Things that were august in August

This has by far been the most difficult start to a school year for me... so I thought I should focus on things that have been august in my life, seeing as how it is August after all!

august: inspiring reverence or admiration; of supreme dignity or grandeur; majestic

Claire:

So much to admire about this little beauty and her parents!

Luke and I were able to attend her blessing with many of our family. And Cassie was so wonderful to allow us grandparents (Luke and I ) to hold Claire for the ENTIRE meeting afterwards! (Luke and I were unable to attend the gathering after the meeting- so this was our only chance to spend time with Claire.) Claire was awake the whole time and was captivating. This grandmother ABSOLUTELY LOVED watching Grandpa Luke holding this precious child, playing with her arms and legs, and just plain being enamored of his granddaughter! 

Luke: 

He continues to be such a blessing in my life! He is always saying or doing just the right thing at the right moment... He truly cares for me and loves me!

Projects:

It is not so much the projects themselves that I find august- it is what they do for my state of mind and attitude that captures my admiration...

Working on a project calms me down, focuses my mind... finishing a project brings great satisfaction! 

Katy and Jeremy's blanket and pillowcases

Next jean quilt all laid out...

If all goes well, this will look great with my new sofa!
And it was free! Plus, there is nothing quite so relaxing
as removing furniture staples and tearing something apart!

Five batches of plum jelly- YUM!!!

So many good things in my life!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is the birthday of one of the greatest men I have ever known, my dad!

He has always been such an example in my life. He is loving and kind, generous and caring, firm in his faith and testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

When I was very young, my dad spent several summers in California (we were living in Minnesota at the time) in order to earn his master's degree. I don't remember much of that time myself, but I did learn the importance of an education through his example.

I also remember watching my dad work on our home in Eagan, Minnesota. He learned to do many tasks himself, including laying tile in order to make our home so much better on a budget they could afford... I guess I have tried to emulate this many times in my own life thanks to my dad's example.

My dad is a great example of loving others, especially family, even when you do not necessarily approve of their actions or agree with their point of view. He will always have a listening ear for whomever comes to him with a problem.

My dad has been my inspiration for doing family history work. I love so much to hear him tell of his childhood- all of the memories of our family. Now every time I 'find' a new name of a relative or make a new connection, I cannot wait to tell my dad.

My dad even helped me by taking on part of the role of 'dad' to my own children through all of the years that I was single. He was and is such an excellent example of what a man of God should do and should be.

I love you, daddy! Happy birthday!

A Few of my Favorite July Things...

I am glad it is August! Luke's health has been on a roller coaster this last month, from great, doing well, to awful, doing so poorly!

It's hard to watch his discouragement and to feel so helpless about it all. I'm afraid I haven't been the most upbeat person to be around... which doesn't exactly help anyone.

Switch to my beautiful niece, Alyssa-

she is pregnant right now and has a rare complication that means she hasn't been able to eat anything for months. The doctors tried so many things to help, including several attempts at temporary feeding tubes. Nothing worked well enough- so now Alyssa has a permanent feeding tube- no fun at all! And she still has such a hard time- and isn't even due until December! To make it even worse, she also has at least one kidney stone...

But she is such an example to me! Here is her FB post today (and she means every word!):

"'Happiness is a choice only you can make' I love this quote. Specially today when I feel so sick it's so important to remember that you get to choose no matter what your trial is if you will be happy or not. Choose happiness and you will find good things in every situation!"

So I thought I should follow this great example by making a short list of some favorite July things that make me happy: (in no particular order...)

1) Luke- it makes my heart sing when he prays and refers to our marriage as something 'precious' to him. I know he truly loves the Lord and loves me.

2) My MIL (and FIL)- they are THE BEST!!! they are always so kind to me and so giving to all of those around.

3) Most wonderful 1st grandchild! With the best parents!

4) My little girl dancing!

5) my bishop- (speaking over the podium during sacrament meeting and everything!) He had been talking about the importance of 4 minutes. Then he switched to speaking to husbands about the importance of their wives and showing love- he ended up telling all of the husbands to go home, sit on the couch next to their wife, and then to kiss her- yes, for 4 minutes! Fun bishop!!! And great thought too! 

6) New addition to our home: 

Although I did not get to practice my re-upholstery skills on this (yet), it is so beautiful! And brings a smile to my face just looking at it... Plus Josh had somewhere to sit when he came by this week.

7) My Father-in-Heaven- He is always there for me! I feel his presence when I am able to attend the temple, and I feel His influence as I 'suddenly find' people as I am doing family history work... He is the ultimate happy thought!