Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY - November 30th 2010
 
Outside my window... my eyes are feasting upon the most beautiful sight of exquisite pure white snow which blankets our yard. I am witnessing the handiwork of God and appreciating His works. 

 
I am thinking...that instead of blogging I should be in decorating our Christmas Tree. However, I love to blog and this is my very first Simple Woman's Daybook Entry and I am enjoying this moment of my time. 
 
I am thankful for... numerous blessings. My short list of blessings include that I know that I have a Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ who loves me. I have as my eternal companion the most wonderful man in my universe. I have children who I know love and follow the Lord and our Prophet. I have many grandchildren and each one of them I cherish and love with all my heart. 
I have many friends that add so much to my life; including those in blogger land. I am blessed to work in the temple; which is a incredible blessing. 
 
From the learning rooms...(if this applies) I am constantly reading good books and I especially love the scriptures. However, I love a good Christmas Novel and I need to go out and purchase a new one. If any of you have a suggestion let me know.
 
From the kitchen...I find that the fudge I made to send to someone; is slowly disappearing so I will need to make some more. My husband is home and we are both being drawn into the kitchen for a morsel of chocolate.
 
I am wearing...It is now 2:00pm and I am still in my white and pink bathrobe and black slippers. I so need to get dressed for the day.
 
I am creating...this blog and it is my first Daybook entry; so I am having fun with this. I also will need to create some more fudge today.
 
I am going...to start Christmas decorating. I love this time of year and can hardly wait to get the decorations up and then enjoy sitting in our living room in front of our fireplace and having a cup of Hot Chocolate with my hubby.
 
I am reading...a book called Holding Fast by Robert L. Millet. He is a favorite author of mine and I just started the book this morning.
 
I am hoping...to get my decorations up today and then I will tackle my cleaning projects in the next couple of day. 
 
I am hearing...my dear husband playing with our dogs. He is working at home this morning and we have met in the hall a few times for a hug. I love it when he works at home.
 
Around the house...I have boxes of Christmas Decorations to put up and once up I will be so happy.
 
One of my favorite things...to do is read. I just completed a book by Toni Sorenson called; "Being Defined By Christ". I would highly recommend it. In fact, I know that it will be on my list of best books I have read. Just think about the title; Being Defined By Christ, it means don't let others define you. See yourself as Christ sees you; this is what it is all about. 
 
A few plans for the rest of the week: Visit my 97 year old Aunt Della whom I love and treasure the time spent with her. 
Perhaps some Christmas Shopping
Activity Day activity with my Primary Girls - We are having a Daddy Daughter Sports Night
Serving in the Temple on Saturday and of course enjoying a quiet Sabbath Day with my dear husband. 


Yesterday my husband and I went out and played in the snow - Here are a few pictures of our adventure. 

My husbands attempt to make a snowman

We enjoyed making snow angels with our dogs; Sammy and Sue Sue

May we all enjoy this Wonderful Joyful Christmas Season

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

 Wishing all of my family and friends a  very Happy Thanksgiving Day! I am so grateful for all of you that visit my blog and I enjoy your comments. I have learned so much from visiting your blogs. I can't even describe how you lift my soul on many days by your lives and the wonderful things that you accomplish and do. I love the faith that you have in Our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I enjoy learning about your families and also your struggles and victories. You increase my own faith by your diligence in following the Savior. 
Here is a video that I wanted to share with you all today!

 In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

The story of Jonah like you've never seen or heard before! ENJOY!‏

I do hope you will take a moment to listen to this story of Jonah and the Whale. It is so delightful. Be sure to pause my music before it starts.
http://vimeo.com/16404771 

TIFFANI'S TRIMMINGS AND OTHER THOUGHTS!

First of all, I would like to introduce you to my daughter Tiffani, who has been very busy making bows and other such trimmings and has a new web site. If you click onto Tiffani's Trimmings button on this blog; you can enjoy looking at some of her creations.
My other daughter Jenni also loves to make bows, clothes for her children, homemade cards and etc.  I have hopes she may join her sister in her new endeavor. My oldest daughter Christina also loves to create and sew. However, she is now going into gardening, and eventually bee keeping. I can't wait for the honey along with her expertise in gardening.  My three daughter in laws, Mary, Amanda and Amber have creative talents that I have benefited from through the years.
It is so awesome to have daughters that like to create beautiful items.  Regretfully, they didn't learn it for me. Although I tried sewing through the years it only gave me a neck ache. My mother was a great seamstress; she made most of my clothes, prom dresses and etc. I have wonderful memories of the many items of clothing she made for me and the most beautiful was my Wedding Dress; which I will always treasure. I think the desire to sew may be hereditary, but missed me somehow.  My daughters certainly take after my mother's enjoyment of sewing. I wouldn't doubt at all that she is watching them from Heaven and loving every minute of their creative endeavors.
Today, I am going to share with permission a post that my daughter, Tiffani put on our family blog. I loved her thoughts about some of her struggles and wanted to share them.
"I was asked to teach the 11 year olds the lesson on Job at a Ward Conference in my Stake tomorrow. As I sat down this evening to prepare I came across the message below by Elder Richard G. Scott.
This message spoke to me personally as well as the lesson on Job. I felt that the Stake Primary President was inspired to ask me to teach this particular lesson. I had been thinking a lot lately about all I have been through the last couple of years with the loss of a baby and now this illness. I've thought about how I have complained many times and questioned Gods plan for me. Yet I have realized through the past few months that when trials come and I complain, I get no where. However, when I put my trust in the Lord and understand that he knows what is best for me and what will help me grow spiritually, I am better able to move forward with faith and hope knowing that He has something far better than what I desire. Please take the time to read this article, I know that it will bring peace to your heart as it did mine."

lds.org - Ensign Article - Trust In The Lord - 

 As I reflect up on each of my children and their families; I know that each one of them are going through some tough life experiences; among such things as job losses, health issues, marriage struggles, work place politics and etc. As a mother I find myself on my knees a lot in prayer for all of them. I wish I could solve all of their heartaches like when they were younger and under our influence. However, I do know the one who can bring comfort to their souls and He is the Savior; the great healer and comforter. I know the Savior loves us all and He is walking with us through our difficult moments of life. I pray you will read the article link; it will touch your heart and you will feel the spirit of the words spoken. Blessings and love to all of you out there in the blogger world.

TAKE A PEEK AT AN ANGEL - MEET ELIZA

My husband and I are not strangers to having grandchildren with serious medical conditions. I have posted the story of our granddaughter Averi, who had a genetic disease called Osteopetrosis. She had a bone marrow transplant which cured this disease; but the side affects from the transplant and the drugs have left her blind and a little developmentally slow. She was in the Primary Children's Hospital's intensive care for over 5 months. We have great hope she will catch up in her development. She can play the piano by ear; which is such a joy for us all.

We also have a granddaughter who is now 12 years old and she had an  enlarged heart as an infant and was also in the Primary Children's Hospital for 2 months. She is amazing and doing well.

We often asked why do these little ones have to suffer so much; but in retrospect many lessons were learned, faith increased and peace did come through our Savior Jesus Christ. These are angels that bless our lives.

Let me introduce you to Eliza, she is the daughter of our Nephew and Niece, Callahan and Nikki Williams. 

 Eliza

 This precious little one has a disease called  Metachromatic Leukodystrophy thus the initials MLD. This a progressive and terminal disease. I first met Eliza when she was around 18 months old. At that time she was a busy adorable little girl doing normal things for her age. It took a while before she was finally diagnosed with this disease. Her physical state started to deteriorate and after a while she started to walk less and began crawling more. She could no longer run or jump. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she was diagnosed with other conditions at first. In 2007 about a month after her final diagnosis of MLD Eliza lost her ability to crawl, sit up, talk and eat independently. She now has a feeding tube. She can no longer see but she does respond to music and sounds. She loves to have books read to her.
Callahan and Nikki are incredible parents. They have been blessed with another little one; which has brought a great deal of joy to their lives.

 Eliza and her sister Caroline

Eliza's parents have done some incredible things to raise money for further research on this devastating incurable disease. They also started book libraries in Eliza's name. It is a great service activity. Our ward collected  and donated 75 children's books to Eliza's Library. These books are being placed all over the world. Eliza just had her 17th Library opened. If you are interested in doing this kind of activity in your church or community you can read about how to do this on Eliza's link.
Here are some thoughts by Eliza's mother:

"It is amazing how much MLD has changed our lives; we hope it has changed us for the better. Eliza has taught us how to live life to the fullest and not take anything for granted. We get excited about the smallest things- smiles, sneezes, and her little stretches as she yawns. She has touched countless lives, without being able to say a word. She is truly a silent example to all who come in contact with her. We feel fortunate to be her parents and to learn from her. She has taught us far more than we will ever teach her."

Take a few moments to read about Eliza; you will be happy that you looked into Eliza's world:

Eliza's Wish

                                             

TOO CUTE NOT TO SHARE!

 The first "senior moment” ever recorded.                                  
   
How Dinosaurs became extinct.

 

STAY YOUNG MY FRIENDS!

This was sent to me by a friend and I loved the advice given; so I am sharing it with you all. I added number 12; which is the most important of all.
  HOW TO STAY YOUNG

 1.  Try everything twice.
On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
"Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!" 

 2.  Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)
  3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever... Never let the brain get idle.  'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' 
And the devil's name is Alzheimer's! 
4. Enjoy the simple things.   
5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.
6.. The tears happen: 
Endure, grieve, and move on. 
The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. 
LIVE while you are alive.  
7. Surround yourself with what you love:
Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.. Your home is your refuge.  
8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips.. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.  
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. I love you, ALL OF MY FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES.
11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance..
12. Look to God and live; pray and seek to get closer to your Heavenly Father and the Savior. Find peace in Prayer , Scriptures, Church Attendance, and the Temple.