Five Things

Once again, I'm late to a blog hop-- but since anyone who knows me well won't be surprised by my tardiness, I'm going to share my "Five Things for Friday" post on Saturday. :-D (Check out the source of this blog hop here.)

-1-

This video is very special to me, not just because of it's WONDERFUL Easter message, but also because my younger brother sang with the Orem LDS Institute choir way back when he first came home from his mission. It is one of my favorite times and memories when we lived in Provo with our growing little family and my brother was such a huge part of our lives. I never get to see him anymore, and his choices have taken him far away from the Church.

When I finished watching the video for the first time, and saw that it was the Orem Institute choir singing, I couldn't stop sobbing. It just reminded me of all those tender memories and made me wish that my brother and I were close again, physically and spiritually. I miss him terribly.

-2-

I am happy because I got to go dance with my Zumba class this morning!!! I can't explain why I find such joy in dancing, I just do! I've never been a good dancer, but I have always loved to do it. And my class is a nice, safe place where I can go and be myself and not worry that I'm not skinny and beautiful-- because the women in my class come in all sizes! I just let the music carry me along... (The Salsa is my favorite!)

-3-

I love my Savior so much. I "stand all amazed at the love" He offers me, in spite of my many, many shortcomings. I have experienced the healing power of the Atonement in my own life. He gives me HOPE! Hope that I can be with my beautiful family forever and ever. Hope that I can overcome all my many weaknesses and return to Him. Hope that I can CHANGE, and be the best daughter of God that I He knows I can be. 

I am so grateful for the sacrifice He made so many years ago. He opened up the possibility of eternal happiness for ALL men. HOSANNA!!!!!!

-4-

Photo by the amazing Jill Rich

I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends I have in my life! I got to attend the temple yesterday with three of my dearest friends and then we even went to lunch afterwards. I also saw some old friends in the temple, too, as well as a couple people from my current ward! I guess April 6th was a good day to be there. 

I feel so close to the Savior when I attend. What a blessing to have a temple located so near my home, and to have lovely friends to share my day.

-5-

Grayse (#9) and Eryn (#11)

Hooray for the Second Trimester of pregnancy! I'm feeling less sick, more energetic, and seeing more of a baby bump every day. I'm so excited to have a dozen babies! I can't believe I've been blessed and tested so much. The Lord really does understand exactly what I need in order to learn patience and love. Maybe someday I'll get there!

HAPPY EASTER, one and all!!!!!!