thanks lynley!!
Look what Bri has done now!!!
He whipped up this sweet pencil sketch of a sea turtle, just for me!!!!
This kid has such a good, creative heart!
And here we have the final submission to the school art contest for the official school crest.
Of course we hope he wins!!!
We had parent teacher conferences last week. (its the VERY LAST YEAR of these things!!! yipeee!!) I can now confirm, without reservation, that Bri is happy at this new high school. The proof is in the reports we got from his teachers this time. whew!!
We really enjoyed visiting with Bri's art teacher. Whom, by the way he thinks is way to hot to be a teacher. wink, wink. Bri is not only impressed by how cute she is, but also by how very, very talented she is as well. This teacher was full of high praise for Brian and his artistic abilities. Her advice for him is that he should begin working on putting a portfolio together throughout this year, and have it ready to submit to colleges in order to qualify for scholarship consideration!!! I dont think he fully believes this is possible, or that he'll even embrace the idea of going to college at this point, but at least the seed has been planted for the possibilities. (college hasnt been on his radar screen at all.) Im hoping the idea grows on him.
He's a talented kid!!
This 'hot' art teacher is also trying to convince Bri to take her 'oils' class next semester!! Hes reluctant-'" cause he hasnt done much of that before." I say, all the more reason to give it a try!
Create Bri Create!!!!
He whipped up this sweet pencil sketch of a sea turtle, just for me!!!!
This kid has such a good, creative heart!
And here we have the final submission to the school art contest for the official school crest.
Of course we hope he wins!!!
We had parent teacher conferences last week. (its the VERY LAST YEAR of these things!!! yipeee!!) I can now confirm, without reservation, that Bri is happy at this new high school. The proof is in the reports we got from his teachers this time. whew!!
We really enjoyed visiting with Bri's art teacher. Whom, by the way he thinks is way to hot to be a teacher. wink, wink. Bri is not only impressed by how cute she is, but also by how very, very talented she is as well. This teacher was full of high praise for Brian and his artistic abilities. Her advice for him is that he should begin working on putting a portfolio together throughout this year, and have it ready to submit to colleges in order to qualify for scholarship consideration!!! I dont think he fully believes this is possible, or that he'll even embrace the idea of going to college at this point, but at least the seed has been planted for the possibilities. (college hasnt been on his radar screen at all.) Im hoping the idea grows on him.
He's a talented kid!!
This 'hot' art teacher is also trying to convince Bri to take her 'oils' class next semester!! Hes reluctant-'" cause he hasnt done much of that before." I say, all the more reason to give it a try!
Create Bri Create!!!!
SUNDAY RAMBLINGS
What I'm going to write here, may be a little controversial. But what else is new?! My motive is only to be thought provoking. Im kinda going out on a limb here in sharing some random thoughts on God. My thoughts.
First off, I’ll have you think about this scripture: “I the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine. And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. DC 104: 14,16
And we all are familiar with Genesis, where we learn of a God who is wonderful, and creative, artistic and loving!! I also know this about God because I can look around this glorious world with my own eyes. I think He went to considerable effort to make things incredibly beautiful for us!!! Not only beautiful but varied and detailed and diversified. He could have simplified things. Streamlining is a popular thing to do. There could be fewer types of shells and flowers and trees and snowflakes and animals and bugs. And thank heavens the same thing applies to people as well. We come in all varieties and enjoy fine details and uniqueness'es. -thank Heavens!!! Instead God choose to create for us all that we have before us, to enjoy, in all its multiplicity!!!. I don’t think He made this world grand and glorious and magnificent and diverse to make our life more difficult-but to make our life more joyful!!
We have also learned from a sacred scripture that “men are that they might have joy.” Without getting too much into where word emphasis is placed; I'll ask-what do we believe? Is “MIGHT HAVE” conditional? I guess it is in a way. We mustn’t forget the ever helpful commandments. We all know in our heart of hearts the things we need to do to bring us closer to God and thus be happier overall. We also know what causes us or brings us pain and sorrow. Im just here to say that I think we are here to have joy, to find joy, to make joy-NOW. Heavenly Father brought us to this earth so that we might experience the best this life has to offer!!! I suppose you can choose to see it the other way, that we have to earn the joy. But I think back to the scriptures I opened with. God is good, kind, creative, loving and even generous!! I believe we are supposed to be joyful, right here, right now, not in some future life or time. (though we do of course also expect our ‘reward’ in the end too. IF we have done all that we can do.)
So…Im guessing Im already making some people uncomfortable , -- There is no denying that there is a great deal of pain and suffering in the world!! I know!!!??? So how does a loving Heavenly Father expect us to accomplish this joyfulness when we are surrounded by a world that is full of trials and tribulations and grief and imperfections. And, sometimes this despair hits us square in our own backyard!!! But I think many of us have been taught since we were very young tikes, and still now believe that the “best” path to our Father In Heaven is through trials, and suffering or tribulations. There in truth in the idea that when bad things do happen to us we tend to draw closer to the Lord. This in fact may be very true. Think of all the talks we hear in church about the refiners fire, about growing through our trials. I hear all the time about how people even feel blessed by their trials. Im sure the strong ones are---but Im so, so weak!!) Some have courage enough to wave their arms and shout,”Bring it on Lord!!” (gulp-not me!!!)
But Im going to surmise, and hope and believe that there is another way to have God as part of my life. Not just through the suffering, sadness and trials that do seem inevitable.
Everyday of my life, I feel gratitude for the joy and happiness that my life contains. I sometimes struggle to push away the guilt I feel because my life isn’t full of trials and tribulations. (QUICK,,knock on wood-before I jinx myself!!!.... See what I mean???) I will never be one to LOOK for trouble. Why seek for difficulties in my life so that I might feel stronger?!?! I find strength in my gratitude and acknowledgement of where it all comes from. Instead I take the ‘easy’ route, and be darn grateful each and every day. I try to celebrate how good-and even easy- life can be. (may I not be stuck my lightening now) I do know Im in the hands of a loving, creative, generous Father in Heaven. I don’t see God as a punishing God. I see Him as a generous, kind Creator. I believe He is only waiting for us to ask Him to be in our life. That He would have us enjoy it with Him!! He would be our companion in life, to help us along the way, to share these experiences with Him, and in so doing, making them all the more blissful. All we must do is ask. I am blessed enough that I get to cry out to God because Im happy, not because Im in despair or in sorrow. I call upon my Lord when Im hiking the highest peaks or when my grandson gives me a kiss, or when my missionaries write home, or Im walking to my car with a cart full of groceries. I draw nearer to my God when my Builder and I are in the temple or when Im seeking His divine companionship or when I see our nations flag blowing in the wind.
The times Im feeling blissful, or Im sharing with Him my little bitty needs-not just the big ones, is also a great way to enjoy the here and now!!
Im just saying that I don’t believe that Life is meant to be suffered through. Martyrdom is not appropriate for children of God. If we each knew where we were headed--toward God-- we could relax more, enjoy ourselves more, celebrate ourselves and one another more!!! If we could do this I think we’d find a wonderful sense of peace and calm and even an easefulness to our lives. (why oh why does even saying this out loud bring such a twinge of guilt?? It’s ridicules!!! We have been conditioned so well in our culture and society to push away from a HAPPY, Joyful, more easeful life. )Who's heard the Eastern spiritual concept of flowing with the movement of God? I've heard it many a time- "Dont push the River, It flows by itself." This is the bone Im picking here. Suffering, hardship, (think of the pioneer stories we have so fully ingrained in our minds.) control and self discipline are preached so routinely. These qualities seem to have become the virtues we strive for.
ENOUGH OF THAT!!! (please note that Im not disqualifying the virtue of self discipline, but I do wish that more of us could let our hair down and BE who we want to be. To many of us bottle up our inner joyful spirits for a more subdued, ‘accepted ‘being.)
Lets try to retrain our brains, into remembering who God really is. Is he a task master, test giving, vengeful God? Is He someone to be feared??!! Are those truly His characteristics? Or…is He the creative, loving, generous, joyful God that I have come to know that He is!?
“…the fullness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbed upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, of for vineyards;
Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart. …for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.”
DC 59:16-20
What else I know:
I intend to spread the joy as best I can!!
I am also prepared for an onslaught of rebuffs to this editorial.
I’ve been accused of naiveté before!!
Im sure I'll have more to say on pain and suffering at a further date...just hold out for it.
First off, I’ll have you think about this scripture: “I the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine. And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves. DC 104: 14,16
And we all are familiar with Genesis, where we learn of a God who is wonderful, and creative, artistic and loving!! I also know this about God because I can look around this glorious world with my own eyes. I think He went to considerable effort to make things incredibly beautiful for us!!! Not only beautiful but varied and detailed and diversified. He could have simplified things. Streamlining is a popular thing to do. There could be fewer types of shells and flowers and trees and snowflakes and animals and bugs. And thank heavens the same thing applies to people as well. We come in all varieties and enjoy fine details and uniqueness'es. -thank Heavens!!! Instead God choose to create for us all that we have before us, to enjoy, in all its multiplicity!!!. I don’t think He made this world grand and glorious and magnificent and diverse to make our life more difficult-but to make our life more joyful!!
We have also learned from a sacred scripture that “men are that they might have joy.” Without getting too much into where word emphasis is placed; I'll ask-what do we believe? Is “MIGHT HAVE” conditional? I guess it is in a way. We mustn’t forget the ever helpful commandments. We all know in our heart of hearts the things we need to do to bring us closer to God and thus be happier overall. We also know what causes us or brings us pain and sorrow. Im just here to say that I think we are here to have joy, to find joy, to make joy-NOW. Heavenly Father brought us to this earth so that we might experience the best this life has to offer!!! I suppose you can choose to see it the other way, that we have to earn the joy. But I think back to the scriptures I opened with. God is good, kind, creative, loving and even generous!! I believe we are supposed to be joyful, right here, right now, not in some future life or time. (though we do of course also expect our ‘reward’ in the end too. IF we have done all that we can do.)
So…Im guessing Im already making some people uncomfortable , -- There is no denying that there is a great deal of pain and suffering in the world!! I know!!!??? So how does a loving Heavenly Father expect us to accomplish this joyfulness when we are surrounded by a world that is full of trials and tribulations and grief and imperfections. And, sometimes this despair hits us square in our own backyard!!! But I think many of us have been taught since we were very young tikes, and still now believe that the “best” path to our Father In Heaven is through trials, and suffering or tribulations. There in truth in the idea that when bad things do happen to us we tend to draw closer to the Lord. This in fact may be very true. Think of all the talks we hear in church about the refiners fire, about growing through our trials. I hear all the time about how people even feel blessed by their trials. Im sure the strong ones are---but Im so, so weak!!) Some have courage enough to wave their arms and shout,”Bring it on Lord!!” (gulp-not me!!!)
But Im going to surmise, and hope and believe that there is another way to have God as part of my life. Not just through the suffering, sadness and trials that do seem inevitable.
Everyday of my life, I feel gratitude for the joy and happiness that my life contains. I sometimes struggle to push away the guilt I feel because my life isn’t full of trials and tribulations. (QUICK,,knock on wood-before I jinx myself!!!.... See what I mean???) I will never be one to LOOK for trouble. Why seek for difficulties in my life so that I might feel stronger?!?! I find strength in my gratitude and acknowledgement of where it all comes from. Instead I take the ‘easy’ route, and be darn grateful each and every day. I try to celebrate how good-and even easy- life can be. (may I not be stuck my lightening now) I do know Im in the hands of a loving, creative, generous Father in Heaven. I don’t see God as a punishing God. I see Him as a generous, kind Creator. I believe He is only waiting for us to ask Him to be in our life. That He would have us enjoy it with Him!! He would be our companion in life, to help us along the way, to share these experiences with Him, and in so doing, making them all the more blissful. All we must do is ask. I am blessed enough that I get to cry out to God because Im happy, not because Im in despair or in sorrow. I call upon my Lord when Im hiking the highest peaks or when my grandson gives me a kiss, or when my missionaries write home, or Im walking to my car with a cart full of groceries. I draw nearer to my God when my Builder and I are in the temple or when Im seeking His divine companionship or when I see our nations flag blowing in the wind.
The times Im feeling blissful, or Im sharing with Him my little bitty needs-not just the big ones, is also a great way to enjoy the here and now!!
Im just saying that I don’t believe that Life is meant to be suffered through. Martyrdom is not appropriate for children of God. If we each knew where we were headed--toward God-- we could relax more, enjoy ourselves more, celebrate ourselves and one another more!!! If we could do this I think we’d find a wonderful sense of peace and calm and even an easefulness to our lives. (why oh why does even saying this out loud bring such a twinge of guilt?? It’s ridicules!!! We have been conditioned so well in our culture and society to push away from a HAPPY, Joyful, more easeful life. )Who's heard the Eastern spiritual concept of flowing with the movement of God? I've heard it many a time- "Dont push the River, It flows by itself." This is the bone Im picking here. Suffering, hardship, (think of the pioneer stories we have so fully ingrained in our minds.) control and self discipline are preached so routinely. These qualities seem to have become the virtues we strive for.
ENOUGH OF THAT!!! (please note that Im not disqualifying the virtue of self discipline, but I do wish that more of us could let our hair down and BE who we want to be. To many of us bottle up our inner joyful spirits for a more subdued, ‘accepted ‘being.)
Lets try to retrain our brains, into remembering who God really is. Is he a task master, test giving, vengeful God? Is He someone to be feared??!! Are those truly His characteristics? Or…is He the creative, loving, generous, joyful God that I have come to know that He is!?
“…the fullness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbed upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, of for vineyards;
Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart. …for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.”
DC 59:16-20
What else I know:
I intend to spread the joy as best I can!!
I am also prepared for an onslaught of rebuffs to this editorial.
I’ve been accused of naiveté before!!
Im sure I'll have more to say on pain and suffering at a further date...just hold out for it.
image from flickr
FORBIDDEN FRUIT
iM going to treat you to a glimpse into the inner workings of my twisted brain. You may look away or come back again on another day if you choose to.
Pepsi, Pepsi, Pepsi.....ahhhhhhh
I cant live with it.
I cant live without it.
But seriously folks,
I know whats good for me. I also know how my mind operates.
This is what I know.
If I tell myself that something is 'forbidden'; that its no longer an option, that its hands off forever, something in my brain, some mechanism, goes off, and shouts- "NOBODY'S GUNNA TELL ME WHAT I CAN OR CANNOT DO!!!" (even when its just me do'in the tell'in)
I've been treating Pepsi as the 'forbidden fruit.'
Im also admitting to still acting like a rebellious teenager.
So Im formulating a new plan. Actually its been in play now for a while. Unbeknownst to my family.
STEP ONE
Dont make Pepsi the FORBIDDEN fruit.
STEP TWO
Be smart. Understand why Pepsi has its drawbacks. Admit to those drawbacks.
STEP THREE
Agency!!!
STEP FOUR
Decide that its ok to drink Pepsi when I like. Remember moderation.
STEP FIVE
Remember that there truly are 'forbidden fruits' in the world, and that they cannot be messed with!! CANNOT, WILL NOT. ie- drugs; men-other than my Builder whom Im blissfully married to; acholol;and porn!!! I am completely comfortable in NOT 'dabbling' in those regions!!! (there is no teenage rebellion there!!!)
So there you have it-My five step plan on justifying my Pepsi love.
What d'ya think?
Vote Your Conscience!
The Catholic Church has put out this video. I think its really worth watching. Those of you that know me already know that Im a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But this video speaks to all faiths and denominations. It applies to all those with a common moral code. We may be in trouble as a nation; and its time to take action and have our voices heard!!
AFTER APPLE -PICKING
by:Robert Frost
My long two-pointed ladder's sticking through a tree
Toward heaven still.
And there's a barrel that I didnt fill
Beside it, and there may be two or three
Apples I didnt pick upon some bough.
But I am done with apple-picking now.
Essence of winter sleep is on the night,
The scent of apples; I am drowsing off.
I cannot rub the strangeness from my sight
I got from looking through a pane of glass
I skimmed this morning from the drinking trough
And held against the world of hoary grass.
It melted, and I let it fall and break.
But I was well
Upon my way to sleep before it fell,
And I could tell
What form my dreaming was about to take.
Magnified apples appear and disappear,
Stem-end and blossom-end.
And every fleck of russet showing clear.
My instep arch not only keeps the ache,
It keeps the pressure of a ladder-round.
I feel the ladder sway as the boughs bend.
And I keep hearing from the cellar bin
The rumbling sound
Of load on load of apples coming in.
For I have had too much
Of apple-picking; I am overtired
Of the great harvest I myself desired.
There were ten thousand fruit to touch,
Cherish in hand, lift down, and not let fall.
For all
That struck the earth,
No matter if not bruised or spiked with stubble,
Went surely to the cider-apple heap
As of no worth.
One can see what will trouble
This sleep of mine, whatever sleep it is.
Were he not gone,
The woodchuck could say whether it's like his
Long sleep, as I describe its coming on,
Or just some human sleep.
can i just say that im lov'in the vivid descriptions here. how great a talent to paint such a picture in our minds with so few words. the details, and the rhyme....oh my, its like music.
i know that my folks would say that i have no idea what its like to really work, and its true. i've been enjoying a good and simple life. and i am always grateful. i'd just like to put in a plug for leading a balanced life as well. there is a time for work, and a time for play, and a time for sleep. "i am overtired of the great harvest i myself desired." havent we all felt this way sometimes?
You may be getting bored of hearing news about our missionaries....but oh well, to bad for you!!
At 6:15 pm last night the phone rang again, and it was in my lap, so I answered it. A nice woman introduced herself, saying that she was calling from the mission home in Santiago Chile. She was calling to let us know that our son had arrived safely to the mission. She then proceed to outline his day from his point of arrival.
He was met at the airport in the morning by his mission president, President Moran. Clark and 9 other missionaries were then taken to the mission home for an almerzo,which translates to-a large middle day lunch;the big meal of the day. Then the missionaries had some training and a short interview, and then it was off to meet their trainer/companion. They had their pictures taken and were introduced to their sector. And then they began their work!!!
Oh mY!!
My poor boy didnt sleep a wink on that long plane ride in. I can bet on that. So he probably had the very longest day of his life yesterday!! But I bet he slept GREAT last night!!
His P-day will be on Mondays. We just cant wait for that first email telling us how he's feeling and how he thought the first days went. Its fun hearing those first impressions!!!
Go Elder Clark!!!
News From Elder Clark and Pictures!!!
Where to begin....hummmm...
Maybe first with the phone call from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
I was down in the laundry room, beginning a load of wash. The phone starts to ring. (I confess that there are MANY times I let that phone ring. Im not going to run for a phone.) But I remembered that it had to be around 4:00pm...I RAN for the phone!!! And it was my guy! My son,my elder!!!
My heart swelled with joy!!
There was no uneasyness in our conversation- until we ran out of things to say after an hour of visiting. He was exuding happiness. He was traveling with 14 missionaries down to Chile!! He was enjoying the friendly stares of people as they walked by. It really would be quite a site to see 14 young men all dressed in suits and ties with funny little name badges on. One couldnt help but wonder what was up. He had a 4 hour layover at the airport. He was greatly anticipating a "real" meal at the Chiles restaurant. He had a bit of dread about his up coming LONG flight through the night. He was concerned about not being able to sleep and folding up his LONG, 6 ft. 6" body into one of those cramped seats for 13 hours. He anticipated feeling completely whipped by the time he arrived in Santiago this morning!!
He practiced his Spanish with Robby. He said hello to Lachlan. Chelsea gave him love and encouragement. I ran on and on about all sorts of things. The Builder told him to eat apples and to work hard and have fun. I found out that he had weighed himself just before entering the MTC-at Judy's house-and the scale registered at 185 lbs. He said that he weighed himself again just a few days ago and he came in at a whopping 205!! Its hard to believe that any Stephenson is capable of putting that kind of weight on!! We talked of friends here at home and new friends made at the MTC. He just loves every one of the kids in his district. They hail from all parts of the country, and come with all sorts of different back-grounds, but he quickly learned to appreciate each one of them for their special talents and abilities. He actually said this!!!
All in all it was a wonderful phone call. Friends asked if it made it cry or melancholy. I must say that this time it really did not. He sounded so good and so excited to be on the way. He loves an adventure and to try new things. This will of course fill both those bills, and for a good long time. When he said that we'd be talking again soon, like in two months, my heart did a leap!! It really is more like three, but...it will go fast...right?!?!?
He was ever so grateful for the dear, dear aunties that take better care of him than his own mom when it comes to packages. He loved the things you sent him, and noticed the thoughtfulness to the things they contained.
He said that he sent us some picture on that very morning, and guess what!? They arrived this very morning here. I must say again, before you look at these pics. Clark is a goof-ball to be sure. Especially when a camera is involved. There were dozens of pictures, and it was difficult to pull a few out where he had any seriousness to him at all. So enjoy what I have here and I'll print up some more soon, to share again. He looks fantastic to this mom!!!! Though I have no idea where hes hiding that extra weight ......?
Clark said the shortie is the teacher. tehetehe
Maybe first with the phone call from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
I was down in the laundry room, beginning a load of wash. The phone starts to ring. (I confess that there are MANY times I let that phone ring. Im not going to run for a phone.) But I remembered that it had to be around 4:00pm...I RAN for the phone!!! And it was my guy! My son,my elder!!!
My heart swelled with joy!!
There was no uneasyness in our conversation- until we ran out of things to say after an hour of visiting. He was exuding happiness. He was traveling with 14 missionaries down to Chile!! He was enjoying the friendly stares of people as they walked by. It really would be quite a site to see 14 young men all dressed in suits and ties with funny little name badges on. One couldnt help but wonder what was up. He had a 4 hour layover at the airport. He was greatly anticipating a "real" meal at the Chiles restaurant. He had a bit of dread about his up coming LONG flight through the night. He was concerned about not being able to sleep and folding up his LONG, 6 ft. 6" body into one of those cramped seats for 13 hours. He anticipated feeling completely whipped by the time he arrived in Santiago this morning!!
He practiced his Spanish with Robby. He said hello to Lachlan. Chelsea gave him love and encouragement. I ran on and on about all sorts of things. The Builder told him to eat apples and to work hard and have fun. I found out that he had weighed himself just before entering the MTC-at Judy's house-and the scale registered at 185 lbs. He said that he weighed himself again just a few days ago and he came in at a whopping 205!! Its hard to believe that any Stephenson is capable of putting that kind of weight on!! We talked of friends here at home and new friends made at the MTC. He just loves every one of the kids in his district. They hail from all parts of the country, and come with all sorts of different back-grounds, but he quickly learned to appreciate each one of them for their special talents and abilities. He actually said this!!!
All in all it was a wonderful phone call. Friends asked if it made it cry or melancholy. I must say that this time it really did not. He sounded so good and so excited to be on the way. He loves an adventure and to try new things. This will of course fill both those bills, and for a good long time. When he said that we'd be talking again soon, like in two months, my heart did a leap!! It really is more like three, but...it will go fast...right?!?!?
He was ever so grateful for the dear, dear aunties that take better care of him than his own mom when it comes to packages. He loved the things you sent him, and noticed the thoughtfulness to the things they contained.
He said that he sent us some picture on that very morning, and guess what!? They arrived this very morning here. I must say again, before you look at these pics. Clark is a goof-ball to be sure. Especially when a camera is involved. There were dozens of pictures, and it was difficult to pull a few out where he had any seriousness to him at all. So enjoy what I have here and I'll print up some more soon, to share again. He looks fantastic to this mom!!!! Though I have no idea where hes hiding that extra weight ......?
Clark said the shortie is the teacher. tehetehe
Isnt It Lovely!?!?
A new blog friend of mine was kind enough to give me an 'award.'
Linda was generous to do such a thing. I've been enjoying her blog for months now, but more than that, I appreciate her gentle words in my comment box and her creative ideas that she shares and learning about all the fun things that bring people joy.
Here are the rules for this award:
1. Mention the blog that gave it to you.
2. Publish these rules.
3. Share six values that are important to you and six things you do not support.
4. Grant the prize to six people.
Six values that are important to me:
1. Do unto Others as You Would Have Done Unto You
2. Gospel of Jesus Christ
3. My family and friends
4. Freedom
5. Integrity
6. Education
Six things that I do not support:
1. Bigotry
2. Child abuse
3. Intolerance
4. Violence
5. Winter
6. Barak Obama :O(did I say this outloud!?)
I pass this award on to:
1. Chelsea
2. Natalie
3. Lynley
4. Leann
5. Christy
6. Julie
An Email From Anna!!!
I HATE to admit it--But Im sure I've NEVER seen my girl happier!!!
notice the 2 people swimming out there!!! ugh!!!
We are assuming that this is her apartment?!
Hello family!
I am so sorry that I havent been in contact for a while things have just been absolutely crazy! And they are still crazy so I know that I wont be able to tell everything that I want to and that I know mom wants me to and I am sorry for that! Let the pictures tell the story! ;) I will do my best! But like I said I dont have much time so please forgive me! I dont even know where to start! oh my gosh! Hurricane Ike!!! what!!! I experienced my first hurricane! It was so cool! But so scary! I even got a stress pimple the next morning after the hurricane! hehehe I am sending a CD home with ALL my pictures and there are some videos on there that are pretty sweet! I'll try and send that package home soon! We have just been doing some crazy service this past week! I LOVE it! I do not love seeing all the destruction and peoples houses that are ruined but I love that we can help ;) It has been like nothing else we have ever experienced! And I have NEVER been so tired in my entire life! I thought I was tired just doing normal missionary work but oh my goodness! I am beat! I honeslty dont know how I got up out of bed every morning..it was a miracle everyday. :) But we have had so much fun this past week as you can probably tell from the pictures and have even planted a lot of seeds. ;) This week is crazy too because we are supposed to have a baptism on sat. which is really exciting but planning for that is a nightmare because not everybody has power and the church building doesnt even have power so cross your fingers that it even goes thru. Yesterday we had to go to church about 25 mins. away but it was fun! We got transfer calls last night sorry sat. night and sister DuBose and I are staying together one more transfer! Yay! That doesnt EVER happen, well hardly ever, where a companionship stays together for 3 transfers! But we are so excited! Our work here in Tomball is not finished! :) Wow...things have been crazy I wish you all could have been here to experience it and to see the things that are going on! Walmart didnt have any food! It was eery to see shelves at WALMART emtpy! And gas lines that wrapped around streets, the laundromat that we go to was like a 20 min. wait to even get in because no one has water or power! just absolute madness! But so fun! Anyway I cant believe that Clarky is gone! And right now he is in Texas! yay!! I am so excited for him and I can already see so much growth in him! I love missions! they are the best thing ever! Oh my goodness running out of time! I am so sorry mom! Just know that I am healthy and happy and that i love youa ll so much! I will try and write a sanil mail today and send some more pics! all is well! Life is good and you all are in my prayers! Love your sister in Texas! Sister Stephenson
notice the 2 people swimming out there!!! ugh!!!
We are assuming that this is her apartment?!
Hello family!
I am so sorry that I havent been in contact for a while things have just been absolutely crazy! And they are still crazy so I know that I wont be able to tell everything that I want to and that I know mom wants me to and I am sorry for that! Let the pictures tell the story! ;) I will do my best! But like I said I dont have much time so please forgive me! I dont even know where to start! oh my gosh! Hurricane Ike!!! what!!! I experienced my first hurricane! It was so cool! But so scary! I even got a stress pimple the next morning after the hurricane! hehehe I am sending a CD home with ALL my pictures and there are some videos on there that are pretty sweet! I'll try and send that package home soon! We have just been doing some crazy service this past week! I LOVE it! I do not love seeing all the destruction and peoples houses that are ruined but I love that we can help ;) It has been like nothing else we have ever experienced! And I have NEVER been so tired in my entire life! I thought I was tired just doing normal missionary work but oh my goodness! I am beat! I honeslty dont know how I got up out of bed every morning..it was a miracle everyday. :) But we have had so much fun this past week as you can probably tell from the pictures and have even planted a lot of seeds. ;) This week is crazy too because we are supposed to have a baptism on sat. which is really exciting but planning for that is a nightmare because not everybody has power and the church building doesnt even have power so cross your fingers that it even goes thru. Yesterday we had to go to church about 25 mins. away but it was fun! We got transfer calls last night sorry sat. night and sister DuBose and I are staying together one more transfer! Yay! That doesnt EVER happen, well hardly ever, where a companionship stays together for 3 transfers! But we are so excited! Our work here in Tomball is not finished! :) Wow...things have been crazy I wish you all could have been here to experience it and to see the things that are going on! Walmart didnt have any food! It was eery to see shelves at WALMART emtpy! And gas lines that wrapped around streets, the laundromat that we go to was like a 20 min. wait to even get in because no one has water or power! just absolute madness! But so fun! Anyway I cant believe that Clarky is gone! And right now he is in Texas! yay!! I am so excited for him and I can already see so much growth in him! I love missions! they are the best thing ever! Oh my goodness running out of time! I am so sorry mom! Just know that I am healthy and happy and that i love youa ll so much! I will try and write a sanil mail today and send some more pics! all is well! Life is good and you all are in my prayers! Love your sister in Texas! Sister Stephenson
Its A Birthday Girl!!
They are idols of hearts and of households;
They are angels of God in disguise;
The sunlight still sleeps in their tresses,
His glory still gleams in their eyes;
These truants from home and from Heaven,
They have made me more manly and mild;
And I know how Jesus could liken
The Kingdom of God to a child.
-Charles M. Dickinson
This little person with the sweetest face, is having her 3rd Birthday!!
She is most definitely one of the smartest, brightest 3 year olds I've ever met!!
She truly is a bright-eye precocious child!
We love her madly, and wish that we could see her and her family more often! darn it!!!
Amber has brought unanticipated joy and delight to all that know her.
And we are wishing her the very happiest of birthdays today!!
You have taught us all that when you least expect it, Wonderful things do happen!!!
WE LOVE YOU DEAR GIRL!!!
"Intensity" From the Missionary Training Center
This is a fun snail mail letter we received from Clark on Friday!!Just thought I'd share it with everyone!!
Its easy now to feel his enthusiasm!
Santiago, Chile---here he comes!!!
(Rob is quick to remind us its a grueling 18 hr. flight.)
Hola Familia,
So we got our flight plans on Friday after dinner. It was pretty awesome and exciting. We have a week left. This week is going to be awesome, it is going to be super busy trying to learn spanish and getting prepared to leave.
The Sunday was pretty cool because me and my companero blessed the sacrament in espanol. It was pretty interesting and intense. Ismbien, every Sunday the bishop call two missionaries at random, but since I blessed the sacrament, I thought I wouldnt get called on, but I was mistaken. So I had the opportunity to speak for the first time in spanish. It was pretty fun and intense. I was so nervous and my body was so hot because of it, my glasses started to fog up. Pretty embarrassing.
Well, so we received our flight plans and we are leaving the MTC at 10:00, (Monday Sept 22)which is nice because everyone else that leaves seems like they're leaving at 5 in the morning. So we get to sleep in to 6:30. Our plane leaves at 1:30 out of Salt Lake. And we fly into Dallas at 5:00. So I would expect a call around then. How do you call collect? (I guess I forgot to teach him that one) I have no idea. But I am going to be as close to Anna as I can be, which is cool I guess. I am pretty stoked to get out on the real world and eat some real food. We have a Texan in our district that is already planning to go to Chili's in the Dallas airport. I am going to have to tag along.
Thanks for the package mother. I was kind of disappointed when you gave me the 64MG card, but when I popped it my camera, the pictures on it are awesome. The first picture that I saw was Lachlan making a scary face-it was pretty awesome looking. Does he try to do a monster face now? There was a bunch of pictures of family and friends, which I really enjoyed.
Mom, I am going to probably burn a CD with pictures, so I can keep the card until later. So hopefully you will get that soon.
Well I love you guys. Thats awesome to hear about Brian.
Love Elder Stephenson
PLUS!!!! SISTER Anna News
I am pleased to report that ALL missionaries in the Texas Houston Mission weathered Hurricane Ike and are safe and sound.
Missionaries are now participating in the clean up effort. They are a very visible presence in the community wearing bright yellow "Mormon Helping Hands" T-shirts. On Thursday 45 missionaries met at the Bishops Storehouse and assembled 2000 food kits which will be distributed to families in hardest hit areas.
Almost half the missionaries are still without power but have plenty of clean drinking water and food. All have access to laundry facilities. We are told power should be restored to most areas this coming week. The Mission Office is still without power.
Today is the first day since the hurricane that we have had access to the internet with your email addresses. Thank you for your patience and prayers.
Todd Hansen
President, Texas Houston Mission
WHAT I KNOW:
The blessings of having missionaries out in the field, far out weigh the heavy heart I sometimes feel in missing them so terribly! I am SO grateful that they serve with such willing, excited hearts!! There is no other way that one could devise to have such incredible experiences for our 'children.' I know from experience that these precious 'children,' come home to us as adults and as fuller and more compassionate people. May God continue to bless our missionary program and all the missionaries around the globe.
Room Full of Laughter
Im setting a fun goal for myself and our life.
The Builder and I have talked about this goal quite frequently, amongst ourselves.
I have decided to go public with my goal-that way I stand a better chance of following through!!
The Builder and I have talked about this goal quite frequently, amongst ourselves.
I have decided to go public with my goal-that way I stand a better chance of following through!!
(1976)
My mom and dad did quite a bit of entertaining when we were young. Neighbors, friends, work associates, old college buds, family and teenagers were all welcome at my folks home. Sometimes the party was lavish. With fancy food and fancy drinks, candles on the table. Even the fine china was pulled out and dusted off for use. Sometimes, most of the time, it was just a BBQ, or something else with a casual flair. But there was always stimulating conversations going on. I believe my folks would confirm that life-long friendships developed in lue of these get-togethers. Now I have to admit to a propensity for entertaining myself. I too like to entertain. I like the idea of inviting people I know, or people that I'd like to know better, into our home. I like feeding them and treating them to a night out. I enjoy trying out new recipes with delectable food, that my chicklets wouldnt eat, but that 'grown-ups' appreciate.So....there you have it. I am resolving to throw more dinner parties!! They dont have to be fancy. I can even see it go pot-luck sometimes!! We could have theme dinners! It could be
just about desserts!! What its really all about is getting together and having fun with those you love.
Last night will count as our first party. We planned a progressive dinner for the adults of the ward ( church congregation.) Its been a logistics nightmare to pull off, but I believe in the end, we all had fun!! I think we had about 40 couples and singles involved. Thats what we're shooting for. More socializing amongst us!! There were 12 homes that willing invited us in for the serving of appetizers. And then there were 12 more homes that provided the main course!! Yumm!!
Then we all met together in a neighbors back yard for dessert! Doesnt this sound like fun?!?!
Stand by for news of my NExt party.
Who knows, maybe we'll be inviting you!!!
(you may be wondering why Ive added a yellow rubber ducky to my 'party counter' on my side bar???? Believe it or not, I used rubber duckies in my 'theme' for my table decorations for the progressive dinner. It was silly, but cute too. )
Prose for Thursday
LITTLE GIRL, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY
Little girl, be careful what you say
when you make talk with words, words-
for words are made of syllables
and syllables, child, are made of air-
and air is so thin-air is the breath of God-
air is finer than fire or mist,
finer than water or moonlight,
finer than spider-webs in the moon,
finer than water-flowers in the morning;
and words are strong, too,
stronger than rocks or steel
stronger than potatoes, corn, fish,cattle,
and soft, too, soft as little pigeon-eggs,
soft as the music of hummingbird wings.
So, little girl, when you speak greetings,
when you tell jokes, make wishes or prayers,
be careful, be careless, be careful,
be what you wish to be.
-Carl Sandburg
Im Told That Smurfs Get Hayfever Too!!
Im really sick and tired of being sick and tired!!First it was a nasty cold.
Now its evolved into what I believe is a sever case of allergies.
Autumn, on occasion, does bring some misery to my sinus's and eyes. Some years pass with not a sign of the irritants in my eyes or nasal passages. This fall looks to be one of those occasions that I am going to feel miserable and grouchy and tired and irritable, and sleepy, and lerpy, and mad!!! I dont sleep well at all, I wake up dreading the morning hike out in the conspiring weeds. I go through a handkerchief an hour. No medications seem to help. I adore the nasal sprays. But Im racked with quilt every night I use them...believing that I have definitely already let myself become addicted to the stuff!!! (I had a boyfriend in college that had a whole windowsill lined up with his empty bottles of nasal sprays. bleck!!!!!!!) I have learned that once your sinus's get accustomed to the miracle spray, the sinus cavity demands a squirt every night, or they just shut down. This could be whats happening already. Except that I cant breath for most of the day either!!!
What I Know:
The first frost will bring blessed release!
Why oh why am I forced to long for the cold of winter!?!?!
Sister Anna Update!!
We have had many, many phone calls from dear ones, wondering how our dear Anna fared after Hurricane Ike. We had several emails from the Mission Office in Houston, several days before Ike was expected to hit. The emails were to inform us and to comfort us that everything was being carefully monitored. Supplies had be set in. The cars were fueled. Plans for evacuation had been set in place. Then Ike hit...and there was nothing but deafening silence for 72 hours. In our heart of hearts we were completely confident in the knowledge that Anna was just fine. In fact I felt quite confident that Anna was EXCITED about the new adventure headed her way. She knew that there would be opportunities for service in store for them. Im sure she had her camera out and a flashlight ready and waited in high anticipation for the onslaught!!
Last night I finally received my long awaited phone call. Not from the Mission home, but from another angel sister that lives in the Houston area. She decided, on her own, to go down where the missionaries were already working-in their bright colored t-shirts, to gather up phone numbers of the moms and dads that were at home worrying about their chicklets!!!
What I know for sure:
Im so very, very grateful that she wasn't in Galveston!!
It will be at least a week before we get an email from her.
I know too, that she is happy. Maybe a little uncomfortable, but happy.
I LOVE anonymous angel mothers that help we absentee mothers with our missionaries!!!
Last night I finally received my long awaited phone call. Not from the Mission home, but from another angel sister that lives in the Houston area. She decided, on her own, to go down where the missionaries were already working-in their bright colored t-shirts, to gather up phone numbers of the moms and dads that were at home worrying about their chicklets!!!
What I know for sure:
Im so very, very grateful that she wasn't in Galveston!!
It will be at least a week before we get an email from her.
I know too, that she is happy. Maybe a little uncomfortable, but happy.
I LOVE anonymous angel mothers that help we absentee mothers with our missionaries!!!
CAMELBACK
Every week I find myself telling our guest that I never get tired of our hikes. Every week always brings a different flavor, and tempo and mood. Here we have the camel back, just as the sun is rising. So glorious!!
Here are one of the peaks that we have our guests climb. Some guests arent very happy about it. Some try to race us to the top!! Others just plop where they are and try to catch their breath.
This is a formation we call the vortex or the toilet bowl. Everyone gets a kick out of it. Some will brave the desent to the bottom... Others will just shout encoragement from the edge.
Here's our famous shadow shots,with one of the guides hamming it up a bit.
I dont know how much longer we will be offering this hike this year. Even on this morning we could feel a nip in the air. Come winter time-we just dont go out here. Its way too cold and the wind always blows, and its just no fun to be there. Its a favoite hike. But maybe thats 'cause we dont do it all the time.
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