Happy Birthday Claire!

Two new temples in Arizona

I couldn't believe it when I first heard the news, so I did some research. I am so excited! Below are the pictures of the Snowflake and the Mesa temples. (Snowflake picture taken from Darren Webb and Mesa picture is taken from me)

LDS Church News: Published: Friday, Apr. 25, 2008

Plans to build two new temples in Arizona, one in the Gila Valley and the other in Gilbert, were announced by President Thomas S. Monson. This will bring the total number of temples to 134 already in operation or in the planning and construction phases.

"It is my personal priority to make sure members of the Church have access to the blessings of the temple," said President Monson. "It is here where members learn of their divine origin and destiny; where they are strengthened spiritually as individuals and as families. Temples are sanctuaries from the storms of life."

There are currently two temples in Arizona: one in Mesa and another in Snowflake. The temples in the Gila Valley and Gilbert will bring the total number to four.


The two new temples are the first to be announced by President Monson since he became president of the Church on Feb. 3.

Family Visit

Ruth, Seth, and Brett came down to sunny Arizona for their Spring Break. We had a lot of fun together!

New Camera

I love taking pictures!

Conference Weekend

This was such a great weekend! Here is a section from an article in the church newsroom.

"For Mormons, general conference is an exciting time when large numbers gather to hear sermons, sacred music and news. But the most satisfying, profound and exhilarating thoughts and feelings of inspiration come when one person receives an answer to a serious personal question or is reassured by a connectedness to God and others."

After Conference my family had a wonderful evening together.

I'm still here....

It's been quite a while since I've blogged. I have been very busy. Parent teacher student conferences, SPRING BREAK, Field Day, a field trip to the Arizona Museum of Natural History, right now I am currently working on getting my kiddos ready for AIMS. Here are a few pictures of what I've been up to. Enjoy!

Over Spring break my family and I went camping in Sedona at Oak Creek Canyon. It was really cold! I had fun.


When we got back from Spring Break the 3rd - 5th graders had Field Day. I even got to participate.


Just last week the 4th graders went on a field trip to the Arizona Musuem of Natural History. It was so cool. Fun AZ History about the Lost Dutchman's Trail, the Territorial Jail, Gold Panning, Hohokam exhibit, plus cool dinosaur exhibits complete with a Flash Flood every so often.

Easy Tortellini Soup

I've done this a couple of times and just had to share. Enjoy!

Easy Tortellini Soup
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with spices
2 cans (14.5 oz. each) roasted garlic chicken broth
1 pkg. (9 oz.) Three Cheese tortellini
1 cup torn baby spinach leaves – from packaged salad
¼ c. shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper

Combine undrained tomatoes and broth in a large saucepan. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce to med.-high heat and add tortellini. Cook until heated, about 7 mins. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted and heated through – about 1 min. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among 4 serving bowls. Top each with about a Tablespoon of cheese. Serve with garlic bread and salad made with left over spinach.

Serves : 4 Prep time: 5 mins. Total time: 20 mins.

*Once I used 1 large can of diced tomatoes (28 oz.), 1 can of chicken broth, and 1 can of tomato soup, then cooked as directed.

President Hinckley

I just found out that my beloved Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, has passed away. I call him my prophet because he has been my prophet since I was since I was 10. I've learned so much from him and will always remember him, his focus on temple, his optimism, his love and care for his wife. I know that he was called of God!

Be Grateful. Be Smart. Be Clean. Be True. Be Humble. Be Prayerful.

Never forget that you came to earth as a child of the divine Father, with something of divinity in your very makeup. The Lord did not send you here to fail. He did not give you life to waste it. He bestowed upon you the gift of mortality that you might gain experience—positive, wonderful, purposeful experience—that will lead to life eternal. He has given you this glorious Church, His Church, to guide you and direct you, to give you opportunity for growth and experience, to teach you and lead you and encourage you, to bless you with eternal marriage, to seal upon you a covenant between you and Him that will make of you His chosen daughter, one upon whom He may look with love and with a desire to help. May God bless you richly and abundantly, my dear young friends, His wonderful daughters.

Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities, and forever and always be loyal to the Church.

New photographer to love: Amelia Lyon

I was looking at my favorite photographic website (The Image is Found). They mentioned their photographer friend Amelia Lyon will be helping them out at a wedding. I thought to check her site out and I am glad they did. She's done lots of temple weddings and she has a simliar style to The Image is Found! Check it out!

In checking out Amelia's website I came across Solan Photography and they are based in Arizona! I love photography!