Lillies of the Valley

* I have tried to grow Lilly of the Valley but have never succeeded. I want to know their secret. I think they smell luscious, I must smell next time. I like the white tiny bells against the heavy waxy leaves.
* Linda got the Hondorous Temple. She met the architect for the Rome temple while installing the San Salvador murals. They talked of a garden room mural and the marriage of Adam and Eve. He loved the idea. She came home wanting to paint figures this summer to practice up for Rome. She ordered material to study about Michael Angelo and his art in Rome. I remember being in such awe in the Sistine Chapel so many years ago. Then she got a call to paint an old sketch she did for a temple that was not accepted. . . the garden room, for the Spokane Temple. She thinks it is a tender mercy. Here I am again, trying to decide, but my heart wants to jump on board. The paint will be here next week, ready to mix for two temples. Linda has shingles and she is so sick. With each temple comes Satans discouragement.
* Today we got more snow. . . so deep. Tomorrow I need to be at the temple at 7:00 for a meeting with temple presidency.
* Tom's back is finally starting to feel better. We feed the horses together. Each taking an end of the bale of hay. Our hay is only going to last a few more weeks. I haven't seen any little green shoots yet.
"My belief is that the greatest art seeks after the glory of God above all else."Emilee Dyches

Stephanie

* It has snowed a foot in the last hour, soft, quiet, and deep.
* I heard Stephanie speak last night at Kim's stake. I was so proud of Kim, she was so beautiful and tender as she introduced Stephanie. I love Kim! As Stephanie talked a miracle happened. She bore her testimony of love and the Lord, all you could see were her lovely green eyes. She was so powerful. I predict she will be a more prolific missionary than even Alma the Younger. How amazing she is part of our family and we have life times to learn from her. She looked right at me and talked about the need for families to forgive each other. Maybe she is the path back home!
* Abbie was sporting a five carrot pink stone ring from a male admirer last night. Hope they don't have any plans to run away.
* Just seeing Emilee made my night!
* Mom came with us, she was in heaven! What was I thinking? Why didn't I think to invite Nicole and Jenny. Next time!
*. . "and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness." 2 Nephi 26"33
* Emilee, [

Light Against Dark

* Today I am grateful for many things! Light mornings against a dark night.

* I worked with Tom in the garage mending horse blankets. He fixed me up with two heaters and some hot Tortilla Soup. We were both so dirty and smelly when we were finished. We laughed and talked freely. It felt good.

* I am grateful for Conference Talks to study.

* Sunday morning I get to be in the temple for a meeting with the Temple Presidency.

* I finished Dave Ramsey's book Total Money Makeover. Wish the kids would read it.

* I am going to Springville today to meet a new artist.

* Thursday night I get to be with Kim to hear Stephanie talk.

8 "Be thou an example of the believers." Timothy 14:12

Snow Again

* We woke up to the deepest snow again. Glen plowed us out.
* I love the crunch sound of the snow and the loud munching and snorting of the horses when they are hungry. I has been great to feed the horses each day with Tom. I love him.
* Bret started a fun All Star Game Competing last night. It was fun to watch everyone connect for one night. Jace won the $10, and I think Jamie will guide him to the Cadburry Egg isle at the store.
* I cut Anna Bells hair. Benjamin leaded on my shoulder through Sacrament Meeting.
* Waking in the morning Time smiles in my hand.

Deepness

*These golden flowers speak to my heart of the richness and dept in life. I am so happy this morning. Last night we had the best Book Club. Those ladies are my dear friends. We spoke of things of value, each in turn talked about what brought them joy. Lately I have been distracted with too many things I want to do, but this morning I read Elder Todd Christofferson's October Conference Address, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life" and things see so much easier. "True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives--that is, our time and choices--to God's purposes.

* "The man who so walks in the light and wisdom and power of God, will at the last, by the very force of association, make the light and wisdom and power of God his own--weaving those bright rays into a chain divine, linking himself forever to God and God to him." B.H. Roberts

* It is early and I am heading our for a walk in new deep blue snow. It will be fun watch the morning happen. I love Tom.

* I am thankful for this brand new day!

Emilee

* I remember Emilee when she was a Sunbeam in my Primary Class. She was one year younger than everyone else, but she knew all the words to the songs. She has always seemed more grown up than her years. Emme look to your Mom, she is the best friend you will ever have. How is it possible that she is a teenager with her own phone? I love you Emilee Miller!
* Yesterday was Valentines. I talked to Jamie, Kelly, Kim and Matt. I remember the nights of running valentines all around. I miss that. I saw Margie and Marion. Marion wants to hang her stain glass window in her window.
* We watched "Dear John" under a blanket with the hair dryer. I am lucky to have Tom for my Valentine!
*"We must allow Sabbath moments to lie fallow, to let things be, and listen for what grows where we cannot see." Muller

Abbie

* I love this child! Her name Abbie Gwen tethers our hearts. She knows how to feel joy. Her Valentine Box is an example of her free and happy spirit. She likes to learn her spelling words with a cheer.
* It is the Sabbath.
* I am painting and it feels like heaven.
* Yesterday I went to Max's game, Katy's gymnastic meet, and watched the BYU game at Kim's house. I think it was almost perfect.
* Tomorrow is Valentines. I love Tom! I wish his back didn't hurt.
*"During the Sabbath we stop counting. How do we count friendship or laughter? How do we count the value of honesty, or bread from the oven? How can we count the sunrise, the trusting clasp of a child's hand, a melody, a tear, a lover's touch? So many truly precious things grow only in the soil of time; and we can only begin to know their value when we stop counting." Wayne Muller

Little Jayne

* This morning I am listening for little Jayne to wake up and say "Aaaaaabby" She loves her sister. She sings the dearest lullaby that Kim has taught her. I miss her and love her.
* I saw Matt last night.
* The sky is a deep dark blue with a soft pink edge to the mountain.
* I have a new thin line paint brush, can't wait to try it out.
* Each day I have so many things I want to do that I feel rushed. I need to slow down and practice feeling peace in each task.
* "The everlasting peace Jesus promises is an inner peace."

Max

* Max is everything that is good is the world! He is kind, gentle with Jayne, (getting her out of her car seat each time and talking to her as they walk in the house), obedient, (he touched the ground at every single hash mark in the gym during basketball practice), he thanked me often for just about anything, he worried about missing one too many spelling words. Our family is so lucky to have Max. He will be our True North.

* This morning I am missing looking at Jayne in her red stripped pajamas, Lucy in her gray flannel hat and black gloves that Margie bought in a grab bag, Abbie admiring her fabulous Valentine Box, and Emme's excitement for what this Friday and Saturday will hold.

* I love the Miller children! Thank you Kim and Jason!

Baby Jayne

* Off to Cancun go Kim and Jason. They should be on board the plane now. Oh I hope they love this quiet time together! Lucky day for me. I get to turn into a Miller for a few days. What a joy to watch all the comings and goings of this darling family. I get to spend every minute with this cute little button. . . Jayne. She turns 2 on Wednesday. Thank you Kim for this blessing.
* I rode Trigger yesterday it smelt good.
* When I walked to my classes at BYU I remember 8:00A. M. If we weren't already in class everyone would stop and face the flag while the National Anthem was played over the loud speakers. The ant hill of swarming students paused until the last note was played and then instantly the rush began again. I remember Westridge start to a new day with the pledge of Allegiance. In Jerusalem five times a day prayers whale out from the loud speakers in the Old City. Sun Valley has the beautiful chimes that call out each hour. BYU bells will always float in the back of my mind. Anything that says stop, helps to ground our souls. Stopping for any moment during the day can be like a portable Sabbath, if we carry a prayer in our heart.
*"The Sabbath requires surrender."

Dispare

* Last night I witnessed everything that life should not be about, family visiting hours at the County Jail. The jail filled up with broken families. Children with the deep dark liquid eyes, mothers that were exhausted. I watched a grandma hold up a baby so that a mother could look through the glass at it. Confused children wondering why their dad couldn't reach through the glass and hold them. There was a feeling of overwhelming heartache Everyone looked tired, dirty, poor, cold, and sad. There was fighting, swearing, and crying. Tom met a young mother with four children, trying to hold a job down because her husband had lost his job and would be in jail for a long time. What will become of these forgotten children? I wonder if ever in all my life I will get the picture of last night out of my mind? I understand better now why the Savior wants to help us carry our heavy loads.
* "My presence will go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Exdos 33:14

The stillness of a dried rose

* I love the book Sabbath by Wayne Muller.
* The air is so cold it takes your breath away. I let Sam come in last night and guess where he was headed? Right to my flowered chair. He is like Maizie's dolls, he like to get comfy.
* I slept till almost 7:00.
* Lisa is helping me with the computer.
* Kim's back is hurt and she is trying to get ready for her trip, I want to help.
* "To surrender to the rhythms of seasons and flowerings and dormancies is to savor the secret of life itself." Muller

Snow Village

* I am thankful for a warm bed to share with Tom.
* I want to make corn chowder this morning and brown bread. I wish Kay and her friend were here to share.
* The Wallsburg kids are coming to study and celebrate Colby's Birthday. We need to make a racket.
* Mom was good yesterday. We went to a show and had Cafe Rio. Tom was so kind to her.
* "The world aches for the generosity of a well rested people." Wayne Muller