What am I excited about these days

I just read a blog that asked what we were excited about-- well let me tell you
This book- I got it for fhe. It is awesome! It's all about showing kindness and love. It uses the word "dipper" which happens to be a favorite word of my 2 sons.
Being a Find a Grave volunteer
There's a family history web site where I've volunteered to go to near by cemeteries and take pictures by request. I took my first assignment on Wednesday and I went seeking on Thursday. It is incredibly satisfying to help someone do family history work. I was really happy to do it.
Planting peas
Stitching during conference
Stake president visit for Joseph
Family vacation in June!
And of course a visit from my two favorite littles maybe next month!!

Wow!! Angels among us

Just the other night, after a run of tough days, Dave and I were talking right before we fell asleep. I asked him "do you think there will ever be a time we go to bed happier than we thought we'd be- instead of being sadder than we thought the day would end?" (That sounds awkward, I hope you know what I mean)

Anyway

Tonight is that night!! I know we are not finished with the day yet, but this day has had some great things! One of which is the package I received today. So fun. It will help in primary and in my life in so many ways. The creator of these books is our song leader in primary and she is so awesome. She has all those kids, and the teachers enthralled. What a delight!

Our Kimmie came by tonight. She is doing so well and she is so happy. No big announcements, but seeing her happy is so good for my mamas heart.

So I guess it's time to sleep now. This day ended up happier than I thought it would be, and I'm so thankful!

He went to Dubai!

Earlier this month Dave went to a conference in Dubai. He was asked to present some info on technology. I know it was a grueling flight to get there, but it was hard on me too ;) I know how can I complain? We were able to Skype while he was in another world. Never thought he would go that far away. He said next time he will take me--- I wonder if I'm brave enough to go

One of the land formations in Dubai

This country is so wealthy they create land formations out in the ocean. This is off google earth.

The goods he brought home

Dates are a big deal there, we have walls of soda or chips in the US. They have walls of dates. Cool

The money from Dubai

How she's doing

Aubrey has been home for over a month, or as she says one transfer. She is doing so so well. When we picked her up at the airport, I was so worried she would be sad and weird with adjusting. The first thing I said to her after I found my voice, was if she was ok. She assured me she was. She still is-- no melt down or regrets. I'm so thankful she's doing so well. She's in school and has a part time job. She is officially in the singles ward in Highland, and things are going great. One of the things that has surprised me is she is still 100% on the quotes from movies game. She is still sharp and fast. It's awesome. She usually rides in to school with Dave on his way to work. That gives them a great time to talk- such a good thing. She hasn't talked about moving out, and I am certainly ok with that. It's nice not to be so alone anymore. I know it will change, and that's ok too, but for now its really nice to have her home.

It IS winter!

I am loving this winter. Many people complain but I think it's perfect! It's been the snowiest and coldest winter we've had in decades I think this snow is just from last night and today. That little table was clear of any snow yesterday. I live the fireplace, I live reading, I love baking, I love getting in my pre warmed bed... I don't want to do these things in July- but for now, it's perfect!

The Commandments

Here's what we made in primary. It was appreciated by all

CTR 4

Teaching primary is certainly a delight. Not to say I don't worry and stress- but once the lesson is over I take a big sigh-and sometimes a Tylenol and gear up for the next Sunday. Today our lesson was "the commandments help is choose the right" the commandments were compared to road signs that help is get back to Heavenly Father. I asked the kids if they knew what certain road signs meant. When I showed them this one, I knew it would be tricky. It took a minute, then my cute little blondie Elsa said "no snowboarding?" I couldn't help but laugh and tell her that's not what it means but it certainly could. Little smarty.

Still needing a little cooling off

A very odd activity

Jacob joined in on a hot wing eating challenge. The trick was to eat 12 of the spiciest hot wings in 6 minutes. He had to sign a waiver first--- and then he won.
He said the whole place was watching the competition and cheering. One lady, he said, was videoing him with her phone. Wish i could see the video!! He thought the whole thing was awesome. He won a headband- a gc for more wings and a free haircut, along with the respect of many. Hahahahahahahaahahah
The haircut thing is a little weird for a prize, but I'm certainly ok with it. He also got to choose anything on the menu to eat after the wings. That was a prize from the group he was with. He chose a strawberry shake. He said he really couldn't taste it but it was like eating an ice shake and he love that.


Now 2 hours later he's eating a frosty ;)

A few of the prizes

He looks a little spiced up hua? Poor red face...

An action shot

2012- a realization.

As I think about this passed year, I realize how much this scripture fits my life right now.
Yesterday we were so blessed to attend three missionary reports. Bryson in Draper, Cameron in Highland and Ben in Lehi. Bryson and Ben are the sons of two of my best best friends. During Bryson's talk he had us turn to this scripture. As I thought about "peace" being one of the fruits of the spirit, I figured that I must be doing something wrong. Peace has not been easy for me this year.

Between Joseph's pain, the election and the contention it brought, my fathers health and sadness and David's job changes and a few other personal upsets, **peace** feels like its been slipping through my fingers.

Later I read the scripture again. Peace may have been elusive, and I will certainly seek it more, but **love, gentleness, long suffering, goodness and meekness have been abundant in my life. I consider that huge blessings. Some of these blessings have come in the wake of the hard times we've had, and some have been like a gentle soft summer rain--- .

My husband,
my parents,
my children,
my GRAND babies,
my best friends in my sisters and brothers,
my awesome happy nieces and nephews,
my sweet loving understanding girlfriends,
the great yw of our highland ward,
and the darling sunbeams ...

So many many wonderful people in my life.
True angels.

Throw in the fun and adventure that comes from David.
He brings me many amazing experiences-- sneaking up to sundance to be with him during a work weekend there, family vacation, weekly dates, adventures to see Brian Regan and Jim Brickman-- I could go on and on...
Aubrey being so happy on her mission! And her safe return....
And last, for now, but not least, Being there to witness and help Laura when Kaylee was born--

So much love in my life and so many blessings-  I am so thankful!
Heavenly Father is helping us through this tough time.
I will keep figuring out how to feel the peace that I know is there for me- and until then I will live in the love of the Spirit of God.
I really am so thankful.






Connie

A very special gift

Aubrey gave us all things from her mission for Christmas. What a joy. She gave me scripture covers!! That's what I was hoping for. She chose the pictures to be put on them. On the Bible is a very favorite picture of mine. Awhile ago David took our family to the Carl Block (?) art exhibit at BYU. The picture there of Jairus' daughter being raised from the dead truly touched my heart, so of course love love love this story and this picture.
The back cover on my Book of Mormon is what she called "your temple" meaning where David and I got married. I asked for covers for my seminary scriptures-- yes the books from 1981. I love those books cause I have and can mark them up. AND cause I knew I'd get 4 pictures instead of only 2! AND because I have a very cute (kitty print fabric inside) scripture carrier for my big scriptures. Love them all so much.

The other side

The one on the left is a picture from a scene in the Book of Mormon when Jesus Christ comes to the temple. Such a tender moment. I love that picture.
The cover on the right is for my bible. On the back is a picture of Esther. I though this was such a great inspiration. A few months ago, when I gave a little missionary report on Aubrey in church, I used a scripture from Esther. " .... born for such a time as this" So awesome that Aubrey chose such a dear picture.

A Js return

What a great week

What a great week at the Pixton home. Dave got home from Germany, and Laura and littles came in also. Everyone got to be at the airport when Aubrey came in. We ran late and the flight was just a little early, but we made it in time. I started to get anxious more and more through the morning-- it's a weird feeling. Not nervous scared-- just anxious and a little absent minded. As we made our way to the baggage area, we saw a huge crowd. 22 missionaries were returning on Aubrey's flight. We got my phone hooked up with Laurie's phone. She was with mom and dad in Provo. They could see somewhat the action of the arrival. When I saw my girl and got her in my arms all the worry and questions of her being so far away, the awe I felt at her accomplishment, my hope for her to be happy being home... All sorts of thoughts flooded over me. I couldn't let her go.
I was holding Jack at the time which was weird but like I said I was kind of beside my self with anticipation. Aubrey had lots of love and hugs to welcome her home. All my kids, and my husband, are with me. I can't begin to describe how much that means to me. I am so thankful.

It's getting crazy

My house isn't as clean or organized as I'd like, NO presents are wrapped for Christmas--I don't know what's for dinner tomorrow... This is where my mind is!

Blessing bags

A while ago I saw an idea on Pinterest for blessing bags. We put a few together for home evening. In each big ziplock bag we put in a bottle of water and some gloves and some snacks. This is what we will give people asking for money at intersections. We've had them about 2 weeks and just this weekend Dave gave away one and I gave away another. The fella i gave it to told me -thank you sweetheart! -
It was a good thing.

Finally!

Growing up I was always scared of men with facial hair. My dad was always clean shaved so that, plus the scary factor, always kept me away from the bearded kind of guys.
You can imagine my shock an dismay when my own sons chose the prickly hairy look. They knew my feelings about facial hair but they chose to let the whiskers grow. I know shaving is hard on some skin, and I am empathetic about that -- anyway, I was surprised and delighted when this smooth handsome face greeted me in Saturday!! Yay! Hope it stays around!

The last package to Argentina

Yep-- the time has come. A package usually takes 3 weeks to get to Argentina. I sent this package yesterday, with just less than 4 weeks with Aubrey there. I did address it to her two companions in the case Aubrey comes home before it is delivered. She is companions with two ladies that are native Spanish speakers. They both wanted an English hymn books.

Next package goes to Florida!!

The good news, really good news and the heartache

Tuesday morning I got this email!! :) :)!
Wow! It's official. My AJ will be coming home December 12! I got the email as I was waiting to vote.

I was actually very optimistic all day about the election but my hopes were dashed as the night wore on. When there was just too much cheering for the "leader" I have no trust in, Dave and I turned to a good distraction. We've been watching "Heartland".
It's a good show.
Imagine my surprise and delight when I saw a familiar face as a guest star! Anne!! With an e!!
It was a great surprise!!
Later as we prayed and turned out the lights our hearts were heavy. I do have faith that our Father in heaven is in charge and over all. I also know He respects free agency and allows hard, even evil things to happen.

Today I had the song from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The song at the end when after someone has tried to take all the happiness from who ville- the little whooooooos are still happy and thankful.
Those words made me so so happy and lifted my heart.
May our Father in heaven help us through the tough times ahead!

Anne of green gables!

I was shocked!

My birthday!

I spent my birthday in Houston with David. He had obligations there-- we had such a nice time. While he was in meetings I read and watched modern marvels. It was a really different birthday but it was still good. I missed being with my parents and sibs and kids-- and my wonderful girl friends.
Here's some pictures of the adventure

The great glass elevator

The hotel we stayed in was 10 stories tall. It had 5 elevators. Two were facing the inner courtyard (?) lobby of the hotel. The other elevators were just like the Charlie and the chocolate factory glass elevators. Kinda cool-- a tiny bit dizzy-ing

Thai food for lunch! With my best friend

It was delicious!!

Lots of pillows and a book!!

I finished reading "Let It Go" by Chris Williams. The book is a recounting of his experience of an accident his family was in in 2008. They were hit by a drunk teenager and four members of his family were killed. It is an amazing story of humility and forgiveness. It was a beautiful message and gift to read it.

A stop at the Godiva chocolate store

Dave saved the day after a gal tried to sell me a $300.00 package of skin care stuff. It was for all my "dry damaged skin and under eye wrinkles" wow. Thanks--- ya Godiva was comforting ;)

At The Taste of Texas

Very yummy birthday dinner

The eyes.. Not natural

When did he turn into wolf man?

the state pen outfit?

I've been asked to see or repair lots of different things. Baby blankets, costumes, hem pants, fix rips, baby blessing gown, quilts, matching dresses for my three little girls, and a Christmas tree storage bag. Yesterday I was asked to repair a prison inmates jumper. I'm hoping its the last one I encounter. Actually this ones nor so bad. It's a costume, not a daily worn outfit. Jacob is using it for his job at corn bellies. I'm not thrilled with this job-- I'm not thrilled with Halloween... But he likes it and it will be over on Tuesday! For the job Jacob also has colored contacts which are too weird. Sometimes when he comes in at night I can't even look at him. He gets his face painted and I can't even recognize my own kid.
Time is slipping away we have Halloween, then a short trip to Houston with David. My birthday :) then the election.... Yikes ... Then Jacobs show, thanksgiving, another trip for David to Germany-- then... Then... Yep. AJ gets back!! We may have a missionary leave in there too!!
So we have a lot going on to be sure.


Connie

Here it is

My most recent talk

A few days before we went to Cali Brother Gardner called and asked if I would give a little report on Aubrey.  I thought it would be just a casual little talk before most of the meeting got started.  I had seen other missionary moms give a little talk like that too.  So I pulled together some thoughts, but I wasn't too worried or stressed about it.  I was kind of scattered (imagine that) between traveling and such, plus a primary lesson to prepare for.  I was so scattered I forgot some essential packing items--- lets just say I was rinsing out a few items every night, and sleeping in my husbands jammies--- silly connie. Anyway when I got to church yesterday, my name was between the youth speakers and the last speaker!  They all thought I was a real speaker--- oy.  oh well.... the last speaker is an awesome SS teacher so I knew he could clean up any mess or use any time I left for him.



Here's my talk


Some of you have never met my missionary daughter. When we moved into the ward about 2 years ago, she was going to the singles ward. She then moved to an apartment in Provo where she studied Theater at uvu. Aubrey is our third child, our third daughter and our first missionary. She was very much into musical theater in high school and she didn't know any foreign language.  She didn't talk about a mission until 2009, about 1 1/2 years before she was eligible.

She has been serving in the Bahia Blanca Argentina mission. She went into the mtc may 25, 2011. That's  508 days. This is equal to exactly 1 year, 4 months, and 19 days.
Her official 18 months date is November 25, but we expect her back around December 12.
She has met and served with the Hendershotts granddaughter Hermana Baker
She is experiencing spring time there now and in December will be flying home from an Argentinian summer to a Utah winter.

Some of my favorite quotes from her letters home
"oh dear, if there's one thing I have a much bigger testimony of from the mission its going to church.  We need to study the scriptures, pray always and go to church.  That's part of the enduring to the end bit of the plan. Go to church! Like really!"
"The ward mission leader told us to prepare a musical number the day before.  We ended up singing come thou fount in English and Spanish and I was elected to sing the first verse solo and the last line of the song too.  Yeah, but it was good and I got a  lot of members shocked faces telling me how good I sounded and they didn't know i could sing like that. It was a good feeling"
"After we got to the house that night, we got a text from her saying thank you for the peace we brought.  We decided that in this work we don't do anything. Its all the Lord and we just open our mouths and walk and stuff like that"
"I keep working and praying and walking and talking and hope I can be a tool somehow in the hands of God.  He really does guide this work and we are nothing without Him.  Look to me in every thought, doubt not fear not. This is so great a work and if the gospel wasn't true the missionaries would have messed it up a long time ago.  I love this so much."
"Yes, I am very happy right now, which is super weird  because we didn't have a lot of exito this week.  We were pretty much trying to find the ground beneath our feet, only to discover that we were waling on water out to Christ.  Yea, that was a bit scary and I felt like I was sinking for about a day, then I realized that all I need to do is ask for help, c all out and ask for help, and straightway the Savior reached out and pulled me from the water.  I am so thankful for that right now.  I have a testimony of the power and reality of the Gospel. People may think that we're disillusioned, (Like this lady at the beginning of this week) but its so reassuring to have that testimony of Christ, to know that at the base of all our beliefs is Jesus Christ.  Wow.  Yah, I'm feeling good and I'm not dis animated.  I've been feeling the forces of satan working on me this week, it was intense.  Satan used all he can to cause us to fear or to lose faith.  Be we know that God gives love and power and a sound mind.  its when we adjust our focus that we, o por la menos mi see that if we give our burden to Christ, He will carry it for us, His yoke is light and His burden easy.  He loves me and I know that my Father in Heaven is mindful of everything that happens on this planet If I share the Gospel with someone who maybe isnt ready for it right now, I know that God doesn't forget them  This is a huge comfort to my heart."

I asked my family to tell me how Aubrey's mission has blessed their life.  I wont identify the sources, but you can probably tell who said what.

"she has let me think from a different stand point. It really gives me a perspective on how i should live my life now so i can prepare that much more for my mission coming up in a few months. It really helps me live a preparatory life"

"Having Aubrey on her mission has given me the unlikely opportunity to have one of my siblings to look up to in regards to serving a mission. I did not expect anyone would be a missionary until me, and I know I am struggling to go on mine, but just the thought of her being the excellent missionary she is gives me hope. She has also expressed her pride and confidence in me."

"She always says things that help me feel like I can accomplish whatever I set out to do, especially when i'm discouraged. In vermont, she was a strength to me and helped reinforce that God uses each one of to make a difference in others lives even if it may seem insignificant to us"

"Aubrey being on a mission has blessed my and my families life. It strengthens my testimony to hear of the spiritual experiences she and those she serves receive. She also is a great example to my little boy who is just starting to understand what missionaries are and do."

"It's quite evident that she is much more spiritually mature and she freely speaks of her Heavenly Fathers goodness. And bears her testimony by speaking of her father in heaven in these ways. It builds faith within our family. Her serving has blessed my life by blessing my family's life's. she's steady she's positive."

"For me, her serving has blessed me personally in my faith. Sometimes my faith is really strong, and other times I wonder if I really was born for such a time as this, if I can truly endure.  Unforeseen waves have hit our family this year. Aubrey's faith and service and happiness have often been a very gentle and a very soft comfort to my worried heart."

Name that place!

Before we got soaked

UEA at Disneyland

For a couple of reasons we decided to make the quick trip to Disneyland for the UEA break. It just happened to be during a time that sil Steve would be traveling so that meant that Laura and her littles could join us. We also were honored to have Kim's friend Aaron join us. He hasn't been since he was really little. We really wanted to help him have a good time. We all laughed a lot and made some great memories. Dave and I spent most of our time with Laura and company while the other 4 ran around at their own silly pace. The World of Color was so beautiful and rather nostalgic.
I realized the reason I like color is because there are so many colors. Pink wouldn't be so awesome by itself- its because there is green and yellow and orange and red and all the other colors as well. I don't know if I said that right. But it was great. I honestly don't know if I could do this quick 4 day trip many more times. I certainly feel my age when I'm on my feet for two days straight. Kaylee and Jack made the experience really awesome. Both littles danced all the way through Small World. It was awesome.
David took such good care of us all and arranged great accommodations. Now it's time to be home and rest up for a bit. Laura will be here awhile longer then Dave will be traveling for work. October is going to slip right through my hands. In some ways that's ok. :)



Connie

A new favorite

I switched on the tv just in time to see the end of Apollo 13.
I heard a line I'd heard and liked before, but this time- amid some personal worries it really brought the tears-
"with all due respect sir, I believe this to be our finest hour"

May it be so!
Our Father in heaven has sustained me and my loved ones my whole life. I am so thankful for that

Hello, my name is Connie

The other day I saw a post by an awesome blogger named Jillee

things-you-probably-own-too-many-of-and-what-to-do-with-them.html

She wrote of several things that "I probably have too many of.."  The list included 

towels

glasses and mugs

makeup

books

vases

plastic containers

kitchen tools

grooming and cleaning products

reusable shopping bags- ya know, the ones with a handle

travel sized soaps, lotions, shampoo...

though I am guilty only on 4 or 5 of these things, books are certainly an addiction of mine.  (DI/Books is like a liquor store/alcohol.)

Maybe it started when i was 5 and "rewarded" in going to school happily with a new book.  I like them a lot!  And to add to the madness, I have the kindle application and have gone too crazy on there too.  There are too many free or less expensive kindle books!

These books were just the ones under my bed that I just pulled out to organize.  I'm not sure why I do this-- there are worse things.....

Pinterest idea. Does it work

I've seen the mixer way to shred chicken on pinterest so today I decided to try it. We're having Pixtons, all kinds, over for dinner tomorrow. I slow cooked chicken until it hit 165 degrees, then cooled it a bit. I broke it up a bit and put 3 pieces in at a time. I used the whipping blade, not the bread Kneaders one. It worked like a charm. The shredded chicken is now snuggled in BBQ sauce in the fridge. I'm glad I know this trick. Wonder if it would work with pork. We love to serve the cafe rio pork burritos when we have folks over ad well. I'll let ya know when I find out.

It does!

This is the "Prince Harry" thing I was referring to

This is in the Utah valley magazine for this month. Awesome hua?

Bad timing

Awhile ago I set something up that compared Jacob to prince Harry. Several strangers have commented on Jacob looking like him. Now it comes out that Harry has been misbehaving. My little something will be posted here in the next few weeks, and I'm bummed that the England Harry hasn't been a good boy. Hope this something doesn't turn into something negative for my kid. We'll see...

The rain

After a week of being virtually beat up for some of the political things I've posted on fb, Dave took me out for a very nice evening. We went to see the Piano Guys at Thanksgiving point. The concert was outdoors, and the sky was cloudy and dark- and it rained on us, and it was awesome. David had set us up with a tarp and some blankets and a poncho so we stayed pretty dry. The piano guys are so talented and though we couldn't see their hands they sounded great. It was a greak little get away.

Under the tarp