thinking back...

It was 25 years ago today that I was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, in sacrament meeting by my father. The day before, I stepped into the font in the Cardenas Ward building in Panama (the country) and was baptized by my father. It had been about 10 years since he had joined the church, so it was full circle for him. I remember how cold the water was and that we forgot my towel. My mom made me a beautiful white dress to wear that day but I had to wear one of those white jump suits for the actual baptism. I remember the warm feeling inside, feeling loved by my Heavenly Father. I know deep within that I made the right decision to be baptized then. I can't believe it's been 25 years. 25 more years of scripture study, prayer, church attendance, and serving in church callings. Next year, my daughter will have the opportunity to be baptized herself. And I hope that years from now, she too will know she made the right decision.

I served a mission and returned 10 years ago (as of next week) and I watched several people I taught get baptized. I've sat in the temple with a few of them. Some were there in the temple with me on my wedding day. I've had the privilege of seeing photos of them baptizing their children. That is when you know what you taught really stayed in their hearts, because they received it by the Holy Ghost. I know they know that they made the right decision. As I reflect on all of these things, my heart is filled with joy and I know that the Savior feels joy when he sees us making the right decisions. Have you ever thought of that? Being able to bring joy to the Savior. Sometimes I just think of the Garden. Today I am thinking about the joy.

An inspirational quote

The beginning of last week, I was reading through some conference talks and I came across a quote that I just can't get out of my mind.  Not that I want too.  I love this quote!  So I thought I would share it.

"In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things."

Sister Elaine Dalton

We, as women are always trying to overcome something.  Big or small.  Whether it's a trial, whether it's pushing ourselves to become better at something, whether it's just making it through the day.  There is always something.  I know with all of my heart, that with Heavenly Father by our side, we truly can do all things.  We can make it through all of the trials that he sends our way and endure all that he asks of us to endure.  He wants to be there to help us do it.  He doesn't expect us to do it on our own and he isn't going to ask us to do anything that we can't do.  Even when we feel like we can't.   During every stage of our life, there is going to be something to overcome.  Ten years from now, it will be something different than it is today.  Ten years from now, we will still have our Heavenly Father by our side, telling us that we can do it.  That we can do all things!

Cold Day Activity.

My friend gave me a great cooking with kids cookbook this weekend.  Yesterday, Stella and I just couldn't help ourselves.  We just had to try one of the recipes.     So we made...

Homemade Face Paint

It was so easy and fun to use.  We turned Stella into a butterfly.  I loved watching her pretend all afternoon to be just that.  This was a wonderful activity.  It makes plenty to use on another day, and it washes off beautifully.

The Recipe:

1/2 Cup Cornstarch

1/4 Cup Cold Cream(I used Ucerin Cream because I had that on hand)

1/4 C. cold water

Food coloring

Mix Cornstarch and Cream together until well blended.  Stir in water.  Then separate in to the bowls depending on how many colors you would like.  Add food coloring one drop at a time, and stir well.

I used a fine paint brush to paint her face.

You can store  the left overs in the fridge covered with saran wrap to be used again.

When you are ready to remove it, wash it gently off with a warm wash cloth.  I didn't even use soap, and it came right off.

I can't wait to paint up a new adventure.