Memories

There are only two years of Elementary that i remember quite vividly and that is 4Th and 5Th grade. I had two wonderful teachers, and in fact my fifth grade teacher Ms. Greaves, still teaches at Scera Park and has also had my son Jordan. As I was sitting in church today i looked across our row and i had to take a double look because there sat my 4Th grade teacher Ms. Satori! Wow, could it really be her?? It was! I was flooded with fun memories of her and the impression she left on me! I had so much fun in her class. She was not only a great teacher she was my friend! She would take us to her house for ice cream parties and she also came to a lot of my softball games! She had this huge snake in our class and it freaked me out but, she was very careful not to scare me with it or let the other kids tease me because i was afraid!! She was always there for me when the other children would tease me because i was chubby! I have never ever forgotten her! We both left an impression on each other as she has not forgotten me either. Teachers have the ability to not only teach the children but to help them feel better about themselves! So, to all you teachers out there, You are all wonderful. amazing and cherished!

Merry Christmas

I think the kids had a great Christmas and i enjoyed watching their faces as they opened their gifts. Shelby and Dakota are waiting for some snow to melt so they can ride their bikes. Merry Christmas to all!

Santa and his Elfs

We had a Christmas party at my sister Julie's last Sunday night and we had the cutest Santa ever!! He was so much fun and had us rolling with laughter!

McKay and Jen's Wedding

This is my Adorable, Amazing nephew McKay and his new Bride Jen! The day was perfect, they had a break in the snow and everything was just perfect for the two of them! I'm so proud of you McKay! You have found a wonderful wife!

"Forgiving"

D&C 82:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have Forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you.

We are all so blessed to have the atonement in our lives! Jesus payed the price for all our sins with no questions asked. I find it so amazing that he is so willing to forgive us so easily yet it is so hard for us to forgive others! I think as part of the letting him into My life I need to focus on forgiving others and to let those people back into my life with open arms, Love and compassion. We must be able to give forgiveness and also to receive forgiveness.

"Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime,

Therefore, we are saved by hope.

Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history;

Therefore, we are saved by faith.

Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone.

Therefore, we are saved by love.

No virtuous act is quite a virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own;

Therefore, we are saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness." Reinhold Niebuhr

Precious in his sight

"Since you are precious in my sight, and important - for I have loved you, I give men in exchange for you and people in return for your life." - Isaiah 43:4

Do you ever have those day's when you feel completely alone and that everything you do is wrong? I can always go to this Scripture and know that to Christ I am Precious and that I am loved by him. One of the ways we can "Let him in" is to let all those around us know that they are precious and loved and cherished.

Tis the season to be GRUMPY!

OK, I go to the dollar store the other night and I'm at the checkout with my Mom and Sister Karen. While my mother is paying for her stuff i say: Karen i really like the wrapping paper gift idea. This little old lady turns and looks at me like I just said something horrible and, as she is walking away Say's " Well aren't you perfect!" I was so stunned i asked her what her problem was and just laughed with my sister.. Well, the lady comes back and i say " I wasn't talking to you or about you" she Say's " Oh sure you weren't" By this time i was getting really mad ! As i walked past her i said Something rude and she said to my sister " mind your own damn business" As we left the store with our jaws hanging opened I said, I guess I wasn't very Christlike! To let Christ in I need to be more like him and realize this lady obviously had a problem and I could have helped her instead of getting mad at her! So, I have learned my lesson this week!

The spirit is strong in my heart today! As we talked about the true meaning of Christmas today in Church, I could not help but be overwhelmed with emotion thinking about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we listened to stories and beautiful music and watched the Nativity I was in awe of how much i love the savior and how close i felt to him today. I guess you could say that i let him into my heart today and the feeling I had was much love and appreciation for what he has done for all of us! One of the ways I can let him in is to keep my heart open so that i may receive his love and be able to feel the spirit more often.. Too many times I go to church because I have to, and not because I want too. The warmth that i felt today is what i always want to feel, so I'm going to go to church with a new purpose and with much love in my heart for the Savior!

Let Him In

I went to my Sister Karen's blog today and was touched by her post. She has decided for the month of December to post how she can let Christ into more of her life. What a wonderful idea it is to share this wonderful holiday season with the one who loves us, helps guide us, is always there for us, and wants us to be happy.
One of the way's I can let him in a little more is to have more faith in my prayers. sometimes it's hard for me to think he really hears all our prayers. I'm going pray with more love in my heart and faith in the words that I share with my Heavenly Father.
Feel free to join me in this amazing holiday season and share different way's to "let him in" to your lives!

Today is the last of the gratitude post for this wonderful month of November. I am so thankful to have shared my gratitude's with all of you and to read all of the gratitude's from so many of you that took the challenge! I'm indeed grateful for the many blessing in which i receive on a daily basics. I'm thankful for a loving Father in heaven and his son Jesus Christ who guide me through life's ups and downs! As we head into the Christmas season may we remember what the true meaning really is. May we focus on our love for the Savior and may we open or hearts to those who are in need this holiday season. I love all of you!

Mamma Mia!

This is a picture of one of the scenes from the show. I absolutely loved this show! I haven't been to a show like this that made me feel really alive and happy for years! I've seen it twice this week and I'm making John go tonight! The music is amazing and you can't help but want to get up and dance! I'm grateful this movie has left a bright spot in my heart! When I grow old I want to be just like these ladies, full of spunk!

Sisters

My sisters are the most wonderful fun loving people I know! We have so much fun when we get together! We laugh non-stop for hours! I love all of them so much! It's so nice to have them close by me!

Siblings

This is a picture of all 9 of us Children! We are not all together very often! We went out to dinner and had a great time.

Black Friday!

This is one of my favorite days! I love to get up early in the morning and go shopping with all the other crazy people out there! We arrived at Kohles at 3:45 A.M! We were laughing at all the people running to get in line! When the doors opened it was a mad house! My sister Karen got pushed by a guy who knocked her into a table of toys and they all fell off! I thought men were supposed to stay home and watch the kids?? We got what we wanted, then headed to get a Dr Pepper at Maverick then off to Walmart, what were we thinking? Talk about a mad house or should I call it a Zoo? We shopped a few more stores then went to IHOP for breakfast. We all had fun and are making plans for, where not to go next year! I took a picture of Shelby and Mandi checking out the adds! They were so excited and talked about what they want from Santa.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at my parents house. There was so many people there! The food was wonderful and of coarse we all ate way to much! It was nice to spend the day with family. I am so thankful for all of my many blessings i have in my life! For family, friends the gospel and for the opportunity we have to live in this amazing country!

My Children made my birthday really special! Jordan surprised me with a beautiful picture of Christ with a sweet little girl sitting on his lap. I was so touched by this gift. Jordan is a wonderful young man and i love him so much! Madison made me the number 40 out of candy bars! She knows the way to her mothers heart!! Shelby and Dakota colored me beautiful pictures! I love them all so much! Thank you kids for the special gifts!

Gratitude day 24

OK, so i am grateful that all day's are not as crappy as today was and also glad i'm not that guy in the picture!

Let me start at the beginning:

I cried over stupid things all morning, at 11:30 Madison calls and Say's " Mom, I was goofing around at lunch and twisted my foot and I cant walk" Crying hysterically!! So i go to the school and she walks to the car with just a little limp, and I'm thinking to myself, it can't be that bad if she's walking. I put an ice pack on it for the afternoon and go on with my day. Dakota goes out to the garage and climbs up on the top shelf and, for some reason, I'll never understand jumps off!! He brakes his toe.. OK, there's more..... I bring in one of my Christmas trees and put it together, only i didn't realize it was our old tree until I was almost done!! So, I take the tree back down and bring in the right tree... I forgot about my visiting teaching appointments starting at 4, i was a little late! I take Jordan to work, go out to dinner with my siblings and then at 8 decide to take Madison to the ER. Well her foot is broken!! And it's a bad one, she has to stay completely off it for 4 weeks! She will see a specialist in 7 day's to see what the next step is. Meanwhile,My sister in law, who is watching Dakota and Shelby, text me that Shelby is shaking and Say's she's going to trow up! So I race to her house and, so far, so good! It's 11 and I'm really tired but can't go to bed because Jordan is at work and needs a ride home!!! And, in one hour i will officially be 40! Yikes, I hope tomorrow is a better day!

This picture is entitled" Walk with me" by Greg Olsen, one of my favorites!
I walked today where Jesus walked,

In days of long ago;

I wandered down each path He knew,

With rev’rent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed—

A sweet peace fills the air.

I walked today where Jesus walked,

And felt His presence there.
My pathway led through Bethlehem,

Ah, mem’ries ever sweet; The little hills of Galilee,

That knew those childish feet;
The Mount of Olives:

hallowed scenes That Jesus knew before.

I saw the mighty Jordan roll

As in the days of yore.
I knelt today where Jesus knelt,

Where all alone He prayed;

The Garden of Gethsemane—

My heart felt unafraid!
I picked my heavy burden up,

And with Him by my side,

I climbed the Hill of Calvary,

Where on the cross He died!
I walked today where Jesus walked And felt Him close to me!

—Daniel S. Twohig

Today I am grateful for the chance we have to walk where jesus walked. President Monson has said "In a very real sense, all can walk where Jesus walked when, with his words on our lips, his spirit in our hearts, and his teachings in our lives, we journey through mortality.
I would hope that we would walk as he walked—with confidence in the future, with an abiding faith in his Father, and a genuine love for others."

Jesus has walked the paths that we all have taken, dissappointment,pain, temptation, obedience and prayer. May we all remember that he is there to walk with us through our trials in our lives and to help us become more like him!

Gratitude day 20,21 and 22

Last night my husband John put together a 40Th surprise Party! 40!! Where have the years gone? As I was looking at the cake with 40 lit candles i couldn't not reflect on what each of those candles meant. Many years of happiness, some with disappointments and all of them with love! I am so grateful for family and friends that came to the party! I felt so loved by all of you! There are a lot of pictures in this post, and if you don't see yourself it's because you had your eye's closed in the picture!! Thank you John for making my 40Th one to remember!

Long or Short?

Today I told Jordan I needed to take a picture of him for my blog and he told me I could if I made him brownies. So being the wonderful mother that I am (Ha, Ha) i went to the store and bought a brownie mix and made them... So, here is an updated picture of how long his hair is getting! I wonder what I would have had to make him to get a smile? So, whats your vote? Long or Short?

Gratitude day 19

Today I'm so grateful for the scouts who do these amazing projects to earn their Eagle! My nephew is doing the following concert to help stock the food bank for the holiday's. If you have Thursday night open and want to help with this project please come and support the food bank and this amazing young man! Information is as follows:

Musical Eagle Scout Project

What:

My name is Mic Lopp and I am holding a concert for my Eagle Project to help gather food for Holiday Kits for the food bank that I will be putting together. The concert will include various groups from Timpanogos High School among others who will be sharing their talents for the community.

When:
November 20, Concert time 6:30pm-7:30pm

Where:

Orem Junior High School Auditorium (765 N. 600 W. Orem)Admissions: 1 Item from the Holiday Kit listed below ( if you come as a family you can bring a whole kit.). In reality I need 200 food items to complete my kits so feel free to bring extra food. Money donations can also be donated after the additional admissions. All money contributions will be used to buy additional items needed for the Holiday kits.HOLIDAY FOOD KITS: Stuffing Mixed Canned vegetables, Gravy Mix,and Mash potatoes (Instant). Mic will be collecting additional Holiday Kits from, Nov 10-28. Here is a sneak peak of the concert:The Musical Eagle Scout Project Thursday November 20th Introduction: Mic Lopp THS Chamber Choir I’m a Train ,Good King KongParade of the Wooden Soldiers,We Wish You a Merry Christmas,Lex Hatch: SingerMichael Magistro: SingerSongs of Josh Groban THS GUITAR CLUB MEMBERS:Mic Lopp,Nikki Crandall, Katie Fairchild,Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol Mic Lopp: New Age Piano MusicDust in a StormOcean TidePathway to EternityA Blind Dream. Thank you all for coming and donating food and supporting me with my Eagle Scout Project.It's going to be so much fun!

Gratitude day 18

Today I am grateful for feelings. Let me explain, as i watched biggest looser last night and cried like a baby, I realized that crying releases something from within myself and in a way makes me feel better. As I watch the stories of these people trying to loose weight, I can so relate with them and the trials they have to endure being overweight. As i watched each one of them get on the big scale i found myself wanting them to meet their goal and when they did I was excited, but when they fell short i was saddened. I know you may think this is just another reality show but, for me it is real with a real problem that faces our country every day! I feel a lot of things when I watch that show, Happiness, sadness, disappointment, excitement, and even loneliness. For those of you who have not seen the show it is on Tuesdays at 7 on channel 5.

Gratitude day 17

"Portrait of a Friend"
I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will search for answers.I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,nor the future with its untold stories.But I can be there now when you need me to care.I can't keep your feet from stumbling.I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;Yet I can share in your laughter.Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;I can only support you, encourage you,and help you when you ask.I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from your values, from me.I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,room to be yourself.I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces and put them back in place.I can't tell you who you are.I can only love you and be your friend. --Unknown
Today I am so grateful for all my friends! I could not make it through life without you all! I really liked this poem. This is what true friends are! I love you all!

I am so grateful for the change of the seasons. I had the chance to go to timber lake to clean a cabin and it was snowing there and was absolutely beautiful! There is only one word to express what i feel when I look outside and every tree,bush,road and house is covered with fresh snow. Peace is the feeling i get! One other thing I enjoy about the snow is shoveling it. I know that's weird but i really do !

Gratitude day 15

Today I decided to rake the leaves AGAIN! Mow the lawn , clean off the patio and under the deck. I wanted to get the yard cleaned up and ready for winter. I was just about done and was under the deck, when I hit my head on a beam and ended up in the Emergency room! I have never felt such pain! I hit the beam with such force it knocked me on my butt! I have a terrible headache, jammed my neck and back. I think I'll be in the recliner for the next few days with cold packs and lortabs!! So, for today I'm thankful I didn't break anything, it could have been worse.!!

Gratitude day 14

Hey Clark do you want to see how the dog goes through this small door?? Cola looks on while the two boys figure it out!

The girls sat in the hot tub. And then they got creative with their hair!

Shelby has been playing with her new Polly pockets since 4:00 and it is now 8:00! Ya gotta love when you can find something that will keep a 6 year old busy for more then a minute!


Today I am so grateful to have my children home with me! It's nice to have a house full of kids! Life is never dull, that's for sure!

This is a picture of the Mother-in-law I never had the privilege of meeting! From what i know she was an amazing mother,wife, and friend! I would have loved to get to know her, but she passed away before John and I even met. She did a wonderful job in raising all her 6 children. She is smiling down from heaven at what her kids have accomplished! Now Dad is up there with her and they are watching over our little Jayden, and those other loved ones lost!! We love You Mom and Dad, until we meet again.