Today was a fairy tale...

actually this week has been a fairy tale. Maybe not the kind that you read about it all of the books, not the one you watch on TV, not the one you will tell to your daughters as a bedtime story but the story of an ordinary girl. There was no prince on a white horse ( darn it ). There was however a wicked queen and some very naughty goons, but there presence in the story is only one of anger and disgust.  Sometimes the girl in our story lets these naughty goons and many others make her feel like she is small, worthless, and insignificant.

Over the years I have been exposed to many beautiful languages—each of them is fascinating and remarkable; each has its particular charm. But as different as these languages can be, they often have things in common. For example, in most languages there exists a phrase as magical and full of promise as perhaps any in the world. That phrase is “Once upon a time.”

Aren’t those wonderful words to begin a story? “Once upon a time” promises something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of princesses and princes. It may include tales of courage, hope, and everlasting love. In many of these stories, nice overcomes mean and good overcomes evil. But perhaps most of all, I love it when we turn to the last page and our eyes reach the final lines and we see the enchanting words “And they lived happily ever after.”

Isn’t that what we all desire: to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories; to triumph over adversity; to experience life in all its beauty; and, in the end, to live happily ever after?

Today I want to draw your attention to something very significant, very extraordinary. On the first page of your Young Women Personal Progress book, you will find these words: “You are a beloved daughter of Heavenly Father, prepared to come to the earth at this particular time for a sacred and glorious purpose."

While this week has been chalk full of challenges and moments when I wanted to scream, cry, and go back to bed this week has also been full of a lot of good.  I was able to hear encouraging words that made me want to look for the positive, and while I wasn't perfect at it (especially after being at work until 10:30), it is something I want to keep working on.  I was able to attend a fabulous fireside where President Uchtdorf spoke to us about our fairy tales (Italics sections).  Friday night I was blessed to go to the MTC devotional where I got to spend a little time with my sweet Hermana.  I am so exited for her to serve in Chili.  She has grown so much, in leaps and bounds and is ready to share the gospel.  Friday I was able to attend a beautiful temple session with some dear friends.  Probably the icing on the cake came today as I once again was able to spend some time with President and Sister Monson at the MTC.  This is my 3rd year doing this, and I always feel so honored and blessed. The things I remember from Pres. Monson's talk was that even when we think we can't do things, if we will make the Lord our constant companion we will accomplish.  But the fairy tale.... Yes the fairy tale came this afternoon when the girl of our story realized that She is not alone in this life, and that every trial and challenge, victory and success are just helping her to create her "happily ever after".

Sisters, those words are true! They are not made up in a fairy tale! Isn’t it remarkable to know that our eternal Heavenly Father knows you, hears you, watches over you, and loves you with an infinite love? In fact, His love for you is so great that He has granted you this earthly life as a precious gift of “once upon a time,” complete with your own true story of adventure, trial, and opportunities for greatness, nobility, courage, and love. And, most glorious of all, He offers you a gift beyond price and comprehension. Heavenly Father offers to you the greatest gift of all—eternal life—and the opportunity and infinite blessing of your own “happily ever after.”

Today, I am filled with hope, knowing that even when things don't turn out the way I think they should, or the goons and goblins come and try to tear me apart that someone else sees a bigger picture.  He knows who I will become, and thankfully He is patient enough to help me get there.  

 ...And the day will come when you turn the final pages of your own glorious story; there you will read and experience the fulfillment of those blessed and wonderful words: “And they lived happily ever after.” 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

A happy day indeed -

Confession:  I completely forgot all about fathers day... Actually I might have remembered it once, but it was only to remember to do something about it later...

With that being said, I have spent a lot of time the last few days thinking of all the wonderful fatherly examples in my life, particularly that of my own Dad.

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes.  

~Gloria Naylor

How true this is in my life.  I know growing up I couldn't wait to get away from home, but now I sit back and have fond remember when memories of times that my dad and I shared together.  I remember one time in Young Womens we had a daddy daughter date where we decorated cakes...He had the best looking porcupine cake in the room.  

My dad taught me how to change the oil and change a tire.  He taught me how to love my mother as I watched him care for his mother.  He taught me how to hit a ball, I still let the first pitch go by because that is what he does.  

How thankful I am that my Dad was brave enough to love a lady and her four boys and continue to create a wonderful family that while we may not be perfect we are working on it.  I am also grateful that he was willing to do what it took to get our family to the temple.  I don't think I will ever forget walking into the sealing room, I don't think I really understood what was happening since on the trip to Mesa I asked my dad where they were going to get jars big enough to "seal" us in.  I do remember knowing that it was forever.  

My Dad has always worked hard to provide me with the opportunities I wanted.  He listened painfully through violin practices, piano lessons, me singing "I am a princess" at the top of my lungs.  He has watched a hundred concerts, set through a lot of parades and football games.  I always knew that even when he wasn't there physically he was thinking of me, and he wanted to be there.  

My Dad taught me to enjoy nature and the beauty in it.  Some of my favorite memories involve a camping trip.  He taught me to slow down and just appreciate it.  He helped me discover the joys of traveling to see new places, even if I didn't appreciate it at the time.  He has given me a love for all history.  He has taught me the importance of patriotism, and the love for God and country.  It is hard for me to hold back the tears every time I see him stand and put his hand over his heart in reverence for the flag and our beautiful country.  

People who know my dad often tell me that I have his eyes.  My dad has beautiful blue eyes, and I am always amazed that people would compare our eyes.  

I am so very grateful for my Dad, and when I think of all the things that he has done for me it makes my heart want to sing, and I am filled with happiness indeed.  

So today, from a million miles away, I wish you a Happy Fathers Day!  

The greatest gift I ever had

Came from God; I call him Dad!

~Author Unknown

I love you Dad!

Did she fall off the face of the earth???

No, even though sometimes I wish I could, Just been busy/crazy!  A lot going on!  


Some things that I actually remember to document about in the last 6 months (yikes!)


Earlier in the year I was traveling quit a lot for work.  One of those trips was a trip to "Sin City" Las Vegas.  Since we didn't have to pay for a hotel room I talked my sisters into meeting me over there.  While it still holds true to its name we did have a good time.  My directions before we went out on the strip was to keep your eyes focused on the buildings... Do not look down, do not look at the billboards, do not look at the people!  While we were a little shell shocked (Especially Kristin) we did manage to have a good time.  I was amazed at the people who were pretending to have fun!  Of course the favorite of everyone was the water show at the Bellagio.  Really pretty!
  

LAS Vegas

In other news... My little sister received her mission call in March.  It was kind of a stressful month, she put her papers in and made the appointment with the temple to get her endowments, but they wouldn't let her go through before she received her call.  She scheduled the date for the temple anyway knowing that her call should come at least a week before she was supposed to go through.  Well the week of her endowments came and still no call.  I had already made one trip to Phoenix that week for work, but had tickets to fly back the next day!  Well, on Friday, the night before she was supposed to receive her endowments she finally received her call.  Poor girl, had to wait for Jeremy and his family to get there to open it, and then she had to wait for Shell & Steph, we didn't open the mission call until after 10pm.  She is going to the Santiago Chili West Mission.  After the temple we had an easter egg hunt, went and rode dirt bikes, shot guns and played in the wind.  It was a fun weekend to be home.  


Mission Call Weekend

Kristin went into the Empty Sea in Provo on May 5th.  She is learning the language really quickly and growing spiritually by leaps and bounds. I got to surprise her on Tuesday and go to the devotional with her.  Elder Hales was the speaker.  She will leave for Chili around July 5th, and I think she is ready to get out.  She is in a companionship of three, one companion is 6'2", she is 5'5", and her other companion is 4'10", they were laughing about being the AT&T bars.  It was so good to see her.  I am so proud of her.   


Kristin going into the Empty Sea

Other than that life just keeps going fast and faster.  I was able to go to youth conference last week with our ward youth.  It was a fabulous time, where we had a lot of opportunities to demonstrate courage.  I am always grateful for the blessings that I receive when spending time with teeneagers.  These kids are amazing!


Hope everyone is doing well.