What a Wonderful World

A professor asked his class, “Where do you live?” Answers came from around the room, starting with the dorms and various other locations around the city. The professor asked again, “Yes, but where do you live?” Someone shouts, “United States of America!” He responds, “That’s true, but where do you live?” “North America,” “Planet Earth,” and “Milky Way Galaxy,” are answers given. “That is correct,” said the professor. Even though we all live in different locations, we all live in the same place.

I love this little story that my Mama told me from her college geography class. Even though we all live in different places and have very different lives, we have much the same feelings and love for our beautiful world. I am so grateful for a loving God who created this beautiful, wonderful world.

I think He must have favorite colors much like we do. The blue sky in its many hues and the brilliant white clouds that sometimes are gray, or almost black. Clouds that are huge and puffy or whispy or even dappled. So much variation and beauty. When I was a child I loved to lay on the grass and watch the sky. The clouds make interesting shapes and I could almost feel the earth spinning as I watched the clouds go by.

What a creative thought to use water to beautify and add to the landscape in various ways to make us stop and look. A waterfall, how breathtaking, the bigger the better. The sound is deafening. A little creek or stream is so relaxing the sound is like a lullaby, tinkling with its various pitches. I had a favorite little creek that I spent time near as a child and it was magical. I would make little pools with various rocks and float leaves and sticks on the water. Hours were spent and so much happiness was experienced there. I remember feeling so much peace and love and even now slow, small water has a way of calming me and helping me to know there is a higher, bigger power that loves me and knows where I am and how I’m doing. He sends a feeling that I can’t deny. I love that different bodies of water are different colors too, depending on all kinds of things, like how deep it is, what’s in the water, etc.

The luscious greens of the many grasses, and plant life all over, from the plains to the rain forest. The golds and pale greens of the desert. The rocks that are all so very different yet the same. The Mountains that show signs of stress and upheaval while getting to where they stand now. My favorite mountain is a sentinel, a guard and protector to our city and makes my heart feel so blessed to see it and know it’s been here, watching for millennia. It is beautiful!

The majestic trees that sometime grow taller than buildings. Their strength is evident by their stature. Some of their foliage turning shades of gold, red, orange and brown, before the fall in Autumn, a witness of the cycles of life we all go through. We went to visit Vermont this fall and the scenery was so lush and speckled with so much color. Wow! I had another feeling while viewing the trees and leaves that God loves us so much to give us the seasons. Season’s give us a different way to view the same place. It is good to see things from a different perspective. It’s good to have different challenges too. We’ve been in a drought, our lawn was not the usual green, plush grass that we usually get to see and sit on, and the grand kids play on. It makes me appreciate the water. The abundance of water. I hope we can have a green lawn and flowers next summer. I am so grateful for nature.

Fresh tomatoes from the garden are a favorite of ours. We eat them almost every day in the summer. It is amazing to see the gardens full of vegetables and the trees full of fruits. What bounty. Flowers are my favorite though. I love to look at the tiniest detail of each flower. While hiking with my sweetie, we found a tiny little white flower on the trail as I stopped to look, I noticed that the petals were shaped like hearts. I felt His love right then. A little testimony of Gods love. Flowers gladden the heart. They bring a smile to your face. You can feel a warmth and amazement for the tiny details. The colors are so wonderful. The smell is the best. When I worked at the flower shop I was amazed that the best smelling flower to me was called Stock. Just a random average name for something that smell amazing. I think God loves hearts, and stars.

Stars when you’re camping are the best. You’re out away from city lights. Sometimes you can even see our Milky Way Galaxy. It makes you feel small in the immenseness of space. Small, but loved and significant. The Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Orion, the North Star. I have a soft spot for the North Star, because it reminds me of my Daddy. He’s a light in my life and following him has always lead to good things, good decisions and happiness. It’s because he has always followed our Savior.

Animals are precious. Even big ferocious animals like lions and hippos are so soft and gentle with their babies. Some animals are majestic. Watching a tiger or giraffe walking is a sight to see. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t smile when they are holding a puppy or a kitten. Our silly little pup is so fun, and annoying, she wants to come sit by me, and when I call her to come up, she just looks at me. It’s funny and she cracks me up. I call her my therapy dog, because she loves me and I love her, and snuggles are very nice. All of the different species of animals, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles are so interesting and fun to see and learn about.

The Sun is the most important. It gives us light and warms us. I struggle with the shorter days in the winter. In fact as we get closer to the Winter Solstice, I am even more grateful for light. There is a sweet hymn that encourages sharing the light you have inside you.

When the days are gloomy, Sing some happy song; Meet the world’s repining With a courage strong. Go with faith undaunted Thru the ills of life; Scatter smiles and sunshine O’er its toil and strife.

Sometimes living on this beautiful world, our earth is tough. Even though it’s hard, I am ever grateful for the opportunity to live here and have the experiences that life gives me. Focusing on that is best. If you think about it, the whole world testifies of Gods Infinite love for us. I am so grateful for this wonderful world.

Reunion Time!

I have a dear friend named Julie.

She has been my best friend since high school. We have been friends for long enough that we have some pretty troubling and embarrassing stories of our time together. I am amazed we made it though some of them. I’m so thankful we did. She is a gem. So loyal, and generous, and fun!

We have had this friendship and history for years, before we both got married. Then we both got married the same year within a month of each other. Both of our husbands names are Brett. Only her hubby’s only has one “t”. We started having our children within a year of each other. Because we love each other and we like to be with each other, as our children were born, they became friends. The kids don’t quite match up as far as ages go, but each of our kids are very close to each other. We used to call them our chosen cousins.

Let me add here that she has lived 350 miles away from me since just after we both got married. You have to put a big effort in to stay best friends when you live far away from each other. Also, we used to write letters to each other, because it cost too much to call and talk. Now we have cell phones and communicating is easy.

Our children are all adults. Almost all of them are married. Most of the married ones are parents.

We haven’t had all our kids together for years. They are all so busy and when my darlin and I visit them, it’s usually just the two of us.

We told Natasha we were going to visit with our friends and have a reunion. She says, “Now how are we related to them?” Kelsey said, “We’re not.” Natasha said, “What!!! We’re not related to them?” Haha, we laughed and laughed. All this time she thought they were family. Well, they are! We chose them.

So we had a reunion this last week in a little town in central Utah named Marysvale. It is an old mining town. There are lots of trails for riding 4 wheelers and hiking. We had so much fun! All of our kids and their spouses and grandkids where there. Wow! We know how to multiply.

What a fun time we had! It was very crowded, noisy, and fun!

I love our chosen family. And my bestie Julie!

Beautiful Places-Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Southern Utah.

It was so breathtaking!

Shear cliffs on all sides. You can’t drive through the whole thing anymore, there are too many people who visit. You park at the Visitor Center and ride buses with huge windows through the main attractions, getting off when and where you wanted to stop. Buses come by every 10 minutes or so. It was so fun though.

One of my favorite places was a place call “Weeping Rock”. About half way down this shear cliff, water in coming out of the rock. There is no obvious source. It drips down the side of the rock leaving moss growing there. Just a short distance below where the water starts coming out of the rock the rock caves in like the beginning of an arch. You can hike up and stand under where the water drips without getting wet.

It was beautiful!
On the road with some of our friends that we went with. They kept their sun roof open so we could enjoy the sights. So much fun!
This is our group of friends we went with. They are beautiful, too!

These Big Horn Sheep were not intimidated by us at all. They were just eating right next to the car. I was tempted to give this one below a pat on the rear, and I almost could have reached him, or her.

If you ever get the chance, visit Zion National Park.

It is such a beautiful place!

Beautiful, Happy Places-The Yard

I love spending time in the yard. It is so enjoyable to work, and plant, and make it a wonderful place to spend time! The yard is our little bit of heaven. We enjoy spending as much time as possible in the yard. When the kids and grandkids are home, this is mostly where we are. 

I found this cute little trolly in the garage. It belonged to my maternal grandpa and I decided it would be a great addition to the patio. 

All it needed was a fresh coat of paint. It’s fun to use the things we’ve collected through the years and give them a purpose. Now it is functional and I think of grandpa when I look at it!

I love it!!!

7

Today, it has been 7 years since I started my blog!

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It’s my blogiversary!!

So here’s a list of 7 things I’ve learned blogging for 7 years:

1-Always remember why you do it.

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I don’t spend a lot of time on other peoples blogs. I am trying my best to get a grip in my life and sitting on the computer all day doesn’t help. So if I don’t have a lot of visitors, because I’m not commenting all the time on others blogs, I’m ok with that. I am leaving a journal with stories and what not for my family and anyone else who would like to visit. I love you all!

2-Put your best foot forward.

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Emily and Anthony’s cute socks and shoes on their wedding day!

I struggle sometimes. I prefer to not focus on complaining. It’s really not me anyway. I am a joyful person! I am always looking for the blessings in life.

3-Have variety.

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If I always focus on one topic, it’s like I’m talking in a monotone voice. That’s not very fun! So it’s good to mix it up.

4-Be totally honest.

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I am, what I am. I love to share what I feel and the adventures I’m having. Sometimes, life is challenging. Maybe if I share how I’m working through a challenge it might help someone else. Who’s to say…;)

5-It takes a lot of effort sometimes, and that’s ok.

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Remember Dory? Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!

6-“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

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I am a firm believer that love conquers all. I don’t agree with everyone on the internet, and I know they don’t all agree with me, but we can be kind and show love for other humans when we communicate.

7-Sharing what matters most to me is fun!

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Sunday’s really are Best! Family History is so fun! Missionaries make me happy! Beautiful Places are beautiful! My Darlin, First Born, Janet, Dream Come True, Most Quoted, Amber, Bonus Baby, Anthony, Grandbabies, and Tayzie mean the world to me! Someday this blog will be a treasure for the people I love, maybe it is already. Either way, it’s here and waiting for a visit from all!

Thank you for visiting! I hope you return often!

Love, Joy

30th Anniversary Trip!

We celebrated our 30th Anniversary in August.

We decided since we’ve never done a big trip for our anniversary before, we decided to do it this year.

We had a wonderful time on an Alaskan Cruise!

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We flew to Seattle where we got on our cruise ship.

This was our first cruise so we were excited and looking forward to a fun trip!

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We went to Ketchikan and saw the lumberjack show and saw Totem Bight State Park. We walked around town. It is so beautiful in Alaska! It rained, but it was still beautiful.

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Then we went to Juneau. And we saw Mendenhall Glacier.

Our world is wonderful!

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Then there was the Salmon Fish Hatchery. Can I just say Salmon are so interesting. If you don’t know, they swim out to sea after being born way up stream in the mountains. They stay in the ocean for years and then near the end of their life they swim up stream for a long time, back to where they were born. It is a very difficult trip for them. Then they lay their eggs and die. And then the cycle repeats. I’m sure there are some life lesson’s there, but I’m still thinking on it. They are truly amazing.

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We saw so much beautiful scenery, mountains, waterfalls, water, ice…gorgeous.

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Another glacier.

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Panning for gold in Skagway!

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We drank water from this beautiful waterfall that came from a glacier. So good!!!

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Awesome old cemetery!

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It was a wonderful trip! We had a blast spending time together and having a fun adventure!

I recommend it.

We feel very blessed to have such a neat experience.

I love my darlin more than ever, and I’m so grateful for the 30 years we have had together.

A Trip to the Motherland!

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My parents went on a lovely trip to England

with my baby brother, his wife, and her parents.

What a wonderful thing to do!!!

I almost climbed into their luggage.

In this picture they are visiting a place called Rollrightstones, you can read about it here!

“The Rollright Stones is a ancient site located on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border in England. The complex consists of three main elements, The Kings Men stone circle, the King Stone, and the Whispering Knights.”

I may never get to go on a trip like this, but I have been traveling with them as they go. You might wonder how. The answer is…the internet. I have their itinerary. I know what their plans are, and I can search and see what they are seeing on the internet.  I am having a blast on their trip!!!

Hopefully I’ll be able to share some more pictures. So come visit and I’ll share what I can.

Beautiful Places!

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I have always loved Poppies!

They are such a beautiful flower.

There is a beautiful exhibit of ceramic poppies that have been placed around the Tower of London to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.  Each poppy represents a soldier killed during World War I, 888,246 poppies will eventually be “planted.” The exhibit started back in August and it has taken all this time to fill the mote of the Tower of London with all of the poppies. The last poppy will be planted on the 11th of November,  Armistice Day. 

What a neat thing!

When I look at this exhibit I think, “This is beautiful! This is a beautiful place!

We should always remember those who came before and sacrificed so much to make life better for us.

You can read more about it here and here!

13 Things I’ve Learned From Posting 1000 Posts!!!!!!!!!

I have reached a milestone!!! Today I’m posting my

1000th post!

Here are 13 things I’ve learned from posting 1000 posts!!!!!

1-It’s ok to be yourself. 

I have learned that even though I’m not perfect, I am lovable.

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2-It’s a great way to tell your story. 

I love to read over my stories and relive my experiences.

3-I love to talk about my family, and their history.

I have wonderful children! My grand baby is adorable! My ancestors are the bomb! We are all basically pretty great people!!!

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4-It’s actually very fun to have a blog.

It’s a happy, fun, exciting place to share my life!

5-I have lots of heroes, friends, and memories.

My heroes are the good examples in my life. I try to emulate their lives. My friends are golden and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Well, my memory may go, but I’ll still have my blog.

6-Funny things happen in life.

Laughter really is the best medicine. I wrote a post once about laughing at inappropriate times, and yes I have been known to do that. I just innocently try to live my life and funny stuff just happens. I start to giggle and it’s all over. Next thing you know I have a stomach cramp, and tears are streaming down my face. I am thankful that I laugh easily. Life is too short to not laugh hysterically when the opportunity presents it’s self.

7-There are some wonderful movies and TV shows out there.

Dory: “Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming….what do we do we swim, swim!”

I need that reminder a lot.

8-Sometimes I don’t Have anything to say, believe it or not. And that’s ok.

I have been amazed at the lack of things to say, or when I can’t think of anything to post. I never thought I’d see the day. I am very social, I can talk to anyone, but I do like to be by myself and just sit still and read or relax sometimes.

9-Life is busy!

Life is busier than ever before. We’re all busy. It makes living adventurous! Sometimes finding time to do a blog post is very difficult, but I’m always glad when I do.

10-I really love Sunday’s the Best!

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Peaceful, inspirational, and spiritual! Spending the day thinking about God and His precious gifts, and looking for ways to bless others lives!

11-The world is full of Beautiful Places!

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Always focus on the beauty in this world. We are so blessed by Father above to live in such a beautiful place. Look for the beauty!

12-I have learned lot’s of lesson’s. 

I’m so glad I’ve written them down. I love to learn and I’m glad that challenges are not wasted by having to repeat difficult times. I so appreciate the lessons!

13-It takes a long time to write 1000 posts. 

Who knew it would take almost 5 years of blogging to reach 1000 posts, but I did it!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!