Desert Botanical Gardens

 I visited the desert gardens here in Phoenix. What beauty and color, my eyes were open and taking in the hues.

 Some cactus have a crown of yellow jewels on top of their heads.

 I really liked the purple amongst the neutral colors.

 These glass saguaros were installed by Dale Chihully's glass blowers. They stand among the natives.

The yellow glass shimmers and sparkles in the heat. This was a perfect place for a glass installation.

These little round puffs are common in the yards around here. I purchased a tiny one in a magnet pot to bring home. I respect the desert both for it's beauty and for the dangers that surround this environment.

Sunshine is Emmaline

  My days in Phoenix are wonderful. Whether I'm playing with Emmaline on her play floor, or going for a walk, or listening to her laugh in her sleep I am so glad to share this time with her family.

   Today is Halloween and we are enjoying the decorations in everyone's yards, including those right here at home. Last night we had a neighborhood parade of costumes at the park two blocks away.

   Each child walked across four long tables to show off their ensemble. There were pirates, knights, and my favorite Harry Potter.

    Emmaline was a ladybug and wondered at the craziness of it all. HAPPY HALLOWEEN1

Book of Mormon Sunday- Moroni 9-10

  I have come to the end of adventure of writing about my Book of Mormon reading, I started January 1, 2011.

These last few chapters are hauntingly sad. Comfort does not come from man for Mormon or Moroni. They are only lifted up by Christ. I am saddened by the coarseness of the people Mormon describes, yet at the same time amazed by the hope and strength of Moroni. How are they lifted up by the spirit?   God has been merciful to his children. Moroni asks us to remember this and it is also the plea from Nephi at the end of chapter 1 of First Nephi. Remember the tender mercies given to man from a loving God. And, as you come to know God do not, do not deny his power. He shows his power through gifts bestowed upon men to do good things which point to Christ. The greatest of these being charity.   Moroni 10:32 "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."    As I come to an end of reading these important words I think what I learned from this time is that it is important to respond to this book. The times I wrote about, prayed about, or shared with others held the most meaning. I am considering turning around tomorrow and starting the project again.

My Knitting Queen

 Years ago when we moved away from Provo, Utah to start a new job I so wanted another baby. After three boys in a row I really longed for another girl. And behold, we were blessed with a wonderful second girl, a gift I desired.

So, it is her birthday today and I want her to know we love her and are fortunate to have her close by. She is a woman of many interests, she was a dancer, studied plant biology, loves reading and is our knitting queen. So happy birthday from the desert sun.

Hello Sunshine

  I am leaving the hubby behind to soak up some rays.Going south for a few days of summer. There is another girl coming to our family in February. Woo! Hoo!

    Big sister and I are going to get reacquainted after 5 months. We will take some walks, play with her awesome toys, and cozy up to Mom and Dad.

   It will take a few hours to cozy up to Emmaline.

FEASTing With My Early Morning Guests

  We FEAST every weekday morning in seminary. We Find a scripture, Explain it's meaning as best we can, Apply it to our lives, Share an experience that relates to that scripture, and Testify if we feel that it is true.

 So that we can all feast together we must prepare the feast. That means finding a scripture that we want to chew on for a few minutes with everyone. Mondays is usually the day to prepare the feast for the rest of the week.

   I was surprised by G, the sophomore, who brought a literal feast to celebrate my birthday. He was so well prepared and we enjoyed his crepes and bachitas very much.

These early morning guests make my day.

The Color Orange

 

I love orange in the fall.Warm, rich, bold and present are the adjectives I'd use to describe this color. I attended a meeting recently where a floral designer decorated in all orange. It was stunning, so I snapped some pictures.

This array of flowers goes so well with my mantle just now. My painting of the month is the Cinderella Pumpkin by Karen Dale.Her rustic background is mirrored by her wooden frame with metal corners

Autumn is a time when nature is fully mature.Gone are the spring greens, pinks, and purples. I think I feel orange right now in my life.