teacups

check out this fun idea my friend melle sent me

Shizugawa High School

March 11, 2011 a massive earthquake devastated Japan and ruined over half the country. My sister is living in Tokyo and was in the subway on her way home from work when the quake his her small sector of Chiba Shin-Urayasu and engulfed her in one of the largest world disasters to date.

We have all read the news, seen the photos, watched the video clips, and read the miraculous stories of miracles and survivors. Sadly, the reality is that this is not a cinderella story and not everyone gets a lucky ending. This video was filmed by those who made it out on time and documented the trauma of watching their city, community, and homes reduce into rubble through the vigorous waves of the storm.

As you watch this I implore you to think of your own lives; your homes, families, community, neighbors, friends. These men and women sat helpless as they watched the accumulation of their lives drift away and come crashing down around them. All the dreams, hope, tears, hard work, and success of their past was demolished in a matter of minutes with the power of water, leaving behind a muddy trail of broken hearts and soggy dreams.

We are all children of God struggling to return to our heavenly home and I hope we can keep our brothers and sisters in Japan in our hearts and prayers as they make the terrifying trek back to stability.

Create.

I was asked to teach in Relief Society this week and preparing for my lesson on talents and the value in discovering your strengths I came across this video that really touched my heart. Please take a few minutes to watch it and listen to the beautiful reminder it provides that we are meant on this earth to create things: art, music, friendships, delicious cuisine, education, talents, testimonies, faith, homes, and families.

The beauty in this life is that we have countless opportunities to stop and try again if we need to. We are constantly given the time and chance to start fresh or start something new. Find your passion. Strength. Talent. Do it. Over and over again so you can continue making masterpieces each day and blessing those around you as you build yourself up. Someday you will be able to look at your life and think "wow, well this was all worth it" because you'll then see the monument you have molded yourself into with each simple creation along the way.

Mother Knows Best

Hah so I love this song from tangled... But seriously

I know some of you are mom's or have good advice on baby items and since I am a first timmer here I need some help/advice about getting our little nest started. There are so many baby items these days it blows my mind... so this is where I need your help... what are the baby must haves? And what things would you suggest we not waste our money on? What were some of your favorite products/baby blogs/and brands for baby items?

love.di