Finally....

... it's up!!! As this season appears to be busier than most, we have finally found the opportunity to put up our Christmas tree. This year we are going for a more simpler, and "Arizona" theme.

The majority of my parent's Christmas items are in the very back of our garage.... in a place that we didn't want to venture to after Thanksgiving. Luckily for us, I had my Christmas possessions within reach. I think my parent's are given the opportunity to see Christmas through with a different view this year...

Yes, we are still trying to keep the "evergreen" tree tradition, as a reminder that spring will soon be here :)

As a lot of our ornaments were packed, we began to get creative with what to put on our tree... oh if only you could see. We were grateful for the beautiful angel ornaments sent to us this year.

Of course, what tree is not complete without a rubber chicken holding the star.

Gingerbread Land

My mom has started a tradition to have the grandkids who are close by at the time to come to her home on a Saturday near Christmas, and decorate their own gingerbread houses. Last Saturday was the great day! Our table was full of candy, frosting and amazingly decorated gingerbread houses. The homes were similar to snowflakes where no 2 were alike. I felt like the homes brought out a bit of their unique personalities as well... Unfortunately I wasn't able to get everyone's finished home with their picture at the end. Enjoy the one's I was able to finagle :)

Autumn Drive

Saturday, my dad and I took a drive up north to see some fall leaves changing color. It was a lot of fun. We explored Payson, AZ, and found a great park. We had lunch at Christopher Creek, and also explored many off the road areas. Through this adventure we discovered Woods Creek Lake, hunted for pine gum sap, heard fun stories, went down memory lane, breathed in beautiful views, and experienced amazing peace.

We may try to go up again in a few weeks to see if we can find more changing of the colors though... perhaps when the weather begins to cool down more :)

Autumn Equinox

Last Tuesday, September 22nd, a friend of mine threw an "Autumnal Equinox" party to celebrate the arrival of Fall. It was a lot of fun, and a great reminder that Fall was finally here (especially when you live in Arizona).

At the party, someone came with many instruments, allowing us to have an amazing drum circle experience. I was in heaven... we explored, talked and played in the Arizona desert. The sky and the weather were absolutely perfect. We were also far enough away from the city to allow us to really watch the stars. Through this, I am really excited for Autumn to finally be here... although we have still been experiencing triple digit weather...

Sunset at the beginning of the party. This is a view from where my friend lives.

The group exploring instruments, and creating a "groove" with one another.

There were a few instruments there that I had not seen before. It was fun to play with new sounds.

Blue Lake Ridge

Something's missing here? Can you see it? Can you see me... no.... it's because I couldn't make it to the reunion :( Life events happened the day we were to travel to Colorado, and I wasn't able to make it to the tri-year family reunion.

I realized though that I REALLY needed to get away and have a break. So the Sharp's and I went camping. My sister located a great spot just north of Strawberry, Arizona (2.5 hours north). We found a great location, and it allowed us to be in a secluded spot. We visited Blue Lake Ridge on Saturday and had a blast in the cooler water and weather. In honor of this celebration break, I created a video of events that took place that weekend.

Radiating light

My niece just recently moved to the other side of the USA this week. I am going to miss her terribly. Especially since she was finally starting to get to know me better, and we could play with each other more. I have been learning a lot recently regarding how, even the smallest things we do or feel will affect others in this world. Working with kids are teaching me some of these basic principles. I also realize that one person can make an impact on this world more than we realize. A quote that I have liked and have been thinking about recently is:

"The effects of your words and acts is tremendous in this world. Every moment of life you are changing to a degree the life of the whole world. Every man has an atmosphere or a radiation that is affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape it. Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or evil. It is simply the constant radiation of what a man really is. Every man by his merit living is radiating a state of radiation. To exist is to be the radiations of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot escape it. Man cannot escape for one moment the radiation of his character. You will select the qualities that you will permit to be radiated."

President David O. McKay, General Conference Report, Oct 1969, 87

Microwave Cooking

These past few months have been incredible as I am learning more about myself and my health. I feel like my health has been greatly improving and becoming stronger each day through small (and big) changes I have been making. One thing that I have learned is how I don't do well with the microwave. A few months ago, I had several friends talk to me about the microwave and it's effects on them. I decided to do my own experiment with this. I didn't use the microwave for a week. When I started to use it again, I couldn't believe the difference I felt. When I started to use the microwave without using it, I was amazed at how I noticed more that I didn't feel quite as right after I ate. I also noticed that I didn't need to take as many digestive enzyme pills when I didn't use the microwave before eating. I have been learning how the microwave get's so hot, that it will change the protein molecules in the food, and kill a lot of the digestive enzymes that our foods natural have. This may be one reason they recommend you don't microwave baby bottles. But I just wanted to pass on this bit of information I have learned for myself, in case anyone else may be having a hard time with food or digestion. Plus I have noticed that although it may take 5 minutes more to cook... the food tastes much better...