Finding Bliss

NEW BLOG and final post

2011-05-27T14:20:00.000-06:00

IT"S FINALLY HERE! thepolkadothouseas I watched oprahs last episode yesterday I was inspired...Find your platform..listen to what the whisperings of the spirit are telling you to do.You have a purpose in this lifeAs I sat and contemplated what my purpose here on earth was I thought... maybe it's to add a little brightness to peoples days.....bring color into the world of sadness..and show people that despite hard hard trials life goes on and it can be so beyond joyful if we allow ourselves to think positively and with an eternal perspective
That is exactly what the new blog is about.And I hope I can touch people through our writing and projects.
We would all love it if you would subscribe to our new blogIt's a new fresh start for our new fresh life.
It's sad to see this blog go..3 years of writing. 3 years of intense memories I looked over old posts and I saw how much we've grown in the last 3 years.. and I can't wait to read some of these stories to the kids when they are bigger.. I also hope they learn lots about Brandon and I as people and not just as their parents..Thanks for sharing in our memories our projects our dreams ect. and as the french would sayau revoir and merci.-bree and brandon

it's been raining for like forever

2011-05-26T19:43:00.002-06:00

After days of rain and not being warm enough outside to go out and play mom needed something for her sanity.

Luckily we love the idea she had

TRAINS!

it may not stay upstairs for long but it sure is fun to play (away from breakable things and not clinging onto mom begging for treats, attention etc)

Now the trick is to find some room for Chloe at the table without her getting run over.
-brandon

my new rainbow wreath

2011-05-25T21:08:00.009-06:00

So I have a friend on etsy who makes fab wreaths her name is agnus. You might also know her shop as knock knocking. I told her I wanted her to create something custom for me.. I wanted her to Look at my pinterest boards find my style and make something that was totally bree...

This is what I got in the mail today...I ADORE IT!!!!

ok one more so i dont forget

2011-05-21T16:07:00.000-06:00

Harrisons speech has sky rocketed..he can now say yes an no to things..dosnt echo..his words mean things people! So we always say a blessing on our meals..and a couple nights ago after trying to get him to repaeat after us for a year he decided he wanted to say the prayer..Dear heavenly father I want a bike ride....granmdas house.. get a treat in name.... jesus... AMEN!bon apetite

update from the johnsons

2011-05-21T15:47:00.000-06:00

Don't worry I havn't stopped blogging.. I'm literally just saving posts for when we move to the new blog...and I'm also launching one for my esty shop..so anything related to hair accessories bridal stuff will be on the new one. We've had lots going on the last couple weeks..talking to fscd workers brandon's 30th birthday.mothers day...lots of good stuff to come..but for now enjoy a picture of our bike ride from today we went all the way from our house to grandmas house in sundance and back..mega big hills people..but it feel so nice to be outside..finally feels like spring and the grass is green! We literally go on a bike ride every day. I think canadians apprecite summer so much nobody ever stays inside in the summer -anyways..Brandon and I can hardly walk...and greyson fell asleep on the way back..is he not a sweetheart? Harrison and chloe' love going down the hills..he will yell for brandon to go faster! That kid had need for speed. Maybe he'll be a pilot one day.

I know I havn't posted in a while.. I'm saving up posts

2011-05-06T08:52:00.001-06:00

I'm saving up posts for the new blog thats currently under construction coming soon but for now enjoy some pics of my cuties.. we went for a walk yesterday and I decided to take some pictures with my new camera I got for my birthday from johnson. I've wanted a dslr for years I'm fascinated with good photos and I wanted to learn how to take them how to compose them and edit. So Now I can finally explore the subject that interests me so so much.. What a great release that I have needed! I find I deal with stress by staying busy. The sun has helped so much in my attitude and overall thought process. Maybe we need to move to California.. I can only dream. It's my favorite place ever. If I could live in disneyland I would. No like seriously I've had this dream about hiding in the top of the castle and everyone goes home and I have the land of magic all to myself... How awesome would that be!anyways I'm hooked. How Lucky I have such great subjects to shoot.Can't wait for my photography and editing classes

Harrisons awesome day

2011-04-26T18:04:00.001-06:00

He had an awesome day today eye contact was awesome he iniciated conversation...played with chloe...said at least 10 new words.. so maybe having a fever for three days was worth it.. snapped him into some energy and all these words come out... I also think the fish oil and probiotics are amazing.. I notice.. he's feeling jsut like a normal kid..and part of me thinks it was a lot just me being overwhelmed I see him excelling with all this home stuff I've been doing. And with intense therapists he's going to be awesome. He's started to say things to us that make us laugh.. and his smile just melts me. I'm loving him for who he is..and seeing things differently through his eyes. In a way I think his honesty and to the point attitude is so christ like. His spirit is radiant and I just love his hugs.

My Rosette Boards

2011-04-23T23:29:00.001-06:00

So basically this is what I take when I go to an interview with a company boutique or bridal client.. they get to choose their color...choice of band/clip feather options..inserts and patterned fabric.. then I have a board with all the styles that I can make.. It helps keeps things very visual..and I like that they can actually touch things instead of looking at pictures in an art portfolio. Kind've fun .. and I love just looking at it in my office space..I like having a candy shop feeling to my shop .. even my packaging is striped candy bags with bakers twin.. I love Branding and logos.. I would've loved to do that at an advertising agency.

wow

2011-04-22T22:58:00.000-06:00

This order for the ballet is killing me my hands are literally aching from twisting so much silk...Ill take a picture when it's done. It looks like a store in my bonus room.. bazillion rosettes...kindve fun. But now I need to sleep.

Boys in Boutonnieres

2011-04-17T09:26:00.000-06:00

So wedding season is upon me and I literally feel like my house is an assembly line. I'm trying to keep myself busy while we wait for the therapy people to come. I end up doing structered morning then free play in the afternoon then they nap and I work..and I Work at night..literally till 2am sometimes.. I just get in the zone. It helps to stay busy and not think about things too much. I'm a big worrier..and I realized I can't do that to my body anymore.so I jumped into projects.and while they were napping and I was making stuff I realized I needed something for boys.. because i love my little guys...So little rosette boutonnieres it was. They arn't up on etsy yet because I'm still working on color pallettes..and working on a big order for the alberta ballet...can't wait to show you stuff for that!...
someone asked how I was feeling latley so here it is...I'm feeling stronger..but still kindve that hurt feeling like if you get the wind knocked out of you... no more in the haze...luckily he is responding so well to gf cf diet..we put him back on it.. the difference was huge. Also we started probiotics and fish oils and b 12... his speech has improved drastically...as well as the eye contact. I have faith the man will take care of us and whether he recovers or not I know He will be close with lots of hard work and prayers.. so keep me brandon and him in yours will you. I feel like we need all the extra help love and blessings we can get. To push him over the edge of understanding. But I'll tell you right now I won't stop fighting this.

coolest necklace ever

2011-04-13T14:27:00.000-06:00

I just love this..maybe I miss home today..they also have one of france that tempts me beyond reasoncute idea eh.. you can find them here

Sweet pea benefit boutique

2011-04-12T09:27:00.000-06:00

For the next two days Modsblog is helping promote an online auction helping to raise money for adoption costs/invitro for 2 deserving families. One is my sister in law Brooke the other a dear friend named Devanie.

Infertility sucks and I hope we can help these families relieve the struggle even if it's just a little.

So as a favor to miss Bree today will you please go take a look at the auction. There are some way fun items up for bid...photography sessions art prints for your home,quilts ect...even a gift card to my etsy shop..So take a look and bid...everyone who places a bid will be put into a drawing for a grand prize...

Thanks everyone!!! You guys rock

Heres some instruction on how this works

sweet pea benefit boutique

Below is some helpful information for you if you choose to make a bid. You may also make a donation by clicking on the "make a donation" button on the upper right corner of our home page.

1. Auction runs the morning of Tuesday, April 12 and commences at
midnight on Thursday, April 14th

2. Find the item you can't live without (use the labels or images in the side-column of our main page to peruse)

3. Comment on that item with your name, bid amount and your email address
(we need this in order for your bid to be valid and so we can contact you if you win)
4. We will contact the highest bidders/winners by email on Friday April 15th and receive their shipping information

5. If you are the winner, please hold your payment until you receive an invoice from PayPal via email. Your bid will be paid directly to the SweetPea Benefit Boutique PayPal account.
6. If payment has not been received within 48 hours of the highest bidder being informed, the next highest bidder will be eligible to receive that item
7. Once the item has been paid for, the winning bidder's shipping information will be sent directly to the vendor, who will ship the donated item or will make arrangements for a service type of item to be received (i.e. emailing of gift certificates)

6. Enjoy your items once they have arrived and feel great about helping

these families!

Is it sad?

2011-04-05T00:46:00.001-06:00

That pinterest has been a healing tool for me.. it's theraputic when I just need to get in my creative zone and not worry anymorecause lets face it I'm a worrier.I'm learning to not care to much about the future and focus on the now but everyone once and a while I feel overwhelmed...and I need to create. All humans have the inate sense to create things.. It's kindve amazingly cool...Oh and I can't wait to get to heaven and make pink water and polka-dot grass.sorry I'm random tonight..just whats on my mind.
Oh and I want glee to sing hey jude.And I missed being in Chamber quire today..Eleanor Rigby came on in the car and it reminded me of singing du du du du forever. I miss that.
So anyways if your still reading and not bored to tears..and you feel the need to feast upon creative wonderfulness I suggest you check it out cause it's awesome and like a inspiration notebook to keep all the things you love that you find online all in one place for example two of my fav pins.....

heres a link to my pinterest boards.. I want to see yours now!

how was your weekend?

2011-04-04T00:36:00.002-06:00

I loved this weekend ya wanna know why?

If you havn't guessed already Brandon And I are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have what is called General Conference twice a year. Basically In a nut shell we watch on the TV or internet, the general officers of the church speak to the all the members collectively.

It is so optimistic and full of love. . .

It makes us learn love hope grow

See this dude... He is the president and prophet of our church

Yes he kind've looks like yoda..but he is so full of wisdom and great love.

His name is

President Thomas S. Monson.

I watched conference today and this story stuck out to me out of everything I listened to. It pertained to my life right now.. and I think can apply to anyone. So Sorry it's a little long..but trust me worth reading.

I was living up in Canada. I had purchased a farm. It was run-down. I went out one morning and saw a currant bush. It had grown up over six feet high. It was going all to wood. There were no blossoms and no currants. I was raised on a fruit farm in Salt Lake before we went to Canada, and I knew what ought to happen to that currant bush. So I got some pruning shears and clipped it back until there was nothing left but stumps. It was just coming daylight, and I thought I saw on top of each of these little stumps what appeared to be a tear, and I thought the currant bush was crying. I was kind of simpleminded (and I haven’t entirely gotten over it), and I looked at it and smiled and said, “What are you crying about?” You know, I thought I heard that currant bush say this:

“How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful growth. I was almost as big as the shade tree and the fruit tree that are inside the fence, and now you have cut me down. Every plant in the garden will look down on me because I didn’t make what I should have made. How could you do this to me? I thought you were the gardener here.”

That’s what I thought I heard the currant bush say, and I thought it so much that I answered. I said, “Look, little currant bush, I am the gardener here, and I know what I want you to be. I didn’t intend you to be a fruit tree or a shade tree. I want you to be a currant bush, and someday, little currant bush, when you are laden with fruit, you are going to say, ‘Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down. Thank you, Mr. Gardener.’ “

Years passed, and I found myself in England. I was in command of a cavalry unit in the Canadian Army. I held the rank of field officer in the British Canadian Army. I was proud of my position. And there was an opportunity for me to become a general. I had taken all the examinations. I had the seniority. The one man between me and the office of general in the British Army became a casualty, and I received a telegram from London. It said: “Be in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00,” signed by General Turner.

I went up to London. I walked smartly into the office of the general, and I saluted him smartly, and he gave me the same kind of a salute a senior officer usually gives—a sort of “Get out of the way, worm!” He said, “Sit down, Brown.” Then he said, “I’m sorry I cannot make the appointment. You are entitled to it. You have passed all the examinations. You have the seniority. You’ve been a good officer, but I can’t make the appointment. You are to return to Canada and become a training officer and a transport officer.” That for which I had been hoping and praying for 10 years suddenly slipped out of my fingers.

Then he went into the other room to answer the telephone, and on his desk, I saw my personal history sheet. Right across the bottom of it was written, “THIS MAN IS A MORMON.” We were not very well liked in those days. When I saw that, I knew why I had not been appointed. He came back and said, “That’s all, Brown.” I saluted him again, but not quite as smartly, and went out.

I got on the train and started back to my town, 120 miles away, with a broken heart, with bitterness in my soul. And every click of the wheels on the rails seemed to say, “You are a failure.” When I got to my tent, I was so bitter that I threw my cap on the cot. I clenched my fists, and I shook them at heaven. I said, “How could you do this to me, God? I have done everything I could do to measure up. There is nothing that I could have done—that I should have done—that I haven’t done. How could you do this to me?” I was as bitter as gall.

And then I heard a voice, and I recognized the tone of this voice. It was my own voice, and the voice said, “I am the gardener here. I know what I want you to do.” The bitterness went out of my soul, and I fell on my knees by the cot to ask forgiveness for my ungratefulness and my bitterness. While kneeling there I heard a song being sung in an adjoining tent. A number of Mormon boys met regularly every Tuesday night. I usually met with them. We would sit on the floor and have Mutual. As I was kneeling there, praying for forgiveness, I heard their singing:

“But if, by a still, small voice he calls

To paths that I do not know,

I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:

I’ll go where you want me to go.”

(Hymns, no. 270)
I'm the currant bush.and I needed to be pruned... I wasn't producing fruit. Heavenly father is the gardner..and to me. Harrison was the shears.How enlightening...And maybe I wasnt supposed to be the cherry blossom treeI was supposed to be the currant bushbecause the currant bush will touch people and produce fruit that will feed peoples hungersHeres to a year of producing new branches and making fruit grow. As well as my faith in the gardnerI swear this talk and many today were just for me. Never have I felt the spirit in my home as I did today it was thick and I felt his love.

we're ready for Spring

2011-04-02T13:06:00.005-06:00

April 1

Cruisin the streets in our new wheels

April 2nd telling the snow to go away

I guess Calgary isn't ready yet :(

-Brandon

April Fools

2011-04-01T15:19:00.002-06:00

:)But a big Happy 3'd birthday to my twinners. I love you little mans. Your getting so Big. Thank you for making me a better person

Brandon and Bree plus 4

2011-04-01T08:08:00.000-06:00

ok well brandon and bree plus 3 sounded good but we might have to change that!!!!!! ;)we're scared.. overwhlemed a tad maybe yes..but very excited

ok it's official

2011-03-30T18:54:00.003-06:00

We're reinventing the blog to encompass all of our lives creative and all.we'll be printing this blog into a book and moving it to the old blog so ill still have the old posts ... but I think it's a year of change and we need a new fresh outlook on our new life.So do me a favor.. go vote on a name you think fits our fam- on the sidebar :)thanks peepsphotos from blue lily photography-Bree and Brandon

jumble up

2011-03-29T13:45:00.001-06:00

My blogging has become bigger and more time consuming lately and I'm debating changing this blog to encompass all the design stuff/family stuff ideas again Would you like if it was all in one place? I kind've think it's all my life.. why not have it all together...Sorry Brandon we might get girlie posts again.. So the blog is getting a makeover soon is there stuff you'd like to see? I've had a couple people ask me for a tour of my house and the paint colors I love to use.. is that totally lame? I'm excited to share the creative side again. all in one place cause it's a big part of me.Should it get a new name or do you think it fits?I might just print thus far and then start a new one...ok so now you can shout me ideaswhat do you love seeing on blogs???

quarter of a century

2011-03-25T13:13:00.001-06:00

I turned 25 last week. Wow am i really a quarter of a century. I've reflected on my life this week. And thought about some of the best moments Ive ever had...you curious yet? Here they are.So starting with me being a kid1. My 5th birthday I remember my mom putting my hair in curlers.. I loved when my hair was pretty..They sang to me at school I got to bring treats..I had a barbie cake.. my best friend came from salt lake and I got a bike with those bead things on the wheels. And I loved picking out my favorite cereal. It was a sunny day I still remember what it smells like in north ogden.. all fresh and mountainish.
2. Overnight trips to my grandparents house.. playing pretending cooking and just being with my Berntsen grandparents was always a blast. Making pizza with my aunt is a great memory I have.
3. Summers in our basement .. it wasn't finished yet.. so we rollerbladed down there had a swingset in there during the winter.. it was awesome.. I remember playing hot lava with my sisters where we would jump around and couldn't touch the floor.. we'd build forts ect.
4- Playing monster on summer days.. dad would chase us and put us in high places where we couldn't get down or he'd throw us in the pool.. mom was always safe on the porch.
5-Helping my mom set up for parties or events.. I loved helping her make things pretty.
6-Being in Rainbow Connections Entertainers.. I can't tell you how amazing this was in my life. A huge part of my confidence comes from this little group. I met some of my best friends through this. I remember our Vocal Teacher Lamar Taylor saying to us one night that when we are on stage we can't just sing we have to exaggerate everything.. so people can see.. I really really took that to heart. And would always go on stage 110 percent. It eventually led to me being able to choreograph tap/ballroom numbers sing lots of solos. I just loved being in show choir. And I loved performing all over utah. Every tuesday night for 3 hours I got to be completely happy. Just singing and dancing.
7- Being in my jr high drama class.. seriously It was so much fun.. me Shannon Thompson kyle hunter melissa Marsden and Heather. We made parodies on monty python made movies about the italian mafia... threw stuffed animals over Shannons balcony did a james bond skit. I still remember it. In a hard time in life that class made me so happy to go to every day.
8-Being in community theatre. I was privileged to have an amazing primary chorister who saw how much I loved to sing and took me to an audition for Annie. I got the part. From then on I was hooked and did tons of plays in community theatre and with the schools I was in. My favorite was Being in Crazy for you.. having 200 people on a stage tapping at at the same time and you can feel the ground shake.. yeah it's awesome. Thanks to my parents who pushed me to audition and go for everything I could.. it was prob a lot of driving every day to singing/ dance lessons play practice dress rehearsals. so thank you
9-Going to North Carolina to see my cousins. They lived far away and When we got together it was so much fun. We all put glow necklaces on and went into the sound.. great highlight in my life.
10-going to homecoming- what girl dosn't like to get dressed up and dance.. plus I really love my black and white dress we had such a fun day and I'll never forget how fun that night was.4 wheeling dinner in my friends back yard. Some of my best friends were also on that date and we had a great time.
11-Getting into Chamber choir I worked for 3 years learning to sight read.. to audition for this choir. Some of my strongest bonds of friendship happened in chamber quire. It made highschool fun to go to. I never really felt like I belonged there.. not that people didn't like me.. but I guess I just saw other things in life differently than most people. I didn't care about being popular. I had my good friends... who loved me back. I did what I loved. And I was happy.
12- I was kindve obsessed with getting good grades..I guess a highlight was getting accepted to byu and getting an academic scholarship.. It felt like years of hard work had payed off.
13-Decided to go to byui for the summer until fall semester at Dixie.. I really wanted to go there and audition for the tuachan theatre... then go to BYU the following year..to try and gte into young ambassadors...It's amazing how life takes turns. I was so against BYUI. who wants to go to school in idaho? oh how wrong and arrogant I was.
14- BYUI was the best 3 years of my entire life thus far. I won't lie nothing can put a candle to that experience. My frts semester I knew nobody and ended up having 2 of the most amazing roomates in the world. I don't think they know how they changed my life. taught me how to play have fun and relax. Thank you Cori and Emily. I could cry just thinking about how much I miss them. They had a friend named sachin.. who was Brandons roomate. It's not the where.. it's the people
15- The day I met brandon not sure if I've mentioned it before.. but it really was like the world stopped when I looked at him.. And someone whispered .. you need to know him.. your going to marry him. It as one of the most spiritual moments of my life. And when I looked at him I had an instant connection. thank you cranium for enticing him to come to my apartment.
16-late night bonfires burning couches making movies..learning new things playing soccer scaring people with masks fun itinerary's coloring contests dress up parties going to get treats with brooke{we were roommates later on it sealed the deal}
17- living the summer in colonial house next to jewels tricia kim alicia anna rachel and laura. We had a good time that summer. I loved those roommates as well. They came with me to look at engagement pictures look at dresses ect.
18- getting engaged in disneyland...that trip was perfect.. I was so in love with Brandon and he proposed to me right in front of the castle in disneyland. Then we spent the whole day together going on rides laughing.. I dreamt about taking our kids there one day. I'll always remember just snuggling at the firework show... it was the 50th anniversary of the park and the show was amazing. Perfect way to start our life together with a bang.
19- taking our engagement photos.. I know sounds weird for a highlight in life but that day was amazing. I got all done up. And I hadn't seen brandon in 3 months as he was doing his Oil and Gas intership back in Calgary. So he came down for the weekend..we took our pictures and you can just see how much we missed each other in our pictures. travis gugelman is amazing. I told him i liked quirky creative stuff so to think outside the box. then he asked if we wanted to get wet. I was like sure fun! So we got in the river behind Arctic circle in rexburg...I have the most amazing pictures of us so in love playing in this river. it was an amazing day.. then I remember going to eat with johnsons at Arctic circle.. it was just a fun day.
20- getting married- thats an obvious one and this post would take up to much so kets just say it was awesome as well as our honeymoon in Cancun.. most relaxing trip I've ever been on. Everyone should go on a honeymoon if possible. It's something I would say go into debt for! because you'll never get that time back. We swam with dolphins went snorkeling it was just beautiful and so romantic.
21- being in midnapore ward yw's I loved my calling and brandon was in young mens.. so we went together every week.. every young couple should get callings like this it brings you together...I fell in love with those girls. They still mean the world to me. And It felt good to serve. Late sunset nights summers in calgary last till 11 pm and I Just remember how fun it was hanging out every tuesday and doing something fun with brandon the youth and the other leaders whom I had the privilege of getting to know.
22- Being in Paris.. Oh man I could go on about this one too but had to mention how it changed my life. I bawled when we landed.. I bawled when I saw the eiffel tower. I felt so full of life as I wondered around the artist in monte marte.. all that creative energy was pulsing through me. Hearing Brandon speak to people in French was amazing. He's so smart and I love that about him. Having him surprise me around every corner because he knew where things were.. and Id be like OH MY GOSH. picking up flowers from the markets romantic picnics under the eiffel tower- see why I want to go back! I'm so lucky that we got to go.. so beyond greatful for the opportunity's my life has given me. Good and Badeating at local bakeries the feel of it all was just incredible. I loved it there. And we want to move there one day. Maybe as missionary's or just have a summer home there.. We can dream right?
23-going down the natural slides in the dominican republic one of the funnest things I've ever done
24-being a mother..it's had high highs and lows.. but I've learned a lot about strength pride humility patience and charity through these precious amazing people. I'm not saying mothering is easy and fun all the time.. but it definitely refine you into the person you really want to become. You get that eventually. And it took me a while.25- starting mod- it was a dream.. I've always loved parties and it was a huge part of discovering who I was. I learned to trust my own opinions... my gut follow my heart.. and take chances and I'm glad I did. Met my best friend in the world and 2 other amazing close friends whom i look up too. It helped me find what I really want to do in life. what my next path will be And although I can't write about it yet... because it's still a work in progress something I want to be really good at and learn what I need to learn about beforehand. I know that this is what I've been waiting for. something that I'm beyond interested in. That fit's me to a t. It's just finding the time to make it happen with all thats happening in my house right now. Patience has taught me many things the last 3 years.
26-- a year to grow on-blogging- I love writing down my thoughts and feelings.. I guess I'm a words person`but it gets me excited to know that one day my kids or grandkids might read this and really have a deeper connection with me. I think about you all the time. And I wish I had something like this of my grandmas to read.

Bunk Beds Canadian style

2011-03-25T12:33:00.000-06:00

I totally stole this title from Brooke.. but it was too cuteWe went to the cranston gym yesterday to let the boys and Jett man Run around. They have a parachute balls rope.. it was nice to just chat with Brooke while the kids got some energy out greyson and harrison had two sides of a jump rope that they were playing tug of war with and one would run while the other tried to catch the end of the rope.. also coco was quite the headturner.. there was a little 2 year old there named alexander he kept coming up to coco and saying I like your pretty dress and petting her SO FUNNY But it gets better every time we lifted up the parachute .coco was in the middle and they were under there kissing! Like full on the lips smooching!. And this continued for about 10 minutes. His mom was dying laughing as was I because coco seemed to enjoy it.. not how she reacts from her brothers I'm in mega trouble... this also happened

they were tired by the end and decided to napin the hockey netstypical canadians :)

cupcake loveness

2011-03-24T23:21:00.000-06:00

I can't believe she's one

Isn't she beautiful...She brings my soul such joy

Decor compliments of my parents and sister acacia

Is the balloon chandelier not amazing! Reminds me of my fav glass sculptor chihuli

It was a crazy week! So I'm glad they were there to help me.

Cupcakes from Crave which she loves...such a pretty party for one very pretty girl.

she got a bunch of clothes

a walker

a toy dog

a little light up piano

some stuffed animals including a special owl

and a pink big girl car seat

stuff she's doing ta one year...

waving

clapping

babbling

she plays peek a boo

always want to be next to her brothers

she does this flop thing on the couch and then laughs at herself it's so cute

she can climb the stairs like a pro

all milestones I think I took for grantid before this year.

I'm so greatful she's mine. And that her oozing sweetness touches my spirit and uplifts me daily.

if your having a long day do this...

2011-03-24T10:43:00.000-06:00

I love happy toesthey always make me smile inside

bridesmaid line

2011-03-23T16:20:00.000-06:00

ta da!where girls can choose 4 .. kindve liked the idea of letting people choose 4 colors and it was one listing for a set.. so do you like? I'm working on some stunning french vintage looking pieces this week. I'm in bride mode.

a talk about being a young mother

2011-03-22T19:32:00.001-06:00

by Jeffry R Holland..struck a cord with me today

If you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do.

There are some lines attributed to Victor Hugo which read:

“She broke the bread into two fragments and gave them to her children, who ate with eagerness. ‘She hath kept none for herself,’ grumbled the sergeant.

“‘Because she is not hungry,’ said a soldier.

“‘No,’ said the sergeant, ‘because she is a mother.’”

Today I wish to praise those motherly hands that have rocked the infant’s cradle and, through the righteousness taught to their children there, are at the very center of the Lord’s purposes for us in mortality.

In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. The young years are often those when either husband or wife—or both—may still be in school or in those earliest and leanest stages of developing the husband’s breadwinning capacities. Finances fluctuate daily between low and nonexistent. The apartment is usually decorated in one of two smart designs—Deseret Industries provincial or early Mother Hubbard. The car, if there is one, runs on smooth tires and an empty tank. But with night feedings and night teethings, often the greatest challenge of all for a young mother is simply fatigue. Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes sometimes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island.

Of course the irony is that this is often the sister we want to call—or need to call—to service in the ward and stake auxiliaries. That’s understandable. Who wouldn’t want the exemplary influence of these young Loises- and Eunices-in-the-making? Everyone, be wise. Remember that families are the highest priority of all, especially in those formative years. Even so, young mothers will still find magnificent ways to serve faithfully in the Church, even as others serve and strengthen them and their families in like manner.

Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. Husbands—especially husbands—as well as Church leaders and friends in every direction, be helpful and sensitive and wise. Remember, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”⁶

Mothers, we acknowledge and esteem your faith in every footstep. Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever. And if, for whatever reason, you are making this courageous effort alone, without your husband at your side, then our prayers will be all the greater for you, and our determination to lend a helping hand even more resolute.

One young mother wrote to me recently that her anxiety tended to come on three fronts. One was that whenever she heard talks on LDS motherhood, she worried because she felt she didn’t measure up or somehow wasn’t going to be equal to the task. Secondly, she felt like the world expected her to teach her children reading, writing, interior design, Latin, calculus, and the Internet—all before the baby said something terribly ordinary, like “goo goo.” Thirdly, she often felt people were sometimes patronizing, almost always without meaning to be, because the advice she got or even the compliments she received seemed to reflect nothing of the mental investment, the spiritual and emotional exertion, the long-night, long-day, stretched-to-the-limit demands that sometimes are required in trying to be and wanting to be the mother God hopes she will be.

But one thing, she said, keeps her going: “Through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work. I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep.

“It is this realization,” she says, “that I try to recall on those inevitably difficult days when all of this can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe it is precisely our inability and anxiousness that urge us to reach out to Him and enhance His ability to reach back to us. Maybe He secretly hopes wewill be anxious,” she said, “and will plead for His help. Then, I believe, He can teach these children directly, through us, but with no resistance offered. I like that idea,” she concludes. “It gives me hope. If I can be right before my Father in Heaven, perhaps His guidance to our children can be unimpeded. Maybe then it can be His work and His glory in a very literal sense.”⁷

In light of that kind of expression, it is clear that some of those Rhode Island–sized shadows come not just from diapers and carpooling but from at least a few sleepless nights spent searching the soul, seeking earnestly for the capacity to raise these children to be what God wants them to be. Moved by that kind of devotion and determination, may I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you. He knows that your giving birth to a child does not immediately propel you into the circle of the omniscient. If you and your husband will strive to love God and live the gospel yourselves; if you will plead for that guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit promised to the faithful; if you will go to the temple to both make and claim the promises of the most sacred covenants a woman or man can make in this world; if you will show others, including your children, the same caring, compassionate, forgiving heart you want heaven to show you; if you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do.

Sometimes the decision of a child or a grandchild will break your heart. Sometimes expectations won’t immediately be met. Every mother and father worries about that. Even that beloved and wonderfully successful parent President Joseph F. Smith pled, “Oh! God, let me not lose my own.”⁸That is every parent’s cry, and in it is something of every parent’s fear. But no one has failed who keeps trying and keeps praying. You have every right to receive encouragement and to know in the end your children will call your name blessed, just like those generations of foremothers before you who hoped your same hopes and felt your same fears.

Yours is the grand tradition of Eve, the mother of all the human family, the one who understood that she and Adam had to fall in order that “men [and women] might be”⁹and that there would be joy. Yours is the grand tradition of Sarah and Rebekah and Rachel, without whom there could not have been those magnificent patriarchal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which bless us all. Yours is the grand tradition of Lois and Eunice and the mothers of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Yours is the grand tradition of Mary, chosen and foreordained from before this world was, to conceive, carry, and bear the Son of God Himself. We thank all of you, including our own mothers, and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high.

When you have come to the Lord in meekness and lowliness of heart and, as one mother said, “pounded on the doors of heaven to ask for, to plead for, to demand guidance and wisdom and help for this wondrous task,” that door is thrown open to provide you the influence and the help of all eternity. Claim the promises of the Savior of the world. Ask for the healing balm of the Atonement for whatever may be troubling you or your children. Know that in faith things will be made right in spite of you, or more correctly, because of you.

You can’t possibly do this alone, but you do have help. The Master of Heaven and Earth is there to bless you—He who resolutely goes after the lost sheep, sweeps thoroughly to find the lost coin, waits everlastingly for the return of the prodigal son. Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are and better than you have ever been as you try to make honest effort, however feeble you may sometimes feel that to be.

Remember, remember all the days of your motherhood: “Ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”¹⁰

Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.”¹¹You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, fought her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master’s garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and sometimes weep over their responsibility as mothers, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.”¹²And it will make your children whole as well.

In the sacred and holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.