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 =]

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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. . . .

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!

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!  

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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 :)

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!

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!

Treasure #4- Modern Day Prophets

What a priceless treasure.  Having modern day prophets to teach us the LORD'S  way, not what society thinks is right or science. . .but what the Lord has said is right.  He who knows all and He is willing to share all of that with us if we live according to the laws and ordinances that He gives us.  I loved listening to all their insights this weekend.  I REALLY love it when they are BOLD and come right out and say exactly what needs to be said- cut and dried.
The Lord loves us enough to give us modern day revelation and PERSONAL revelation!  The heavens are not closed but are open!  AND I LOVE IT!!

Treasure #3- Histories

 My mother is a wise and inspired woman!!  She has always taught me the importance of Family History.  She would actually take me to the family history center in Richfield when I was young.  She would be on the big microfiche machines and I would be busy hiding under a table eating animal crackers watching her, or the little tv/radio that we had.
  I have never been a journal keeper.  I would do it for a month or so and then I would stop- fall out of the habit.  I have, however, kept what I call a "spiritual" journal since before my mission.  It's where I keep notes from general conference, firesides, sacrament meetings, etc.
  So mom made all of us a happenings journal with our names on them for Christmas and challenged us to right down the events of the days that come and go.  I have kept that challenge and even went back to the beginning of the year and  got all the events written down.  It has been a wonderful record and I REALLY look forward to recoding our history in it daily.
  Our stake has really encouraged us to become active in seeking out ancestors and getting their work done.  I have felt an urgency to not only find those that have gone before, but to ensure that our record is kept.
  The scriptures are a fantastic history that I read and gain understanding of who we are and what the Lord has planned for us!  In 2 Nephi 25:26 we read: And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we proohesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.  That is the whole purpose of histories kept, scripturally or family.  It all has to do with coming back to Christ and bringing as many of your loved ones with you as possible!

Treasure #2- RELATIONSHIPS

So you may be wondering why I have a Wookie for relationships. . . I was at a conference today and when I saw this I thought of my dear sweet Daniel.  Why you may ask, he can do the Chewbacca call and so I call him my little wookie.  He is my number one earthly relationship that I care most about!  A picture of him would probably be better- but this is what I had at the moment =]

Today Daniel an I also took TRAX to downtown.  It is fun to visit on the train and then not worry about parking.

  

We went downtown because it was my mission reunion.  A room full of important relationships from a decade ago.  I was in my 2nd area 10 years ago where I roomed with Sister Michelle Bready.  She and I became overwhelmingly close overwhelmingly fast!  We later were companions as well.  

And of course, there is President and Sister Smith.  Even if nobody else I was fond of came to the mission reunion I would go just to see them.  Our mission is very close.  Sisters in particular, President and Sister Smith are great people through and through who live what they believe and bless the lives of everyone they meet! 

Below are Elders that I served with, not for too long but got to know them a bit.  Funny thing is, they are friends with our dear friends the Dunns.  So we had to snap a pic of friends that know friends.

The keynote speaker of the conference today spoke on how technology is to bless our relationships.  This is what really matters- the treasure that is eternal.  Someone said to me the other day that they were too busy for friends.  I hurt for them- friends and family and the knowledge you gain here is all that you can take with you.  I hope that I can keep my focus on matters of eternity- people are all that matter!

Treasure #1- Technology

  I love Technology!  Always have and always will!  My career choice is the perfect blend of everything that I love: literature, technology, littles (what I affectionatley call children), and teaching. . but not just any teaching. . .I get to teach my above mentioned passions together.

  Today, a minor but happy miracle of technology was the COOL pen that was in our bag. When I first started writing with this today I was SO excited to see that it wasn't your typical run of the mill ball point- this thing is loaded with FINE ink.

  Technology is anything that helps us in accomplishing a task and this pen really helped me rememeber things I heard, felt, and believed today!

  I also learned how to scan QR codes in the fun contest there.  Thanks UCET for making this a fun learning environment!

  I really enjoyed my first day at the UCET conference- I look forward to tomorrow and the treasures I will find there!  (@ucet)

Hidden Treasures All Around

  I have been wanting to share the treasures I find every day for a while now.  I atteneded a conference today, and while the keynote speaker was addressing us so many thoughts and insights began flooding my mind.

  He, Dean Shareski (@shareski) said he started taking a picture everyday of something that made him WONDER. . . 
  I have been praying for direction in how to be the educator every dreams of having, to REALLY enjoy my job, even in March and April.  Let's be honest educators- the kids are sick of you and you are pretty close to being sick of them in return.  Heavenly Father knew what I needed to hear today.
  Dean talked about Planning For Joy  and here are some steps/suggestions he gave *WONDER*  *BE INTERSTING/INTERESTED* *SHARE* *HAVE GRATITUDE* *JUST DO IT*  Following his direction and insight and the promptings I recieved today brings about this, MY LIVING TREASURE CHEST!

  So, here you will find my little trail of wonderings and interests.  Feel free to follow along, but this is mostly to preserve who I am for those I love now, and in the future!

So my new pair of glasses represent looking at life with new eyes.  Looking for moments of wonder, inspiration, interest, and sharing it with gratitude!  Just doin' it!