The Weekly Photo + Some Thoughts

I love this picture of these two. Elanor being goofy and Alice watching and trying to figure Elanor out.

Some thoughts:

I am generally an optimistic person that believes there is much good in this world--and I still do. But I was having a real Theoden moment today. In the Two Towers film, Rohan seems to be on the point of destruction and the battle lost and the king, Theoden, says "What can men do against such reckless hate?" He said it in a moment of despair. I felt a bit like that after hearing and pondering much on the massacre in Florida. Also, added to that is all this built up sadness over the plight of so many refugees and my brother (who is on a mission in Sweden) hearing first hand so many horrible stories and knowing how burdened he feels because of it all and add that to an absolutely horrible and callous person running for president (ie Trump), and the fact that there are so many Americans who support him, and that gets me back to thinking about all these hurts and wrongs, and mean people and prejudice and racism and sexism and men getting away with rape and murder and what in the world is wrong with people?

But. 

Feeling pain and anguish and love is human and makes us human, to not feel means you must not be human, as Dumbledore explains to Harry (Book 5). Feeling these things is good, even if they break your heart. Harry did not beat Voldemort with violence or fancy wand waving. He sacrificed himself for the love of others (+plus some smarts and the Elder wand). This is the only way we can win too. Love. Sacrifice. Empathy. Service. I do not like the title "The War on Terrorism". We cannot fight evil with violence. It will not work. We can all be better. I can be better. We can love more. And I know in so many ways it does not seem as simple as that and there are so many complex and difficult things going on, but if everyone acted a bit more like the Good Samaritan all problems would cease.

I don't want to go on and on, but if you need to feel like there is good in this world or would like to feel some hope you should check out these videos:

I wrote a letter to my brother talking more about Harry Potter and love and if you would like to read it go here: https://scottboys.wordpress.com/2016/06/07/help-from-harry/ 

While there, you should also check out some of his letters about his experiences in Sweden.

To close, we cannot let fear get the better of us and stop us from helping those who need it. We are all human in this world and our differences should not stop us from rescuing those in need. All that matters is that we are all related and we should all love one another.

Also, sending so much love and many prayers to those in Florida affected by the horrendous massacre.

The Weekly Photo

Siblings! (minus Ian, who is on a mission in Iowa.)

We went home for the weekend for my youngest brother, Erik's farewell party. He is leaving on a mission for our church tomorrow! He starts off at the MTC (missionary training center) to learn the language, learn how to teach, etc. and then he heads off to Sweden in January! 

It was wonderful to be back and spend time with family and especially, Erik, as we won't see him for two years!

Easter Dress

I made Elanor an Easter dress! Let me say that again, I made Elanor an Easter dress!! I am surprising myself just as much as most of family members are surprised by my new found sewing abilities (they really aren't much). I have mentioned several times on here, just how bad of a seamstress I used to be. My Young Women's leaders can attest to this! I was so bad at sewing and understanding what I was supposed to do, they would often have to sew a lot of my project for me. Oh, and cutting straight lines. Yeah, I am pretty much the worst cutter in the world (that might not be entirely true).

I have sewn Elanor a few little shift type dresses, a skirt (so easy!) and her halloween costume, but this was the first time I gathered a skirt and attached it to a bodice. It was quite easy actually. This was also the first time I made a peter pan collar, and it went pretty well, but next time I will do it much better. My next dress I do want to try sleeves out, but for some reason I have been a bit nervous to try.

I also made a little bow for her hair.

Also, this whole dress did not cost me anything to make! My friend, Becky, gave me some fabric that her Grandma has given her. So, this was a cheap project for me!

I also took way too many pictures of Elanor in her dress (I knew I would not get much of a chance to on Sunday morning), so enjoy if you have not seen Elanor in awhile!

Pase!

This picture cracks me up!

She also really loves her dress, which make me happy!

Since it is Easter this week, we have been reading about Jesus' life and watching the corresponding Bible videos . It has been wonderful and great prep for this weekend. If you feel the need to get into the Easter spirit, then watch this beautiful little video. It will do your heart and soul good.

Happy Easter!

The Weekly Photo + a video

I did not take any pictures last week! The weather was rather miserable and cold, we did not do much and the one day I wanted  my camera, I forgot it! So, I took a picture today, for my Weekly Photo, which does not really count. Oh, well. I did make some videos though, so I am putting one of those up!

Elanor picking flowers this morning.

Elanor loves being read to and loves looking at books on her own as well--as most everyone who reads this blog already knows. She has memorized several books, especially ones that are her favorites and we read often. I decided to finally get a video of her "reading" and it is so cute. She is "reading" Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin. It is a beautiful bedtime book and I highly recommend it.

Also, it was General Conference this past weekend! Every year, I find myself getting more excited for it. I love General Conference and learning about the Gospel and how to be a better person. If you missed it, need a recap, or have never heard of General Conference, check out the talks here.

I'm Just So Grateful.

 For this guy and of course for this little girl.

 I feel so incredibly blessed to have them both in my life. Tyler is the best husband and father. He balances work and family so well. He is so sweet, hard working, considerate and loving.

 And silly.

Elanor does not really know how blessed she is to have such a good daddy. She will one day. I am so grateful for him and all he does for us.

I am so grateful for good husbands and fathers. For Tyler, of course, for my own wonderful dad, and for my Heavenly Father. I know they all love me and I feel so grateful.

This little video is so beautiful and says it all.

Happy Sunday!