Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion (Elder Cook)

He tells a story of when he was on his mission in England.

He gives advice on how to keep ourselves in "ship shape".

Elder Cook

A Substitute Primary Teacher's Story

I like this video.  Wait a few seconds after you click on the link, and the video will start:

A Substitute Primary Teacher's Story 

Kacey McCallister -- No legs.

I met him when he was on his mission!

He is a great guy -- very friendly and determined.

Watch this YouTube video with him talking about his life and the challenges he has faced.

Kacey McCallister

At the end of the video it gives this link to a web site for or about him.

His web site for Rise Up

"Good Morning Beautiful" (song by Steve Holy)

I like this song.

I like the video.  It shows the fun and laughter that can be had between a man and a woman.  : )

Enjoy!

Good Morning Beautiful

"I am a Royal Princess" (song)

I really like this song.

I heard it earlier this year, in January at a Stake Relief Society Fireside.  A little 4-year old girl and her niece, sang it.

I found a website that has the song, sung by a little girl.  I think that the volume of the piano should have been turned down so that her little voice could be heard more clearly, but I still like the song well enough.

Here is a link to the website where you can download it, buy it OR just listen to it.  The song should start to play very soon after you click on the link below:

I am a Royal Princess 

JET.com  (a site perhaps similar to Amazon where you can Buy Diapers Cheaply!)

I went to a baby shower this morning.

One of the ladies there suggested that the "mother-to-be" check out JET.com to be able to buy diapers at a reasonably cheap price.   : )

I've never bought anything at this site, so I don't know if that is the case, but it probably is.

Try it out and see!

Click on the link below:

Jet .com 

Why the Church?  (Elder D. Todd Christofferson)

He explains why there needs to be a Church for people to attend, and why we need to belong to and attend the Church.

Click on link below:

Why the Church 

O Come All Ye Faithful

Carolers to various homes.

Enjoy the YouTube video below!

O Come All Ye Faithful

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

This is a family of dancers, dancing to this song.   : )

That must have been fun and a lot of work to have everyone learn the dance moves.

Enjoy!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Moses and Satan Meet after Moses saw and spoke with God

Here is the scriptural account of Moses:

Moses


Here is a video with Elder Jeffrey Holland telling the story of Moses seeing God and then Satan.

Moses, God, and Satan

"Juggling for the Complete Klutz" -- 3 bags and a book

Here's where you can get 3 juggling bags and a book telling how to juggle!

I love these bags.  They're great.  They're MUCH easier than balls, because they don't bounce when you drop them.

Juggling is a GREAT activity for kids and families.

It builds strength in the arms, and it helps with eye-hand coordination.

I highly recommend getting some of these.

Click on the link below.

Juggling Bags and Instruction Book 

Barriers are for Our Protection

I like the message of this October 2015 General Conference talk by Elder Von G. Keetch.

Click on the link below:

Blessed and Happy...

How NOT to Put an OIL FIRE Out

Here's a video by the SLOW Mo Guys on what NOT to do if you have an oil fire.

Show this video to your kids and tell them that if they have an oil fire, do NOT do this.

At the end of the video, they say to put a damp towel over the top of the pan, to put the fire out.

I also suggest calling 911 if it gets beyond your control.

Click on the link below:

An OIL FIRE

LOVE (by Sugarland)

Here's another one I've been wanting to post.

I really like this song.

Click on link below:

Love (by Sugarland)

WD My Cloud:  Kids (Commercial!)

I like this commercial.   : )  It's by Western Digital.

It's all about having kids.   : )

Click on the link below:

WD My Cloud: Kids Commercial

The Words (Christina Perri)

I like the sound of this song, and I also like the message -- that even though it might be scary to enter into a relationship, and "give your heart" to someone, you can do it.

And when you do, and you really give the relationship some effort (and even when you don't), that you might be pleasantly surprised -- that BOTH of you are really looking for the same thing, and you can't have what you want unless you both try each day to communicate with and love each other.

As my husband once told me, when I asked him, "What do you want to do?"....  He said....

"Try again tomorrow.".

Keep trying again and again.

Click on the link below:

The Words

I'm Gonna Love You Through It (Martina McBride)

My sister was 38 years old, with 3 kids, when she found out she had cancer -- just like the words in this song.

Click on the link below:

I'm Gonna Love You Through It

Mama's Song (by Carrie Underwood)

I've been abiding by a strict "dress code" here on my blog, however, there are some really good songs out there.

I found the "Joey and Rory" video where Joey sings "When I'm Gone", and I posted it yesterday because I like the message.

I love this song, and the message -- that she finds someone who her Mom hoped she would find, and that he is GOOD, and treats her the way she should be treated.

So......... this week, you might notice that I'm bending the rules a little bit, in order to let the GOOD shine through.   : )

Click on the link below:

Mama's Song

COUSINS (First Cousin, First Cousin Once Removed, etc...)

I always need to refer to a chart to figure out my relationship to someone!

Here's one I found via Google Images.  I find it easy to understand:

Cousin Chart

Joey and Rory

Here's a link to the Wikipedia page about Joey (the wife) and Rory (the husband).  They performed together, mainly with her singing and him playing the guitar.

Wikipedia Link 

She got cancer in 2014.  Right now, they are "just making her comfortable" as her days will soon come to an end, here on Earth.

First, I'll post a song, sung by Joey.  It's called, "When I'm Gone".

Click on link below:

When I'm Gone


Here's Mommy and daughter (Joey and her daughter, Indiana), before Joey's first chemotherapy treatment:

Joey and her little daughter

Coming Home

I like this song.

It's by Shawna Edwards.

Enjoy.

Coming Home

Savior, Redeemer of My Soul

Today at Church, I accompanied a guy who sang this song, and one of the ladies in our Ward accompanied him on her violin while he sang.

I went looking for the song on YouTube and found this version, sung by this lady, Sharon Hopkins.

I like her voice.

Enjoy!

Savior Redeemer of My Soul

Song -- The Miracle

My sister sent me the link to this song.

I like it.

Enjoy!

Click on the link below:

The Miracle

RELAX!  Keep a Sense of HUMOR!

In a family -- In life in general! -- we need to RELAX and keep a sense of humor!

Stuff happens.

Things go amiss.

Some days are jam-packed with things to do, all the way up until midnight.  Other days, we're able to go to bed by 9 p.m. or earlier.

Some days you feel GREAT!  Other days you don't.  You might feel like you want to run away to a place that doesn't require you to do anything!

So again -- relax and keep a sense of humor!

I have two videos for you.  Enjoy!

#1)  A Relaxation Video:

Breathe! Smile........ 

#2)  A Talking Guinea Pig:

Guinea Pig Interview

Brian McKnight & Sons

Hi!  I love Brian McKnight's voice.

This is him singing "The Star Spangled Banner" with his 2 sons.   : )

I love hearing family members singing together.  I like watching how they interact.

Enjoy!

Brian singing with his sons

"MEET THE MORMONS" Full Movie on YouTube!  Yay!

Hey!  You can give this link to your friends!  It's to the full "Meet the Mormons" movie on YouTube!

This movie has also been shown at the visitors' center near the temple here.  I'm guessing that other visitors' centers show it too.

I think it's a good movie to watch with your family.

I love the song, "Glorious" at the end.

Enjoy!

Meet the Mormons Movie

I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus

I plan to sing this song with a little boy, who will be singing "the Holy Ghost's part".   : )

I got the inspiration to do it that way.  I'll sing all the way up to "....the still small voice, saying...", and then he'll sing, "Love one another as Jesus loves you....", etc..., and each time the Holy Ghost's part comes, he'll sing what the Holy Ghost would say.

I think it'll sound really good that way.  I'm thankful for the inspiration.

All of the music people in our Ward had been asked by the music organizer, to perform something during Sacrament meeting in the upcoming months.

I said I would, and I got one of the other Ward organists to agree to accompany me.

Then I puzzled and puzzled over what to sing.

I am a serious ALTO -- meaning -- I really don't sing anything above the G above Middle C very well, so I need something that is pretty low on the scale, but I wasn't finding anything.

Sure, we could transpose a song, but that actually takes a lot of time, which I didn't want to spend.

Then the other morning, I thought about doing this song.  Then I thought about having a kid standing next to me, holding my hand.  Then I thought about a kid singing the Holy Ghost's part, and then I thought of a BOY singing the Holy Ghost's part.   : )

Two Sundays ago, during the Primary's Sacrament program, this one boy sang a song.  He is the music organizer's son.

This past Sunday, I asked his mother if she thought he would want to sing with me -- the Holy Ghost's part of the song.  She said that since he loved singing in the Primary program, that he would surely be happy to sing with me.

However -- they might be moving, so we'll see what happens.

In the meantime, I'm going to start practice singing the song and send the link to her so that her son can practice too -- just in case he can sing with me.   : )

I don't have a day planned to sing it yet, but she said that the beginning of December would probably work. 

Enjoy the song.

Click on the link below:

I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus

Joseph Smith's First Prayer/Vision

Because Joseph Smith prayed and because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and restored the gospel of Jesus Christ through him, we, as families can be sealed forever in one of the temples on the earth today.

I am thankful for Joseph Smith and his courage throughout his life.

I am thankful that Heavenly Father and Jesus restored the gospel to the earth.

There have been many artists who have depicted what it might have looked like when Joseph Smith went into the woods to ask Heavenly Father which church to join.

I like this FIRST sculpture because it shows the love that Heavenly Father has for Jesus, since his arm is around him as Jesus talks to Joseph.

Click on link below:

Joseph, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

This second sculpture I like because of the look on Heavenly Father's face as he is talking with Joseph.

Click on link below:

Joseph with Heavenly Father and Jesus



The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith

This link has his testimony as well as big pictures, depicting experiences in Joseph Smith's life:

Joseph Smith's Testimony

"IT WILL ALL WORK OUT"

(That is their family motto.  The title of her talk is "Yielding Our Hearts to God -- Sister Neill F. Marriott, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency)

This is Sister Marriott's talk.  (Yes -- she is related to the people who own the Marriott Centers and Hotels.)

My parents were serving a mission in Brazil (teaching piano lessons to members of the Church) when Brother Marriott (her husband) was the Mission President there!!!   : )  I remember my Mom telling me about their daughter's death.

I liked Sister Marriott's talk (which is from the October General Conference this year -- 2015).

Here is the link to listen to it (or to read it):

Yielding Our Hearts to God 

And here is the song she is referring to -- as sung by Deborah P. Kim.  I like this version of the song, and how Deborah sings it:

Have Thine Own Way, Lord

COOKING WITH HER GRANDMA

I do not speak Spanish (or any language similar to it), but I like this YouTube video.

I like learning how to make new and different foods -- especially home-made ones from other countries.

I have never had this dish before.

I think it's funny how the Grandmother says, "It's so simple to make, but my Grand-daughter wants to make a video.".

Yet -- As I was watching the video, I thought -- there's no way I'd be able to remember to do all of that!!

I liked the fact that the Grand-daughter wants to record her Grandmother making food, and that she obviously loves and respects her Grandmother.   : )

As the Grandmother is stirring the food in the TEFLON pan with a METAL spoon, it goes against everything I have ever learned!  Eeeek!  But I have to just try to ignore that.   : )

Enjoy!

Click on link below:

Chilaquiles

HERE is how she makes "vinegar".  In the video, she mentions "piloncillos", which is unprocessed brown sugar:

Making Home-made Vinegar

SATAN's "To-Do" LIST

Every single day, Satan's "To-Do" list includes:

Thwart
Confuse
Distract
Mislead
Discourage
Frighten
(Repeat)

Therefore -- PUT ON the "Whole Armour of God"!

This is one of my favorite scriptures below (Ephesians 6, in the New Testament), where Paul talks about why we need to do that:

The Whole Armour of God

People may not want God's help (because "they can do it on their own"), but they NEED His protection from unseen forces at work.  That protection comes from God when we believe in the truth and are walking on the right path WITH Him.

Teach your children not to be afraid, but to be AWARE that while here on earth, we will be tempted to do things that will lead us to unhappiness.  Those things might look, sound or feel enticing, but they will not lead us toward God.

We need to "hold on to the iron rod", which is the word of God, and obey His words.

In the Book of Mormon, Lehi tells his family about seeing a rod of iron that went along a path that lead to a beautiful tree (the Tree of Life) which has delicious fruit.

Many people were on the path to the tree, however, there a great mist of darkness arose, and many people lost their way and wandered off the path. Those who were clinging to the iron rod (the word of God) made it safely to the tree.

Lehi's story was an example of our journey toward God.  We must hold tightly to the Word of God (by studying and obeying) so that we don't get lost.

Here's the story in 1Nephi 8 (in the Book of Mormon):

The Tree of Life Vision (in the scriptures)

Here's a painting of "The Tree of Life".  I like it because to me, it focuses on my journey to The Tree of Life, and not on what anyone else is doing.

Painting of The Tree of Life 

Do You Want the Earth to be HAPPY?   : )
 
We hear a LOT about people wanting things to be "CLEAN" and "PURE", and we hear about the damage to the atmosphere, and how we should take care of the earth.

The EARTH herself, has spoken, and said what pains her.

In the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 7:48-49, read what the Earth says.

Teach your children that if they would like to contribute to the Earth's "well-being", that they should repent early and often and strive to obey God's commandments.

We will all make mistakes, daily, but as long as we are on the right path, and our goals, thoughts and deeds are good, we will be helping the Earth to be happy.   : ) 

Click on the link below and go to Moses 7:48-49:

The Earth

MARRIAGE FOREVER is the Ultimate Goal

If eternal marriage, personal happiness, and always doing good things are your goals, then read on.   : )

This subject below is p............... -- pictures that should not be viewed.

Viewing p................. is like every day, placing little pre-set bombs everywhere in your home, in your car, in your pocket, but then always resetting the time that they will go off, before they go off.

However, one day, being human, you'll forget to reset them, and like it or not, they'll explode, just like they're meant to do.

You reap what you sow.

People don't learn anything from viewing p.............., and they do not grow spiritually or intellectually.  No.  Quite the contrary.

They lose everything -- self-respect, discipline & relationships.

It is not normal, healthy behavior.  There is nothing positive about it.

It is isolating.

It is harmful.

It harms the people who are photographed.

It harms individuals and families.

When two people marry, the hopes and expectations are high.......

If one of those two people engages in p................... the effects are ugly and deep.  The marriage begins to crumble.

If "discovered", the person might feel angry and/or embarrassed.

They may or may not stop their behavior.

If they DO stop their behavior and if they exert the necessary effort to not continue it, then they have hopped on the road back to a better life -- a life with God and, eventually, with a family of their own.

If they continue their behavior, they will FEEL that it is wrong, yet Satan and his angels will PULL them close to it so that the person does not want to look away.

They'll eventually be somewhere (spiritually and mentally), where they don't care what anyone wants them to do.  They'll do "whatever they want to".

They might have previously been able to detect Satan's influence in any place that they were.  They might have previously said, "Get me out of here!" when they entered a room or a building where they FELT that it was a place that they should not be.

Now -- they might say those same words ("Get me out of here.") when they are somewhere that the Holy Ghost's presence can be strongly felt (per a talk by Brad Wilcox Saved by Grace).

Perhaps one day, however, after the person has experienced enough difficulty, heartache and isolation, they will be ready to repent.

When that day finally comes, thankfully, they CAN repent.  Because of  Jesus's Atonement, we can return to our loving, merciful Heavenly Father if we repent.

(I have posted other videos here on my blog that talk about that.)

Nobody is perfect.  Our life here on earth will be full of mistakes and sin.  We must be humble enough to accept that we are not perfect, and admit our mistakes and sins when they happen.  Say your sorry when you forget to do something.  Tell your husband or wife, your kids, your friends, relatives, co-workers and strangers on the street, that you are sorry when you do something you shouldn't have done.  Repent early and often -- even daily.

When we do that, we can have (among many other wonderful things.....) happiness, and the hope of an eternal marriage with someone that we love, and who loves us.

Here's a link to an article written by Elder Oaks (one of the 12 Apostles).  He talks about p.......................:

Recovering from p.................. 

The Piano Guys

I'm not a huge fan of "The Piano Guys".  I lean more toward the sounds of Rhythm and Blues, Barry Manilow, Elton John and some of the stuff by The Beach Boys.

However -- if you or your kids like The Piano Guys, then you might enjoy watching this video, which is over an HOUR long, which might mean I'll have to watch it in segments, over a few days.   : )

They talk about having standards and sticking to them -- especially being in the music business.

Enjoy!

The Piano Guys Outside Interview 

Meet the Gilberts!  (He is the President of BYU-Idaho)

Cool!  I liked this video.  Some of the kids are interviewed, and it also shows some times when their family is together doing different things.

(When I first went to the web page, I got a message near my URL area near the top of my screen saying that I had an "outdated Adobe Flash plug-in", and did I want to "update now" -- I clicked on "Allow" and then "Allow Now", and I'll update it later.  Maybe your Adobe Flash is updated.  If so, then it'll show the picture of their family as a video to play, and you'll be able to play it right away.)   : )

Click on link below:

The Gilberts

A TESTIMONY OF JOSEPH SMITH

This is Brother Jayson Kunzler, speaking at a BYU-Idaho Devotional on October 20, 2015!

I know Brother Kunzler!!  So it was very cool to listen to him speak.

I loved his talk.  I thought it was really good.   : )

He talked about the importance of having a testimony of Joseph Smith.

Teach your children about Joseph Smith and the importance of his life in ours.

He sacrificed his life in order for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to be on the earth again -- along with all of the Priesthood keys and ordinances necessary for us to be able to return to live as families with Heavenly Father.   : )  Yay!

You can listen to Brother Kunzler's talk here:

Jayson Kunzler at BYU-Idaho Devotional 

Also -- if you would like to learn a LOT about Joseph Smith, then you can click on this next link, which takes you to "Teachings of Presidents of The Church:  Joseph Smith":

Teachings of the Prophet, Joseph Smith 

Enjoy!

SONG -- "A Strange Way to Save the World"

Heavenly Father works in "mysterious ways" indeed.

Teach your children about Jesus.   : )

I like this song by Rascal Flatts.

A Strange Way to Save the World

Blessing your Family Through Priesthood Ordinances

Here is a link to a LONG list of Priesthood ordinances performed with the proper authority and in the proper way.

When your children are born, they can be given a Priesthood Blessing.

When your children turn 8 years old, they are accountable for their actions, and they can be baptized and confirmed, and told to receive the Holy Ghost as their constant companion.

When your son or daughter turns 16, they can receive a Patriarchal Blessing from the Patriarch of the Stake.  It can be a blessing to them throughout their life, since it is recorded and then printed and mailed to them after the blessing has been given.

Then, there will be times when a family member might need a Priesthood blessing if they get sick or injured.

Staying a worthy Priesthood holder is such a blessing to not only you and your family, but to your friends and neighbors who might also need various blessings.

At this website, I like the pictures and the American Sign Language videos!

Click on the link below:

The Priesthood of God

WRITING ABOUT YOUR LIFE (or about someone else's life)

I thought this was great!

There are 52 Questions to answer (in 52 weeks -- 1 year).

It could help you write about your own life, your Dad's life, your Mom's life -- your Grandmother's, your Grandfather's or any friend's or relative's life!

Here is the link:

52 Questions in 52 Weeks
 

Song -- "The Other Day -- I Saw (met) A Bear"

This song came into my head tonight.   : )

My Mom used to sing it on a lot of different occasions, and I remember her teaching this song to the various groups of kids I was with, when I was young (and all the way through my teenage years).

These are the words my Mom would sing:

I'll highlight in pink the words which she would sing, which are different than the song which I will give the link to:

"The other day -- I saw a bear.  A great big bear -- a way up there.

The other day I saw a bear...... A great big bear a way up there.

(I don't remember singing the part about "He looked at me, I looked at him, but maybe my Mom sang those words too........)

He said to me -- You'd better run.... I see you ain't..... got any gun.

He said to me you'd better run......... I see you ain't got any gun.

And so I ran..... Away from there......... and right behind.... me was that bear....

And so I ran away from there....... and right behind me was that bear.

Ahead of me -- there was a tree -- A great big tree -- Oh lucky me!

Ahead of me there was a tree....... A great big tree, oh lucky me!

The nearest branch... was 10 feet up.  I'd have to jump....... and chance my luck......

The nearest branch was 10 feet up......... I'd have to jump and chance my luck.

And so I jumped, into the air -- and missed that branch -- a way up there.

And so I jumped into the air -- and missed that branch a way up there.

Now don't you fret -- and don't you frown -- I caught that branch -- on my way down.

Now don't you fret and don't you frown......... I caught that branch on my way down.

The moral of......... this story is..........  (I can't remember!)

The moral of this story is...........".  (I'll have to ask my Mom!)

Enjoy this version!  (It's almost just as good.)   : )

I Saw A Bear (song)

A Different Version of Amazing Grace

I liked this pretty well.  I felt it was good enough to post here.   : )

Enjoy.

Click on the link below:

Amazing Grace

Elder Rasband (new Apostle in the 12 Apostles)

(Side Note:  I found out via a "relative finder" that I am distantly related to Elder Rasband.  : )  He is my eighth cousin, but I have never met him.)

I am impressed with his relationship with his wife, and how he speaks so lovingly and admiringly of her.

Here is an article about him and his wife.

Click on link below:

Elder and Sister Rasband

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR

My friend and her husband sang this song as I accompanied them on the piano this past Sunday.

Her husband wrote the piano arrangement!

I'm glad he gave me permission to post it.

We recorded this the day before they sang (per the suggestion of my Mom, so she could hear it too, since she lives in another state).

Enjoy!

Click on the link below:

I Need Thee Every Hour

Missionary Packages

Here are a couple of sites for mailing care packages to missionaries.

The first one is for anywhere -- International or Stateside:


Dear Elder .com

This one is for International Packages:

My Missionary Shipping .com

FINDING WAYS TO DO THINGS

I have a friend who has no legs.  This guy's story reminds me a little bit of him.  He just DOES whatever he needs or wants to do.  He finds ways to accomplish a task.

Click on the link below:

Chris's Story

"I KNOW HE LIVES" -- Song

I like this song.

I was at Church waiting for Choir to start, and the Primary children of another Ward were in the Chapel rehearsing for their Primary program.

When I heard this song, I loved it and wanted to know the name of it and how I could get a copy of it.

While the kids were singing, I walked around to the side door, went in and as the kids continued to sing, I knelt by the piano player and I wrote down the name of the song, the name of the composer (Kamie Bolen) and the website (www.kamiebolen.com) where I could buy a copy!

Yay!  Success!

Today, I went to the site and bought a copy of it and printed it off!  Yay!

It was 9 pages, for $3.49.

If you are interested in getting this song for you and your children to sing, you can go to this link, and listen to most of the song to see if you like it.  Click the link, then scroll down to

“I Know He Lives” (Bonus Track) Sheet Music — $3.49

It's under the 5th picture down.  The picture is of Jesus with a child.  The words on the icon are "I know My Savior Lives", because that's the name of the Primary Program for 2015, but the song IS "I Know He Lives".

You can click on the pink-ish/purple-ish arrow underneath the words and listen to almost all of the song.

Click on the link below:

I Know He Lives 

I KNOW THAT MY SAVIOR LOVES ME

I like this song.   : )

Click on link below:

I know that my Savior loves me.

A VIDEO ABOUT BECOMING BETTER THAN WE ARE

I like this video.

Click below:

"Reflections"

A SUMMER WITH GREAT-AUNT ROSE

I like this story, told by Elder Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the recent General Women's Broadcast in October 2015.

Enjoy!

Great-Aunt Rose

SHERI DEW -- "Believers In Hollywood" (on BYUtv)

If you're looking for a worthwhile activity for Sunday, I think this is a good one -- to watch this video.

I liked the first and last interviews.

Michael Flaherty was the first and William Wallace was the 3rd and last interview.

They talked about how their belief in God has helped them along the way.

Yes -- there's a girl who Sheri interviews as well (interview number two), but I am not moved by her voice, so I skipped her interview.

Oh!  And you can click on the "cc" near the bottom of the video (to the right of the bar that ticks away the "time of the video") and turn off the captions.

Enjoy.   : )

Interviews with Sheri Dew

SHARPENING KNIVES

Hey!  Have this for a Family Home Evening Activity!

Teach your family how to sharpen a knife, using a variety of different items to sharpen it with.

This is a YouTube video of a guy showing you how to sharpen a knife using the edge of the top part of the glass of a partially rolled-down car window, or the bottom edge of a mug, or a nail file (the kind that have the sand-paper type of top and bottom), the top of another knife, or a smooth stone.   : )

Enjoy and Learn!

Sharpen a Knife

IT'S YOUR DECISION

Do what you want!

Remember -- If you DO good, you'll FEEL good.   : )

Here is a link (below) to Mormon .org to read about the beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I believe that we should obey the spirit of the law as we are choosing what to do.  The "letter" of the law is important, but the way in which we go about obeying the law is even more important.

https://www.mormon.org/beliefs

LEARNING HOW TO STAY SAFE AND CLEAN IN AN UNCLEAN WORLD

I liked this video.  It teaches what our feelings do, what our feelings are for, and what to do when you encounter pictures that should not be viewed.

Click on the link below:

Stay Safe and Happy

SONG -- "CHILDREN WILL LISTEN"

I just found this song!  I love it.

I hope you like it too.   : )

Enjoy.

Click on the link below:

"Children Will Listen" 

I HAVE TWO LINKS TO SHARE..........

The first link takes you two a "wedding album" of two lovebirds who just got married:

Shae & Steven...


The second link is to a blog of a couple who recently celebrated their 10th Wedding Anniversary.  Over the last few years, their family has endured many trials.

You can read about their life here:

The Moultons

One Couple's View of Marriage...

Read their thoughts and opinions at the link below:

"Why Marriage is Awesome"

Awwwwww...............

I like this picture of Elder Holland and his wife.

It's from Google Images, and came from Deseret News .com.

Click on the link below:

Elder Holland and His Wife

Husbands and Wives

I liked this talk by Linda K. Burton at the April 2015 General Conference.

Click on the link below:

"We'll Ascend Together"

Manilow Music Project

Howdy!

Long time no write, I know.

Hey -- I just learned about Barry Manilow's music project.  He is encouraging everyone to donate their old, no-longer-used instruments to the project -- or just donate some money.

Students in High schools and Jr. High schools (called Middle schools these days) benefit by being able to learn how to play an instrument.

He said that it changed his life when he joined the orchestra at his High School in Brooklyn, New York.

I encourage you to donate however you can!

Music and learning how to play an instrument helps children in so many different ways.

I learned to play the piano when I was young, and it helped me to "zone-out" and "calm-down" after school or after a rough day.  I'd go play the piano for an hour or two and come out a whole new teenager.

A happy teenager makes for a happy home.   : )

Here's the link to his site:

Manilow Music Project

Awwwwww.............. A Little Baby!

I liked this video.   : )

Enjoy.

Click on the link below:

Baby, Parents, Relatives...

Her Husband Died a Few Months After Their Son Died

I don't know which blog page is the best one to post here, but you can start here and then go all over her blog to read other posts about her son's death too.

This wife and mother (Lisa) lives with her 3 remaining boys in Australia.
She is a friend of a friend of mine.  Lisa just got "Mother of the Year" this year.   :)

This is her blog.  There are lots of pictures that help tell her story.

This post is from the day after her husband died.

Click on the link below:

Lisa's Blog

This is a link to the news story about her getting "Mother of the Year" there in Australia.  She filmed the segment on her phone when they aired it on television.

Click on the link below:

Mother of the Year

"Let Our Eternal Destiny Drive All of Our Decisions"

This talk is by Larry M. Gibson during the General Priesthood Session of General Conference earlier this month.  He isn't a General Authority.
He's just a regular member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   : )

I loved listening to his talk.  He seems like such a nice guy and a wonderful, loving father.

He talks about being a father.

He tells a couple of personal stories -- one from when he was a kid, and one from when his 2 boys were 12 and 13 years old.

In his talk, he says, "Let our eternal destiny drive all of our decisions.".

I thought that was a very good thing to remember.

I hope you enjoy his talk.

Click on the link below:

"Fatherhood -- Our Eternal Destiny"

Taxes............

April 15th is right around the corner.

Everyone's favorite time of year!

Make sure that with all of the time you and/or your spouse diligently spent earning the money necessary to support you and/or your family, that you TAKE THE TIME to file your taxes!

Here is a link to my friend's blog, where she tells how to get around to it whenever you get around to it.  Do NOT follow her suggestions!!!   : )

Enjoy!

Click on the link below:

Filing Taxes

The Song: At the Beginning..........

Donna Lewis and Richard Marx sing the song called, "At the Beginning".

I love this song.

I remember listening to this song a few years ago, and it was at a time when I was having a hard time (yet AGAIN) enjoying being married.  I wasn't sure I wanted to keep trying.........

It wasn't because of anything specific that had happened -- it's just marriage in general.  It ain't easy sometimes.

It takes a lot of effort to be happy -- especially if you're not trying very hard.   : )

Then I saw this video, and it breathed air back into my sails.  It gave me new hope that I can hold on a little longer.  (Hopefully a LOT longer!!)

It reminded me of what I have.  It reminded of how good my husband is -- as a person and toward me.

Enjoy.

Click on the link below:

At the Beginning

10 Simple Rules (and an Application) for Dating My Daughter...

LONG ago, I heard someone read the "10 Simple Rules for Dating My Daughter", followed by an "Application for Permission to Date My Daughter".

I loved them back then, and they're both still funny to me now!

I'm going to put a link to those two "documents".

When you click on the link, the rules are listed first, then scroll down a little bit.  Close to the left side, there will be an "Application for Permission to Date My Daughter".   : )

Enjoy both!

Click on the link below:

Rules and Application

MODEST Prom Dresses

When your daughter turns the age where she can go to the PROM, it might be a challenge to be able to find a decent dress for her to wear that Dad and Mom approve of.   : )

I found a place that has JUST the kind of dresses that Dad and Mom will approve of and which are elegant and pretty as well!

I thought I'd share the link to the web site.

Click on the link below:

Modest Prom Dresses

SIGN-ing With Your Baby!

Teach your baby sign language!!!

When my son was little, I was often VERY frustrated because I didn't know what he wanted and he couldn't say what he wanted either.

I specifically remember one day when he was sitting in his high chair in the middle of the kitchen.  He was mad and crying.  I walked away from him exasperated as I paced the floor and said loudly, "I'm sorry!!  I don't know what you want!".

I was SO frustrated.  I WISHED I knew what he was saying.

If I would have had access to a sign language program like the one available in this video below, I would have LOVED the results of being able to understand my son, and having him be able to communicate with me.

There are many programs available to help you teach your children sign language.  Which ever one you choose -- just do it!

They might not be able to sign back to you until they are six months old, but start as soon as their born if you want to!  Get them used to seeing the the signs.  They will learn it as sure as they will learn anything else.
Repetition is the key.

Best wishes to everyone as they work on communicating with their little ones.

Below is a 20 minute video about a signing program that helps your children learn how to communicate starting as young as 6 months old.

Enjoy!

Click on the link below:

Baby Signing


To order any of their DVDs, click on the link below:

Signing Time

The Boy Scout Oath -- GOOD Words to Live By!

I took the above picture!  I think it's great that someone made a big cement structure with the Scout Oath and the Scout Law on it.

Here is a good article (below) about the Scout Oath.

I think that all young boys and young men should participate in scouting!
What a great program it is!

Click on the link below:

On My Honor

Protect Your Family from the Harmful Effects of the Media

At General Conference in October 2003, Elder M. Russell Ballard gave this wonderful talk about protecting our families from the harmful, negative effects of the media.

There are no "policemen" on the "wires".  There is NOTHING standing in the way between harmful media and you and your children.

Anyone can view anything at anytime, anywhere.

That is about as brilliant as having no stop signs, no stoplights and no rules for vehicles on the road and no rules for airplanes in the sky.

As much as "the world" preaches that all food and water be "CLEAN" and "PURE", there sure aren't many TV shows and movies that can have those labels attached to them.

There are a lot of really great words that describe behaviors or character traits that should be employed by us more often -- every day:

BE:  honest; decent; generous; uplifting; self-disciplined; ashamed and repentant (when necessary); trustworthy; honorable; cheerful; positive; forgiving; calm; reverent; respectful; helpful............

I like Elder Ballard's talk.  Near the end, he gives seven helpful suggestions for reducing the negative effects of the media in your home.

Click on the link below:

Let Our Voices Be Heard

How to Treat a Girl

Teach your young boys and young men how to treat girls.

Teach them to be kind to them -- to open doors for them -- to smile at them -- to help them.

I like this video that I found.

An interviewer is talking to some young boys.

Enjoy.

Click on the link below:

Young Boys Being Interviewed

Teach Your Children To Pray for Help and to Express Gratitude to Their Heavenly Father

Sorry for the long title!

Teach your children to keep in close contact with their Heavenly Father.

There's a scripture:  Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.".

He is powerful, merciful, helpful, and able to do mighty miracles for us each day.

We need His help in order to do great things -- greater things than we could do on our own.

Thank Him every day for all that you have.

I like this video.  It shows us times when we can (or should) turn to God.

Click on the link below:

Prayer

When It's Time for the Kids to Leave the Nest

Although we believe that families are forever, we know that while we are living here on Earth, our children won't live in our home forever!

Therefore, they need to learn some sort of skill and become motivated to do something that they are passionate about.

Quite often, it's a challenge (as a teenager), to decide what to do to earn money for a living.

And sometimes, there is no internal motivation nor outside support.

Today, I watched a documentary about a program that I thought was a wonderful tool to help kids get some excellent training to be able to find work to support themselves and their families.

Here's the first link.  It's to the BYU-TV documentary.

Click on the link below:

Documentary


This second link is to the website that talks about the program that helps the kids.

Click on the link below:

Naskarz Program


The third link is to the page on their website that also gives the link to the documentary.

Click on the link below:

The Naskarz Link to the Documentary


Enjoy!

The Family Is of God

Below is a link to the sheet music for a song that was written by
Matthew Neeley.

It's called, "The Family Is of God".

Sometime down the road, I might record myself playing it on the piano, but for now, I'll just share the link to the two pages of sheet music, and if you play the piano, then you can print it and play it.   : )

When you go there, it'll have both pages of the sheet music with a link beneath each page that says, "(click to view larger)".  I recommend that you right click on those words for each page and choose "Open link in new tab" so that you can easily return to the original page you were on.

Enjoy!

Click on the link below:

The Family Is of God