Celebrating Christ

I love the Easter season. I love the symbolism as the weather turns to Spring and the trees and flowers begin to blossom we are reminded that Jesus lives. This morning as I was reading through scriptures and past words spoken about Easter I was touched by the reality of the Resurrection and overwhelmed with gratitude for the Savior.

My oldest niece, Ashley, passed away 2 years ago in July. Yesterday would have been her 22nd birthday. All day my thoughts were about Ashley and as with many people who have someone close to them pass away, I wondered what the proper way to celebrate her was. I like to think the best way to celebrate someone is with happy memories of them and so I remembered. But as I was reading this Easter morning I came across these words that President Hinkley spoke in 1996,

"There is nothing more universal than death, and nothing brighter with hope and faith than the assurance of immortality. The abject sorrow that comes with death, the bereavement that follows the passing of a loved one are mitigated only by the certainty of the Resurrection of the Son of God that first Easter morning."

I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for me, for Ashley, for everyone, so that we too will live again. There have been many, and will be plenty more, times in my life where this knowledge has been the only thing that I am sure of - even so, it's always been enough. Ashley is such an incredible addition to our family and what special time of year for her to have her birthday.

Happy Easter!

This Little Horoscope Couldn't Have Been More True

Today's Virgo Horoscope:
Nov 11, 2008
Why does being patient have to take so long? quipped one frustrated soul. Could it have been you, dear Virgo? Waiting has never been your strong suit, there's no question about it. You will get through today best if you concentrate on finding an outlet for your pent-up frustration. A visit to the gym, or a vigorous cleaning of the house, would help.

So I am feeling like a little "complain Jane" the last couple days and right this second I am calling it quits with that! Let me explain, last week my Dad was in an awful motorcycle accident while on his way to Mexico with some friends. He will be okay, but the last few days have been more than terrifying. Although he is still in the hospital and unsure when he will be released, he is progressing a little more each day and practically begging for them to let him go home. Yesterday, we got news that our family dog, Screetch, has cancer. The vet gave him 3 or 4 more months to live. Luckily he is not showing signs and is still being very active and happy. I have been stressing and when I stress I get controlling and obsessed with little details (of anything) and how fix it - most of which are out of my control. But along with my stressed, controlling, impatient and obsessed nature I feel like I have been complaining - and that is not who I want to be. So, amongst all the havoc I would like to post my top ten things that I am grateful for right now.

- Family, they stick by your side. They call you to tell you things will be ok, even when they're not sure. They pull together to fix problems. They tell you they love you even when you already know. They are willing to do anything they can to make you feel better - cause they know, family is most important. Best of all, family doesn't have to be related, some people you love as if they were family.

- My parents. My Dad who is laying in a hospital bed trying to get strong. You would never hear, "I can't" or "I won't" out of his mouth cause he knows he can and will and that's how he taught us to be. My Mom who sits by his side no matter what. She will be his rock, or my rock, or your rock if you need it cause she doesn't want anyone to feel pain, cause she's a mom.

- Friends. Who let me complain and then let me talk and talk and sort through my thoughts because they know that's what I do. I am not naming names, but thank you!

- My robe. Cause walking around with a robe over my clothes is like walking around with a warm blanket wrapped around me and I love that. (I love it so much I seriously considered leaving my house in it the other day... problem?)

- Exercising. When I exercise everything else in my head leaves and I only focus on one goal. Sometimes I need that.

- Chapstick. My lips are really dry.

- Working. As much as work is, well work. I have a good job while others search for one and being paid is a nice bonus.

- Planes. Because even though they charge $30 for an additional bag and $90 if your bag is over 50lbs, they take you home which is really most important.

- Doctors (nurses, vets, etc). They are smart, they are compassionate, they work long hours, went to a lot of school and help fix and take care of people who are important to me.

- Prayer. Because it comforts me and if I couldn't pray, I couldn't thank God for all these blessings, and more, for which I really truly am grateful.

I Love Just Because...

Don't you love it when someone does something, just because? I certainly do and Bryce is the king of just because gifts. No, this won't be gushy, but it is a little shout out to him! Yesterday a sweet lady showed up at my door with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. As she handed them to me while confirming that I was in fact Amber, I thought... birthday? No. holiday? No. anniversary? Obviously No. Just because? Yes! Bryce sent me flowers and enclosed a cute little note saying, have a good day and that he would see me soon. They are beautiful and that was so thoughtful! This isn't the first time he has 'just becaused' me, but that sweet lady probably thought I had never seen a flower before because of the huge smile on my face. I love flowers, but more than flowers it means a lot to know that someone is thinking of me. So, Bryce teaches us all a good lesson - and no, you don't have to buy flowers - but you can give someone just a little more of you, just because. Thanks Bryce!

Little Blessing #1

My New Year began with 2 deaths that made me realize how easily we let life's little (and big) blessings slip through our fingers. Typically, I don't make new years resolutions but this year I am resolving to take notice of all my life's little blessings, in no particular order.

Little Blessing #1... Great Friends

"Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil."
- Baltasar Gracian (1647)

I couldn't ask for better friends from all walks of my life. Beginning with preschool up to now I have made and kept some of the best friends I could have ever asked for. To all my friends, those who have been around since the age of 2 or those who have been around for 2 months, thank you. Thank you for your love, support, wisdom, advise, gracious compliments, humor, hugs, example and kindness. Just thank you for you, you truly are a blessing.

(Pictured are some of my best friends from high school, but you don't have to be in this picture to know I'm talking about you!)