Jacob's eagle project. wanna help?

For his eagle project, Jacob decided to collect needed items for a single adult homeless shelter in downtown phoenix. Last week we went down to have a tour and work out the details. I was really impressed with this shelter. It was very uplifting, and I learned so much. It was very simple but clean, and run by so many wonderful volunteers. Their Mission is to empower men and women, and children with diverse needs to end their homelessness through emergency shelter and supportive services. It is their goal to provide clients with the tools needed to become self-sufficient and end their homelessness.
For instance, this dental clinic which started out in a small trailer, is run completely by volunteers. A retired dentist saw the need and acted. It is a beautiful facility that helps adults as well as children in preventative care and helping those with missing teeth etc. to get things looking better so that they are able to get a job easier.

We learned that the shelter has three stages. This picture above is the second stage, where they are people who are working on getting a job and getting their life together. They are able to stay every night and keep their stuff there. This is where the first stage people work to try to get to.

This is the men's area first stage. Where they are able to come in after 3pm, and stay for the night. They have to be there no later than 830pm, and leave in the morning by 630am (not sure why this guy is still there at 11am. Maybe he is sick). The numbers on the floor are where they just lay down mats at night. I thought that this was all a homeless shelter was, and you see the same people over and over. Not true. This place is majorly organized and really efficient in helping them get back on their feet. so cool. Rarely do they see people for more than three months, they get the help they need to get a job etc. and move on. I asked about mentally ill people. Only about 30% fall into that category and they have their own area to receive help with treatment and getting services.

The stage three are people who are working and have a place to sleep and can come and go, and are in another area that has beds.

Here is the computer area where they can look and apply for jobs and have an email address where jobs can contact them, so that the employers don't have to know that they are homeless.



This is a common area that people can come during the day. It that has a library, a ministry area that also provides many services, a place where people can take classes, etc.

There also is an area for people that are released from the hospital, but still recovering and have nowhere else to go. There is an area that is for people detoxing off of drugs. They have two different clothing stores (for free), one with professional clothes for work, and another with regular clothing. The place for getting food is in another facility close by that they are able to go to.

The whole system was really just so impressive. It reminded me that there is still so much good in the world. There are so many that donate their time and talents to help others.

It was also was great for Jacob to see other people's reactions to him in his uniform. It was like he was a celebrity. People wanted to come up and shake his hand. I try to explain to him how honorable it is to be an eagle scout. That people respect you for it. It isn't something to be embarrassed by, or not important. As soon as we stepped out of the car a lady shouted to us, "Are you an eagle scout? I grew up Mormon and know lots of eagle scouts. We came over to her group, and explained Jacob's project. She was with a couple of huge men with tattoos all over. They told us a few of the things that they would appreciate. Like a back pack or a bus pass. We had a good laugh when one told us he really needed a staple gun right now. So if anyone wants to donate that, great! ha ha. We told the woman helping us about it, and she was so funny saying how "they don't have anything that needs stapling" and how she tells them to leave people alone that come, so they won't get freaked out. Not a problem with us. Jacob and I both expressed how we would enjoy talking with everyone.

It was hard to see so many people in difficult circumstances. But so nice to know that they have this wonderful facility to help them. They all seemed cheerful and optimistic. It was a beautiful place I thought.

So if you can help out at all with Jacob's collecting of items for this shelter, or a cash donation, that would be wonderful. It is definitely a worthy cause.

Because, without the generosity of others ......

unfortunately so many end up with this as their only option.

items needed:

disposable razors, aerosol deodorant,toothbrushes,baby wipes in a hard container,toilet paper,copy paper,large 30+gallon trash bags, sunblock, and foot powder.

Other items that are always wanted are larger adult clothing, sun hats, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, liquid body soap, sheets (gently used) and of course water is always needed.

You can drop the items at my house, or we can pick them up from yours, or he'll be at a local park this Saturday morning from 10-12. Hope you can help!

Rachel-8th grade graduate

"Nothing is more beautiful than a young woman who radiates the confidence that comes when you live virtuously." -President Uchtdorf

Rachel is a good example to me of true beauty. The only beauty that really matters and the only beauty that lasts. The kind of beauty that comes from within, from knowing Heavenly Father.

"When you live close to God and His infinite grace, you won't have to tell it will show on your face."

She is such an example to me. She reads her scriptures and writes in her journal every night without fail. I have never known her to miss a night even on vacation. We'll be in a hotel room and she'll be in the bathroom reading her scriptures or wherever we are. I think she has read the Book of Mormon more times than me. She is not perfect, and gets grumpy like us all, but she is quick to say she's sorry. She is a strong strong spirit. So much strength to do what is right in this one. She really doesn't care what others think, and I love her for it. We always tease her about what a monster she was when she was little, but I knew that Heavenly Father had reserved her for these last days because of her incredible strength of spirit, and character. I love you Roozie. Thanks for being the best daughter a mother could ever dream of. You are beautiful inside and out!

All ready for the dinner and dance for promotion.

Don't you think Rebecca's friend Ashland looks like Kaelee Cook? She is just as sweet as you Kaelee and even talks like you!




Then there is crazy lizzie. She is frantically trying to put in batteries for her camera to take pictures of rachel. We later learned that she took them from the t.v. remote. When we couldn't find the remote later, she remembered that she had left it in the freezer in the garage. ???????? funny girl.

i'm outie.

Leaving tomorrow for my sister's in Quincy, Illinois. Just me and ammon man. Thought I would leave you with a fun pic from today. The teachers quorum met to play softball tonight. What a great group of boys. If it weren't for that pesky leader Brother Buchanon. ha ha. He's on the bottom far right. He's like a 12 year old in an old man's body (did i say old man? ha ha) Don't even get me started on stories about Brother Buchanon. They are mostly irreverent and inappropriate. Do you see why he is perfect for the 14 and 15 year olds. ha.

These last couple of months i am really going to try to take pictures of our daily doings and activities, and all of our amazing friends that we never want to forget!!

Talk at you next week.

Best night of Leah's life.

Do you know how rare it is for a daughter of ours to be in a dance recital when it is only her performing? Well, this is the first time ever. Leah couldn't have been happier. All the spotlight on her, and a large crowd cheering her on (we had lots of extra friends come too), flowers for just her. Pure heaven. On top of that she was in the 11+ class. She was so proud. We all in our unbiased opinion proclaimed her the best dancer there. We really were impressed. All of the classes were beginner classes, so what a confidence booster to Leah having many years of dance under her belt.
So proud of you Leah!!!

Here she is in the back row reaching for the stars (or star, ha).

I loved all the dad's in back holding their baby boys. (nice face Josh. When Jacob saw this picture he lovingly said, "Brother Jay is such a tard." I know it was lovingly said because he then added that you and Brother Buchanon are his favorite leaders he has ever had. He is really going to miss you.)

Leah is in the middle. Work it girl!

Such a nice group of girls. Even though leah was younger, they treated her so kindly.

Leah completely adored her teacher Denise Mariner. She is so cute, fun, and makes every child feel so special. What a gift. Oh yah, and she is a great dancer! smile. She teaches out of her garage. Leah has never looked so forward to dance every week. She starts taking new names in June for the fall if you are interested.
Guess who else was dancing that night? My little peep Lennon. I just couldn't resist capturing her sweet little self.


I mean really, look at her. She looks right at me, knowing just how dang cute she is. love that girl.

After the show, Lizzie bowing as she presents the flowers to Leah.

Leah's best friend Paige came to cheer her on. That meant a lot to Leah.

Here are two women that I adore. Natalie (Lennon's mom) and Ahlena. Their daughters were dancing that night as well. In fact, as I looked around the audience that night. I realized that I knew so very many of the people there. As I waved to, smiled at, and chatted with so many of them, it hit me really hard just what I have here in good ol' surprise Arizona. I am completely surrounded by people that I love and care about. People that love and support me, and are always there for me. People whos faces are so familiar to me, and radiate such goodness. I realized, this is going to be a hard move. I've been keeping so busy, and not letting myself think about it, but when i do, the tears flow. How very very grateful and blessed I am. Enough for now, back to not thinking about it. I can't take it.

The blessings of the scripture.

This is the title of one of my favorite talks from conference.

Why is it so crucial that we have scripture, and read it often?

Elder Christofferson gives these three main reasons

1. To enlarge our memory.- "Those who either don't have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence."

2. They are the standard for distinguishing truth and error.-for example, "they discredit the philosophy that has come back into vogue in our day that there are no absolute moral standards. That every man prospers according to his genius, and that every man conquers according to his strength ; and whatsoever a man does is no crime and that when a man is dead, that is the end thereof. Also, many today would dispute about the seriousness of immorality. Others would argue that it's all relative or that God's love is permissive. If there is a God, they say, He excuses all sins and misdeeds because of His love for us---there is no need for repentance. Or at most, a simple confession will do. They have imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but who makes no demands upon their personal life and behavior. But a God of love does not leave us to learn by sad experience that "wickedness never was happiness." His commandments are the voice of reality and our protection against self-inflicted pain. The scriptures are the touchstone for measuring correctness and truth, and they are clear that real happiness lies not in denying the justice of God or trying to circumvent the consequences of sin but in repentance and forgiveness through the atoning grace of the son of God."

3. They bring us to Christ, our Redeemer-"In the end, the central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ--faith that They exist; faith in the Father's plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; and faith to come to know :the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.

I'm just really feeling how crucial it is that we read our scriptures daily. It is so easy to get desensitized when we are bombarded daily with the idea that it doesn't matter if we lie, cheat, steal, commit adultery etc, etc, as long as it makes us feel good. That there really aren't any absolute moral truths. That we aren't any happier if we follow God's commandments. Well, I am here to say that Satan is real, and a big fat liar. And if you are spending more time listening to him instead of immersing yourself in the scriptures, you may find yourself in trouble. It is true that "wickedness never was happiness" as the scriptures say. You will never find real peace, happiness or joy unless you follow God's commandments. Luckily we do have the scriptures to remind us, teach us, and help us understand how crucial Christ's role is in our lives. I'm feeling really really grateful.

(can you tell i gave the lesson last week in church on the scriptures. smile)

definitely side splitting.

We found this scrapbook page lying around the house. We have been laughing so hard about it, that no one will own up to having made it. I wonder why they chose to put the phrase "side splitting." I am pretty sure that they didn't know that it meant something you would laugh so hard at your sides hurt. But, I still think they used the term appropriately. ha ha. I am so glad that we have this documented in our family history. ha ha.

healthy yummy trail mix

This is a recipe from my brother in laws health coach. She is a nutritionist, and now that I think of it, I have her whole recipe book. I need to start making all of those recipes.

Are you like me and buy recipe books that you are so inspired by, and can't wait to make all of the wonderful recipes inside? Then something happens and you never do. You just forget, or don't get around to it, and continue to make all the same boring things? Why is that? What can we do? I always think, I will just do one new recipe a week. And then I forget to do even that.

Well, I guess I'm not too horrible at it, I made this one. And this is the SECOND TIME, huge for me. Does that mean it is habit yet? ha ha. But that does tell you something (besides that i had leftover ingredients), it is really really good. In fact so good, it becomes unhealthy because I want to eat it all at once. Anyway, here is the recipe. You won't be disappointed.

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds

3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/2 cup raw pecans

3/4 cup raw whole or sliced almonds

1/2 cup flax seeds

1/4 cup raw coconut

Combine all together and mix with 6T of pure maple syrup

Spread on cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 20 mins.

After cool toss in dried cherries or dark chocolate (or both. smile)

Like any recipe you can change to taste. I like it better without the chocolate to be honest.

To find all the raw nuts, go to the bins in sprouts. Some i found at walmart in pkgs. They will be cheaper that way if you can find them. They have unsweetened coconut at frys.

Let me know if you try it and what you think.

All ready to eat!

PS Did you see poor Daris on the biggest loser last night pleading his case? I felt so bad for him, and knew just how he felt, as I sat there watching the show eating pecan bars.