This morning Craig and I are joining my parents, siblings plus amazing spouses and 7 nieces and nephews for a 5 night CRUISE!!!!!!! Who cares where it is going?! We are going to play, talk, laugh and don't forget EAT for 5 days and None of us have to bring a favorite goodie or clean up! AND none of the husbands are going to get that look in their eye that says..."let's go home."
There is one Very Sad thing. Our dearest friend, Jan, has been planning to join us for months but her health is preventing that. We miss you, Jan and love you so much. Get better, okay?

This morning during scripture study I discovered a few verses that beautifully describe feelings that are mine. Isn't that fun? Those type of scriptures always make my list of favorites.
Psalms 119:10 "With my whole heart have I sought thee:(I dare not say "my whole heart" but the desires are deep) O let me not wander from thy commandments.(yes! I do want so badly to keep the commandments) :11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,(by cherishing the scriptures, words of the living prophets and my covenants) that I might not sin against thee.(this is the hope~ perhaps these efforts will keep me from sin) :18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.(often I do see with eyes of understanding teachings in the scriptures that were once overlooked or mysterious) :10 I am a stranger in the earth:(so much happens on this earth that pains the sensitive soul. Life is not easy either to live nor watch others you love struggle) hide not thy commandments from me."(for I do really believe that by knowing the commandments I have a better chance of obeying them. It is a sorry life many live because they do not understand that there really are commandments from God. How grateful I am to know because then I have a better chance at obeying them. Sometimes I just want to call out...Do YOU have more commandments to give me because I need more direction!!)
Isn't it wonderful to read the scriptures and feel blessed? What a great way to begin the day.

Do you know that a SMILE can make everything better?
It has been proven that a smile actually increases the chances of happiness?
Here are some studies :
A DePauw University study shows that kids with weak smiles in childhood photographs are most likely to experience divorce and unhappy marriages in their middle age, according to a story in Scientific American.

Conversely, kids with big grins, as indicated by the crow's feet around their eyes, experience a divorce rate of only one in 20.

did you know

When your baby sees you smile, it causes chemicals to be released in her body, which makes her feel good. The chemicals (called opiates) also help your baby's brain to grow.

Endorphins are naturally released whenever we smile. Some people call it our natural happy drug because it calms you down, makes you feel good. It is the same one released whenever we exercise, and it is better at pain relief than any chemical that we can synthethically manufacture.

And Let's not forget the scriptures:
S.spiritually M.inded I.is L.life E.eternal
(2. Nephi 9:39)

SO
Let's SMILE!

September 11th

8 years ago today Craig and I were on a plane at the terminal ready for take off. It was the beginning of a dream vacation to Nauvoo, Illinois. Neither of us had ever been there. We yearned to see where our ancestors had built a city Beautiful and a Temple of Holiness. An announcement came from the Captain telling us to to disembark and leave all our carry on baggage.

We never boarded that plane again. Instead we gathered stories of a plane accident in New York City as we walked through the airport. Eventually we sat in our car in the parking lot listening to the news. Horrified we left our belongings at the airport (they would not be released until hours later) and drove home-Stunned-Worried-Anxious-Craving more information.

We were proud of the overwhelming Patriotism of America as its citizens rallied together. We were proud of the heroes. Our hearts are DEEPLY saddened for the loss of so many innocent peoples lives. We are proud that our military genius was able to capture/get rid of (to say it kindly) terrorist leaders and supporters.

We are proud to be Americans. We love this land and what is stands for (at least is SHOULD stand for).

Today we wear RED, WHITE and BLUE as we celebrate America's goodness by attending our favorite place---The LA County Fair

Vacation Highlights

We are back home after a 2 week vacation to see family and friends in Utah. Craig and I love to travel alone in the car together. We can talk and talk until there isn't anything pressing to say and then we love to listen to music. We have so much music! The background music of my blog gives a glimpse of some of our favorites.

Of the many and varied things that we did here are a few highlights:

1. We went to Back to School night with Makayla.

2. We visited with and helped Craig's mother. She doesn't get out much any more so it was good that we came and helped around the house and did some errands for her. Fortunately her sister and family live in the same time. They include her in their family doings often.

3. Thanksgiving Point has an amazing dinosaur museum which we all visited for the first time. I am sure glad to live on the earth when the animals aren't so big!

4. At last we dedicated Craig's dad's grave! He died over a year ago but every single time we have tried to do it something happens. First of all he couldn't be buried right after the funeral because it was scheduling. The first time we tried Mom couldn't remember where the plot was. The next time it Rained too hard. The next time ...ummm..don't remember. Anyway it is done and now WE can rest in peace.

5. MIRACLES!!! Joel and Lori's home sold...for the price they needed...in 2 business days the title was transferred...the new owners are allowing them to live in the home for FREE while they pack!....AND they are moving in with US!!! That is a LOT of miracles. Each of which we are very grateful for.

6. We stayed with dear friends on the way home. Reg and Sherrie graciously shared their Tuscany Villa (in St. George) with us. It was so comfortable there. They are tremendous hosts and great cooks. Really. We want to plan staying with them as our Destination not our mid-point stop.

7. Just a mile away from Reg and Sherrie are Jim and Nancy. The 6 of us were together 2 nights in a row for dinner and fun. When I say dinner I mean DELICIOUS dinners on beautiful plates with FUN people. We caught up on each others families, we laughed, we discussed politics and played games. These 2 couples have been our friends for longer than we feel old. Spending time with them has renewed our love and appreciation for them in our lives.

It was wonderful to get away and live a slower paced life for a while. Now we are home catching up on things AND getting the bedrooms ready for a cute little family to live.

SORRY NO PICTURES>>> HAVING TROUBLE