Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014 in Review

*Sigh*  New Year's Eve.
I was standing all alone in the kitchen, peering into the fridge in search of an afternoon snack, and mumbling under my breath, "Another year has come and gone and here I am standing in the exact same spot I was last year wearing my same stupid work clothes and eating another stupid snack!"  I slammed the fridge door, a little perturbed by the lack of fulfilling change in my life, and turned to my fish in the sink window.  "And what about you, Staccato. What have you done with your life this year?  Still sitting in your same stupid spot in the windowsill?!?  Well, congrats to you too."
(Yes, I do verbally abuse my beta fish.  I'm really working on it.  I know it's not healthy)
But then I tilted my head to the side the way a puzzled golden retriever would turn after hearing an unfamiliar whistle and examined my little Staccato fishy.  His year had changed...  He got a new fish bowl. 


I nodded my head to myself and looked around.  My life had adjusted too.  They may be the littlest of details, but they have changed none the less.  I started glancing through our family pictures from 2014 and cheered up.  What wonderful memories we made this year.  I turned my attitude around and quickly apologized to the fish.  Anyone experiencing similar feelings without dramatic changes in their lives over the last 365 days, I suggest sitting down and making a list of the little things that made your year special.  


Here's mine...

We took a trip to the coast.  A couple actually.  We had gone camping with friends and one time found an adorable Air B&B right by the water.  The ocean just does things to your soul.  I love sitting in the sand and soaking up the mystery.

Spent time with the Fam-Bam and friends.  We didn't get to do that much traveling this year but were blessed to have quite a few visitors come to The Dalles.  Lots of trips from my parents, Kenny came for a soccer game with Mitch, Mary came for a job interview, Mo&So, Matt&Keri, Scott&Melissa, Klint&Kim, Adam&Lisa, and Ben&Lydia.  Anyone I'm missing?  Wonderful memories.

A lot of exploring in the gorge.  Mitchell was on a new hike every week it seemed like and we fell more and more in love with the beautiful northwest.

My work got first place in the Cherry Festival Lip Sync Contest.  It was my first year winning and so much fun.

We celebrated the life of my dear, sweet grandma Hutchings.  She was an amazing woman and since she has been gone I have felt closer to her now than ever before.  I think she has been pretty busy this year as my guardian angel.  I've needed the help.

Congrats Mitchell!!!  He finished school and got his degree.  I am so proud of all of his hard work he put into his education and the wonderful man that he is.

Crockett family reunion.  All. of. us.  So many bright and wonderful personalities all rolled into one spot.  This was by far one of the best memories of the year for me.

Mitchell hiked across Oregon.  THIS IS HUGE!!!  I am so proud of my husband for following his dreams.  He trekked the Pacific Crest Trail starting from the California border and finishing in Washington.  I can never fully comprehend the pain and endurance, planning and preparation, or determination and courage it took to accomplish this task.  This man is my hero.

Attended my first college football game.  GO DUCKS.  It was a cold and rainy day, but I came prepared with my six layers of bottoms, six layers of tops, and four pairs of socks.

The hubby got a job.  Again, I am so proud of Mitchell this year and all he accomplished.  He had a big year.  I am so thankful for all his hard work he does for our family.

I have had so much fun writing this year.  It has been the most amazing outlet and has saved me.  I am ridiculously excited to go back to school and get a degree as soon as I can so my words can actually make sense when I write them out.

Thinking back to who I was a year ago, I have realized that I am so much different.  There have been so many experiences that have shaped me into me at this moment and I am so excited to see where I will be a year from now.  Happy New Year everybody!!!


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Testimony Tuesday

I love disclaimers.  Mitch always teases me because I am obsessed with using them...
            Disclaimer #1: I have shared part of this thought recently in a testimony meeting, so anyone in my ward who reads this may find it repetitive.
            Disclaimer #2: I’m not sure many people will be able to relate to this post, but I have had this feeling pressing on my mind that I need to share this, even if it is only meant to help one person out there somewhere. 
            A few months ago I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with my mom to Portland for a Time Out for Women conference.  There were many fantastic speakers and talented artists who performed that weekend and the spirit was felt so strong.  That evening one of the singers shared a touching experience about the struggles she used to have involving infertility.  Her heart reached out to all those in the audience who were facing the same trial. 
            I believe that sometimes we are given trials so that we can be there to comfort others who later go through similar struggles.  And I know this to be true with this individual sister because she was there for me when I needed her.
            The other night I was feeling down and heartbroken about not being able to have children.  I was pondering if I was missing something, if there was something God was trying to teach me that I still hadn’t figured out yet or if there was anything I could do to make it better, and I felt a strong impression that it was finally time.  Time for me to share exactly what I am going through and be there for somebody the way this lady was there for me.
            Whoever you are, wherever you are, if you are wrestling with this trial of infertility as well, I want you to know that I love you and I am here for you and I know exactly how you feel.  You are not alone.


            Yes, I know.  I too have scrolled down my Facebook newsfeed and seen four different ultrasound picture birth announcements in the same day.  I have congratulated my pregnant friends that got married after me with their first child… and second… and their third.  I have watched my friends who struggled with infertility along side me move on and have children of their own.
            I know how it feels to sit at church where every moan of a baby slowly scrapes at the inside of your heart.  To miss someone before you have even met them. 
            I have been there too at the grocery store or at work when the impatient parent who is having a hard, tired day verbally abuses their son or daughter and I am screaming on the inside thinking, “You have NO IDEA how lucky you are to have that precious child in your life!”  It has frustrated me too.
            I have felt the pain of the stinging hope that disappoints you every month when you receive that negative test.  Every time.  You always know it will say no, but you allow that vulnerable “maybe” to take over your emotions and shatter you.  Again and again and again and again.
            I’ve felt the emotional pain that is so overwhelming that you physically just want to throw up, desperately searching for any way to get rid of the heavy unhappiness that weighs down on the organs inside of you.  I too have soaked the blankets in tears as I pleaded in prayer beside the foot of my bed.


            I have always had wonderful support from my amazing husband, my friends, and my family.  Like this experience with the sister at the women's conference, I have always been grateful for the comfort of those who have gone through this trial in the past and have shared their similar stories, telling me how “someday your turn will come.”  I wanted to be one of those people.  I have tried to keep this inside of me so that in the future I could be that mom who is there for someone in a similar experience and share with them how someday their time will come. 
            But I feel like I need to share this now while I am still experiencing it.  Because I want whoever that someone is out there that might be going through this with me to know that there is still so much joy, even now, while we are here.  Life is so beautiful.  You can feel it when you look up at the dazzling stars or hear it through the twittering birds of springtime.  Even though we don’t want to admit it, we can catch a glimpse of relief when we get to sleep in or spontaneously leave on a weekend trip without a care.  Or the awesomeness of having guests over with kids and maybe they will destroy your living room in that 24 hours while they stayed, but as soon as they leave you can wipe up the mess and vacuum the spilled Cheeros and relax again in your fresh home.  We can enjoy what we have now.


            Find a passion that distracts you from the pain, close your eyes and enjoy the peace, smile, count your blessings out loud, write them down even, SERVE OTHERS.  There is no better way to be happy than by losing yourself in the service of others. 
            These have been the hardest years of my life.  But with that, I have never been closer to my Heavenly Father.

            Let me tell you the second part of my experience at that women’s conference…  When this sister was speaking and telling me the same thing I am telling you right now, I was crying like a baby.  Like, UGLY crying, where you let your hair drop in front of your face to keep the people next to you from seeing how gross you look.
            While I bawled and listened to this speaker, my mom was sitting beside me and when I looked over she was weeping too.  As far as I know, it was never hard for my parents to have children.  This moment meant so much to me.  Even though this wasn’t her trial, her tears were for me.  She was aching because of the pain I felt. 
            I can’t help but think we are given parents in this life to catch a glimpse of the love our Heavenly Father and Mother have for each one of us.
            I don’t believe God is up in heaven, sitting on his throne looking down on us and thinking, “Suck it up!  Everyone has been given adversity so just deal with it!”
            I think He aches for us too.  I think it brings Him sorrow when He has to watch us in pain. 


            I KNOW that our Savior knows our pains.  He knows EXACTLY what it feels like to be going through what you are going through.  If my words don’t help bring you comfort, at least let the Savoir into your heart and know that He can bring you peace.  He can give you strength when you are trembling and feel there is no more hope left.  He loves you, your Heavenly Father loves you, and my heart aches for you too.  I pray and wish you happiness, whoever you are out there.  If I could reach out and give you a giant bear hug I would.  I would love to be that shoulder for you to soak your tears into.  Know, please know, that you are not alone.


You are not alone.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

New Year's Resolution

We all know her.  The woman of flawlessness who on her worst day rushes out the door without putting on makeup and still presents herself as absolutely impeccable.  Because she looks amazing without makeup and she seems more beautiful in her cute sweats than you felt on your prom night.  I can go on and on about her gorgeous children or her unbreakable charm, her beautifully manicured fingernails and her unbelievably delicious smelling homemade cookies.  No seriously, I don't believe it.  Even the store-bought bakery ones don't smell that good.  What is her secret?!

They come in all shapes and sizes and they are different to each individual.  But no matter who we are, no one can deny the existence of the "Perfect Patricia."

In comparison, here's how good I am at things...

I remember my P.P. growing up.  She was the mom of one of my best friends.  Her hair was always fabulous and flipped out like she just had it shaped at a salon.  She was my seminary teacher and I remember trying to pay attention to the lesson, but kept finding my mind wondering to her cute shoes and where she must have purchased them.  She was an interior designer, so her home looked like it was featured in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine, but even better than that.  It was too good for BH&G.  The guest bathroom was themed after Book of Mormon heroes with big green ferns and low lighting to make you feel like you were deep in the jungle with the exploring Nephites.
Oh yes, she was my role model.  When I grew up, I wanted to be Sister Perfect Patricia.

We've all heard this story countless times.  How we shouldn't get down on ourselves and compare lives.  And how we shouldn't stress over our worst qualities and liken them to our heroes' best ones.  It's unhealthy!  But it's also really easy to catch yourself doing.

Another time showing me being good at things... Like making collapsing gingerbread houses.

I remember sharing these feelings with my husband once.  I explained to him my Perfect Patricia and asked why I couldn't be just like her, why she made it look so easy to do and here I was feeling helpless.  And I LOVED the advice that Mitchell responded with.

He said, "Baby girl (because that's what he calls me), don't EVER desire to be somebody else.  That's coveting and that's breaking one of the big ten.  You can look at the qualities that you admire about a person and in a healthy way desire to improve those in yourself, but never want to be anyone except for you. If you want to dream of being a better person, dream of a perfect version of yourself to shoot toward."

Isn't he awesome.


Just be your best YOU.  No more comparing yourself to others!  I think that's why I have always loved non-team sports.  Like track.  When I run or jump, I don't have to think about the person competing beside me.  I could get last place in an event one day and be in the best mood because, guess what, I broke my own personal record!  I could take literal measurements and see a new improvement in myself and that was all that mattered.

For the last lesson of the year I am going to give the YW this handout at the beginning of class and have them constantly thinking and recording all of the ways they want to improve themselves.  At the conclusion, I'll hand out color pencils so they can fill in the boxes to label each goal.  Then they can underline and select a time when they want to begin working on them.

Download HERE

I started filling one out as an example to show how I color labeled each category.
Happy New Year everyone!!
Be your best you!!
Forget about the Perfect Patricias!


P.S. We still love you Perfect Patricias.  Thank you for always giving us hope that maybe someday we can all look like we have everything together.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Why Is It Important For Me To Gain An Education And Develop Skills? (Part 2)

Get this week's lesson here.
If you want to check out how I presented this lesson last year, you can find it here.


I know I need to get better about less ME-TIME teaching and more GIRLS-TIME discussing.  Something that went surprisingly well this week was assigning each young woman a paragraph under Education in FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH.  Then I gave them the opportunity to lead their own discussions about their paragraphs and they did awesome!  They applied it to their own lives and gave each other advice and it was just... awesome.

I decided this year that I wanted to make the girls an education "dream board" where they could hang anything that would motivate them to be enthusiastic about learning.  WARNING!  WARNING!  WARNING!  Chicken wire is EVIL.  Please wear work gloves when handling it so you don't look like you were playing patty-cake with Edward Scissorhands.  Found that one out the hard way.


I searched Pinterest for a bunch of great motivational pictures and LDS education quotes that the girls could choose between to add to their individual board.


Click here for Bucket List print out.


My inspiration behind making the dream boards came from here.  It gives you directions how to build it and everything!  So awesome!  I ended up buying long wood stakes from Home Depot for the frames that were about 30 cents each!  AMAZING!!!



Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Nephi's Lullaby

Don't you love those scripture days where your reading slams you in the face like an ultimate punch and pours into your heart like a bowl of warm tomato soup?  It is the BEST feeling in the world.

The other day I was reading in 2nd Nephi.  Chapter four is where Nephi is being extremely poetic and, I think, having some sort of emotional meltdown.  The kind we all have every now and then... where we are SO HARD on ourselves.

He talks about his soul lingering in the valley of sorrow.  "O wretched man that I am!"  You take a journey with him as he lists all these AMAZING blessings he has been given: God had led him through the wilderness, confounded his enemies, showed him visions, and filled him with love.  Even with all of this, Nephi still is imperfect and catches himself sinning.

Two things about this hit me...

First, I felt so sorry for Nephi and could relate.  That overwhelming feeling of guilt for our sins and imperfections is a very real thing.  And the words he used to describe his sorrow were so beautiful and straight from the heart.

Second, it kind of makes me feel better about myself.  If a prophet of the Lord still makes mistakes, then it's okay that I make them too.  Stop being so hard on yourself.  It is completely fine to not be flawless.  The Savior has given us the wonderful gift of the atonement so that we won't have to do this alone.

As I sensed the emotion in his words, I wanted his feelings to be translated into music.  The joy of his blessings, the sorrow of his imperfections, and the hope that, with the Lord's help, he could still endure.


So, I hopped on the piano and tried my best to translate what it meant to me.  Nephi would probably listen to it today and think, "Um, no Jess, you've totally misinterpreted what I was trying to say."  
Ha ha!  And that's okay.  This was still a big stepping stone for me.  The last time I wrote a song was in third grade with the title "Puppies in the Meadow" that I'm pretty sure could have been played with two fingers.  I'm grateful that Heavenly Father blesses me with tiny miracles like helping inspire me to try to write a new song.

PLEASE read the verses!!!  Feel his emotion.  Nephi is so amazing.

2 Nephi 4:16-35
16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.
 17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
 18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
 19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
 20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
 21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.
 22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.
 23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.
 24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.
 25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.
 26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?
 27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
 28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
 34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
 35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.

I know some people (like my nephew and my husband) learn music better by watching fingers than by reading sheet music.  Do you know how hard it is to get through an entire song without messing up when a camera's recording you? ...Unsuccessful.

Click HERE to download the sheet music


“We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer.”
-- President J. Reuben Clark Jr., in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 111

Monday, October 6, 2014

General Conference Weekend

Feeling so great and refreshed from general conference this weekend.  I don't think I can wait six more months to fill my G-CON tank again.  Why can't every week be like this?





Thursday, August 28, 2014

To be Cleansed

Last Sunday I studied the lyrics of REVERENTLY AND MEEKLY NOW as we prepared to take the sacrament.  Something about this particular hymn stood out to me in a beautiful way.  This song is written in first-person as if Jesus were speaking, but not like His usual direct quotes that come from the scriptures.  It seemed more like poetry and art than doctrine.  And I loved it.  The words stirred inside of me.
Does anyone else feel like there's a hidden fear to stray from exact scripture and doctrine?  And I don't mean this question in a "go and preach false doctrine" kind of way...  Ew.  That makes me feel icky.
I mean, I don't know, I feel like when Christ was on the earth He always spoke in parables or metaphors to make us have to do the interpreting.  Maybe his words touched different people in different ways based on their personal experiences.  I don't know where I'm going with this....
I guess I'm saying that I appreciate art and interpretation of gospel topics: Enlighten those strengthening feelings of our testimonies with sparks of imagination and creativity.
I found myself pondering the sacrament in a new way that day.  My mind traveled back to memories of my baptism day.  I tried to grasp what it truly meant to be clean and pure, washed away of ones sins.  How does one put into words the sensation of being white and completely stainless?  A picture was painted in my mind and although it won't be found in scripture or sunday school lesson manuals, this is what the atonement means to me...


The silence in the air felt as pure as the hush of my inner soul.  My eyes were pillowed in the comfort of the undiluted white painted down the grand stonewalls.   The cool breath against the borders of my lungs accepted its cleansing gift with full gratitude. 
         Above me, diamonds splashed over the heavy chandeliers and dilated my senses with its unquestioning demand for respect.  The sunlight soaked through the surrounding stain glassed windows, radiating the energy of life fueled from its warming source. 
         My skin felt as soft as the silk, white dress that draped from my shoulders to my toes, dressing my elbows and wrists.   This body, the protector of my tissued spirit, seemed awake enough to fly through an entire wooded forest yet feasted on the calmness that flowed through the room. 
         I was alone.  But had never felt less lonely.  My heart seemed crowded with the attention and love that bubbled through the emptiness.  With no one there to observe or follow, my tiptoed feet crept in front of me, making up their own mind with no need for direction.  I wandered the open space adoring the terrific scene.
         A whisper of subconscious emotions pulled me towards the closed doors that sealed my atmosphere’s perfect borders.  The cushion of my palms pressed against the solid frame and gently swung open my pleasant, soothing obstacle.
         A distinct gravitational pull soared me through the empty hallways longing to find a hidden treasure.  Somewhere in my prison of solitude, I sensed one, and only one, single individual that lingered inside here with me.  My heart raced, longing to find Him.
         I explored all of the quiet rooms, climbed the crystal clear, spiral staircase, and rushed past every closet and secret space until I came upon the hidden doorway of the highest floor. 
         The dark room was cracked open with traces of candlelight and quiet hummings of reverent melodies seeping out the thin lines of the opening doorway.  I peeled open the blocking bolder that rested against its entrance and studied the precious scene that awaited inside.
         There He was.  I recognized His soul before even glancing at his face.  He knelt alone with His eyes pressed above to His almightly God in the throne of the stars.  And I wept.


... I asked my hubby to read this before posting to tell me what he thought and he told me it sounded like I was playing hide-and-go-seek in the temple with Jesus.

"Maybe I am, Mitchell... Maybe I am."

Art.  Interpretation.


Thursday, August 14, 2014

We'll Bring The World His Truth

I had to share...

  I'm so glad my mom finally posted this song to her music blog.  When my little brother left for his mission, she arranged this version of We'll Bring the World His Truth to play at his farewell.

I love what she says as she describes it:
"This piece begins quietly – humbly.  But it soon gains strength and power, much like so many young missionaries out sharing the good news.  Truth has a power all its own.  It wants to be heard.  It wants to be found and that in itself is a beautiful thing."

Click here to navigate to my mom's music page.


Please feel free to download and share her music.  She loves it!

Click HERE to download free sheet music (Piano, Four Hands)
Click HERE to download free sheet music (Cello)

Monday, August 11, 2014

How Can I Prepare Now To Be A Righteous Wife And Mother?: Part Two

My momma - 1983
I love this lesson so much.  August is my favorite month in the Come Follow Me manual.  To see my post for this lesson from last year, please click below:


This year I'm taking a different approach.  My main focus will be on the talk given by Elder L. Whitney Clayton - MARRIAGE: WATCH AND LEARN.
In it he states:

We can learn so much by watching and then considering what we have seen and felt. In that spirit, let me share with you a few principles I have observed by watching and learning from wonderful, faithful marriages.

I tried to ponder who in my life I have "watched and learned" from as wonderful examples of strong marriages.  There are my terrific parents, of course, who I owe so much to for always raising a peaceful, loving home.  There are also my grandparents.  I have never in my life witnessed a more enamored couple in love.  Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, Romeo and Juliet, they've got NOTHING on my grandparents.  They are two souls with hearts intwined by an unbreakable connection of tenderness, selflessness, and celestial joy.


Taking sections from Elder Clayton's talk, I interviewed my grandparents and asked how these principles have helped build their relationship in their marriage.  Since they live eight hours away, I edited a video mixed with the general conference talk to share during class.  I'll assign each YW a principle from the talk and pause between each section to allow the girls to discuss what they read and what they learned from it.  I'm also made a version of the video (without my grandparents) HERE for people to use in their lessons.  You can choose a guest couple to come to class and interview them during your lesson, pausing between each section of the video...


Here are a few quotes from Mary N. Cook's Talk 



My challenge for the girls this week is to work on completing Good Works Value Experience #2 in their personal progress.
Service is an essential principle of family living. Help plan your family’s menus, obtain the food, and prepare part of the meals for two weeks. During that time help your family gather to share mealtimes. Report to your class what you have learned.

As motivation, I want to hand out at the end of class a meal time starter kit.  If they don't have two weeks to work on their Personal Progress at least they can plan one fun meal this week to surprise their families.  Their kit includes a meal chart, recipe ideas, and little candle lights for extra fanciness.... because everyone knows twinkling lights makes everything fancy ;)


I picked out a few recipes from Chef in Training and made notecard sized handouts to go with their kit below.


Saturday, June 21, 2014

My Grandma Hutchings

Naida Cram Hutchings gave, without question, the most perfect grandmother hugs of all time.  As a little girl my body would melt into the soft skin of her loving arms.  In the glimmering surface of her eyes you could see the value she saw in you.  You always felt special and knew you were appreciated.  Her soul overflowed with so many Christ-like qualities of love and tenderness.  She was a soft-spoken individual with a soothing voice like calm water.  The light of her smile reached out and soaked into your heart, blanketing you from your worries and your fears.  She wasn’t afraid of silence.  I loved that about her.  There didn’t need to be the sound of talking and socializing filling the room to feel and know that you were loved by her.


She is a very real part of me.  I catch tiny drops of her personality that greet me throughout the day.   As I tilt my wrist to the side, I study the blue and green veins painted down my arms with comfort knowing the blood flowing through me was passed down through her.


I only remember seeing her cry once. It was when she talked about grandpa and how much she missed him.

This is maybe the first death where I’m old enough to truly understand death.  I’m finally beginning to realize that everyone has to die.  My innocent stage of unawareness has come to an end and my perspective has been tilted, realizing now that every individual who has passed on from this life was a daughter or son of God dancing through their existence once feeling as young and invincible as I used to believe I was.


It’s a beautiful pain.  Like stretching out a muscle.  Even though your body recognizes it as pain, your mind turns it into a good ache knowing it’s doing something positive and benefiting.

The reason why the joy outweighs the sorrow of this occasion is because she is reunited again with grandpa.  What peace.  I think of my love, Mitchell, and what it would be like to be torn apart for an entire decade.  After enduring this trial of loneliness for so long, she can forever let go of that heavy burden.  She can leap into grandpa’s wonderful, loving arms with the soothing assurance that they will never part again.


All day, I couldn’t stop singing to myself the song my parents wrote for grandma and grandpa’s 50th wedding anniversary…

Years ago you set a course
To the stars
Sailed towards eternity
Two together
You put out to sea
You began a journey
To your legacy

Gliding free
Love fills your sails
And builds eternally
Your love breathes endlessly

Years navigating
You sailed through life
Gathering pearls
Seeing the world
You journeyed on

Gliding free
Love fills your sails
Builds eternally and still
Love breaths endlessly


Love you so much grandma!!  Thank you for making this world a more beautiful place.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

It's Been Decided...

We will be sitting by the Scott Family every Sunday from now on.

... No questions asked.

Priesthood Jeopardy

Here's the evidence of my amazing cousin being amazing again!  I asked if I could share her cute project on here that she made for her girls...


She covered each answer with the point-value attached to a magnet so it could easily stick to the chalkboard without messing up the poster.  

We usually combine with the young men for our fifth Sunday and have the bishop teach.  I was thinking this would be a perfect activity to review what everyone learned this month!


Thank you Katrina!

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