la-dee-da-Craftractions...

We found out some more not- so -happy -news about the baby the other day. We have lots of doctor appts. and have to travel a ways to see a specialist next week. I'm sure it will all be o.k. in the end-but it is still scary for me. Right now we know the baby needs surgery but not sure when or where.... So in order to try and attempt to keep my mind off of the unknown-on the days when I actually have some energy- here is what I have been doing....."craftstractions" (craft + distractions) as I call it...

silly USA banner using only stuff from my stash
Quilt top w/ Ikea fabric + fabric from my stash...and then I got too tired to finish it

Organizing the tiny room we have for the boys- a car room- w/ our collection of old license plates we have found over the years

Making a few vinyl signs for the boys car room and baby's room- but this is the only one I had energy to finish-the rest will come later ;)

AND of course- enjoying the 2 cute little boys I have right here at home :) I love my kids!

Sabbath 2/9/09

In the spirit of February-the month of LOVE- I found a great quote that went with the theme at church today. :)

"If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become 'less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,' which leads to greater physical well-being. Another of these studies concludes 'that forgivenss....is a liberating gift (that) people can give to themselves."

This is from a talk given by James E. Faust, Ensign of May 2007. The entire context of the talk can be found here.
Even if you are not of my faith, it is an incredible talk that helps us see the universal principle of forgiveness and love :)

Sabbath 1/25/09

I have not been enjoying my Sabbath posts lately, but I really enjoy quotes. So I am going to start posting a quote sometimes on Sunday, to help me and hopefully you too ;) This quote came from a CES fireside I watched on BYU T.V. a few weeks ago. You are welcome to download this quote if you like and print it out. Be aware, that it is in a 12 by 12 inch format, so you will most likely want to size it down to print it out. Happy Sunday ;)  PLEASE don't copy this, or publish it on your blog without LINKING back to me and giving me credit. THANKS :)

The Nativity and Breath of Heaven

One of the most memorable Christmas season's I had, was spent as a volunteer missionary and tour guide for my church.
Here, we shared with people every night, the true meaning of Christmas with this shortened version of this video clip called The Nativity. This is the only copy I could find online, and the original audio is not there. I personally like the original audio that goes with this, but this song is beautiful, Breath of Heaven, by Amy Grant. It is a little long- five and a half minutes, but is worth watching- a definite true reminder of the real reason for the season. (If you are not of my faith but would like a copy of this video, I can get you one with the original audio for free....just let me know :)) Or you can request one on your own for free, and several other free videos about the Savior by clicking here.

Sabbath 11/23/08

"I have been blessed, with so much more than I deserve. I thank God for what I've given at the end of every day...." -Martina McBride

photo -spring, 2008

Sabbath 11/16

"For the Beauty of the Earth"

I know where you are it is probably gray, snowy, cold, etc.

But where we live, this is what we saw yesterday. We have a great park in the center of town that has this amazing rose garden with all types of different roses. The roses bloom usually about in April. I was surprised to see so many still there-some looking better than others-but roses nevertheless-in November!

We enjoyed walking around and smelling the different varieties. We love this rose garden-a little oasis in the desert.

Sabbath 11/2/08

"Sharing, sharing, everybody caring,

That's the thing to do.

If I had a penny, and you hadn't any,

I'd buy a candy stick, and let you

have a lick!

That's Sharing, sharing,

everybody caring,

That's the thing to do..."

-Lyrics by Janeen Brady

I sang this song as a kid growing up. I taught this song to my second-graders when I taught school. And now my own kids are learning this song- as well as the concept of SHARING. An easy thing to sing about, but not always an easy thing to do or learn or teach. There are certain things that should be shared. There are certain things that shouldn't and can't be shared. Candy is one of those WEALTHS- that definitely should be shared :)

Sabbath 10/25

Something we all need to remember more often-....wise words from our Prophet.

Sabbath 10/19/08

"Teach me to walk in the light of his love;

Teach me to pray to my father above;

Teach me to know of the things that are right;

Teach me, teach me to walk in the light."

(Children's Songbook from my faith, pg. 177)

Sabbath 9/21

our "super cool" racing numbers ;)

"When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shall not stumble." -Proverbs 4:12

"And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint..." - D & C 89:20

Yesterday we ran a fun family 5k. Afterwards they has 1/4 mile dash for the kids. How fun it was for me to share my love of running with my husband and my boys. It was such a fun family activity and we hope to do it many more times.

A-u-t-u-m-n

"To every thing there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1
This post is a combination post- The top photo are some fun Autumn blocks I made last night at "Ladies Night". I am loving these blocks and can't wait to make more. The bottom photo- looks fake- doesn't it? It is a photo I took about 4 years ago in Utah. Since we don't really have seasons where we currently live, I am loving this photo even more. I love the leaves turning colors in the mountains and the crisp cool air. Aaahhh....miss that. Since I did not so a "Sabbath Post", this is serving as that too! Have a great week!

Sabbath 9/7

"...But knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth..." Proverbs 14:6

Tonight my 12 month old son tried to say a blessing on the food after we did.- of course saying his baby talk- which sounds like words but it isn't. He did it twice. After the second time, he said very distinctly, "all done". He is only 12 months old....yet everything we do he watches and learns from. It amazes me what our actions can teach others- especially small children.

Sabbath Post 8/31

"Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven..." Matthew 18:10

Sabbath Post 8/24/08

"Therefore, will I not make solitary places bud and to blossom, and to bring forth in abundance? saith the Lord" ...D&C 117:7

I have been inspired by this blogger.