The greatest guarantor...

 

I believe the Spirit of the Holy Ghost is the greatest guarantor of inward peace in our unstable world. It can be more mind-expanding and can make us have a better sense of well-being than any chemical or other earthly substance. It will calm nerves; it will breathe peace to our souls. This Comforter can be with us as we seek to improve. It can function as a source of revelation to warn us of impending danger and also help keep us from making mistakes. It can enhance our natural senses so that we can see more clearly, hear more keenly, and remember what we should remember. It is a way of maximizing our happiness.

“The Spirit – the Holy Ghost – will help us work out our insecurities. For instance, it can help us learn to forgive. There comes a time when people must move on, seeking greater things rather than being consumed by the memory of some hurt or injustice. Dwelling constantly on past injuries is, by its nature, limiting to the Spirit. It does not promote peace.”

The Gift of the Holy Ghost—A Sure Compass
James E. Faust | General Conference, April 1989

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Leaves...

2014

This is a very happy memory of playing with Cash and Colby in the leaves. We did that every year when we still lived in Hidden Oaks. There were always lots leaves and the boys loved jumping in leaves and throwing them in the air. Grandpa always made it fun. This was also the week the Grey was born and we had Cash and Colby for a few days. We played in leaves and then took them to the hospital to meet their new brother. Such a special time... 

Cash, Grahm, and Grizz...

No more brace!

Cash is writing a tall tale for English class and I hear it's very good.

Grey and I were looking for Halloween costumes at Zurchers. We didn't find one he liked but we found one for Grahm. He's been telling me for weeks he wants to be a ninja turtle. It was on sale so how could I resist! He looks so cute! He also got a handsome hair cut from Mom.

And Grizzly is healing up nicely from his procedure.

All is well!

Thumbs up!

Christopher has had a lifelong dream of doing business in Asia. He has been working hard to make that dream come true. He's been in Indonesia again and thumbs up that everything comes together nicely for him! Be safe and stay out of the rain forest Chris!

Grand breakfast brunch for Grey...

Sunday we celebrated Grey with a grand brunch. We had breakfast burritos, sausage, sausage bites, bacon, waffles, Kneaders chunky cinnamon bread French toast, and fruit. Grey likes breakfast food and it was all very delicious! 

Grey also wanted Crumbl cookies for dessert. We sang Happy Birthday to this wonderful blued-eyed boy. I hope Grey's wish comes true and that he has a awesome year! 

Love you bunches Grey!

It is well...

One of my all time favorite hymns...

The song "It Is Well With My Soul" was written by a successful Christian lawyer Heratio Spafford. His only son died at age 4 in 1871. In 1872, the great Chicago fire wiped out his vast estate, made from a successful legal career. In 1873 he sent his wife and four daughters over to Europe on a summer trip on the ill fated SS Ville du Havre. Since he had a lot of work to do, he planned to follow them later. The ship sank and he lost his four daughters with the wife being the only survivor. She sent him a famous telegram which simply read, "SAVED ALONE...." On his return home, his law firm was burned down and the insurance company refused to pay him. They said "It's an Act of God." He had no money to pay for his house and no work, he also lost his house. Then while sitting and thinking what's happening to him, being a spiritual person, he wrote a song - "Whatever, my Lord, You have taught me to say - It is well, it is well with my soul."

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight
And the clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

Go in the strength you have...

And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

Judges 6:14 KJV

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

Judges 6:14 NIV

The one and only Grey Maxwell...

Happy 9th Birthday Grey!

Nine pictures of the sweetest boy!

The one and only Grey Max, we love you !

WHY do they have to hurry and grow UP???!!!

As always Grey waits patiently for his turn for a birthday date. He was born during my favorite time of year. October 22, 2014 was a memorable Fall because that's when Grey joined our family. 

It's hard to believe Grey will be nine years old! Grey is charming and often people will notice that. He has a kind and gentle heart. However, he can also hold his own against the big boys. He is thoughtful and thinks things through before making a decision. He doesn't like to be rushed! We had a wonderful birthday date and sleepover on Thursday.

I can't remember when green became his favorite color but I still smile when I think about him saying, "It's my favorite green." I hadn't planned on getting Grey a new coat but this one had his name written all over it!  

Grey wanted sushi and we had a delicious lunch at Red 8. He asked me how many sushi pieces I wanted! He had most of them and that was fine with me. 

Low sodium or regular soy sauce, it's a big decision!

Grey wanted to go to Boondocks but it's closed for some remodeling and they are adding a bowling alley. His second choice was Provo Beach but it didn't open until 3:00. So he was just as happy to go to Nickle City.

I took this picture because it shows Grey's gorgeous thick and wavy hair!

Back home, Grandpa and Grey played a few rounds of table air hockey.

Grey mentioned he wanted a Tamagotchi toy so I ordered up an R2D2 and a Jurassic Park version. I had never heard of the them. Tamagotchi is a handheld digital pet that was created in Japan. You have to feed them and clean up their poo! They also need playtime and Grey had already discovered other things about his Tamagotchi's! I think he likes his new pets. He has always liked toys that fit in his pocket! 

We watched a show and took turns reading a few books. Grey is a very good reader. It was a magical evening.

Then in the morning we had chocolate chippers, Grey loves pancakes!

Grey was kind enough to let take a few pictures in his new birthday clothes. He sure looks handsome. I will always cherish our birthday dates and I hope Grey can feel how much we enjoy spending time with him. 

We really adore this sweet boy.

Grey has my heart and I couldn't love him more! 

Happy Birthday Gus!

And really, WHY do they have to hurry and grow UP??!!