3 Times the Charm

Today, October the 13th, Three times the Ladies entered the world! Oh, where to start. First there is a quote that I thought seriously writing in ALL your birthday cards but I thought I'll post it this way. To each of one of you, I mean this sincerely. It sums up what you all do best for me whenever I need it.

" A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

---THANK YOU for always helping me remember the words to the song of this Life.

Arie, WOW! Since you've been back I truly wont ever let you go. I've always said it started with just you & me in nursery at church. You were the ever faithful one in class and me the one crying to go home--wink. Your always there to help me "remember the words"--Now look at us, single and in our 20's going to Relief Society--HaHa--it still seems so unreal and we need to be back in YW. So I wonder? What's Next? Lead the Way Arie like always. We were simply meant to be, you coming first and then I to follow a few weeks later--All my Heart & Happy Birthday.
PS Arie-BOWS!

Leah, Can I just say that out of all the weddings I've attended you TOP the most stunning in that dress! Sometimes I feel like my friends will never truly understand how much time, Late night I sit and think how truly BLESSED I am to have SO SO many beautiful friends. Body & Soul. And you my dear girl are on that top list. I'm sure you've heard the phrase by Lucy Mac Smith ...."that we may all sit down in Heaven together" How lucky am I to know that I will have you within that circle. To that embracing soul of yours, I love you and wish you a Happy birthday.

Jenny, you have so many talents and I am amazed at how far you are in this life. Over the past few months I am so grateful to count you within as a treasured friend. You know the forgotten words in this life about life events that no other friend knows about. Your persistence and heart for the church inspires myself to endure & press on. We read to know we are not alone my friend and the written words to your friendship leaves me grateful for every inspired word you've shared. All my heart & HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY

Breaking Twilight

As all of you are very much a where that over the course of this year my life was changed instantly when I read the best seller novel Twilight. You may laugh if you want, but really it's a book with a love story that simply took my breath away. I loved it from the start and each day I have followed every news link, every picture, and every video that has been put out for the coming events of the books and the movie. The book saga MAY be over but the movies are just beginning and I for one am back to my teenage years all over again. Now, some of you have read the books and haven't completely fallen in love with it as I have but over the past few months deep friendships have been formed and I was happy to see that it just wasn't me to go completely --insanely captured by the magic of Twilight. I could go into a LONG list on why I fell so hard but really it all comes down to this. At the time I was looking for some kind of escape from my world and was taken into a world where all things to endure for the only one you truly love were tested. But yet in the end Love still remained. And that I think is a could sum up for Edward & Bella. So today I am unleashing the FINAL full length movie trailer for Twilight. Along with 12 movie pictures that are my favorites. So go see the movie, I think the director who worked along with the author Stephenie Meyer really captured a great portion of the book. But, whose too say for certain. You probably don't believe me when I say that their love story is truly deep and captivating off the page of the book But it is. Read it for yourself and maybe you too --if you let yourself-- fall into Edward & Bella's world.

{Make sure you Hit the button to make it go full screen. It's HD and really great quality}
Twilight HD Exclusive Trailer

Fall & Halloween Decorations 2008

This Year my house theme was Lot's of Berries & Deep Sage Green Hydrangeas. About two weeks ago right as I was starting to get sick, I had forced myself to go to Michael's. What a delightful mistake because they now are the proud owners of half my pay-check. Oops! Entering that store I got my second win and just took off leaving Carolyn in the dust. I've been so excited and Now I can Finally show everything off. I truly am very proud of myself this year. I only wish {double wishing} that my mom was here in person to see what I've done. So, I welcome you inside my home and take a peek at all my decorations for my favorite time of the year. And Mom, if you ever read my blog or watch as your crazy daughter blogs--Know I truly learned from the best {and our dear friend Martha-wink} and all these decorations are for you. All my Love.

So Please enjoy :)

My Dining Room Table is my favorite! It's the first time I ever made a center flower arrangement and it turned out stunning.

My mothers prize coffee table. Sometimes I think she loved it more then me lol Don't worry mom, it's in great hands!

My Fireplace mantle. Those were so easy to do!

Everything after now are all in my kitchen. It's more Halloween and I got a little kick that I decided to put the RIP signs with my FAMILY sign.

I've had this ghost ship since I was alittle girl and I treasure it! It lights up and it and the pumpkin coming up are our kitchen nightlights.

Got a little "spooky" with my photo shop.

And last but NOT least is the Wreath my Dearly Loved Aunt Carolyn Made. I reluctantly gave up the front door which I was just going to do more berries and hydrangeas BUT while we were in Michael's she fell in love with those cute Halloween buttons and wanted to do a wreath. So to give her the simple joy I gave the door. I must say, I too fell in love with all the buttons SO I was happy to give her the door. She did this all by herself. Shes such a sweetie.

It's Halloween Season!

It's OCTOBER! Meaning it's time for ALL things HALLOWEEN!!! This is my FAVORITE Holiday! I like it better then my birthday. And YES I mean that! I love EVERYTHING about this time of year! To the colors that beautiful Tennessee brings to our view; To that magical feeling when you step outside at night and you can almost feel that Halloween spirit in the air. Haunted Houses, Ghost stories on TV, Decorating, Baking, Soups, Pumpkins, Witches, Costumes, Candy Corn, Candy Apples, Crunching Leaves, Hocus Pocus, It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown....I LOVE IT! So my purpose for this post is to announce that coming up Starting on Thursday will be the kick off for the season! Fall & Halloween Decoration. Why the delay? My cousin has my camera! Lame. But, I just couldn't hold it in any longer. Plus, Ann you asked on your blog what is every ones favorite things about this time of year So here are a few of the things that I do to make my favorite holiday just right.

-Must Watch Hocus Pocus at Least 3 times.

-Make a New Fall craft

-Watch as Many Ghost Stories as I can stand {Well, until I go running to my aunts room}

-Make pumpkin sugar cookies with Angelus

-Send out Fall Cards to Friends {There coming Everyone}

-Sing Five little pumpkins with Angelus when were in the car {My mom taught it to me}

-Pick out Pumpkins for porch & fireplace

-Start collecting goody bags and treat for the church trunk or treat

-And what Halloween would be complete without It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

-Decide on what to be this year....Here it is...Ready...Look below at the picture of me when I was Five.

It's What I'll be this year!

A Witch!

I'm so excited! Except this time the 22 yr. old Tierra will do without the green makeup! Ha Ha! Halloween facts to know about Tierra: First Word was Pumpkins but said Pum-pins! My birthday is only 5 days after Halloween. My third Birthday was a Halloween costume Party and this year my 23 small- family -party will be Halloween. I hate the taste of pumpkins! My favorite part about Halloween ever since I was little was handing out the candy.

~ So please stay tuned for Lot's of Post To Come ~

A Moment for Mothers

Today, As I was rushing around trying to get a 6 yr. old moving my aunt had the Oprah show on TV.
It started out with a commercial from Oprah saying that if you were a mother you needed to slow down and watch this. Now, as you all know I have no children of my own but what some of you don’ t know is that since the age of 17 I have been a VERY active stand in mom. My nephew who is my whole life has been raised to a good degree by me. I can still remember when the nurse poked her head in the door to my sister in laws room and asked if I would like to give him his first bottle which also led to me changing that first diaper. Now the story on how all of this came to be is to long and complicated. Let’s just say I know what its like to raise a baby. Fully. 100 %. And now that baby has turned into a 6 yr. old.

The experiences just keep on coming. I had been planning on doing a post on what I’ve learned so far as to razing a 6 yr. old boy and some of the things I do to help develop him into a person Heavenly Father has placed him here to be.

Which bring us back to Oprah. Today’s story was Oprah interviewing a woman who left her 3 yr. old daughter in the car for 8 hrs. Which led to the little baby to die, suffering a heat stroke in 100 degree heat.
Now, as any mother or person for that matter; the first thought would be “How could she do that?” I know that’s what I said to myself. Oprah began to just let the lady tell her story. To try and sum this up, This woman is a assistant principal and on this day it was the first day of school. Normally the husband would drop there little 3 yr. old daughter off at daycare but this day he had a dentist appointment. So, the woman was to drop her instead on her way to work. Now before I go any further let me ask you this; Have you ever driven somewhere and then zoned out for a bit and have no memory of how you just drove yourself to this certain place? I know to be honest, I have. Being lost in the music or thinking about what I need to do.
The woman remembers starting out in the car with her little girl being asleep. Then by the time getting to the school--it being the first day--She was parked and out the door into the school. Having completely forgotten about her little girl being asleep in the car. It wasn’t until 8 hours later when a frantic friend and teacher came rushing in to inform her that her daughter was in the car. By the time the mother was out to her car the little girl was gone. Now, as a VERY active Aunt my motherly instincts are always there. Right on the surface for everything. Doctors appointments. Homework. Lunches. PTA. Etc…My heart just ached for this woman. For anything to bring that little girl back. I consider myself a very careful aunt. Always trying to be on top of everything but I set there watching and listening as the story went on wondering “Could I possibly do this?” At first my answer was NO! Certainly NOT! But, then how many times have I rushed Angelus out the door and into the car and got caught up in a phone call or rushing though a store with a 6 yr. old who doesn’t like to hold your hand. As I set there worrying for a minute my answer still came up NO I just could not forget my nephew or child of mine in a car like that. The woman was not charged with murder and I feel by listening to her that that was right. This could happen to someone when your not paying attention. The main message the mother wanted to get a cross was ANYTHING can happen when we get caught up in trying to be perfect and rush to get things done. Listening to this has made me look at him today and think how can I prepare him. Prepare myself for that matter to slow down. To Watch what I’m doing. Saying. Always teaching myself to be a better mom. Now, I do not know everything and there are stages I haven’t hit yet but as pretty much a mom myself this is a couple of things I have learned to do.

• 
  Play the “What Would You do?” game. In the car where I am a lot with my little guy I sometimes turn down the radio and start asking questions. Example: What would you do, if you were lost? What would you do if I got hurt? What would you do if something was on fire? ---You can go on forever about a lot of things But it’s a chance to hear from a little 6 yr. old on what WOULD he do. I want so badly for him to be prepared should anything happen to him and as adults we are responsible for bringing up our children. They are a reflection of what we have taught them.
• 
  When putting him in the car I only unlock his door first to get him inside then lock it back directly before walking over to my side of the car and then only unlocking my door. Anything or anyone could get access in a second with a door being unlocked while your on the other side.

But mostly I wanted to post this to ask….How well do we pay attention in our lives? What can we do to change before someone like our dear little ones slip through.

Tagged Part 1

This Tag is For Heather sense she tagged me. Thanks Heather! I really love to do tags But I'm not going to tag anyone. If you would like to do it then please feel free and I would love to here your answers. Plus, this is part 1 of tagging cause I've been tagged by my friend Natalie which I promise to get too. Happy Reading!

#1- What TV show did you watch when you were little?
Looking back I REALLY love & miss watching the Muppet Babies. Sometime I’ll go on you tube and just search all the old childhood shows. It makes me smile of the sweet memories of being a little girl.
**Which character?
Definitely Miss Piggy because….Hello…She got Kermit the Frog! He’s green and I adore the color green.
#2-Most embarrassing moment?
Sorry, Were not going there! If you really want to know, give me a call and I’ll tell another tale but on here, NO WAY!
#3-Proudest moment and/ or accomplishment?
My proudest moment would be when I was picked to sing the last and final song for concert choir in Jr. High. It was “My Heart Will Go On” and me with no vocal training
-- up to that point-- beat out Heather Jones who had years of vocal training. I remember taking it all in and being able to show my mom what I could do. I got a standing ovation
--It’s on Tape--and my mom was so proud.

Best Accomplishment would be earning my Young Women award at church. For those who no nothing about that it’s pretty much like how the boys get an eagle scout award in boy scouts. I had to do 4- 40 hour projects. One, which was putting together an entire church fireside for my home ward.
#4-What adult did you have a crush on when you were little?
Robert Allen. He was my cousins best friend and I was 5 him 22. So when he would come over I remember thinking…WOW!
#5-What habit or personality trait's do you have from your mother/ father?
Well from my Dad I would say talking. lol. Whenever I’m talking to people I always feel like I have to clue them in on all the facts. So I end up talking forever. But, at least I think I’m a more interesting talker--Sorry Dad, but your kind of boring lol

As for my mom I would say her compassion for music. Some of the best memories I have are of my mom rockin out in her room to music. From every generation. Music just speaks to you on such a higher level that my mom new that and taught me that. Plus, my mom always liked to make people feel comfortable and I hope I do the same
#6-What did you want to change your name to when you were little?
I never really wanted a different name cause let’s face it, my name already is different but I seem to remember calling my self Julie a lot whenever I would play teacher or secretary.
#7-Who was your first kiss? Justin Moore Kindergarten. Yeah, I started early lol j/k
My REAL first kiss is Kyle and even though that’s a relationship I do NOT let myself think about, I will say this; Movies. Taken by surprise. Nice kiss.
#8-What 3 adjectives that someone from high school or middle school would useto describe you? Honestly I would have no clue?????
#9-What hairstyle, clothes and / or accessories did you rock back in the day when it was cool?
Remember those stretchy leggings with the loop around your foot? I had those in every color. My mom would always let me wear them with cute little ruffle skirts and Ked’s Tennis shoes with lacey shoe strings!
#10-Who were your Jr. high and High School crushes? Jr. high was Chris Bellamy. I haven’t seen him lately but I hope time has only made him better lol As for high School would be my good friend Trip. Trip and me have the same last name initials so we always had our lockers besides each other. We were just good friends and he always made me laugh And EVERYONE new Trip. He was the Senior class president and prom king and oh is he still cute to this day.
#11-What makes you really laugh?
Thinking about all the Hilarious stories of my mother in Wal-mart. The woman had more unique and embarrassing stories to fill a Wal-Mart tell all book. Example: My mother went all the way through Wal-Mart with a LONG strand of toilet paper stuck out of the back of her pants. Blowing in the breeze.
#12-3 favorite memories with friends in Elementary school?
*Cheerleading practice after school
*Halloween Parties with goody bags
*Library club meetings
#13-Most trouble you got into with your parents?
When report cards would come out and I usually was failing math L
#14-What was your 5 year plan in high school? I never made a five year plans.
#15-What is your 5 year plan now?
See above question.But, with my life just moving forward. Of course marriage. Children. Maybe go to England. Who knows, just Taking things simple. I hate to be pushed so I go with what ever comes up in strides.

And the Verdict Is...

Tonsillitis
Yay Me. With a possibility of Mono. Yay Me.

With a nice little trip to Med-One, the Doctor announced Tonsillitis. Again, Yay Me.

So with that I'm started on a heavy dose of antibiotics. No hard or crunchy foods for me. Soups, Sherbets, & all soft foods. It's a good thing it's soup weather =)

So, for your viewing pleasure---plus, I was board---Take a look at my nice little set up.

Ipod. Books. Juice. Vicks Vapor Rub. Thermometer. Germ Aid. Cell phone. House Phone. Clock. Q-Tips. The Magic Potion--Semi Works--Tissues. One Tree Hill Season 4 guide.

I'd like to give my thanks to the makers of One Tree Hill. Don't ya just love seasons on DVD??? Life Savor. They have been my constant companion and will continue for the duration of this illness. A Big shout to ColdPlay. You may notice a new song added to my playlist. This is what I have been listening to before I go to bed at night. ColdPlay. Awesome-ness.

Also a Thank You & Your Welcome to all the local restaurants for there lovey service of Soups! I know you fully appreciate my business.

And Finally THANK YOU for all the phone calls, comments and having to listen to my sad little voice.

A Sad Tale

Everyone. Let me tell you all alittle tale. Have you ever heard of the sad sad tale of the young maiden? Awww...I have. I know it VERY well. So lets begin. Once upon a time there lived a poor young maiden who lived in small land called Briston. One day, on the bark of a fresh new Autumn, the young maiden woke up with a terrible cold. Such was the discomfort that was brought to the poor maiden. She tried everything. Only to NO avail...Her sickness continued to take it's course. When she had just decided to give up hope, a sweet fairy godmother sent her a message from the wise land "Nurse Practitioner" to visit a LARGE and STRANGE land called "Wal-MART". In waiting in the cornor of the land WAL-MART laid the small "WAL-MART Pharmacy". There she would be offered to take a new medicine called MucinexD. For this was a limited potion that only the young maiden herself could pick up with the show of ID.

So our Maiden began her journey into the Autumn evening looking a terrible mess. For she would try ANYTHING to help soothe her poor soul. When she finally made it to the strange land called WAL-MART she was directed by her instincts to the pharmacy the good godmother had told her about. But lying in wait for the young maiden was a RUDE pharmacy check out boy. For he kept her waiting for a LONG time. The young maiden became VERY weary and was delighted when it was her time to receive the potion she was so hopeful to use . As the check out boy asked her what she wanted, she told him of the directions the wise Nurse Practitioner told her to seek out. The check out Boy Looked at her as if she had no brain and said " You do know you have to show me your ID?" She new this and began to search her purse for the ID of her reference. She looked and looked and looked but could not find it. The Rude Check out boy kept looking at her as if she was wasting his time. She apologized of course for taking so long but just could not find her ID. And then Thats when it happened, he told her that she should have had it ready before hand and that he would not give her the magic potion until she showed some proof of ID. The maiden was Tired and cold. All she wanted was to back in the comfort of her own home. The check out boy then proceeded to tell her that she was holding up the line and to come back when she had her ID. The poor maiden was so sad. She would have to travel all the way back to her home and then all the way back to the rude check out boy. ----What she really wanted to do was sneeze in his face and tell him to see how he liked it when he was really sick and someone was being rude to him!!!----So the maiden made her way through the LARGE land of WAl-MART and just could not imagine what would have happened with her ID. She found a small spot to rest in and rummaged through her entire wallet. Then as if magic, she find it through the folds of her beloved family photos. Alas! The young maiden marched back to the pharmacy checkout boy and showed him her ID. BUT, again the check out boy was rude! He proceeded to ask what was it again she was seeking, Followed by a long list of questions on if she was over 21 and what was her purpose for taking this potion.She thought VERY strongly again on Sneezing in his face to show him the purpose for taking the potion. The check out boy FINALLY handed her the magic potion. As she was walking away she heard him exclaim....Have a Nice Day....

Now, We could continue this tale with the trail of thoughts the maiden was making inside her head to the evil check out boy on that last remark But that would upset the fairy godmother. My tale ends here with the poor Maiden at home. With the magic potion taken and in Hopes that it will make her better for tomorrow. For after all, Tomorrow is another Day.

It's that Time

Here I am. It's Monday. And I'm sick! Right now my throat is so sore I can barely swollow! This is going to sound weird but I would give anything if somehow I could just reach down my throat a massage. I have to go back to work today and I'm not so sure if I should just call in. Tempting. Very tempting. With my throat hurting so bad, I'm just not in the mood to be talking to 100 different people today. But, at the same time maybe I should just rough it out.

The weekend was fun dispite the early warnings of "Tierra...It's your body...and Your getting sick...Let it happen!" NEVER, I said! This weekend I went to Michaels and I just went loose in that store. They have all there fall decorations and flowers out. And now, they currently have half my paycheck LOL

I have lot's of ideas to blog about but I'm not sure which way to start first. Here's my ideas:

• List of Summer Favorites
• Tags that have been waiting on me.
• Breaking Dawn Review
• Fall decorations display
• A Look at Tierra's Family
  

Where to start? I have NO clue.

Giggles

Lookie lookie What I just Bought! This stunna looking shirt will be proudly sported around by yours truly. Curtsy by twilightshirts.com

I'm sure some of you may be rolling your eyes right about now. Well, Go ahead...Laugh if you want. I also have an NSYNC shirt from back in the day that will never go away either.

To those who understand, It says Edward Cullen...Need I say more?

PS. I plan on adding to my Twilight Shirt collection. This is just the beginning. The way I see it, I've lived my whole life being around the Star War Freaks AKA my cousin. The Harry Potter Freaks. Lords of the Rings. Am I forgetting any? It's official... Twilight Freak.

I'll be 80 and I still talk about it.

Thoughts: Update On Me

Here lately, my thoughts have run thus thinking that this blog is getting random & boring. I don’t know, I just keep thinking…Why did I start this? For what purpose? As the months have past I realize that I love doing this. Having something to look back on and see what I did. Like a journal. But, again I feel like my post lately have been just boring & random. So I apologize now if you find my blog really senseless or pointless. These post are me, take it or leave it. So to move on to where I’m at right now let me enlighten you.

I’m still currently single-or at least the last time I checked. I’ve just finished my summer of everyone and there dog to get married. And HONESTLY I’m not bitter. Why not? Let’s just say those who have married have married in ways or people I would not. Leaving me being content of my singleness. Wow! That was blunt. But true. For the past few months I have been toying with the idea of a big change. And I do mean big. I’m going to be a stinker and not say what that change is but if your close then you know. I’m sure a lot of you think you know me. Yes, Yes…I’m sure your all thinking, yep we have a clue on what she might be changing BUT she’ll never do it. Well let me inform you in a not so rude way but you don’t know me. Not really. Reason being. I keep EVERYTHING--that is-- really important close to my mind only. My thoughts on this change are scary. Nervous, Unsure and really I haven’t a firm answer that this is the right thing to do. So do not try to second guess me. How Tierra works and always has is that I have to make the final call. I wont be pushed. If I feel the least bit pushed I will back out ASAP. Why? Because I do not like people trying to take the credit for helping me in change. Is that understandable? Example: When I was little my mother would always say things like…Oh Tierra you wouldn’t have gotten an A on that test if I didn’t push you to study for it.


Currently I’m still in my Twilight Reading Buzz. Reading Breaking Dawn over & over to truly get my full feeling on how it ended. The wedding scene is just so sweet to me. I can honestly say that after reading Bella & Edwards love story leaves me with a feeling of…Is there REALLY someone to love like that out there for me? Don’t answer that. Please do not answer that!


My birthday will be coming up in a month and ½. I’ll be 23. I can’t believe, here I am, in my early twenties. I just never gave any thought to what life would be like in my twenties. The birthday plan so far is small. Small. And more small. I’d settle for a cookie cake. A few close friends and hopefully the Collection of Jane Austin movies that the PBS program did.
So as you can see nothing so far has changed.

Again, I just feel like you all might be looking at my blog and find it random & pointless. A friend of mine once said a few weeks ago that …Tierra…your so over the top…Your style...taste and mine are so different. And I agree w/ her and do not take this statement said in a bad way. It just left me thinking…Is there something wrong with my taste? Am I over the top? Please again, do not answer these questions. It was just how my friend said it that caught me at a wrong moment. I was on the phone today with my younger cousins who recently got married and I was thinking that I’m sort of like her as taste and style goes. Then I was looking in my head at my other girl cousins and yep, were the same there too.
So yes… here it is folks. The update. Sorry it’s pretty wordy for sure. So to give you a small entertainment here’s a picture--flashback --of me and my cousins. Who I’m thankful to have. And thankful to be like.

From left to right: Justin, Chad, Alexa, Evan, Brit--in Santa's lap--Me, Kelly--dark blue--Melanie, Carrie

Fall Sneak Preview

I feel it coming and my heart is so excited! I just love it when they start bringing out all the fall decorations. It puts me in such a good mood. Everything from fresh bags of candy corn to smells of Cinnamon and apple cider candles. Craft mode has already kicked into gear! So If anyone has any cute fall craft ideas let me know...I'm serious! Below is just two sneak peek previews of what's up in my home. Very simple things first up but I just could not resist these place mats and as always I'm a sucker for towels!

My top Fall Must list for this year:

1. Table Center Decorations

2. Cinnamon and pumpkin cider Candles

3. Candy Corn in a candy Jar

4. 2008 Fall Betty Crockers cook book

5. Berry wreaths

Final Thought, What's on your top 5 Fall Must for this Year?

My Finds

Random Post, Yes I admit this! But Just had to show off. For a while now I have been looking for that perfect bag to hold all my stuff in it for church. The ever faithful church tote bag : ) I wonder what's all the stuff every one else just " has" to carry with them to church on Sunday?
So I was on the hunt for something stylish yet big enough for all my stuff but yet not so bulky that it looks like I carry everything and the kitchen sink. Found this one below at Ross's the other day. It's Nine West and original price $69.95---The price I paid was $ 23.00 dollars including tax--Happy Camper!


Then of course after work Wednesday I just wasn't ready to go home. So what does a single gal do after work? Heads to TJ MAXs! Found this stunna looking wallet--in which it's my favorite color--for only $6.00-- SOLD! Cha Ching it's Mine!

I Remember When

I shall never forget. Along with my faith for my church, I have faith in this Country. I'm truly proud to be American. God Bless the USA.

Elder Bednar

Truly never before have I had such an honer & chance given to me. This past Friday I was able to go down to Knoxville--2 hrs. away--along with my fellow YSA's to hear in person Elder David Bednar speak to us. I really have no clue who all reads my blog and in some ways that's scary BUT I assume that the most part are members from my church. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For those who are not members and would like to learn more please see the below link or as the kindly TV commercial states..."Just ask your Mormon Neighbor"
http://www.lds.org/

Elder Bednar is one of the 12 Apostles, Another witness to Christ. AS for me personally when I heard him give his talk on the tender mercies of God, He became my favorite apostle. So you can imagine the joy I have truly felt on being able to hear him speak in person. Not only did I get to hear him speak but I was front row, two seats from the center....{Aww!} So were talking up close & personal. Go Me! {Said with extreme amounts of happiness}

To me my church is not just my religion. It's a reflection of who I am. How Ill marry. How I'll raise my children. And how I will endure to the end of this life. Not just something I wear on a Sunday. Being able to listen to Elder Bednar was a chance I would not have missed. Thankfully with my work schedule, I was already stated to have Friday off. Phew! No yelling at boss or threatening to quit! There are no right words to be able to express what a spirit of precious eternal truths that were wall to wall in that chapel, on that Friday night. To remember the lessons taught by Elder Bednar, I'll share a few.

• You never receive a spiritual gift to help only yourself. Make sure you use it to help others.
• When you have a precious baby, So tender and small-Remember that they have just come from the presence of Heavenly Father. When I was just a young father myself, my baby son was extremely colicky and my poor wife was still recovering from giving birth. I would take over when she would go to bed. I started to just walk back and forth singing hymns to him to help soothe him to sleep. As I was pacing back and forth I started to think that here he was so small and probably in his mind not sure of anything that was going on. But what I was sure of was that he could probably feel the same spirit he felt from which he just came from and So I began to start reading all the priesthood scriptures to him over and over. Even though he could not understand what I was reading to him, he could feel that same spirit in which it brings to us as adults. The same light of spirit from which he just came. And sure enough it worked. So I ask that you remember to use that when you first start out in your own family. Everything begins in your home.
• When a loved one has died or a loved one is facing a trial, One immediately goes over to see what they can do. Particularly in the event of a death. The family & friends start pouring out the food and support. But, let me ask who is truly there after some time has set in? After say three months or so have gone by and the loneliness and pain have truly set in to the person or family life-- Who is there to share that same Christ like love and support when it was first given the moments it happened? Be there and express that love even after some time has passed.
• Faith. Let me share alittle analogy that I have used from time to time. Picture yourself in a complete dark room with only one light above you to show you the way. Faith is believing in something not seen. Would you step out of that circle of light with the faith that the light would move with each step even though from each step you have no idea where it is you step? Or do you pray to have the light move first and then step? In Faith and life we have to go through things we do not want to do or can see at all. It's that faith we must use to step first with the hope that the light will move.

In case your wondering, I don't have a perfect word for word quotation here But I have tried to state each lesson word for word by memory. Elder Bednar spoke for an hour and half. When it was over I truly felt heartbroken. But, I leave my word of testimony that the spirit Elder Bednar brings is a firm testimony that he truly is an apostle of Christ. I was able to shake his hand and tell him sincerely how much it meant to me For having this blessing of hearing him speak.

My Vote

John McCain...You just got my Vote through Her! The speech yesterday...Powerful, Well Said, Epic, Graceful, Head Held High, On Target, STRAIGHT TALK!

Happy Birthday Mr. Shope!

Today marks one of the best days of my life! Six years ago today, a beautiful baby boy arrived to my family and made me the happiest auntie around! Not only did he make me a auntie but he completely stole my heart from the moment they placed him in my arms and I gave him his first bottle. Since then he has wrapped my whole world into a brilliant meaning of what its like to love something so special. Born September 3rd 2002 at 1:16pm. He weighed 8 pounds and 12 oz.

Every since my mom passed away my whole outlook on life is to move on with life to move on moments. Every big moment with little Mr. Shope I have been there and have cried at them all. It is my wish that this life will bless him with courage, strength, and most importantly family moments. I cannot write enough words that would instill in this post the happiness and pure joy he brings to my time on this earth.

Some little things to know of Mr. Shope!

• He is extremely tall for his age! He's only lacking maybe 5 inches from my own frame! Yikes!!


• He can bring a smile to my face on any bad day by being in the backseat of the car singing along with me to Chris Brown or Beautiful Girls by Sean Kingston!


• Every since he could start talking he has spoken with an adult attitude. Long sentences and phrase only an adult would say! No JOKE!


• He won the longest throw in little league this year out of the whole Bristol 5 yr. old unit

Happy Happy Birthday my dear sweet boy! I love you more then you will ever know! Every day you grow and learn so much and I'm always ALWAYS amazed at what comes out of your mouth!