Yes I know Heavenly Father loves me...

We sang this song in Primary today and I was so happy for it. I haven't heard that song for the longest time and it really just hit me how very much I have to be grateful for. I love this time of year, I head someone describe the holidays in this way. First we have Thanksgiving because we have to be humble and thankful in order to receive the gift which is Christ and his atonement. Then we celebrate Christmas and realize all that he did for us to make it possible for us to return to our Father in Heaven, then we think of how we want to be better in order to do that, New Years and resolutions. Crazy hu?
My lesson today was on the Handcart companies and all they went through and despite all the trials and sorrow and pain none of them ever criticized the leaders of the church for having them come at such a late time. None of them ever fell away. One man said he would do it again if it meant he would get to know God so personally and deeply. It really kind of puts our trials and troubles into perspective. Trials can either move you closer to God or push you away, and it's your choice which.

I guess even though I hate it and I wish I was out of this trial, I am thankful for it. It has brought my husband and I closer together. I am so thankful for his kind heart and funny way. I am so very thankful that he holds the priesthood worthily and has been able to bring me much joy and comfort through the blessings he has facilitated. I am thankful that when I finally do have my family, I may appreciate that blessing more, maybe I won't ever take it for granted. That's a lofty thing to say, but I know it will help ground me more when things are tough. I have also learned to depend on my Father in Heaven much more, because in some situations there is just nothing else you can depend on.
I am just really grateful, and very hopeful that we might be blessed with our sweet family soon. I think we will.

Also I finished Mrs. Cactus. Of course, as is tradition, Mr. Cactus is tall and slender and Mrs. Cactus is round and loveable. Yay round! Jack Sprat and all of that.
Here she is in all of her yarny glory:




I think Mr. Cactus looks happier. It is not good for man to be alone you know. They are cute little couple if I do say so myself.



Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by a lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, mind, my heart;
I thank Him rev’rently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.

I feel crafty, oh so crafty...

In lieu of a weekend of tears, (ie, crying yourself to sleep only to wake up early the next morning and start crying.) I have taken the counsel I have received to find things to create and make and enjoy and keep my mind off of other things that are bothering me greatly.
I have made several hats. One of which has actually turned out but looks like a beanie on my head. I am still not convinced it is not to small for my large head, but I did make it and it does "look" right. I have made one wrist warmer, the other one came out looking like it was made for a bear claw, so maybe someday I will get back on that and actually have a set.
Today, however, I present to you 1 in a series of 2. Mr. Cactus. The cuddliest cactus you will ever know....


Behold!





Fun times hu? This cactus is a gift but I am not saying to whom in case she reads my blog, which I have no evidence for, but will withhold none-the-less. Mrs. Cactus will be joining us shortly.
Once I start her.
I started good ol' Mr. Cactus yesterday after work. I have grossly underestimated the amount of brown yarn needed, so Mrs. Cactus might be awhile.
I am sure you care about all of this.

Anyway, someone else tried to break into our house. I feel like I should live in freaking New York City or something. Honestly, what's the deal? I am really not a fan of this feeling. Lame.

But the cactus isn't lame, and that is what I will choose to focus on.

*chants* Caaaaaaaaacccccctuuuuuuusssssss!

St. George

We went to St. George to celebrate my Grandma's 80th birthday. It was really awesome to see everybody although too short. I took pictures, of course the kids were much more interesting to photograph but here are some of my favorites...






Soooooo, wish I had the telephoto lens on these two. I totally missed a better shot. What will the caped crusaders do next?

These pictures just make me wish I was a kid, so carefree and in their own little world. I want to go back to my own little world sometimes...




These are my artsy pictures. I like how it's focused on Grandma's arm and the rest is fuzzy. And my cousin and my nephew, that's just precious. How can you not like that picture?

Oh here is the cake, that would also fall in the artsy fartsy arena.


I tried to make it look cool, I am not sure I succeeded but it was a beautiful cake.

Uncooperative children is our next category...


Every party has a pooper...



That last one has to be my favorite. That's right Heather, just laugh it off, it will be OK in the end.


The End.

Pennies a day!

For the price of a cup of coffee per day, you could help this boy achieve a dream.



It doesn't take much just a few dollars per day for several years to help this boy live the life he has always dreamed. Doesn't every boy deserve a big screen TV? While you live the high life he is suffering from a "normal" and "old" TV. Won't you look into your hearts and dig deep into your pockets to help? Isn't that picture just sad looking. He's such a ham.


I think he looks very dapper in this one. He's dreamy like Cary Grant. I love him. What a great guy. So stinking hot!

I think he might look something like this on the day he ever gets a big screen TV.


Can you tell we were waiting outside the temple for a while? We had a wedding this weekend and it was lots of fun, but it is my considered opinion that weddings are hard to schedule and keep on schedule.

So the question of the day. What is this button? Is it a secret chamber? A doorbell? I am so curious, but not enough to let Jason push it.


This is our sassy pose.


and my favorite, I think I am getting to be quite the pro at the arm length self shot.


I also have pictures from the photo shoot of goodness and light, but they are on face book and I think I will wait for more before I post here. Yay photo shoot, yay cousins!

PS my cat is so grumpy, she is no fun at all.

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!



My friends with daughters. You need this! If I win it I will have to find someone to wear the cuteness!

My new Uke...

Isn't she pretty?





I think she needs a name, or maybe it's a he? Oscar? I don't know I am still thinking.

I also got this coolness at a garage sale for $5. I like to decorate with old things.



Fun times.

Twin Fire

So, last Thursday I remember being very surprised that someone thought it would be a good idea to start a controled burn the very week that the fall winds had started. By Friday we had ourselves an out of control wild fire! Fun times! I wish I had taken pictures on Friday. The mountains West of my house were glowing an eerie glow. It was really kind of scary. Sat and Sunday I didn't notice as much smoke, I didn't see any glow so I thought all was well. I was wrong. Sunday night the fire was only 10% contained. Today Hubs and I went and took pictures of the helicopters filling up with water to dump on our fire. I wonder how many fish are charred out in the woods now...


These Helicopters basically ran all day. I missed the one with the bucket on the end. I wanted to get some pictures of it. I heard it said that they pick up 2000 gallons of water per trip! Hooray to no drinking water, thanks guys! You rock! I say no to controlled burns when the fall winds flare up, bad idea. Really bad idea.











Dude from the news, which news, I do not know, but he was getting video taped and had a mic on him so he could actually be heard.


And some pretty flowers, because the blogging world always needs more flowers.

I have a video of the helicopter tanking up, That may come tomorrow.