to know that there is a place I can go and I know there will be kind loving people to help me on my way.
12 *I am so blessed in my journey into my mind. I am thankful to have discovered the love within myself as well as the love my husband has for me. I really do love him and I love the changes I have made within myself to better our relationship. I am also thankful for all the work he did to straighten the house while I worked tonight.
11 *I was blessed by two wonderful mother's day talks. One was Kent's cousin's mission return and the other was the bishop of that ward. I was so thankful for the spirit of that meeting. Everything invited the spirit. The music, the speakers, all the way down to the closing prayer.
10 *We were blessed with a wonderful day at the little Zoo in Logan. I also hadn't realized until today that I have been blessed to marry into a family who actually enjoys cooking. Since I don't always love it that really is a blessing to me. I was also blessed to help Darcy out in the kitchen and I really enjoyed it.
9* I have been blessed to be surrounded by the love of family and friends and I have been blessed to be able to see that blessing!
8 *I have been so blessed to receive knowledge and understanding in so many different way. I have learned to love reading and learning. I hope that this is something that I can pass on to my children because it has been such a blessing in my life.
7 *I am thankful for Kent. Today we had a date scheduled and he found out he has the opportunity to go out to Denver and work for a day (crazy I know) instead of jumping at the chance like he has in the past he told me what was going on and said he would feel bad to miss our date. I know how much these work opportunities mean to him and how good it looks to his employer so I said it was fine. We'll have to figure out another way to spend quality time this week, but I am very grateful for him!
6 *I am thankful to have been blessed with car health *knock on wood.* My car is eleven years old and I have owned it for seven years. In that time I have only had to replace one part on the wheel barings (I think) and it only cost me about $200. It is paid in full and it gets me from point A to B without any embarrassment (usually) and for that I am truly grateful!
5 *I am thankful for my knowledge that I am capable of anything I put my mind to as long as I don't place limitations upon myself. There is nothing that I can't accomplish if I put my mind to it.
4 *I am thankful for water and good energizing foods. Today I finally made it a full fast (only because I took a long nap of which I am also thankful for) after having Braxton (I know it took me too long) and I had a head ache and low energy, but as soon as I started eating my veggies and drinking water I started feeling better.
3 *I am thankful to have a wonderful husband who loves me and I am thankful for our beautiful son.
2 *I am thankful for my association with a wonderful family I have known since the age of three. I am thankful I was able to make it to their father's funeral, and I am thankful for the things that he added to my life.
1 *I am thankful for a wonderful husband who can slow down and see what Braxton needs. If it weren't for his suggestion to put Braxton down for nap earlier I wouldn't be sitting here two days in a row listening to a quiet house.

Memorial Day

http://www.takegreatpictures.com/content/images/FINAL_SALUTE07.jpg
I like this picture. It reminds me that not only are we remembering those who have died for our freedoms, but also it reminds us of those who are left behind to make their own sacrifice. I am so thankful to the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed for my freedoms. As I read in the Book of Mormon about those who were not allowed to pray without fear of death I realize these sacrifices have allowed me to never fear kneeling down to pray. As it speaks of those in bondage I realize the only bondage I have ever had to worry about is that bondage I bring upon myself. These families have sacrificed so much so that I may freely speak about whatever I choose to. I can worship how I want to. I can raise my son to know his creator and learn to love Him. I pay my tribute to those who have sacrificed for me so that I can enjoy the freedoms that I don't understand because I have never known what it is not to be free. As much as I can comprehend the blessing I have always been blessed with I truly am grateful for the blessings that follow because of it. Thank you! To any and all of you whom I am indebted to I dedicate "God Bless the USA" to you!

Vacation to Meadow, Cedar City, and St. George

Last week after the reception Kent went to Meadow/Kanosh to help Travis with cows. Thursday night Braxton and I drove down with Uncle Spencer to Grandma and Grandpa Robison's. Friday we all went to Cedar City to stay with Colby and Randi and their kids. Friday we went with them to Bailey's dance recital where Braxton proved that if you try to stay out past bedtime when he is sleep deprived he will prove to you that he can be naughty. We finally left and put him to bed. Saturday we went to Zion's Park and went on a hike to the emerald pools. It was a lot of fun, but definately not a regular stroller hike. We only made it to the first pool because of this but later heard that if you hike up to the top it is much more worth it. It really makes me miss the beautiful lush green hike I used to take in Oregon. After that we met Gordon and Holly in St. George. It was fun to see them and their kids. As they were heading shopping and home we met up with Randi and Colby at Bailey's soccer game. (I'm not sure about putting your kids in all these events. When would I have room to take a breather?) The game was SO hot. We went from jacket last weekend to wanting to go watersliding this weekend. After the game we went to dinner at the Texas Roadhouse with them and Brandy and Jim and everone's kids. It was a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed each others. Braxton seemed to be right at home with all of them. He really liked baby Kyler. He seemed to think that little baby was a lot of fun. (Don't be getting any ideas though he's gonna have to wait for a sibbling just like I waited for him). Finally Sunday we went to church and started our journey home. On our way we stopped to see Brandy and Jim's new home. It was really nice and very spacious. It was fun to eat with them and visit. All this family time has made me really excited to go to Fishlake for the Robison/Kesler reunion this year. I'd better enjoy anticipating it because it is going to come and go before I know it. Here are some pictures of our fun vacation.

Janessa's Wedding

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 I was able to attend my good friend Janessa's sealing as well as her reception later that evening. Our friends Sara, AJ, and their little girl Brianna were there too. It was a lot of fun watching Braxton and Brianna play and dance together. Here are some of those pictures. Enjoy!

Proud Papa's?

Mother's Day Weekend in Logan

There has been a lot going on these last few weeks. A week ago Saturday Kent, Braxton and I went up to Kent's sister Darcy's to hear his cousin report in church about his mission to Korea. That Saturday we went to the little zoo up there in Logan and it was a lot of fun. After the church meeting on Sunday we went to have lunch and there was a playground outside. Even though it was cold enough to need jackets we still had a great time. It was a lot of fun to spend time with Kent's family. I really enjoy them. Here is a slide show of some of the fun we had.

Liesel Birthday Tribute

Happy Birthday Liesel!!!

What do you say about your younger sister who was eight years old when you left to go to college, 13 years old when you got married, and missed the first ten years of your life? You say that she is fabulous! I have always been amazed by Liesel. As she was growing up she had "friends" who weren't always friendly to her. I too had difficulty with the girls in my neighborhood and many times found myself feeling lonely and tears streaming down my face. Liesel, however, has always seemed to have a strong sense of self. When others treated her poorly she was able to look at the situation and walk away confident and strong with the thought of, 'well if you are going to be that way then who needs you anyway!' That has always been impressive to me.

Much like myself, Liesel has always been drawn to young children. Perhaps that comes from being an aunt at the young age of eight. I think that she just has the wonderful quality of being young at heart. She can relate to younger children because she understands the joy and fun of play. She has all kinds of energy and she is strong both in mind and body. I recall when she was younger that she would wrap her legs around Erik's waist (standing at 6'9") and do sit ups at 180 degrees. Recently she has worked very hard to graduate when she started the year behind the rest of her class. I know that she has had a lot of pressure and I am certain that she has dealt very well with it because the is the kind of young woman she is.

Another quality that Liesel possesses is the desire to help. When we were at my parents the last time and Cheryl was there too she noticed that Liesel was the first one to jump up when someone needed help. If someone asked for a glass of water Liesel was glad to get it for them. She was the one who was willing to clean up and run to and fro and always did these things with a smile on her face. I hope that she realizes how wonderful this quality is and appreciates that about herself.

I think the best part about Liesel (in my eyes) is her playful and fun spirit. I recall when we were there a year and a half ago that I got into the fridge and was sneaking cookie dough with Michaela. When Liesel found out she immediately jumped in and joined us in the pig out. I recall someone trying to take it from us and Liesel grabbed the dough and ran away. She always has that playful spirit about her. She's always looking for ways to have fun and help others to have fun. In her efforts to have fun she is also all inclusive. She is one of the first one's to invite others to join in and try to make them feel a part of the group. I am very thankful that Liesel came to our family and blessed our home. I can't imagine a life without my little sister. I love you Liesel!

Happy Celebration of Womanhood Day!

On this special mother's day I would like to thank all of the wonderful women who have been a part of my life. You may not be my mother (and maybe you may), but each and every one of you regardless of how close we are have had some kind of influence on my life and I am thankful for all that I learn from EACH and EVERY one of you. I could go on and list all those things, but it would be too long and too wordy. Just know that I love you all and I appreciate you all for the qualities that you contribute to my life.

I would like, as my gift to you, to leave you with some of the words from Elder Ballard's talk from our most recent conference.
*"After observing and empathizing with three generations of mothers and thinking of my own dear mother, I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."
*"As a Church, we have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve."


*"What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?"
*"First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times
and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and
satisfaction."
*"Second, don’t overschedule yourselves or your children. Families need unstructured time
when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh,
and to play together."
*"Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself
to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do
that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well,
and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and
less to give to others, even to your children."
*"Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your
role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are
praying to the Eternal Parent of us all. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says,
“We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou
wouldst want them raised.”
*"I hope all of you dear sisters, married or single, never wonder if you have worth in the sight of the Lord and to the leaders of the Church. We love you. We respect you and appreciate your influence in preserving the family and assisting with the growth and the spiritual vitality of the Church. I pray that God will continually bless the women of the Church to find joy and happiness in their sacred roles as daughters of God."

Pretzel Salad Recipe

FIRST LAYER
2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
3/4 cup melted margarine
3 tablespoons sugar

SECOND LAYER
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese
1 cup sugar
2 cups whipped topping (small container)

THIRD LAYER
1 lg pkg (6 ounces) strawberry flavored gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 (10oz) boxes frozen strawberries

Preheat oven to 400°. Put first layer in a 9x13x2-inch pan. Bake 8 minutes. Remove to cool.Second Layer - Beat sugar into cheese, stir in whipped topping. Spread over cooled pretzels.Third Layer - Mix gelatin, boiling water and strawberries together and set aside 10 minutes. Pour over cheese mixture; chill thoroughly. From Jean Evans, January 1997

I think this version is similar to the jello salad I had today and it was SOOOO yummy. I thought I would share.

All that I have been blessed with!!!

Today I was listening to my playlist as I watched the pictures on the screen saver. I saw the pictures from Marty's funeral and then watched as pictures of Kent and Braxton popped up. I realized that just how much I love those in my life and how much I will miss anyone who leaves us. I truly have been blessed by my Heavenly Father.

Finding the Sunlight Amidst the Storms

A few weeks back in Relief Society I was expressing my gratitude that the Lord has sent his angels to help us in the fight against Satan. I was thankful because I had been feeling the personal "fiery darts" Satan was throwing at me and I needed to know that the Lord was helping me in my fight. After expressing some of my struggles Sister Heaps suggested a book to me, called "Loving What Is." The following day I went to the library to check it out and there was already a long list of people who had it on hold. I added my name to the list and discovered that there was another book by the same author that was checked in. I checked it out and my thoughts have been changed ever since. The book is, "I Need Your Love - Is That True?" On the book cover it reads, "How to stop seeking love, approval, and appreciation and start finding them instead." Both books (as I stated) are by Byron Katie.

I would like to quote from her book, "When you're constantly trying to be likeable, you leave no gaps in your life in which you can just breathe and notice what you already have, no chance to experience the unlimited options that those gaps are filled with. Even after you've attracted admirers and supporters, you're still busy seeking results. You have to make sure that your friend do all the things friends are supposed to do -- invite you to parties, send work your way, console you when you feel depressed. And it's never enough. You're constantly on the lookout for any evidence that you're not approved of or adored."

There is so much more that I could share, but this seems to kind of sum up what I have read so far. As we are trying to impress one another and trying to convince each other that we are likable and worthy of approval and appreciation we miss that we are liked, loved, appreciated, and approved of, and why? Do we really need every one's approval? Where would we be if we didn't worry about those things? I would be less stressed and more able to focus on whatever it is that I want to accomplish for myself. I have been stuck in this trap with Kent. I have stressed him out with outrageous expectations and even after all he has tried to do to meet those expectations he still falls short and I am still unhappy.

What a relief it has been to allow him to breathe and to see how much he does love me without setting any expectations as to how he needs to show me that love. In fact I found the song "Something That We Do" by Clink Black among my sheet music the other day and in light of my new understanding I really liked the words of this song. My favorite line is "We help to make each other all that we can be, though we can find our strength and inspiration independently." I realized that I have been trying to make Kent like me. I have wanted him to have the same strengths and to be inspired the way that I am. I married him for HIS strengths and I can still find inspiration my own way while allowing him to find his own inspiration.

I think the most interesting thing about this book is that as I read the advice I realize that I have seen examples of this way of thinking. There are a few people that come to mind, but there is one woman in particular who could be the "poster child" of this book. Her name is Lynley. She was in the stake young women's presidency while I was ward camp director. She was always listening and showing love to the girls and the leaders. There was never any feeling that she was worried about how others were perceiving her. She was just concerned about who you were, what your story was and what you needed. I noticed that everyone was drawn to her. In fact she was invited to teach a lesson in our ward's relief society and anyone who knew her was bending over backward to hear her lesson. As I have read and thought of her I realized that what I was reading was exactly true. If we will let go of ourselves and focus on others they will naturally be drawn to us and we will be able to feel of their love. It is my hope that I can allow these thoughts to change me into who I feel I can be. I would love to be someone who is focused on the love that surrounds me!

If you die tomorrow what will your funeral look like?

So this is the question I asked Kent tonight after attending a funeral of a family friend. This is what Kent told me. He wants Braxton to speak. Litterly he wants him to stand at the pulpit and gabber. He then told me it didn't matter because he wouldn't be there. He said why do I want to lay in front of a bunch of people. I then asked him, if his body isn't in the casket at the front of the chapel where will it be. He said, "In the back row." Then I suggested his Uncle Travis speak and he said ok. I also suggested his scouting buddy Bob and he agreed there also, but only "if he doesn't stand there and preach over me!" The comment came up a few times so apparently he really doesn't want any preaching over his dead body. He said the shorter the service the better. If all we had was a viewing he'd be fine with that. He also wants to be burried in a pine box. His final touch is that no one is invited to the funeral. Sorry guys apparently you and I can't even come to this short and nonexistent funeral. So I guess the short of it all is that he'd better not die tomorrow or none of us can come together to morn, but that's ok because I'll keep him a few more decades.

Hybernating in Spring...?

...on the floor...? Why not! Especially when May 1st looks like this...

Gratitude and Blessings in April

30 *After six weeks of Money Mastery class I am so thankful to have the knowledge to use my money wisely and be able to create abundance in my life. Because of this knowledge I will have the money I need so I may have the time I to spend with my family. I know that if we work hard the Lord will bless us with these things.
29 *I am so thankful we attended the ward dinner and auction put on by the YW (for their camp fundraiser). It was so much fun. Three couples, including us, decided to split the cost of a cake and drove the price up to $90. We just sat and laughed and laughed until our guts hurt. I love laughs like that!
28 *I am so thankful for the sunshine we were able to get out and enjoy. I am also thankful for the benefits of exercise on a low energy day.
27 *I am so thankful for the the gospel and the spirit I am able to feel when I go to church. Since I had to work this morning I REALLY missed attending church. I find it very hard to miss church on days like today.
26 *I am thankful for a wonderful date just sitting on the porch talking about life and our dreams and asperations (We couldn't go out due to Braxton being sick).
25 *I am thankful that I was able to sort through all the clothes that Braxton's cousins gave him. I am also SO grateful for all the clothing donations we have received lately. We have been very blessed in that way.
24 *I am so thankful for the good things in this life. Even when I am feeling blue I know that there are things I can turn to for peace and love! ie: scriptures, prayer, service, exercise, good music, good literature, inspiring friends and family, and the list goes on and on.
23 *I am thankful for early rising. I was able to get in a 45 minute walk because of it and scripture study. I was also blessed with understanding when Kent told me of a costly mistake he made. The best blessing of all is that because I woke up Braxton early too I have enjoyed a wonderful long nap time! YEA! I was even able to change a messy diaper without him waking up fully. The day has been good.
22 *I am thankful to be able to get so much done today. I got a good workout in as well as a visiting teaching appointment and much more.
21 *I am thankful for the patience I was able to have during another day where Braxton didn't nap. I am also thankful for the recollection of knowledge of earlier wake up to get kids to nap who are not old enough to be through with naps.
20 *I am very thankful for deeply satisfying laughter (the deep in the gut kind) with my husband.
19 *I am thankful for a fun day at the zoo with my husband, son, sister and her family.
18 *I am thankful for the earthly angels God sends you in your time of need!
17 *I am thankful for a wonderful picnic at the park with my boys. It was also great to get KFC and not have to cook.
16 *I am thankful for my money mastery class. It is nice to have some knowledge about what I need to do to have my future financially secure, especially for retirement.
15 *I am thankful for my strength. I have been adding strength training to my exercise program for about two and a half weeks now and I can already see the growth I am getting.
14 *I am thankful to be having some kind of family night every Monday night. Tonight it was a trip to the fish store,
13 *I am thankful that my house was clean enough to have friends over to play games, and I am thankful to have such good friends.
12 *I am thankful for Kent's willingness to take me shoe shopping.
11 *I am thankful for the email that reminded me to prepare to substitute in Relief Society Sunday.
10 *I am thankful for wonderful friends and sunshine!
9 *I am grateful to be able to give some of my excess to someone who needed it. My cousin's wife was looking for the same stuff I used to help my milk come back when it was drying up and I still had a lot left over that I was able to mail to her. It feels so good to feel rich and be able to give to others.
8 *In honor of my grandmother's birthday today I am thankful for the wonderful memories that I have of my childhood, my grandparents, and all of my family including my extended.
7 *I am thankful for the sunshine (especially since we didn't have any today) and I am thankful for our family home evening to the pet store tonight.
6 *I am very thankful for prayerful prophets. I know that is the reason Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke about mother's today.
5 *I am thankful to be able to buy nice clothing to protect me from the elements.
4 *I am thankful for the blessings of prayer and the temple as well as the love of my Heavenly Father to take care of me in my time of need yesterday.
3 *I am thankful to have the knowledge of modern day prophets and I look forward to hearing from them this weekend!
2 *I am thankful that I was able to accomplish so much today. It makes me feel good when I am productive.
1 *I am thankful for pain pills. If it weren't for them I wouldn't have been able to deal with my day due to the pounding headache I woke up with.