Why I'm Using My Smartphone Smarter In 2015

A few things are happening in my life right now that all seem to lead to the same conclusion. One, I am nursing a baby. That means lots of time where I simply sit and can't do much else. If you know me at all, you know I don't like to sit. So in those moments I find myself occupying the time with my smartphone. That leads to another thing that is happening right now: lots of pointless Facebook and Instagram browsing. Fortunately, that browsing led me to an awesome devotional the other day from M. Russell Ballard, in which he addresses "use of technology." And the final thing happening is...New Years. A time for reviewing life and making goals. When you put all those things together, you've got me realizing that I spend too much time on my phone doing mindless things, that Elder Ballard is awesome and motivates me to use technology with a purpose, and finally that I should attempt to use my phone wisely in 2015.

I think this is a good goal for me, and maybe you want to join in. Feel free to pin or share this little motivating caption:

Elder Ballard elaborates a little on what it means to use your phone with purpose, or as he puts it, to be your phone's master.

"Handheld devices, such as smartphones, are a blessing, but they can also distract us from hearing the “still, small voice.” They need to be our servants, not our masters. For example, if later tonight you share inspiring thoughts from this devotional on social media, your smartphone is a servant. If you randomly surf the Internet, your smartphone is a master."

I'd like to think I'm smarter than my smartphone, so I'll take the roll of master, thank you.

When I first saw the link to this devotional on Facebook, I was drawn in by the question, "Be honest. Are there distractions that are keeping you from hearing that 'still, small, voice'? Is it your cell phone, email, or television?" If I'm being completely honest, then YES! I feel distant to God even though I am praying morning and night, and reading the bible every day! I've been wondering why, and how to get back on track. So I jumped on the chance to read Elder Ballard's inspired words. Here is how he puts the question in his talk:

Eek. I don't want to admit what my cell phone usage was the day I read this. I actually went into my settings and checked. Then I thought about how neglected my girls might be feeling if they perceived this phone was more important than them. That's when I decided I'd do much better.

It feels good to plan on using my phone with a purpose. I will not mindlessly browse social media. I will try to avoid the comparison trap we often get caught in when scrolling through blogs or pinterest. I will use my phone to find ways to better myself. The vision filled my mind of how powerful I can be by simply sitting here with my phone. Together we can create dreams for the future and invest time in spiritual growth. I would much rather spend time on things that are going to benefit myself and my family, than sit here and pointlessly browse the Internet while my kids feel left out.

So those are my reasons for using my smartphone smarter in 2015. Check out Elder Ballard's article and make some resolutions of your own.

Welcome Sammy Reed

Written on 12.20.2014

Hello blog, it's been awhile so I thought I'd update you. We have three kids now! Samuel Reed joined the fam on December 1st. He is a tiny ball of peace and comfort. When you snuggle him everything in you can relax and enjoy the moment. His sisters adore him and dote on him throughout the day. They especially love when he is awake. Amelie calls him her boy-be brother Sammy-well and Evelyn just repeats "hello little baby" in a sweet high-pitched voice.

Gratitude Break Down

When was the last time you sat and pondered about gratitude? I mean, really stepped outside of your initial reactions to the idea and got into it deep-style. Soul-expanding-style.

A couple years ago I was living with my husband's grandparents and it was common to hear me say things like, "I have no privacy" or "I can't use the kitchen" or "it's hard to live with them and not have our own place." But immediately following these complaints I would express how grateful I was to live there and to save money...Was I really grateful?

One day, my husband called both of us out. He said if we were truly grateful for something, we wouldn't be complaining about it. That idea has stuck with me and helped tremendously when I have been less than satisfied with circumstances. Ultimately, we can feel grateful no matter what is happening outside of us.

Another one of the deep things I love about thankfulness is that by adopting that type of attitude we actually bring more good into our lives. It is the law of attraction, which I whole-heartedly believe. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is find something to be grateful for when everything around us looks bleak or miserable. In the same way, it is difficult to feel wealthy when we have only a few dollars staring at us in our bank account. Regardless of what we perceive as our "life realities" we can alter our mindset to notice good and abundance. 

The book "Ask and it is Given" by Esther Hicks describes a method for increasing your positive vibes; it's called "rampage of appreciation." For this simple exercise, you focus your attention on something in your immediate environment that is pleasing to you. Hold your thoughts on this particular source of good feelings and you have begun the process of creating a grateful and abundant attitude.  As you continue to look around and notice the things you appreciate, your mindset will shift. You can do this anywhere and it can be a huge boost in positive energy.

One example: I had to drive a couple hours to photograph a wedding and I decided it was the perfect time to look for abundance. As I passed rolling green hills, gorgeous mansions and immense coastlines, I felt overjoyed to be a partaker of so MUCH. My mind repeated the affirmation, "there is an abundance in the world, plenty for everyone." Often we hold to the idea that somehow the success of others takes away what we could have had. Nothing could be further from the truth. When we find joy in the good fortune and happiness of others we simply invite more of it into our own lives.

I have spent a lot of time over the past six months studying the law of attraction and the role gratitude plays in that. It was completely awesome to hear Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf speak about this very topic in General Conference a couple weeks ago. His closing paragraph from that talk ("Grateful in Any Circumstances") is the inspiration for this entire post. The idea of my soul expanding and connecting in a deeper way to God, my Heavenly Father, is one I can't shake from my mind. If you want to watch, listen or read his talk click here. You will be grateful you did.

What Does YOUR Heart Desire?

This morning I wanted to post a simple reminder: FEAST upon the words of God (see 2 Nephi 32:3). Read, ponder and pray over the scriptures.

I just finished reading "The Choice Generation" by Randall L. Ridd. It talks about the Internet and the endless choices of how we use our time. It really hit me when he said:

Bam. That is intense. Not only does triviality waste our time (I think we all know that) but it also degrades our potential. What does that mean? First of all, we are able to accomplish less than we could have with our given time because we wasted it. But I am inclined to think this goes even deeper. Remember the parable of the talents (Matthew 25)? The man who buried his talent had it taken away from him. Does it not stand to reason then, that when we bury/waste our time and potential it will be taken from us?

I am definitely guilty of getting sucked into the trivial things people post about on social media. I spend precious time reading articles that will NEVER help me in my life, watching movie clips that actually make me feel dumber, and mindlessly scrolling through photos as if I have no better way to use my time. Reading that talk this morning helped me to analyze what my heart desires. Now I need to align my actions with those desires and, most importantly, be sure my desires line up with HIS.

12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good--yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;

14 And then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.

(D&C 11:12-14)

Do you feel like you have less time when you don't pray and study the scriptures? What about  feeling like there is more time each day when you do? Have you truthfully analyzed the desires of your heart? Do you realize your potential for good every day?

Be Not Afraid, Only Believe

I've just printed this for our entryway:

At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the task of choosing ONE quote for that special place. It's where you look everytime you leave the house and I wanted words that would make a lasting impression. When I thought to use that particular verse, Mark 5:36, I realized it encompassed so many of the other quotes I was considering. If we let go our of fears we can accomplish great things for God. When we believe in Him we feel His love, and are more likely to show love to those we encounter. By doing that, we are obeying the greatest commandment to love God and love our neighbor.

The list could go on and on with what those five simple words evoke upon one's heart. Be not afraid, only believe. Here are some similar quotes that have always resonated deeply with me:

1. Psalm 46:10 (D&C 101:16)- Be still and know that I am God.

2. Isaiah 51:7&8 - Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

3. The Hymn "Be Still, My Soul"

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as he has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

There is a little background as to why I am so drawn to this topic. All through my life I've worried a lot what my peers think of me. I blogged more in depth about that topic here when I first started transitioning this blog into where it is now. This fear of what others thought created a lot of anxiety all growing up. I just didn't have the confidence to stand up for myself or even be myself. 

As I've grown closer to Christ, I have learned how much He loves me and how I need to put all my trust in Him. Somehow that idea really resonates with me. Doesn't it with us all? I love the thought of not having to worry or fear! I love that I can place my burdens at His feet and feel His enabling power. I want my family to feel this as well.

For that reason I've chosen these words to burn into their minds. When we show forth faith in Jesus Christ, He will allow us to move forward and accomplish all he has asked. If we actively work to let go of any fears we have, He will be right there by our side cheering us on and lending His hand. 

Let's all try a little harder to find and eliminate our fears and to focus our energy on believing in Him. 

Be Grateful Now

You know I am all about a healthy dose of dreaming, but sometimes I wonder if we take it too far? Are we so wrapped up in our ideas about how wonderful the future will be that we fail to notice what we have right now? It's easy to find out the answers to those questions by evaluating our feelings about our current state. If we feel impatient to be somewhere or someone else, if we think having ______ thing will make us happier, or if we are comparing our lives to anyone else then we probably need a tiny reality check.

That reality check is simply a realization that we've got it pretty good. In fact, if we really take the time to notice, we are extremely blessed. So let's do take the time! Make a list of all you are greatful for and you will soon see:

Coincidences Are Not Coincidence

I have so many things I want to write about here, and a few posts already underway. In the meantime, I will share something I heard in church:

There have been way too many amazing experiences in my life (especially lately) for me to believe that they were mere coincidence. Each time they are so specific for me. Just a few examples in the recent death of my father in law. 

1. He called me about a week before his passing, just to check on the girls and I. In the six years that I've known him, he's made a similar call maybe two other times.

2. The day of his heart attack, Mike and I could not shake a heavy feeling of depression. When we found out that night about his dad, we realized that was the cause of our sadness.

3. The day of, we cleaned the house SUPER well. I can't begin to tell you what a relief that was to have a clean environment when we heard the news. 

4. About a week prior I had made a bunch of frozen food, which I don't normally do. That was a blessing to not have to worry about grocery shopping or preparing meals.

5. I had done a couple small loads of laundry, and they were the perfect items to pack when we rushed off to California to be with family.

When you start to pay attention to the seemingly random things in life, I think you'll notice there is some greater force that is moving things in your good (especially if you are thinking positive and using the law of attraction which I will post about soon). That force is God, who loves you infinitely and knows you better than you know yourself.

Always Take The Right Road

I love the law of attraction. You know, where you think super positive about a desire you have for your life, and before you know it, that desire is the reality. There are so many reasons I love this law. One, it requires us to be positive. Two, it encourages us to have hope. Three, it expects us to give constant gratitude. Four, it is an exercise of our faith. Five, it can create miracles.

Do you see how all these things are tied into the way God has asked his children to live? Prayer is the key in all of this. When we pray we are often positive in our speech (after all we are talking to our infinitely loving Father). We also pray with a hope that our requests will be granted. We give thanks for all things and then wait with patience and faith as God unveils his great plans for our lives. His ways are always so much better than what we could have planned for ourselves. They are often miraculous.

In the LDS bible dictionary there is a beautiful quote about prayer, "The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings." That really illustrates how important prayer is.

I'll wrap up this post with another of my little "inspirational words on a picture". This one comes from a talk President Hinkley gave in October of 1971 called "If Ye Be Willing and Obedient". He talks about the Captain of the submarine Nautilus, who journeyed beneath the polar ice from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. Captain William Robert Anderson always "carried in his wallet a tattered card that had on it these words":

Thanksgiving To A Four Year Old

This little girls has an EPIC gratitude list. She and I spent a little time sitting on the bathroom floor and talking this morning. I explained what thanksgiving was and asked her what she was thankful for. Over the next 15 minutes, in between our other conversations, here is what she said. None of this was prompted, or even expected, by me.

E: I’m thankful that Jesus made our bodies...I’m thankful that he made rainbows. And did he even make the sky and clouds?

K: Yes.

E: I’m thankful for those too. And birds and butterflies, and I’m really thankful for the trees.

K: You like all the pretty things don’t you?

E: Yes, but most of all I like cute things. So cute and pretty.

We talk about other things for a bit, then...

E: I’m thankful that I love to sleep—well—I’m not really thankful because I cry, and I don’t really like Amelie’s crying.

We finish preparing her breakfast…

E: I’m thankful for everyone!

K: I’m thankful for food!

E: And drinks! I’m thankful for Church. And the temple…

But the best really cute thing that I’m thankful for is at grandma’s house…it’s DISNEYLAND!

(As a side note, this is one of the many variations on how she regularly dresses at home).

Understanding Meditation

I recently listened to a CD called Pure Meditation. In it, Pema Chödrön teaches about the Tibetan Buddhist practice of meditation. The entire talk is mind blowing and so inspiring, but here are just a couple of my favorite concepts from it.

I love how much emphasis Pema puts on cultivating ultimate compassion and friendliness toward ourselves and others. She also debunked some of the myths I had believed about meditation, thus helping me realize what it really is and is not. Before listening to this, I felt like I would never be able to sit comfortably and meditate, removing all thoughts from my mind. But now I understand that it isn't supposed to be comfortable. It's about being with ourselves and accepting what we are in the moment. Sort of like checking in with oneself each day, and confirming that we are invested in our own well being. If you are looking to learn more about meditation, I can't recommend this CD enough!

Midday, Midweek Thought

I just listened to an awesome talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf where he talks about "The Incredible Power of HOPE." If you want to get some positive thinking going on, click here and give it a listen. It's amazing what the feelings and thoughts of hope can do for us emotionally, physically and spiritually.

"Hope is one leg of a three-legged stool, together with faith and charity. These three stabilize our lives regardless of the rough or uneven surfaces we might encounter at the time."

Becoming Like A Child

I'm sure it's no coincidence that on the day I've been thinking about "becoming as little children", I would happen upon this video. Before I get into the video, let me just be clear on what I've been thinking.

"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18-3-4

With those verses in mind, consider what I was considering this morning. Many people I know are selective about the movies and TV shows they watch, hoping to avoid things that aren't uplifting, or contain inappropriate sexual content. But so often violence is justified as being ok because "it's only violence." I was imagining watching a violent show in front of my sweet, innocent little girls. What would their initial reaction be seeing something like that? Fear, disgust, shock, uncertainty? My four year old would probably run into her room and bottle up that feeling; she'd try to convince herself that she could bury it, not talk about it again, and everything would be ok. But the fact that it could potentially affect her in that way is interesting to me. I wonder if each of us tried to obey the commandment to become like little children, would we begin to feel sensitive toward the media we let into our minds? Would we realize that in order to continue watching, we'd need to convince ourselves that we could bury the feeling, not talk about it, and everything would be ok?

Media happens to be the example that came to my mind in pondering this concept. But the important part is not the example used, rather the lesson behind it. If we consider the qualities children possess, and try to gain those qualities ourselves, maybe we would begin to move away from things that we wouldn't want our children to do or see or say. Perhaps that seems extreme, but I don't think it is.

There is a huge motivation behind abandoning bad habits. "The simple fact is this: anything that does not draw us closer to God, takes us away from him." (Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony Joseph B. Wirthlin)

The video referenced earlier hits on this point. We are made in the image of God (see Genesis 1:26) and our bodies are temples of God because of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19). If that is the case, shouldn't we be more careful about how we nourish that Spirit? Each thought we think, image or movie we see, and word we say has great influence on ourselves and our spirits. Elder Russell M. Nelson put it perfectly in the video when he said:

A Fairy Wand And The Power Of Prayer

Over the past 3-4 weeks we have been searching for Evelyn's wand. It is an old glow stick that has a removable star on top. We had the star and needed that wand. 

After about a week I told evie she could pray for help. She did, and we searched the entire house. Time and time again we followed this routine where she would pray saying, "please bless that Jesus can help me find my wand" and we would hunt in new places. 

These past two weeks the prayers have grown more intense; she prays, "I'm thankful that I will find my wand TODAY. Please bless that it will show up." I have been praying myself that her faith will allow her to find it. I believe children have a special relationship with God and we as adults sometimes diminish that. I did not doubt that her prayers would be answered, I only hoped her patience and faith would last as long as it took.

About 5 days ago Mike tried his hand in searching for it. He took the flashlight around and looked everywhere. Still no luck.

Then last night, I heard a squeal of joy coming from Evelyn's room. It grew louder as she ran toward me, wand in hand! "I FOUND MY WAND!" My jaw dropped, "where?!" It was in her dollhouse, a place we had searched in and around numerous times. It was right in plain sight. 

I am so grateful The Lord allowed her to have the experience where her prayer was not answered immediately, but it was answered. I hope she'll always remember that God does hear and answer our faith-filled prayers.

LDS General Conference October 2013: Images

This post is going to be quick because it's purpose is simply to put a few images into the online world. But before I do I better explain a couple things. First, General Conference is a broadcast that takes place every six months where leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address any and everyone who wants to listen. Second, the speakers are not given a topic, rather they are encouraged to search their hearts and follow whatever impressions they feel would most benefit the audience. And finally, I look forward to this time of year because I always learn something new. I am always inspired, and more determined to improve myself. You can watch, listen or read any of the talks from this past session, or any previous session. Below are some images I made based on talks from the conference.

The above image is a verse from the poem 'Good Timber' by Douglas Malloch which our Prophet Thomas S. Monson quoted in his talk.

I loved how Dallin H. Oaks inspired me to stand up for my beliefs with confidence.

Todd D. Christopherson spoke about women in a talk I highly recommend for all. The above image was inspired by a part of his talk where he was quoting Margaret D. Nadauld.

My Take On The Seasons Of Life

There is an article in this month's Ensign magazine titled "Saints For All Seasons", and it talks about how each of us experience sunny and stormy times of life. As I began reading, I recalled a few months back when I was pondering the concept of seasons. Summer had just begun to roll in and I thought of the excitement of spending lazy sunny days at the pools, enjoying BBQs and celebrating Independence Day. The further I dove into these traits of summer, the more interested I became in the qualities of each season and how they apply to our lives. This season analogy is a different twist than the article by Dieter Uchtdorf, but I found it valuable in helping me enjoy the season I am currently in.

I hope as you read though my thoughts you understand that this is a generalization. It made sense in my mind, for my life. If it doesn't apply to you I'd love to hear in the comments how you could change it to make it work. What aspects of the seasons apply to your life and what season do you think you are in now? I find it very therapeutic to meditate over these things, especially to create analogies between nature and our lives. 

SPRING

Birth, beginnings, new life, new start.

We enter this world as tiny babies and immediately begin to experience change and rapid growth. Just as infinite varieties of flowers and plants quickly bloom and grow, we are learning and experiencing a new world. I imagine the spring of our lives as the time we experience the most physical growth and learning.

I see the varieties and colors of the flowers and hear the sounds of new animals and critters. There is so much to take in, all the senses can be overloaded in spring. To me this relates to our childhood, how exciting and sometimes overwhelming it can be. 

SUMMER

Heat, work, struggle.

During this phase of our lives we are trying to establish ourselves. We are still learning but often it is through great trials or experiences that stretch us. Difficult times might be the result of our own choices, whether good or bad. We are learning more about who we are and what is truly important. This is a time of career establishment, building lasting relationships, and having children. In my own life, becoming a mother has been the biggest challenge ever. It's even more hardcore than the Industrial Design program at CSULB (which I thought nothing would rival). But as I go through these times of work and struggle, I emerge stronger and ready to face the next challenge. I wouldn't trade it for anything because I believe that the purpose of life is to improve, learn, and refine ourselves.

Just like the actual summer where we brave the heat in order to enjoy the beach, pool, BBQs etc., in the summer of our lives we understand that the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

FALL
Slowing down, empty nest.

As our children grow and leave the house, things slow down in a sense. Leaves fall from the trees and blow away in many directions, so too our children leave our care for the lives they choose to live.

Hopefully, by this point, we have learned quite a bit and developed many interests. Our souls continue to attain more depth, just like the deep and highly saturated colors of the trees. We feel excitement for what is to come, and we sit back a moment to enjoy the apple cider and pumpkin pie of life.

WINTER
Stillness.

Perhaps the most still part of life, where we grow old and are often alone. The bright snow reflects in a way that no other season can, each tiny crystal of ice shining light toward us. This is like our memories as we reflect back on how our life was...hopefully one of joy and service. Hopefully one with few regrets.

I hope that when we get to that point, the snowflakes of our lives will be reflecting another sun, the Son of God. By following him in each season of our lives, we will have peace, purpose, true happiness, and satisfaction.

New Love

Haven't we all experienced that feeling of new love?

Those first moments of a budding relationship where we can't stop thinking about that person and we love the idea of who they might be.

Or when a baby is born into our family, our hearts burst and we feel as though a second heart has grown inside our own, making room for all the love we have for them.

The same holds true for friendships. On rare and treasured occasions we might meet someone whose presence both calms and excites us. We feel a connection with them and a desire to get to know them. But at the same time don't we feel an inkling that we already knew them? We might want to express this love, but we hold back for fear of "freaking out" our newfound friend. Our deepest hope is that they feel the same way toward us.

When we think about this new friend we feel an overflowing joy in our hearts. It's hard to explain, really, but overall it is a deep and real feeling. We love them already. We have hopes for what they might be like as we get to know them. We imagine them in the best possible light since we probably haven't seen any of their flaws. This love is without judgement, without any strings attached. It is pure love.

Last night as I thought this concept over it occurred to me that, perhaps, this new love comes closest to the way God loves us...his children. He sees our greatest potential and loves us through all the mistakes that we make. He desires us to live our lives in a way that would bring us happiness. He wants us to turn out to be as incredible as he knows we can.

Remember,

"...let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

1 John 4:7-8

Get What You Want: An Experiment

I have an experiment for you to try. I tried without even realizing and it totally worked. Ok ready?

Start thinking about some of the things you want right now. A better job or maybe to not have to work at all? A certain item you've been wanting to purchase for yourself? An opportunity you're hoping for? A resolution for some conflict? A relationship you want to improve? Ok this is starting to sound like a pile of fortune cookies. Stop.

Stop thinking about yourself.

Step two...think about someone you can help. It doesn't have to be some big bold service project. Maybe you just need to put a little more focus into letting your spouse know how awesome they are. Maybe you've noticed someone that could use a friend, a phone call. What about smiling at the cashier who helps you at the store, and genuinely asking them how their day is going?

Random side note: I was at the grocery store a few weeks ago and the woman in front of me asked the cashier how she was doing. The way she asked really let this cashier know that she cared, so the woman told her about how hard her morning had been and that she still had a long day at work. The customer paid her bill and started shuffling through her grocery bags. Finally she tears open a box and pulls out a skinny cow ice cream sandwich. She hands it to the cashier and says, "I hope your day gets better."

That is what I'm talking about! If that customer had been thinking about her own problems she would have missed the opportunity to brighten someone's day. And not only did she affect the cashier, she inspired me. I had been trying to put my focus on others but when i saw this amazing woman I realized I have a long way to go.

Now back to you. Do you have some ideas on how you can shift the focus from yourself to those around you? Good. That is the experiment. 

Here is the anticipated result: 

When [you] look first to the interests of others, [you] improve more rapidly [yourself].*

Those things that you want so badly in life, that you would do anything for...they will come faster when you STOP trying to get them. If you genuinely try to spend your time helping your friends and anyone you can, the things you wanted will come. And you know what else? You might not even want some of them once you shift focus. However, when you start to notice that things are working out rather nicely without you arranging them, be grateful, feel His love.

"… Let your minds be expanded to comprehend and look after the interest of your friends that are around you, and where it is in your power to secure benefits to your friends do so, and in so doing you will find that those things which you need will come into your hands quicker than if you labor entirely to secure them to yourselves independent of regarding the interests of your friends."

*Teachings of the presidents, Lorenzo snow (Chapter 22: Doing Good to Others)

If You Want To Know Why, I Will Gladly Tell You

I have always cared too much what other people think of me. All growing up I worried whether I would fit in with my school mates…would I know what movies they were quoting, or popular songs they were singing? Would my clothes be trendy yet mild enough to fit in? What if I didn’t get their jokes (that definitely happened a lot), and what if I wasn’t up to date on all the current fads (even more likely to occur)?

But you know what? I’m starting to not care anymore. As my life moves along I am shifting my energy into more constructive areas. There is this new desire within me to share with others the things I believe.

I am really no expert on anything. I’ve tackled industrial design in college, had a little art shop on etsy, worked/am working at photography. I have kids, I have a husband, we play guitar together, I’m starting to coupon, I try to run an organized and happy home. I’ve visited 6 countries in Europe, seen furniture I helped design become manufactured, and worked for an incredible furniture designer. But none of this matters. I could be the coolest girl of all time, or the universe’s biggest nerd; I could have mountains of money, or live in a shack. The only thing that ends up having any significance is whether I am happy. And here is the thing: I AM happy.

It’s not to my credit that I feel this way. After all I’ve done wrong I don’t deserve much. But that’s the thing about life. Don’t we get so much more than we deserve? If we put our focus into positive things like helping others, feeling and expressing gratitude for what we have, and loving ourselves and the people around us…don’t all these things invite good into our lives? How and why? <-- font=""> Super deep question that I could write about for a looong time. All I’m going to say now is: I believe in God, I believe in Jesus Christ, and I believe that they love me. I believe that if they love me, they definitely love you, and they are the ultimate source of happiness.

The following quote illustrates perfectly the way I’m beginning to feel about how I express my own beliefs (in all areas not just the fact that I am Christian):

“I’ve come to feel that I should not worry about whether somebody thinks I’m a Christian or not, that all I have to worry about is whether I am.

And if they want to know why I am glad to talk to them about it. But I don’t spend any time at all now worrying about whether somebody thinks Mormons are Christians.”

-Dallin H. Oaks, Conversationsmormonchannel.org

So if you want to know why I am the way that I am, and why I believe what I do, then follow along! I’ve got so much I want to share.

Because We Don't Want To Lose Our Memories

When Mike and I first got to California we celebrated the 4th of July, and I mentioned that I was pretty sure this was the first 4th that he didn't have to work since we've been married. We thought long and hard, then remembered a time that we were driving around Long Beach for one reason or another, until we finally went down to the beach and watched people set off fireworks. Because we were so baffled as to when (or possibly even if) those events had occurred, we decided it was time to start documenting better.

SO with that long introduction, I am here to say that on July 4, 2013, our family (including Mike), was in California. We went to a yummy brunch courtesy of our church, swam, and ended the night with a fun block party and fireworks in the neighbor's backyard.

One of the other exciting events lately includes my sister getting engaged to this awesome guy (ok so I haven't met him in the flesh, but read his blog and then try to disagree). Their wedding will be December 28th and we are all so excited.  

Amelie has become a little speed demon, crawling around the EVERYWHERE and pulling herself up on EVERYTHING.

She loves to babble and even says a few words intentionally: more (muh), mama, dada, baba, nana (for grandma), hi, bye (bah). She waves hello and goodbye, and dances with her arms whenever she hears music or a beat. Everything goes straight into her mouth. She loves to PLAY and she prefers to eat food with textures or finger food.

Evelyn is our little creative prodigy...

She's constantly drawing on her magna-doodle, making sculptures out of pipe cleaners, painting, making necklaces, decorating rocks etc. She made up an awesome dance that I should post on here if I can figure out how. It is called, "Mean, Nice" and it's her pretending to push someone (mean) and then dance all sweetly (nice). Here is some of her work from the last few weeks:

Abstract Jack-o-Lantern

Bear dressed as a pumpkin for Halloween

Funny man holding banana under the crescent moon

SO much detail!

Dinosaur Eating French Fries

A mosquito and E doing her pirate wink.

A girl in a dress with layers. She draws people facing the other way when she is in a hurry, hence all the heads with just hair facing us.

A Little Art by my E

Of course, I had to add my own touch by inverting her work :)