A Heart Full of Love

Life has been so full lately. I am grateful for the fullness of life, and that I get to soak in so much goodness and love on a daily basis. Sure there are hard times, challenges, and disappointments right along with the good stuff, but I would not know joy without sadness, or the good without the bad, right? 

I really have found greater peace in life as I allow myself to feel my real feelings, without fighting too much against them. If I feel sad, then I embrace sadness and cry. If I feel happy, then I embrace happiness and smile. If I feel frustrated, stressed, angry, happy, or sad, then I eat pumpkin cookies. (I am not even joking!) Hooray for pumpkin cookies, they solve so many problems! But only the soft top ones they make at Fred Meyer's; the other stores make imposter pumpkin cookies, so don't bother with them. 

Emotions and feelings are a part of life. Feeling feelings -- and working through them -- is a part of learning while we are here on earth. I am grateful for the spectrum of emotions, and that I get to experience them in their glorious variety. I am grateful that I can feel and think deeply, because it makes life worth living! (Hmmm... where are my pumpkin cookies....) ;) 

It was my Birthday on Saturday. I turned 39! I had a very nice day, with so many sweet Birthday wishes. I am so grateful for the love and kindness that others have shared with me. I so appreciate it! I really, really, do! Thank you! Thank you! I feel so loved by so many! It makes my heart feel all squishy! 

Here are some pictures from life... 

During one of our Come Follow Me home lessons, we sat and talked about the different areas of life that need attention: Physical, Spiritual, Social, Intellectual. We each wrote down ways we can improve in those areas. It was a good little exercise to do together as a family. I love connecting with my kids in such a way. 

I came across this quote on forgiving and I loved it... "forgiving is not something we do, but something we are."

Why is it so hard to forgive quickly sometimes? I love the thought that forgiving is not an action, but a state of mind and being. I recall another quote I saw somewhere that said something like, "I forgave today's offense yesterday."

We are in full-scale Cinderella mode around here. We live and breathe it! And we are loving it! It is such a beautiful and fun musical. I can't wait to see how it all comes together!

 Sammi has been studying her part with all her guts and glory.

 It will be MAGiCal!

The directors who put the musical together are phenomenal! I am in awe of their talent and abilities to pull off such a huge production!

It is so fun to see the progression!

Beautiful flowers!

Years ago I wrote a list of the qualities I hope to find in a companion. I recently asked myself if I would be worthy of such a man, based on my own qualities. I went down the list and asked if I could pass my own test! I wasn't trying to be too picky, but I wanted to consider some of the qualities that are meaningful to me...

I turned my list on myself, and I asked myself these questions...  

Am I kind and loving?
Do I love God above all else?
Am I understanding?
Am I wise?
Am I a righteous and faithful woman?
Am I worthy of a temple recommend?
Am I a good mother?
Am I strong?
Can I love a man as he is?
Could I help him become better?
Am I a good nurturer and provider for my family?
Do I know how to have fun?
Am I funny, silly, and do I enjoy humor?
Am I firm in the gospel?
Do I have an unwavering testimony?
Am I physically tough?
Do I love to exercise?
Am I thoughtful?
Do I love to talk and discuss topics deeply?
Do I have nice calming eyes?
Am I friendly with others?
Do I serve?

I certainly do not expect to attract someone of worth if I am not living up to my own expectations! Taking some time for introspection was really very helpful!  I recommend it to all who are dating, or hoping to have love in their life. Be the best YOU that you can be. Then whether or not you find love, life will be more beautiful!

 Henry had my phone, and he was having fun with it!

I love this quote... Honestly, I do not always feel kind, but I do want to be kind!


A beautiful walk by the river.

 Running. I still love it.

 I love to have snuggle time with my Henry.

Okay... SO... these are seriously so dangerously AMAZING! Red Velvet KitKats. Go to the store now, enter the Valentine aisle, and GET SOME! Oh my goodness! Yum!

 A Henry creation. So cute!

 Yep.. love this quote too! If you like to be around people who make mistakes, I am your woman! :)

On a foggy morning, I drove to the church. I knew that, at some point, the sun was going to break through the fog, and that it would be beautiful. I sat in the parking lot and waited for that moment... it was glorious!

 I try to get to the temple often. It fills my soul full of Light, and I need all the Light I can get! I sure love the temple!

President Nelson's daughter died recently and he said this...

I know Charles is doing this very thing for our children! I love how President Nelson said, "Stay tuned." It is so true, those who love us will never stop loving, caring, and watching over us on the other side of the veil. 

I took my William and Daniel to the temple to do baptisms. It was such a wonderful experience. Daniel was able to do the baptizing for William, and that was so special. It was a moment where I really did feel Charles was so proud of his van Ormer boys, and how they are turning out. I also felt like Charles was proud of me, as a mother. It was just a deep impression I had while I was there, and it filled me up full of love! 

van Ormer brothers. :)

I love this place!

I am so grateful for the beauty that I get to experience in this life. I am even grateful for the not-so-beautiful moments, because when all is said and done... it is LIFE. And life is such a gift! I just feel so blessed.

My heart is full!