A walk through the Botanical Gardens

The hand bells were a wonderful way to hear familiar carols.

Over 7,000 luminaries lighted the path.

And a fun surprise was finding an installation from the Chihuly exhibit that the Gardens kept from the spring.

Davis was excited to see this again.

Nothing says Christmas like a 1st Grader's school program!

Gotcha!!

The local Home Depot held the treasure...

It's official...

Let Christmas begin!

Welcome December

Baby it's cold outside!!

And I'm already sipping on my favorite hot drink...

And have you tried the hot cocoa and whipping cream at Goofy's Kitchen in Disneyland??

Please put it on your bucket list.

Day 30

I'm grateful for a kind friend's reminder

to try to think eternally...this is but a moment.

The strength I have is not my own ~
it comes through faith in God.
And though so often I can’t see the way,
I have the reassurance of His presence in my life
to help me meet the challenge of each day.
So I rest in His provision
for I know that He is leading.
And it really doesn’t matter what life brings,
For I know that I am in His care
and through the strength He gives me,
He has promised me that I can do all things.

~Emily Matthews

image found here

Continuing to be grateful...

Day 23 & 24 ~

I'm grateful for this distraction and the sweetest of friends who kept me focused.

Day 25 ~

I'm grateful that Brent has a job to support our family and more grateful that he takes days off to hang out with me.

Day 26 ~

I'm grateful for a cozy day and that my four most favorite people surrounded my Thanksgiving table with me.

Day 27 ~

I'm grateful for a fun filled, toe tappin' evening.

I know Mom enjoyed it with us.

Day 28 ~

I'm grateful for the realization that sometimes when the last thing you want to do is prepare a lesson for your Young Women, that it really is the best thing for you.

Day 29 ~

I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach and to be taught. The Spirit allows both to happen simultaneously.

Oh so grateful...

Day 14 ~ I'm grateful for temple weddings and streaming light that shines through a sealing room window.

Day 15 ~ I'm grateful for quiet moments where peace and understanding come as a priceless gift, all the while holding the hand of my mother and my daughter.

Day 16 ~ "There is no difference at all in birth and death. It just depends on which side of the veil you are standing". I'm grateful for sweet whisperings of truth.

Day 17 ~ I'm grateful for boxes and boxes of photographs that paint a beautiful story through time and sharing those memories and laughter with my remarkable brothers.

Day 18 ~ I'm grateful for cleansing tears, overwhelming waves of emotion and consuming pains of loss because it means I love her beyond expression.

Day 19 ~ I'm grateful for the long awaited embrace of my sweetheart that gave me strength, assurance and the understanding love of one who knows, every step of the way.

Day 20 ~ I'm grateful for the opportunity to share with family and friends, pieces of mom's exemplary life and to give them a glimpse into the beautiful, elect woman that she was and most certainly still is.

Day 21 ~ I'm grateful that my husband is an excellent driver with one hand because the other was holding mine all the way home.

Day 22 ~ I'm grateful that through it all I was able to recognize the Lord is a God of miracles and that His love and care are ever present in every moment of our lives.
His plan is not something we hear of or are taught because it sounds good, but that it is His plan of HAPPINESS and is designed to bring us together again, forever.
My mom is whole and beautiful again.
Her smile has made the heavens brighter.
Her ambition and desire to serve and to be anxiously engaged are being put to good use.
Her eternal progression is no longer inhibited.
She watches over me
and I'm listening carefully.

Day 13

I'm grateful for my middle child.

His Arrow of Light ceremony made me take a deep breath.

It's going by way too fast.

Day 12

I'm grateful that there are only so many hours in a day and then you get to start over.

Day 11

Such a beautiful picture.

I'm grateful for the brave and selfless.

Happy Veterns Day.

Day 10

I'm grateful for the HAPPY this child puts into my heart!

I let him sleep in this morning after a tough night falling asleep last night.
He woke up happy and playful and even said "thanks for letting me sleep mom."
As I walked him to school about a half hour late he said,

"so I guess I'll have to get a tardy slip at the office."

"yes. I'll check you in and you can pick one up."

"well, I think that parents are the ones that should get the tardy notes, not the kids."

And you know what Coooper ~ I think you're right! Your six year old wisdom makes me smile.

Day 9

I'm grateful for this mighty giant.

He can love and console and wipe away a waterfall of tears better than anyone.

Strong and gentle seem like such an oxymoron but not when it comes to this man.

Day 7 & 8

I'm grateful for mountaintop experiences.

The challenge is to bring them down the mountain with you and keep the momentum.

(thanks for this insight Marie~love you)

Day 6

Today I am grateful for my calling in the Young Women's program. We leave in about an hour for our Youth Conference up at Camp LoMia which is a two hour drive up into the pines! As a Stake we are taking up nearly 400 youth ages 14 to 18. With 24 of my own Mia Maids and Laurels attending, I am excited to be a part of this experience. The Stake has put together a wonderful weekend and prayers, fasting and temple attendence has brought the Lord's blessings upon us already. The Lord loves these youth and I'm grateful to see His hand working in their lives on a daily basis.

Go Lady Hawks!!

Congratulations Maddison!!

Day 5

I'm grateful for my daughter.

I'm grateful that she is motivated to excell at school

and will often get up (all on her own) in the wee hours of

the morning to prepare for a test or an extra glance over homework.

I'm grateful that she is participating in seminary

and excited to increase her testimony

and understanding of the gospel.

I'm grateful that despite a painful pulled muscle that she would

push herself to do her very best at basketball tryouts this week.

I'm grateful that through tears of nerves and uncertainty she

would ask her dad for a father's blessing of comfort.

I'm grateful for her faith in the power of the Priesthood.

I'm so very grateful that Heavenly Father blessed me with her.

I love you Sis!!

Day 4

I'm grateful for the temple.

I had a lovely morning there.

Pesto magic

I'm a fan of this stuff. A big fan.
It's on my list of wonderful things in my life.
It's in one of my FAVORITE sandwiches that my friend Collette feeds me.
As a matter of fact, she feeds me often.
Incredible stuff like Milky Way Cake. Killer!!
Ice Cream Cake Roll with homemade Hot Fudge Sauce. My Oh My!!
And for my 40th she made THEE most incredible, from scratch, 20 layer (i think it was 20. it could have been 23) chocolate cake.
Yeah...turning 40 was a very happy day for me.

Okay wait...where was I??

Oh yeah. Pesto. And the great sandwich.
It has something to do with turkey, provolone and a crunchy ciabatta roll, smeared with the green goodness and toasted until the cheese is bubbling...I really don't know the details 'cuz I don't make it at my house. It's a tummy filling, heart warming, pesto lovin' treat at Collette's. I love her!

And then I discovered the Pesto Pizza at Pita Jungle. SO SO GOOD!

And just when I think pesto can't get any better...Vickie shares a pasta dish made with this glorious stuff.
When it comes to sharing happy things, Vickie is a pro. When you are around her, you feel happy. She makes you smile. She drops lovely things off on your doorstep. She says things to you to make you feel so good about yourself. She asks questions about you. She listens and looks you in the eyes. She is honest and inspiring. She is a cancer survivor. And it is never about her. It is always about you!

Here is her DARN DELICIOUS recipe:

Pesto Ranch Pasta Salad
from Vickie (my two cents in pink)

1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk dressing, prepared as directed.
1 container Pesto - (I used the Buitoni brand from Basha's) and I used about a 6 oz. size from Wal*Mart
*Mix those together and let sit in frig. I whisked with a whisk, of course.

Combine the following:
1 pkg spinach leaves Vickie and I discussed how leaving them out and just adding on your own to your own serving might be a good option to keep the spinach from going wilty. You decide.
1 tub grape tomatoes, halved
1 pkg penne pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled
1 pkg toasted pine nuts - cooled (I toast them in a pan over med-hi heat, stirring constantly until they just start to turn golden brown.)

Right before serving, pour on the dressing in increments, until you get the right amount.
Sprinkle the salad with Feta cheese crumbles. Good ahead and overdo this part!
You can add chicken to this for a main course. Grilled or a shredded rotisserie. Yum!

Thanks Vickie. I love her too!

I had some of the dressing leftover. It has been a very happy thing in my life. I have used it for the following:
a fabulous dressing for a dinner salad
a yummy dip for french frys (I didn't want to do it but I did!)
a creamy topping for a baked potato
a drink when I'm thirsty (okay, okay. I'm kidding but really I COULD drink the stuff!)



**post edit--after reading through this entry, it's no wonder I'm constantly working on loosing weight. I think I need new friends! (wink ~ wink)
***post post edit--i could write a whole other entry about the word loose and lose. the english language is difficult and i have no idea if i used the word correctly in the above sentence.

Day 3

I'm grateful for a living prophet who shares such joyful and inspiring words.

Just like this that I came across moments ago. It was a much needed teaching moment.

"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."
--Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey", Liahona, Nov 2008, 84–87

I feel extremely grateful that our prophet receives revelation directly from the Lord and knows that the fire of a testimony needs to be tended to and watched over to keep burning brightly. I had my "fire stoked" today. I'm so blessed.

Cinnamon Sticks

Who doesn't love a give away!
Try this new spot for darling gift ideas or something fun for yourself.

Day 2

My moment of gratitude came early today...

For breakfast I just finished up some yummy, creamy leftover roma tomato basil soup.

My friend bought me a bottle from Nordstrom's Cafe.
Just 'cuz.
Thank you Rachel!

Do yourself a favor and go get yourself a bottle.
Oh and you'll need a cup of cream.
You'll thank me later.

Or better yet, buy one for yourself and one to share with a friend.
She'll thank you later as well.

But what this post really boils down to is gratitude for food on my table and friends in my life.

An attitude of GRATITUDE

Day 1...

I'm grateful for the moment I had tucking Cooper into bed.
He reached up for a hug and his hands were doing the "bring it on" motion.
Then with a huge toothless grin he said, "Give me some suguh momma-see-ta!"

Just like 'sugar' but with the slang accent of a kid who grew up in Puerto Rico rapping as a back up singer for Vanilla Ice.

Suguh??? Where does he come up with this stuff!

It takes a village

Cooper had an opportunity to share his feelings with a classmate about believing in Jesus.

As per Cooper, it went down like this...

Cooper: "A kid in my class said that he doesn't care about Jesus."

Mom: "Did you say anything to him?"

Cooper: "Oh yeah! I told him that you shouldn't say things like that. Because it's like your soul is salt. It is white and pure but when you say things like you don't care about Jesus then it starts to get dirty like when you put pepper in the salt. And pretty soon your soul is black."

Whoa!! That was good and I was not prepared.

Stunned for a nano second, I didn't say anything in reply.

I was soaking in the object lesson he had just shared with me.

And then I said something like...

"That was so brave of you! Do you realize you were sharing your testimony with that boy?"

Cooper said in a very *it's no big deal* kind of way,

"I just told him what I learned in Primary on Sunday."

So THANK YOU Brother Ostergaard for your salt and pepper object lesson.

It left a lasting impression on my little boy.

And thank you to all those that rally around me and help me raise my children.

You probably don't even realize what you all are doing.

Brent and I are aware and we are very grateful!

Enjoy the differences

When the M&M's were gone for the General Conference bingo game, my boys turned to blocks and Lego's to pass the time.





While Cooper created his version of the Dizzy Dummy...













and the Motivator from Wipe*out...

Davis created his version of the Gilbert temple. Complete with an Angel Moroni sounding his trump!

Definite differences.

Both definitely loved for them.

Wait till you get a look at my pool boy...he's a cutie!

And he doesn't charge a thing!

Well maybe food, clothing, shelter and a nighttime back scratch.

But that's nothing really...

I'd give this kid anything!!

words I thought I'd never say...

GO PACKERS!!

And the best part is playing in the cool morning temps!

Today it was a chilly 64 degrees. Burrrrrrr!!

Finally ~ the weather we live for!

because of LOVE

One of the things I grew to LOVE, because of the LOVE of my mother, was a LOVE for musicals.

Mostly the ones from days gone by. Like this one...

Seen it several times, both on stage and the original movie. You know the one with Howard Keel and Jane Powell. I think me and mom wore out our VHS tape!

Being the only girl in my family, this was mine and mom's tradition.

I remember being small and seeing plays together in the small theatre in Centerville, Utah.

Many nights were spent watching musicals together, snuggled up on the couch, popcorn set between us, two cold rootbeers on a TV tray (remember those??), and a fire crackling in the fireplace.

Mom knew the words to every song and with my head on her shoulder, her voice was a soothing lullaby. At bedtime many nights, I remember her softly singing "Stay Awake" from Mary Poppins. Maddison plays it on the piano often for me now. Circles of LOVE are precious.

Then, as a Young Woman leader full of LOVE, mom started a tradition where she would take her girls to Sundance Theatre to see musicals in the beautiful setting of the Provo canyon.

This was my favorite! Cool evenings & warm blankets. Mom would splurge on rich hot chocolate and the sinful thick sliced homemade bread slathered with real butter and honey.

Because of LOVE, Mom even started taking her grand daughters to the little Centerville theatre when they were old enough. Maddison was lucky enough to see a show with Grandma...The Sound of Music was her first.

I just got tickets for Maddison and I to see this favorite musical at our local theatre here in Gilbert.

Because of LOVE, Mom will be there with us.

Hearts full of all she has blessed us with.

Night time thoughts

The last several nights I have been bugged by Cooper's excuses for not staying in bed and falling asleep. He is losing out on sleep that he desperately needs for survival skills the following day.

"I'm sooooo hot-uh!" (the "uh" is placed at the end of any of his sentences with great emphasis and is used when is he sad, mad or putting the blame on someone or something.)

"There's something in my eye-uh!"

"I'm sooooo hot-uh!"

"I'm sooooo itchy-uh!"

And it always ends again with, "I'm sooooo hot-uh!"

It sounds like I don't run the A/C or fans at my house. Not the case at all. Ask Brent, opener of the electric bill. In fact, because I realize that a cool room will become a factor at bedtime, I make sure that rooms are comfortable and ready for sleep.

No matter. Still the excuses. I've become rather exasperated and short tempered during this inevitable night time scene.

Late last night I watched Nie Nie's story on Oprah and felt a gush of remorse for my actions. And then this morning I read my friend's post about bed time at her house and the sting of tears rolled down my cheeks.

I'll be seeking forgiveness from my little one tonight and I'll linger with a song and back scratch, both of which he loves. And not just any back scratch, mind you. Just the kind that mommy gives.

For my Young Women and reminder for myself

My dear Young Women,

I would just like to invite each of you to make the time to listen to and participate in General Conference this weekend. It might take sacrifice to do so, but I know that as you do all you can to be where you need to be to listen to the words of our Prophet, that blessings will abound. If you still have the conference journals that Sister Short made a couple a years ago for you, get that out. If you don't have one, create one! Use the idea from the cute notebooks we made awhile back. Write down your thoughts and feelings as you listen. Approach Conference with a prayer. Do you need an answer to a question? Do you need peace and comfort? Do you wish for more courage to share the gospel? Whatever you are in need of, if you pray with real intent and faith, the Lord will give you what you seek. Through four sessions of Conference you might be surprised how many of the messages are meant just for you, with answers to your heart's desires.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to "listen to a prophet's a voice and hear the words of God". It is always a blessing in my life. I love the Savior and I know of His deep love for each of you. His plan is for your happiness. May the Lord's peaceful spirit rest upon each of you this weekend.

I love you very much,
Sister Brown

Make General Conference a Priority in Your Life
"Decide now to make general conference a priority in your life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that are given. Listen to or read the talks more than once to better understand and follow the counsel. By doing these things, the gates of hell will not prevail against you, the powers of darkness will be dispersed from before you, and the heavens will shake for your good."
Paul V. Johnson, "The Blessings of General Conference," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 52

Sacredness of the Prophet's Teachings

"You might ask yourself, 'Do I see the calling of the prophets and apostles as sacred? Do I treat their counsel seriously, or is it a light thing with me?' President Gordon B. Hinckley, for instance, has counseled us to pursue education and vocational training; to avoid pornography as a plague; to respect women; to eliminate consumer debt; to be grateful, smart, clean, true, humble, and prayerful; and to do our best, our very best. "Do your actions show that you want to know and do what he teaches? Do you actively study his words and the statements of the Brethren? Is this something you hunger and thirst for? If so, you have a sense of the sacredness of the calling of prophets as the witnesses and messengers of the Son of God."

D. Todd Christofferson, "A Sense of the Sacred," CES fireside for young adults, Nov. 7, 2004

The end

We enjoyed our last Diamondbacks game of the season.

We got there early to get our Mark Reynolds bobblehead

and see the boys of summer take batting practice.

My boys were hanging over the fence, hoping to catch a home run ball.

Cooper was thrilled to get an autograph...

#35 Clay Zavada

My teenage daughter enjoyed the game with her new phone glued to her hand.

Davis learned the fun of keeping an official score.

It was a great game.

First they were winning.

Then they were losing.

Still losing.

Then they WON in an exciting finish!

Even though the D-backs haven't had a successful season,

we've had fun being in the crowd a lot this year.

After all, if you're a true fan of any sport,

you don't jump around on the band wagons.

(a pet peeve of Brent's - jumpin' on a band wagon!)

So let's hear it for our Arizona Diamonds!

See ya next summer boys!!

post edit: one of my pet peeves - not being able to control my spaces between lines when I post here. UGH!! It just adds a space or takes one out whenever! I edit it over and over and still - the wrong edits. GRRR!!