Ice Cream

Ice Cream is one of my favorite treats.  When I was growing up, we always seemed to have plenty of ice cream in the house.  Sunday desserts, birthdays, family reunions, and after school snacks were always good reasons to pull out the ice cream.  It doesn't have to be the expensive name brand, but if it has nuts or chocolate, or both, I'm especially enamored. 

We've been trying to be good around here, and haven't had much ice cream lately.  Last week was DH's birthday, so I did buy a couple of cartons . . . some nice vanilla bean and some chocolate brownie fudge.  That didn't last too long, and so since this weekend we are "celebrating" General Conference, last night I sent DD3 to buy us some more.  After consulting with her Dad she brought home some Butter Pecan Crunch.  After a day of listening to General Conference, it was very nice to relax with the gang and watch "Wreck It Ralph" while eating butter pecan crunch ice cream with some sliced bananas and strawberry topping!

General Conference and Rain

"When the saints meet, the Heavens weep." is an old saying that often applies to LDS General Conference time.  We do often get rain this time of year, and this weekend has been no exception.  Yesterday we woke to gloomy skies, and before the morning was over it was raining.  However, it did clear up in the afternoon, the sun was shining, and it was very pleasant outside.  After work I spent several hours working in the yard, mowing the lawn, and pulling dead weeds from last year.  Granted there is still much to do, but I'm grateful that I was able to make some progress on the yard work.  The lawn is green and growing well, my peas and spinach plants are above the ground, and there are many signs of spring.  Even the lilac bush is leafing out!

The time is here.  Within minutes the first session of General Conference is set to begin.  I'm pulling out the yellow legal pad, and getting ready to make notes of what I need to do in the next six months!

Primary Training and Autism Awareness

Last night I was priviledged to attend the LDS Spring Auxiliary Training Meeting for Primary leaders.  The Primary is the children's organization of the Church, and I am blessed to be called to serve in this organization.  The meeting was wonderful, with many inspiring ideas and stories that were shared.  I, as usual took many notes of things that I think will be helpful to me, not only in my calling, but in my personal and family life as well.  There are so many resources available to us at www.lds.org, including many wonderful videos.  I am hoping that the videos included in the training last night will soon be posted on the website.  I did find this video about an Autistic boy named Hyrum that I thought was very touching and fitting as April is Autism Awareness month.  

Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday: Dear Daughters

One of my greatest blessings is that of being a mother.  I have two wonderful sons, but since today's letter is D, I will be sharing some of the cutest baby pictures ever . . . of my four Dear Daughters: 

DD1

DD2

DD3

DD4

Aren't they the most beautiful baby girls ever?  Can you tell that they are sisters?   They all grew into equally beautiful little girls, and I'm not at all biased.  I'm only their Mom! 

DD4

DD3

DD2 

DD1

Now my Dear Daughters are nearly all adults, and they are my very best friends.  They keep me laughing.  They bring home books for me to read and movies for me to watch, and gently chide me when I fall asleep before the movies are over.  They have taught me how to text and how to blog and the finer points of Microsoft Office.   They patiently explain how to switch from the TV to the DVD player.  (over and over again.)  They go shopping with me.  They eat my cooking without complaining.  (most of the time)  The make me happy!  I also have a wonderful Dear Daughter In Law who is the perfect match for DS2.  Though we don't see her quite as often, I'm very grateful to claim her as a daughter too.  Unfortunately, I don't have a baby picture of her to share . . .

DD2 and DD3 are away at school right now, and DD1 and DD4 both have plans to leave in the next few months.  I definitely don't want to hold my dear daughters back from living their own lives and accomplishing great things, but I know that I will miss them, and hope that soon they will all end up living close by again.  I love my dear daughters!



Sewing Machines

When I graduated from High School, my parents presented me with a sewing machine.  I believe that it was a NewHome, manufactured by the White Sewing Machine company.  I used it for many years to sew quilts, clothing, and lots of halloween costumes.  About 15 years ago DH presented me with a Bernina that I have been using ever since.  I don't sew as much as I used to, but this month I'm trying to spend more time at it.  I really appreciate my wonderful sewing machines.  They are both quality machines and have given me much satisfaction and an outlet for creativity.  I don't claim to be a quality seamstress, but I do have lots of fun (and sometimes a bit of frustration) using my sewing machines.

Granola

I just finished a bowl full of my favorite granola.  It's hard to find granola that is fairly affordable, so I resort to Costco for mine.  Last month Nature's Path Organic Pumpkin Flax Granola was on sale at Costco, so I picked up several boxes.  The first one is almost gone.  Granted, granola does have it's fair share of sugar and fat  (Omega-3!), but it tastes a lot better than shredded wheat, so I indulge myself on occassion.  Hungry?  Go and have a bowl of granola!

Atonement of Jesus Christ

I am grateful for music, for hymns, and for writers who are able to put such powerful and sweet messages into words.  Yesterday I was blessed to be able to sing with the choir in Sacrament Meeing.  Our first number was I Know that My Reedemer Lives and the second was This is the Christ.  What better way to commemorate the Easter season than by singing praises to our Savior?  What better way to remember the Savior than to ponder "How many drops of blood were shed for me?" 


"This is the Christ"
Lyrics written by President James E. Faust.


They heard His voice, a voice so mild;
It pierced them through and made their souls to quake;
They saw Him come, a man in white,
The Savior who had suffered for their sake.

They felt the wounds in hands and side,
And each could testify; This is the Christ;

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
This is the Christ, the healer of our souls
Who ransomed us with love divine.

I read His words, the words He prayed
While bearing sorrow in Gethsemane;
I feel His love, the price He paid.
How many drops of blood were spilled for me?

With saints of old in joyful cry
I too can testify; This is the Christ;

This is the Christ, the holy Son of God,
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
This is the Christ, the healer of our souls
Who ransomed us with purest love divine!