Podcast Love

Our friend Greg introduced me to the world of podcasts a few years ago. Addicted. I love having something good to listen to. And usually your time commitment is less than hour. I get tired of the radio. And often I am listening to a book. (I am really too tired to do as much reading as I would like and that way I can get 2 things done at once - a book and drive or exercise).

But Podcasts are probably my most favorite thing to listen to.

And I have a new favorite. Today I tried Conversations from the Mormon Channel. You can automatically download them on iTunes. My first Conversation was with Stephanie and Christian Nielson (Nie Nie Diagloues).

It was the most inspiring exercise. I have a lot more to say about what I thought listening to them but won't do that now. Just go download some Conversation podcasts. It will make your day.

Other podcast favorites (all free on iTunes)

#1 - This American Life with Ira Glass LOVE LOVE LOVE

I learn the most interesting things. The show is brilliant at putting together stories about our American life. They are entertaining and so educational.

#2 - Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me - it is a news quiz show each week. They have a panel of comedians who make funny commentary on the week's news. Listeners call in to answer questions about current events. It is the perfect way to get updated on the week's news in a few minutes and have lots of good laughs. Sometimes I laugh out loud at the gym and it is so embarrassing.

#3 - BYU Speeches,  CES Firesides, and General Conference Talks (I grouped them all into one but they are each separate things). I just like to have a few gospel centered messages available.

Millions out there to choose from. If you don't already, enjoy!

A Vintage Poster

My niece-in-law (is that such a thing) is pretty much super talented. (All of the niece-in-laws are actually and so are the nieces - just oozing talents).
Check out A Vintage Poster. She has so many fun designs and will do custom as well. I loved these two little posters for Elise's room.
The middle graphic print is one that my sister designed. She is ultra talented as well but doesn't sell her work. :) They are little silhouettes of Elise's.
Her room is coming together nicely.
Next up...do I start with my living room, the family room or my room? They all need some serious work.

Quinn's First Birthday Party

This party was completely inspired by a really cool blog - Blonde Designs. They do some great things that are worth copying. In fact, I couldn't do parties if I didn't have inspiration like blogs and my sisters (Twin 1 and Twin 2) - who always know how to through a party. My sister, Egan, designed her birthday invitations that were also inspired by Blonde Design.

Check this out - I totally copied them. But really - why be creative when someone else is so brilliant?

Here it is - Quinn's Party - I Scream for Ice Cream. (she really loves ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sno cones)

The gift bag toppers were also from Blonde Design.

Regular chocolate cake mix with Billy's Bakery Vanilla Buttercream Frosting - SO GOOD!

I am often inspired by another blog, Stephmodo. She had these cute pom poms as decorations for a shower. So I copied using Martha's directions and hung them for this party. I love them.

The damage.

The birthday present was a hit! I think it might actually be Gavin's favorite gift ever. (no surprise from a kid who has wanted a vacuum and wheelbarrow for gifts)

Landslide

Two of my sisters have already posted about this here and here. But if you don't read their blogs (by the way - you should), you might have missed hearing about this awesome group of kids who sing the coolest songs.

Seriously? I want to move my kids to NY and get them in this class. Unfortunately, I don't think they would let Elise in. She can't hit one right note. It is so sad, because she love singing so much.

You can watch all their songs on You Tube but here is my favorite. I love everyone of those kids. They are killing me! I think I have watched it 10 times now.

Read This

My friend Heather sent me this talk by Elder Holland. I remember the story he tells at the end but I had forgotten some of the important principles he teaches in the talk. It is short and really good if you are looking for a little uplift.

"An High Priest of Good Things To Come" Elder Holland, October 1999 General Conference

"Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. Moroni spoke of it in the Book of Mormon as "hope for a better world."2 For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. It is enough just to know we can get there, that however measured or far away, there is the promise of "good things to come."

'hold on thy way, fear not, god shall be with you forever and ever.'

A couple of weeks ago, Elder Holland gave a CES fireside for the young adults of our church. http://www.lds.org/move/index.html#lang=english My sisters attended this fireside and then sent the family an email encouraging us to watch/listen to his talk. I love Elder Holland's talks and I finally got around to taking the 44 minutes to watch it on my laptop. It is fantastic and I thought I would put it out there for all of you. Take 44 minutes and listen to Elder Holland. It is definitely applicable for every one of my readers. We all face trials. Elder Holland describes Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail and the lessons that we can learn from this experience.