Monday, July 14, 2014

Treasure #28- SUMMER

As a teacher I really look forward to the 2 months I have off- that is my time to get all of my "projects" done. . .although I never do get them all done, it is fun to have the time to get some done and come up with others =]

This summer my project that I have begun and finished were 12 x 12 canvas collages of Daniel and I for every year we've been married.  We will add new ones at the end of each year and it will be like a Downs Family timeline.

Here's how I did it:

First- I designed a collage of each year we were married- some years I was better at getting photos taken then others, so I had to beg around to get some-




Second- I sent these prints off to persnicketyprints.com They had them printed 20 minutes after I uploaded them and in the mail.  I got them the next day!  I was glad that I had purchased 7 canvses at JoAnn's before hand so I could get right to it =]


Next was the putting together bit:

 All the needed ingredients to make these awesome canvas pictures!  Wahoo!


 Smooth modge podge all over the canvas top.  Nice and smooth and even.

 Place the picture on top of the sticky surface and make sure it's even with your canvas.

 I flipped mine over to make sure that the picture would stick to the surface really well.

 And then added some weights on the back to make sure that it had some good pressure to stick.


 After you let it dry about 20 minutes then you need to add a layer of modge podge on top of the pic to seal it.  Don't worry it will dry clear.

Then this is what it looks like when they are all dry and ready to go up. . . =]




TA DA!  All done and up. . .now to make it look even on the wall I need December to be here. . .but I shall be patient!

Super fun. . .and I really love it.  Daniel asked what we will do when we have more years. . .well.. . I hope it's a long timeline that we can have throughout our house.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Treasure #27- Roses




My sweet Daniel bought me roses in celebration of our being together for 8 years.  I love how these have stripes in them.  Aren't they gorgeous?  I also took these pics with my new camera. . .pretty cool.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Treasure #26- RAIN


I have always loved RAIN!! I was the companion who walked the streets of GA without an umbrella.  I love walking in it, dancing in it, and yes even singing in it!  I don't really know what it is that I love so much about it.  Well, that's not entirely true- I do love the smell of RAIN!!
I love how it's makes things clean and fresh!  I love getting soaked to the bone and just enjoying it drizzle down my face.  Maybe it's because I am from the desert and so rain is a rare and beautiful thing . . . I love the RAIN!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Revamp of the Treasures =]

Okay- so when I first planned to start this blog I had every intention of finding something to take a pic of every day and write how it is a treasure in my life.  I have noticed however that sometimes I am just feeling the pressure- just wanting to check it off my list and I don't feel that everything is as genuine and sincere as I like.  Due to this I am no longer giving myself the daily task.  I want this to be meaningful and insightful to those I love.
So some new stipulations are that NOT every post has to have pictures, and does NOT have to happen daily.
Having said that. . .I feel better about things =]

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Treasure #25- Game Night

Photo courtesy of White House Photography
For the past couple of months Daniel and I have been inviting people to our house for an adult only night of games.  Games are a great way to break the ice and get to know other people.   Our first night we had 2 couples show up, and my sweet baby sister.  This time we had three couples show up and my sweet baby sister.  We have really learned to look forward to game night.  The real problem is if we get too many people there it will be too big for us to all play the same game, but that should be okay, right?  My great grandma and grandma used to say "Where there is heart room, there is house room."  Well, Dan and I have plenty of heart room- so I suppose everyone will fit.
Let me know if you wanna come- loads of fun and I'm a yellow so you know how important that is to me =]

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Treasure #24- Japan

Today we went to the Japanese Festival that they have downtown every year.  This year was different in two ways- 1- it was rainy pretty much the whole time and so it wasn't crowded like usual.  2- my new sis in-law who is new to America from Japan was there.  We went into the Buddha shrine and sat there for a moment.




 Oh, and there were hi-chews there- ABSOLUTE treasure!!!  If you haven't had a chance to try these they are like a star-burst- but better- they last longer and are chewier.

This Kanji says great mercy.   I think we all need great mercy.  I have loved what I have learned and continue to learn about this great culture.  I love that it is something that makes Daniel unique and that he is proud of his heritage!

Friday, April 25, 2014

Treasure #23- Bowling

Tonight we were going to go to the tulip festival!  I've always wanted to go, but unfortunately the weather was against those plans. . .so we went bowling instead.  SO FUN!  Now we went to The All-Star lanes which is actually kind of a rip off but we had fun anyway!


The thing I find as a real treasure is that it doesn't manner how well you bowl it is ALWAYS fun!!!  I was the loser of the night but it didn't damper my spirits, it was so fun to just throw a heavy ball at helpless little pins at the end of the alley.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Treasure #22- Medicine


I have been going to FANTASTIC chiropractor for a few months now.  Although I don't really like it when I'm on these homeopathic drops, I know that I am in good hands.  The drops themselves are not a problem- it's that I can't have any chocolate while on them (caffeine neutralizes the drops).
Dr. Trent Burrup is amazing.  I have appreciated him helping me get my body into balance and help me on my journey to better health and helping me get to where I need to be.
I am REALLY grateful that the things that he prescribes are natural and has amazing research to back it up.  He also uses acupuncture, cupping, massage, color therapy, and etc.  Love what his whole staff does to help me stay healthy and keep healthy.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Treasure #21- Clouds





Completly different look from yesterday's pics, wouldn't you say?  Amazing the difference a night can make, and a little bit of rain, huh?
This year I worked with my first graders in learning the different types of clouds and what the different kinds indicate.  It was one of my favorite units this year.  We learned about cirrus (the whispy ones that don't really have a shape), cumulus (the puffy ones) and stratus (the ones that are thin and look similar to a blanket).
I think a sunrise looks more stunning if it rises through clouds. That could be turned into an analogy, but it will have to wait for another day.  Clouds are really quiet fascinating.  One of the people I work with said "It is amazing how when you learn about one thing how it opens the whole world to you."  I love that about my job.  I am learning about the same intersting things as my littles are.  LOVE IT!!
One of my favorite singers Mindy Gledhill did a remake of a song called Both Sides Now and I love how it ties into clouds:

"Both Sides Now"

Both Sides Now
Both Sides Now
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way
But now they only block the sun
They rain and they snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way
But now it's just another show
And you leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away
I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love
Really don't know love at all
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way
Oh but now old friends they're acting strange
And they shake their heads
And they tell me that I've changed
Well something's lost but something's gained
In living every day
I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life
I really don't know life at all
Both Sides Now
Both Sides Now

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Treasure #20- Wind



I remember as a little girl, on Sundays inparticular, going outside when it was windy and letting the wind blow strong against me.  I mention Sundays because I really liked being out in the wind when I had a dress on.
Today would have been one of those kind of days for me if I were still a child.  We had a south wind come in today which means that it was still a very warm day.
I remember my daddy telling me that he was grateful for the wind when I was younger.  It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me then, but as he explained I understood a little bit more.  He talked about how it worked to clean the earth and blow away the dead and unnecessary items away.  I saw SO many tumble weeds on my drive home, as a matter of fact if I hadn't been driving I would have snapped a pic of fence that had so many tumble weeds up against it, it made me laugh.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Treasure #19- DONUTS

No pic yet. . . it will be coming

Okay, so if you know me at all you KNOW that I LOVE donuts.  We just finished our annual BEAT THE TEACH competition at the Jr High and I WON this year.  My first time winning EVER and I get 2 dozen donuts.
Is ther a difference in how you spell donuts, donettes, doughnuts.  Does a different spelling indicate a different kind of delectable?
Post more later. . . .

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Treasure #18- The Book of Mormon


This book is AWESOME!  If you haven't read it- sincerely and with real motive to learn- you NEED to!  There are a lot of skeptics out there, rightly so, but if they haven't truly put it to the test they aren't the best ones to listen to, right?
THE BOOK OF MORMON is Another Testament of Jesus Christ, that works along side the Bible to prove that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
I did not gain my testimony of The Book of Mormon in any "miraculous way" as some others may have.  I knew ever since I was young that it was true.  I took the challenge in Moroni 10:4-5:  "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."  I was a teenager and I was expecting some overpowering feeling to come over me and the thought came to mind You already know it is true.  That was all I needed.
I don't know how many times I've read through The Book of Mormon, as a matter of fact it is the only book I can think of that I have read more than once, and because I do I know that my Father in Heaven Loves Me!!!  I learn so many new and interesting things about His gospel- but mostly about His plan for Me and what He needs me to do to be more like Him.  This is one way I keep communication open between Deity and myself!
So many miracles have come from reading these pages that I cannot and will not deny the truthfulness of it's words!

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Treasure #17- Temples



Yet again, another fantastic way to celebrate Easter!!  Daniel and I have a goal of going to the temple 2 times a month.  Here is time #1 for the month of April.  We went to the Jordan River Temple and then snapped some pick of us, because I was feeling cute and had on a fun Easter skirt (not that you can see it in these pics =])
This is a place I can always come and feel true peace and calm.  In the world we live in today that is enough, however, there are other reasons I like to come here, to the TEMPLE!  A place I can feel the spirit, commune with the Lord, gain understanding in the plan of salvation, and gain understanding of HIS plan for ME!  

Friday, April 18, 2014

Treasure #16- Jesus Christ



Daniel and I went to Temple Square to look at the Christus with my sisters and their families and all my nieces and a nephew.  Spring is my favorite season of the year.
It was such a sweet experience to witness these littles as they saw a huge statue of a man they have already begun to have a relationship with.
Many may think that children younger then 5 or so are not intelligent or mature enough to have a relationship with someone they have never "seen" before, but I BEG to differ!  As each of these littles came up and looked at a replica of JESUS, someone they have met, they know, and they understand.
I am grateful for HIS life, HIS atonement, HIS sacrifice, HIS relationship, HIS understanding, HIS mercy, HIS justice, HIS grace.  #Becauseofhim everything that is good and true is possible!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Treasure #15- My little Littles


This gate is a treasure, but the real treasure is the company that is coming when it gets put up!  I had a niece and nephew come visit this week.  They always make Daniel and I laugh and long to have children of our own.  We love it when they come to visit.  Tomorrow we get to see even more of our little littles that we love.
Children are definitely a treasure. I love those related to me more than others, but I am blessed to be in a career where I get to work with littles every day!  The joy and happiness that come from being around innocent and excited souls is a major blessing and natural high for me!
So thanks for the visit MY LITTLES!  We love every minute we spend with you and look forward to many more!

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Treasure #14- Laughter


Kurlayna was given this really cool gift in the hospital to help her LAUGH through her recovery.  Inside this little egg there is a button to push- out comes the contagious LAUGHTER of a young child.  You could be little johnny rain-cloud and hear this and immediately join in the rip roarin' LAUGHTER!  I love how a good belly LAUGH can totally change everything around you instantaneously! This has been the perfect thing to help Kurlayna find LAUGHTER at times that it was difficult, and I confess it brightened my spirits as well!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Treasure #13- Commandments


I saw this at church on Sunday and got a picture of it today while I was at YW.  People who say that there are too many RULES or COMMANDMENTS to follow in the gospel make me laugh!  The first square says "I hat being confined by this fence!  I'm jumping over it!"  Isn't it interesting how the very things that protect us we fight against!
The true way to true happiness is obedience to the COMMANDMENTS that Heavenly Father has given us!  He wants to help us become our very best selves and He knows that their are somethings that are just not worth messing with!

Monday, April 14, 2014

Treasure #12- HOME



Dorothy had it right when she said "There is no place like HOME, there is no place like HOME!"   My little sister came home tonight!  As you can see she is happy and well.  It isn't that the people at hospitals don't take care of you- it's just not HOME, the place where you know where things are, things you can do. . .etc.
I have always loved being HOME- whether I am talking about the little house on what was Sunny Brook Drive, or the homes that Daniel and I have made together.  It is the place where I can completely relax and enjoy!
Ahh, HOME!

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Treasure #11- Change


I love how the only thing in life that is CONSTANT is CHANGE!!  We had quite a change in our ward today.  Some bishopric members got moved/changed which affected Daniel's calling.  He has been the "Venture Leader"in scouts since June- he has loved working with the boys, but has not been a fan of the scouting end of it all. Today he was put in as the 1st counselor in the Young Men's Presidency and will be sad not to work with the priests, but is excited that his main focus is that of the spirituality of the boys he works with.
I enjoy new experiences, new opportunities for growth, new friends all of which generally result from some kind of CHANGE!  I love how in the church that it is not ALWAYS the same people doing everything, all of us get new experinces to work with new people, learn new skills and talents, and have our chance to fill important leadship roles and know that one day you will be back to a different kind of leadership role.   CHANGE is good!  Love it!

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Treasure #10- Sacrafice

Today I spent most of the day with little nieces and nephews.  They are loads of fun.  However, it came time for us to head northward again.
Our good friends joined us when we went to sit with my little sister in the hospital.  When we arrived there were already 2 young ladies there hanging out with her and having a good time.  As a concerned sister that was trying to get up to be with her, it was a relief that someone besides family would take time out of their busy schedule to come up and spend time with her.
As we were there she was greeted by my Aunt Camille, Uncle Don, and Dear Sweet Grandpa.  What a sacrifice for them to come down from Layton to check in on her.
Giving of one's self and time is such a treasure!  I cannot say enough about how good it is! She also had some other ward friends and family friends stop by as well as our oldest sister!
People really are incredible when they put their mind to it!

Grandpa Holt with Kurlayna

Friday, April 11, 2014

Treasure #9- New Adventures

I was driving when this treasure came about so there is no pic. Maybe I will take one on the new adventures when I go there again.
My father, Daniel, and I traveled to Salina together to watch my niece's play.  We took Mountain View Corridor all the way to Lehi.  Dad had never been that way and it's a good route because we are so far west. When we got through Saratoga Springs we jumped on to Pioneer Crossing, a new road for Daniel and I.
I like to try new routes and see new scenery, learn new things, meet new people.  I have been raised by parents who like to know multiple ways to solve problems in life and I appreciate the spice in life that new brings!

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Treasure #8- Prayer + Answers= MIRACLES

Today while running to and fro I felt the Lord was totally on my side and making things happen for me in a timely manner!  You see, my little sister was hit by a car last night at about 8:30 in the evening.  As soon as I heard I knelt down with Daniel and prayed that she would be comforted and be at peace. So after hearing what hospital they were taking her to, Daniel and I rushed to go and see her.  Luckily she didn't have any head, back, or neck injuries.  She was HOWEVER, in immense pain.  The investigation is still taking place, but they figured the driver was going about 45 MPH.  She went flying through the air, and I know that angels were right there with her.  She ended up with a broken knee.  Miraculous for such a harsh event!


So as I am out and about today I just realized that my time today is VERY precious because I need to be in multiple places at a time. One place, of course, was by the side of my sweet little sister who is dealing with uncertainty and pain.  So as I continue to say many little prayers in my heart the Lord continued to deliver.  As soon as school was out I got done what needed to be done.  Then I ran to Wal*Mart for an errand for another sister- slick and easy hardly any time at all.  I had a chiropractor appointment at 5 but stopped by the office early in hopes they could fit me in a bit earlier.  Sure enough, somebody had ended up canceling their time.  Then I rushed to pick up a little something and some fun balloons to brighten up her day and her room.  As I was driving I kept thinking I got time, I got time.  This will all work out!   As I pull into the hospital parking lot I say a little prayer about how I need to get as close to the building as possible so that I can get in and out quickly.  So as I turn the corner to the nearest portion of parking sure enough RIGHT THERE!  So I thanked Father in Heaven, pulled in and hustled inside.  Quick loves and best wishes delivered!
I had a play I needed to rush home to so I hop in the car and have a little prayer in my heart that the lights can cooperate so that I can get home timely. . .SURE ENOUGH!!
He hears and answers prayers.  We made it to the show on time and it was well done!  I love days that are full of productivity! But even more, I love them when they are full of productivity because the Lord makes it happen and I totally recognize it!  I love all MIRACLES- none of them are small to me!  They still happen people- multiple times in a day, just gotta be lookin' for 'em!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Treasure #7- Giving


So, as you can see I look a bit dorky in this picture. . . but that is okay :) Today was a friend's birthday. . . not just any friend, but a new kindred spirit friend that I work with in the Young Women's organization in our ward. . .
Anyway, I think it is a real treasure to give, and it doesn't have to be "a thing,"  TIME is a great to give, as a matter of fact that is probably the best thing to give, because it really is so precious and shows someone that you are truly invested.
It was really fun for me to walk around the store and think "What to get for H, what to get for H?"  Then, when everything started coming together I felt that it would be simple but touching :).  I got her flowers, a card that was perfect for her and 3 balloons.  Balloons have become my newest I-wanna-feel-like-a-kid-again splurge!  So watch out, if you are having a special day and I know about it, you may get ballooned :)

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Treasure #6- Faith


On my way to work this morning I started thinking about what my treasure could be.  As I was looking around, and being very conscience of my driving with those around, the sun was just popping up over the mountains.  So I thought, The sun is a great treasure it could be used in so many different ways.  When I get to the next STOP light I will snap a pic.  I got their and the light turned green, so I thought  next light, alas, same thing.  I thought this at every light and then when I finally got a red light, I couldn't see it.  The whole time however I kept thinking about how the Lord is completely in control of these lights and He must have wanted me to get a really good view of the sun, just keep being obedient and keep going.
 When I taught the lesson on Faith in Young Women's a few weeks ago, we talked about how faith is believing, being obedient, and endure.  Believe, Obey, Endure.  Most people think enduring is the tough part, but I think it is the OBEY part.  That is the real test of faith isn't it?  To see if no matter what happens we will do what the Lord has asked of us, if we will obey!
  So when I finally got to park the picture was the perfect thing- of course!  Sometimes the timing of what we are dealing with isn't exactly what we thought it should be- but if we do our part it will be PERFECT for us!  Exactly what the Lord needs for us to be the people He needs us to be!  I love it when I get to share prayers answered!  He is so GOOD!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Treasure #5- Children's literature



I love a good wholesome read.  Something that takes imagination and skill to come up with.  If it is written much above a 6th grade reading level it usually is too high for me :) I love the small things in books that make them magical and exciting.  I love silly authors' like Dr. Seuss, or fantastical writers like Brandon Mull- just to name a couple.
Fantasy is by far my favorite genre- I usually can't get enough, but I have found real treasures in each genre type.
The joy of someone using their imagination to take you somewhere, and the joy of using your imagination to get there!  I love reading good wholesome literature!