Happy Birthday to My Sweet Angel Mom!

Today was such an awesome day.

My mother is a living angel.

She is the most Christ like person I have ever met.

Each day that passes with my dad no longer at her side, is a hard day for her...

she tells me each day how she "misses him so much..."

But she puts on a smile, and puts one foot in front of the other, and heads out into the world to make someone out there smile. :)

So, from her great example came my idea to take a one day road trip...there and back... to surprise my angel mom for her birthday!...I wanted to make her SMILE!

My brother Craig was already down her way for business, so lucky for us, he was there for all the fun, and to help distract my mom and make the surprise that much better! :)

He took my mom with him for a drive to Las Vegas to swap a work truck. 

They were able to spend time in the car talking and catching up...

But when they got back to her house in Mesquite she had a surprise there waiting for her!

My mom and Craig went in the house...

Then my sister Tiffany and I doorbell ditched my mom! :)

We wrote her a love note and signed it and left a heart plaque on her front doorstep.

I knocked on the door and ran into the garage to hide with Tiffany...

We held in our giggles as we listened to her and my brother at the front door, as she was trying to figure out how the card and gift got there??? :)

After they went back inside, Tiffany and I ran and knocked super loud on her door and then ran and hid behind her car...

We heard her open the door...and then it was quiet...

It was only a few seconds and then we couldn't take it any longer...

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!

We yelled out loud as we jumped out laughing from behind her car! :)

She stood there in complete shock with amazement on her face, and then quickly scooped us up in her arms for a big, warm, cuddly hug. :)

All of us laughed together as we recounted the steps it took to get up so early, drive all the way there without her knowing what we were up to...(She had called Tiffany and I both separately to say hello, and we both had to lie through our teeth about where we were and what we were doing!!! :)

We laughed about how fun it was to hide and then surprise her...

and then to see the look on her face...

HER smile made it all worth it.

I would go to the ends of the earth for this woman who has done so for me...

8 hours in the car was pure joy just to be able to see the SMILE on her face.

We sat in the house and talked and laughed...

We went to the closet where my mom gave each of us some of my dad's jackets to keep...

We drove to St. George and had dinner together where we laughed and laughed some more!!! :)

Then we took my sweet mom to the mall where we had her pick out some new clothes and shoes for her birthday :)

My sweet mom is so selfless that this was very hard for her to let us do...

She insisted that she didn't "need" anything...

We kept having to "hide" the price tags from her or else she would have only chosen to let us give her the most inexpensive items...

And when we went into Sears, my angel mom sobbed and sobbed cuddled up in our arms as she remembered being there before with my dad...

I knew that her birthday would be one of those exceptionally hard days for her without my dad here.

And so to see the laughter and the smiles, to feel the warmth of her hugs, and even just to physically be there to give her a hug and hold her tight when she would undoubtedly need it...was the best birthday present I could have given my mom this year.

But as always, in trying to give, the love received in return was overwhelming.

She was so happy, so grateful, and so surrounded with the gift of love on her birthday. :)

I love you mom! 

Happy 73rd Birthday!

:)

A Beautiful Bit of History...

(Kierra in front of the head stone of Gordon B. and Marjorie Pay Hinckley)

Early this fall, our family along with our good friends and neighbors  Kami and Adam Sage, went out on a picnic on a Sunday afternoon and visited the Salt Lake City cemetery where many of our beloved prophets have been buried.

The history and the spirit that was there within that sacred ground was absolutely amazing...

(Carew, Kierra, and Adam in front of the monument to Hyrum Smith)

(I loved the rainbow that we captured in this picture! It sprinkled lightly off and on as we wandered through the cemetery that day. It was beautiful.)

There was a very special spirit there at this cemetery. I felt a special connection through the spirit of those who have gone on before...and at times I felt myself becoming lost in thoughts as we read little bits of history on the different markers. There are so many wonderful people throughout the history of the church that made so many things possible for the saints today...

Like this man for example...Truman O. Angell (who is actually one of Kami's relatives!)

Builder of Temples, Tabernacles, The Beehive House, The Lion House, The Eagle Gate, mansions, factories, and forts...

It's humbling to think that I have been in many of his buildings, and that my family has been richly blessed because of his talent and dedication that came before. Simply amazing!

(Kambriella in front of the Prophet Wilford Woodruff's memorial)

This little sweetie had such a good time exploring with us! She would say the cutest things and ask the most interesting questions while we walked around everywhere...

The one thing that we have joked about ever since this day, was a funny comment she made as we were on our way driving to the cemetery. She said, 

"Mom, when we go to the cemetery are we going to see prophet zombies?"

WHAAAAATTTT?????

The entire car erupted in laughter !!!! :)

This little girl has watched one too many Scooby Doo movies with her brothers!! ;)

Here is the headstone of David O. McKay...

there were so many names to find in this cemetery that we weren't even able to cover a quarter of it and we were there for about 3 hours!

We definitely want to go back again and see some of the others that we didn't get to see. (There is also a Christmas Angel monument there that I would love to go back and find...)

This was a very fun name to find! Although you can't see it very well, 

it is Porter Rockwell...body guard to the Prophet Joseph Smith, prophet of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and translator of the Book of Mormon.

What a privilege and honor it would have been to meet some of these men in person.

Visiting these graves was somehow a link to the past, and although I did not get to meet any of them, my testimony of what they all have done for us is even stronger because of the Spirit that bore witness to me while we were there.

I can't wait to go back again. :)

Walk In His Path

I have a lot of really amazing artists that I love, but this painting that I have hanging in my home is one of my very favorites. :)

This picture of the resurrected Christ is by Simon Dewey, and I love everything about it! 

I love how strong He looks knowing that He has overcome death, 

and I love that there is light shining directly on His face as His first priority after exiting the tomb is to look up - to His Father...

Sometimes when I pray in the morning, I will go into this room and stare at this picture for a long time before I kneel down. It may seem silly, but I love to imagine His face and think that He really is right there in the room with me. :)

Something interesting happened to me yesterday as I knelt down to pray...

I had said a prayer, and then as I lifted my head and opened my eyes, they were drawn to a particular spot in the painting that I have never really focused on...

His feet.

I stared for a long time at the spot of ground that He stood on and noticed the direction He was going..

In my mind it was very clear the message that I was receiving...

His step was straight forward symbolizing to me the direction that I need to go.

"Come, follow me!"

Jesus Christ always "took the steps" of obedience and love and sacrifice...whatever it was that His Father needed Him to do...and as I try each day to learn "how to be like Him," I know that I need to follow in His ways and make the steps that I take be the ones that are steps towards Him and our eternal and heavenly home.

My steps need to be sure, and always firm on the gospel path.

They always need to be steps that will go before my children and hopefully lead them in the right way.

I love simple little lessons like this that the Spirit teaches me, and I love the righteous example we have in our Savior Jesus Christ.

Finding the "One"

Scriptures to Ponder

Foundation Scriptures:

Articles of Faith 1-3

Joseph Smith History 1:16-17

Bear Personal Witness:

D&C 76:22-24

Alma 5:44-48

D&C 88:68

D&C 93:1

The Atonement

Isaiah 9:6-7

Matt 11:2-6

Matt 28:1-7

Mark 1:6-11

Mark 2:1-12

Luke 22:39-39-45

John 11:20-27

John 17:3

1 Cor. 15:19-22

1 Nephi 11:31-33

2 Nephi 25:26

Mosiah 15:18

Alma 7:7

Alma 7:10-14

Alma 36:17-26

3 Nephi 11:3-19

3 Nephi 17:6-10

Moses 7:60-62

This is quite an extensive list of scriptures to study that was delivered to the auxiliary leaders in our ward...we were asked to read, ponder, fast, and pray over these scriptures and our role as disciples of Christ. 

As I did so, I was moved by the Spirit time and time again as I felt myself drawing closer to my Savior, and as my testimony of His divinity and the power of His atonement were becoming more sure and steady in my heart and soul. 

I went to the meeting where we discussed our desires to reach out to the "one"...

The Spirit bore witness to me yet again that the work of discipleship is so important, but never as important as the "one" we may be seeking...

As Clint and I both have recently been to general training meetings taught by Sister Marriot of the General Young Women's Presidency, and President Chamberlain of the Salt Lake City Mission...we have both felt impressed that the Lord is truly hastening the work and seeking to find all of His children. How we choose to seek them out will be up to us individually, 

and being close to the Spirit is essential.

It is my prayer that I will listen to the promptings of the Spirit as I try to do what the Savior needs me to do...as we strive to be the "instruments" in His hands.

I thought it was interesting at the end of our ward training meeting where we were asked to read, ponder, fast, and pray over the above list of scripture, that we were told that this list of scripture is the same list of scripture that was given to the leaders of the church as they sought inspiration for the talks they delivered at the last general conference...

I felt that much more gratitude for the already strong feelings that I had received as I studied them...

I know that this gospel is true.

I know it with everything that is in me...

It is where we find answers to all of life's questions, and it is where we will find true and everlasting joy both in this life and in the life to come.

I also know that it is where I feel the love of my Heavenly Father and my Savior each and every day.

Now help me dear Father to spread that light and love...

to the "one."

Happy 20th Anniversary!

On July 1st, 2014, Clint and I celebrated our 20th anniversary!

As we arrived in Hawaii it was a perfect 84 degrees... :)

We checked in to our 5 star hotel...(every 20 years you just have to get spoiled like that, right? ;)

Only to find a beautiful ocean view from our balcony, fresh mango with lemon slices, and our own little chocolate truffles in the shapes of hearts :)

Our first night there, we went exploring on the beach, out on the pier, took lots and lots of pictures, and spent even more time cuddling of course! :)

We were blessed to be able to attend a session in the Laie Hawaii Temple! It was so peaceful and beautiful there...we even got to be the witness couple! Ironically enough, one of the ladies that was helping there that day was also one of the main speakers in sacrament meeting the following day! Out of all of the meetings on the island we thought it pretty neat to see her again and to get to visit with her there.  

After we left the temple we went to dinner at a place where some local members own the restaurant called the Kahuku Grill...coconut shrimp!!! Sooo divine! :)

We also climbed a giant tree that overlooked China Man's Hat and took even more pictures! There were just so many beautiful sights to see...but my favorite one of all was my sweetheart Clint :)

We have a friend in our ward at home that has a sister that lives on Oahu. She was kind enough to show us around to some favorite places for the locals to go...this was so awesome because we were able to enjoy everything beautiful about the island and still avoided the crowds of tourists. :)

This place was called spitting cave...

there was a cave down at the ocean line where the tide would rush in and spit the water right back out! It was so fun to see, while at the same time we could see sea turtles swimming all around!

That day we also went snorkeling at Haunama Bay and visited the Dole Plantation to try out some of their delicious Pineapple ice-cream!

We were also able to have a guided tour from our friend Jodi...she took us kayaking in the ocean, around an inlet, and down a river called the the Kahana River. It was so still and peaceful down the river! We were able to see some amazing flowers and tropical trees...it almost felt like we were floating down the Nile River!

(We only snapped a couple of pictures before we actually ventured out into the water...I didn't trust my skills enough to think we wouldn't end up flipping our kayak and swimming in the ocean! Although lucky for us we never flipped...but I didn't dare take my camera...just in case!)

Later that day we also toured the Buhido-In Buddhist temple grounds which was fun to see...(but nothing like the LDS Temple grounds!) :) and after eating more mangoes and getting cleaned up for the night, we went out to Roy's for our Anniversary dinner...YUM!!!

That was one thing about our trip...we ate like royalty for sure!!!

We also spent a day and went to the swap meet to buy souvenirs for our kids and went to the Polynesian Cultural Center where we watched some amazing entertainment and ate more fresh mangoes :) and other delicious foods! 

(I kind of felt like Marilyn Monroe in the picture above...

the wind kept blowing up my dress! YIKES! ;)

This is the inside of the beautiful dining hall at the Polynesian Cultural Center...

We attended the tours around Pearl Harbor for a day...where I gained an even deeper appreciation for all the men and women who sacrifice so much for the freedoms that we enjoy every day.

There was such an array of emotion there...gratitude, sadness, peace, and even a sacredness to the final resting place of those who gave their lives...Clint and I both have fathers and brothers who serve in the military...bless them every one...

Later that day we went on a hike to a place called Manoa Falls which was an absolutely amazing and beautiful bit of paradise! This hike was a place where they filmed a portion of Jurrasic Park, and I could totally picture dinosaurs roaming around in the giant green habitat...but again...the best view on the hike was that of my sweetheart! Sooo grateful!!! :)

After a long day and lots of adventures we were once again ready for a meal fit for a king..and that was what Clint wanted! King crab!!! Delish!! :)

Ahhh snorkeling! One of our favorite things we got to do in Hawaii!

This little place was caled Shark's Cove...

With a name like that you could get a little bit nervous about actually getting in the water! But it was amazing... even more beautiful than Haunama Bay. (Thanks once again to our local friend Jodi who told us about this little gem. )

...(I love Clint posing for me :)...even after 20 years...holding it together! ;)

Clint and I didn't get very many pictures of all of the amazing things we saw and did, mostly because of all the water. BUT...I did have him come over to the side of the water a take a couple of little pictures just to remember that we were actually there! While we were in the water the funniest thing happened!!!....and then we very quickly ended up OUT of the water!

Clint was floating beside me with his face down looking at all of the things under the water...and I was trying to take picture of him actually snorkeling. Then, all of the sudden, with his snorkel still in his mouth he pops up and begins screaming at me..."Eres an eel!!! Eres an eel!!!"

I scrambled and bloodied my hands and knees trying to get out of the water as fast as I could!!!

He began laughing at the sight of me scrambling and at the same time asking me..."Are you gonna just leave me here?"

I was laughing so hard at this point that we both ended up on the side of the rocks and trying to see the "GIANT" eel that was "headed right for me!"

As Clint got out of the water, took out his mouth piece and proceeded to tell me a little more clearly this time..."There was a giant eel and it was headed right for you!"..So really what he was trying to say was, "There's an eel! There's an eel!" ...and he was trying to warn me as quick as he could!

Trust me...you should have been there! It was HILARIOUS!!!

I told Clint that we were probably the best cheap entertainment that Oahu has ever had! ;) I can imagine the laughs that the locals had as they watched us from a distance trying not to get eaten by a GIANT eel! ;)...And then they probably laughed even harder as they watched us tip toeing across the rocks to get back to our car when instantly Clint was flat on his back in between all the rocks as he slipped and lost his footing! And this was only seconds after he had been telling me to please be careful not to fall because it is soooo slippery! Poor guy! He was so sweet though when I helped him up and he said, "Boy am I glad that was me and not you!!!"

Everywhere we went and everything we saw in Hawaii was absolutely breathtaking and so beautiful... I have so many pictures with my nice camera that I wasn't able to put on here...but I believe I am going to make a photo book so that I can relive all of these awesome memories of my 10-20 experience in Oahu with my sweetheart! 10 amazing days...and 20 even more amazing years being married to my best friend...He is my everything...and it is so wonderful to think that as much as you have a capacity to love someone...when that love is true and abiding and eternal, your capacity to love them more with every passing day is real.

We spent the 4th of July on the north shore where we ate at the Hukilau Cafe which has been featured on the TV show Man vs. Food...we drove through Haliewa town and tried coconut peanut butter, received parting gifts from our local friend Jodi, and watched fireworks outside of our hotel Halekulani on Waikiki beach.

This was the view of the sunset just before the fireworks were to begin.

We sat so close and held on to each other so tight...

I said a prayer over and over in my mind so that Heavenly Father would know just how grateful I was to be celebrating such a wonderful life with such a wonderful man.

Clint James Trickett, 

Thank you for loving me so completely. 

Thank you for treating me like a queen and for showing our children that that's really what you see me as...

Thank you for coming home at the end of each day sooo happy to hug and kiss me, and ready to dig in to whatever needs to be done to help me out at home...

Thank you for using your priesthood to bless our family, and thank you for strengthening your testimony every single day. You are such an example to me.

I love you.

I love everything about you. 

And I love that together we do some pretty amazing things!

I can't wait for the next 20 years I will get to spend with you, and I thank you for the last 20 years. They have been the best, just like you. :)

Shine Your Light!

I simply loved the scripture theme that was chosen for Women's Conference this year...

The Lord God truly is a Sun and Shield...

He shines His love and light upon all who desire to serve and follow Him, and He protects and arms us through the scriptures, the priesthood power that is on the earth, and through the blessings that enrich our lives through the holy temples.

He also gives us sisters, friends, and loved ones to stand beside,

 to lift, encourage, and to reflect that light.

I am so grateful for all my friends who are genuine examples to me.

My life is full of them...true disciples of Christ...those who are striving to walk uprightly!

As Natalie and I sat in front of these beautiful tulips last spring and focused our eyes on the person taking our picture, I remember how bright the sun was at that very moment. You can almost tell from looking at the picture that it was shining through one little spot...directing it's light right at us. :)

I felt the warmth of the sun that day, and I felt the warmth of the spirit as we attended different classes that taught us and inspired us to be better women of faith, women of service, women of love, and women of light.

I know that no good thing will be with held from those who walk uprightly.

I am forever thankful for righteous examples in my life, opportunities to learn and grow in the light of my Father, and to try each day to reflect heaven's light on all those I am blessed to see.

Feeling happy...:) Feeling grateful...

Knowing that I am blessed. :)