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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Sister Scribble


The best gift you have to offer is YOU!

We also need to:
Pray for one another
Bear each other burdens
Love one another
Encourage one another
Forgive one another
Serve one another
Teach one another
Fellowship one another

We have wonderful gifts of time and genuine concern at our disposal to offer each other.


Monday, October 27, 2014

I wanna love like God loves......

Autumn and I got a little Mother daughter weekend in Idaho falls, along with my two sisters Kim and Kristi and their daughters.
We really bonded.  I was prompted to go on this little trip three weeks ago, to go listen to my sister Kim speak at a "Christ centered energy healing" Conference.
I know we were suppose to be there.
I feel closer to Autumn, and I see her light SHINE!
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On the way home we helped her write her talk for sacrament on Temples.
I believe it was inspired by the Bishop of our ward to ask her. SHE hasn't stopped beaming since she spoke.
I pray daily for my heart to be like "His" for my heart to LOVE deeper and to love wider and fully and to have LOVE like he has. 
Like our savior has....
Me and my girls have been on a hard road for about 4 years.
And I feel NOW is the time to love BIG....love HARD......and love like we have never loved. 
My life is settled, and its time.
I have noticed since praying for these things, I feel movement.
God wants us to feel JOY, to feel LOVE, to be happy and to feel his light.
SO WHY wouldn't he allow what I ask for? {if its his will of course and righteous..lol} 
Sometimes its all in the asking.......when we work hard and are aligned with Christ, he blesses us!
I have shared these feelings I have been feeling lately with my sisters, and with mike and my parents. It has been so exciting and very noticeable..........
I love Abbie more now then ever, I see her as God sees her.
I anxiously await the weekends for her to come down with her boyfriend so I can just be BY her and hug her and love on her.
She is such a doll and I want her to feel NOTHING but love from me.
Now that I am crying.....lol
on to Autumn.....when she moved in 5 months ago, it was rough for a while.
{like I slightly wanted to beat her...}
Getting use to old habits and rules and each other and her relationship with Mike.
NOW-------its smooth. Its lovely.....I'm committed to her as her mother.
Funny how when you pray so much for someone you come to deeply love them.
As our savior loves us.
He looks past our SINS.......and loves who we are. He knows who we are.
He looked past my sins, and saw my potential. So I should be doing the same!
:)
CO-parenting with Christ is the smartest thing I have ever DONE........haha!




My girls!
This has reminded me of a quote from my dad
  "If we are willing to do the work, anything can be done"
--Dave Walker



FHE.......
We wrote mishie letters tonight.......
I love seeing Charlee's handwriting to these 4 missionaries of ours.....
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WHO can you pray for?
and what Missionary would love to hear from YOU?

Friday, October 24, 2014

Sister Highlights

SISTER HIGHLIGHTS!!!
LOVE FRIDAYS!!!
:)


 Jennifer Anne James Paulsen
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My insta name is @Jenannepaulsen
I live in Hooper, Utah but was born in Mississippi
My favorite treats are Molten Lava Cake (which my hubby and daughter make gluten free for me) and Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake (that my sis in law makes gluten free for myself and my brother) and Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies from Tula (a gluten free bakery in Portland, Oregon).  
Lest you stop reading this because you think I think I'm all that....I'm not....keep reading :)
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Nikes all the way! High heels hurt my feet and make me look like an amazon woman (the bad weird kind, not the sexy kind)
Lipstick with gloss unless I'm not going anywhere important, then its just gloss.  I love NYX Butter Gloss!
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5 things in my purse......1) A Quest bar that is suppose to dissuade me from eating above mentioned treats, but it is still in my bag, uneaten :)  2) Three NYX Butter Glosses 3) Gushers and fruit snacks for my daughter (and myself when I get desperate) 4) My favorite purple Contigo water bottle and 5) my Macaroni Kid business cards (please insert shameless plug for my family event based newsletter/website www.ogdenroy.macaronikid.com ) 
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My favorite color is black, yes because it is so slimming, but I also like red, purple and pink.
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Unique talents... Gulp, it gets serious! Now I have to say something positive about myself. I'm not able to do positive affirmations because that little voice in my head is constantly saying "Yeah right" But lets give it a go.  I have a talent for being able to sight read any kind of piano music you put in front of me and I'm able to turn the conversation back to whomever I'm speaking with because I like others to feel important and loved.
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My favorite quote is: "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, your'e right." I'm still trying to master the power I actually have right inside of me.  It is hard, but I'm trying.
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The person who inspires me is my grandma.  She turned 92 yesterday and is still going strong.  When she was just out of high school she joined the WAVES, which was a Navy organization consisting of only women. After the war she married my grandfather who was not a member of the church and went on to raise 5 children in the church. Only two of them still go to church.  My grandfather never let her (or taught her how to) drive so she had to rely on him for rides her whole life as well as from members of her ward.  She worked many different jobs and never spoke ill of her husband (who really wasn't that nice to her).  She taught her kids to love God and to be strong.  I am not sure if she was ever scared of anything and is such a stalwart. I like to think that I have some of her strength running through my veins.  After enduring a bad marriage for 12 years where I raised 3 step kids and had 2 wonderful kids of my own, I finally had the strength to leave.  Of course, because of things in that marriage my self esteem was totally shot and I'm still trying to believe and like myself again, but I have been able to see the Lord's hand in my life.  After my divorce my brother and mom convinced me to sign up for LDS Singles.  Apprehensively I did, and received several weird emails and requests.  One request said "Hey I think I know you whats your name." I immediately hit "Delete" and didn't respond.  The next day I got another request that said, "I think we went on a date once what is your name".  Well, if you have ever been on those dating sites you know that there are a lot of cray crays out there and so I just said, " Tell me your name and I will tell you mine".  He then left his number and said, "call me if you want to see who this is".  I was working at the hospital at the time so I called the number from work and it was a boy (haha I know he is a man now) that I went to high school with some 15 years earlier and had asked to a girls choice dance and then he never asked me out again.  Well, I got my yearbook out and showed my kids and the next day he comes over and picks me up for ice cream and my daughter asked me if that was my dates dad (15 years kinda ages you).  On our first date I told him I will not raise any more step kids and that we could just be friends.  Yup, we are now married and have a five year old girl.  Between us we have a 21 year old, an 18 year old, a 16 year old, a 14 year old and then the little diva.  I am a piano teacher and run a website called Macaroni Kid (please brace yourself for another shameless plug).  My business partner and I send out a newsletter once a week giving you ideas on what to do with your family in the Weber County area.  Please subscribe....its free!  www.ogdenroy.macaronikid.com

The best part of this is that I am being featured with my wonderful, all knowing, patient, beautiful friend Holly Lucas.  Thanks for picking us and thanks for listening :)

LYLAS,
Jennifer or Jen or Jenny....I answer to all three :0

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~Holly Harris Lucas
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~HollyLolly6
~West Haven Utah
~Costa Vida (I could eat every meal there) and chocolate covered cinnamon bears
~I wear Nikes, so I don't topple over in my heals! 
~Gloss!!!!! I seriously have an obsession! 
~Well my kids do call me "Mary Poppins" you name it, it's probably in my purse...gum, medication, vitamins, protein bars, band aids, 10 different lip gloss, you know All of the essentials! 
~I tend to change my favorite color with the seasons! I like burnt orange right now, but it will change to red here pretty quick! Tiffany Blue always seems to stick around though!! 
~Well I do play the violin, but that was not really a talent! I had to work hard to get where I am with that!! I do know how to throw an awesome Party!! I love themed parties, and I love decorating for weddings!! I love taking old crap and making it new again!!! People always ask me why I don't do a business decorating for parties and weddings, I always tell them that it would take all the "fun" out of it for me!!! 
~ "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might just miss it!!!!!" ~Ferris Buhler 
~ I have so many people in my life that inspire me to be better every day!! I am a true believer that "everyone has a story" and we need to celebrate one another, not knock each other down!! My husband Scott, ( though I do not take his help willingly most of the time) helps me understand what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ! It doesn't matter day or night, that man would give you the shirt off his back if he needed to!! He works so hard for our family which allows me to stay home to raise our 4 beautiful kids!! Although all my kids are in school now (youngest is in 7th grade) I find myself just getting busier and busier!!! I have been best friends with the one and only Jennifer Paulsen, we like to joke that we "complete" each other!! Lol! She has been that one friend (besides my husband) that has literally stuck with me through thick and thin! I love this new "instafamily" through Instagram!! I love being able to celebrate all of you and your accomplishments,  share your faith and love!!!!




Two more, AMAZING women added to the circle.....
and not to mention they are BESTIES!!
XOXO!!!!
NOW-----go follow!!!! :)

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Monday, October 20, 2014

At the Blog Hop

Sister #1 HERE!!

When I have some free time I like to do a little blog hopping.


I find joy in reading others successes,
home improvements, cooking tips, organizational ideas and recipes.

I love what my minds does when I see others creative side!  It inspires me.

So I thought I'd share of few of my favs.
{links are active so that you may visit their websites #yourwelcome}




My sisters and I recently spend some time with Si Foster at a bofm365 meet up a couple of weekends ago at the #heberhouse and she dazzled us with her cooking talents.  I'm anxiously awaiting for her to publish her ginger cookie recipe -- I couldn't stop with just one of those delicious babies!  Check her out.  She's got a great balance of healthy and sweets!


Jenn Jeez Place 
Secrets

http://jennjeez.blogspot.com/2014/10/secrets.html
 
Jenn is a recent insta-friend of mine that has shared with me her families struggle with depression and anxiety.  We clicked immediately as we've had similar experiences.  Jenn has given me permission to share her blog and KUDOS to her for having the courage to talk about such a topic! #thereispowerinvulnerability


All my sisters know that I'm pretty tight with my CASH.  I'm a saver and I love to be thrifty!  I came across this blog from Brooke Ulrich when we did the #iambraveandbeautiful campaign.  TOTAL DIY fun!  She has some really great Halloween treats and decorations too!   Love the variety.



Real Simple
The Container Store
http://www.realsimple.com/

http://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htm
  
Here are a couple of websites that I love to visit when I'm feeling in the organizing mood or just looking for an idea. 

I love organization.  Things in my life have a space.  I'm not a huge clutter fan.  I can't think straight!  For me -- a life with less clutter makes it easier to find inner peace, to focus and to keep attention on what is most important and meaningful in life.

Clutter creates distraction.  It can create stress.  However, after I have uncluttered "something" (the counter top paper collector basket, a closet, the tupperware or junk drawer, the Christmas decorations, or even just one bin in the storage area) there is usually a sense of feeling calmer and lighter, a bit more upbeat and being able to think more clearly.  ....and I can find things!  Sometimes I even find something that I forgot that I had...ha ha. #merrychristmasalloveragain.  I try to pick two or three projects a week to de-clutter.  Give it a go!


Now lastly for those that follow us on instagram or have been regular readers of our blog know that we have missionaries serving for the LDS church.  Four of them to be exact! 
1.2.3.4.
I'd love to share their blogs with all of you!
January will be a WONDERFUL month for our family as 2 will be returning home to us!
Honolulu Hawaii (home in January 2015)
Pennsylvania Pittsburgh (home in January 2015)

Ohio Cincinnati (she's been out for 9 months)


 Elder Shoemaker III 
Missouri Independence (he's been out for 2 months)




Sisters, What blogs and website do you love or find inspiration from?
Please share with us!
We'd LOVE to know!!!!!

Sissy #1 OUT!

#Hugstimesfive

Friday, October 17, 2014

SISTER HIGHLIGHTS!!!!

Its another GLORIOUS Friday!!

We love SISTER HIGHLIGHTS!!
and you guys are gonne LOVE LOVE LOVE these women today!!
First up....
Say Hello to the Gorgeous
Si!!

What is your full name?
Sayuri Foster

What is your Instagram user name?
@aBountifulKitchen

Where do you live?
Bountiful, actually North Salt Lake now!

What is your favorite treat?
anything baked and sweet! And chocolate, yes. Chocolate is a good thing. 


Heels or Nikes?
nikes


Tell us 5 things that are in your purse right now! 

bag of gum-various flavors,  6 or 7 lipsticks although I usually just use my Burts Bees light pink lip shimmer, Fuchsia Hobo wallet, sanitizing wipes (I'm a germaphobe), sunglasses- can't leave home without them. 

Tell us one of your unique talents?
I love to cook. Love to taste a recipe in a restaurant and then go home and duplicate it. 

What is your favorite quote?
Everything happens for a reason, there are no mistakes. 

Tell us one person that inspires you and why?
My friend Melinda. She always looks for the good in any situation or person and she's always up for lunch, movie, or just a walk. We've been walking together for about 10 years now, a few times a week. 





Please feel free to tell us anything you feel like sharing! 

I'm a mom to four kids that range in age from 18-30.  One son in law, and one sweet grandbaby! They are our life! We are a baseball family and have traveled all over watching our sons play. We love the UTES! We are avid football and basketball fans, have season tickets to both. I love to travel, especially to Europe. I was born in Japan and lived there until I was five, but think I was probably suppose to be assigned to be in an Italian family before I cam to the earth :) I love Italian food and culture.  I'm planning a road trip across the USA soon  I want to drive coast to coast), and a trip to India with Rising Star Outreach, an amazing organization who works with people that have been afflicted with leprosy.  Love road trips. I love a good beach vaca, the most beautiful beaches I have visited are in Aruba and Mexico. 
I love to cook and bake. Creating in the kitchen brings me joy. My hope is to inspire people to get into the kitchen and cook and create memories with their families! Most good memories are associated with good food :)
{um...FACT!!!}

Si is also the author of a blog
BE SURE TO GO THERE...
you will want to stalk her like we do!! :)

Thank you Si for sharing yourself with us!!
WE LOVE YOU!!
AND....
Next...
THE FABULOUS
HOLLY!!!


What is your full name?
Holly Pitcher

What is your Instagram name?
@treasuredbyholly or @bubbleframeapp

Where do you live? 
St. George Ut

What is your favorite treat?
Cookie Dough

Heels or Nikes?
Nikes!!!

Tell us 5 things that are in your purse right now?
I don't carry a purse :P but in my wallet I have money, business cards, loads of receipts (I keep every one for way to long...don't know why), gum and chapstick

Tell us one of your unique talents-
Instead of being able to wiggle my ears, I can wiggle my scalp, lol
{I think we need video proof of this...haha!!}

What is your favorite quote? 
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others -Marianne Williamson

Tell us one person who inspires you and why? 
One person that inspires me would be my husband, Devin Pitcher. He is the epitome of "never give up"! He has worked hard to achieve his dream of working for himself, doing something he loves. It is not something that happened over night, but something that took many years to accomplish. His determination fuels mine and I couldn't imagine where I would be without him!!!

Tell us anything you wanna share!!

My Crochet business: When my grandmother taught me to crochet it was something that she and I could do together. I could never really master anything, but I would sit and watch her while she worked. Fast forward 30 years and it has pretty much become a part of me. When I started creating pieces for my family more and more people started asking for me to make them something. I wanted a way to make some extra money and it all snowballed from there into a thriving business. From creating a pattern to crocheting it into something amazing, this journey has been inspiring. I infuse my heart and soul into each piece I create and can't believe I get to do this everyday!



Bubbleframe: Bubbleframe was one of the apps that really got our little business of app development rolling. It is a unique framing app that let's you be in charge of creating your own layout using fun patterns, curving or straight text and as many frames as you would like. If you ever use Bubbleframe be sure and tag it #bubbleframe or #bubbleframeapp. I love to highlight users on Bubbleframe's instagram account.

 Thank you for this!! Love you all!!

OH....Isn't she just great!!??
Seriously ladies... the bubbleframe app is so fun to use!
Thank you Holly for sharing with us!
We LOVE YOU!

XOXO
#hugstimesfive

Thursday, October 16, 2014

A place to gather....

We had the amazing opportunity to have a sleepover this past weekend at a place that melted our hearts....with women who STOLE our hearts!!

The best part of this blog is that this place is available to YOU!!
It was developed by a sweet lady exclusively as a place for
WOMEN TO GATHER...
YUMMY..... I KNOW RIGHT??!!
HAVE YOU BEEN LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO HOST A RETREAT??!!! 

Well...Say hello to 
#heberhouse


This cute house is nestled in beautiful Heber Utah...


From the first step in the door you feel at home...and it just gets better...
I'll let the pictures do the talking....









(chalkboard drawn by Rhonna Farrer herself.. TO DIE FOR!)




Craft Room...DID YOU DIE???
Hello service projects!!!



There are 7 adorable bedrooms and 14 twin beds!!



This place is drenched with the little things.....




Here's the contact information...

Thank you to sweet Crystal for creating this incredible gathering place for women...
and for sharing Heber House with us.
There is so much good do be done here.....
This place is a GEM...
Take advantage of it!!

#hugstimesfive