Another candle on the cake...

I was sitting next to my neighbor Karen last Sunday at church. I don't remember how we got on the subject of the new Tree of Life Sculpture Garden. Karen knew the next day was my birthday, so she invited me to go to Thanksgiving Point to see the exhibit. 

The sun was shining and it was a perfect November day.

"The Tree of Life sculpture garden, is a stunning new exhibit in the Ashton Gardens. Featuring 130 life-sized statues, The Tree of Life embodies eternal themes like hope, redemption, and personal transformation, all centered around humanity’s love for Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Created by world-renowned artist and sculptor Angela Johnson, The Tree of Life vividly portrays Lehi’s Vision from the Book of Mormon."

"The Tree of Life is more than just an art exhibit—it’s a transformative experience that resonates with visitors of all backgrounds. This beautifully designed space encourages spiritual reflection, while the detailed craftsmanship of the sculptures brings the iconic story from the Book of Mormon to life in a visually stunning way."

Karen and I took turns reading from an app that acts as a personal guide, offering detailed information and insight into each sculpture. As we walked the pathways and viewed each scene, I was moved to tears. I felt the love of my Savior. I enjoyed sharing this experience with Karen.

The Tree of Life weighs 25,000 pounds. I want to come back at night when the gardens are all lit up. The project took about eight years to complete. It really is breathtakingly beautiful. 

Inside this bowl was the most delicious pumpkin soup I've ever tasted. Karen treated me to lunch at one of her favorite restaurant in Provo. Taste is a charming place and they even make their own signature chocolate. The hot chocolate was out of this world! 

All I ever want for my birthday is to be with my family. But I secretly hoped we would have shrimp poke bowls for dinner! They were delicious and so was the soup. So much thanks to Mark, Tiff, and my Grands for a lovely evening. We even got to play Yahtzee and Grahm got three Yahtzee's!

My sweet Colby made me a birthday cake and it was yummy!

The next day my aides brought muffins and flowers. Then they all stopped by my office to wish me a Happy Birthday. I didn't get a picture of all of them but they sure are good people!

Monday before we went to Mark and Tiffani's, two of my neighbors, Joan and Rhonda stopped by. They had no idea that I like BBQ chips and Diet Coke... and chocolate too! Imagine my surprise when I saw this package! Joan said, "How can you go wrong with BBQ chips and Diet Coke!"

Then the next day my friend Beckie invited me to have lunch with her. We had the most savory pumpkin Pad Thai soup at Pique Thai in Highland. It doesn't matter how much time passes since we have been together, we just pick up where we left off. She's a brave and sweet friend.

I'm so grateful for the cards, text, and thoughtful gifts. I am blessed. Another candle on the cake isn't so bad when you are surrounded by people you love. 

Foundation of Faith...

Tim and I sat behind a family in church awhile ago that had 7 children… 2 girls and 5 boys just like my family. The parents did their best to keep the children quiet while trying to listen to the talks that were given. I thought of my own parents who took us to church every Sunday. We would pick up Grandma Federer and drive the ten or so miles to town. We were always dressed in our Sunday best. The only time we missed Sunday services was when there was a blizzard!

 I know Sunday mornings were a struggle to get us all dressed, fed, and out the door so we could make it to church on time. I also know we didn’t always sit quietly and listen. But I still remember Bible verses and songs from Sunday School.. “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Seeing that family in church was a reminder of how very thankful I am for the foundation of faith that my parents gave me. (I know I've posted this before but it felt important to share it again).

My family is not perfect, we have had our share of loss, divorce, poor health, and all the other ups and downs that come along in life. But I'm grateful for parents who sacrificed and did their best to give us a foundation of faith. I love my family.

Raising Unicorns...

I took a few screen shots while listening to Mark's Raising Unicorns pod cast. He talked with Shane about tactics with ad strategies. They are the tactics that they use at Harmon Brothers marketing, one of Mark's clients. I thought Mark was brilliant! He has really evolved the last fifteen years. He's intelligent, works hard, and I'm proud of the success he's had with marketing and sales. Well done Mark! 

That million dollar smile!