Paradise

I swiped this from my step-daughter's blog. Thanks Erin! I love it and I think you might also if you are a fan of Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson or Alex Boye. Enjoy!

More of God's artwork

This was the view out my bedroom window last night. It was taken with my cheapy phone camera so this picture doesn't do it justice, but the Puget Sound was fuchsia and the clouds were a bright pink. It was beautiful! Unfortunately, there is a glare from my bedroom light....but it was quite a sight!

Some of His artwork at Huntington Beach

Comfort and Joy

I was sitting in sacrament mtng. on Christmas morning, seated next to me was one of my darling little primary girls with her family. As I listened to my stepson Christopher sing his solo, a wave of emotion took me over for a moment. The combination of missing my children, juxtaposed with the joy of being in that moment, and hearing Christopher's beautiful voice, brought uncontrollable tears. Then that sweet little 8 year old sitting next to me, put her arm through mine and handed me this picture.

What a sweet little blessing.

Let them eat cake!

This is our wedding cake that my very sweet and talented niece made for our wedding.(A big belated THANK YOU, Heather!) It was just what I asked for, simple and pretty, about seven or eight layers high and it was so delicious! Coconut cream filling. Two words: DEEE VINE! To the right she had also made these incredibly scrumpcious cupcakes, which were a huge hit!

This is what a portion of the top looks like a year later! Ha! After being smushed in our freezer with chicken breasts, tri-tip roasts, Rhodes frozen rolls, and FatBoys! ...But it was still tasty!

Give a little, gain so much more in return

You know when you do something for someone else and you end up getting more in return? This past weekend was like that. It was Helen and Cecil Talbot's 60th wedding anniversary. The Talbot's are Ron's first wife's parents. Ron was concerned that with first Kathy gone, her brothers wouldn't be planning anything in the way of a celebration, so he started planning and asked if I'd mind helping. Mind? I love this kind of event, and I have come to know and love Helen and Cecil. They have been very kind and loving to me. Of course I wouldn't mind! Decorating I know. Food for large groups I'm not as comfortable with. And not knowing exactly the number of people who would show didn't make it any easier. So I took it to the Lord. Now I know that Heavenly Father doesn't really care if I'm serving meatballs in gravy, or meatballs in barbeque sauce. But I do know that Heavenly Father loves his children, expecially chosen ones who have valiantly served Him, and have been married for 60 years. I prayed that there would be a good turn out of friends, that there would be enough food and that the Talbots would know how much they are loved. Prayers are answered. Coincidentally, yesterday was Ron and my first anniversary. To be able to do the celebration for the Talbots, and see how happy they were, was the best gift Ron and I could have given ourselves. Heavenly Father never ceases to amaze!

The happy couple, Cecil and Helen Talbot.

The night before, us girls hosted a "bridal shower" for grandma!

And the guys had a "bachelor party" for grandpa!

Wow, what a year!

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life! Has it really been a year? It has been the most amazing year, indeed, and more adventures to come!