He IS Risen!

I've been so consumed with all the changes going on in my life, dance recitals and too many other concerns. But I certainly don't want to forget the reason we celebrate Easter or why it's so special to me.

As with all holidays I love the decor, the food and the family get together's.

But today, I am especially grateful for a Savior. For the knowledge that He lives. That He is mindful of me. That He carries me often.

I love Him. I am grateful for Him. And for all I learn from Him.

I am encouraged to know that I can actually become like Him. I strive for that daily.

I also fail daily.

I am grateful for His atonement - so when I fail, I can start over. And learn from my mistakes and hopefully, not repeat them.

I have faltered a little more this week than I would have liked. I forgot these words, "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." D&C 6:36

I need to remember these words more often.

And these.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philipians 4:13

He IS risen. He lives! He loves each of us.

I Love Him.

The Only Thing You Can Count On . . .

is change. Seriously, just think about it for a minute and you will agree!

14 years ago we were split from our ward (Crosspoint) and put in a new ward (Adobe). It was painful and very hard.

Hillary had just turned 12. Heather was soon to be 8. And I felt like I had lost half my family. I didn't know ANYONE in our new ward, except the fellow ward members that were part of the change.

Within the week, the primary president showed up at our house with a treat to welcome my primary aged kids. The Young Women came and welcomed our sweet New Beehive, Hillary. I felt loved. But it still took a little time to find our place. It happened though and it turned out to be the best thing to happen to our family.

Our girls thrived in this ward. We were loved and accepted unconditionally. I have made friends and so many memories. I have grown personally and spiritually in ways that I don't think I would have otherwise.

Today. It happened again.

Adobe Ward was dissolved today. A new ward was created. Four wards were completely realigned.

We are now in the Val Vista ward. Some of our friends that we left 14 years ago are in this new Val Vista ward. It will be fun to get reacquainted.

But for today I am sad. Some of my very best friends are no longer going to be there each Sunday. Relief Society will not be the same. Today, my heart is broken. I feel like I lost something very precious.

We all know - know matter how much you intend to stay in touch - life happens. This is really hard. And I don't like it.

But - I know in a few weeks, the dust will settle. In a few months it won't be so awkward. And in a few years everything will be just as it should be. Comfortable again.

And then it will happen. Change.

Another Ward? Maybe this time a new Stake? And we'll survive.

Easter Decor

I'm loving spring! It can't decide whether to get warm or stay cool. But I love the cool days!

Keeping with tradition I put up my Easter decorations. I actually, kept it simpler this year. I've been working on some "home improvements" so that has taken my attention. But I love the spring feel in my house!

Here are some pictures for memory sake!

I planted wheat grass this year. It looks pretty cute with a fresh "hair" cut! I don't think I'll do this again though. It's too much work keeping it watered and trimmed!


Vintage Easter cards, cherry blossoms and branches with Easter eggs hanging from them.

I love my little nest sitting on the cake plate. (I made the cake plate with a thrift store purchase of a glass plate and candle stick holder)

I started collecting candy jars from thrift stores and yard sales. I put Easter eggs in them this year! Pretty simple!

Here's a sneak peak some of my home improvement I'm working on! Not the best picture, but you get the idea! I re-did my family room wall. I added aqua in with my red! It's been a fun change of pace!