My morning surprise, and Swiss Days Sept. 4th

Just for the record...

Isabel always wirtes notes back and forth with her dad.  This morning I took a minute to read the note and loved what I saw!  I love her innocence, and her sweet spirit!

Next surprise of the day...

I was calling for Joseph to wake up, and no response.  I called again and then heard giggling from the other room.  I thought to myself, why is Max laughing?

Well...

 Max and Joe were laughing because I was calling for a bear in the laundry basket to wake up.

Funny boys!

When a friend of mine suggested we go to Swiss Days out in Midway UT, I didn't really understand what I was agreeing to.  I'm not what you would call the crafty type and with my new ambition to abstain from treats, I soon realized that Swiss days might not have been the best idea.

After all is said and done, I would like to say I enjoyed the company, and I enjoyed being able to see all the talented people out there in the world. There were so many booths filled with amazing hand made crafts, and there were lot's of fun people.

Because it was Swiss Days, I had to find the most Swissest person and take a picture with them. This guy seemed like the perfect one.

While looking at all the booths, I saw these little decorations.  They immediately reminded me of my super talented, and creative aunt Melissa.  

 Aunt Missy is my middle name-sake. She is a wonderful example to me of doing what your heart tells you to do.  She has gone back to school, a few times, and accomplished so much, including a masters degree, and a nursing degree.  She is currently studying how to sculpt clay. My aunt is easily one of the smartest people I know, and the best part is that she doesn't tell everyone.  She quietly inserts her educated opinion when it matters, and she continues to learn everything she can.

I love her!

A Healthy Choice Sept. 3rd

A question I often ask myself is: Does my Spirit govern my body, or does my body control my Spirit?

Lately, I have felt that my moderate addiction to treats leads me to an answer I don't like. I feel a slave to the lack of control I have over my appetite. I know that eating is part of every day, but I often feel that I have no control, and no control seems to fall in the category of allowing my body to control my Spirit.

After having gone one month without drinking soda, a few days ago I decided that I wouldn't eat treats for a while. Maybe I would never eat treats again!? 

That seems a little far fetched! I would, however, like to allow my Spirit the opportunity to govern my body. So... I will abstain from treats until I feel that I can show a little restraint when there is a pan of brownies on the counter.

I have started to make healthier choices, such as this lovely salad:

I have relied completely on my Father in Heaven, and through His Spirit I have gained incredible strength. We know that when we have the desire, He can make that desire work within us as long as we are willing to put forth the work. I am ready to do the work, and I have seen His hand in hushing my addiction. I love the thought that I am trying to allow my Spirit the ability to govern this mortal flesh. I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is willing to take my hand and guide me!

A busy day! Sept. 2nd

What a wonderful way to start my busy day!

Each Wednesday I try to go to the temple.  I love the peace that I feel while there, and often it feels as though it is the glue that holds my life together.

This picture is of the Provo, UT temple. It's only a 10 minute drive which makes it easy to go frequently.

I love to see the temple!

The rest of the day was full of every day doings until after school when Papa got here. My dad was on his way to Calif. and stopped to say hi and play with us for the evening. What a wonderful man my father is.  Not every Grandpa would go out of his way to come see his family. He was such a help and a blessing too!  I had Cub scouts, and if he weren't here it would've been hard to be in two places at once. He is a man with a tough exterior, but a soft tender interior. His heart is bigger than any other muscle in his body (and he has pretty big muscles!)

So after scouts, I joined everyone at Max's football game, then we all went to Joe's practice, then we came home and indulged in some Caesar's pizza.

 It was a long busy day, but much fun was had so it's okay.

Now we'll go to sleep so we have energy to do it again tomorrow.

So grateful for my father!

Peaches September 1st

Have you ever tasted a fresh peach from Allred Orchards?

I have, and they were good enough that I had to put them in my journal.

As I bit into the fuzzy tender fruit, it was as though I had just punctured a water balloon with my teeth. The decadent juices came bursting out into my mouth and then down my chin. The sweetness exceeded that of any other fruit I had ever tasted, and I was sent into an instant and insane fruit coma. 

God gave us the fruits of the earth, and what a blessing it is to be able to partake.