Our secret place

Where I live, I can take my stroller and baby, walk around our neighborhood, and find beautiful terrain right in my backyard.

I can usually always find a mystical, breathtaking sky.

But there are also these little "nooks" in the woods with trees, a stream, and flowers.

Although many other people have walked into the woods behind our house, it still feels special and secluded like it is our secret hideout when we go.

What is your special place?

Baby's best friend

Eliza got to spend some time with her favorite dog friend over the weekend. Eliza loved to give her furry friend her dog toys and pet her. They also ran around together.

When we would come through the door, Eliza would start kicking her legs and saying dog in excitement and then run straight to the dog's cage to free her.

I think the feeling was mutual because her puppy friend loved sitting next to Eliza while she played.

I would take dog and baby to the yard so they could play in the grass. One night, Kenny taught Eliza how to play wiffle ball.

The sunset was just gorgeous.

Last night for family night, we stopped at the hardware store to get a giant PVC pipe for a project that will later be revealed. Did I mention that my husband is a mad scientist?

Fried Marble Giveaway

Giveaway for this fried marble necklace and earring set starting today and ending Friday at noon!

To enter, answer this question on the blog or Facebook post.

"Who is someone who has inspired you and why?"

There will be a random drawing for the winner on Friday at noon.

I love these fried marble necklaces and earrings. They look so mystical! Read more about them on my post Wiseman Treasures and shop for more fried marble jewelry on Etsy. Also, visit the Wiseman Treasures Facebook page here.

Yesterday, we had a special LDS Stake Conference where several apostles spoke to our region. My favorite quote was from Elder Robert D. Hales who told us to "ponder after we pray" because that is when we can receive inspiration. I definitely feel a peace when I give myself time to ponder each day. It is like it gives Heavenly Father a chance to speak back to me since I speak to him when I pray.

Here is a talk where President Thomas S. Monson testifies of pondering the path (figuratively) that our Savior Jesus Christ walked.

I am so excited to see your responses and have a wonderful Monday!

Airport football

Last Saturday, my family and I had an active, memorable day. We first went to a pancake fundraiser breakfast for the youth in our church. From there, we went to this super fun "airport" park.

The playground equipment was unique and even fun for us "adults."

I guess I really liked this slide...

Eliza started crying in this lookout because she was trying to get to me through the bubble.

As we were leaving the park, Eliza really wanted to make friends with this dog (We caught her before she mulled the dog and girl).

Later, we made our way to the bus stop to go to our first football game. Kenny kept asking if I wanted to go to the gun show. I thought that he was just making some muscle joke until I saw this sign...

Eliza loved being on the bus. She kept going back and forth between me and Kenny. Finally, she decided to cuddle with Daddy.

The football game was loud, hot, and exciting. Eliza just wanted to run so we stayed for about 25 minutes. (I also had left my backpack in the parking lot and was hoping it was still there.)

Yay blue and white!

Eliza played in my favorite flowers, forsythia bushes, while we waited for the bus to come back. I had them in my backyard growing up, and me and my siblings would pick the little yellow flowers and use them in our imaginary play.

From there, we went to another park for some games. By then, Eliza was out (complete with a dirt mustache).

I maybe took a few pictures of the sky that day. We completed our Saturday with lounging on our couch with our newly sun-kissed faces and ice cream. We were content and exhausted.

On another note, check out the cute, affordable, bohemian style clothes and jewelry at Tropikalia Bazaar for some weekend shopping. Free shipping until midnight on friday night!

18 months party

I cannot believe that my sweet baby is eighteen months old today. I love her adorable dimple when she smiles and her cute little giggle when she finds something funny. I love it when she looks at me with her big, blue eyes and rosebud lips and says, "Mama." I love how every animal's sound to her is a growl. I love when she is tired and lays her sweet head on my shoulder. 

I could go on and on about what I love about Eliza Jane.

To celebrate (and for an excuse for cake), Kenny and I had a little 18 months party for Eliza.

So we blew up some balloons.

And made a little cake (luckily she won't have a cake with an 18 on it again for a long time).

The cake was intriguing to her, but she wanted to touch the fire even more. Luckily, Kenny stood near.

Thanks to me for spoiling her (again), she also got a gift for turning 18 months.

For a baby who loves to make noise, the xylophone was perfect.

She really puts her heart and soul into her music.

I love this sweet girl so much, and I am constantly amazed that I get to be her mother. Happy 18 months Eliza!

Woman Spotlight #2: Anne Frank

I have just finished reading Anne Frank: The Diary of A Young Girl and now have immense respect and admiration for Anne Frank. While forced to go into hiding for two years because she was a Jew (in cramped quarters with frequently disagreeable people), she continued to be incredibly optimistic and strong. I love her cheerful disposition that you can just see in her eyes.

 

I am especially impressed with her wisdom that went beyond her years.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from her diary.

"Whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery!" Tuesday, 7 March, 1944

"I have been given a lot, a happy nature, a great deal of cheerfulness and strength."

Wednesday, 3 May, 1944

"I know my own faults and shortcomings better than anyone, but the difference is that I also know that I want to improve, shall improve, and have already improved a great deal."

Wednesday, 14 June, 1944

"Quite honestly, I can't imagine how anyone can say: "I'm weak," and then remain so. After all, if you know it, why not fight against it, why not try to train your character?"

Thursday, 6 July, 1944

Even when life in the "Secret Annex" was filled with rotten food, arguments, and suffocating air, Anne still found ways to be happy and work towards who she wanted to become.

These are a couple quotes from her diary that break my heart since I know that she was betrayed and sent to a camp where she fell ill and died.

"And I [do] so want to grow into a real young woman!"

Saturday, 15 January, 1944

"I want to go on living even after my death!"

Tuesday, 4 April, 1944

Anne has touched more lives with her diary than she could have ever dreamed. And I believe that her personal journey is continuing in another place and that she is accomplishing her goals.

Read more about her life on her official website.

Free Shakespeare!

A few nights ago, Kenny came home to tell me that there was a free Shakespeare play on campus. So naturally I wanted to go.

We went to where the show was playing on campus and set up camp.

We had to keep Eliza entertained. We got some stares and laughs from the college students around us when Eliza growled or did something funny.

The show was an African rendition of Julius Caesar. Very interesting! I love that they included contemporary African music.
(The following photos were taken by Davon Clark and Camille Stefani of The Daily Collegian.)

Here is an audio recording that I took of the music and dialogue.

After the show, we got some frozen yogurt. And I am always disgusting when I come to places like this.

For those who have never read Julius Caesar, read the play here. I love love love Shakespeare.
Probably my favorite and definitely worth one's time is King Lear. And a cute comedy is Twelfth Night. Enjoy!

Sempre Amore

Last night, Kenny pulled out his guitar while I cuddled up on the couch and he learned some of my favorite songs like Amber by 311.

He is so thoughtful in that way.

He has always been the fun kind of romantic.

And is, of course, an incredibly animated, playful dad.

I am so glad that he's mine!