Happy St. Patrick's Day

Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, as well as Steve's 40th birthday! I spent much of the day preparing for a family dinner and a *surprise* open house (he did not want a party, so he got an open house).


We had lots of good treats to eat--the mini cupcakes being the biggest hit at the buffet (thanks Jamie!). Kitty helped me by making the brownies; she did a great job.


Many thanks to the friends and family who stopped by the open house. We had a great turn out, including some of Steve's co-workers. Here is Steve and the DH of this friend 'o mine from our ward.

Hope your St. Patrick's Day was as fun as ours!

Happy b-day Steve!

Scripture of the Day: Hel. 13:38

The Optimist Creed

Lately I have been trying to be more flexible, have lower expectations, and generally enjoy life more. Far too often I stress out because I want everything to be just right. And, although I do not feel the end goal is bad, it certainly makes getting there more challenging. So I am learning to enjoy the process of getting there as much as I enjoy the end results overall.

With this in mind I thought I would share 'The Optimist Creed.' I found it in a little book my friend Melinda (who should be a blogger, but is too busy) gave me a few years back. It goes like this:

Commit Yourself:

-To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

-To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

-To make all your friends feel that there is something special in them.

-To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

-To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

-To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

-To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements of the future.

-To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

-To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

-To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Source: Optimist International

I have a long way to go with most of these, but the more I remind myself the better I get. One day at a time, right?

Scripture of the Day: Mosiah 3:3-4

Work of Minerva Teichert

I recently discovered there is a Minerva Teichert Collection on the BYU Museum of Art website. This painting, in particular, is lovely. It looks so peaceful, which is a dichotomy from what the experience of the crickets eating the much needed crops must have been like. I think it is Teichert's brushwork and color choices. There is another Teichert painting in the women's dressing room of the Mesa Temple that I love as well. Which of her paintings is your favorite?

Scripture of the Day: Mormon 7:7

Saturday Morning Cartoons #20

Have a great weekend!

I will be working on my taxes today--
wish me luck in getting them done
(and that I get a refund ;-).

Scripture of the day: Alma 36:20-21

I'm Going Crazy! Oh, Won't You Come Along?

I am running around trying to make life happen and get prepared for spring break (not that we are going anywhere, because we're not). There just always seems to be more to do than time to do it in. But somehow it all gets done--at least the important stuff.

And I have a few personal goals I am under deadline for, so today I will just start running and keep going until I get as far as I can. I have prayed and prayed for extra help, but as I have long learned: "Don't ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet."

My feet are moving as fast as they can today.

PS: Status on the LDS Book Reader Survey--382 completes as of 8 am this morning. I think today will be the day we hit 400! Hooray! And many, many thanks to all those out there who participated and posted links to it. I truly appreciate your help.

Scripture of the Day: 2 Nephi 2:25

Little Miracles

I have noticed a lot of little miracles in my life lately and thought I would share a few for my post today.

* Yesterday for our anniversary I did not think we would be able to go out because the kids always have homework and studying to do. Miraculously none of them had necessary homework to do.

* Because I thought the kids would have homework I did not arrange for a babysitter so we could go out. After realizing homework was free and clear I was able to get my parents to watch the kids--which is a miracle because it is tax season and my mom is a CPA.

* I have kept my WW tracker incredibly faithfully for the past two weeks, which is so not like me (I have it all broken down mentally usually). What's more, I have enjoyed it. Maybe it is the new format I am using. Whatever the change is it is helping me on the scale.

* I had been needing to run a certain errand, but the location was out of my way. But last Friday my work asked my to deliver a package to a location right by where my errand was at. I happily agreed and accomplished both tasks. And while doing my own errand ran into a good friend and got to chat for a few minutes.

I am so grateful for little miracles that make life sweet. What miracles have you noticed in your life lately?

Scripture of the Day: D&C 18:13

Movie Night

Today marks my 14th anniversary and we hope to celebrate by going to the dollar theater tonight (big spenders, we are) to see The Blind Side. We are both Sandra Bullock fans but have not been able to get to the movies for a long time. Everyone seems to have enjoyed it, though. What about you?

PS, One last reminder about the LDS Book Reader Survey (I know, I know...). Please take it! Please get your friends and family members to take it. We only need 100 more people.

Click here to take survey

Scripture of the Day: 2 Nephi 5:27