Day #334 - Oct. 23 The Spirit (Can't believe I am caught up again!!!)

The choir sang "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" in sacrament meeting today. We were well prepared and I thought it was going to go well. But I was not prepared for the spirit that very quickly entered the room today as we sang. It was unmistakably there. I am so grateful for that powerful feeling today. It reminds me that the Lord uses music to speak to our hearts and to invite the spirit.

Day #333 - Sisters

I am grateful that my daughters have each other as sisters. As I have grown older I have come to appreciate my own relationship with my sisters so much more. They are life-long friends. I hope that my girls will be able to be good friends as well.

Day #331, #332 - Park City

Walking Main Street

Family Time - We took the kids to Park City for one night over Fall Break. It was great to spend some time, just us. The kids loved the pool at the hotel the best.

Fall - We took the Alpine Loop home and enjoyed the views of all of the fall leaves up in the mountains. I had a tear in my eye the first day I saw the trees start to change color. I wasn't ready to give up the warm summer weather. Now I just want to enjoy the color and beauty as much as I can before it all disappears!

Day # 330 - House projects done!

Joel has been working on some house projects the past few weeks. It feels so good to have them done. The front of the house got a little face lift with a fresh coat of paint around the trim of the garage, on the front door and the railing up the stairs. He hung my mirror and other pictures around the house. On top of that he cleaned and organized two rooms in the basement! Great work dear. Thank you!

Day #329 - Call from a friend

I got a call from an old friend today. We haven't talked in a long time, so it was nice to catch up.

Day #328 - Thoughtfulness

I am grateful for the many kindnesses shown me today. It's been a great birthday.

Day #327 - Family Drive

click into this one to see the deer

We took a family drive today. We saw beautiful changing leaves, four deer and a fox.

Day #326 - Trip to Hale Theater

As part of my birthday, I took Anna and Eryn, Becca and some friends to see My Fair Lady at the Hale Theater. The show was good. The company was better.

Day #325 - Birthday Card

I got a great surprise in the mail today (a little early for my birthday). Cindy is another one of those great blessings in my life - past and present!

Day #324 - Nani

My dear friend, Nani is visiting Utah and came to visit today with her twin grandsons. It was so great to see her. Nani was one of my biggest supports during my pregnancy with Lily. She has always been a great shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and a good example. I wish we lived closer, but I am grateful for the time we had, living so close in Hawaii.

Day #323 - Picture

A friend took this picture of Lily. I love it. It really captures her personality and her naturally sweet face.

Day #322 - Soccer coaches

Joseph and Eryn finally finished soccer!! Hooray! It has been a good experience for both kids, but especially Eryn. She really enjoyed her experience, got better over the season, and gained a great deal of self-worth and self-confidence. I am so grateful for the kids' coaches. Both volunteered their time and did a great job leading the teams.

Day #321 - A free day

I love Mondays. It is one of the few days that I have no schedule. No where to be. Nothing I have to do.

Day #320 - The Summer of the Monkeys

I have been reading The Summer of the Monkeys with my two girls every day for the past two weeks. We were determined to finish it today, so we read for three hours!! This was great fun for all of us. The girls loved being read to and loved the story. We laughed through so much of it. In fact both tried to sneak and read ahead to find out what would happen. It was great to bond with them through this book. The best part? It was worth 13 AR points! Anna's finally going to catch up to reach her reading goals.

Day #319 - Hospital Visit

This morning I remembered that a friend of ours was going to be in the hospital some time this month. She is a 7 year old with Spina Bifida. So I texted her mom to see when she would be in the hospital. We wanted to visit her whenever she was in. As it turns out, she had just had surgery a few days before and she was recovering in the hospital. I'm so grateful I thought to contact them, because we were going that way for wheelchair dance. So, after dance class, Lily and I paid her a little visit.

Day #318 - Kindness

I ran into a friend at Kohl's today just before checking out. She asked me if I had a good coupon. I didn't, but I wasn't going to wait to buy what I needed. So she handed me her 30% off coupon to use! So thoughtful.

Day #317 - The Twins

I love our babysitters. They are twin sisters who live just a few doors down from us. They have always been so willing to help us out, even at the last minute. They are both very sweet girls. So grateful I have their support.

Day #316 - South Pacific Tour

When Joel and I were in my dad's choir in college, we went on a tour to Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. This tour was a very special trip for me for many reasons. The blessings from that tour have had long-lasting and far-reaching affects on me and my life. Traveling with my dad was very memorable. We became very close and I grew to love and respect my dad so much more. Being involved in so much music and service was amazing. My love for the people in the pacific grew so much. My testimony grew in leaps and bounds as well.

The main reason why I am grateful for the tour is that I was able to see the remote island of Tongatapu where my husband grew up. Joel spent 10 years of his growing up there. It is a huge part of who he is, and I never would have known or understood that part of him unless I had witnessed it for myself. Joel was able to show me the homes he lived in, the schools he attended, his grandparents' home, the Temple, the church school where his dad worked, his favorite beaches and jumping spots into the ocean and more. I got a great feeling for the place, the culture and the lifestyle. I learned so much and got a great new perspective on Joel and his family. What a great blessing! We hope to take the kids back one day for a visit.

Day #315 - Helping Ammon

Ammon (my nephew) goes into the MTC tomorrow. He and his mom have been staying here with us as they have been doing last minute preparations. This morning I got to help get him all packed up before leaving. It brought back so many memories for me, preparing to leave for my own mission. What an exciting time! Can't wait to hear all about his experiences.

Day #311, #312, #313, #314 - Trip to St. George

We took a little trip to St. George as a family to go and see The Little Mermaid at the Tuacahn theater. The show was wonderful!!! So glad we went. There is always lots to be grateful for when you travel as a family.

Quality Family Time - I am always amazed at how much more I enjoy my children and family when I am removed from my home. There are so few distractions and I feel so grateful to be removed from the rut I get into (you know of kids messing stuff up and me cleaning it all - all day long).Old Friends & Family - We were able to visit some people who are very special to us.

My cousin, Cheryl and me.

Joel's mission president and his wife.

Cindy!!!

General Conference - It was nice to see conference and hear from our prophet and other leaders. I always feel comforted and lifted by the messages given.

Hula - We were able to offer the girls to dance hula a few times on our trip. It was so nice to be able to present that to friends and family. A favorite moment from our trip was watching Anna dance the hula with Cindy (my dear friend with down syndrome) at her side copying her every move.

Day #310 - Modesty/Chastity talk with Anna

Recently I had a lesson in Relief Society about the importance of teaching our children about modesty and chastity. I felt grateful for all of the good advice and ideas shared in the meeting. That night Joel and I took the opportunity to sit down with Anna, put our arms around her and talk about our feelings on the subject. We read a simple pamphlet together and then shared our testimonies. I love these little opportunities to sit down together and to speak plainly with our children about the things that are important to us.

Day #309 - Adult Time

Emily took the kids tonight so that I could support Joel at a work dinner. The dinner just so happened to be at The Roof restaurant which has a beautiful view of the SLC Temple. I loved the opportunity to be a supportive wife and to have some slow "adult" time.

Day #308 - Talents

Sometimes I find myself wishing I was something I am not. I see people around me who are so good at doing things that I am bad at. I took piano lessons for many years, but never got good at it. I cook for my family, but it's not exactly. . . great. The list goes on and on. I find myself comparing and wanting the talents and gifts others have. But then I remind myself that the world would be such a boring place if we all had the same gifts. I love the scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants (42:12):

"For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby."

This has always served as a good reminder to me that each of us has gifts given to us as a way to bless EVERYONE. I share my own talents to hopefully benefit others and I definitely am blessed every day by the gifts of those around me. So rather than wish for what they have, I try to be grateful for the gifts that I have been given.

Day #307 - Primary Songs

Lily has become quite the singer. She sings all day long and I love it! I can't help but feel especially grateful for the primary songs she has learned. Each has a deep and true message that I hope she will carry with her for her whole life.

"I am like a star shining brightly. Shining for the whole world to see. I can do and say happy things each day for I know Heavenly Father loves me."

Knowing that God loves us gives us every reason to do and say happy things (to be positive) despite our challenges.

"I am a child of God and He has sent me here. Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear. Lead me. Guide me. Walk beside me. Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do, to live with Him some day."

Joseph worked very hard to memorize a song for our primary program. He loves to sing it on command and I love to hear him sing it in his little high pitched voice.

"Jesus once was a little child, a little child like me. And He was pure and meek and mild as a little child should be. So little children, let's you and I try to be like him. Try. Try. Try."

Day #306 - Anna's thoughtful prayer

The pay-offs in parenthood are few and far between. One of the beauties of parenting is being able to witness your children grow and mature.

Today Anna joined Joel and I in a fast for our dear friend and neighbor who is dealing with cancer. As we sat down to eat, Anna was asked to close our fast. Usually her prayers are quick and to the point - bless the food, bless grandma and grandpa on their mission. . . amen. This prayer was different. She sincerely prayed for our friend and others in our ward who have had surgeries and really took her time. I was so touched, I cried.

Day #305 - Relief Society

I attended the General Relief Society meeting tonight. Despite the fact that two people in front of me were talking off and on the whole time!!! I really enjoyed the meeting and felt spiritually fed. Elder Uchdorf's talk about the Forget-Me-Not was so comforting and beautiful. I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful world wide society of women.

Day #304 - Utah

I can't believe I am saying this . . . but I am grateful to live in UTAH. Joel and I never planned to raise our family here. The first time we tried to live in Utah, we returned back to Hawaii in less than a year. The cold was a big shock to us.

This second time around has been much better. Utah has proven to be a family-friendly and surprisingly beautiful place (different beauty than tropical Hawaii). I am finally starting to get why people miss the four seasons when they move to Hawaii. You feel time pass as the world around you changes. The holidays are also more memorable and enjoyable. For example Valentine's is such a huge bright spot in the middle of snowy, cold, Februrary. Labor Day is like the last opportunity for warm summer fun. The 4th of July is blazing hot, but it is welcome after a cold wet spring.

Living near so many Mormons has its pros and cons. But I have loved it. Most places and people feel friendly and familiar. Deseret Book, the temples, D.I. etc. It's great to be so close to everything.

You can't beat living so close to so much FAMILY as well!! I have loved this. Growing up in Hawaii my family did not see extended family very often. So holidays were not celebrated with grandparents and aunts and uncles. But my kids are experiencing the holidays (and every day life) in a totally different way. I am very grateful for that.

Day #303 - Friends for Jojo

Now that school has been going Joseph tends to rule our house again. This mostly means that he watches more tv. He does preschool three days a week. But outside of that and soccer, he just bums around the house and does his own thing. I am so grateful whenever we can get him together with a friend. The minute he has a friend his toys become new and fun again and he seems so much happier.

Day #302 - Priorities

I have had a hard time prioritizing lately. I have been running a little ragged mostly because I feel tied to a pretty busy schedule (running my kids around too much!). Tonight Joel and I had planned to attend the temple, but it seemed impossible to get the kids to all of their activities along with the temple. So. . . we did something we rarely do. We skipped our girls dance class in SLC. I hate wasting money like that. But it was the right decision and I felt so relieved once we made the choice. Joel and I were able to breathe a lot easier going into the temple tonight and our kids were able to take a much needed break. I really need to do this kind of thing more often.

Day #301 - People who built me up and cheered me on

Looking back at my time growing up in Laie, I feel grateful for people who built me up and cheered me on along the way. I feel like so much of who I am today is because of those great people and their positive influence. I am not sure if I am making any sense, but I remember multiple times where I was doing good things or making the right choice and someone recognized that and cheered me on. There were so many opportunities given to me by supportive adults to sing and perform. Those experiences gave me confidence and brought me so much joy. I can also remember countless thank you notes and compliments after those performances. Looking back I realize how lucky I was to have so much loving support around me. These were people in my schools, my community, my ward and my family. Many of these supportive people were my friends' parents. Thinking about this really makes me want to be a cheerleader for the young people around me.

Day #300 - Home Delivery!

This morning Eryn called me into the bathroom where she was cathing. She could not get her catheter in and she was very frustrated. The catheter she was using had blood on the end, so I knew something wasn't right. I remembered that last time we were in to urology our nurse practitioner told us that she was concerned about how hard Eryn had to push to get her catheter in. Sometimes scar tissue can form and the hole can close or get smaller. So she sent us home with two smaller sized catheters, just in case. I was so grateful we had those. I pulled one out and it worked like a charm! Phew. I was having visions of hours in the ER and with Joel gone to Colorado for two days, I didn't want to deal with any drama.

While Eryn was at school, though I knew that I had to figure out her new sized catheter situation. So I called urology and explained my predicament. They helped me order new supplies by middle of the day. But I was skeptical that we would actually be able to get the supplies the same day. How would she be able to cath after school and at bedtime?? After school we ended up using one of Lily's tiny catheters. Thankfully that worked. So then we got word that the catheters were going to be delivered that evening. I got a call around 9pm saying that they were on their way. By 9:30 they had arrived! I was so grateful I didn't have to travel all over the valley today to pick up Eryn's new catheters. Now what do I do with all of her other catheters? We have probably 20 boxes of them!!

Day #299 - Christmas Music

Today we started rehearsing Christmas music in ward choir. I love Christmas music! It seems silly that we would start practicing now, but we only practice about three times a month. That doesn't leave us much time to prepare for our big Christmas Program. I am excited about the choices I have made so far. One of my favorites we will be singing is called "Room in the Inn." Here are some of the words:

"That night there was no room in the inn. This night may there be room within, within my heart for Him."

Day #298 - Love notes from my children

Eryn brought this home from school today. These notes just melt me. I love you too, Eryn.

Day #297 - Little Moments

Life is full of so many little moments that bring you so much joy. Those little moments can outweigh days or even weeks of bad things. I live for these moments! It is hard to capture all of these moments with a camera, but I was able to catch two recently.

Whenever I go to pick Lily up from Lila's they are in the middle of something fun. This day they were sitting up to the piano and singing together. This was a very sweet moment for me. I am so glad that I could capture it.
I took a walk with my sisters and all of the little kids one morning. Emily was pushing Jojo and I was pushing Lily at the time. While we were visiting, Emily told me to look down and this is what I saw. My two children holding hands so sweetly.

Day #296 - The Target Pharmacist

Joel sent me on a mission to the Target Pharmacy today. We had about $100 left to spend on our Flex Spending card and the money would basically disappear the next day if I didn't find something to spend it on. So I picked up some extra prescriptions for Lily, but they didn't have enough of the product to spend all of my money. So I told the pharmacist my predicament and he was so helpful! He came out from behind the counter and brought up front a bunch of choices for me of things that might qualify under our plan. He checked every item on his register, then helped me choose and calculate what would bring me to the perfect amount! He totally made my day. Now I just have to figure out what to do with all of the hot packs and first aid kits I bought. :)

Day #295 - Joel's Family

I love and appreciate Joel's family so much. I feel very blessed by his parents, siblings and extended family. Joel's parents are good examples to me. Both live and love the gospel and always put people first. They are loving parents and grandparents. Both know and love our children and extend that love regularly to us. Joel's siblings and their spouses are all good, kind and fun to be around. I enjoy spending time with each of them (we miss Rob and Abi who live so far away now!). Joel's extended family have always reached out to me and to our family. I love Joel's grandparents! His Grandma Luisa is one of my favorite people. She left a great legacy of faith for her posterity. Joel's Grandma and Grandpa Anderson have always extended love to me, even when Joel and I first started dating. I feel lucky and blessed to have married into such a great family.

Day #294 - Lily's soft heart (and good example)

I took a picture of this moment today because I thought it was so sweet. Lily can't stand to see anyone cry (even pretend cry). She immediately feels compassion for the person and will say, "I'm so sorry. Don't cry." Our little friend Ella got a soccer ball kicked in her nose during a soccer game and had to sit out a while till she felt better. She came off of the field bawling with tears streaming down her face. I felt so bad for her. It must have really hurt. Lily was playing on the grass and looked up at her with concern. She begged to sit on my lap next to her. Then she asked to sit on her lap and give her a hug, hoping to make her feel better. Poor Ella did continue to sob here and there, but I think it did help a little.

Day #293 - Family

Joel and Jojo have been in Texas the past few days, traveling for Joel's work. They were able to spend some time with my parents and my brother's family. Yesterday was my nephew, Ammon's missionary farewell. I feel so grateful that Joel was able to be present for this event. Joel, my dad, my brother Mike, and Ammon sang in a quartet together during the church meeting. I wish that I could have been there to hear them sing!

Day #292 - Miss Wheel Chair Competition

Lily and her friend Missy who received the title "Litttle Miss Sunshine."

A friend of ours participated in the Ms. Wheelchair Competition last night. Lily, Anna, Eryn and I were able to go and support her for a portion of the night (Lily didn't last). I honestly didn't know what to expect. But I was impressed with everything. The whole event is so positive. I was especially inspired by each contestant's platform statement. I want Lily to know and live each of these. Maybe I will put some of them up in her room.

Your life isn't over when you can't walk or talk anymore. Spreading happiness starts with a smile. Celebrating Abilities. Gratitude - Attitude. You Can. Where there's a "Wheel," there's a way. I can make (or be) in a better world. My favorite: *** Stand tall with your Voice*** Be grateful for where God has placed you in life. There are two choices in life - laugh or cry. I chose to laugh! The Ability within your Personal Disability. Love to live, live to love. Gratitude is art.

The following came from the Jr. Wheelzz Contestants: After a Hurricane comes a Rainbow. Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon. There is Beauty all Around. We are all the same and nobody is different. I'm as strong as a Stallion. Always Believe in Yourself.

I am so grateful that there are so many great examples out there for Lily to follow on her journey!