Monday, March 31, 2014

Living a Life of Peace, Joy and Purpose!

I read this article today and it really made me stop and think. Yes, who doesn't want a life of Peace, Joy and Purpose? I do!
I gave you the link at the end. This is just bits and pieces of the article that I wanted to share.
Good night dear friends!

Living a Life of Peace, Joy and Purpose
This world is in serious trouble. The fundamental values of the United States and other Western nations are being undermined. There is a continual crumbling of principle, virtue, integrity, and religious values—the foundation stones of civilization and definitive ingredients of peace and happiness. I will share with you as simply and as clearly as I am able a pattern for success and happiness in life despite these conditions.
God has given you the capacity to exercise faith so that you may find peace, joy, and purpose in life. However, to employ its power, that faith must be rooted in something secure. There is no more solid foundation than faith in the love Heavenly Father has for you, faith in His plan of happiness, and faith in the willingness and power of Jesus Christ to fulfill all His promises.
Some of the principles upon which faith is based include:
…Trust in God and in His desire to provide help when needed, no matter how challenging the circumstance.
…Obedience to His commandments and a life that demonstrates that He can trust you.
…Sensitivity to the quiet promptings of the Spirit and courageous implementation of the resulting impressions.
…Patience and understanding when God lets you struggle to grow and when answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.
It will be helpful to you to understand and use the power of the interaction of faith and character. God uses your faith to mold your character. Character is woven patiently from threads of doctrine, principle, and obedience. Character is the manifestation of what you are becoming. Your character will be the yardstick that God will use to determine how well you have used your mortal life. Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and, when acted upon, will be confirmed as true.
Worthy Character
As you walk to the boundary of your understanding into the twilight of uncertainty while exercising faith, you will be led to find solutions to the challenges of life you would not obtain otherwise. The bedrock of character is integrity.
Making Decisions Based on Eternal Truths
There are two patterns for making decisions in life: (1) decisions based upon circumstance and (2) decisions based upon eternal truth. Satan encourages choices to be made according to the circumstances: What are others doing? What seems to be socially or politically acceptable? What will bring the quickest, most satisfying response? That pattern gives Lucifer the broadest opportunity to tempt an individual to make decisions that will be harmful and destructive even though they may appear most appealing when a decision is made.
With this approach there is no underlying set of values or standards to consistently guide decisions. Each decision is made for what appears to be the most attractive choice at the moment. One who chooses this path cannot expect the help of the Lord but is left to his or her own strength and that of others who want to help. Sadly, most of God’s children make decisions this way. That is why the world is in such turmoil.
The pattern of the Lord is for His children to make decisions based upon eternal truth. This requires that your life continue to be centered in the commandments of God. Thus, decisions are made in accordance with unchanging truths aided by prayer and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. In addition to your own strength and capacity, you will enjoy divine inspiration and power when needed. Your actions will be predictable and bless the lives of all in the circle of your influence. You will have a meaningful life of purpose, peace, and happiness.

Keeping Your Resolve
How can you keep your resolve to live worthily? How can you be sure that determination in your heart will not be eroded by the pressures around you? If you are blessed to be married, rejoice in that companionship with your spouse and your children. Let there be absolutely no secrets kept from each other. That will provide powerful insurance for continuing righteousness and happiness. Decide issues together.
Keep the gospel light burning brightly in your home through scripture study, prayer, and the other things you know how to do. Drink deeply from the fountain of the revealed word of God. Hold fast to His word. Keep the Sabbath day holy.
There is an urgent need for more men and women like you who will stand for principles against the growing pressures to compromise those very principles. Men and women are needed who will act nobly and courageously for what the Lord has defined as right—not for what is politically correct or socially acceptable. We need individuals who have the spiritual, righteous influence that will motivate others to live honorably. We need statesmen with integrity, businessmen who are honest and morally clean, attorneys who defend justice and the legal system, and government officials who preserve principle because it is right. Above all, we need mothers and fathers who will preserve the sanctity and safety of the home and the integrity of the family in which faith in God and obedience to His commandments are taught as the foundation of a productive life.

Success in Following the Plan
Establish a set of principles by which you will guide every aspect of your life—in your home, in your Church service, in your profession, in your community. Many people try to compartmentalize their life and have a standard for Church and another standard for what they do in business and in other aspects of their life.
Second, don’t make exceptions to your standards. Never compromise them. One of the ways the Lord protects us is to give us guidance in life. One of the ways Satan tries to destroy us is to subtly lead us away from what we know is centrally important in our life.
Third, be loyal. Be loyal to your parents and your loved ones. Above all, be loyal to Jesus Christ, the Savior. Success comes when your actions are consistent with the teachings of the Lord. When you seek work, find something that challenges you, that raises you to higher levels of performance. It may be harder, but you will grow, develop better, and contribute more good. You really have no idea yet who you are and what you can accomplish in life. You have great potential far beyond what you can imagine today.
Fourth, live so that the Lord can guide you to where He wants you to be and to serve. He can do that if you live His commandments worthily and strive in every way to be obedient to His teachings.
Fifth, serve others. Sharing what you know with others will bring you happiness and bless their lives.
Sixth, smile. I don’t mean that you need to be cracking jokes every day, but a good joke now and then is an escape valve. Life is not all that bad. You will soon learn that everybody has problems and nobody wants to hear about yours. Put those things aside and smile. Have a good sense of humor
Seventh, don’t complain. Life isn’t always fair. That’s a fact. But it’s always charged with marvelous opportunities if you know how to find them..
Tenth, use the Savior Jesus Christ as your example for life. Use His teachings as your handbook for life. Never make exceptions to them.
Resolve that each moment of your life will reflect your determination to humbly be an example of righteousness, integrity, and conviction. With such a life you will surely succeed in the purpose for which you came to earth. 
You can read the whole article by Richard G. Scott  Here:


Sunday, March 30, 2014

Cleaning Stains!

Loved this article. I love the way Jason f. Wright discovers lessons of life... from plain old ordinary things.
Good night dear friends!

What I learned about cleaning stains from a Marriott Courtyard



choch_phototour54I've stayed in every imaginable hotel brand from sea to shining sea.
My speaking and touring schedule has landed me in four-star hotels that make you feel like the only guest on the property, and I've stayed in motels where I might have been the only one on the property not under police surveillance.
I've stayed in B&B’s, cabins, hostels and rental cottages. While traveling to North Carolina a few years ago, a client booked me in a motel where I had to wake up the owner to check me in because I’d arrived after hours.
Awkward.
Once, while staying in a major hotel brand in Small town, Idaho, I discovered something hanging on the bathroom doorknob that should have required a trip to the emergency eyewash station.
Like many business travelers, I always request early check-in. Most hotels are happy to oblige and the courtesy allows me to fine-tune an evening speech, iron a shirt or take a breather from a long day of planes, trains and automobiles.
During the recent holidays, I traveled with my family to visit my mother in Charlottesville, Va. It’s become a tradition to have an adventure by staying in a hotel, swimming in the pool and jumping on the beds. If the kids are good, I let them jump, too.
On this particular trip I’d booked rooms at the Marriott Courtyard North and, as usual, requested an early check-in. I’d also requested adjoining rooms, which Marriott does not guarantee, but does everything to accommodate.
We arrived Friday afternoon and the associate at the front desk proudly shared that the hotel has been undergoing a major remodel and the lobby and restaurant had just been completed. It was beautiful, we noted, and the young woman added that not only were the guest rooms next, but that the process would begin the very next Monday.
We took our keys and off we went. My two youngest — both boys — were so excited to swim, they might have skipped putting their suits on.
When we arrived at our rooms, we were startled to find a housekeeper and a manager on their knees just inside the door of one of the two rooms scrubbing a small spot.
I asked, “Is everything OK?”
The manager apologized for the room not being quite ready, but explained they’d noticed a stain in the carpet and wanted to get it out for us.
I made a joke about hiding a body, which my children promptly rated as “lame,” but the manager laughed anyway. Then she promised they’d be finished shortly and invited us to occupy the second adjoining room while we waited.
As we settled in next door, I asked my children if they recognized and appreciated the message. How much easier would it have been, I wondered aloud, for the employees to ignore the spot and call it good.
I imagined the conversation. “Oh yeah, you’re right. There’s a stain right there. Oh, well, whatever. They’re replacing the carpet soon anyway. Plus, the guests won’t even notice and they’re probably the last ones who’ll stay before the remodel.”
Isn’t that how many might have reacted? Judging from the carpet in many of the hotels I've stayed in, yes.
Instead, two dedicated Marriott employees were on hands and knees working to clean a stain no one else might have ever noticed. And whether genuinely happy or not, they were doing it with a smile.
Later that evening, the entire gang enjoyed an epic splash battle, hotel explorations and elevator rides. The kids returned to the front desk for more towels, batteries for a remote and to report a broken vending machine. Each request was met by the front desk staff with biblical-level patience and long-suffering.
We’re home now and the holiday bells are just a quiet memory. The carpet probably is, too. But for me, the message rings on.
I wonder about the ugly spots in my life that no one sees but me. It’s certainly not hard to ignore them and hope they go away, replaced by something more beautiful.
But isn't there also beauty in the cleaning itself?
A flaw is a flaw.
A stain is a stain.
Life’s dirty spots deserve to be cleaned whether we’re the only one who sees them or not.
It’s not just the message we learned at that Marriott in Charlottesville. It’s also a pretty good way to live.
I read the article here:

Friday, March 28, 2014

Love

I love these quotes! Hope you have a great weekend.
It's Date Night!
Good Night dear friends!

Love quote ... Oscar Wilde

"If He..." sign quote art // If he... makes you laugh, kisses your forehead, says he's sorry, makes an effort, holds your hand, works hard, attempts to understand you ...then believe it or not, he's quite perfect.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

A young and creative CEO

I love this young boy's business he started! Congrats to him!
Read and remember... you are never too young or old to DREAM!
Good Night dear friends!

13-Year-Old CEO Takes Flight
(KUTV) You're never too young to start your own business, that's the takeaway from a Utah County CEO.

Noah Cahoon is 13, and he's getting national attention for turning a simple idea into a clever money-maker.

"I'd like to get this all over," says Noah, touting his basement business, called Paper Box Pilots. "When I was a little kid I used to make cardboard airplanes all the time and have my dad draw the gauges."

Flight instruments once sketched by crayons have turned into detailed stickers, which come with an informational packet and a tutorial on how to convert an empty box into an imaginary airplane.

Noah has a support staff that includes his five-year-old brother, Milo, whose official title is CFO, or Chief Flight Officer. Milo's job is basically the test pilot for the operation. Other than that, Noah runs the business himself, with very limited help from his parents. He conducts business meetings, fills orders and is working to develop future products; like a fire truck, racecar and maybe even a dollhouse - all created out of empty boxes.

Paper Box Pilots officially launched last October, they've sold nearly one-thousand kits, mostly to individual buyers, but also a few large orders. "We just had the Boeing Museum of Flight order, and they ordered 48 sticker packets," says Noah.

Noah says the goal of creating the business was all for the experience, but he says he hopes the business can make enough money to pay for his college tuition. "Now that I know what this is like, maybe I can start another company that's a little more professional than selling stickers," he says.

By Chris Miller


Read the story here:

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Amazing Story, Amazing Survivor!

What an amazing story!

Bauman, photographed on Feb. 17 in Massachusetts.
Bauman, photographed on Feb. 17 in Massachusetts.(Photo: Ben Baker for Parade)
Jeff Bauman was cheering for his girlfriend at the Boston Marathon last April when the first of the two bombs went off at his feet. In this excerpt from his new book, Stronger, the 28-year-old describes the terrifying moment and his difficult but courageous journey learning to walk again.
April 15, 2013
I know exactly when my life changed: when I looked into the face of bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev. It was 2:48 p.m.—one minute before the most high-profile terrorist event on American soil since Sept. 11—and he was standing right beside me.
We were half a block from the finish line of the Boston Marathon, two in a crowd of half a million. I was there with my friends, Remy and Michele, to support my girlfriend, Erin Hurley, who was running for charity. We were just like everyone else that day: cheering and clapping, laughing.
Then, suddenly, I noticed Tsarnaev. He had on a hooded jacket that was too much, even on a cool day. The thing that struck me, though, was his demeanor. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Except this guy. He was all business.
We stared at each other for eight, maybe 10 seconds, then ­Michele said something, and I looked away.
When I looked back, he was gone. But I noticed his backpack sitting on the ground near my feet. And then I heard the explosion.
It doesn’t get hazy after that. It gets clear, and very fragmented.
I remember seeing smoke. I remember blood. The smell of burning. I remember looking down and realizing I had no legs. I’m going to die here, I thought. Then: No way. No way that guy will take me out.
And that’s when an ER surgeon named Allan Panter appeared at my side. He wrapped my legs in tourniquets, yelling as he worked. Then Carlos Arredondo, who would soon become known as the “man in the cowboy hat,” lifted me up and threw me into a wheelchair that had been intended for runners too tired to walk. A woman pushed the chair. Carlos ran beside me. Someone grabbed my right leg, holding it up to stop the bleeding. I grabbed my left leg.
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
The Chilling photo of Bauman and Arredondo that became one of the most iconic images of the attacks. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Out of the chaos, a photographer appeared, snapping photos.
I thought, What’s he doing here?
I had no idea that as they rushed me to the hospital, a picture of me in the wheelchair was rushing around the world. Within seconds, it would appear on hundreds of websites. Within minutes, it was being shown on news reports. It was the first image my mom saw, the first news to reach my dad. The next day, it was on the front page of ­papers across the globe.
I don’t look at the photograph. I did once, but never again. I have all the images I need. The equipment in the ambulance. The EMT. The ­orderlies waiting for me. I ­remember being pushed down a hallway, a policeman running beside me. “I know who did it,” I tried to tell him. I wanted someone else to know, too, just in case. But I couldn’t get anyone to listen.
I was lucky. That's how I tried to look at it. I was standing next to a bomb and I survived.
And then a face came toward me. It was the surgeon. “Don’t worry,” he said. “We’ll take care of you.” And they did. Everyone that day took care of me. They are the heroes, because they gave me the chance to prove that I—that we—are better than cowards with bombs. That we’re not broken. And we’re not afraid. We’re stronger.
Bauman underwent multiple surgeries at Boston Medical Center. After nearly two weeks in the ICU, he was transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, where he was finally able to reflect on his new reality.
Early May
I was lucky. That’s how I tried to look at it. I was standing next to a bomb, and I survived. The doctors had to amputate my legs; my eardrums exploded; I had severe burns. But I was alive, and I wasn’t alone. My family was with me. My friends. My girlfriend, Erin, came to the hospital—so tired and in shock she had to be carried up the stairs—and never left.
At Spaulding, other people were allowed to visit, too: first responders, fellow survivors, ­police officers. I was the only person to identify one of the bombers, when I woke up the day after the attack, and the cops kept calling me a hero.
It may seem strange, but I didn’t like being singled out like that.
I remember the day a police officer delivered my driver’s license and credit card, my only possessions recovered at the scene.
“You okay, Jeff?” he asked.
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you need anything?”
“No, I’m all right.”
“Anything you need, Jeff.”
“It’s just …”
“Name it, buddy.”
I took a deep breath. “Can you find my sneakers? I loved those sneakers.”
He looked like he was about to faint. My sneakers had been destroyed, along with my feet. He didn’t know what to say. Until I laughed.
“I’m just kidding,” I said.
“Oh, man,” he said. “You got me, Jeff. You really got me.”
He was a nice guy. I had met one bad person in this experience, but he was dead by then. Everyone else was amazing: kind, caring, giving.
I’m coming out of this experience with damage. I guess you’d call it suspicion. I know how evil humans can be, and I’m watchful.
But I know something else, too: bad people are rare. Good people are everywhere.
Bauman was the only survivor to lose both legs above the knee, which has made his rehabilitation particularly grueling. While he’s grateful for the love and support he received from around the world, he feels pressure to be an example of resilience, even when the inevitable setbacks occur. He draws strength from his family, his friends, and his city.
Six Months after the Bombing
Josh Haner/The New York Times
Bauman stretching in physical therapy on June 27. (Josh Haner/The New York Times)
When I was 12, my aunt Karen was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She survived, but she lost her vocal cords. For 15 years, Aunt Karen has barely made a sound. At first, that scared me, because she was different from the rest of us, but also from who she had been. These days, she is an inspiration. She has been where I am, so she understands.
When I see Aunt Karen, I realize that one year—if that’s how long it takes me to walk again—isn’t that long. It took three months of intense physical therapy just to heal enough to receive my prosthetics. Even now, after another three months of workouts and practice, every step is a challenge, as I learn to balance on, lift, and trust my legs. I wake up in pain every day. I get mentally and physically tired after walking twice across a room. I feel self-conscious in public. I have no idea what I will do in the future, except spend it with Erin. But that’s okay. My focus is on putting one foot in front of the other.
I have no idea what I will do in the future, except spend it with Erin. But that’s okay. My focus is on putting one foot in front of the other.
I want to give back to those who helped me. Their prayers made me stronger, and their donations—and great health insurance from Costco, where I worked—provided my artificial legs.
I go to charity events. I make appearances. I don’t mind being a symbol. Especially for my city. I do as much as I can, as often as I can. But when people tell me I have to do something, and I’m in pain and unable, then I’m ungrateful. That’s when it really hurts.
But then someone will come up to me on the street and say, “I don’t mean to intrude, but can I hug you?”
Or Aunt Karen will text me: “I’m proud of you.”
Or I’ll go to something like the ceremony on Sept. 11 at the Massachusetts State House. I’ve become friends with Carlos Arredondo, the man who saved my life, and he was being honored with the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery, named for a flight attendant on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center.
“I accept this on behalf of everyone who has had a child die,” Carlos said when they gave him the award. He was thinking of the two sons he lost: one to suicide, another to a sniper in Iraq. But he was talking about me, too. To Carlos, I’ve always been someone’s son.
That’s why I’ll do anything for him. Not just because we’re friends, but because he treats me like a person. I don’t feel like a prop with Carlos, and I don’t feel like a guy who lost his legs.
I feel like myself: good old Jeff Bauman, the happy kid from Chelmsford, Mass. And right now, that’s all I want.
Stronger-cover
Adapted from Stronger by Jeff Bauman with Bret Witter, to be published April 8. The book is available for pre-order wherever books are sold. Copyright © 2014 by JB Liege, LLC. Reprinted by permission of Grand Central Publishing, New York, NY. All rights reserved.
“We Believe in Each Other”
Photo: Ben Baker for Parade
Bauman and his fiancée, Erin Hurley, are expecting their first child this summer. (Photo: Ben Baker for Parade)
Throughout his ordeal, Bauman’s girlfriend, Erin Hurley, has never left his side. Here, she shares her perspective on their new lives together. 
Before April 15, 2013, I led the typical life of a 20-something in Boston. I was working my way up in a career in health administration. I spent time with my friends, found myself falling in love. I was excited about training for the marathon. Jeff was my biggest supporter. He always joked that I could have run one more mile. Even though he was kidding, he was usually right. He knows the best of me.
Some nights, when Jeff was crying out in pain, I was crying, too.
After the bombing, I wasn’t sure how he would handle the loss. But instead of being devastated (which deep down he was), he made jokes, he focused on the present. The moment he laughed, things didn’t seem so bad. When he teased, in typical Jeff fashion, “Don’t worry, E, our kids will have legs,” I knew I was there to stay. I have tried to stay grounded. I have found strength where I didn’t know I had it.
I didn’t think there would be such joy, so much love from friends, family, even strangers. And, of course, from Jeff. It feels like we have lived 10 years in 11 months. We believe in each other, because we’ve seen how hard we’re willing to work: for our relationship and our future.
It was tough to leave my job to spend more time helping Jeff. It was hard to move in with him and his mom. Some nights, when Jeff was crying out in pain, I was crying, too. But that’s love, right? Being there for each other, even when it’s hard.
Jeff and I have our own house now. We’re engaged, and I’m pregnant, due this July. Nothing about this year was planned. Not much about the future is, either, but that’s life, full of twists and turns. We’re on a new path, one we never anticipated, but it’s a path that is our own.
Found the article Here:

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Bullying should never be allowed


I watched this News Anchor stand up on the air to her online Bully!
This was an amazing. It is a  News Update that everyone should watch, listen and learn from!
You can watch  it  HERE:

Inspirational Quotes On Bullying | Bullying quotes | Skyler Bling's Inspirational Quotes

Monday, March 24, 2014

5 things to tell your kids before you die

Great article, check it out.

Good night dear friends!

5 Things You Must Tell Your Kids Before You Die

Whether you’re a parent now, or plan to be, this article is for you. One of my most popular posts was “5 Things You Must Tell Your Parents Before You Die“. As a Father, I’m going to flip the tables a bit.
dale-aria
This is one of my favorite photos of my daughter and I :)
As parents, adopted parents, or even mentors we have have an intrinsic responsibility to show our children they are loved, valued, and protected. While writing this post, I literally could not find an article on things you “should tell” your kids. Everything was on things “you must stop saying” or “should never say”. That’s just like our culture. It’s always about stop, no, and quit. How about we adopt a new philosophy of start, yes, and keep going?
Here is my list of 5 Things You Must Tell Your Kids Before You Die:
1. You gave my life so much meaning. Thank you. - When my daughter was born I remember being hit with this insane rush of purpose. Life was no longer about work, hobbies, or myself. It was about experiencing her. Working because of her, doing things with her, and planning a future as a family. What a gift. As parents, we believe this is implied. But it’s not. We must reach out to our children, at the right age, and thank them for the memories, the purpose, the laughter, and the love. After all, there is nothing quite like it.
1
Photo by Tracy Parker

2. I’m so proud of you
. – Children need a surplus of affirmation. I can’t tell you the countless stories of boys still working for their Father’s approval or daughters seeking their blessing. Though we may not fully agree with our children’s ways, we must commend them on completing the hardest task of all, independence. And even though this statement is said by almost all parents, the difference is made in quantity, creativity, and sincerity.
2
Photo by Adrienne Elliot
3. You we’re right, I was wrong. - Parents, leaders, and teachers can often times find themselves on the wrong side of an argument. While it’s easy to play off our child’s ignorance, a tiny moment of transparency and honesty will bring huge impact to your little one’s development. But let’s not stop there. Let this virtue carry on throughout your relationship, even through the harder years of adulthood. Just because your children are adults, does not mean you should stop acting like their parent.
3
Photo by Sunny Kang
4. This was my favorite moment - In a lifetime made of millions of memories, experiences, and stories – narrowing them down to one can be extremely powerful. To remind your child of a time where everything was perfect and claim it as your favorite will reinforce this special moment forever. But don’t be brief, share it with passion, provide every little detail, and bring your child back (no matter how old they are) to that time where all things were just right. You won’t regret it, I promise.
4
Photo by Natasha Wiseman
5. I’m Sorry – As I mentioned above, we all have moments of failure. Some were yesterday while others were years ago. It’s easy to ignore the past and move on as if our memories have somehow erased it. But let me tell you a secret – They don’t. If you have a parental failure don’t ignore it. Lead with integrity, right your wrongs, and restore that piece of your child’s history no matter how small. You only have so many tomorrows.
5
Photo by Valics Lehel

“A negative mind will never get you a positive life.” – Dale Partridge

I found the article HERE:

Time Machine

Last week at church in Primary ( our children's group ) I taught a lesson about the Savior, and His Resurrection. Jeff and I came up with a Time Machine, so that I could help the kids understand a little bit better by bringing people back from past, through the Time Machine. I started with a piece of Foam Core Board and then just started gluing anything loose that I could find in the garage. Old fuses, broken smoke detector, knobs...lots of knobs and a plastic lid. Then I bought some silver spray paint and sprayed the whole thing. Next I started added colors with arrows and paint. Then came the information part of the machine. Last but not Least...Jeff found these amazing lights that we glued on. Yes, it even made me think that maybe, just maybe...we could make this machine work! :) I figured if I believed it, then they would too!

 So I hung it on the back door of the room when they weren't looking, then I went up front and talked a little bit about the Resurrected Savior. I then said to the children..."Wouldn't it be neat if we could have someone from the past, someone from when Christ lived upon the earth, to come and share with us what it must have been like to see Him and know Him?" They all nodded their heads. So I asked them to turn around, but stay in their seats and let's see if we could get my Time Machine to work. I then went to the Machine, pushed some buttons on the calculator that I had glued on, and turned my dial to the word Bible and then I turned on the lights, about that same time our pianist started playing the theme song to  Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium. It is beautiful and and has such a magical sound to it.( It's a cute movie ...if you haven't seen it.)

As soon as the music started... then there was a knock from the other side of the door and I said "Oh my goodness boys and girls, I think our Time Machine really worked, let's see who is here." I had already had our 3 volunteers out in the hallway and dressed up in costumes that I had brought. How fun it was to see their little faces when the volunteers came in one at a time and shared their message. But more important was the testimony of Christ that they shared with the kids. One of our volunteers portrayed Mary Magdalene, the first to see the Resurrected Savior. It was amazing, as she shared with the children how she knew the Savior, how He touched her life and how it broke her heart to have Him Crucified. Then she spoke of the amazing joy, when He appeared unto her. Most of the adults in the room had tears in their eyes,it was touching...all of the volunteers had prepared well and were amazing at portraying their character. Real people who saw the Resurrected Savior.
I am so glad that the kids liked it, I am glad that Jeff and sweet dear little boy (who is our friend) and I all designed and worked on it. It was the first thing that they asked me about today when they came into Primary..."are we going to do the Time Machine again?" 
Sometimes, I wish that I could go back in time and have witnessed things that others did, at the time that Jesus Christ was on the earth. I know that is exactly what the scriptures are for, but I still think that would have been an amazing experience. I guess that is what made me create our Time Machine!
Each Sunday I am realizing that these sweet little children are teaching me ...way more than I am teaching them!
Good night dear friends!

Friday, March 21, 2014

Date Night!

Today I had some wonderful friends over for lunch, and then they were kind enough to help me out with a project I was doing. Then I went to work for an hour and just played with the fabric and some new ideas. Next I had dinner with the most handsome man I have ever met, we went to a Sushi bar!
Yes, you guessed it ...it's Date Night!
Plus, did I mention it was a beautiful Sunny Spring Day?
I tell you, it doesn't get much better than this!
Good night dear friends!
LDS Quote

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Girls Barbershop Quartets


I love to see when the youth of this world...learn how to share their talents in a clean wholesome way. Watch this fun video of some really talented girls, it will make you rethink Barbershop Quartets.
Good night dear friends!


Watch it HERE:
its all about the attitude.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Finding our purpose!

I have always known that part of my purpose here on earth... is to use and develop my creative talents. Use them to teach, to make my home more lovely, to use as gifts to show my love and appreciation to others or just to serve someone else. I am grateful for that talent. Speaking of that talent....that is all that I did today, and it felt great. Well, I am a bit tired and my back is hurting but... it feels good to be back in my room ( opps Studio: ) creating again!
Good night dear friends!
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps," Proverbs 16:9.

Fairy Tales do come true!

Since Lauren was a little girl, she always loved the Disney Movies. She can win any trivia game there is on them. When she was 2 years old, she sometimes would go into her little tantrums and when she did, it seemed like nothing or no one could get her out of them. Then we noticed one day that as soon as I turned on the Disney Movie Jungle Book, that she stopped crying, screaming, hitting or biting whoever or whatever... and began to dance and sing.
 My Mom finally got brave enough to tell me " Lynn, I can only watch her if you buy me my own copy of the Jungle Book...just in case she gets out of control" . She was a bit fiery to say the least! My Mom always said deep down she must be a Red Head :) Just kidding, we have redheads in our family and love them, but...Lauren from the time she was little had a mind of her own and kept us laughing and on our toes...all the time. We love her and are so excited that today she and her best friend Nik...got engaged. (Actually it was last night on St. Patrick's Day! ). How fun, Nik will never have to worry about having a dull moment again...in his life!!!
So I thought it was fitting today that another Disney Movie came out ...on the same day as our little Disney girl, announced her engagement.( Below is the writer Jason F. Wright's explanation why the movie had done so well. I agree!)
 Fairy Tales really do come true don't they!!!! Congrats Nik and Lauren! We love ya!
Good night dear friends!

Photo: Day 77: So incredibly happy for my sister!!!! Grateful she's found her match, her best friend, her soulmate and partner in crime! ;) Love you Lauren! Congrats!!! #day77 #365grateful #weddingbells #sohappy #excitedtostartplanning #cutecouple



Last week, my family hosted a few good friends for dinner. At some point during the banter between pizza and brownies, one of our guests abruptly changed topics. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask, what’s all this fuss about 'Frozen'?”
These friends don’t have yet have children and, believe it or not, hadn't heard much besides hype about Disney’s megahit movie.
I smiled at my kids across the table and had them confess how many times they’d each seen it. By the time we got to my 15-year-old daughter, it began to feel like a support group.
"Hi, my name is Jadi, and I've seen Disney’s ‘Frozen’ seven times."
"Hi, Jadi," we answered in unison.
Her mother and I admitted it’s not just the kids with a hankering for the film. I've seen it four times and my wife has seen it three.
Even my mother has seen it, and the last movie she saw starred Charlie Chaplin.
Then it happened — our guests made a mistake that might haunt them forever.
They asked for a quick recap.
Taking turns and marching one major scene at a time, we offered a rundown of the story that would have made Walt himself proud. We even sang each song when we hit its respective spot in the plot.
I can’t be sure, but I think my gang was much more entertained than our pizza pals.
An hour later, we said our goodbyes and promised to do it again sometime soon, though after our little show it’s debatable whether they will accept another invitation.
Since that night, my wife and I have speculated on why we’ve made the film a family favorite.
And, clearly, why we’re not the only ones.
You probably know that "Frozen" has been a massive global hit, hauling in nearly $400 million domesticly and more than $1 billion worldwide, according toboxofficemojo.com. It's won two Academy Awards and spawned thousands of covers of its Oscar-winning lead track "Let It Go."
The production and its messages have also been sliced, diced and analyzed more than any movie since the Zapruder film.
Why do so many seem stuck on "Frozen"? Why after 16 weeks is the movie running in the top 10 and dominating so many playground and conference room conversations?
Could it be because it's clean, entertaining and inspirational?
In an industry that generates so much product not suitable for younger eyes, and many would argue for any audiences with eyeballs period, "Frozen" stands out for its purity.
While Disney has been making hefty deposits each Monday morning with this family-friendly film, the rest of Hollywood has been releasing a flood of R-rated films for adults. Perhaps the most ballyhooed is "The Wolf of Wall Street," with its graphic sex and 506 creative uses of the f-word.
The film was one of the most critically acclaimed of 2013 and has earned less than a third as much as "Frozen."
Sadly, even many children's movies these days are filled to the rim with potty jokes and, in some cases, even sexual innuendo. According to Screenit.com, a popular website offering movie reviews for parents, "Frozen" scores better in the categories of sex/nudity and profanity than any animated movie in more than two years.
Even if money trumps content, Hollywood might want to pay more attention.

In 2013, the highest grossing R-rated film was only the 15th highest grossing overall, according to Screenit.com. The all-time numbers favor family-friendly fare, too. Mel Gibson’s "Passion of The Christ" is the highest grossing R-rated film in history, and it’s only number 25 overall. You have to drop all the way to 61 to find another R-rated flick.
Isn’t it obvious that audiences are hungry for uplifting entertainment?
Now more than ever, in a weak and wary economy, with consumers carefully measuring their money, moviegoers seem to want films that are both high quality and entertaining for all ages. Sure, there are exceptions, like the "Hangover" movies or the occasional breakout slasher film, but the numbers don’t lie.
So, why is "Frozen" thawing hearts and wallets around the world? Maybe, just maybe, in our chaotic world where sex, profanity and bad news dominate reality, this 102-minute fantasy treasure lets us escape to an unapologetically hopeful place where talking snowmen are real and the jokes don’t require you to cover your children's eyes.
On March 18, "Frozen" will be released on DVD and you can bet the Wrights will be at the front of the line with plans for an evening viewing party.

Want to join us?

Read more of Jason's articles HERE:

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Luck has nothing to do with it!

I know that this has been a crazy year with me being so sick, but as I walked into my living room this morning and saw all the Christmas stuff laying all over the place, I couldn't believe that here it is St. Patrick's Day ... and I missed that holiday too!
But even though my house looks bare and like 2 men have lived her for the last 10 weeks ( figured that I didn't have the energy to beat him ( Jeff ) so I joined him and just didn't clean up much at all. Seriously, I should take a picture of my house...no... I shouldn't actually. I don't want to disappoint you, you wouldn't believe it anyway!
Still I got to make it to some of church yesterday, and other than having to reintroduce myself to everyone ( just kidding ) it went well. So I sorta knew today was going to be a lay low kind of day.
But it is St. Patrick's Day and I am grateful for the many blessings that we have! Too many to number and you dear friends are part of that. Thank you and Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Good night dear friends!


 The Party Wagon - Blog - IRISH STEP


LDS Printables: Free St. Patrick's Day Printable, reminding us that faith and work and prayer are more important to success than "luck!"