Sometimes…

…when your nieces and nephews are daring their father (your brother)
to eat a dog treat, you try to beat him to the punch.

The result, a doggy treat for two.
He wouldn't let his sister out-do him.
(Not that I ever could… he is pretty GREAT!)

Buried Treasure…

Today, I started a long over due project. Cleaning out an utility closet.

Boxes were hidden deep inside. Each one was pulled out and its contents carefully examined.

Many were tagged for the trash. A few for donations. Others for the shredder.
Only one remained. The treasure!

Inside this box were many files.
Historical family photos.
Keepsakes from Evan’s years in Elementary School.
Talks that were written for Evan’s mission farewell. One was his, the other, his fathers.
Letters from the mission field.
Letters from Dennis to his first grandchild.

The family gathered around and tears flowed as we felt Dennis’ presence surround us.
We felt sacred reassurances of the immense love he has for each and every one of us.
We all yearned for more.
Are there more of these valued treasures?
What are his thoughts and feelings that came along with his second grandchild.
Was he too sick to put those words on paper?
We searched the rest of the house but found nothing.
Perhaps other family members hold treasures of their own.
I hope so. If not,
We will have to hold on even tighter to those memories embedded in our souls.
For some of us, it is as simple as peaches!

What a blizzard taught me

Last night, our daughter announced that she was going to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival and spend time at a friends cabin afterwards.

Immediately, Evan counseled her and warned her of the incoming storm system and the dangers it brings.
He was concerned for her safety, and only wanted what he knew was best for her. He wanted to keep her safe.
He advised her to change her plans, but reminded her that ultimately, it was here decision… she was an adult.

She continued with her plans and left, and we let her.

The text messages started at 3AM. It started with Evan suddenly waking up. He sent her a text to check in.
She and her friends just started on their way home.
It was snowing and very windy. There was concern.

We were relieved to know that prayers were offered and the most confident driver was at the wheel.
At the next check in, we decided it was important to get an idea as to where they were on the road.
This check point was to serve two purposes: 1] to know were they last were, just in case. 2] to know where they were so we could determine what they were heading into.
As soon as the first mile marker was seen and reported, we logged onto Commuter Link so that we could tap into the cameras that were posted as various points along the highway.
We were able to have a clear view as to what was ahead of them, and report back with calm reassurances.

We continued with our checkpoints until we all knew that they were fine and on a clear path home.
She arrived home safely, a little after 4 AM.

As I was returning back to sleep, what I realized was a testimony builder.
Just as Evan and I counseled our daughter, our loving Heavenly Father counsels us.
He provides us with His words from a living prophet.
He gives us commandments. To protect us, and to make us happy.
He is concerned for us and only wants what he knows is best for us.
He wants to keeps us safe from the dangers of mortal life’s storms.

He gives us our free agency and we are given the power to choose. And, if we choose wrong, he lets us.

It does not matter what choice we make, how deep in danger we are, we can communicate with our Father in Heaven, at ANY TIME. He will always listen, and he will always help… every step of the way. He is aware of what is on the path we are on and he will do all that He can to lead us back to safety. He wants us safely home.

What a tree reminded me.

This winter has been unseasonably warm. So warm, in fact, that our coats have stayed in the closet.
The other day, I noticed that our trees have started to bud already.
These poor trees have been deceived into thinking it is Spring.
They have been hasty and they prematurely sprouted new life.
The danger that lies ahead… it is still Winter. The chance of cold, heavy snow is great.
These young, immature buds will most likely die off.
The miracle of it all… the deep, strong roots of this tree will provide a way for these many branches
to try again.
When the appropriate amount of time has passed, this tree will once again bud and produce beautiful green leaves

Just like these trees, we are susceptible to deceit.
Every day, we face dangerous, subtle temptations.
If we are hasty, and make a poor choice, we may find ourselves trapped in sin or addiction.
The miracle for us… the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Through repentance, faith, and His love for us... His atonement makes it possible for us to begin anew.

“We knew that our purpose was to gain a physical body, to overcome trials, and to prove that we would keep the commandments of God. Our Father knew that because of the nature of mortality, we would be tempted, would sin, and would fall short. So that we might have every chance of success, He provided a Savior, who would suffer and die for us.”  ~Thomas S. Monson

Confused Trees (365Project):

365

Have you ever found yourself excited by a great idea, only to forget about it as if the idea never existed?

Me, yes. Far too often!
I am sure you understand what my dilemma is.

I have been racking my brain for weeks now. Trying to figure out what I wanted to put into action in 2012.
I knew that it had something to do with one of my favorite hobbies… amateur photography.
Somehow, it all came back to me, and I have officially put my plan into action.

I have joined the 365project.

What this means… I have committed to uploading a photo a day for the next 365 days.
What you can expect… I will not post here every time, but you can find my page HERE.
What else can you expect… many “simple” and sometimes “mundane” photos. My life is NOT exciting.
What I hope… that I can keep this up for an entire year.
What else I hope… that I will find pleasure and joy in what seems to be simple and mundane things.

My first contribution…

3 birds on a wire as seen on my way to Church on a windy Sunday morning.

Quotable

‎"The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you." - Bob Harris (character from Lost in Translation)

Speaking too soon

This Sunday was no different than any other Sunday.
Church, rest and food.|
As always, the parentals joined us for dinner.

We enjoyed the usual after-dinner discussion at the table.
The question was posed: Has Chester ever gotten into the Crock Pot?
I proudly boasted …“NO”. I explained that I usually booby-trap the Crock Pot, 
surrounding it with  small appliances and doggy shockers.

Today, being a holiday, I was able to stay home and plan an extra nice dinner.
Sweet Pork Tacos!! Everyone was looking forward to them.
(Did you notice the word WAS?)

I carefully planned the timing. Marinade, slow cook, shred, dinner by 5:30.
The pork was progressing well and the Crock Pot trap was set as we prepared to meet Taylor for lunch.
(She is enrolled in a CNA class, today is her first day.)

When we returned home, it appeared as though the kitchen had been struck by a tornado.
Small appliances were strewn over the floor.
The Crock Pot was dangling off the side of the counter, still set on high, and empty. (Fire hazard?)
The cleaned out crock was on the floor, right next to the wet rug, spotted with meaty remnants.
Chester was panting on the couch, well deserving of a belly ache!

I proceeded with the hour long cleanup.
Scrubbing rugs, mopping floors, washing dishes, shampooing ears.
As I cursed and cleaned, I reminded myself of the last Chester episode.
I promptly searched the couch. Sure enough, a buried chop was discovered.
I tossed it and added the couch to my list of things to scrub.

Afraid of what spoiled meat might do to the air quality inside the house,
I decided to expand my search. Every nook and cranny was checked,
and another chop was discovered buried in the couch in the front room.

Lessons learned:
Chester seems to be undaunted by small shocks when meat is the objective.
The basement is now the preferred site for preparing Crock Pot meals.