I can't stand it any longer!

Its 3:00 and time is SOOOOOO dragging on today. I am to be at the airport in 45 min. to pick my hubby up from the airport. I am SOOOOOO excited to see him. He has been gone to South Carolina for almost 2 long weeks. It is nice to have a small break from each other once in awhile but 2 weeks is way too long. I SOOOOOO love my Husband.

Today I found Joy in....

...The wonders of Gods beautiful Gifts, finding a Pink Dogwood tree that is full of color and life.
...Angelas beautiful smile when shes told that she gets her braces off at the next visit.
...The chilled air that freezes my tootsies to let me know that I am alive.
...The beautiful deep blue sky that invites me outside.
...that I miss my Husband.
...Seeing Stephanie Smile again and having her be at home.
...Knowing my children are becoming strong, independant and responsible.
...Having Angela drive me around to Dr.s appts. She gets allergy tested today.
...Having more energy today than I've had in the last week.

Hip, Hip, Hooray!!!

I am total miserable with a cold and allergies, yuck, YuCk, YUCK!!! My am so stuffy and my face is soo itchy and red its awful. But I am determined to find the joy, so here it goes.....

~ My allergy shots start on Tuesday.

~ The sun is out and it is going to be a great weekend and no rain in site for the next 10 days!!

~ We will be home this weekend. After the last two weekends traveling it will be great to be home.

~ A big hip, Hip, Hooray the irrigation system is finally on. That means that we have a ton of yardwork to do which is exciting. Weeds and dirt are no fun to look at.

~ Angela's last day of driving school is today! Great job Angie!

~ My Heavenly Father loves and watches out for us!

~ Realizing that finding joy is not always about the material things in life. Finding joy is a state of spiritual well-being. A comfort in putting your worries in the Lords hand and knowing it will work out. Trusting Him and Surrendering control scares me and that is something I need to work on.

~ Starting a list of joys and realizing what needs to be done to find that joy.

Me and My mom! ~ Snuggle Time!!

I am soo happy that my Emme still gives me colored hugs and kisses. They always put a smile on my heart. Thank you Emme. Oh how I love you too! XOXOXO

Repentance & Forgiveness

Admit it.... Nobody is perfect! After teaching a Primary Lesson about Repentance I paused to ponder. Is there a difference between Forgiveness and Repentance? I believe so and I believe they go hand-in-hand.

As becoming a member of the church the 4th article of faith states, "We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Repentance is making a confession to the Lord. Believing that our sins will be forgiven. It then is up to us to seek repentance for forgiveness from our Heavenly Father and do all we can do to change. As teaching the children, the steps to repentance is easy; First, we must feel sorry; Second, we ask forgiveness; Third, we right the wrong and Fourth, we don't repeat the wrong. Thankfully we can partake of the sacrament and renew this covenant every Sunday and have the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness is to pardon or excuse someone from blame for an offense or misdeed. The Lord commands us to forgive those who offend or hurt us. Forgiveness is much more difficult because it requires of us to have courage to ask forgiveness or the wrongdoer has not yet gotten to the point of asking for forgiveness and continues to offend. I do believe forgiveness is due if the wrongdoer makes an attempt by stopping the offense and they have a change in heart. You'll know when that happens, you can feel it (unfortunately, this doesn't usually happen overnight).

Of course, Dr. Lauras input below.



One thing to remember, we do not always realize that we have offended someone or maybe, they might even feel what they did was not offensive at all. But I would say that if a person has voiced their opinion and feelings are hurt that would be a pretty good indication that forgiveness is needed.

24 things to do in 24 hours ~ Spring Break Style

So for spring break we went to our favorite Beach ~ Seaside! We love to stay at the Sand & Sea. It right on the beach and the whole front view wall is solid window. Even though it was only an overnighter it was fun filled. Here are some of the things we did; started out our journey and the truck needed a quick repair ~ played the alphabet game ~ played I spy ~ made it all the way to Hillsboro for lunch at McD's where we laughed till we cried ~ arrived at Seaside ~ checked in, saw the pool ~ went for a walk ~ bought kites ~ rode the bumper cars ~ rode the tilt-a-whirl ~ shopped for Emme's swimsuit ~ shopped for Angies sweatshirt(she forgot a coat, silly girl) ~ Flew the kites ~ got cold ~ went swimming ~ ate hot bown of chili to warm our bones ~ woke up ~ visited the Aquarium and fed the sea lions ~ Fed the seagulls a left over box of Fruit loops, french bread, oyster crackers & saltine crackers. Afterwards Angie runs through the seagulls Just like she used to when she was 5 ~ Bought Souvenirs from Aquarium ~ Shopped the Broadway shops ~ went to the Arcade ~ Got sweatshirts for Boys & Steph ~ rode the Bumper cars again ~ rode the tilt-a-whirl again ~ went to the best salt water taffy store ever and bought pounds of taffy ~ ~ visited the Aunts and Uncles in Portland for dinner and then headed home ~ All in 24 hours. WHEW! But it was way fun. I can't wait to go again soon.