Pictures

Christmas morning cereal.

By Grandma's Christmas tree before opening presents in their new Christmas Eve Jammies.

Sunday Christmas Clothes.
Joey

This is after church so the shirts are un-tucked and they are ready to change :)
David

I love my boys!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, tonight :)!

Merry Merry

I had such a wonderful relaxing weekend for Christmas.
Our boys were in St. George for a few days before and are staying one extra day in St. G with their cousins and grandparents.
Dave and I drove down together on Christmas Eve and we stayed at my mom's home for the weekend. The boys seemed very pleased with their gifts and overall happy to be with family!
That was the best part of it all for me as well. I love my family!

We went to see both families each day. Christmas Eve with both parents, Christmas day breakfast at one brothers and Christmas Dinner at another brothers. We were spoiled with delicious food that day.

Sunday Dave headed home with his sister for work reasons and I got to stay with the boys and hang out. We went to church with Leishmans then ate dinner at my brothers. I was able to visit with my cousins Sunday night and then stayed at my moms again.

Monday was the best because I ran 10 miles in preparation for the half marathon on Jan. 22. Then I went and got pedicures with my mom and neices, then we went to Cafe Rio for lunch and hung out with my kiddos. I love David and Joey. I also got new tires on my van cuz the old ones were scary! I am so thankful for the long weekend I was able to have in beautiful, sunny St. George. I am so thankful for all of the time I was able to spend time with SO much family.

I am rejuvenated and have more hope for the future.

Christmas Cards

I do not want anyone to feel bad if they do not get a Christmas Card this year...

Dave's sister Jacquie took these for us one day before church, but I am not going to make Christmas cards.

I am choosing instead to simply enjoy how cute they turned out and love my little family!

Silly Boys!

Thoughts

WARNING: This may be a long and boring journal post to some of you.

Every morning at work we have a meditation with the clients. I love it.

Today during meditation my mind was thinking and bringing up many emotions.

1. I am so grateful for good friends. Seriously, life is so much easier and funner and blessed with good friends. I get emotional a lot of times thinking about friends. I am thankful that my family members are my friends. I have some of the BEST family in the whole world who I consider my Best Friends. Love you all!

2. Then I thought of my friends babies and I love babies! I want to hold them and love them and help take care of them since I do not have my own at this point.

3. Then I thought of the history in the Provo Tabernacle as I thought of it burning this morning on my way to work. As I was driving I saw fire trucks pouring water into the beautiful structure. The streets were blocked off. Although I have never been in that building, that I recall, I felt sadness as I looked there and thought of all the history that building must represent.

4. Then I thought of my blessings. I am so blessed. I am so gratedul to have a job. I am grateful to have my education. I am so grateful to be able to afford all the necessities of life, Plus some. I am so grateful for my health. I am thankful for my body, it is an amazing piece of God's miraculous work. I am thankful to be a mother. I am thankful for my boys. Even though they can be rough at times and I do not have the best patience, I love them and am grateful for all they teach me. It is such an amazing miracle to even have the opportunity to be a mother. I want to be more grateful to others for who they are to me.

5. Then I thought of this time of year. I Love Christmas! I am so thankful I am done with my Christmas shopping early so I can now think of other things, like Jesus Christ and family, and just feel the peace of the season. My mind was racing during meditiation and I was a tiny emotional, so I wanted to come in my office and journal my thoughts as I wait for the next client.

6. Last thought to share was about the priesthood and being able to receive blessings. I am glad there are men in my life that I can ask for a blessing when needed.

Goals

I guess I am getting started on some new year's resolutions early...

1. Lose 10 more pounds. I gained about 30 pounds while in school plus I had an extra ten before that so 40 total. I have already lost 30 so here we go for the last ten. My cousin Brittany and I are being teammates in this endeavor.

2. Maintain the healthy eating and exercise habits I have made since loosing the weight. I am sure that less stress has helped, but I did not use any of those fad diets or loose weight quick pills. Just some good old fashioned healthy habits FINALLY.

3. Finish scrapbooking all of the photos I have printed sitting in little file boxes. This morning I started organizing things in our office/extra guest room and decided to get out the scrapbook stuff. Well I have found some motivation to get the photos that are printed into books. From now on I will probably only make those online books which seem way easier and a lot less messy, but I need to finish the pictures I had already printed YEARS ago.

4. Run St. George half marathon in January. I have such great motivating friends. I will be running 8 miles tomorrow for my long run. I do those on Mondays now since that is my day off. I am loving running without all that extra weight!

I guess this post is really for me to help me remember and keep me accountable. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Pictures of Activities

We decorated gingerbread houses for family night last week.

The boys.
David , Joey and Dave Sr.

I made a blanket and I loved it. I posted about it in November, one of my gratitude's.

The boys got to bring out their sleeping bags from Aunt Angee and fam from their birthdays and watch a movie on the laptop for several nights under the blanket.

My nephew and I took the boys to get Ice cream at Iceberg one night and then he and I went across the street to Jamba Juice and got us a treat.

Helaman, Joey, Momma, David

Be Yourself

We just took the boys to see the new Narnia movie.

The biggest lesson I got out of the movie was when the little girl did a spell on herself to make herself beautiful like her sister. She ended up wishing herself away.

That is what I think each of us does when we are not ok with who we are and wish we were someone else.

I am giving myself permission to be me, in order to give you more permission to be you.

Three things I like about myself are:

1. I feel peace and serenity and I share that with others.

2. I think I am pretty.

3. I know how to have fun my way.

What are 3 things you like about you?

Destiny

"True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes (see John 17:1, 4; D&C 19:19). In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny."

- D. Todd Christofferson

One of my Friends has this on her blog and I liked it so I am sharing it with you!

CHRISTmas Thought

"The Christmas season is wonderful in many ways. It is a season of charitable acts of kindness and brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own lives and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. It is a season to enjoy the music and lights, parties and presents. But the glitter of the season should never dim our sight and prevent us from truly seeing the Prince of Peace in His majesty." UAdd a Note

"Let us all make this year’s Christmas season a time of rejoicing and celebration, a time when we acknowledge the miracle that our Almighty God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world!"
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2010

Vacuuming stairs

So yesterday I vacuumed the stairs and as I was doing it I was thinking. I was thinking I really do not like this chore.(And I really do not like cleaning showers.) As I was thinking about this I thought how good it would feel when the "chore" was done. I brought the vacuum up from the basement to the 3rd level 4 days prior, but still didn't do the job. I left the vacuum sitting by the stairs for FOUR days. Then I thought ah-ha, as I was vacuuming, when something is difficult or not easy the reward in the end feels so much greater for having accomplished it.
So here I go again with another of my life lessons... life is like vacuuming the stairs, u may not always want to, you may procrastinate, it may not be easy, BUT in the end it WILL be worth it!

November

To add on another reason for being grateful for technology is because I woke up this morning and the water heater was not working. :( I had a cold shower and I'm sick. It's fixed now though.

30. Anyways for my final thankfulness of November I'm not sure what to put. I have enjoyed this month worth of posts. Being grateful makes me realize how much I have and it makes me happy. I am grateful for so many things. I think I covered just about everything that is most important to me. I truly am grateful for being able to have this experience we call life. I am grateful for the good and the bad, the happy and the sad cuz ultimately I believe all these experiences help me become more like God and His loving son Jesus Christ.

Thanks for stopping by to read my blog.

Technology

29. Today I am thankful for technology. I am currently having a conference call on skype with my sister in Brazil, my cousin in China and another cousin in St. George. W.O.W. We just all happened to be online at the same time and decided to randomly conference call. Man that is cool!!! Also our water got turned off today because the landlord and I miscommunicated who was responsible for the water, but in the contract it says the owner is responsible for the water, oh the joys of renting. Someday we will own a home again I'm sure. :) So I am thankful for flushing toilets, and running water to wash my hands.

Two Again..

27. Thankful I am done Christmas shopping for my boys. I went out on black Friday with my bro and SIS-in-law. It was fun. I don't think I have ever got my Christmas shopping DONE before the week of Christmas in the 7 years I've been a parent. I can't believe its done before December. It was fun and now I can relax and focus on the spirit of giving/service. I've never really done the black Friday thing either, I mean I like to go out later in the day, but not midnight to 6 am. I like to watch people. Glad I could be with my fam too!

28. I am grateful for the right to choose. I am thankful for agency. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from my choices as well as others. I am grateful I recognize that I have a choice on my attitude towards life and different/ difficult situations.

HolidayS

25. I am thankful for the celebration of holidays. I feel like they really break up the monotony of everyday life. I am grateful for family to spend holidays with. I am thankful for yummy food to eat and power/knowledge to prepare that food. There is so much that goes into all the stuff that I take for granted. Someone had to raise the turkey and kill it and package it and get it to Walmart so I could buy it for my family. Someone grew the fruits and veggies, someone harvested the wheat and flour etc. Etc. Etc. I am thankful my family was able to spend time together and be thankful.

26. I am grateful for my brothers. Robert just moved 3 miles away from me. He's only 14 months older than me. Joseph is 3 years older than me and lives in St. G. Benjamin came up this last week and Hung out with us cuz he had work off, he's 5 years younger than me. I love my brothers.

Forgiveness

24. I am thankful for forgiveness. I hear so many crazy, wild stories of people's lives all day long. Often times people have been very judgmental to themselves as well have been judged by others. I am grateful that I'm not "the judge". I am grateful for my belief in and experience with forgiveness. I am thankful that I can help others forgive themselves. I am grateful for others forgiving me. I am grateful for a God that forgives and loves me. I am grateful that I can forgive others so that I am not walking around angry in life. I love forgiveness it is such a blessing for those who use it!

Grati"two"de

22. Today I am thankful for my new camera. For my birthday I got that NIKON camera I was thinking about getting, but I haven't liked it. I took it back the other day and got an easier point and shoot Canon. I like it. Now I just need a computer so I can upload my pics and post them for all of you. :)

23. I am making a large blanket for myself right now... tying a quilt from some fabric Dave and I bought several years ago. It causes me to be grateful for many things... the fact someone taught me long ago to tie quilts, the frames my mom-in-law let me borrow, the money we have to buy the needed supplies, the memories I have of my mom doing that while I was growing up and letting us play forts and watch movies underneath the quilt(s), allowing my boys to do the same thing as I'm quilting, a home to live in with a room big enough to set up a large quilt, and even more. I have enjoyed being able to sit and do that the past few days cuz life is a little stressful right now and quilting has been relaxing. I am looking forward to quilting with my mom tomorrow cuz she's coming up for Thanksgiving. Yay!

Twoday...

20. I am thankful for nature. I am thankful that nature here in Provo has seasons. It keeps life interesting to have gorgeous winter snow, and beautiful blossoms/fresh air in the spring, awesome blue skies and warm sunshine in the summer, followed by amazing colors in the fall! I love this land that we live in. The freedoms we enjoy... I am grateful I can go outside at any point and enjoy fresh air, go for a jog, hike or simply sit and soak it all in. Thankful!

21. I am thankful for ears that hear. Today I gave the lesson/led the discussion in Sunday school. I am thankful the class was attentive and participated. I told them I prayed for them to be inspired as well so if they felt any promptings to please speak up and share. Immediately following that announcement several class members shared wonderful experiences totally pertinent to the lesson that helped get the points across. I am thankful my ears hear, and my heart feels the promptings of the spirit. I am thankful to be able to hear beautiful music, hear my kids talking/laughing/and fighting. I love to hear and am thankful for that blessing. I am thankful for good friends and family members that take time to listen and hear me when I need them to. I am thankful I can listen to my clients and hear their needs... I guess I wouldn't be much of a therapist if I couldn't hear. ;) If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here to listen.

Joseph Truman Leishman

19. Today I am thankful for my second born. Joey is such a sweet boy. He is learning to read in kindergarten. He is such a sweet boy. Whenever he is near me he has to be touching or cuddling. He's genuinely funny and creative. He loves to sing along with the Hercules movie. He loves video games and music. He's a daring and brave kid. He has a mind of his own and I love it! He was born over a month early, but has been strong ever since. I am grateful to have my little Joey. Love you buddy!

Knock on wood...

Remember two days ago when I said I'm thankful for David Jr? Well this afternoon he was throwing rocks up into a tree and missed the tree... he shattered the neighbors window. Shoot!
I am still thankful for him and all I learn by being his mother, but today I am grateful the window will only cost $150 to replace and not $500.00. :)

I am grateful for this little glimpse into how God must feel everyday to watch His children, you and me, make stupid mistakes or choices. I was pretty angry, but am over it now. David just finished saying his night prayers and asked God to bless the neighbors and their window and to help him choose the right. He felt very sad/guilty. I can't stay mad at that for long.

17. Marriage

I am thankful for all the lessons I'm learning from being married. I'm learning to love in a different way. This is definitely not the easiest thing I've ever done, but I think it's worth it. 9 years ago today... St. George temple. It was a beautiful day. I am thankful to be a mother and wife because I have learned so much about me and God. :)

David Jr.

16. I am thankful for my son David. If I could I would post a picture of his tooth right now. He just lost his sixth tooth minutes ago. It was one of his two front teeth. The big tooth had already grown in without the little one falling out. He has a huge gap between his front teeth now. Whenever I see other kids at his age and stage I feel bad for them cuz its such an awkward kinda annoying stage, but now that it' s my own son it's kinda fun. I love that awkward, smart, cute, sweet boy! Today I am thankful he' s my buddy.

The human body...

15. More specifically my human body. The body is such a miracle. I am thankful for my body. I am thankful for how it works so well and functions properly. I am grateful that since graduation I have been able to lose over 25 lbs. Ya u read that right 2. 5. I have been eating healthy, little bread and only one treat a week, as well as exercise and it has worked. I am grateful that without the stress of school and me eating healthy my body has done it's job. Before starting the masters program I took an anatomy class, I was so impressed by learning about the body and the miracles it performs daily. I am inspired by even the hands. I love to watch peoples' hands. Through them God works. I am thankful for the blessings and promises of the temple in regards to the body. I love it!

To be continued...

13. Grateful for honesty. I am thankful for the person who found my wallet, after someone else stole it, and called me. There was not any money in it just things that are important to me like drivers license, a couple gift cards, library cards, sams club card... it would've really been a hassle to replace so I am grateful for that. I am thankful that my husband and I are honest with each other. It's not always easy to hear, but I appreciate it and love him more for his honesty with me and accepting my honesty with him.

14. I am thankful for days off work where I can sit around, do laundry, be lazy, hang out with people I love, clean the house, pay bills, run errands, read a book, play on computer, read spiritual talks/scriptures, get organized, exercise, clean car, go tanning, help my kids, etc. I work full time 5 days a week, which is a job I enjoy, however I really l.o.v.e my days off! I especially love Sundays cuz I really like going to church and feeling the spirit there and learning about Jesus.

Grateful

I am grateful for SO many things.

I have read quite a few blogs and Facebooks of people who are being grateful. I love how that makes me feel so I'm going to jump on that bandwagon and be grateful. I am going to catch up since it's already the 13th so here goes...

1. I am thankful for good examples in my life at every stage. Especially now for all u grateful people reminding me to have gratitude. I write often in a journal things I'm grateful for, but it never hurts to do it more, count my blessings.

2. I am thankful for good music like "count your many blessings", that lift my spirits instantly. I started listening to Christmas music this week on my way to work cuz "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" around here, cold and snowy.

3. I am so thankful for my family. All of them. I seriously have the best Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Siblings. Parents,even if deceased. Grandparents. In-laws. And kids. I don't know what I' d do without them. I can't imagine how Job felt in the bible...

4. I am thankful for the Holy spirit in my life that guides me daily if I'll just listen. Seriously I rely on that in therapy and personally for guidance, peace, comfort, and direction.

5. I am thankful my husband got us Droid phones cuz our computers are dead so I'm typing this from my phone. Not easy but definitely possible. Plus all this technology allows me to keep in contact with all those people that I love so much.

6. I am thankful for my lil' sister. She almost died when I was 5 and I prayed with all my heart for her to live. I know that was Gods will so she was spared. I miss her so much right now cuz she is spending time with her fiance in Brazil. I missed her like crazy when she was on her mish too.

7. I am thankful that I have always had the best friends a girl could ever ask for. Since I was a little girl, Heather & Tiff, and others in that area. Then we moved and I met Silene, who is and always will be a huge support. Shasta. Sunny. Bunny. Many through high school. Then in Cedar I met Lindsey and Becky. And in provo I have another Lindsey and Becky who are sisters, all my MSW friends, Anna, Rochell, Mita etc.

8. I am thankful for my journal. I was rereading it last night and I would've forgotten many things had I not written them down. This includes photos and scrapbook as well. I love memories! Without them I'd lose a huge piece of me.

9. I am thankful for The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints. It has been such a blessing in helping me get to know God and His son Jesus Christ. The gospel provides me tools to maintain and obtain true peace and happiness.

10. Jesus Christ. I feel as though years ago I developed a strong relationship with Him. I am so grateful for His example and love. It is difficult for me to put all this in words especially this more intimate sacred stuff. Then the last two years I focused on getting to know the Holy Spirit#4.

11. More recently I have felt my relationship with God strengthening. I'm wondering and guessing that the first two is what allows this one, but I am so thankful to be feeling the Fathers love for me and getting to know Him. It's pretty amazing this thing we call life and all its lessons. It's such a great process if the 3 members of the godhead are a part of it.

12. I am grateful for life. For my life. For health and strength. For oxygen and the miracle of the body. I love being able to run and jump and breathe and meditate and sing and sit and love and hug...

13. I am thankful for ... to be continued.

Family Time

Last Sunday we drove to Strawberry Reservoire and got a room in the lodge there. It was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
David and Joey enjoyed lots of hot chocolate because it was freezing.

Dave was the driver and the fisherman. It was nice to do this together as it has been quite sometime for us, we used to go ALL the time when we lived in Cedar City.

This is what we woke up to Monday morning.

It was beautiful!

I heart mustaches!

After the trunk-or-treat and trick-or-treating with the boys last night some friends of ours offered to watch our boys while we went to a dance to show off OUR costumes. We had tons of fun and were dripping with sweat, so here is the after picture. There are some more pics on FB... It was a blast!

Freddy Mercury(s) and his biggest fan!

(Thanks Ethan and Megan for watching our boys!)

Life is good.

I had a great birthday yesterday.

I worked until 430 and then went to dinner and played games with some friends.

I am glad that my husband tried... he dressed up and looked very sexy for me.

I got the Nikon camera I posted about and I was told to read the manual to learn how to use it. Who reads manuals? I guess I do now :)

So many Happy Birthday texts, voicemails, and facebook messages.

I took some cupcakes to work and shared them with the residents and staff, I got so many Happy Birthdays then and sung to at least 3 times. Have I mentioned that I L. O. V. E. attention? I'm not big on gifts, but I LOVE attention :)

Thank you to all of my Lovely friends and Super Wonderful Terrific Family!

Then to top it all off tonight I went to Bajios to get a salad while Dave got himself an ice cream, and this super guy and his wife paid for my meal. When it was my turn to pay, the man behind the counter let me know my meal had been paid for. That made my month! I am so grateful for even the kindness of strangers.

This rainy weather is so refreshing to the earth and to my spirit. Thanks God :)

Camera Help Please

I want to buy a camera for my bday but I can't decide. I do not want to be a professional photographer I just want to take great pics for my family activities etc. I am trying to decide between these two...

http://www.walmart.com/ip/GE-X5-BK/14245324?findingMethod=rr

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/allReviews.do?prod...uct_id=13432983

Will you look at them and tell me what you think? To me the only difference is name brand and one says it does black/white and sepia... The GE actually seems to have better specs, but if you say it's worth $100 to get the Nikon I'll consider it. What do you think? Or is there something else you would recommend in that price range?
-M rilla

Journal post

I am really struggling right now.
I am going to be 29 in a week. That is exciting and weird at the same time.
I am overwhelmed at work, but feel blessed to be guided there daily.
I feel like a terrible mom sometimes and a crappy wife.
I have been exercising and eating right for the last 4 weeks so that should help me feel better shouldn't it?
I know we can't be perfect all the time, but right now I feel like poo.

I guess I need to just count my blessings more and get out of myself more and then life should get better, right?
Any suggestions?

Ender's Game

I just finished reading this book for a book club I am in.I liked it. I am not a Sci-Fi reader, but one of our book club girls is.
Thanks Anna for picking the book.
I really like being able to discuss these books with women and get more in depth discussions. After meeting on Thursday night I am thinking how much this can be applied to the tests we face in life, how difficult they can be and how God allows us to be tested. He is the only one who knows our hearts and our intentions.
Fun book.

It made my day...

When Elder Ballard basically concluded this General Conference talking about what I do for a living, I couldn't help but smile. He talked about what I love to do, help people who have addictions break free from the traps that they are caught in.
I felt like celebrating when he discussed the 12 step program and how it can and does change lives. I know that through the power of the atonement and turning to God and Christ people can be free from the snares that entrap them. I love that God has provided a way for His children to be clean from poor choices we all make.
It is difficult to describe what I do to people who do not understand it, but I wanted to share how grateful I was to hear Elder Ballard go into detail about my job and the professionals who are licensed to help ;)
(If you missed his talk you can click on General Conference above and search for his talk, it will be worth it.)

Dear Joey Truman

To my little buddy Joey,
If only I could be more like you and take life more slowly.
Today as I was listening to Elder Uchtdorf, an apostle of Jesus Christ, I thought of you.
Joey I love how silly you are.
You are such a genuinely funny kid. You do not even have to try and you make me and many others laugh.
I "love"(said with sarcasm:) how you take FOREVER to eat anything cuz you like to play and talk and pretend and you still ask for me to do the airplane one time while you eat and you are 5. I need to be more like you. I love to do the airplane with your food for you. You have such a great imagination and you play well by yourself as well as with others. I love what a sweet boy you are. You are a sensitive boy and such a sweet heart.
I love how you love to play video games and you are so good at them. You are such a unique boy. You are so smart and I am happy that you love Kindergarten. I worried about starting you and your brother as the youngest kids in your classes, but you have both excelled and I know I made the right decisions.
I love your angry face.
I love your little ear.
I love how daring you are, and how you trick people all the time.
I love your hugs and loves. I love how you have to be touching me or dad if you happen to be in our bed or on the couch with us. I love what a good little brother you are, and how David is your hero. I am so happy that you guys love to play together and have the same friends.
I love you. I am so happy you are a part of our family. I always wanted to have sons. I love you.
Love your forever Mom,
Mommarilla

Dear David Jr.

Dear David Jr.,

I Love you! You are such a sweet boy. Thank you for being my son and my buddy. I am so proud of you. You are so smart at school; reading, math, and writing. I have noticed you practicing your writing. You are such a sensitive boy. I hope that you stay just the way you are; smart, sensitive, sweet and caring. I love how you are so honest. I love that you make friends wherever we go and you are so friendly to others. I love that you come and talk to me whenever you need to. I am sorry that I am not always in the best mood and sometimes I get mad at you, BUT I Love You!

This week at work I have been helping some families who have sons who are addicted to drugs. I hope that you will listen to the Holy Ghost as you choose friends and as you make choices that will affect your future. Stay close to your Heavenly Father and He will always help you make good choices. If you ever find yourself in a bad situation making bad choices I hope that you will come to me and ask for help, but most especially I hope you will go to God in prayer. I hope that we can always be close and be friends. The moms that I have been working with this week said they never imagined their sons to make these kinds of choices and be hurting so much. The dads spoke of their "little buddies" growing up who are now adults making choices that are bad for them. You are you're dad's little buddy and always have been from the day you were born. I hope if we ever find our family in a similar situation that we will work together like these families are.

I love you so much. I love how you talk almost non-stop. I love how silly you are, how you are afraid of the dark, and what a great big brother you are (most of the time). I will always remember the day you were born and how much of a blessing you are to me and to your dad. I am so happy to be your mom, learning with you as you grow and as I grow too. Thanks for being patient with me!
Love your forever mom,
Mommarilla

A Healthier You?

I am thinking about doing this...

8 weeks to a healthier/better you.

Click on the title of this post to see.

There is $money$ involved.

See what you think. :)

One of my dreams...

Growing up I always imagined having a home where people felt welcomed.
I always dreamed that when I grew up and had a home of my own people would want to be there. (I once had a palm reader tell me my home would be a place of refuge/comfort for visitors.)
I hope that someday my home is a place where my children and all their teenage friends want to hang out. They want to be here all the time already, but it is so nice outside that I send them out.
I think Dave and I have created a welcoming, comfortable home where people like to visit and hang out.
We have family visitors all the time.
This weekend one of my older brothers and his wife were here with their 4 children. My sister and her best friend stayed a night, my cousin, my younger brother, and one of my uncles also stayed here this weekend.
I am so glad that people like to stay here. We have company just about every other weekend and I love it. Our parents come stay here, our siblings, our cousins, many family members and our friends.
Thanks People. You are all welcome anytime.

10 years...

Me and my BFF.
(I actually have a few BFF's.)
We went to our high school reunion together, it was fun!

Another friend, Lauren, at our reunion. Lauren's camera is the one that took these photos. Thanks Lauren. Remember our senior trip :) ?

Silene and Marilla.

I love this girl and do not know what I would have done without her.

She has always been the best righteous example!

Today is her birthday and I count my blessings to have her in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just for fun

Today we went on a bike ride as a family for the first time... It was a blast!
Dave got a couple more bikes this past weekend so now we have one for all of us :)
I had no idea how much fun that could be.
So sad I do not have pictures to share :(
I am planning to get a camera for my birthday next month.
Any suggestions?

I am Reading...

These are two books I recommend.
For me, reading them together, sort of simultaneously, has been rather enlightening.
Both are helpful concepts for doing therapy if you ask me.

Enjoy them if you dare and if you can find some time to read :)

Yesterday's News

The other day what I learned was how important it is not to judge people.
I realized that when I am worried about what my neighbor is doing or not doing I am not worried about loving my neighbor.

Judging interferes with Love in my life.

When I am worried about what my husband is or is not doing I am not focused on loving him as the Savior would want me to. I loose focus of what matters most to my relationships and my salvation and that is L.O.V.E.

I guess that is why the judging is left up to someone more perfect than I. :)

Good for you...

A thought I had driving home today...

First off, If this blog bores some of you, sorry.
If this blog helps even one person, GREAT!
And you know what, this blog helps me so that's enough. I'll be honest I really like to put pictures with my posts, but my camera is broken and my desktop computer is too. I do not have many pics on my laptop so I just journal in my posts. I do not like to read many blogs, I like pics, so I try to keep this interesting, but if it's not for you, that's ok.

Today the ah-ha thought went like this... I was driving home from work and I past/passed a lady who's car had a bumper sticker that said "my grandkids are cuter than yours." I thought good for you. I. do. not. care. I am NOT a competitive person. In fact I really dislike competition! I am happy with who I am and I hope you are happy with who you are. We are all different and different is good. Different makes life more interesting!
I like to play games where everyone wins. I like to play games just for fun, not to win. (That is why I cheat when I play games, cuz it makes the game funner, funnier, and more interesting for me :).
I love to laugh and have a good time! I do not like to compare myself or my kids to you or anyone else(s).
Love you,
Marilla

More to it...

In addition to the surrender and release post here is more... I love my job because I get to practice what I preach and learn stuff as it comes out of my mouth, which I give thanks to the Holy Spirit for that guidance...

So I was talking to one of my clients the other day who was worrying about a lot of little details that do not really matter. She received an answer to her prayers and she was worrying about how it was all going to work out. I was telling her "let go and let God...surrender and release...You got your answer now just move your feet." (That goes along with the saying, "We can't expect God to guide our footsteps unless we're willing to move our feet.")
Then it started making even more sense to me as we were talking, we need to surrender and release because God sees the bigger picture and if we are worrying about all these tiny little details and wanting to take care of the bare necessities, we may be missing something BIG. God has WAY more in store for us than we can comprehend in our finite minds.

I recognized after our conversation that I need to take my own advice and trust God's guidance for me. He always has taken care of me and I doubt He's planning on quitting anytime soon :)

Life...

This is a quote I keep in our office/extra bedroom.

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are often more dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey: Delays, side tracks, smoke, dust cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."
- Gordon B. Hinckley

Someone gave this to us years ago and I have not checked the reference. It may be one of those made up things that someone attached Pres. Hinckley's name to... either way I like the quote.

And I'll add to the quote, finding joy, gratitude and smiling in the rail journey of life makes it all a little more worth it!
Sometimes my job is emotionally draining and I need little reminders. :)
I love my job! I love helping people and listening to their concerns.

Surrender and Release

This was an answer to some prayers of mine...
Card Meaning: Let go and allow God and the angels to help you. Everything that you release will either be replaced by something better or will return to you healed.

When you hold tightly to a part of your life that's not working, it has no room to heal. Whether you're unhappy with your love life, finances, career, home, or health, ask yourself to let go. If you hang on to these aspects of your life because of fears such as "what if I can't find someone or something better?" then the situation will only worsen.

However, if you're willing to open your hands and allow the situation to be freed, one of two situations will occur: either it will be washed away from you and replaced by a better situation, or the situation will heal in a miraculous way. The angels ask you to try not to control the outcome of your troubling situation(s). Let go, and Let God help you!

Cup cakes :)

So I have been eating really well lately,
Fruits and veggies, protein, dairy and little to no sweets.
Until the Sweet Tooth Fairy got new flavors.
This month Peach Cobbler, Peanut Butter n' Jelly, S'mores, & Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm, Peach cobbler is delish!

Fun with boys...

At the mall with my boys before school started.

Darndest things...

Two things.
David came home from school today talking about how he wants to be cool...
He said he wants to get an earring? :)
So here is a quick note,

Dear Parents at Spring Creek Elementary,
Earrings in little boys who attend Elementary school are not cool.
In fact I'd have to say I do not think they are cool in boys at all, but after 18 it is not my choice.
I just wanted to say that for the sake of my children.
Sincerely,

Concerned mother.

Second, David was just in the bathroom and I walked in. He proceeded to say,
"don't you hate it when the poo splashes water all over your bum?"

Being a parent is so fun.
Something new everyday.

In response...

to Mondays post, things are ok.
The results came back and there is nothing to worry about.
I was told to come back in 6 months so they could do another ultrasound and make sure everything still looks fine.

On a lighter note... I made home made pizza today for dinner and I think it was delicious! :)

First day of school

I took pics, but can't figure out how to get them on here right now.
I took David to his first day of second grade, Tuesday.
Before we left the house he said do you have to come in?
Can you just drop me off?
I was like heck no! Why?
He just looked at me.
Are you embarrassed?
He said yes
I said is it because I kiss and hug you?
He said yes
I said what if we kiss and hug at home? Then can I take you inside?
Luckily, he said yes
And luckily because apparently it was just for me to take him inside. Sometimes as mom's we do things "for our kids", but they are really for us. ;)
I wondered, does this ever get any easier?
I started crying again, like last year, after I left his class of course.
My kids are growing up, and it is sad. Happy, but sad too.
Being a mom is a crazy thing.
I love my David.
Joey starts Kindergarten September 7.

Mind Games

I had a biopsy today.
I was not nervous when I got there because it was just for an ultrasound on my left breast.
(I have had two others in the past)
After the ultrasound the Dr. recommended a biopsy, so I said ok.
They (Dr. and nurse) said there would be a prick and some burning and then I would not feel anything.
They were right, except for the fact that I did not even feel burning.
I think it is all a mind game.
I turned my head and closed my eyes, heard a few clicks when the Doc told me I would and then I was done.
They put a marker in there? Kinda weird, but ok.
So I am done now, with an ice pack in my bra :)
I'll keep y'all posted, should know results by Thursday afternoon.

Whose problem is it?

Good question.
I really like those little ah-ha moments I get that are learning moments in life.
Today the one I had went something like this...
I guess I am a pretty judgmental person because...
When I see someone with messy hair or acting in a way that I think is inappropriate in public, I wonder "do they realize how stupid that is, or do they realize how dumb they look?"
Well today I was walking around with a towel that had some bleach spots on it and I thought " I wonder what people would think if they noticed my towel?"
(Even though I realize we are all so focused on our own appearance we do not notice others, normally)
Then the ah-ha moment...
I realized I do not care about my towel.
So if someone notices it, and judges it, then that is their problem.
And more ah-ha.
If someone notices my outfit and judges it and has a problem with it, that is their problem.
If someone notices my kids messy faces and judges them, that is their problem.
If someone notices my house is not as clean as it could be and judges me because of it, that is their problem.
So you see what other people think is their problem and we/I do not need to make it ours/mine.
Just thought you'd all like to hear.
Now all I have to do is apply this learning moment and not let what others think bother me ever again. :)

Life is Good!

I woke up this morning naturally early.

I love mornings!

I thought to myself I should go running.

I had enough energy to jump out of bed, pull back my hair, get dressed, put contacts in, and get a drink of water. Then I was out the door.

(Besides the fact that I went running a few days ago with my nephew Hela, I have not been running outside for quite some time. Tred mills, spin classes and the stepper have been my routine the last few months and it is summer. How dare I not enjoy the beautiful summer mornings :( )

With the rain and everything from last night the air and ground were particularly clean this morning.

The run was refreshing.

I feel rather healthy and rejuvenated today.

I slept 8 hours and got a nice beautiful run in, followed by a shower, which also feels oh so good!

So just thought I would say

Life is Good!

Happy Birthday Boys!

These are the Birthday boys.

I love that the boys birthdays are 9 days apart. Almost every year so far we have combined their birthday parties and it works out awesome.
They have a lot of the same friends.
This is most of the party crew.

These are my BFF's for life.
I am so glad that Tiff was in town and Silene lives in Lehi. The Memories I have of our times together are priceless!

We celebrate their friend parties together, but have a special day for them on their actual birthday (as long as it's not Sunday;)

These were the treats!

Reunion

Earlier this summer around July 4 I wrote about our Terry reunion. I had a lot of fun there and felt my dad's presence stronger and longer than I have in a while. It was such a great feeling to be with family! I finally have the photos my mom took from the event so I wanted to post them and explain about the experience.

This is the whole family.
We had to take three different shots to get everyone in the picture of the Maeser and Marilla Terry family. (I am named after my grandmother).

These are my Dad's siblings.

Siblings and spouses i.e. my aunts and uncles.

The oldest, Uncle Reg, and his family.

It was their turn to be in charge of the reunion and they did an excellent job!

Second, Uncle Fenton and family.

Aunt Pat and her husband, Uncle Jeff, were the "keynote speakers" for the reunion, their kids were all busy this particular weekend.

Then Uncle Steven and his family.

(In all of these pictures this is not every family member just those who could make it to Enterprise for the weekend.)

Uncle David and family.

Then my dad, Joe, and our family.

And last Aunt Sherene and her family.

Uncle Dave and Aunt Sherene made a slide show with music and pictures from past reunions. I couldn't even watch it, half way through I had to walk across the street and cry harder than I remember crying for in a long time. It is very difficult to miss family members who have passed on. I am grateful to have felt their spirits so strongly with all of us this weekend!
I wish I could have seen my dad there.

We got some cool history from Uncle Fenton acting as Thomas Sirls Terry, my Great great grandfather (or great great great, I'm not quite sure). And from my cousin Lisa, acting as his wife Mary Ann Pulsipher Terry. It was neat and spiritual.

The kids had a lot of fun with these rubber band things...

and water slides.

Joey and Joey the III wrestled all weekend.

David playing with fire.

David, Emma and kitties. The boys love hangin out with their cousins!

This is my brother Joseph and his family (minus Taryn and hers).

Then my brother Robert and his family.
(I set them up)

And my boys and I.
Dave couldn't make it this weekend cuz he had just started managing at the Sweet Tooth Fairy. :)

My mom and some of her grandsons.
I L.O.V. E the messy faces!

Uncle Jeff happened to walk by so we had him take a photo too.

Me and my Auntie.
My dad always said I looked like her, but she is so much prettier. Thanks Dad.

And Last, Katelyn and her Auntie.
I have loved this girl from the day she was born. Her mother allowed me to be in the delivery room and I will never forget it.

If I make some time in the next little while I may make individual posts for some of these photos, however it has taken this long so far that I just wanted to get them all posted.

Finally, Yes I realize I have gained some weight and these pics really show it, but I am working on that. My excuse is school and now it's over :).