S is for Spiritual

 I’m tired and just writing this at 11:45. We had to celebrate E today…he is the big 13!

I will just share with you my favorite quote from my lesson in Relief Society today, this is from Elder Causse’s talk from April 2026 General Conference:

“ Years ago, while spending peaceful time in the beautiful ?countryside, I stepped outside after sunset to rest on a lounge chair. The night was so dark that I could hardly see anything. Instinctively, I looked up and noticed a tiny flickering point of light, then another. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, the sky filled with stars.

I thought, “This is like our relationship with God.” Some think He is distant, and life feels heavy as a result. But if they pause to reflect on His presence in their lives, they will find that He is near—quietly present, far closer than they imagine.”

Try to have a bit of a pause today to remember God is present in your life. 

S is for Sayings...

 There are so many sayings, slogans, and mottos in the English language.  What are some of your favorites?

One that I have taken to heart lately is "Better out than in." A very wise friend has echoed this a few times in the past year when I needed to cry it out.  When I was young, I thought that crying made you weak.  Not so my friends, in fact, the chemicals in tears actually are for healing.  It is science, look it up! (and if you have never seen Kickball Dad on social media, stop what you are doing and go watch a few of his videos.  He is hilarious and says:  "look it up!" a lot.

Yesterday, I was reminded of this as I was tearing up on the way to swimming with some friends.  I had just heard that two of my dear uncles had passed away.  Yes, two in one day.  I loved them both and had just spent some time with them on our trip to  Wisconsin.  Oh how the impromptu dinner with Uncle Dan is cherished, and I am so glad we were able to enjoy one last A&W root beer float with Uncle John.  

Ellis looked over at me in the car and said "Oh Mom!" in the kindest sweetest voice.  How wonderful it is to have children who get me and support me and cry with me.  Tears are one of many things that are better out than in, but I will save any other bodily functions for some other blogger.

F is for Flowers

 I admitted the other day that I am now that lady…the garden lady. I guess you just become the age when growing things besides children is rewarding. I full accept this label. I do refuse to put the word old in front of the title though. I am not the old garden lady. 

Flowers make me happy. So, Fridays are for flower highlights. 

Today’s flower is sunflower. I have allowed the sunflowers to reign over my front yard. Some people may think they are weeds, but they are sunshine to my soul and I have allowed them to plant themselves at will this year. The bright golden blossoms make me smile whenever I am coming or going from home. 

What is your favorite flower?

T is for True Confessions!

 Sometimes our souls just need to get things out that we have been holding secret.  True confessions are just what they sound like...you confess something true about yourself.

Here are five of my true confessions:

1. I hate onions.  They are gross.  Recently, I have heard they are great for gut health, but guess what...I still don't want to eat them.  Crunchy...yuck, cooked and slimy...bigger yuck.  Fried in the shape of a ring...tempting.

2. I sometimes swear.  I wish I could say I only use one or two of the mild ones.  I think my over-exposure to teen swearing in my job has ruined me.  I only swore about 5 times today.  I am working on it.

3.  I may have a hat collecting problem.  I have thirty hooks holding hats in my room.  Those hooks don't even hold all my hats, just the ones I wear most often.

4. I am a burper.  I try to be dainty about it in public, but when just around family(or friends I am comfortable with)...BURP!

5. I leave piles of dishes in the sink until they actually begin to bug me.  The bugging usually doesn't come until we are out of forks or plates.

So...your turn...what are three of your true confessions?  (Notice I am nice and let you off the hook with only three!)

W is for Wanderlust

 Wanderlust: the desire to travel the world. 

Where in the world do you want to go?

I have been to a few places outside of the United States, and I loved it. If I had the budget for it, I would love to see more of Europe, especially Italy and the Nordic countries. I have seen bits of Russia, England and Scotland. 

My itch to travel was sparked by my mother. She had the opportunity to travel a bit for work and I was able to tag along. My first trip was to Los Angeles followed by a trip to Ft. Lauderdale. The two things I remember from those trips were The Dodger game with my cousin mentioned in an earlier post and a Bart Simpson outfit bought in Florida. 

Another one of my mom’s work trips brought us to Phoenix. My sister joined us and we still talk about that trip. The memories with my mom are cherished now that she has been gone for nearly four years. The trip to Arizona I was in the middle of  summer, so naturally it was hot. When out for adventures, my mom would always have something to say about how hot it was. Apparently, I got a bit cheeky about hearing her complaints and told my sister that I was going to move to Phoenix when I was done with college. Andi and I were talking about that trip a few weeks ago when I was visiting Wisconsin. What great memories were made with my mom. I am very grateful for each trip with her and for the spark she ignited in me to travel more. 

I have shared this love of travel with my own children as well. We recently went to Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. The views are breathtaking and we enjoyed our little adventure together  

Ellis has his very own national park passport and he started collecting stamps when we were in San Francisco a few years ago. I love seeing his excitement for each new stamp and each new adventure. He actually bought his own passport stickers this time. It’s fun to see what he values. I like to think I ignited his wanderlust by making the roadtrip to Wisconsin each summer an experience filled with exciting stops. He still loves Mt. Rushmore and has made me promise we will road trip to a Wisconsin again before he graduates high school. He also has great apparitions to visit Japan  

Zarah is always up for adventure too. She may not ever know truly where we are but she always enjoys adventure and spending time with her family! She hopes to one day visit Australia. 🇦🇺 I have no clue where that desire comes from but I’m going to blame the cartoon Bluey for now. 

Be sure to share where you would like to visit.  I would love to hear all about your travel bucket list!