Ode to June 21st {our nearly perfect day}

Sometimes days are just good.  Just when we feel like a nearly perfect day is so long overdue that we almost forget they even exist, one will come along and catch you by surprise.  That's what happened to me yesterday...

The day started out with quiet time in the scriptures (seeing as I had extra time because I got up early to cut Patrick's hair).  Then the boys woke up and the regular morning routine began.  We visited Gram and Pop in the morning and then came home for lunch and naps.  Patrick arrived home around 4:30 and we were off to the "dinosaur park" for our family home evening activity.

We came home and the boys played in their room while I made dinner.  During the cook time, we had our family home evening lesson (which happens to double as whatever sunbeam lesson I have taught the last Sunday).  Dinner came and went and then we enjoyed popsicles together at the table.  We got sticky and we switched popsicles with each other no less than a dozen times because no one could decide which they liked best.

Then the boys went to bed and my sweetheart watched a movie with me. 

In all reality, there was nothing spectacular about the day.  No trips to Walt Disney World, no earth-shattering excitement.  It was just good.  And peaceful.  Somehow the spirit touched each of our hearts and we were just a little kinder and more loving.  And as I sat in bed pondering about the happenings of the day, I couldn't help remarking how remarkable the day had been.  Of course there were a few annoyances and tense feelings sprinkled among the roses, but I felt like this day had brushed up against perfection...proving to me that even though perfection so often seems unattainable, it isn't really that far away...

I Love to See the Temple {And A Glimpse into Pathological Picture Taking}

A few Sundays ago, we decided to spend our Sunday evening basking in the shadow of the temple.  I admit I was a little picture-happy...I guess it just goes back to my "pathological picture taking."  It's an inherited trait passed on from my dear mother.  And though we used to tease her when we lived in Portugal about how she and her camera were never separated, I will be forever grateful that she unknowingly instilled in me the love of photographs.

And in all actuality, this obsession could be traced back yet another generation to my Grandpa Lystrup.  He is the epitome of picture taking.  He probably has filled literally hundreds of photo albums in his lifetime.

 I think it's his hobby.  And I guess it became my mom's too.
{And mine.}

Now that I've reminisced about my forebears, here's a look at my posterity loving to be at the temple:

I love to see the temple.  And I love to have my family at the temple.

Great will be the day when my whole family can be in the temple together...with no empty chairs.

Update on Lilacs

A little while ago I did a post on the lilacs I saw outside my window.

Well, here is my update.

My lilacs are still blooming.  More blossoms appear every day, causing me to reflect upon how my life has seemed to blossom more and more the last few days and weeks.  Isn't it interesting how our life goes through seasons.  First we plant some seeds of hope.  Then the waiting game begins.  Finally after rain and much trial, we see little sprouts and then blossoms.  And then we have a bush of full-fledged flowers and we wonder how we could ever be happier.  Then the blossoms begin to wilt, then dry and fly away on the wind.  Fall brings this.  Then winter brings dry branches and the cold gray slate of snow.  But springtime is just around the corner...never forget.

I guess our lives are just one cycle of changing seasons and changing trials...

It keeps us thankful...for those few weeks of fragrant summer...both in the past and in the near future.

Create.

The first thing I'd like to say is that to create is part of our heritage--it's a divine quality instilled within us from deity.  This blog is devoted to my creations and I hope that in some way, you will be able to find your own creative niche.  The video below is one of my most favorite videos to watch.  It inspires me to create.  For more information on this topic, click the links below:

A post on creating
Elder Uchtdorf's wonderful talk

House of Random

There are so many random pictures we've taken the last few weeks, there would be too too many posts!  So here they are:

My New Shoes

I love my new shoes.  They were a birthday present from my sweet mother. Or were they a gift for helping my sister with her election video?  I don't recall, but I love them either way.


Ode to New Shoes


I love you new shoes
I feel so brand-new
So sunny, not blue
When I choose to wear you
New shoes new shoes.


Doesn't it feel nice to treat yourself well?  I think Heavenly Father intended us to feel good about ourselves.  And to feel good means to dress yourself in a way in which you love yourself.  It doesn't necessarily mean we have to own every new fangled and fancy style or article of clothing.  Nor does our apparel need to be expensive...in fact, I seem to love things more when they're a bargain.  But to own a few lovely things makes a big difference.  I think it lets our true selves shine through a little more...


perhaps I'm rambling....


but...perhaps not....

May 16th

I think this is one of my happiest days every year! I've been planning a special surprise for my sweetheart since January...a night's stay at the Anniversary Inn. We first stayed there on our honeymoon in Aphrodite's Court and have been back once since then on our 2nd anniversary (Lighthouse Suite). Well, Patrick wasn't expecting anything for his birthday so I think our excursion came as a quite a surprise to him. I kind of tricked him into thinking our big trip would take place on our anniversary as usual...but little did he know what I had up my sleeve. I made him close his eyes during the drive and while walking to our room. This was a little bit difficult since it was a very old house with teeny tiny steep spiraly stairs. But boy was he surprised when he opened his eyes in our Lost in Space room. It was a great stay. I think we both enjoyed every minute of the celebration!

P.S. The breakfast was divine!

P.S.S. The most wonderful surprise for both of us was the breathtaking view we had from our bedroom window {the Logan temple}.

P.S.S.S. I love you Patrick!