If you are in the need for something angelic and uplifting check out this rendition of one of my favorite songs. Although it is just a small portion of the song, the child and the words combine for the sweetest breath of fresh air.
I thoroughly enjoyed this article about Stephenie Meyer. You can find it here: okay, forget it. I tried to post the link but I must be doing something wrong. Anyway, I loved this part of it:
"There's no literary term for the quality Twilight and Harry Potter (and The Lord of the Rings) share, but you know it when you see it: their worlds have a freestanding internal integrity that makes you feel as if you should be able to buy real estate there."
Who wants to go in on a vacation home with me! I'll take a room in the Cullen mansion, a cozy place next to the Burrow and let's face it - I'll take any place where Strider can wash my dishes and vacuum the floors.
So this is what my five year old is treated to when I leave him with the Bishop's wife for the morning. I don't know whether to be concerned for her (it's an obvious addiction) or my son who gulped it down so thoroughly that I'm afraid it might become his addiction!
Okay, I did try a couple sips from the dregs of the cup and it was absolutely delightful.
A conversation I just had with Cooper while driving home from running to the store:
C: Why does Santa bring presents to grown ups. You know, the grown ups that are all done growing?
A: I believe it's because Santa loves children AND grown ups.
C: But only nice people get presents, right?
A: I think you've got it figured out.
C: Well mom, in case you were worried - I'm pretty sure I'm on the nice list.
Then after a lengthy pause:
C: Why do we have a flag? You know, the one with the stripes and stars and stuff.
A: (I opted for the short, non specific answer) All countries have a flag, not just the United States.
C: Oh good! Then there's a flag at the North Pole for Santa too. I bet the nice polar bears would protect it from the mean lions. Well, the lions probably aren't mean 'cuz it's the North Pole. Santa wouldn't let mean lions live there, right.
It was not a question, but a statement that he sounded totally confident in. I left it at that.
Have I mentioned that I absolutely love the random conversations with this child. I smile from ear to ear and am totally entertained when his mind starts churning, his imagination is engaged and his imperfect speech puts the icing on the cake. I wish I had a device that would transmit these five year old musings onto a big screen. He has me hooked! Kindergarten is coming too soon. 
Collette and I both saw it. A "NOW HIRING" sign is posted at the Krispy Kreme on Superstition Springs Blvd. 
OH HAPPY DAY!
Maddison was having some tears as we were kneeling down for family prayer. It was Cooper's turn (in Cooper speech): "Please bless Maddie that hor feelings will get all bettor."
Now that is a keepsake.
A friend shared something with me that Brent and I now refer to as "a Snicker bar moment". To preface this you have to understand how it came to be. My friend received some advice that THE GOLDEN RULE works in every relationship except a marriage. The point was you cannot treat your spouse like YOU want to be treated, you have to treat your spouse the way THEY want to be treated. She told me that shortly before this advice, her husband brought her home a Butterfinger candy bar. She said that while her husband loved them, she doesn't like and has never eaten a Butterfinger. The advice seemed timely! As Brent and I talked about it, he joked and said, "that would be like me bringing home a Snicker bar for you." Exactly. So just a couple days after this conversation Brent came home from work with something behind his back. He then handed me this - which happens to be MY favorite candy bar.
Okay, I was never a cheerleader but excuse me a moment while I do my toe touch jump splits and three backhand springs. Come on everyone - SPIRIT FINGERS!
Nice job Davis! Another art project in the art show. 
Nice job Sis! Another year at Academic Night.
Cooper loved the tour at the fire station. He thought everything was AWESOME and SO COOL. He especially loved the fire pole and fought bravely to have one installed in our home. He thought being a firefighter when he grew up would be the ultimate career choice. That was a year ago and my how things change in the life of a five year old. He currently wants to be a. . .
MONSTER TRUCK BUILDER.
DREAM BIG, my child! DREAM BIG!
I work with some incredible ladies in our Young Women's program. These eight women each bring a generous amount of talent, testimony and love to our organization. I am blessed to serve beside them. We are making preparations for camp and were asked by our faithful Stake Camp Leader (who I must say is a dear friend of mine and who I love and admire greatly) to make a trip up to the camp and choose a hike for our own ward to take. Now this sweet friend of mine does not take the matter of hikes lightly. Her testimony of this experience at Girls Camp is steadfast and immovable. I know she had every ward in her heart and prayers as this "hike choosing" day dawned. Myself and Shannon (I don't think she'll mind me using her name here) were up bright early yesterday morning to make the drive up to camp. We had talked about what our purpose for this hike could be and what experience we hoped the girls to have. I know Shannon has made this a part of her prayers and thoughts for quite some time. Not because she told me so, but because that is just how Shannon does things - always thoughtful, always prayerful. As we headed up to the mountains I knew that my prayer and hers and many others were drifting to the heavens. We arrived at camp and set out to find a spot for our hike experience to take place. We decided to try the path less trod. We thought we had followed the directions to get to a certain trail head but the further we walked, the more unsure we became. Did we miss the turn off? Had we gone to far? Were we even in the vicinity? We decided to walk a little further. Just a few paces along we looked up and stopped. . .
Almost at the same time, both Shannon and I said "this is it!" Shannon said "Just look at this! Steadfast and immovable!"
The grove of pines that stood before us was a majestic answer to our heartfelt prayers.
The primary song continues. . . but I feel it close around me as I pray." And I can say YES! Heaven touched my shoulder that beautiful morning. I'm extremely grateful that once again, this child's prayer was answered.
Thanks a BAZILLON (the kids' word) for the great seats! What a fun night! 
I told Cooper to buckle up one day and this is what he invented. He calls it his SUPER BUCKLE. The world will be a safer place with a man like Cooper in charge!
Cooper and I had a sandwich at Subway today and sat out by the fountain. He loves to throw in the pennies from my purse. I asked him if he could make three wishes, what would he wish for. After thinking for some time, he came up with this list (I'll try to type it as he pronounced it):
1. To snap my fingors like this (he demonstrates his perfected snap) and be at preschool right this instant.
2. That dad would come home orly (early) every day of my life.
3. That bwuthor (brother) would like me forevor.
Such sweetness, huh!!
Then he asked if he could have one more wish. Feeling like the Goddess of Granting Wishes, I said "sure, but make it a good one." He replied, "Oh it's good all white (right)! I wish these bords (birds) were done dead! Then I wouldn't have to listen to them squawk one more minute!"
So much for the sweetness.
A couple random shots that I loved.
I took a bad fall yesterday afternoon. How it happened is quite a story but I won't go into it here. Let's just say it involved the swimming pool, a dead bird, a bag of garbage, a skimmer cover and a metal object. Now I have a partially lifted toenail on my right foot (it really made a mess of my pedicure that I was still enjoying) and a hole in my left shin. The hole has me a bit concerned but everything I've read says it should heal well. The metal object entered the flesh across my shin and almost exited (is that a word??) out the other side horizontally. I wanted to post a picture because it is rather interesting to look at but I can't get a very good shot of it. Anyway, my whole point to posting this is to say that my rescuer and knight in shining armor was my sweet son Davis.
It doesn't surprise me. As I hobbled into the house (Cooper remained swimming in the pool ignoring me. I am sure I frightened him with my crys of pain) Davis just took control. "Sit here Mom. Put your leg up." He brought me a wet cloth, cotton balls, Hydrogen Peroxide, bandaids and then proceeded to bring me an ice filled glass of water to drink and softly patted and rubbed my back while I cleaned up the wound. Once we saw the hole, he avoided looking at it straight on for the rest of the night - bless his heart! He stayed beside me until Brent got home shortly thereafter. I want to be more like Davis. Thanks D-man! You were awesome!!
I am amazed by the strength of my daughter and the youth of these latter days. They must be extremely courageous and not afraid to sometimes stand alone when it seems the unpopular thing to do. A talk during Conference has stayed with me. It was given by Elder W. Craig Zwick. Here is a small excerpt:
"Never forget that you are a son or daughter of God. He loves you. Live by your standards. Stand up for what you believe in. Sometimes it is not easy, and you may be standing alone for awhile. Look for friends with integrity and character. Pray for guidance and protection from the Lord. He will sustain you. He will become a trusted friend, and you will discover that your example will attract many friends who will take courage from your strength of character." He closes with one of my favorite scriptures that I marked while I was serving my mission in Seoul, Korea. It is D&C 6:34,36: "Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. . . . Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not."
Maddison, you are shining example to me. Continue on the path you are on! It is straight and narrow. You will skip, saunter, run and even stumble but as long you remain on this perfect path, each step will build you, strengthen you and guide you to a safe and ever so joyful place! I love you beyond expression!
Save the lemon cookie for me please. Oh yeah, I have to share. It's one of Rachel's favorites too. Collette doesn't have to worry about sharing the coconut covered cookie - no one will fight her for it. : )
After some advice from our green thumb neighbor, we decided to make some changes to our entryway. So after a trip to the nursery we began planting. Cooper was determined to be the best helper ever.
With every thrust of the shovel, with every scoop of dirt, with every grunt of exertion, with every word or action that Brent expressed - Cooper was not a millisecond behind him. He was king of copy cat! Brent and I exchanged several smiles and quiet laughter. It was getting rather comical, but Cooper was focused and determined.
And after it was all beautifully arranged, Brent said, "So what do you think, Hon?" Before I could reply, what do you think Cooper said?? You got it - "So what do you think, Hon?"
Thanks boys! My Star Jasmine and Gardenia are perfect and so are you!!
The morning after the waffle iron incident, Cooper woke up and said, "Look mom! I have a trampoline on my finger!" This is what he showed me. (sorry about the blur)
And I mean baseball season!
I had most of our Spring Training pictures in a slide show but I removed that and decided to just post a couple of my favorites:
I love this one! Cooper was so excited to get an autograph that he waited with his arm outstretched for what seemed forever ~
And then the reward for his patience ~ his first signature!
Davis was just as excited. I think the Spring Training fun has him addicted!
We topped off our baseball fun with tickets to Opening Day at Chase Field. Go D-backs!! I love this picture of my two boys but . . .
my favorite is this one of my THREE boys ~ like father like sons!!
During Spring Break, my polar bear boys (as they refer to themselves as) decided it was time to test the pool waters for the season. They bravely jumped in, their lips turned blue and after their bodies went numb they enjoyed another couple hours in the pool. Oh to be young again!!
While Cooper was eating his lunch today and while I was trying to hurry him a bit because preschool was quickly approaching, we had this conversation:
Cooper: "Mom. You know what makes me crazy? Six girls trying to fit in one chair!" He repeats, "One chair!" with great emphasis and holding up one finger.
Me: "Why does this make you crazy?"
Cooper: "Because then they all start saying (he bangs his fist down on the table in rhythm to the chant) Be the gate! Be the gate! Be the gate!"
I'm a bit confused at the chant but ask him: "And this makes you crazy?"
Cooper: "I'm tellin' ya, it drives my EARS crazy!"
Me: "Yeah, girls are kinda that way."
Cooper (with a shake of his head and a funny little quick laugh): "It's a good thing, Miss Rhonda knows her stuff."
Then driving to preschool just moments later -
Cooper: "Mom, what if you were the preschool teacher and I was in your class with Austin and Ethan."
Me: "I'm afraid I couldn't handle that."
Cooper: "What if you were a kindergarten teacher first then a preschool teacher?"
Me: "I still think it would make me crazy."
Cooper: "No it wouldn't."
Me: "What makes you think that?"
Cooper: "Because Miss Rhonda can handle it. Duh!!"
I normally squelch the "DUH" slang in our family but this time I had to laugh.
Let's hear it for Miss Rhonda and all her super human abilities!!
I ran across this and wondered if finding it was just a coincidence or a "meant to find it" moment. This time of year gets so crazy. For about a month now it has seemed to be non-stop goings on at our home and there is no end in sight. I have enjoyed it all (okay, there were a few things I frowned at) but really it has been a GOOD busy. Having said that, I am easily caught up in the emotion of life and find myself trying to tread water like a mad woman. I'm grateful for my husband who grounds me and throws out the lifeline for my rescue. Life is black and white for him. I can get swept away in all the colors in between. He pulls me back to shore and I tease him into the beautiful water. It's a good balance for us. So I'm taking a deep breath and giving thanks for MY surroundings that keep life at a sometimes crazy pace! And overall it is a happy crazy pace. : )
How I love this dear man! I have grown into my here and now with him as my prophet. I'll never forget hearing the news of his passing from the mouth of one of his servants - Elder Clate Mask of the Seventy. He was speaking to the youth in our Stake and made the announcement. I was sitting beside my daughter with her head on my shoulder. We wept together and stood and sang "We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet". The emotion of the moment is etched in my heart and soul.
I stood and sustained another on Saturday. My heart was filled with JOY as I heard his closing remarks on Sunday afternoon ~ I knew!
Easter has come and gone but I've been away from my computer for a time, and posting anything other than something that takes little or no thought has been all I've done with my blog. I've saved my more meaningful moments until a time when I could post thoughtfully. So here I am, slowing trying to catch up on almost a month of great things for me. One being that I was able to teach the Easter lesson to our combined group of Young Women. I actually do love to teach. The preparation gets to be a bit overwhelming, especially on such a topic as the Resurrection, but I do love to share my thoughts and testimony when I feel moved upon by the Spirit. I had a beautiful conversation about the Atonement and the Resurrection with Brent a couple days before my lesson. His knowledge always enlightens me and his testimony is pure, simple, solid and unshakable. Just talking with him strengthened my own testimony and my gratitude for our love deepened. Here are just a couple thoughts from my lesson that I wanted to document. First, the Easter message is JOYFUL! What is the difference between JOY and HAPPINESS? For me, something that makes me happy is not necessarily lasting. Chocolate definitely makes me HAPPY, but it comes and goes rather quickly! : ) Something JOYFUL is something lasting, that endures and remains. Such as the truth and beauty of the Easter story. Another thought was the HOPE that Resurrection brings. This sets us apart from other religions. Having this knowledge is powerful and brings peace and understanding. I shared a beautiful mini movie (put together by a friend that is AMAZING!! I have the awesome blessing of serving with her right now in YW's. You can find her site at www.theideadoor.com) of the prophets and apostles bearing testimony of Christ. If you go to her website, it is worth watching. The words, pictures and music all together are simply heart stirring. I closed with my testimony and this scripture -
Mosiah 16: 7-9
And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.
But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.
He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.
It was a wonderful Easter Sunday for me. I'm blessed beyond words.
I just realized that me and Edward could never work! WHAT?!?!?
In regards to a couple of my last posts, I found a fun site that lets you answer a series of questions to find out what ____________ you are. For example: I am the color BLUE and I would be the Superheroine BUFFY the VAMPIRE SLAYER. Having found that out, I realize that Edward and I would be on opposite sides. NO NEVER!! (I think I need to redo that quiz!!)
You Are Buffy the Vampire Slayer |
 "We saved the world. I say we have to party." |
You Are A Blue Girl |
 Relationships and feelings are the most important things to you. You are empathetic and accepting - and good at avoiding conflict. If someone close to you is in pain, it makes you hurt as well. You try to heal the ones you love with your kind and open heart. |
I'm not able to do much posting right now.
I'm a bit frustrated.
I hope to catch this up next week.
Sigh. . .
