[baby shower bliss]

.celebrating life.

.the lovely new mommy.








.family . friends . food.

.it can't get much better than this.

.thank you kate for welcoming us to your incredible home.

.the first time new grandma.









oh, there is nothing like having a baby!
to experience childbirth for the first time is a once in a lifetime event that is unlike any other!
.i am a little bit jealous i have to admit, if i could only hit rewind.
the pure miracle is absolutely remarkable!
.that sweet little spirit you helped create.
.the emotions.
.the bond.

we're so excited for you sis!
good luck and best wishes with you and your new little family!

[self portrait]

okay maria, this picture is for you!

maria started self portrait sunday
she encourages all the women out there, like herself who are always "behind the camera" or who generally dislike their own photo to find ones they like and/or have more taken of themselves.

.our posterity will thank us later.

i think this is a beautiful idea & i completely agree with her...
i don't have very many photos of myself either.


as for my sunday spiritual spruce-up, prayer has been coming up a lot in my mind & heart lately.
i feel like i am being prompted to share this with you today.
no matter what religion we belong to or don't belong to, there is always prayer.
our lives and our world are full of so many obstacles.
i cannot fathom my life or my family's existence without hope, prayer, repentance and eternity.
i think i would be scared and depressed every single day by all the doom and gloom that surrounds us without my knowledge of the gospel.
may this be an enlightenment.

.the first verse of a favorite hymn.

Ere you left your room this morning, Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Savior, Did you sue for loving favor As a shield today?
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary, Don't forget to pray.

Did you think to Pray?


after visiting the church's website i was quickly reminded that june's ensign theme is all about prayer.
the first presidency's message is entitled, Prayer and the Blue Horizon, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

here are a few quotes i loved:

Prayer is one of the principles of the gospel that provides lift. Prayer has the power to elevate us from our worldly cares, to lift us up through clouds of despair and darkness into a bright and clear horizon.

One of the greatest blessings and privileges and opportunities we have as children of our Heavenly Father is that we can communicate with Him. We can speak to Him of our life experiences, trials, and blessings. We can listen for and receive celestial guidance from the Holy Spirit. We can offer our petitions to heaven and receive an assurance that our prayers have been heard and that He will answer them as a loving and wise Father.

Prayer, if given in faith, is acceptable to God at all times. If you ever feel you cannot pray, that is the time you definitely need to pray, exercising faith. entire article

. say a prayer today . be comforted .

[bridal head band]

. love . love .

[father's day gifts idea 2]

.here are two more last minute father's day gift ideas if you are still looking.

if the man or men in your life happens to be an engineer or computer geek
or simply enjoys a fun game this is right up their road!

i hear it's a hit with their friends too.
the scrumptious dudes that they are supposedly gather around in the office during "lunch" to play a quick game!

i wandered into Barnes & Noble and was able to pick a couple up.
discovery toys makes this game too; but i believe you have to place an order for it, unless your consultant has an extra.

now if they happen to appreciate "the arts" this book is really beautiful!

i purchased the grandmother's edition last year for my mom & she loved it (some of you will remember my posting).

i looked at this one while browsing through the bookstore and loved it.
my local barnes and noble still had quite a few.
make it easy on yourself and call before you head out...
they may be sold out :)

good luck!

[father's day gift idea]

last father's day my girls and i made these fun little paper weights from kaboose
for sam and our grandpas (papa rocks)!

it was a fun, easy, interactive & inexpensive craft for us to do together.
the girls thought it totally rocked!

.here's how to make them.