November 10, 2010

Because of your Faith....My joy is full.

This morning I woke up early, not on purpose, just woke up. I decided to take advantage of the quiet time and read the new Conference Ensign. I flipped through looking for a talk to read, and then decided to start from the beginning. I read the introductory talk by our Prophet, and then read the next talk (which was my favorite from Conference) by Elder Holland called Because of Your Faith.

I was so moved by his talk, again, but in a different way, that I feel so inspired to write to you all. You might remember in his talk that he thanked his parents for sacrificing for him so much so he could serve a mission, and working extra for him so that all the money he had saved for his mission was still there when he got home from his mission so he could pay for college etc. In his talk you might also remember him thanking all those other mothers and fathers out there who have done and are doing the same things for their children. I was a ball of tears during his talk. But this time, in reading it through, my thoughts were turned inwards, to my own mission, and my own life, and what he was really trying to tell us. I think Bro. Hollands talk was really about praising us, members of the church, and good people of the earth, and thanking us for our faith. Then I thought of all those people in my life, who have been such examples and pillars of faith to me.

In his talk he says, talking to us, "No one of you is insignificant, in part because you make the gospel of Jesus Christ what it is-a living reminder of His grace and mercy, a private but powerful manifestation in small villages and large cities of the good He did and the life He gave bringing peace and salvation to other people. We are honored beyond expression to be counted one with you in such a sacred cause.

As Jesus said to the Nephites, so say I today: "Because of your faith...., my joy is full.

"And when he had said these words, he wept.""

After reading his talk, I just sat there, going through in my mind all of these people..... you are probably on my list:

Robert, Mom, Chris, Grandma, Grandpa, Joseph, Memere, Pepere, Phillip, Ben, Charlene, Kathlene, Becky, Brad, Mike, Andrea, Jon, Meiken, Zan, Cindy, Randy, Loni, Bishop Jensen, Bishop Squires, Sis. Johnson, Sis. Holloway, Sis.Wagner, Sis.McCoy, Bree, Olivia, Tricia, Sarah, Whitney, Dre, Cortney, AnnMarie, Carolee, Jessica, April, MaryAnn, Angie, Bishop Peeples, Anjanelle, Aimee, Tonya, Brandon, Melissa, Tina, Summer, Misty, Natalie, Fabi, Christy, Meggan, Rachel, Aidrienne, Andrea, Tashina, Wendy, Lance, Hna. Robertson, Hna. Wheatley, Hna. Horton, Hna. Wheatley, Hna. Harris, Hna. Holbrook, Hna. Kurouski, Hna. Madsen, Hna. Christensen, Hna. Lindsay, Hna. Rumsey, Hna. DuVall, Pte. DuVall, Pte. Zivic, Hna. Zivic, Las Sandra, Patricio, Eric, Sarah, Florin, Matthews, Barneys, Rehders, and I have known hundreds of other people who have given me examples of faith.

It is YOU all who have given me faith to endure, at different times in my life when I have needed it. You have given me an example of faith and assurity that Christ is your Savior, and that God lives and loves us and that no matter what happens, everything will work out because it's in God's hands, as are we. And I want to THANK YOU for being an example to me. We all give each other strength, and we all need each other, and we are all living reminders to each other on a daily basis of our Savior Jesus Christ and his grace and mercy and love. Thank you for enduring, being faithful, and giving me hope and peace in this world and in my life. Imagine how many more people than just me you have touched in your lives. And I have no idea how many peoples lives I have influenced for good, but this is our duty and mission, to the church and to each other, and to ourselves, to help each other.

Thank you all. Keep being examples of faith to all those around you because we need you.

November 02, 2010

Sesame Street Halloween Costumes

Robert had the idea like back in May(6 months early) for Sesame Street Halloween Costumes. He wrote it down so he wouldn't forget his genius idea. Then when October came around, he said we better get started on our costumes. We started shopping for costume pieces at the beginning of October. We probably went to second hand stores about 8 times and craft/fabric stores like 7 times before we finished our costumes. One of those trips to the fabric store included buying a new needle for my sewing machine cause I broke my needle on one of Big Birds feathers! That was a first!
I honestly didn't see the vision for these costumes, but Robert was determined and sure they would turn out great. I knew they would take a lot of work that I wasn't sure how to do. But little by little our costumes came together and I figured it out as I went. We started with buying basic robes at 2nd hand stores in our respective colors. Then we had to buy fabric to match the robes to make the hoods, socks etc. (which it was easier to match fabric than I thought it would be). Robert hot glued all those feathers on his costume. I made his legs and feet. I had to do some serious altering on Brady's costume, and mine was pretty simple. In the end it was a LOT of work, but a great learning experience on the sewing machine for me:)
It paid off when we won Best Overall Costume at our Ward Halloween Party!!
This is Robert's 'Big Bird' pose.
Tickle me.
Oscar the Grouch trying to make a grouchy face:)
In the end we probably spent about $40 for all the supplies and fabric. It was fun. I guess you can expect something better for next year. Robert is already thinking of ideas for next year. Halloween is serious in the Potter family!