Year of Miracles #32

You may have noticed I have not posted much about Thanksgiving. The food was great and I made a delicious fruit salad to take. But the day was not ideal (to say the least). This is because the morning of Thanksgiving brought unexpectedly harsh words from a loved one. Although I apologized during the encounter I did not handle the situation as well as I should have and the result was a day tainted with negative and overwhelming thoughts.

No matter how hard I tried to stay focused on the joy of the holiday it was difficult not to relive the situation in my mind and dwell on damage in the relationship. By the end of the day I was mentally and emotionally worn out so I left my husband and kids at my MIL's and drove home to seek the comfort of my scriptures.

One of my favorite phrases in the scriptures is the description of Christ as the Repairer of the Breach (Isaiah 58:12). What I wanted was this breach to be repaired and the negative feelings to give way to the love and confidence normally in the relationship. So I turned in my scriptures to Third Nephi and read several chapters about the Savior teaching the gospel to the Nephites. I felt slightly soothed from my study and was able to sleep well that night.

Over the next few days I read some more of the Savior's words and tried hard to see things from a new perspective. The temple brought additional solace and I began to worry about the best way to approach my loved one to help get past the difficulty. I prayed that I would be given the right words that would truly "repair" the situation. But nothing was really coming to mind.

Then last night I unexpectedly had a call from my loved one and without thinking or planning out popped some words that brought ease and even humor to the conversation. I was so surprised at this little miracle, but so grateful that a resolution was able to be reached. The Savior truly is the Repairer of the Breach.

Scripture of the Day: Jacob 7:23

Missionary Christmas Packages

My husband has a nephew serving a mission in Madagascar. Elder Livingston has been out for nearly a year and is doing such a great job. It is easy to tell from his e-mails that he is focused on the work and loves the people there.

Unfortunately sending packages to Madagascar is a little more difficult than other places. His parents said the best way is to get a pre-paid priority mail box from the post office. So last week I stopped by the post office and grabbed one. They are free for the taking, but when you go to mail it (no matter how heavy) it will cost $39. (Yikes! But he is definitely worth it!)

So I called my SIL and MIL and asked if they want to go in with us in providing items and paying the postage. They were happy to contribute. Here is what the package contains so far:

• Post-it notes
• Bag of Bic pens
• 5 x 7 notebook
• Cookie mixes
• Brownie mix (removed from the box/instructions written on the bag)
• CTR rings to give out
• Stickers of the Savior
• Gospel oriented postcard pictures to hand out
• Mini basketball hoop toy
• 60-piece puzzle of Jesus in a card size box
• Candy canes
• Mexican food seasoning packets
• Noodle mix

The goal was to send him items he could not get over there, but that he would not have to cart around in his luggage for the next year. A missionary's luggage gets pretty cramped. We still have a little space left in the box. Does anyone have an idea or two to share before we send off the box next week? Please share!

Scripture of the Day: D&C 26:1

Police Beat #17

Happy day after Thanksgiving. I hope you all had a great holiday and are enjoying Black Friday. I personally do not do much shopping today since my husband always goes to work (and I don't like dealing with kids and crowds). If I do any Christmas shopping it will be via the Internet. Whether you are out shopping or staying home today, here is this week's Police Beat for you to enjoy.


Nov. 10: Students in Foreign Language Student Residence called in a fire in their apartment. One student ran the automatic cleaning cycle on the oven without realizing that another had left a rag in the oven. The apartment received only minor smoke damage.

Nov. 10: A female student reported receiving an obscene phone call from a man speaking in an accent and identifying himself as "Oscar." Police are investigating the incident.

Nov. 12: Bookstore security reported seeing a female student enter a dressing room with multiple items and leaving with nothing. Police found the student with four skirts and three books valued at $100 total. The student was issued a citation and the case was submitted to the city for prosecution.

Nov. 12: A suspicious duffel bag was discovered in a landscaped area near the Richards Building. Police discovered that the bag was empty.

Nov. 13: A car driving near Helaman Halls was struck on the windshield by uncooked eggs. The suspects were gone when police arrived.

Scripture of the Day: JS-M 1:37

10 Thanksgiving Scriptures

One of the best ways to start off your Thanksgiving feast (before the blessing on the food) is by sharing a scripture on being thankful. Here are ten scriptures for you to choose from--all are great.

1. D&C 46:32

2. Colosians 3:15 (probably my favorite: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...; and be ye thankful ."

3. Psalms 100:1-5

4. Alma 37:37 (a scripture mastery verse you can't go wrong with)

5. 1 Thes. 5:18

6. D&C 98:1 (good one for the current economy)

7. Alma 34:38

8. Psalms 95:1-2

9. Mosiah 2:19-21 (King Benjamin's famous speech)

10. D&C 78:19

I hope you are all ready for your feast. I still have a run to make to the grocery store, but I am looking forward to our family get together. Have a great evening!

Carriage Jam Problem Solved

For the past few weeks, off and on, my printer has been having carriage jam problems. I was not sure what to do other than keep turning off and on again in hopes it would get it to work.

Then I happened to mention the problem to my mom and she said to check down inside under the ink cartridge--that there likely had been ink leakage that had built up and was catching the carriage.

The first time she told me this I looked but did not see anything. It was dark in there, but there did not seem to be any leakage I could see. Then yesterday it happened again. Frustration built up enough for me to get a flashlight. And sure enough I found an INCH high pile of nearly dried ink that had built up!

Can I just say it was so annoying to see that considering how much those darn ink cartridges cost?!?

After finding it I got a butter knife and scraped off the ink leakage buildup and threw it away. Now my printer works like a charm. The good part about this was that my mom had to pay $65 for a repair guy to fix hers and show her the solution. Hopefully her $65 (through this post) will help more people out there save some money and frustration.

Scripture of the Day: Deuteronomy 8:3

Year of Miracles #31

(Their true natures revealed--photo by OneHM)

The miracle this week is taking place as I write: my children have gone almost a whole day without whining about each other or bickering with one another! And it has been wonderful!

What precipitated this miracle, you ask? Well, we have had several family talks lately about there being too much whining/bickering. When it started up again first thing this morning I told the kids there would be no dessert tonight for those kids who did not keep the Sabbath Day holy and whined and fought with each other.

Yep, bribery. I figure if Heavenly Father can reward us (aka, bless us) for good behavior, so can I!

Still (to be honest) I am surprised it has worked so well today. Home really can be a "heaven on earth" sometimes.

In other news, today was our ward primary program and it went very well. Kitty was nervous ahead of time because her class was to sing a song sans the rest of the primary. We practiced before church and the class ended up doing very well. Sweetie Peach needed a bit of help but sounded so cute. Patch was stellar as usual. It makes me sad to think this is his last primary program ever, though.

Scripture of the Day: 1 Nephi 5:10

Just How Weird Am I?

I was tagged to give seven random or strange facts about myself, which makes me a little nervous to share, but here goes:


1. I embarrass very easily, even for other people (including strangers). In fact, I can hardly stand to watch I Love Lucy or other sitcoms with embarrassing situations. Usually I have to leave the room because it is so awful to have to watch.

2. I can't sleep if anyone is touching me. This was helpful in making sure my kids slept in their own beds, but there were times I was a wimp and just went to the couch to sleep instead of moving them back to their own bed.

3. I use soap and water to shave my legs. And I think I use the same razor for probably three months before replacing it. I have been wondering if there are more effective ways of shaving that are just as easy as soap and water in the shower. Feel free to share.


4. I have very hard fingernails and toenails. I have probably only ever broke a nail five times in my whole life, and I had long nails as early as third grade. However, having such hard nails, it really hurts bad if one bends somehow. Despite having long nails, I dislike painting them.

5. I am a very picky drinker. I have never liked the taste of milk (even as a baby, much to my mother's chagrin). I am not fond of carbonation and can barely stand a sip of Coke or Pepsi. The only soft drink I like is root beer, but I hardly ever drink it. Water (NO lemon in it please!), hot chocolate, and Crystal Light are my go-to drinks.

6. I never changed my major in college. Just went straight through and got it over with. I also graduated debt-free although I did not have a scholarship for most of the time.


7. I have watched the movie Pillow Talk more than 100 times. Just love the story line and am a big Doris Day fan.

If you enjoyed this post, consider yourself tagged. Hopefully you don't think I am too weird after reading this :o}.

Scripture of the Day: D&C 9:8

Police Beat #16

I know you are all sleeping after having been to the midnight showing of Twilight, but just in case one or two of your are awake already, here is this week's Police Beat to celebrate it being Friday!

April 11: Someone stole 1,000 square feet of sod from west of Helaman Halls. Police have no suspects.

April 13: Police questioned several students as to why they were looking in the windows of the Cannon Center. The students said that they thought they saw someone in the Cannon Center stealing school property, but when they got closer, they realized it was the reflection of the streetlights.

April 14: A student called BYU Police when she saw a creepy looking person smoking by the Administration Building.

April 8: The father of a student called BYU police when he had not heard from his daughter for four days. BYU police called the student and told her to call her father.

Nov. 7: Police received a call from the assistant principal at a private school in Salt Lake County. A fourth grade student had told the assistant principal that his dad was making a bomb in the garage to blow up the BYU football stadium. Following immediate investigation, police discovered the child wasn't telling the truth.

Nov. 6: Officers responded to a call concerning a disorderly person in the atrium of the HBLL. The subject at issue was wearing a red shirt, a scarf around his neck, a red mask around his eyes and holding several roses. He was holding a sign that read, "Ask me for ... A-Hug, A-Rose, A-Hand, A-Date, A-Nything else." When officers told him he wasn't allowed to solicit in this manner, he continued to argue and told them he wasn't going to stop. Officers then explained that he may be arrested for disorderly conduct but he said he had diplomatic immunity and could not be arrested. When officers told him that it is necessary to receive permission from the dean of student life to demonstrate on campus, he agreed to follow through with the dean and left the area.

Scripture of the Day: Moroni 10:3

Super Easy December Scripture Study Theme

I am posting this now so if you want to do this you have time to order or go out and buy it and be prepared. Three years ago this is the December Christmas scripture study theme I did with my kids. They loved it and still talk about it occasionally. I bought three of these little sticker books--one for each kid (currently $1.50 on Amazon; you may also be able to find them at local bookstores). This sticker booklet has an empty stable scene and then individual stickers of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the three wise men, shepherds, sheep, star, etc.

Each morning we would read a few verses from Luke 2 (and when we finished the Christmas story there, then we read the Christmas story in Third Nephi). After reading the verses the kids were each able to pick a sticker from this book and place it on the stable scene. As it got closer to Christmas the sticker picture became more and more complete.

The kids loved being able to pick which sticker they wanted to use that day, as well as being able to choose where to place it in the picture. I liked that there was no fighting or arguing about whose turn it was, and that the kids looked forward to doing it--in fact they often reminded me we needed to do it!

Anyway, I will have a different theme posted on the first of the month, but thought someone out there in the great blogging void might want to try this.

When it rains it pours...

What is up with my work lately? It has been one project after another and I have barely had time to keep up with my housework. Actually, I have had time; I just wasted it reading Heidi Ashworth's new book Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind. (Which, BTW, was great--I may have to post about it some more later.)

But anyway, so I just wrapped up (almost) my two big focus group projects and I have another big project lined up for the week after Thanksgiving. I thought I would have a little time to get caught up around here. But then today at my Weight Watcher's meeting my cell phone rang. I never usually bother turning it off because it is rare anyone ever calls me--rare like once a week someone might call if I am lucky.

So of course when I am in the meeting it rings and I am all shocked and surprised that it is my phone. I grab it as quickly as I can, embarrassed to be the one disrupting the meeting, and headed straight into the bathroom (it was the fastest way out of the room). The call was from one of my bosses to ask me if I had time this week and early next to analyze a large amount qualitative data. In my shocked state (I am telling you, I RARELY get called) I agreed to help out on the project.

I wasn't until later I realized this would mean working for at least several hours on Saturday. Yuck. I had to work the last two Saturdays as well. I hate that.

What's worse is that almost every time I get big projects like these, it turns out we will need to money for some big repair or other large ticket item. The last time this happened we got termites and it cost over $1000 to get our house treated. I wonder what it will be this time...

Scripture of the Day: 2 Nephi 32:3

PS: Don't forget to check out the giveaway of my book on Diapersanddivinity.com. You have until Friday at midnight to leave a comment to get entered!

Marking Scriptures

One of the best ways to engage children in the scripture study process is to have them mark the scriptures you read as a family. And using a color coded system helps to encourage scripture reading comprehension. Here's how to do it:

First, make sure each family member has their own set of scriptures. I give my kids the inexpensive paperback ones to use until they turn eight.

Second, buy several sets of good scripture markers to share. Test them to make sure they do not bleed through the page. I prefer colored pencils for this very reason. They also seem to last longer than markers do.

Third, make a poster or chart of your color coding system to have available during family study time. Rachel Woods, on About.com, offers the following list for color coding--but be sure to base your code to the number of colors in your marking set. It is also helpful to make the chart in color for those young ones who do not read yet.

1. Red = Heavenly Father, Christ
2. Peach = Holy Ghost
3. Orange = Charity, Services
4. Light Yellow = Faith, Hope
5. Dark Yellow = Repentance
6. Gold = Creation, Fall
7. Pink = Righteousness of People
8. Light Green = Salvation, Eternal Life
9. Dark Green = Prophecies yet to be fulfilled
10. Light Blue = Prayer
11. Dark Blue = Wickedness of People/Evil Works
12. Purple = Prophecies already fulfilled
13. Brown = Baptism

Fourth, start your reading plan. Remember that comprehension is more important than the number of verses covered. For this reason we stick to just a few verses at a time. After reading your selection, ask family members what topics were covered in the verses (and which colors will need to be used). Discuss the meaning and importance of the verses, then mark according to the color code chart. Try to share your testimony of the topic as often as possible with your family.

You may want to give marking strategies to family members as well. For example, underlining, coloring in the whole verse, or simply coloring only the verse number are three strategies that can be used. My kids preferred to do it their own way. And since I wanted to make scripture study a happy, positive moment, I chose not to give them rules or remark negatively on their strategies.

Happy marking!

Scripture of the Day: Alma 17:2

Note: some adults use the same color coding system by using sticker dots folded over the edges of pages. This aids in finding scriptures by topic at a later date.

Diapers and Divinity Giveaway

If you are interested in winning a free copy of my book, check out today's post on Diapers and Divinity. Stephanie has written a nice review of my book and if you leave a comment you will be entered into the giveaway. The giveaway ends Friday night at midnight.

I read Stephanie's blog daily--it has tons of great posts about raising a family in a spiritually minded way. Her insights are always uplifting and encouraging. Make sure you check it out even if you have already bought my book.


Speaking of uplifting, last Saturday night the girls and I went to see the Gilbert Fine Arts production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. And it was excellent. My favorite thing was that Kitty would turn to me anytime Milly and Adam would kiss and say, "They're in love!" The dancing scenes were really well choreographed with moves similar to the movie (which, if you recall is amazing). It turned out two young men in our ward were in the production too--so all around it made for a fun evening.

Scripture of the Day: Mosiah 1:7

Year of Miracles #30

This past week was pretty hectic with work and birthday celebrating and all. Thursday night was the culmination of a research project that in itself was the answer to prayer (read here). I was to moderate two focus groups for a local shopping center. In addition to doing the moderating I also was in charge of recruiting the dozen or so people to show up for each group discussion. I had been working on the recruiting for more than a week but was still short five people on Tuesday. At this point I was starting to get nervous and worried. If I did not have enough people show up then I would be in trouble.

To find five more people I called all my friends to ask if they knew anyone who lived in south Chandler. I was even asking ward members as I was picking up my kids from school. No one seemed to know anyone. And those who did know someone ended up being dead ends. At one point I had a commitment from a lady, but then her husband had an accident on a scooter and she had to withdraw. Darn husbands!

Finally I resorted to prayer and started making calls from a list of strangers who lived in the right zip codes. Can I just say there are few jobs worse in this life than cold calling? It is awful. But my prayer was answered anyway. Within an hour of starting on the cold call list I found three people--and two of them were able to refer two other people who were interested in coming to my focus group. So I was able to fill all five spots and wrap up the recruiting. Even more amazing was that all five of these people showed up to my focus group and had great insights to share about the shopping center.

Scripture of the Day: Luke 24:27

Farmhouse Cookies

These are my favorite cookies--I look forward to making them every holiday season because they are the best sour cream type sugar cookies. My Aunt Kay gave this recipe to my mom years ago and they have been a family tradition ever since. If you are looking for a great recipe, this one is a sure bet.

Farmhouse Cookies

Cream together:
1 Cup shortening
2 Cups sugar

Then add:
2 eggs
1 Cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

To 4 1/2 cups of flour add:
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until fully combined. Add 3/4 cups walnuts if desired (YUM!). Refrigerate for at least thirty minutes. Sprinkle dough with sugar before baking if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges start to brown. I like to freeze this dough in rolls and then slice it for baking. The recipe makes a ton--at least three dozen--depending on how big/thick you make your cookies.

Scripture of the Day: 3 Nephi 23:1

We Have a Winner!

According to Random.org, the winner of the Cheez-It Party Mix giveaway is Liz!

Here is Liz's comment:

Liz said...

I would pick the snack mix. I ALWAYS get Malted Milk Balls for every birthday. I'm thinking of having a 'food storage' Christmas and having each kid get me a case of their favorite food. (Cheerios, Mac & Cheese, you get the idea)

I like the food storage Christmas idea. My mom insists Twinkies are a great item to include in one's food storage since they last forever.

Thanks to all who participated in the giveaway! I have had a busy, but fun birthday week. The laundry basket bike thingy looks like it will work out pretty good (who knew? other than my DH of course!) and I will be treating myself to a few other items from my birthday list tomorrow during my shopping errands.

Liz, please leave me a comment or send me an e-mail as to how I can get the Cheeze-It mix to you to enjoy!

Police Beat #15

Happy Friday!

(Don't for get to vote and leave a comment on this post to participate in the giveaway. The winner will be announced tonight! Good luck.)

April 12: A female student was driving her car when she noticed that it was pulling severely to the right. When she went to take it into a shop to receive an alignment, she realized that her tires were deflated. Her tire valve wires had been cut. Police asked her if she has any known enemies and they now have several suspects.

April 10: BYU police responded when they heard an explosion near a Helaman Halls dorm. Upon further investigation they discovered the remnants of an Axe Body Deodorant Spray Can. They have no suspects.

April 11: Drivers called BYU police when they saw students launching eggs from the balcony of Heritage Halls onto cars. When police responded no one was seen with eggs.

April 15: A resident of May Hall was caught lighting toilet paper on fire in the men's restroom. Police are questioning him.

April 10: A BYU Bookstore employee was suspicious of a male shopper who tried to return two French books without an ID or a receipt. After being questioned, BYU police determined that the student's brother-in-law had bought the books for the student to take on his mission. The student did not want them and was trying to return them.

Scripture of the Day: D&C 26:1

NASCAR and Budweiser

Bet you never thought you'd see a headline like that on Scripture Mom's blog :-)!

Actually, last night I was at work where I had to listen to four hours of focus group discussions. The participants were beer drinking men who liked NASCAR. Lovely, I tell you. I was behind the mirror with the clients and there was some good discussions going on about beer and lagers and foam and texture and taps and other foreign sounding terms. I really had no idea what they were talking about. Although I was embarrassed not to be able to participate in the conversation--to try and professionally interact and build a relationship--really I am glad to be naive enough to lack such knowledge.

Besides all the beer talk behind the mirror, I also had to deal with all the NASCAR discussion going on in front of the mirror. They were talking about one specific driver in particular: Casey Cane-- but I was uninformed enough at the start to realize part way through that his name is really spelled Kasey Kahne. I think the most I had ever watched NASCAR before last night was the milli-second it takes to change the channel after realizing racing was on. Just not quite my thing.

But the good thing was I learned. I learned NASCAR is actually a team sport. I learned the main reasons people like NASCAR events are the party atmosphere (including the "girls") and sensual stimulation of very loud, vibrating, speeding cars. I learned NASCAR drivers often come from a family tradition of racing.

That's the best part about my job--all the interesting things I learn that I never knew were interesting. And I think that's what I love about the scriptures too. All the interesting things I find and the many new things I learn every time I read.

So if you don't think the scriptures are quite for you, think again. There are great and wonderful things in there you never knew were even there. Just waiting to be learned.

Scripture of the Day: Revelations 1:3

My Birthday Part 2 and a Giveaway

So yesterday evening was present time. I have certainly had better years for gifts. Here's the scoop:

From Patch I received this (which I like).

From Sweetie Peach I received this:She thinks it is my favorite cereal. It's not, but I do eat it often. She is sweet to know that.

From Kitty I got a Christmas snow globe. But right after she gave it to me she dropped it and it broke on the floor. She also helped pick out a candle that smells like vanilla ice cream, which was from everyone. You can see the candle in the next pic.

From Steve I got this:At first I thought it was a laundry basket. Actually, I think it is. But it came with this bike thing so I can strap it on the back of my bike to carry a bag of groceries. Really, this was not what I was envisioning when I said I wanted baskets for my bike. I tried to be gracious and thank him nicely. Hopefully he bought it...

BTW we also went to the movies last night like I mentioned in yesterday's post. We went to Cinemark and they have a great deal for families on Monday nights for FHE. Tickets are all $5.50 and you get a free junior popcorn with each ticket! We had a fun time watching Madagascar 2 at a rockin' price.

So I think I will do a poll: which gift would you most like to have received for your birthday? I know they are all completely desirable, so you can't choose all of them. Make sure you vote in the poll on the sidebar! And just to make it extra fun, if you vote and leave a comment here, I will do a drawing for a free box of Cheez-it Party Mix! Winner to be announced on Friday. Good luck!

Scripture of the Day: 1 Nephi 19:24

Happy Birthday to Me

It's looking like a fun few days of birthday celebrating for me! Yay!

This morning I was shoo-ed back to bed so Kitty and Steve could make me breakfast in bed. Kitty even made a cute card and taped a dollar bill in it! She's always so willing to give away her money. I may have to sneak it back in her wallet later...

Then for lunch I was treated to Pei Wei by my good friend Wendy. It had been a while since we had seen each other, but she is so easy to get along with and bright and cheerful. We had a good time together. I wish I had taken a pic of the two of us, but I forgot my camera. After eating we walked over to Coldwater Creek so I could splurge a little. We decided that we are old ladies now buying from there, unlike all the young-uns who go over to Anthropologie! Of course, when I got home a catalog for Coldwater Creek had come in the mail with a $30 off coupon I could have used. Now I will have to head back over there with my receipt to get my discount. Still I had a great time. Thanks so much Wendy!

Here's the sweater I bought at Coldwater Creek. It is looking cute with the blue undershirt, which I did not notice there. Hmmm... maybe that $30 might cover it...

Tonight my hubby wanted to know what I want to do. I think we will take the kids to see Madagascar 3. I would also love to go out to eat again, but am trying to keep in mind that I have to weigh-in eventually! Sometimes Weight Watchers is a drag... Actually tomorrow night I am going out to eat with my parents and older brother. He is getting me some storm glasses so I can put this (see pic) on my mantle for Christmas. Loving that.

And then on Wednesday my MIL and SIL are taking me out to lunch. So I guess I will have plenty of eating out experiences to celebrate. To be honest it is very odd to eat out so much. I have been such a home-body lately that this is a rare treat!

I have not yet received a gift from my husband, and I know you are all waiting to hear what he does. I will post about it later--he is actually at the store now running an "errand" (wink, wink).

Hope your day is going as well as mine!

Scripture of the Day: Romans 15:4

Year of Miracles #29

This week's miracle is election-related. Isn't it a miracle that we can have a country with such diverse opinions and yet still have an election with results that are uncontested and respected (for the most part; Proposition 8 excepted)?

I truly believe the Founding Fathers of this country were inspired. The Constitution is an amazing document and our system of checks and balances is wonderful.

Shortly before the election Patch asked me what I would do if the presidential candidate I did not vote for won the election. I told him I was not worried because our country has this system of checks and balances that help to limit the power of any one leader. There will always be presidents we agree with; and then there will be those we do not agree with; either way America will survive because of the inspired foresight of our Heavenly Father and our Founding Fathers.

Our country is truly miraculous!

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 22:29

Birthday Wish List

Sorry for no post yesterday... I was exhausted from moderating focus groups the night before and not being able to get to sleep until extra late (1 am, and I am so NOT a night person) and then I had tons of work to get done. To be truthful, I was in bed by 7 p.m. last night--reading--but in bed. It felt sooooo good.

Anyway, Monday is my birthday.

At this point in my life birthdays are almost passe. Maybe that's because of the lack of excitement. Only my mom and dad are great at helping me celebrate. My DH, not so much. Once he gave me three rolls of refrigerator cookie dough for my birthday. Still in the grocery sack. Yep. {Go ahead and laugh... it has been long enough now I can do so too.} That's about what to expect.

Actually, he has gotten a little better in the past few years. Last year I told him exactly what to buy and he bought it. A new food processor. And I have really enjoyed using it this past year. So, although he does not typically read my blog {in fact I don't think he has ever even looked at it}, I will put up a wish list to help him and refer him here.

SO here goes:

1. New cross-training workout shoes (size 8)
2. An Emilie Loring book for my collection
3. Earrings (nickel free)
4. Baskets for my bike (and removal of the baby seat for said baskets)
5. A night out to dinner and the movies

Okay, that is probably enough. I will let you know what he chooses.

Scripture of the Day: Joshua 1:8

Police Beat #14

Hope your day is going well--if not, read this for a laugh.

Jan. 27: A suspicious package addressed to a BYU police lieutenant was left on a police car. The package was filled with essays and ramblings difficult to understand. It is currently under investigation.

Jan. 26: An 8-year-old boy went to the restroom at the Marriott Center during Saturday's BYU basketball game. While in a stall, his leg was grabbed from underneath the adjacent stall. His father reported the suspicious behavior and an investigation is under way pending more information.

Jan. 26: A male was reported walking suspiciously on and around University Parkway. Officers responded and found out that the male was just having a difficult day and was simply trying to clear his head.

Jan. 24: A witness reported a suspicious male standing outside the Joseph Smith Building at 10:30 a.m. The male was wearing a black cloak and was singing to himself. He had been there for 45 minutes. Upon being questioned, the male said he was waiting for his class to begin and was happy. He said he was cold and was singing to keep warm.

Jan. 23: Officer Jennifer Jensen received a 911call from a woman in labor in Wymount Terrace. Jensen helped in the delivery of the baby. The mother and baby are doing fine.

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 34:16

Halloween Wrap-Up

Just thought I would post a few pics of my kids in their Halloween costumes. I know it is a bit late, but sometimes it takes me a few days :-). First is Patch, who is supposed to be Pac Man. I thought this costume turned out pretty good considering I made it in the 30 minutes before it got dark. (I had forgotten he had decided to change his costume idea.) There are more ghosts and dot stickers on his legs and back. He was happy with it, so I guess the last minute panic was worth it.

Next we have Kitty. She was the only chef in the school parade this year. And I don't recall ever seeing a chef in previous years. This was a fun and easy costume, and comfortable for her to wear. The bowl did double duty for candy collection, too. Can't get much better than that--other than the fact that Mimi (my mom) had the hat on hand already and bought her the white chef shirt (which is really a scrub top). All I had to do was pick up an apron.

Last, but not least, is Sweetie Peach as a witch. Could a witch be much cuter? I doubt it. Thanks again go here to the loan of the hat from Mimi (she has a wealth of costume supplies at her house). The dress we had from three years ago when Kitty was a witch. So all in all this was a very cheap year for Halloween costumes for our family. Gotta love that!

Scripture of the Day: John 5: 39

Covering All Your Bases

Here is a handy scripture tip for anyone who has wanted to read the Bible or D&C but felt guilty because they were not reading the Book of Mormon every day. The way my ward RS president handles it with her husband is they jointly read a full chapter or two from the Bible or D&C. After they discuss and ponder those chapters, then they open their Book of Mormon. They turn to the designated chapter (apparently they read in chronological order), but instead of reading the entire chapter, they each choose a verse or two they have previously high-lighted to read and discuss. By using this strategy they were able to read the Old Testament, a goal they had long wanted to accomplish, yet still keep up on their Book of Mormon study.

Scripture of the Day: Deuteronomy 6:7

Online Bill Pay Mistake

Oops!

A few weeks ago I paid my credit card bill as usual using my online bill pay from my checking account. Or so I thought. On accident I actually paid ahead $550 toward a little used credit card I have for emergencies. I realized too late to get the real bill paid on time, but was lucky enough to get them to waive the late fee and interest since I am such a wonderful customer :-)!

I have decided the $550 will serve as a good budget for some Christmas shopping. I will definitely need more than that, but it is a very good start for me. I am kinda liking it actually. I feel like I have a gift card to spend.

How do you do your Christmas shopping budgeting? I am guessing not the pay-ahead-on-the-wrong-credit card method.

Also...

I was tagged to do the fourth picture from the fourth folder thing. Here it is:


This picture is of my SIL Alicia and my nephew Harrison from a trip we took to Denver a year ago last March. We were there to attend Harrison's baptism. Harrison has CP and is a great kid. He has the best spirit around him and his baptismal service was filled with the spirit. The trip was really hard for me, but six months later we asked our kids in FHE to recall a time when they had felt the Holy Ghost. Patch's response was at Harrison's baptism. That alone made that hard trip worthwhile!

If you want to play along in the 4th file/4th pic thing, consider yourself tagged. It is fun and easy!

Scripture of the Day: Ezekiel 37:16-17

Year of Miracles #28

This week I was in charge of two class parties at my kids' school. For Kitty's class I had to do the craft and game, while for Patch's class I had to do the craft and snack. Really I do not mind doing the class parties; they are fun and memorable. The only problem was that these two parties overlapped by 30 minutes--so staffing was an issue--and the craft became a big problem. But both were overcome with small "coincidences" I count as miracles.

First, I was really blessed when it came to staffing. In both classes I had an extra parent or two show up in addition to the ones I had recruited! It was amazing because the craft ended up taking longer than anticipated and I needed extra helping hands. You see, I had decided to make these Martha Stewart owls:I had 48 kids to provide supplies for, so I gathered everything together and pre-cut the owl features for the third graders and pre-traced them for the sixth graders. The night before I spent several hours doing all this. Then I asked Patch to try making one so I could see if it was doable in the 15 minute time period. I learned from the experiment that the accordion folding was NOT going to work (for a variety of reasons).

So it was 9:30 at night. I was dead tired. I had already spent over $40 and 3 hours worth of time and money on this craft. I did not want to abandon it completely. Then a flash of inspiration (aka, miracle #2): use paper grocery sacks instead of the accordion folded circle. A cheap and easy solution. I had the kids glue the owl face on the paper sacks and then write on the bottom: "Whooo goes there?" They loved it. And I survived.

Scripture of the Day: D&C 9:7-9

New Month, New Theme

I can hardly believe it is November already! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I am excited for the holidays.

In celebration of this month of the feast of Thanksgiving, the new theme is "Feast Upon the Word." For those of you who would like a theme of gratitude, that theme is in my current book Adventures with the Word of God. It has a cute turkey to use and everything. Since I did not want to duplicate that theme, I have developed this new one. But feel free to purchase my book and use the gratitude theme :-)!

The new theme has scriptures about scripture study, which are placed on the back of pictures of Pilgrims and Indians (or should I say Native Americans?). After reading these scriptures, the Pilgrims and Indians are placed next to/behind a long feast table. I love the way my little scripture people turned out--I spent a lot of time trying to get them just right. I have actually drawn six each Pilgrims and Indians. They are all cute.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this month's theme!

Scripture of the Day: (Starting off with the scripture that inspired the theme) 2 Nephi 31:20