for the principle of obedience

Last summer we drove through the desert to my parents' house in Sundance, Utah for a visit. Because of repairs being made to the main road, we were detoured onto a temporary road that we had never traveled before. It was late at night and so dark outside as we made our way along this small, two lane road that wound through the Indian reservations of Arizona. The car was silent, as everyone slept but me, the driver. This unfamiliar road had many twists and turns, with only my small headlights to light the way. I remember being grateful for the signs I saw, warning of turns or dips ahead. I was grateful for the posted speed limit that kept my family traveling at a safe speed. As I had never driven this particular road before, and because I could not see beyond my own headlights, I didn't know what dangers might lay ahead. But I knew that if I followed the signs and obeyed the laws, I would arrive at my destination safely. I think about this experience often, and I was reminded of it again during my church meetings this morning.

I believe that Heavenly Father has given us signs that warn us of danger ahead. He has given us speed limits. He has given us laws, and if we follow His safety precautions, we will return to Him. Because I have never traveled this road of my life before, I am not aware of the dangers that lay ahead. But because my Heavenly Father loves me (and you), He has shown me (and you) the way to travel with safety. I know that if I follow His laws, I will arrive at my destination intact. That is not to say that there won't be turns or dips or detours along the way. Surely there will be bumps in my road. But my Heavenly Father will help me to navigate them if I will follow Him.

I am thankful for His laws that keep me safe, and for the desire to obey them. For I know that it is through obedience to His laws that blessings come.

for the Christmas season

Elliot crawled into my bed early this morning, long before anyone else was awake, and sweetly asked if we could read books in front of the Christmas tree. I couldn't say no to that, no matter how early it was. So we plugged in the tree lights, found all of our Christmas books in the bookshelf, and hunkered down on the couch together. It was wonderful. I am thankful that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in our little house. It really is a magical time of year.

p.s. This is my favorite Christmas children's book.

for a day off

This day was just what we needed. Just our little family, all together, all day long. We slept in. We went to the park. We went out for hamburgers. We picked up a Christmas tree! It was a great day. I am thankful for my family, that we enjoy each other's company, and for days spent together.

for doing hard things

Mike and I ran a 10k race this morning. I am thankful that my legs didn't buckle during mile 5, when I was fairly certain that they would. I am thankful for a husband who ran with me and pushed me to go faster when I didn't think I could. It was hard, but I am thankful that I can do hard things.

Happy Thanksgiving!

for Him

It's not quite Thanksgiving, but the Christmas season has already begun. It's easy to get caught up in the gift buying, the decorating, the planning, and the stress that comes with this time of year. But this little video reminds us of the real gift of Christmas: Jesus Christ.

My faith is simple. I know that Jesus Christ lived on the earth, that He lives now, and that He will come again. I know that it is only through His infinite atonement that I can be forgiven when I make a mistake, that I can be with my family after this life, and that I can see my Heavenly Father again. It is my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior that gives me direction and purpose. It gives me hope and peace. All things are possible because of Him. I am thankful for this knowledge, knowledge that came bit by bit, warm feeling by warm feeling, truth by truth. I hope this season we can all discover and embrace the real gift of Christmas.

But first, have a happy Thanksgiving!

for a successful Christmas card photoshoot

But really, I should be most grateful for Mike's photoshopping skills, because obviously these pictures will require quite a bit of work to make them Christmas card worthy. I can't wait to see the final product!

I'm happy we've taken a Christmas card photo every year of our marriage. It is fun to see the progression of our family over the years. We've come such a long way. I was just organizing a basement closet and came across our very first (very ridiculous) card. I'll have to share it here. It is still one of my favorites.

for a morning with Stella

Stella has been feeling out of sorts for the past few days, so I let her stay home from school. She was an excellent companion during my big pre-Thanksgiving grocery trip. Usually I look forward to grocery shopping alone while Elliot is at preschool, but today I am thankful for the time I got to spend just with my Stella. And now we are ready to roast a turkey and bake some pies. Hooray!

for Sunday dinners

Every Sunday we go to Mike's parents' house for dinner and it is usually the highlight of our week. Mike's parents are easy going and generous. They are accepting and so kind. Living near them is one of our biggest blessings. I am thankful for them, for the love they have always shown to me, and for their willingness to feed my children each week.

for running

Mike and I still run together three or four times a week. I know I've said it before, but I never in a million years thought that I'd become a runner. I like that it gets me outside and gets my blood pumping. Pushing myself physically is rewarding (both for my physical and mental state). I am a happier and more balanced person because I run. But my favorite part about it is that Mike and I can do it together. It is easily one of the best things we've ever done for our relationship. I am thankful for these short legs of mine that have carried me many many miles over the past few years, and for the time I get to spend with Mike while I am doing it. And besides, I realized during this morning's run along the canal that the canals in our town look their best (and should probably only be viewed) in the half light of an early dawn. It was a beautiful morning.

for good schools and even better bus drivers

This morning I drove Mabel and Oliver to their bus stop (which is exactly two blocks from our house) because they were too cold to ride their scooters (it was a frigid 58 degrees outside). As we waited in the car for the bus to come, I thought about how lucky we are to send them to a public school that is so well suited to their abilities and interests. And then the bus pulled up and I realized that what I am most grateful for today is Mr. B, their stalwart bus driver, who sings to them each Friday (sometimes in costume, almost always in his strong operatic voice), who loves them and takes such sincere interest in them.

for Christmas music

Two radio stations here in Arizona have already started playing Christmas music 24 hours a day. I wish you could have seen the look on my kids' faces when we happened upon that happy news last week. We can't get enough of it! At home, I've been listening to the Lower Lights Sing Noel on repeat. Their version of The First Noel and A Cradle in Bethlehem are so beautiful. I have found that listening to Christmas music (particularly the religious kind) only enhances my feeling of gratitude this Thanksgiving season. And so I am grateful for it, for the joy it brings to my children, and for the Spirit it brings to my home.

for the youth program at church

Now that Mabel is 12, she is eligible to participate in the youth program at church. That makes me so happy for her. More than anything else, the program is designed to help young people gain a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that if their faith in the Savior is secure, then they will be better able to handle the temptations and struggles that come to us all, but particularly to young people. Every Wednesday night they have an activity (I snapped this photo on Mabel's way out the door tonight), and then they meet together again on Sunday during our regular meeting hours. I am thankful for this inspired program, and for the good leaders who so freely give of their time to help and teach Mabel and other kids like her all over the world.

for a morning alone

When I was little, my favorite book to check out from the library was Bear By Himself. It starts, "There are times when a bear has to be alone with himself, to think his own thoughts and sing his own songs. He must pause and enjoy: listening to the quiet, smelling the rain or talking to a river. . . As the evening deepens to darkness, there is his own friendly house to come home to with his books and his toys and his own soft bed. He feels the dark and sleeps -- and dreams."

Well, Elliot went off to preschool this morning. And my parents left for California with my nephew, David. I am alone. It feels good to think my own thoughts and sing my own songs for a little bit. I am thankful for this quiet morning by myself at home.

for a visit from my parents

My parents are in town for a quick visit, just long enough to give some hugs and to view some videos of silly baby Ben. In the morning they will take my nephew, David, home to California. I am thankful for a visit, even if it is a short one. The love I have always felt from them, and the love that I see them give to my children, feels like the most precious gift.

for temples

This morning, we attended the dedication of the Phoenix Arizona Temple, the fifth temple to be dedicated in our state. I am thankful for temples because through the covenants I have made there with Heavenly Father, my family can be sealed together forever. When I attend the temple, I feel peace. I feel light. It gives me the direction I need to face my life with the correct perspective.

for our Stella

Stella turns 7 tomorrow. We celebrated today with a little party with her cousins and a few friends. They played hide and go seek, ate corn dogs, and jumped on the trampoline. It was easy and fun. Stella is a list maker, a cuddler, a good reader, and a soft spoken but somehow still chatty little girl. She is a slow mover, an excellent dancer, and she has the kindest heart of anyone I know. I am so thankful to have sweet Stella in our family.

for family nearby

We went to the park behind our house yesterday afternoon and ran into some cousins. In matching shirts, no less! These three girls attend the same elementary school and it's like they have their own special little club. I love it! Next year, Elliot will start kindergarten with two of his favorite cousins. I love having family so close. It makes me sad that I will never live near my own sisters, but my sisters-in-law here in Arizona have become my best friends. We see each other often, and our kids all get along so well. I am so thankful to live near our family.

for the opportunity to serve

I've been thinking lately about my load. What am I choosing to place in my load? I am referring to Elder Bednar's talk, Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease, where he tells the story of a friend who drove his pickup truck into the mountains to find firewood. The man went a little too far off the road and his truck became stuck in the deep snow. Rather than sit and wait, the man proceeded to cut down firewood and fill the back of his truck. It was only after he had loaded his truck with the heavy wood that he had the traction he needed to get back on the road and safely home.

Elder Bednar says, "It was the load. It was the load of wood that provided the traction necessary for him to get out of the snow, to get back on the road, and to move forward. It was the load that enabled him to return to his family and his home. Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints. . . Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness."

To a certain extent, I believe, we can choose what goes into our load. Yes there are things like illness or the actions of others, or other trials that are out of our control. But there are many things that we choose to load ourselves with everyday. Elder Bednar teaches us that we need to ask these questions: "Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the straight and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?"

He says, "Because our individual load needs to generate spiritual traction, we should be careful to not haul around in our lives so many nice but unnecessary things that we are distracted and diverted from the things that truly matter most."

I feel like I'm sort of at a crossroads. All of my children will soon be in school all day long. I no longer have babies or toddlers to tend. My time is starting to become more of my own. And so I must choose how to spend that time. I must choose what load I am willing to carry. Am I choosing the things that will give me the traction I need to return to my Heavenly Father? Or am I choosing "nice but unnecessary things" that are serving only to distract me from what is most important. Things like blogging and home decor, or fretting about my wardrobe and my waistline come to mind. They are nice, but they shouldn't be monopolizing my load.

These thoughts have weighed heavily on my mind. I don't think I know all of the answers, but I have felt strongly that service for others needs to be more of a priority in my life. And I'm not talking about anything major. Things like watching a neighbor's children when her husband has been away for a week and she needs an hour to get her house back in order before his return. Bringing a friend dinner when she has recently undergone surgery. Getting to know a new neighbor at the park and helping her feel more at home here. Fulfilling my church calling. Basically, getting out of my own little life and being available to help those around me. Beyond that, even, seeking opportunities to serve those around me.

As I have sought these opportunities, they have come. This is what I know: service brings joy. It brings blessings. It brings me closer to Jesus Christ. I have seen this again and again. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve.


*photo of Elliot and my nephew, David, who is staying with us for the week while his mother endures the early stages of a very difficult pregnancy.

for the ability to create

I believe that the desire to create comes from our divine nature. We all have it within us, in some form or another. Some days I feel like baking, or maybe I want to sew. Other days I might want to write, or create order in a chaotic closet. For you, it might be something completely different! I believe that my life's work is to create a family and a home.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, "Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty. The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come."

Today I was sewing a skirt for my sister. It felt good to take the blank stretch of fabric and with precision and care, shape it into something she can wear. I am thankful for the opportunity, the desire, and the ability to create.

for being an American

Veteran's Day is one of those days that makes me really thankful to be an American. I believe that this country is great in large part because of the sacrifice of so many men and women in our armed forces. Look, I guess I can't say it any better than this:

"I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the man who died and gave that right to me. Cause there ain't no doubt, I love this land. God bless the USA!"

I hope you sang those lines and that they stick in your head for the rest of the day. :)


*photo of my Grampy Napa, when he was a pilot in the Navy at the tail end of WWII

for a cleaning schedule

That sounds so lame, I know, but I really am grateful for my housecleaning schedule. I think it is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I break my cleaning routine into a few days (bathrooms one day, dusting and vacuuming another, etc.), which makes it more bearable and much less stressful for me. I have a tendency to want to do either all of the cleaning or none of it. This helps me to manage it, and spreads it out through the week, keeping my house fairly clean all the time. I have learned that no matter how I feel that day, or how busy I am, if I stick to the schedule (even if that means just doing a quick job of it), life at home is better.

Monday in New York

Because walking for 10 hours a day wasn't enough, we decided to go running in Central Park on Monday morning. We ran the big loop, all around the perimeter of the park. It was really pretty (and a little hilly, and completely exhausting, too). If running isn't your thing, I would suggest renting bikes and taking a ride around the park. It is an experience you don't want to miss.

Our hotel was right above the Shake Shack in Times Square, so after our run we went back for lunch. It was just as good the second time. We tried their seasonal pear cobbler custard and it was delicious.

Next up was Washington Square Park, where Mike obviously perfected his blogger pose. This is a spot I'd never been to before, and I was looking forward to seeing that pretty arch in person. We walked through nearby Greenwich Village, window shopping, and enjoying the atmosphere.

That night, our last in the city, we decided to take ourselves on a little food tour. We started with pizza (the best of our trip), then noodles, then cheesecake, and ice cream, too.

Some final NYC notes:

We bought 7-day subway passes for $30. The subway is easy to navigate, and so convenient and safe. Before our trip, I read the helpful MTA website, and used their trip planner (and tips from my sister) to get from the airport to our hotel. Because we never had to be at a certain place at a certain time, it was no biggie if we accidentally hopped on the wrong train, or went in the wrong direction (which definitely happened a time or two). We did lots of walking, but lots and lots of subway riding, too.

New York City is unlike anywhere else! It is fast paced and exciting, and full of interesting people (and smells). We mostly felt very safe, and the New Yorkers we encountered were always so helpful and kind. We had a really great time.

Our biggest resources for this trip: my sister, Julianne, who lived there a few years ago, Naomi's NYC guides, my friend Ellen's recommendations, and Yelp. We definitely couldn't have done it without Yelp.

Thanks for indulging me with this epic recap. It was fun to relive it for a little bit.

for safety

This afternoon I met my brother halfway between his house in California and mine in Arizona (meaning: in the middle of the desert). Road trips always make me a little nervous, but this one was quick and easy and I returned home tonight in one piece. I am thankful for that (and for cruise control, too!).

for our neighborhood

When Mike and I first started looking at houses in Arizona, I was convinced that I wanted to be in the new part of town. Somewhere with brand new houses and lots of young families. Somewhere more like what we were leaving behind in California. But Mike kept driving me through the older, established part where he grew up. When we looked at a house on a whim that was in that older part of town, I was sold, and no one was more surprised than myself. I had such an overwhelming good feeling about it, we made an offer immediately. And here we are, 8 years later, still so happy with our decision.

Our ward held its annual Chili Cook-off tonight and the entire neighborhood showed up, just like they always do. It is so fun. I feel really lucky to live here, surrounded by wonderful, hard working, good people. It has been a great place to raise our family. I am thankful for our neighborhood.

for my Grammy

Everything my Grammy touches becomes more beautiful. Whether she is decorating her house, or tending her garden, sewing a blessing dress for a great granddaughter, or making dinner for a crowd, the result will be magazine worthy. I always think that if blogs had been around when she was a young mother, her's would have been the most-read of them all.

I love my grammy and I am thankful for the influence she has had in my life. She has shown me how to have confidence in myself, how to trust in my own aesthetic, and how to make something special out of nothing.

We are sending lots of prayers heavenward on her behalf today, as she struggles to wake from a coma in the hospital. I am thankful for her good doctors, and for the medical care she is receiving. There is so much to be thankful for, even during this difficult time.

Sunday in New York

Sunday was so good. It was a perfect, crisp, autumn-in-New York kind of day. We spent the morning walking around Central Park.

We exited the park on the Upper West Side, and explored a bit until it was time for church. Going to church on vacation has become one of my favorite things to do. I don't know if it is because I am out of my usual routine, and away from my own ward members whom I know so well, so my distractions are fewer, but I always come away from my meetings full to the brim with good feelings and spiritual revelation. It is easy to go to church at home every sunday because I am in the habit of going to church. But maybe it is because I am choosing to go to church, when I otherwise might not have to, that makes the difference. This Sunday was wonderful. The things I heard and felt at the Manhattan 1st Ward have stuck with me ever since. I am still mulling them around in my head and hope to share some thoughts here soon.

I decided that I could live on the Upper West Side, too. No problem.

We switched hotels this day, and our new ritzy room had a fantastic view. It was nice to watch the sun set on the city.

for a thoughtful husband

I've been feeling a bit under the weather today, so Mike picked up dinner on his way home from work. I'm pretty sure this is the quickest way to my heart. Feed my children without any work on my part? That's the ultimate gift. Tonight I am thankful for my thoughtful husband.

And now I'm going to bed. Good night.

Saturday in New York

On Saturday, I decided that I could very easily move to Brooklyn. In fact, we even found a lovely brownstone for sale. We'll take it!

It was a beautiful, bright, sunny morning and we spent it at the Brooklyn Flea Market at Fort Greene. It was exactly what I thought it would be: lots of hipsters hawking overpriced thrift store goods and pretty, delicate gold jewelry. I loved it! The highlight for me, though, was my toasted coconut Dough doughnut. After the flea market, we walked around Brooklyn a bit, admiring the quiet, shady streets.

Then it was back on the subway to Manhattan and the World Trade Center Memorial. I wasn't expecting to feel so emotional here, but I did. I found myself holding back tears as we approached the  beautiful fountain. It is really well done, and feels like a special, hallowed place. I'm so glad we were able to visit it. We didn't go into the museum, but we stayed on the grounds for a little while, enjoying the feeling there.

We had planned on visiting the Statue of Liberty while we were in town, but I didn't realize that we needed to reserve tickets in advance, and by the time I checked, there were no tickets up to the crown available during our stay. We could have still taken the ferry to Liberty Island and walked around the base of the statue, but we decided to view it from Battery Park at sunset instead. (It looks much bigger in real life.)

Then it was off to Chinatown. Dinner was at Prosperity Dumpling. It is probably the best deal in the city. Four humongous, delicious dumplings for a dollar. We loved the sesame pancake, too. What I wouldn't give for a plate of those dumplings right now! We tried Rice to Riches for dessert. I've never really had rice pudding before, and it was really delicious, but I don't think I need to try it again.

We were in the mood to walk, so instead of taking the subway back to the hotel, we walked. And walked. And walked. And perused the books at the Strand. And walked some more.

for naps

I don't why I always seem to forget this, but I am a much better mother and wife when I've taken a nap. Every day this week, Elliot and I have snuggled into my bed for a little rest after lunch. And I feel so much better! I am thankful for a life that allows naps. And for a little boy who still needs them.

Friday in New York

We started Friday in search of the Flatiron district. Happily, we bumped into Num Pang on our way. We tried their Five-Spice Glazed Pork Belly sandwich and grilled corn on the cob. They were both so fresh and interesting and delicious. We sort of regretted only getting one sandwich to share, but two doors down was Hill County Chicken, and we were saving room for pie. Feeling slightly irresponsible, we ordered a pie shake instead. So good! Great atmosphere there, too.

We snapped a few pics of the Flatiron Building and then proceeded to Fish's Eddy. I had been looking forward to this visit since my last trip to NYC, five years ago. I probably could have browsed here for hours. It is my dream store.

And then we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. This is a must, I think. It is so iconic, and there are great views of the city to see. It was a busy day, lots of tourists, but I wouldn't have missed it.

On the other side of the bridge is Dumbo. It is a fun place to explore. We walked around a bit, did some window shopping, then hopped on the subway back to Manhattan. We walked through Little Italy, part of Chinatown, and then into Soho.

Mike was a good sport and let me browse the pretty fabric and yarn at Purl Soho. He even posed in front of their fantastic fabric wall for me. We picked up some shiny red shoes for Stella at Pearl River Mart before nearly collapsing from exhaustion. What a day!

We ended the night at Shake Shack in Times Square. It is worthy of the hype. So good, and yes, I totally ignored the fact that I'd already had a shake that day and ordered a concrete. Didn't regret it, either.

for generous hearts

A woman down the street from me recently took in six foster children. I don't know this woman, but I have so much admiration for her, and for others like her, who open their homes to children in need. I am thankful for their generous hearts. Some of the ladies in my neighborhood rallied together and donated enough clothing and cash to outfit those six children for the winter. I was lucky to be the one who collected and sorted the donations and I was completely overwhelmed by the generosity that was shown to this family! Every time some cash or a box of clothes showed up on my doorstep, I was brought to tears. There is so much goodness in the world. Today I am thankful that I was able to witness some of it.

Thursday in New York

We managed to stay on Arizona time while we were in New York, so on Thursday, we woke up late. . . to pouring rain outside. We headed for the temple. It is a miracle that we were able to navigate the subway well that morning and we arrived just in time to make the 12:30 session. Only then did we realize that the next session didn't start until 2:00! If we'd arrived only a few minutes later, we would have had to wait for quite some time. This was definitely a favorite part of our trip for me. The temple is beautifully done, and of course such a refuge of peace in the middle of the bustling city. I felt very lucky to be able to spend a couple of hours there. If you go, make sure to check the schedule ahead of time, and sneak a peak of the pretty sealing rooms on the 6th floor, too!

We had skipped breakfast and our stomachs were rumbling by the time we finished our temple session, so we headed to Levain, of course. We split the dark chocolate chocolate chip cookie and it was worth every penny of it's $4 price tag.

Sweets aren't Mike's thing (I'll never understand it), so we tried Gray's Papaya for some hotdogs and juice. I loved their pina colada. And their hot dogs weren't bad, either.

That night the rain stopped, so we ventured out to Times Square. What a place! It was mobbed with tourists and the bright-as-noon-day lights. To get a view of the city, we went to the Top of the Rock. It was pricey ($28 per person), but the view was breathtaking. Lights as far as the eye could see!

We finished the day with a late dinner from the Halal Guys. This might have been our favorite meal of the whole trip. We split a platter (half gyro meat, half chicken, over rice). Oh, it was delicious! Then we picked up dessert empanadas to bring back to our hotel. It was a good day.