Life's Journey To Perfection

It's been a long time!

2010-05-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

It has really been a long time since I posted. We have been crazy here at the house with college graduation and now moving. So, blogging has been put on hold for a little bit. Sorry and thanks for your support!!

Cardboard car mat

2010-03-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

This is made from the box that our bottle water comes in. I just painted it, sprayed it with a finish and let the children enjoy!!!

Cardboard Dragon Boats!

2010-02-15T15:16:00.000-08:00

So I saw some cute cardboard boats here on Ikat bag. They looked like so much fun. So I made some for my boys. I layed out a towel and let them go to work with the markers. They loved it and were so excited to show their dad when he got home!!

Dinosaur Cake

2010-02-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

Roarrrr!!!

I love making my children's birthday cakes. This year my little boy was really into dinos, so he wanted a dinosaur cake. I used two square pans, pouring half of the cake mix into each pan. A tip I love to use when baking cakes is to line the bottom of the cake pan with wax or parchment paper, then spray the whole pan with cooking spray. It make everything come out so easy. When cakes are done and cool, in between the layers I like to put a filling, for this particular one I used a fat free pudding cup. I then iced the cake with the chocolate icing. For the volcano I used rice crispy treat formed by using a funnel, I also indented the top. Then I iced it with the chocolate icing. For the little lake I made blue jigglers. I put a candy fish underneath the jiggler. The hill next to the volcano was a chololate candy covered with icing. And the little rocks were just chocolate candies. I used a plastic bag filled with green icing, snipped the corner and just started making the greanery. Also, with the redish icing made the lauva and the wording. Add the dinosaurs and there you have it a dinosaur land cake!

Cutest little boy bed!

2010-02-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

So, I just had to show off my little boy's new bedspread. It was made by my mom, I must say she is very talented and did a fabulous job. We have found that if you need to purchase a lot of material, such as for bedspreads, the most inexpensive way is to by sheets. We usually just purchase the flat sheets from Walmart. You get a ton of material for your money. The front of the bed spread was made from a brown flat sheet, muslin and spraps for the cute bears and trees. The reverse side was an off white sheet with some pladish lines in it. She also used the shapes of the bears and trees to quilt the beadspread, so cute! I love the cute little deco pillow made to match! She even made the sheets for the bed.

Quick last minute Valentine's Gift or Early Start for Mother's Day

2010-02-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

This was a quick gift we put together for my sons teacher.

Supplies:

container (I used a washed glass yeast container)
beans
popsicle sticks
garbage ties
ribbon
tissues
muffin papers
double sided tape
water color paint
suckers
Foam
stickers

First we decorated the container with heart stickers. Next, tie your ribbon around the top. Then, pour some beans in the container. Next, we made our flowers.

For the tissue flower I used one tissue and folded it in half then half again. I cut all the edges so there were no folds, then I gathered it and secured it in the middle with the tie. Next, start separating the tissues forming it into a white carnation. To secure it onto the popsicle stick I just wrapped the tie around the stick until it was secure. You could also hot glue. Then I just painted the tips of the edges red with water colors.

For the muffin paper flower: I used a yellow, a white and a pink. I folded the yellow in half and cut off the whole middle part (the part without the crimping) and a little bit of the crimping. Then I double sided taped it to the stick and loosely wrapped it around and secured with tape. The white, fold in half and cut out the middle. Secure it with tap onto the yellow and loosely wrap, secure with tape at the end. The pink, fold in half and cut out a little bit if the middle. Then I also cut on the folds, so there were two pieces, I secured wit tape onto the white and wrapped around.

Next place your flowers into the container. Add you pick or tag (mine was this laddy bug book mark made from a foam kit) the insert the suckers along the base.

Baptism handouts

2010-02-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

So, I can not take credit for the poem and the sad thing is that I don't know who the author is. But I really liked it so I designed a couple different handouts that we are giving to our primary children at their baptism. There is a girl one and a boy one. Just print them out on cardstock or matte photo paper. Then glue or double side tape on an old dirty penny next to the paragraph about it and then a nice new shinny penny next to the paragraph about the shinny penny.

Girl

Boy

*These are so two fit on a 81/2 by 11 paper (tip: minimize margins and print with best quality)

2010 Primary Music Outline

2010-01-23T22:42:00.000-08:00

I am giving these to my choristers and pianists.

Primary: "Reverence 5"

2010-01-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

To help remind the children to be reverent in primary last year our primary president made a cute sign, I can't remember exactly where she got the idea. I was telling my sister-in-law about it and she wanted a copy. So here is what I came up with. Just print it off on cardstock, cut out and glue or paste onto a tongue depressor/craft stick. How to use it: Introduce it to the children, explaining what each finger/picture mean (eye: eyes looking up front, arms folded: keep hands to self/fold arms, lips: mouths closed/no talking, ear: Ears ready to listen, shoes: feet still and on ground). Explain that when the sign is raised then they need to do those things, the sames goes with when a leader raises their hand in a five. The goal is for the leader to be able to hold their own hand up and the children quiet down and be reverent. I think we reminded the children what the five things were with the sign for about a month or two. Then we would just use our hand and it works great! * Tip for printing: click on image and print. Works best if you reduce margins *

In Need!

2010-01-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

It seems like there are so many people in need right now. But with the devestation in Haiti, their needs are brought to the spotlight. Here are ways that we can help: Check with local schools and churches many are having drives and clothing donation boxes right now. Also contacting the American Red Cross or the United Way and finding out ways to help.*** Always make sure you trust the place you are donating too, it's sad but there is fraud out there.

Dec 2009 VT Message:Nurture through Compassionate Service

2010-01-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

So I was a major slacker this last month and didn't post about the Visit Teaching message. It was Nurture through Compassionate Service. I guess better late then never...

I love this quote by "President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: “Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. … In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers” (“Happiness, Your Heritage,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 119, 120)."

I once had a teacher say that we should pray everyday to find those who are in need of our help. If we sincerely ask our Father in Heaven to help us find those people, then we will be able to. But, we also have to act! I remember one of my scripture masteries in Seminary was: Faith without works is dead. This helped us remember the scripture found in, James 2:20. Another thing that reiterates that is the picture of the Savior standing and knocking at a door without a doorknob. We need to do our part and put our faith into ACTION.

I know that I need to be better at being more compassionate of those around me. Of slowing my own busy life down, opening my heart and seeking those who might be in need of some comfort or friendship.

What Have I Been Up To....

2010-01-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I just got caught up on reading all of my favorite blogs! There are some amazingly creative people out there that are such an inspiration! Up until Christmas I was super busy getting all Christmas ready then since Christmas I have been working on stuff for 2010 Primary (I am in our wards primary presidency).

I love the theme for this year in primary, "I know my Savior lives". I had a lot of fun working on some stuff to introduce the theme. We did a bulletin board. I used some brown craft paper and at the top was the lettering "I know my Savior lives". Then starting at the bottom I traced footprints (12 of them) leading to the top. In the bottom corner is this years scripture. Then, on my computer I made the foot prints with the monthly themes and cordinating pictures. Lastly I made hearts with our primary children's names on them. That they would post on the bulletin.

Examples of the foot prints. Images were found on lds.org & lds.about.com. February's is actually one of Del Parson's.

I will have to take a picture and post what the bulletin board actually looks like.

The theme song ("I know my Savior loves me") for this year is a beautiful song! We put pictures to the music and made a video to show the primary children to introduce the new song to them.

We also had a special sharing time (we had to cancel our beginning of the year activity). To introduce the theme we had pictures of Christ on the walls around the primary room. We then had the children walk around the room and look at the pictures of Christ. The last place they stopped was a huge mirror. They looked into it and were told that they are made in God's image and that Jesus loves them. They then received their heart with their name on it and they got to post it onto the bulletin board.

I am really excited for this year and the opportunity the children will have to grow closer to Christ.

Other 2010 primary ideas we are doing:

We are having a birthday box. On the top is an envelope that says Happy Birthday. Inside the envelope are birthday balloons with the people's names who have birthdays that month. They also get a picture of christ with the Articles of Faith on the back and they get to choose something from the birthday box.

For our assignments we have a mailbox and someone gets to be mail person each week. The assignments are put on a wrist band that we tape around the children's wrist.
Spotlight/Reverence Child: We are spotlighting a child each week. We have asked their parents a Christlike characteristic that they have and then we will share it with the primary before the reverence song.

Hopefully these idea's might be useful. I will be posting other 2010 primary ideas as they come up.

I am still Here!!

2010-01-04T22:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am still here! I have just been super busy with getting things ready for Primary for the new year. I will be posting soon!

Christmas Crafting

2009-12-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

So, I know it is a little last minute, but if you need some last minute ideas or even some ideas for next Christmas, here's what I've been up to:

Nativity Tiles

I loved this picture of The Nativity. I printed everything out on my printer (I had customized the size of everything using my photo editing software). To assemble, I followed the same steps used by Little Birdie Secrets here.
I also added felt to the back.

Post-it Holder

This was a cute idea I found on Sister Stuff. I made this one for my kid's teacher. I used my software to custome make my insert and them printed it off on 4X6 photo paper.

My kids personal Graham Cracker Houses

This is a tradition I do with my kids. They love it and get to have a yummy treat!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-12-16T14:36:00.001-08:00

'Tis the time to be busy! I have some crafts that I will be posting soon! I just have to find the time!

Service Opportunity for December

2009-12-11T14:31:00.000-08:00

In December it seems like there are a lot of opportunities out there to provide service. So much sometimes that it might be a little over whelming. The key is to just do what you can and you will be blessed for doing that. Here are a few ideas of ways that you can serve:

Help a neighbor prepare or deal with the cold weather (shoveling snow, winterizing yard, etc)
When making Christmas treats make up an extra plate and visit someone who is alone.
Treat others with kindness, especially at this busy time of year. It is amazing how just a friendly smile and a "Happy Holidays" can be a service to someone.
Schools are always in need of volunteers.
Do a small "sub- for- santa", drop off some groceries to someone who is in need.
With it being cold weather I am sure the homeless shelters are always in need of donations.
There are many many more things that you can do! Just think of something and then act upon it.

**Remember it is the thought that counts! Just do what you are able. Try to make someone's holiday a little bit nicer.

Marshmallow Snowman

2009-12-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas Candy Containers

2009-12-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

Here are a few variations of containers for Christmas (The snowman my kids are giving to there teachers for Christmas, they helped put them together and drew on the faces):

This is the up-cycled nut container. This is so easy to do. First remove the label and wash your container (the ones I use are Diamond Nut containers, they are all metal and don't have any sharp edges) make sure you thoroughly dry it, if you don't it will rust. Now just cut some scrapbook paper or card stock 2" by 11". If you are doing stenciling now would be the time, (I stenciled the stars). Now you can put double sided tape on the backside on both ends. Secure one end to the container and wrap around overlapping the paper at the end and pressing down to secure with the tape. Now you can add any embelishment to the container (this is also when we drew the faces onto the snowman with markers, I rosied the cheeks with a q-tip or small cotton ball and blush).

For the lid there are a few variations I have done. I have mod podged the whole top of the lid with scrapbook paper, I have glued down just the center of the lid with scrap book paper and for the snowman I glued a fleece hat onto the lid. To do the snowman hat. measure around the top of the lid and cut out the fleece fabric to that measurment plus 1/2 inch. The height of the hat is about 5 or so inches, make it however tall you'd like. Then you are going to hot glue the fleece around the hat overlapping the fabric at the end and then hot glue the two overlaped ends together, all the way up. Now put a little bit of batting in there and tie off with yarn, ribbon, jute, whatever you have handy. Now the fabric that is the top portion of the hat you will need to cut down almost to the tie off, every inch or so. Last use some of that "furry", "fluffy: yarn and trim around the bottom of the hat.

For the other contaimers I trimmed the sides of the lids with 3 strands of jute, finishing it off with a bow or a knot.

Just fill with your favorite Christmas treats, attach a tag and deliver!

-Fun Idea to Help kids remember the True Meaning of Christmas-

2009-12-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

Print these cute nativity pictures (found from Dec 2004 Friend) out onto magnet paper and let your kids tell you and each other the nativity story.

Quiet Book

2009-12-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

So, I am always thinking of ways to try and keep my boys quiet at church. I also like taking things that help them to remember the Savior and their Father in Heaven. So I came up with this inexpensive easy quiet book. All you need is:

A ring clasp to hold it all together (you could use ribbon or yarn too, whatever you have)
Cereal box
scrapbook paper
access to a computer and printer to print out pictures and wording

First what you will want to do is find the pictures that you would like to use and decide on what wording you would like. All of my pictures I got from here. Then using my photo editing software I just started making my pages and then posted them onto a 8 1/2 by 11 page in my program. My little book had 18 pages and a front and back cover. I then printed them on matte photo paper (you could use cardstock) and cut them all out. Then I measured and cut my cereal box to size. I used scrapbook paper for the front and back, so I cut it to size too. Then I started assembly. I glued the cover on and then started gluing on the pages in the order I wanted them. I put my lable on the front, bunched a hole in the corner of each of them and put them on the ring. So now hopefully it will be something to keep my boys busy, at least for a little bit!

Fun Family Memory Game

2009-12-04T15:51:00.000-08:00

This is super easy, super fun, and super cute!
What is needed-

An old cereal box
glue (mod podge or glue stick)
scrapbook paper
pictures
a small brad

Okay, so what I did first was got on my computer, found pictures of each of my family members, edited my pictures so they were 2 X 2, I also made them black and white, you could leave them colored or change them to sephia too. Then in my photo editing software, which I downloaded for free here (paint.net), made my page 8 1/2 by 11 and arranged my photos on the page making sure I had two of each family member's photo. I then printed it off on matte photo paper, you could also just print them off on cardstock. Next I cut out the photos, then I measured the photos and then cut the cereal box to size. I also cut the scrapbook paper to size too. Then it is time to assemble. I made sure you couldn't see the writing from the cereal box through my picture (I couldn't by using the matte photo paper, but make sure you check yours), you will want to paste which ever paper (scrapbook or photo) onto the writing side of the cereal box that doesn't have the writing show through, then paste the other onto the other side. So, you will end up with one side the picture the other side scrapbook paper. Make sure the scrapbook paper is all the same. Next you need to make you closure. I used a scrap of the cereal box. I cut mine so it was 3/4 of an inch wide by 6 inches long. Your measurements may vary depending on what size your memory cards ended up being and how many cards you made. What I did to find out how long I needed it was I stacked up all of my cards and then wrapped a measuring tape around it overlapping it by almost an inch, then I cut my cereal box to those measurments. I then glued the cordinating scrapbook paper onto the side with the writing. Then I wrapped it around my stack of cards so it overlapped by about an inch in the front. I put a small brad in the top piece and then I put velcro to secure it closed. And there you have it a fun, inexpensive game. Please let me know if this does not make sense or if you need futher instructions.

November 2009 Visit Teaching Message

2009-11-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

This month was a pick and choose month, which means I got to pick my favorite conference talk. This time it was easy, actually when I heard the Apostle give the talk I knew that it would be the one I would share with my sisters.

The Talk I chose was: Safety for the Soul by Elder Jeffery R. Holland

I do recommend actually listening to his talk, not just reading it. He gave the most powerful testimony I have ever heard. This is one of my most favorite parts of his talk, "As one of a thousand elements of my own testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon, I submit this as yet one more evidence of its truthfulness. In this their greatest—and last—hour of need, I ask you: would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives, their honor, and their own search for eternal salvation on a book (and by implication a church and a ministry) they had fictitiously created out of whole cloth? Never mind that their wives are about to be widows and their children fatherless. Never mind that their little band of followers will yet be “houseless, friendless and homeless” and that their children will leave footprints of blood across frozen rivers and an untamed prairie floor. Never mind that legions will die and other legions live declaring in the four quarters of this earth that they know the Book of Mormon and the Church which espouses it to be true. Disregard all of that, and tell me whether in this hour of death these two men would enter the presence of their Eternal Judge quoting from and finding solace in a book which, if not the very word of God, would brand them as imposters and charlatans until the end of time? They would not do that! They were willing to die rather than deny the divine origin and the eternal truthfulness of the Book of Mormon."

I have heard Apostles bear their testimonies, this one stands out! He said it with such conviction. He also goes on to say,

"I ask that my testimony of the Book of Mormon and all that it implies, given today under my own oath and office, be recorded by men on earth and angels in heaven. I hope I have a few years left in my “last days,” but whether I do or do not, I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world, in the most straightforward language I could summon, that the Book of Mormon is true, that it came forth the way Joseph said it came forth and was given to bring happiness and hope to the faithful in the travail of the latter days."

I will always remember this conference talk and the strength of his testimony and how strong I felt the spirit as he testified of these truths.

Lunch Bag Snowman Decoration

2009-11-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Okay so this one is a super easy, inexpensive decoration. I thought it would be great for a kid’s craft. All you need is:

· Brown paper lunch bag (I actually used the small bag)

· Acrylic paints (white, orange, red-or whatever color you would like the hat to be)

· Black Marker

· Jute

· 2 or so plastic bags

· Paint brushes

· scissors

First, start at the bottom and paint the bag 1/3 the way up white (to get a little antiquish effect don't put as much paint on your brush). Make sure you paint the bottom of the bag white too. Then take the color you are using for the hat and pain the rest of the bag that color. After this dries it is time to paint on the face. I used a permanent black marker and just drew on the eyes and the mouth. The nose I painted on with some orange paint. Last I added a little detail and sparkle into the eye with a white paintbrush, if you had a white paint marker you could do this easily with that too. Next, stuff your snowman with plastic bags. For my small snowman I used two bags. Then you will gather and tie the hat, leaving about 2 inches at the top. You then need to start at the top and cut down to the tie about every inch or so. And there you have it a fun little decoration. Please let me know if you need any more instructions or clarification on anything.

2009-11-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

This was a great idea I found on Inspire Me Crafts. Take your scrap cardstock or scrapbook paper and those magnets you get off of the phone books or from businesses and make some of these cute bookmarks. I used some card stock and some stickers to embellish.

**Tip make sure that your magnet attract each other. Glue or double side tape onto one side, put magnets together then glue or tape onto the other side. I hope that makes sense!

Washer Necklaces & Picture Frame Calendar

2009-11-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

So the first craft item I will be posting about from the Super Saturday table was the washer necklaces. I found the idea of the cute necklaces from Stacie at the Creative Crate. So after looking everywhere for some diamond glaze and finally ordering it only at Joanns, I got to work making me some.
What you need:

Metal washers, you can purchase these from any hardware department (I just got mine at Walmart)
Scrapbook paper
Glue (Mod Podge)
Diamond Glaze
Ribbon, Jute, etc
Bead

Stacie also has a tutorial on her website. Click here.

***Tip, do not shake your diamond glaze. If you do, you will end up with bubbles.***
*I didn't use clasps on mine, because I wanted the length adjustable. So mine are just tied.

I have posted this dry erase calendar before here. This was also an inspiration from Stacie at The Creative Crate.

Super Saturday Display Table

2009-11-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I did a display table for our Relief Society's Super Saturday. It was up-cycled and repurposed craft ideas. Here is just a preview of what was on the table. I will be posting directions on these craft items, so check back throughout the week.

* I do have to point out that some of these crafts were inspired by other crafters. I will be posting who these creative crafters are as I go through and post about the items. *

Links to items I have previously posted about:

Flower Pot/Candy Holder made from plastic container

Bean Bag Toss from Box

Bean Bags

Children's Chalk Boards

Basket made from mailing box

Boy's Scripture bag

Beach Pillow

Crayon Holder Tutorial

2009-11-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a tutorial on how to make this crayon holder.

First gather your supplies:

Plastic canvas
Yarn
Large needle (hole needs to be big enough to fit yarn through)
Velcro
Embellishment for front

First Step:

Cut all pieces out from plastic canvas.

Step Two: Trim off all of the excess from all pieces.

Step Three: Sew the inside box together. Start by sewing the sides onto the bottom, then sew the sides together and finish off the edges.

Step Four: Put your embelishments on the top piece of the outside box. This could be anything, you could sew a design on with yarn, sew the child's name, or sew on or glue on an embelishment. The puppy one is a felt puppy I cut out and hand sewed around, then I glued him on. The flower is a silk flower that took the center out of and hand sewed a button on and sewed it onto the top.

Step Five: Sew the handle onto the one of the long side pieces.

Step Six: Sew the outside box together. Start by sewing the three sides onto the bottom, then sew the sides together and sew the top onto all of the sides. tip (make sure that the handle is at the top)

Step Seven: Sew the flap on so the velcro will close onto the back of the box. Hand sew the velcro onto the flap and onto the back (I used two strands of white thread). Finish off all of the edges and trim any loose strands.

Step Eight: Place crayons or a box of chalk inside, fasten and give it to a lucky kid!

* Crayon boxes have been around a long time. I have know idea of who originally came up with them. This one has been customized by me and my mom. She came up with the flap closure, which is great because the crayons don't slide out. *

Service Opportunities

2009-11-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

Posted for November 2009:
This month I am going to focus on giving to thrift stores. When you give of your stuff to thrift stores it goes a long way. You are helping to provide jobs to those in need. The items you donate are sold at low prices. At the Deseret Industries it goes even further, merchandice can be purchased by the public at low costs and for those who are in need, it is offered at no cost. By donating items to be reused you are also keeping stuff out of the land fills. I have a friend who spoke to her children before Christmas one year and asked them to go through their toys and pick out some toys that they could give to the Deseret Industries. She told them that there were other children out there that would like a Christmas too, and by giving of their toys it would make it possible for their moms and dads to be able to afford toys for their children. What an amazing lesson to teach your children. So go through your house and look for stuff you just don't use anymore and take it into your local thrift store.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

Desert Industries

Goodwill

About Me

2009-11-13T14:18:00.000-08:00

Hi, welcome to my blog. My name is Kim, I am a stay at home mom and wife. Having three energetic little boys keeps me constantly on my toes. I still try to find time though to pursue some of the things I like to do. Some of my hobbies include:

Crafting (Digi Scrapbooking, paper crafts, sewing, needle work, crocheting(beginner), kids crafts, etc), the list could go on and on, I love to try out new ways of crafting!
Cooking (I do enjoy to cook, I love to take recipes and change them up a little bit. A lot of times in hopes of making them a little bit healthier)
Poetry (I enjoy writing poems, many family members have been recipients of these poems)
Drawing (I enjoy trying to draw)
Piano (I am not the best and I probably should have taken more lessons, but I do love to sit down and play some music)
Exercise and being Active (Okay, so this is one that me and my husband both enjoy. Do not be suprised if you see us walking around miles away from home.)
Service (This includes fullfiling any callings I might have in my church. I think if a person truly has a desire to be happy, then they need to serve others)

How did I get into doing crafts?
My mom has sewed and crochet since I was born. She made some of our clothes and a lot of her home decor. She tried to get me into sewing when I was little and I refused (totally regretting it now). She also always had fun stuff for us to do, whether it be stuff with beads, leather work or helping make homemade gifts. My Nana (mom's mom), I would say is pretty crafty. She would always get me little craft projects to do. I think that is maybe what started my interest.

More about me:
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which has helped me throughout my life's journey. I am excited to be able to share with you some of my thoughts and ideas and would love to hear yours also, so we can try to help each other on our "Journey to Perfection".

Service Done with Love

2009-11-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

What a remarkable thing service is! It is nice to be on the receiving end of the service, but even greater to be on the giving end. Throughout my life I have had the opportunities to provide service for people around me. It is such an amazing thing to see someone in need and be able to help them out. Everyone will be in need of something sometime in their lives.

I know that it seems like this time of year service and giving is really pushed. I don’t think that people should feel guilty if they can’t give to every organization that is asking for funds. It is great to do if you can, but there are many other ways to provide service to others. I looked up the word service on the web and it is defined as: “work done by one person or group that benefits another” and “an act of help or assistance”. So when ever you are doing something to help, assist or benefit another you are providing service. I want to take it even further and say that service is giving without wanting anything in return, including not wanting acknowledgment.

In my ward primary I was able to teach some youth about service. We made a club, called the Secret Service Club. To be a member of our club you need to provide secret acts of service. I am excited to here of their experiences and feelings they felt while serving.

Service does not have to be something huge or spending a lot of money. It can be as simple as opening a door for someone, or being a friend and lending a listening ear. There are many resources out there to help you find ways to serve. Schools are always looking for volunteers.

Service is a very important thing in our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). We believe that we are all brothers and sisters and are our Father in Heaven’s children. In Mosiah 2:17 it states: “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Book of Mormon)

Here are some wonderful websites that give you some ideas of ways to serve. It even has patterns.
Provident Living: Current Needs
LDSP: Humanitarian Services
Humanitarian Aid Patterns

I would like to invite you to try to do those secret acts of service. Each month I will be posting ideas of ways we can serve. Just think if everyone focused more on giving service and loving the neighbor it would solve alot of the world's problems.

Work In Progress

2009-11-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on a tutorial for the crayon/chalk holder featured on my post with the children's chalkboards. So watch for it, it will be coming soon. If there are any of my other craft projects that you would like more detailed instructions on or a tutorial please let me know. Thanks!

Browny bites!

2009-10-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yum!! These are so yummy!! Head over to Bakerella for the instructions. What a talented person! I made mine with just a store bought mix and for the chocolate I used milk chocolate and white chocolate morsels. They were so yummy they were gone before I could get a good picture! (I did pumpkins, ghost & frankenstein)

Getting Batty!

2009-10-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun little candy holder, great for a little Halloween gift.

To make this craft all you need is some black yarn, google eyes, canvas, hot glue, ribbon or halloween fabric, black cardstock, & white embroidery floss. First cut out all of your pieces. I cut 4 squares 12X12 (that is not inches, that is counting 12 holes). The front one I cut a little different, because it has ears. I also cut the strip for the handle it is 25X2. I then stiched all of the pieces with the black yarn. Then I stitched on the mouth and teeth on the face with the white embroidery floss and glued on the google eyes. Then I sewed all of the pieces together. Last I cut out the bat wings out of black cardstock and hot glued them on. Then filled with candy and there you have it a fun little gift.

Click on pattern to print, may have to adjust size of wings so they look proportioned.

October 2009 VT Message: Nurture the Rising Generation

2009-10-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

This months visit teaching message was "Nurture the Rising Generation". This is a very important topic to me, since I have children of my own and I serve in our wards primary presidency. My favorite quote from the article was from President Gordon B. Hinkley, "Never forget that these little ones are the sons and daughters of God and that yours is a custodial relationship to them, that He was a parent before you were parents and that He has not relinquished His parental rights or interest in these His little ones. … Rear your children in love, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Take care of your little ones. Welcome them into your homes, and nurture and love them with all of your hearts. They may do, in the years that come, some things you would not want them to do, but be patient, be patient. You have not failed as long as you have tried” (“Words of the Living Prophet,” Liahona, May 1998, 26–27; “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, July 1997, 73). I think it is great to just have a reminder that our children are in fact Heavenly Father's children. I think it help us to be better parents knowing that we are going to be held accountable for the things we do and the way we teach our children. I also believe that we have a responsiblity not only for the nurturing of our own children, but of all children. I liked what Sister Barbara Thompson says, "Sometimes a Young Women leader or a Primary teacher says or does just the thing that is needed to reinforce what a parent is trying to teach. And obviously we don’t need any particular calling to reach out to a friend or neighbor” (“I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help Thee,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 117). We never know when something we say or the way we act will effect a child who looks up to us.

Fun Halloween Containers

2009-10-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

These are made from almond nut containers (lables peeled off, washed and dried). I really liked them because they are metal, but have no sharp edges. I then cut my scrapbook paper 2"X11" and inked the edges. Then using double sided tape I taped it onto the container. The lids I mod podged on scrapbook paper. Then glued on twine. The "Trick-or-Treat" tags I printed off on the computer, cut out, inked edges and glued on. I then just drew a ghost, cut out, inked edges & tied onto twine. I filled the containers with some really yummy popcorn mix. Happy Halloweening!

Tip: Where to get books for cheap

2009-10-13T14:07:00.001-07:00

A friend of my husbands let us in on a little secret. They purchase their reading material from Goodwill (I am sure the D.I. is the same way). So I thought I would try it out. I have had some amazing finds! I have purchased 4 Harry Potter books for $1.99 each, one was even a nice hardback. I have also been able to purchase some kids books for 79 cents each. They even have days when certain colored tag items are 50% off (unfortunately it hasn't been on the days I have gone). All the books I have purchased have been in excellent condition. So next time you are wanting some new reading material. Take a trip to your local thrift store.

Family Home Evenings

2009-10-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have taken stock and re-evaluated things and have decided that I really need to get back on the ball with Family Home Evening lessons. So what I have decided to do is plan out three months at a time and get everything scheduled and all printed out and ready. So, when Family night comes I don't have to worry about what I am going to do for it. I also am planning on it being a theme for the entire week. So I will have scriptures that we can read every night, which will help keep us on task with family scripture study. Here is what we will be doing in October:

Week of 11th-17th: Obedience: Open with activity: Simon says. Lesson: Show picture of kids obeying, read Eph 6:1. Sing quickly I’ll obey. Talk about how Jesus obeyed Heavenly Father and how we are try to be like Jesus. Play chutes and ladders. Color picture. Have kids help make the treat, reading the recipe and obeying the recipe rules.

Throughout the week: Read a scripture about some one being obedient and being blessed: Daniel & Lion's Den (Mon), Lehi fleeing to wilderness (tue), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (wed), Noah (Thurs), Family Proc (Friday), Colossians 3:20 (Sat)

Obedience Jar: Obey put bean in Jar, Disobey take one out. When Jar full can choose a family activity.

Week of 18th-24th: Kindness: Opening: Say something nice about each person in the family. Lesson: Read scripture John 13:34. How do we love one another? By treating and speaking to each other with kindness. Tell story of Good Samaritan. What are good ways we can treat each other as family members? How should we talk to each other? If someone does something we don’t like how do we deal with it? How do we treat others outside of our home. Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do to you. Song: Jesus said love everyone. Game: Charades Treat: Monkey bread

Throughout week: Smiley/Frowny Face on their door. When being kind the smiley, not then Frowny.

Scriptures: Peter 1:7, Mosiah 18:21, 1 John 4:7, John 15:17, D&C 88:123, Matt 25:34-40.

Week of 25th-31st: Honesty: Opening: Have a back pack and cans of food that have little white lies written on them. Put backpack on someone and start to fill with the food. Talk about how little lies start to feel heavy. Lesson: Read 13th Article of Faith. Lesson: Talk about what honesty is. We tell the whole truth. If we get too much change back we tell the person. If we say we are going to do something, then we do it. Play a game like memory. Explain that we do not cheat if we are being honest. Sing song, “I believe on being honest”. Have treat, let them get it themselves, see if being honest by taking certain amount.

Throughout week: Scriptures: Exodus 20:15-16, Alma 53:16-22, 56:44-57, Alma 27:27, 2 Corinth 8:21, D&C 97:8

Fun Fall Floral

2009-10-08T20:57:00.001-07:00

This was pretty quick, inexpensive and easy. I had just bought some flower bunches (2 of them). I cut them low at the base of the stem with wire cutters. I had some Styrofoam from a box that I cut to the size of my outside planter. I then crumbled up a brown paper bag and glued and taped it to the Styrofoam. Then I just started to insert the flowers into the Styrofoam and added a little scarecrow I had. Then I secured it with wire to my planter. There you have it a quick outdoor deco!

Fun Kid Travel Chalk Boards & Crayon Case

2009-10-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

So, chalkboard paint is amazing!! I thought of this fun craft and thought it would make a great present for Christmas! I just bought some clipboards and some chalkboard paint. I painted the clipboards with a few coats of the chalkboard paint. When it was dry, I then conditioned the chalkboard (rubbed chalk onto the chalkboard, wiped with an eraser, then wiped clean with a damp cloth). Then I used some scrapbook paper and mod podge to embellish. Lastly I painted their names onto the chalkboard. I attached a piece of chalk with some ribbon. By using the clipboard they can use it as a chalkboard and also secure paper onto it to color with crayons.

I also made these fun crayon boxes. My children love them.

Cute Dry Erase Board

2009-10-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

I made these for some bithday presents. I got the original idea from The Creative Crate and then added my own twist. How I made mine: I bought the frames, then I made a pattern for my calendar. I placed the pattern under the glass, making sure it was the mirror image. Then using a permanent marker and a ruler I drew all of the lines using the pattern as a guide on the backside of the glass. I used a finer permanent marker to write the days. I used some white fabric to cover the card board for a backing. I then also covered the dry erase marker with some scrapbook paper and put some velcro on the frame and the marker.

September 2009 VT Message: Understand and Live the Gospel of Christ

2009-09-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Understand and Live the Gospel of Christ

This is a subject that is so important to me. I am so grateful and blessed to have the gospel in my life! I know that sometimes I take it for granted, since I have never been without it. I do not know how others go though life and make it through things, not have the gospel. When I am doing the things I should be doing, such as: saying my personal and family prayers, reading the scriptures, attending church and partaking of the sacrament, etc. I am stronger. I know that I can overcome anything that is thrown at me. I know that when trials come it gives me a chance to grow closer to my Heavenly Father. Why is it that when we are going through a trial, we pray a little bit more? I do anyways, I guess it must be because we need that extra help and strength from our Heavenly Father. I love this quote from Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “We must live the gospel in such a way that we will have the Spirit to ever be with us. If we live worthily, the Spirit will always be with us. We can then teach by the Spirit. … The reason we pray, study the scriptures, have good friends, and live the gospel through obedience to the commandments is so that when—not if, but when—the trials come, we are ready” (“Teaching by Faith,” Liahona, Sept. 2003, 10, 14–15; Ensign, Sept. 2003, 20, 24–25).

I love that! It is so true, everyone has trials. Isn't it wonderful that we have the means to be prepared. I love this scripture, "...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

I also hope though, that when things are going good in our lives, that we remember our Heavenly Father and give him our thanks, because he is why things are so good.

Great Deal!

2009-09-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Great Deal!!! Babys R Us is having a trade-in event right now. You can take your used strollers, car seats, etc and trade it in for 20% of a new select brand item. We did this! We traded in our old little umbrella stroller and got 20% off our new double stroller. We also traded in our broken car seat (it had a manufacture defect, so we haven't been able to use it) and we got 20% off a new booster seat. It turned out to be a great deal for us!!! I think there is even a $5 dollar off coupon out there on the Internet too.

August 2009 Visit Teaching Message: Seek Education and Life Long Learning

2009-08-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Seek Education and Life Long Learning
Doesn't it show how important knowledge is, when it has been said that it is the only thing we can take with us after we pass on? As I read this article it rang a bell. My patriarchal blessing also says how important an education is. It is something that I have thought about a lot. After high school I attended college for a few years, but ended up quitting, so I could work full time as my husband went to school. Looking back I do wish that I would have finished and received my degree. I do believe a college education is important, but I also do believe that it is not the only kind of education or the only way you can gain knowledge. Elder Robert D. Hales says, “Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt.” I believe you can be a life long learner in many things. Can't the Homemaking mother be a life long learner of developing her skills as a housekeeper, chef, baker, artist, organizer, financial expert, etc.? Learning skills from family members and friends, taking online courses, watching tutorials, taking a class on a subject that interest you are all excellent ways of learning. Also I think by developing new talents is another way we can learn. I would like to go back and obtain a degree someday (right now not really feasible with small children), but I know that for now I can learn something everyday.

I do also know that the best place to start and continue learning in through the scriptures and church materials. I love this quote from Sister Julie Beck, "Every woman can be a gospel doctrine instructor in her home, and every sister in the Church needs gospel knowledge as a leader and teacher. If you have not already developed the habit of daily scripture study, start now and keep studying in order to be prepared for your responsibilities in this life and in the eternities.” I know that as I truly study the scriptures and other church materials I am more in tune with the spirit. My days seem to go better and my attitude is happier. It is amazing the peace you feel in your life by doing such a simple thing.

Stationary/Card Set

2009-08-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a super cute, super fun craft to do! I saw these and had to make them, I made one for me and one for my mom and mother-in-law. It is just an neat way to keep your cards, envelopes and addresses organized. No this was not my idea, here is a link to the creative girl who did come up with it! Dannie's Designs. She has a great video tutorial too!!

July 2009 VT Message: Qualify For And Partake Of Temple Worship

2009-07-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

This months message is one that is so important and also one that I really need to work on. I always keep my recommend current, but it is the getting to the temple that is difficult. I know that it is a very important, sacred thing. I do love when I go to the temple.

There were a few parts that I really enjoyed in the article. Sister Allred states: "The temple is a house of the Lord." I know this to be true, once you attend the temple there is no denying that fact. I also really liked what President Hunter says, “Let us hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow. Let us go not only for our kindred dead, but let us also go for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety which is provided within those hallowed and consecrated walls. The temple is a place of beauty, it is a place of revelation, it is a place of peace”. Going to the temple is a very personal thing. There are times in our lives that it is more difficult to make it to the temple very often. I think that what is important is what is in our hearts. Our Father in Heaven knows our hearts and our desires.

To conclude President Gordon B. Hinkley says, “Every man or woman who goes to the temple in a spirit of sincerity and faith leaves the house of the Lord a better man or woman." I don't know about you, but I definitely am striving to be a better person! And I really do believe that to be true. When we are attending the temple regularly we are living our lives to where we are more in tune with the spirit. Then when we attend the temple we are not only serving others (which also gives us great blessings), but we are also learning and growing. It really is a wonderful thing!

Inexpensive Box/Tote

2009-07-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

You can use this box for anything, I am using it for diapers. I used a box from the post office, cut off the lid flaps, taped the bottom of the box (so it would stay a box), then I glued paper onto all of the sides. Then I painted it. On mine I used three different color. Doing the base coat a medium color and then dry brushing on a darker and a lighter color in different directions. My husband thought it looked a little like a metal box, with how it turned out. I also made a fabric liner for it, fished some twine through it and there you go, an inexpensive container.

Boys scripture bag

2009-07-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

My little boy has been taking his scriptures to primary. I decided he needed a bag for them when the started getting worn edges. So I cut up one of my husbands old church pants using the scriptures as a guide for the size, sewed up this little bag.

Beach Pillow

2009-07-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

So I finished part of my beach project. I finished the beach pillow. I used a vinyl table cloth and cut it into the size of pillow I wanted. I then serged around the edges and stuffed the pillow. Then I made a cover for the pillow out of a towel. Here's the finished project!

Now I just need to finish the blanket.

Bean Bag Toss

2009-07-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

So I made the bean bags a little while ago and finally got around to making the game for them. I just used the box the the bottled water comes in. Cut it at a slant, cut wholes in it and painted it. Simple, inexpensive and recycled!

Simple FHE Chart

2009-07-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a very inexpensive FHE Chart that is quite simple to do. I created it for an Enrichment night craft.

Supplies:

Cardstock

Printer

Small paper clips

Hot Glue Gun

Ribbon or Magnets

Perm. Marker

Templates: (To print out templates: Click on image, then save onto your computer. You can either print it as an 8X10 or you can open it up in Word. Just make sure if you use word that you minimize the margins to as small as they can go and do this on all the images.)

Instructions:

Black & White Flower & Bees:

Black & White Bees:

Colored Flower & Bees:

Colored Bees:

Finished product:

Bean Bags

2009-07-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to make bean bags forever, so I finally did it. My kids have had a lot of fun with them and they were a pretty easy craft to make. I even got my youngest involved with stuffing the bean bags with beans. Great thing is I was able to use scraps from other projects and I got to get rid of some of my expired beans.

Flower pot, candy dish, let your mind be creative!

2009-07-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is a very inexpensive easy craft!

All you need is a plastic container, scrapbook paper and modge podge. The best thing is your recycling!

Crafts: Bib Clips

2009-07-16T16:47:00.001-07:00

So I decided that I was going to use this blog for my crafts as well as my thoughts on different things.

So here is what I have been up to the past few months.

Bib Clips

These have came in very handy!! The fit easily into my purse and when we are out and need a bib, I can just pull them out and clip them onto a napkin.

If you would like to know how to make any of the crafts I post, leave a comment and I will try to come up with a tutorial for them.

June '09 VTM: Participate in Sincere Prayer

2009-06-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this months visit teaching message! Prayer is such a big part of my life. It is such a blessing to be able to speak with my Father in Heaven. I do not know how people make it through the day without having prayer and the gospel in their lives. I loved how Pres. Faust spoke of prayer. To really think about how humbling prayer is. Our Father in Heaven is the one person that we totally let our guard down to. He is the one that we expose all of our weeknesses to. I love how Pres. Faust says, "...it is recognition that we need help beyond our own ability." This is so true. I know that I need the Lord's help in my life and I am so grateful that I am able to pray for that help and am also grateful that I am able to express my gratitude for him and all that he has blessed us with. I think that Elder McConkie says it best, "Prayer changes our lives....Prayer is a great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls”. Link to message.

It's Been A While!

2009-05-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have written on this blog! This month the visit teaching message was you get to choose from all of the wonderful conference talks. I love this one, but it is so hard to choose, since they are all great!

The one I have chose to share is: "Respect and Reverence" given by: Margaret S. Lifferth. She spoke of teaching respect and reverence by example and with love. I believe this is so important. In the world today it seems like we have lost some of that respect for others, ourselves and for our Father in Heaven. It is really sad to see the lack on respect that we see. Respect is defined as having high regard, to be courteous in expression, to want to please. If we have respect for others then we know that they are important, we treat them with kindness and love. I love the sang, "The Golden Rule: Do Unto Others, As You Would Have Others, Do To You". Ways we can show respect are: Speak to others with kindness, especially our elders. Do not cut down or degrade others. Be aware of how the things we do, effect those around us. I think respect is lost a lot of times because of the selfishness of people. We also need to have respect for property. I always try to teach my children when they are playing with someone elses toys, that they be careful with those toys. Because if someone was playing with their stuff they would would want them to be careful too. Next is respect for ourselves. This one is so important, because if we do not respect ourselves then it is much harder to respect anything else. We need to realize that we are children of our Heavenly Father. That we are divine. To have respect for ourselves we need to treat our bodies like they are a temple of God. Because they are the temple of our spirits. By not marking up our bodies, not in taking things which are harmful, eating right, and getting the exercise and sleep our bodies need we are showing respect for ourselves. Lastly, is to have respect for our Father in Heaven. We can show respect for him by how we respect ourselves and others. Also, by showing reverence towards our Father in Heaven. In Sister Lifferth's talk she quoted a song from the Children's Song book: "Rev'rence is more than just quietly sitting: It's thinking of Father above, A feeling I get when I think of his blessings. I'm rev'rent, for rev'rence is love." We are reverent because we love our Heavenly Father.

So how do we teach reverence? By example and with love! I love how Sister Lifferth says, "...if reverence is rooted in love, so its the teaching of it... So begin early and have reasonable expectations." I also loved how she said, "...love those in your class. Often the child who is the most disruptive needs your love the most." She also goes on to quote President Packer: "While we may not see an immediate miraculous transformation, as surely as the Lord lives, a quit one will take place. The spiritual power in the lives of each member and in the Church will increase. The Lord will pour out his Spirit upon us more abundantly. We will be less troubled, less confused. We will find revealed answers to personal and family problems." I also believe that if everyone respected those around them, then it would solve most of our worlds problems!

February 2009 VT Message:Understand the Divine Roles of Women

2009-02-27T12:44:00.000-08:00

Message Link

So I have definatly been slacking with blogging lately. So I thought I should post the visit teaching message for the month, before this month is up. Better late then never, right?

I loved this months message, just as I say every month. What I loved about it is that it explained our divine roles as women from every aspect. A lot of times we look at our major role as being a mother. I did speak of this very important role, but it also spoke of the other important roles that we have.“… Although there is simply not a more significant contribution you can make to society, to the Church, or to the eternal destiny of our Father’s children than what you will do as a mother or father, motherhood and fatherhood are not the only measures of goodness or of one’s acceptance before the Lord. Elder M. Russell Ballard stated-

“Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God” (“Women of Righteousness,” Liahona, Dec. 2002, 36, 39; Ensign, Apr. 2002, 68, 70). I loved how he says every women! It also goes on to speak of a womens role in her marriage working with her husband in unity. It also speaks of our role as visit teachers and the love, compasion, charity and kindness that we share with the teachers we visit.

Pres. Kimball says- “To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times” (“Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, Nov. 1978, 103).

I loved the whole article, but what stuck out to me the most was from Sister Julie Beck- “I have a testimony gained from pondering and studying the scriptures of a plan of happiness given to us by our Father in Heaven. That plan has a part for His daughters. We have the female half to take care of, and if we don’t do our part, no one else is going to do it for us. The half of our Father’s plan that creates life, that nurtures souls, that promotes growth, that influences everything else was given to us. We can’t delegate it. We can’t pass it off to anyone. It’s ours. We can refuse it, we can deny it, but it’s still our part, and we’re accountable for it. There will come a day when we will all remember what we knew before we were born. We will remember that we fought in a great conflict for this privilege. How do we meet this responsibility? We daily put our energies into the work that is uniquely ours to do.”

I love how she states that is is our role, our job and that nobody else can do it for us. That we have the choice to do it or not, but we will be accountable for our role. It just helped me realize the importance of the roles that I have been placed with. And hopefully I will be able to fullfill those roles to the best of my capability!

January 2009 VT Message: Stand Strong and Immovable in Faith

2009-01-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

January 2009 Visit teaching message link
I really enjoyed this months Visit Teaching Message. I liked how Sister Beck talked of ways we could be strong and immovable in our faith. She says, "...1. Make and keep covenants with Him. 2. Are worthy and worship in His temples. 3. Study His doctrine in the scriptures and the words of prophets. 4. Qualify for, recognize, and follow the Holy Ghost. 5. Share and defend His gospel. 6. Participate in sincere personal and family prayer. 7. Have family home evening. 8. Live principles of self-reliance and provident living. These are essential things which must be done before nonessential things...." I looked at the list and thought about how some of the things I might not be doing all of the time. I then read on, Sister Lant says, "Our personal conversion comes as we begin to live the way the Lord wants us to live-... This then becomes a process of refinement as we strive to make each day a little better than the last." I loved that! We are not expected to be perfect all of the time. Our Heavenly Father knows us and knows our intentions. And as long as we are doing our best and doing better each day, that is all he asks of us.

I loved how Elder Ballard says, "Your faith and your knowledge of the restoration of the gospel will give you the strength to be faithful..." That is what helps us to be strong and immovable. When we have that knowledge and that faith of the gospel, of our Father in Heaven than we are more likely not to waver. We know that we are a child of God with divine potential, which I believe gives us strength in our lives! I am so grateful that I have the gospel in my life and that I have the ability to pray to my Father in Heaven to help me become a better, stronger me!

Pursuit of Excellence

2009-01-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

This year our Relief Society decided to invite all of the sisters to work on the Pursuit of Excellence pamphlet. I had never heard of it before, but after looking over it last night I am excited to be working on it. It is "an achievement challenge designed to help a participant develop a christ-like life of love and service."(Pursuit of Excellence pamphlet) In it it has different areas and goals you can make. With everyone making their resolutions, what better time than now to start on the pamphlet. I encourage everyone to look through the pamphlet and work on it throughout the year. Here is the link to where you could order the pamphletPursuit of Excellence. I am also sure you could pick it up at a church distribrution center.
Good Luck with all of your goals for this new year.

Resolutions

2008-12-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

With the New Year quickly approaching now is the time to start making some goals. It is a great time to examine our lives and see what we would like to improve upon. Setting realistic goals and determining ways to reach those goals will help us be more successful and will help us to avoid discouragement.

So if the goal is to loose weight, then maybe set an attainable goal weight within a certain amount of time. Remember most people do not loose more than 2 lbs a week, even when following a diet and exercise plan. Possible ways to think about to attain the goal weight could be, examining your diet and seeing what needs to be cut down on and ways to eat more healthy. Setting an exercise schedule (How many days a week you are willing to work out and for how long, and what you will do to work out on those days). The next thing is to stick to it!

Another one is if you have a goal to read the Book of Mormon. Set how long you will give yourself to read it and then figure out how many pages you will need to read everyday to attain the goal and when you are going to do your scripture study.

I know that one of my goals will be to spend better quality time with my children. I know that I am going to have to organize my time better. Figure out fun activities for my children to do ahead of time. I know if I have the activities ready to go ahead of time it will go a lot easier. So if anyone has some fun ideas of activities to do with kids please let me know.

Good luck to everyone with making your resolutions and putting them into action! I hope everyone has a very Happy and Fun New Year!!

Dec '08 VT Message: Jesus Christ Is The Light, Life, And Hope of The World

2008-12-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

Dec '08 VT Message: Jesus Christ Is The Light, Life, And Hope of The World link
I love how the visit teaching message this month focuses on Jesus Christ, our Savior. Dallin H. Oaks said, "Jesus Christ is the light and the life of the world. All things were made by him. Under the direction and according to the plan of God the Father, Jesus Christ is the Creator, the source of the light and the life of all things..." For some reason I have never really thought of it that way. I have known that he is the light, because he is an example to us. Showing us the way we should live our lives and the path we should follow. But I never really have thought about that he is the one who actually created us and was the "life of all things". Maybe it is because he has given all the glory to our Heavenly Father.

I love how Pres Uchtdorf says, "The gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness." I am so grateful that I have the gospel in my life. It is what gives life meaning and hope. Sometimes I think about people who do not have the gospel in their lives and really wonder how they are able to make it through the challenges they face. I know that I rely on the strength of my Father in Heaven when I face obstacles and challenges in my life.

Last, but not least, I love the quote from Sister Beck, "...When you were baptised, you became participants in the first great hope, the Atonement of Christ. ... The second great hope is the Resurrection. ... With the hope of the Atonement and the Resurrection, you have a third great hope, the hope of eternal life..." I am so glad that we have the atonement & the resurrection and that because of these two things we can have eternal life. I am so grateful for my savior and all that he has done for all of us. What a remarkable man he is! I love this time of year and how more people seem to be really focusing on the savior.

Fun, Easy Gifts for Friends & Neighbors

2008-12-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

There are so many fun little things that you can give to others to share the holiday spirit. Below are just a few-

- A container with some Hersey's Kisses with the sang: "Snowflakes Are Winter's Kisses"

- A plate full of goodies is always great with a little sang like: "Here is a Happy Holiday Treat, For Some (Friends/Neighbors) That Are So Sweet" -Even funner if on a holiday plate, they can reuse to put Santa cookies on.

- Your favorite Chex Mix Recipe with the sang: "Remember Santa Chex his list twice..."

- Some caramel corn or Corn Pops in a container with a reindeer that says: "From our Herd to Yours, Merry Christmas."

- Homemade baked bread is always so yummy. Here is a sang that could be attached to it: "From our kitchen to yours, Hope you have a very Merry Christmas."

There are so many others (hot chocolate & marshmallows or a candy cane to stir it, Whoppers as reindeer poop, Pop corn- Just popped in to say, hope you have a happy holiday, etc.)

If you have any other fun ideas, please share!

Remembering Christ at Christmas

2008-12-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas time! It truly is a magical time, it is a time where we try to focus on giving and love. I know sometimes we can get consumed with worrying and thinking about all of the presents we need to purchase, getting the best deals, avoiding the chaos, decorating, getting things mailed, etc. Sometimes we loose site of what Christmas really is. Why do we really celebrate Christmas? Christmas is they day we celebrate Jesus' birth. It was a true miracle that occurred, his birth is even made more important by what Christ did with his life. His birth would not be so special, if he hadn't been a special man. Always giving, teaching, loving and healing those around him. And then suffering for all of us and giving his life so that we could all live again with him and our Father in Heaven. So do we not have reason to celebrate his birth? Should that not be our focus at this time of year?

This year instead of buying one of those chocolate advent calendars, or doing some count down treat, I decided to do a nativity advent calendar. We started it off for Family night and spoke of Jesus birth. Then every day the boys get a piece of the nativity seen to put up. Christ will be the last piece. I think this helps a little with teaching the boys the true importants of Christmas. Another great thing is the story of "Teach the Children", how Santa speaks of each object and how they reflect the true meaning of Christmas. We are actually doing this for our primary party.

Don't get me wrong, I love watching the Christmas shows and giving and receiving gifts, but I also know that it is so important to remember Christ and know that he is what makes Christmas important. Without Christ, Christmas would not be Christmas, it would just be "mas".

Gratitude

2008-11-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

So, I thought I would finish this month off with a post on gratitude. After realizing all of our blessings that we have in our lives. We then need to express our gratitude for those things. Our Heavenly Father has blessed us with so much in our lives, we can express appreciation to him through prayer. We can also express our gratitude by how we live our lives. If we live our life the way he would want us too, than I believe that shows him that we truly appreciate him and all he does for us.

We also need to recognize what those around us do for us, even the little things. Once we notice them than we need to express our thanks. I know that sometimes things are just expected or we get busy and don't notice things. But if we notice the little things and express gratitude then others will really feel appreciated. And when people feel appreciated than they are happy. Doesn't the world need more happiness! So I hope that we can all recognize things done or given to us and then express our gratitude! I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Turkey Day Crafts

2008-11-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of crafts I have made this year for Thanksgiving. They are pretty easy, if you have a sewing machine. Let me know if you'd like the patterns.

Blessing Bag

Toss this bean bag around and have each person say something they are grateful for in their life. Also can be used as a cute decoration. I stuffed another one with batting so it was a little pillow.

Small Turkey

My mom made big turkeys a few years back. I tried making my own pattern for a small one and this is what I ended up with.

Nov '08 VT Message: General Conference Talk

2008-11-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

I love the times we get to choose a conference talk for our visit teaching message. Since all of the talks are marvelous, sometimes it is so hard to choose one. It was especially difficult this time, there were so many that I really enjoyed. I narrowed it down to two that I would kind of talk to my sisters about.

The one I will post here is a talk by Elder David A. Bednar, titled, Pray Always. He spoke of how we should always have a prayer in our hearts. Whether it is continuously recognizing our Heavenly Father's hand in every aspect in our lives and giving thanks. Or counseling with him in all our doings. I really liked how he spoke of reflecting on our shortcoming, "Recognizing we know better..., Expressing remorse..., Determine to pattern our life after the Savior more completely., Plead for greater strength to do and to become better." I love that!! To know that our Heavenly Father knows that we are not going to be perfect in all things, but we can go to him and ask for his strenghth and help to do better.

He also spoke of expressing gratitude. Sometimes we get all wrapped up in asking for things that we lack. Maybe we need to occasionally have a prayer where all we do is express gratitude. I have done this and I have really enjoyed these prayers because it has really helped me realize all that we have.

We can also pray for others. I love this, when we really focus our prayers on our friends, family members, or neighbors needs then they really become more heartfelt and personal.

I know that our Heavenly Father is always there for us and that he hears and answers all of our prayers. I am so grateful for the ability that we have to pray and counsel with our Heavenly Father. When we sincerely pray we draw even closer to him and have him as a constant companion in our lives.

Link to November 2008 Ensign

We Are BLESSED!

2008-11-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

Since this month is Thanksgiving month, I thought I would devote my posts to blessings and gratitude. I truely believe that they are very important subjects and we should think about them all year round!

Sometimes we forget about how blessed we really are. We get caught up in everyday life and at times seem to focus more on the hardships or the things we desire and are lacking. It is nice to stop and truely think about all that we really have. When we focus more on our blessings it helps us grow spiritually and emotionally. I have read many articles on being healthy and they all say to focus on the positives and good things of life. What is more positive than thinking about all of our blessings?

A great way to do this is writing in a journal or even just making a list every so often on all that we have. Another great thing is prayer and focusing our prayers and showing and expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father for all that he has given us in our lives!

I have been so blessed in my life, at times I wonder why Heavenly Father has blessed me so much. If we think about all of the little things that we have, then hopefully we will realize how truely blessed we are. Remember, there is always someone who is going through a bigger trial or who is in more need than we are.

Another Spider Craft

2008-10-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here is another spider craft I made:

If you would like the instructions to make these please leave me a comment of e-mail me. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Homemaker

2008-10-29T13:13:00.001-07:00

"Having Somewhere to go is home,
Having someone to love is family,
Having both is a blessing."

What does it take to make a place a home? I believe a home is a place where we feel safe and secure. A place where you and your family want to be. It is not just a place where one resides. So how do we be homemakers? We try to make our house a home. We can do this by inviting and keeping the spirit in our home.

How do we make our homes a place where the spirit can dwell? We can avoid contentions. "...he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me..."-3 Nephi 11:29We can pick an choose our battles. Somethings are just not worth arguing about or being right about. We can try to be the peacemaker in our homes and teach our children to also try to be peacemakers. We can also avoid things that will chase the spirit away, such as inappropriate music, movies, language, and games. Seek for opportunities to share the gospel in our homes. If we are following the prophets counsel and having family prayer, scripture study and family nights then we will definitely have the spirit in our home. By doing these things it shows our children and even our spouses that the gospel really is important to us. If they know that it is important to us, then it will be more likely important to them also. As I was visit teaching the other day my partner helped me realize that family night does not have to be an extravagant event. Especially when you have very young children. It can be just a time to get together, pray, and share a gospel principle, something that might be interesting to them. It does not have to be very long. Since we have started to have family night it has actually drawn me closer to my spouse. It gives us time as a family to talk about the gospel. They are not long, usually just prayer and a gospel story from the friend and some talking and of course a treat. But it is important quality time that we spend together. It is important that our children know that we love them and know that we are always there for them. I know that I always want my children to be able to come to me with anything and everything.

"Behold, mine house is a house of order..." D&C 132:8. It is important that our homes be a place of order. We can to this by being organized. By spending our time wisely. If something needs cleaned clean it, if something needs fixed fix it. What has really helped me is having a cleaning schedule. This helps we make sure my house remains clean. I have also found that if things have a place and I put them in there place when finished with them, then it helps to keep things in order. We can include our children in helping keep our homes orderly. Even a little toddler can help clean up their toys. My boys love to help dust. I give them a rag and they do their thing, at least it keeps them occupied while I am trying to clean to.

What is another part of being a homemaker, cooking & grocery shopping. Grocery shopping is kind of dreaded by me. It is not the funnest thing for my children, but it is something that has to be done. I have found that it is quicker and I do not forget things. If I look at the ads before I go and make a menu and a shopping list. I know people who are great at clipping coupons. I wish I could be better at that, just something to work on I guess. Other women I know do the online shopping, where they order their groceries on line and have them delivered to them. I guess just find out what works for you. Cooking, I think it is important to make sure your family has healthy meals. I love to make a list of 7 breakfast, 7 lunches, & 7 dinners for the week, make sure when I go shopping I get everything for those meals. So when I need to fix something I have all of the ingredients. I know women who cook meals for the month all on one day and stick them in the freezer. So then they have a quick meal. Being in an apartment that is just not feasible for me (little freezer). I also love fresh ingredients. But I do like to sometimes cook up some ground beef for tacos ahead of time or cook some extra chicken and shred it for quesadillas or chicken salad wraps. Anything that you can pre-do is great. So when you are in a hurry you can still have a nice meal.

I hope that we can all have happy homes and strive for the spirit to be in our homes. Remember the primary song, "Home is where the heart is, and warmth and love abound..."

I don't know if many people are reading this blog, I am wondering if it is worth doing. So if you want please leave a little comment and let me know if I should keep doing it.

Oct '08 VT Message: Gender is an Essential Characteristic of Eternal Identitiy and Purpose

2008-10-18T17:33:00.001-07:00

October's Visit Teaching Message Link

I love the quote by Sister Nadauld, "Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind.... We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith." Those are amazing qualities, ones that I truly desire. To me when I think of the ideal women it is one who provides service to others because she loves them. She is tender and kind to her children and respects their feelings. She stands in faith when confronted with everyday life. She looks at everyone around her and sees them as her brothers and sisters and as Gods children. I also found it very interesting that once again Sister Beck was quoted saying, "A women who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come." It must be a very important message, because it has been quoted in I think three different visit teaching messages this year. I think it is to help us remember what an important role we have as mothers. That it is truly a divine calling. I would also like to share the quote from Elder Ballard, "...My dear sister, we believe in you. We believe in and are counting on your goodness and your strength, ... And we believe that God's plan is for you to become queens and to receive the highest blessings any women can receive in time or eternity." Does that not want you to live your life righteously? Please share your thoughts on this months message.

Fun Crafts!!! (Miss Spider)

2008-10-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I thought that it would be fun to post some crafts on the blog! I love crafting and I know a lot of you do too. So lets put our creative minds to work and post some ideas. I think that I will do this every month.

Here is a fun little craft that me and my little boy did together. It is quick, simple and fun.

Miss Spider

All you need is:

A large black pom pom ball
Two googly eyes
Small pom pom (for nose)
Ribbon
Two black pipe cleaners
Glue gun & glue stick

To assemble:
Cut pipe cleaners in half. Then at the ends of each bend at about 1/2 an inch in and then bend the opposite way about 1/2 an inch. These will make the legs. Glue the legs with a hot glue gun on the bottom of the pom pom all in a row next to each other. Then you can form them and spread them out so they look like legs and let the spider stand. Now glue your eye and nose and bow on. She is complete!

Please feel free to share your fun projects!!!

House Keeping Tips

2008-10-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

We all love to hear new ideas on our to help our homes run for efficiently. Here are some of my tips along with some from my family and friends. Please feel free to share with us any tips you my have!

Baking Soda: This is an inexpensive, non-toxic way to clean. I have used it on sinks, on counters, on floors, on walls. It is great for getting scuffs off of linoleum, or stains from counters and porcelain sinks and tubs.

Bug Repellent: This is one that my cousin gave me. She says that it works great on removing permanent marker from furniture. (Be sure to test it on a non-noticeable piece first)

Lists/Charts: Make a list or chart of what chores you are going to do each day. This helps you to know what needs to be done and spreads things out over the week. It also gives you a great sense of accomplishment when everything is complete. It has definitely made a difference in my life, my house stays clean an I amazingly feel like I have more time.

Take advantage of the great cleaning aids out there: Some that my friends have used are "Scrubbing Bubbles Flushible toilet wipes", for quick cleaning of the potties. "Mr. Clean Magic Erasers", to erase those crayon marks.

Website helps: You can find anything on the web, including help with household matters one website my mom likes is mrsfixit.com.

Multi-Task and involving kids: My sister-in-law cleans her sink and toilet while her children are taking a bath. My children love to help dust. So I give them each a rag an let them dust. Also most of my children's toys are in little containers or totes, they are able to play with two totes at a time. When they are done with a tote they need to clean it up. At the end of the day, before they go to bed all toys are picked up and put into their places. It is great to let your children have some chores and responsibilities it helps them gain a work ethic, helps you do things together and helps their confidence grow.

Happy Housekeeping!

Balance

2008-10-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

This month I am going to be focusing on the home and all of our responsibilities there in. The first topic I have chose is balance. As being a mother and a wife we have so many things tugging at us. As a mother/wife/women we are a person of many hats. At times it may be difficult to find the balance between all of these things.

Some of the different responsibilities we may have are that of being a wife, mother, church callings, service and humanitarian work, community responsibilities, employment, hobbies and interests, these are just to name a few. How do we juggle all of these responsibilities and find balance? Here are some suggestions:

Organize, if we are organized in our life, then it will run more smoothly. I have found that if I have a place for everything and put them where they belong, then things do not accumulate and it takes less time. Also if we organize our time, not spending too much time on one thing, then we will find that we have time for all of the responsibilities that we have. An example of this is setting up a routine for the day. It could be as simple as setting limits on the amount of time you are going to spend on each duty or as structured as saying from this time to this time I will be doing this. I have found that making a schedule of my housekeeping duties has helped out a lot.

Do Not Procrastinate!!! I came up with this little saying, "I always feel like times a wasting, when I start procrastinating." Procrastination is really the worst thing for keeping balance in our lives. Just little things can save us so much time. I was looking one day in my kitchen about to attack the mess and I started thinking, if everything would have just been put away right after we were done with them, then I would not have to be spending even more time cleaning everything up. If we procrastinate then instead of just getting our stuff done and doing it right, then it gets left until the last minute and gets jammed into our already busy schedule and does not receive the time it needs to be done correctly.

Simplify. Sometimes we get too involved with making things extravagant. We all have such a desire for perfection that sometimes it leads to us making things more difficult than they should be. It is great to want things to be done correctly and for things to look good, but there comes a time when things just go "over-the-top". Also do we need to have our children in every activity or can we pick and choose a couple. Do we need to start a bunch of projects and not finish any, or can we focus on one at a time finish it and then go on? (I am guilty of this.) So if we just would simplify out lives, then it would cut down on our time spent.

Delegate. We do not have to do it all, all by ourselves. I know that I like to do things because I do them the way I want them done. Sometimes though we need to try to allow others to have opportunities too.

In the November 2006 Ensign, Elder Ballard in the article O Be Wise says, "The key, it seems to me, is to know and understand your own capabilities and limitations and then to pace yourself, allocating and prioritizing your time, your attention, and your resources..." If we will follow his instruction then I believe we will find balance in our lives and will be able to juggle all of our many responsibilities.

Having a Positive Attitude

2008-09-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

My Nana (grandma) once said, "Smile, it will make people wonder what you have been doing." This little quote has stuck with me throughout my life. When we smile and have a good attitude about things, people notice and have positive feelings about you. I also think of the words in the primary song, "If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay. Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away."

In this world today there is so much negativity surrounding us, which makes it so hard sometimes to see the good. There are so many stresses that we have to deal with and it seems that if you turn the news on or read the newspaper there is so much wrong in the world. I think of Christ saying in D&C 50:41 "Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world..." Christ gives us hope, that like him we can overcome the negativitiy of the world. One way to be more possitive in our lives is to focus on all of our blessings. If we sit down and really "Count our Blessings" like the hymn says, then we well really realize that life isn't quite so bad.

Sometimes it is easy to get bogged down. We are too hard on ourselves! I know that at times I feel like I fall short in many areas. The house might not get as clean as I like or the dinner I fix turns out not to be so good or I get upset with my children, whatever it might be. I think that we need to reallize that we are not alone, everyone has the feelings of inadequacy at times. It is great speaking with other mothers and women who are going through the exact things that I am. That we are all trying our best and that there are going to be days where the "bread just simply won't rise".

Here are some simple tips to help us remember the, good in life:
-Make a list of at least 10 things you are grateful for
-Remember when saying your prayers to think of all those things that our Heavenly Father has given us and done for us and express grattitude.
-Do something for someone who is lacking.
-Do away with gossipping and fault finding, in self and others (just try it for a day, it gets easier)
-Write down 4 strengths you have and focus on them.
-Seek opportunities to learn and grow.
-Remember what is really important (What we can take with us in the next life)

I remember as a young women I would stand each sunday and repeat the young women theme in it, it said the young women values, two of those are: Divine Nature- "Being a spirit daughter of Divine parents" and Individual Worth- "We are children of God and we are all important". I think that we need to remember those values and still stand for them!

Sept. '08 V.T. Message: The Gospel of Jesus Christ Teaches the Eternal Potential of the Children of God

2008-09-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

I thought that every month I would post a link to the visit teaching message and then some of my thoughts on it. I thought it would be fun if everyone else posted their thoughts on the message also.

Link:

I love the scripture found in D & C 78:18 "Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” I know that sometimes life can get overwhelming, but as the scripture says, "Be of good cheer...". It is so good to know that Heavenly Father is always there to help us and guide us to achieve our potential. He wants us to succeed. The whole plan was designed for us. I believe that he will do everything in his power to help us. We just need to put forth the effort, let him into our lives and seek him for guidance. I was also impressed by the quote from Sister Julie B. Beck, “Oh, that every girl and woman would have a testimony of her potential for eternal motherhood. …" It just shows how important motherhood is and that it doesn't end on this earth. We have a potential to me eternal mothers. I love how she says for us to "...have a testimony..." of that. I am grateful for my opportunity to be a mother and am looking forward to that eternal motherhood.

Beauty Tips

2008-09-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

I am going to try to put some tips with my postings. This time I choose beauty tips. Margaret Wolfe Hungerford (née Hamilton) has said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder..." Of course we all want to be beautiful, but to every person that might mean something totally different. So I will just say that for this, beauty is simply looking our best. So here are some of my tips along with some from my family and friends.

Tip #1

Drink plenty of water!!! Our body needs at least 8 (8oz) glasses of water a day, since 60% of our body weight is water. Some benefits of drinking enough water, besides that are body needs it, are:

-Increase in Energy
-Removal of toxin & waste from body
-Healthy, glowing skin
-Weight loss
-Help body with digestion

These are just to name a few!

Tip #2

Reduce Stress! This is a big one. Stress has so many negative effects on our body, mental, physically and emotionally. Reducing stress will not only improve our health, but improve our emotional well-being. How do we reduce stress? Meditate for at least 5 minutes before going to bed. This could be yoga, Tai-chi, prayer, etc.. Exercise, get enough sleep, and best of all find ways to avoid stress.

Tip #3
Exercise! The American Heart Association recommends that for individuals "...18-65 should be getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity five days of the week." Start out slow and then increase and intensify. Always speak with a Doctor before starting an exercise.

Tip #4
Sleep! Make sure you are receiving enough sleep for your needs. If you are having trouble going to sleep try relaxing, meditating (prayer), and avoid stimulating activity before going to sleep.

Tip #5
Eat Healthy Foods! The foods you put into your body shows on the outside! Make sure you are eating foods as close to their natural state. In other words stay away from processed foods!

Tip #6
Take care of your skin. That means exfoliate and cleanse regularly. Apply lotion liberally to rehydrate your skin. Also, remember to apply sunscreen.

Our Heavenly Father has given us our body, so we should take care of it the best we can. Please feel free to post any other tips you may have or comments!

The Beginning

2008-09-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

Everything has a beginning. A journey is defined as: an act of going from one place to another. Our journey of life started when we came to this earth and it will end when we leave this earth. In the mean time we are here striving for perfection. Perfection is defined as: complete, fautless and exact. We know that in this life we will never be perfect. But we can constantly be striving for perfection. That means we are only asked to try our very best. In this blog I will be posting my thoughts and ideas on different topics that arise along this journey of life. I hope that you will please post comments and give your insites and ideas on the topics and your experiences also. It is always best to have a friend on a journey!