Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: Post for Brandon

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Post for Brandon

Brandon said it was time to update the blog, because this is how he keeps up on what's going on around here. (Also, if you are the author of one of the blogs he looks at, you need to get a new post up asap... he's getting upset at all of the slackers. ;)

I guess I'll just make this a random thoughts post, since that's pretty much the only kind of thoughts I have.

This photo was from a shoot I did on Wednesday. I love these kids. They're good, good kids. Brandon didn't like this particular photo because he said he couldn't see the other kids' faces. Oh my goodness... I can't believe I accidently cut their heads off! I better practice some more... ;)

I took the kids to the fair today and yesterday. We made a bunch of crafts. (Yes, we... even I got in on the fun!) We made artist trading cards, sewed felt needle holders, tied flies, made sock puppets, bookmarks, cards, zentangles, and the boys entered lego contests. This was the start of my "cramming everything we should've been doing all summer into one week" week. We're also going to go swimming, go to the museum, and go on a trip to Arches. Wish me luck...

I can't think of anything else. Oh! I love you, Brandon. I'm glad you're home! :)

5 comments:

Jason said...: I hope Brandon doesn't read our blog, because we don't update it much.; 11:55 PM
Mindy said...: He reads it, Jason. You're in trouble.; 12:03 AM
jen said...: That is so something my hubby would say. Don't you just love the helpfulness? We have a 24x30 photo hanging in our living room of Sadie (almost 7yo) when she was about 6mos old. I'm standing on one side and my hubby on the other, each holding a hand, and the photo is cropped the same as yours. She'll probably be 30 and that photo will still be hanging in our home!; 5:00 PM
Felicia said...: Did I just hear Arches?? We're trying to fit in a trip to Arches and Canyonlands too. It may not happen 'til October, though. Will you by chance be going by way of Loa? Probably not, but I have to ask. If you do you'll get to see Capitol Reef (AND ME) as well.; 7:05 PM
Marci said...: oh i was just going to say...you're going to loa!...but it looks like the plan hasn't been set in place for that so i don't have to be jealous.;D; 9:01 AM

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To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche