for one moment

Sunrise Service

 

For Easter nothing huge went on in my world. But it wasn't just a typical weekend. Not only was it Easter weekend but the opportunity to listen to General Conference made it all the sweeter. There was so much to take in and learn. On Easter Sunday at the Red Rocks Amphitheater they hold Sunrise Service. Rachel and I decided to get up just a few short hours after hitting the pillow; at 4:00!! We had fun enjoying the calm of the morning and taking part. We skipped out before the sermon but overall it was beautiful and wonderful to realize that so many people can come together to learn of Jesus Christ and feel of his love. Which is just what we continued to do as we listened to General Conference.

Hope you all had just as wonderful an Easter as I did; minus the Chinese Easter dinner! ;)

Until further notice...

Celebrate everything!

a memory remembered, a truth told

How beautiful is this? It is a picture of a field of mustard seed. I was introduced to the vibrant fields of yellow on a visit to Canada back in 2006. It was so spectacular to see - and it went forever...as far as the eye could see. It was than that I didn't miss the mountains and realized flat was good. Flat could be beautiful! Cliche to say but 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'

I had such a wonderful experience this last week. Another truth that the Lord is aware and that He does know each of us. My dad spoke in church this last week about the love of God. And what a beautiful way with words my father has. I walked away happy that the concept was refreshed in my memory. There is one thing that will always be there, The Love of God. It's consistent - it's ever lasting - and it runs so deep...and I've come to realize in the last several months that if I have simplicity it's easier to recognize the daily proof of His hand. And as I thought about this I remembered the mustard field, and it made me happy.

The Right Attitude

I have a feeling it's that time again...for an attitude adjustment. My tantrums and meltdowns are more frequent as of late so I decided to read. I've always been able to retain things I read if I write them down. So you get to take in some of the learned wisdom as well today. This is an excerpt from my collection...this was recorded in 1975...and here we are decades later and it still is teaching! It's just that good! It's a lengthy story but don't let that stop you.

The great overland bus came to a stop. I looked out of the window to see the fringe of a small town. On the other side of the highway, pastureland stretched in many rolling acres. Suddenly I turned from that peaceful scene to see the reason for our stop. One lone passenger entered. The young man, hesitating a bit, looked shyly around. Noting the vacant place beside me, he asked haltingly, "Do you mind if I sit here?"

"Not at all," I answered, "I like company when I travel. Do sit down."

He removed his cap and slid into the seat. After a moment he inquired, "Going far, lady?"
"Only as far as Fort Worth, that is my home," I replied. "We will be there in a little less than an hour."
"Think of that," he said with a seeming air of relief. "I've been hoping I'd run into someone from there. Don't know much about the place; I grew up on a ranch far out beyond where I boarded the bus. I'm on my way to Fort Worth, but I don't know how to find the school once I am there."

"What school is that? Maybe I can help you," I said.
"It's that real big school; college, I guess you'd call it." Then he went on gravely, "You see, I'm just out of the army, and I'll get to start school. Servicemen can go, you know, and Uncle Sam pays for it."
"You'll be a student at Texas Christian University?" I asked.
"Oh, I don't know just where they'll send me, but I'm all excited over having the chance to go at all. You see I didn't have much schoolin' as I grew up. But before I get started anywhere I have to go to the Forth Worth School, an' take what they call an 'attitude' test. After I take it, they will know where to send me."
"Poor dear," I mused, "he means aptitude, but I can't embarrass him by explaining."
After a short silence he asked enthusiastically, "Ain't it wonderful what they are doing for us guys--sending us to school?"
"Well," I suggested, "the government feels that you did a lot for your country; it is the least the country can do for you."
"Maybe," he drawled, "but what's fighting a few battles amount to if a fellow can get educated? I'm getting the big end of the deal, lady. I've made up my mind to study real hard. I don't want Uncle Sam's money throwed away on me."
Later we stood in the Fort Worth bus station. In his shirt pocket was the slip of paper that was to give him his "attitude" test. With a strong calloused hand he gripped mine, "Thanks a million, ma'am. I feel like I am already on my way to be gettin' that schoolin'. Ain't it wonderful?" As I settled myself and my bags in a taxi, I began to review in my mind the gratitude and enthusiasm displayed by the prospective student. "Why," I thought, "he has the priceless ingredient for success--a right attitude." Perhaps he had used the correct word, after all.

 [ Victor L. Brown 'Eternal Priorities' adapted from A.B. Wells, Sunshine Magazine, September 1963]

let me tell you

My friend always will listen to me, will take naps with me, laugh at me, tell me when I say something dumb,  come up with gay raps from those dumb things, go places with me, and best of all - he makes me feel loved without ever asking it of him!

This is Lance...have you met him? If not you should get right on that. No but really he's a nice addition to the Anderson household this last year. Pretty much he's new competition in the 'Dad's favorite' {of the single status that is} category...fyi I think I'm losing!

Watching Lance play Bop-it Extreme 2...he was wiggling his hips and really into it! It got a genuine laugh out of me so it's most definitely blog worthy.  Thus the post. He's makes up for the lack of brothers in my life at the moment. But I don't see them moving to Colorado anytime soon...so Lance will do.

Also great news! I get my cast off tomorrow...only to get another one on! But I'm proud to say I lasted an entire week without getting this one wet!

And the Nuggets won! And I spent the afternoon watching curling. Anyone else into that?? I find it really fun to watch and the men's US has a fine looking bunch of boys so maybe take a gander...just sayin ;)

Find the part that's leading you...I know I have!

A friend put me in possession of a stethoscope before my surgery...I never knew how much his sweet note would stay with me through this. But it has...and as I sit here with a lil anxiety and much on my mind I just need to recognize my heartbeat; and REMEMBER!

"When things seem scary, or out of control, take out the stethoscope and listen to your heart beat. When you do, you'll remember who created that heart and how much He loves you. I know He sends His angels to be with us in our hours of affliction, seen or unseen, every beat of that heart they will be by your bedside watching over you."

An amazing Christmas gift - wouldn't you say?

Follow through

So when someone tags you on their blog is there a time frame of following through on your end. Or can it just be done when you want? I piddle around a lot these days...on other peoples blogs and avoid posting anything on mine. However seeing as I love Alexa I'm going to follow through now rather than later.

So here it is-in no particular order 10 facts all about me. If disinterested you can skip down to my top 10 list of things that make me happy. And if you don't want to read about me than what are you doing on my blog?? Just sayin'

When I was a youngster I would go to my grandparents dairy farm. I loved everything about it and there were times we were told not to do certain things. Well I didn't listen one of those times and afterwards I learned that sometimes it is best just to listen. Parents on occasion really do prove to know more than kids. Case in point; we would swim in the canals during the hot summer days and it was so much fun! But than there were the ditches used for irrigation. We were to avoid them because if the water was high and moving fast enough you'd be gone in a flash. Well it looked fun - and I just wanted to test the waters out. So I got in and can I tell you if I could've been out faster than I got in heck yes I would have. Unfortunately I was a good half mile down before I even was able to attempt to pull myself out. Holy scary - but the biggest bummer wasn't that I could have drowned but that it scuffed up the bottom of my favorite swimsuit! The one my mum told me not to wear while in the canals. Ha so lesson learned. I never got in the ditch again nor did I ever speak of it until now.


I guess that knocked off more than just one fact about me, wouldn't you say? I mean obviously you know now that I didn't listen very well and defied my elders. So we'll move on to say number four, sounds fair, eh?


I'm scared of needles and to attempt to overcome that phobia I donated blood regularly every 8 weeks for 18 months. Umm yeah and that whole cure me of my phobia-it didn't work.


So now what number are we one? 6? Sounds good to me!


I love my handwriting and I used to be so ocd about having it perfect that after taking my notes in my classes - if I'd messed up I would rewrite them in their entirety to ensure they were pretty to look at.


I got in a car with a stranger once when I was about 7. Scary, right? Umm thinking about it today ABSOLUTELY! But at the moment nah. I was just happy to get a ride to swim team. And to call him a stranger isn't the truth. I knew him but I didn't know how I knew him. He knew me but I couldn't place him and to this day still can't figure out who he was. But hey at least I wasn't late to swim practice!


We went to Vail as a family one summer and stayed in the condos that had the most amazing pool and driving range behind us. I loved it, what I remember of it anyways. But all the condos looked the same so I walked into what I thought was ours. Yeah it wasn't. Wanna know how I knew? Because there were ash trays all over and it smelled like beer. I looked around the place for a few minutes until a lady saw me and asked if I was lost. I told her I didn't think I was but seeing her confirmed that I was in fact lost. She helped me find my way home. Another moment for a mother to panic - eek.


I think these above stories can count as ten facts proving my ability to not think things through. So moving onto the next list.

My top 10 things I love!

I love pretty much everything!

Let's see I love Burts Bees chapstick and have since about the 8th grade! LOVE IT! 9 times out of 10 I always have one on me.

I hands down love to be in the kitchen baking and cooking! It truly can make things seem so much better. I really love trying new recipes and love it even more when I love how it turns out!

I love CD's over iPod any day. There's just something about that ownership it gives me.However I do like that I can watch movies on the go from a teeny screen ;) ha ha

I really love to read; and even more so if I get to do it with someone. Whether in a book club or reading with children or having someone read to me. I love it in all way shapes and forms. Even on CD! ha ha

I love to snuggle up with a nice thick quilt and take naps! It is the best remedy to bad days.

Gilmore Girls. Need I say more??

I love nail polish! I am an OPI snob and own too much for my own good. I paint my nails as often as possible and love it even more when I opt for a salon pedicure! Doorway to my SOLE here I come! {if you live in the Denver area it is the best place ever! It's at Cherry Creek}

I have grown to love my scars. Wanna know why?? Because it's okay to have silly looking battle wounds from surgery. Because it's a daily reminder to evaluate things I take for granted. Like walking for instance!

I love my friends! Even the ones that come for a moment and then blink they're gone. I love the ones that were there and pop in and out of my life. I love the new ones I make and I love be able to recognize that friends are a gift to bless our lives! They will if we but allow it! They are proof that my prayers are heard!

And last I love kids! I think they are brilliant and wise and funny and loving! What joy they bring to my life!!

and to now tag some others...let's see in no particular order I love these girls, I love their blogs, and more importantly I love their friendship!

 But now I'm too tired to link and tag you girls so go ahead and grab a tag and join in the fun! I'm pretty sure you all know who you are! You are the ones that survived this post ;) No but really quick Jenn, Kell, TawnaKins, ChelseyMichelle, Gina, Andrea, Jeane, Lori, JessV, PhillyJess, And well come one come all join in on the fun. Cathy, Tiffany, Brenda, you guys get the idea. I love you all and now share some facts with me about you! LOVES*

A warm December

Today marks the day of an experience that at the young age of 11 touched my heart and has since impacted my life. I'd love it if you would read this article and than perhaps you will know of the imprint it left on me. I have many memories and I know I often share with you the good ones. Well this is one that truly brings to light the true meaning of Christmas. Love to you all xoxo

All you need is love!

Children are amazing! They can always bring a smile to my face no matter how I am feeling at the moment. This may sound awful but they seem to be able to make it about everything else but me. They are so loving and kind and just want to be involved. They are so willing to learn and help and do what they can to help. As I've had experiences of being a benefactor of this unconditional love I am so grateful.  I was in PT recently and my therapist and I were discussing the pros and cons of my surgery. I have felt a huge change in my life over the course of my recovery. Yes, things are at times hard and seem daunting at the time. I have no desire to move forward because I feel so helpless. There are several things I have recognized that I think are important enough to remember. I know that I love those that have served me at this time. In SO many different ways. I was beginning to recognize that I couldn't do many things on my own without help of some kind. This was a hard reality to grasp onto. In time I have seen that it was important part to my hearts well being. It has softened my heart and I know that I still have a lot more distance to cover but I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to be able to feel of my Heavenly Fathers love daily. And I am grateful that I am able to ask forgiveness when I may not have the best attitude. I know that prayers are answered and that no matter what there are always silver linings in everything~I love you all!!

Children make me smile!

StoryTime

Okay so this was way too funny and it was a must share story! I couldn't pass up the opportunity to post it. It is hilarious and I think you may just think so too!

I hope I don't butcher it...

First off let me just give you lil background. Last night my cousin Larry flew in for the evening to do a fireside for the Columbine Stake. I always have loved listening to him speak. Amazing and he's even being highlighted at for the BYU homecoming this year. He is amazing and it is what it is. Pure brilliance to have Him around. He's a good story teller. A classic Mercer quality.

So we got to talking about stuff in the news and about some silly law suit about a polynesian couple who went into a buffet for their all you can eat prime rib offer.

I tried to find the article but to no avail...I came up empty handed. Either way I guess after the husbands 13th plate of meat the manager/owner/lameoid said that was enough and they had to leave.

Umm - como que leave?? You left that wide open for a lawsuit because duh-it's all you can eat! Or can you not read?? Either way not sure what ended up happening...I suppose they settled and gave the couple some money and I'm sure loads of free food.

But it led up to the funnier story of the eveining. Lar and a friend had met up at what he called the Golden Apple (??) a buffet in the greater Provo area back in the day. My parents were the only other ones that had recollection of the place.

Anyways He and his friend has gone for I guess I would call it a late lunch. While there Larry observed this family SLEEPING!! Ha ha so he asks His friend 'who are they?' and with a reply I assume was kind of like duh it's a no brainer...'oh well that's so and so'

Oh right so and so - anyways on Fridays this family would go and pay the lunch price then take a nap. Sleep on through the afternoon than stay for dinner. I mean it is a buffet. It is a one time cover charge. The kids would sleep on the floor, booth etc and they would eat. HA HA HA only in Utah right???

I hope you guys have a fantastic weekend filled with loads of college football!! Oh I love this time of year! There will be some good games and I look forward to them all!

Come what may - and love it!

So there is SO much going on today. In every way, shape and form! In my own life, in my family life, in my friends lives. All different scenarios but while sitting here knowing there isn't much that I can do to help the situations my sister was trying to lighten the mood and said "Remember Elder Wirthlin, Come what may and love it." We started laughing because even in the heat of the moment when everything that could go wrong does or moments when we feel like the Lord has not heard our prayers think twice. No matter where we are we can always remember the Lord does know us. He hears us and answers do come. But not always how we expect them. While on that note just to pass it along my beautiful AlexaMae is in need of prayers of comfort and love at this time. If you'd like to know more you can go to her blog. What an answer she has been in my life and I love you AlexaMae!

And here's another talk that touched my heart.

Remember friends It's not a sprint it's a marathon! Enjoy the ride even if there are a few unexpected turns along the way.

Infinity and Beyond!

So what are you guys doing this weekend??

Well besides the obvious of most of us listening in on General Conference??

I know what I want to do!!

Toy Story & Toy Story 2 in 3D - it'll be stellar! Who else is game?

And a little bit more excitement to the whole mix is this following video. Enjoy!

some joy in my day

So I have a new cast. It's the one color I told myself I wouldn't get...dun duh duh PINK! I love pink but as a new extra appendage?? I don't think so. But I did think so obviously and now here I am with a pink cast. It was so funny getting it cut of, and not fun. Halfway through the process I just pulled it off because it's been so lose.

But I found this cute picture of someone who makes me smile without fail. She is the darnedest thing and so adorable. Plus has the most amazing parents and siblings that I love just as much. Her name is Bai and I could spend all day every day with her and never get sick of her!

What's your joy?

Owl flew past a day or two ago and noticed me.He didn't actually
say anything, mind you, but he knew it was me.
Very friendly of him,I thought. Encouraging. EEYORE

As a young girl I really loved Eeyore. He brought me joy which sounds odd but in a round about way I always seemed to learn something valuable from him. He wasn't known for talking a lot but when he did it was thought provoking. But there was something I thought of tonight that He said once upon a time "weeds are flowers too...once you get to know them." That's the attitude I need to have. To be an optimist one must have faith and for me I also need patience and through faith patience will come.

This whole surgery recovery is a learning experience and I find I cry a lot and get frustrated easily and feel lonely or get impatient...I can and so I unfortunately choose to do so. We all knew it would come with this whole isolated bed rest thing but I guess I didn't think of it as being this hard. I feel so lonely each and every passing day...sometimes it's a fleeting thought and leaves as fast as it came and other days it can be longer lasting. But I have a lot to be grateful for.

So tonight it's about the JOY!

I went on an outing today with mum. Nothing extravagant but long overdue. It made me happy to see the sun from somewhere rather than just my window today.

I got to chat with my lil niece Bai today...she was happy just to be happy. It made me smile, her simple words from such a young mind were refreshing.

I'm glad I get to actually get out of bed. Even if it is just to go to the bathroom. I can and for that I'm happy. Also that I won't always have these crutches makes me smile.

I'll walk again after all of this is over...I still have my foot who cares about the scars. I don't know what I would do if I ever lost my ability to walk permanently. I don't want to take it for granted anymore...but it's hard not to do so.

My mom takes care of me every day you guys. She doesn't have to but she does. She loves me and that makes me happy and I love her. I want to serve her the way she serves me someday.

I saw a picture of my Grandpa today-I smiled. I'm glad I have the family I do with the history that comes with it...I have so much to take from my ancestors.

I have hair...seems silly but there are those who don't have hair for various reasons. I'll take mine any day even if it is red and frizzy. I love it!!

I have the gospel in my life. I have truth in my life and my life it has a purpose and I want to live...even if I do have moments of despair.

Tonight I read some stories...it is about light; our own individual light. That it is enhanced through doing specific things. I love that I read it. It was a good decision. You should check it out.

P.S. Gina I so want to make P.B. cookies now...I hate P.B. but you sure do make them sound delicious enough to not only bake but eat. Do you have a good recipe?? What am I saying-of course you do. Care to share? Or anyone out there for that matter??

Starting over...

OMGoodness! You guys I have a lovely friend in my life - her name - LUCY! I love Lucy she's there for me through the good and the bad. You may be asking 'who the tuna is Lucy?' Well peeps Lucy is my car and she's havin a rough moment in her life. I don't drive her as often as ol times because I have access to my work car and so she's neglected and sits parked for days. She must hate me right? Well I proved myself right the other day because whoa low and behold she up and bounced out on me for a week. Her starter needs replacin. Well I purchased a new starter and she's on the road to recovery. It got me to thinking that sometimes we may feel this way in our own lives. We may feel shafted or left out and lonely at times possibly abandoned. So then we evaluate and take action. Find ways to fix things up and improve and make some modifications; whether large or small. So here's to life peeps! Here's to being able to recognize that starting over with things in life are unavoidable. change is all around us and it's a constant. Let's embrace it and find the things we could do to better ourselves. I love you all and more importantly I love LUCY*

How rad are red rocks? SO RAD!

I had the opportunity to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir this last month. Such a treat because after moving from Utah I wondered when I would see them again. What a wonderful evening peeps! I loved every minute of it and I got to see so many friends and family there that I hadn't seen in a while. The prophet of the LDS church; President Monson was in attendance and so it was a special treat to know He was there!

{is it bad to take pics of kids that don't belong to you?}

beauty

So did you know about the solar eclipse the other night? It took place over Asia...but the sunset that evening was breathtaking. I didn't even think to take a picture until it was just about gone...so this is what I captured!

Annie

So I met someone new tonight; her name is Annie. She taught me something that I totally needed to hear. Not a 'slap in your face' kind of moment but like a man I really needed to hear that. Anyways I'll tell you more but for now I'm gonna go chillax and be back lata. Peace out.