There is Beauty All Around...

One thing I can say about Hawaii--there is plenty of 'beauty' all around. I am totally fascinated with the foliage over here. These pictures don't do it justice but the SIZE of leaves over here are HUGE. That is one of my favorite things to take in, is just the absolute size of the vegetation that grows here.

I wish I knew had to take better pictures, but this is a picture of an ocean wave coming over a small wall into a natural 'warm spring' that we were at. Those are my kiddos waiting for the wave.

This is Waipio Valley. I think it is one of my favorite places I have seen. We are standing way above looking down. You have to go down into the valley via ATV or a 4x4. We are on an observation platform.

Another view of the valley....so gorgeous!!!

The most beautiful sight of all........

"I know that my Redeemer lives...."

• On Tuesday I was driving back from Hilo (the other side of the island) from a doctor's appointment with my daughter. I had my IPOD plugged into the stereo system. It is about an hour and 15 minute drive. I was enjoying the peace and quiet of the music when a very special song came on: "I know that my Redeemer lives". (sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). As I listened to the words, I began to sing along..then before I knew it I was wiping away my tears. I have heard this song many times before in my lifetime, but never til that day did I really hear the words. I am not sure why I needed to hear those words at that time..why they affected me so much, but they did. I believe prayers are answered in many different ways. I believe our Father in Heaven will talk to us in ways that He knows we will hear Him. Mine is through music. I am touched by music. These are the words I needed to hear:
• He lives to bless in time of need
• He lives to comfort me when faint
• He lives to hear my soul's complaint
• HE LIVES TO SILENCE ALL MY FEARS
• HE LIVES TO WIPE AWAY MY TEARS
• He lives to calm my troubled heart
• He lives and LOVES me to the end

I know that my Redeemer Lives....what joy this sweet sentence gives. I am grateful for this knowledge. I am grateful that I am a daughter of God. I am grateful that I was taught by loving parents and loving youth leaders that I am special , I am unique. I am grateful for all of the testimonies I have heard over my lifetime because I know that every testimony I have had the pleasure of hearing has added strength to my own testimony. I don't know a lot of things "for sure" but I do know this.....I know that my Redeemer lives.

Sometimes great MEMORIES come in small packages..

HEY YA'LL! This is Cori Sue. I convinced her to let me do a blog on her blog! SO HERE GOES!This is my best friend in the WHOLE WORLD! :) Her name is: MOM. She has been there for me through literally EVERYTHING! WE do everything together, and we love spending time together. She is always there when i need someone to help me, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to play rummikub with. I can talk to her about anything, and she doesn't judge me. We have had countless laughs, an unbelievable amount of hugs, and an everlasting amount of love for one another. I love my mommy. She means the world to me, and i wouldn't have any other mom in the world. :) This picture was taken on our sealing day. I love this pic of her and I. :)

This is my old house in Idaho! I absolutely love this house!!! We have had some AmAzInG times in this place! Everything from late nights with friends, waking up early for school, running around during a game of late night hide-and-go seek, family get togethers, and lots of laughing! So here is my FAMOUS house.. <3

Okay well this is all i have for right now.. i love you all!!! :) I can't wait to get home and see all of you again.. :) I LOVE YOU!!! SWEET HOME IDAHO!! :)

Peace in the Chaos.....

We live in such a chaotic world. We, as a family, and We, as a human race. We are busy with our schedules and all the activities that require our attention. With 5 kids, 1 husband and myself and the committments we have CHAOS seems to be the common theme. Have you ever noticed how noisy the world is? I have. These last couple of weeks I have REALLY noticed how much noise is around me. I never realized how much this noise effects me, my mood and my family life. A couple of weeks ago I was finally able to do errands all by myself. I had the car and I spent the whole day (because it takes that long to go everywhere) running around getting all the things done that we needed done. I got to talk to my sister and my mom as I traveled back and forth. I ate at Taco Bell....my favorite place. It was such a great day to rejuvenate. But half way home after I hung up with my mom, my first instinct was to reach for the radio. Then suddenly it dawned on me....leave the music off and just be quiet..be still. So I did. What PEACE. No noise. No kids yelling. Just peace, stillness, quiet moments. Me and my thoughts. I was truly amazed at how good I felt. I thought of many things--kids, hubby, my mom, my siblings and their families, the gospel, my father who is on the other side of the veil and how I miss him so, our move to Idaho, our friends in Idaho. So many thoughts came running thru. It made me think of how many thoughts or moments I am missing because I allow the 'noise' of the world to encumber my mind. There is peace in the chaos. I know Heavenly Father is just waiting for me to tune in to HIM. Lesson learned.