Pumpkin Patch Trip Canceled!

Today was supposed to be my son's class to go to the pumpkin patch; but due to the weather (raining), it was canceled. It was good that these kids were very understanding though a bit disappointed. They just had a little picnic inside their classroom. They also had fun wearing their fave storybook character; obviously, my son's fave is Woody at the Toy Story animated movie :-)!

With his teacher, Mrs. McCrea...outside their classroom.

Drew this pumpkin for me :-); thanks, son!

Striking a pose :-)!

Couple's Corner #3: We Love Each Other

When Matt decided to see me in person for the first time in Malaysia, I knew then that he loves me. Yes, he was that serious! He was willing to travel a long way just to see me. And as for me, I already fell in love with him the moment I heard his voice on the phone. It was a kind, soft, and sweet voice. Even now, every time he calls, I still feel the same feeling. Of course we both prayed whether our decision to marry each other is the right thing to do. It was answered through the conversation I had with the other guy on Sweden. We were both happy since we received the blessing to marry each other from both parents especially for my parents who were not present during that special day of ours. Anyway, immediately after he arrived from his trip to Malaysian, he started processing everything we needed so I can go the United States to marry him. So after six months of waiting for my K-1 visa, I finally get to travel to meet his family and friends. It's been eight years now, but we are still in love despite of our differences, background, race and cultures. Putting aside differences and looking for what is good in each other makes our relationship stronger and even closer with each other. I am not perfect and neither does my husband, but with open mind and heart and support, we make our marriage works. We know that when we put God's first in everything we do such as marriage, whatever happens our marriage is going to be as strong as a rock!

Which Peanut/Snoopy Character Are You?

Linus

You may lack some courage outside your comfort zone but with a little security you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. You are smart, understanding, and caring. Keep up your strong style because it is a part of you that is unique.

COUPLE’S CORNER #2 The Day We Met/Dined Out

It's time for Liza's Couple's Corner once again; and I am excited to share a little bit about our love story to you guys. Here it is:

After six months of exchanging phone calls and emails (no chat for us), Matt and I decided to meet in person. That time, I was living in Malaysia, meaning a long flight for him. He was scared since it was his first time in Asia; but since he wanted to see me, he put aside his feelings and traveled a long way just to see me!! It was his gift for my birthday, he said. At first I didn't really believe he was serious about it. So I just said: "okay" (shrugging my shoulder). But he came! That means he was really serious about me. I didn't tell him though that I was also writing and talking to someone from Sweden at the same time. We met at the airport when we picked him up. Surprisingly, we both felt comfortable, it was like we've known each other for a long time! He told me he was very nervous, but happy to see me. He stayed at my Aunt's house for a week; and every time he sees me (he said) he thinks that I was hot! I wonder what else he was thinking that time, lol! Anyway, we dined out in one of the finest restaurant in KLCC mall at Kula Lumpur, Malaysia (now the Petronas Tower, the tallest tower in the world at this time). Before he left, we decided to get married after asking me to be his wife for the second time...pakipot pa kasi ako noong first time na he asked me to be his wife :-) . Sino ba naman di magpapakipot eh, that night he arrived eh he asked me to marry him already...so fast! He was that serious! Six months later we are married :-)! Despite of our differences, we manage to keep our marriage stronger and are still very much in love with each other. Now we are proud parents of two children (one in heaven already).

Couple's Date

Learning New Tricks

The two of you have goals together—learning how to ballroom dance, learning a language, learning how to paint, learning to cook gourmet meals. Take the chance this weekend to put one of those goals into action. If dancing is your goal, find out if your community offers dance lessons; many dance studios will offer at least one free night a month in hopes that visitors will end up signing for lessons. If you want to learn a language or learn how to paint, research community colleges or city education resources. Or find a local food night where couples can sign up to learn cooking techniques; sometimes you can even cook your own gourmet meal. Decide on something and start expanding your horizons together!

COUPLE’S CORNER #1: Meet Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon

Thanks Liza for creating this meme; Liza by the way is the author of This Is My Life, The Youngster's Park and Mommy Liza's Lutong Bahay. It talks all about couple (husbands and wives) and their lives and none else. Join us by clicking the badge. I wrote my entry a day later and so here it is:

I was named Cecilia by my parents on the day I was born in Tarlac City, next to the city (Nueva Ecija) where my family lives. Raised by my grandparents ( mother side) in Isabela till I was ready to go to school. I attended school in Nueva Ecija and a working student in Manila. I am a pure blood Filipina, who speaks Visaya, Tagalog and a little bit of English. My parents are Ilocanos but never speak their dialect, no wonder why my sibs and I never learn to speak Ilocano. I have 4 siblings, 3 brothers and a sister who died before I was born. Prior to coming to United States, I served as a missionary for LDS church for 18 months in Mindanao where I met new friends, learned new dialect (Visaya) as well as shared the gospel to the people there. Then, went to Malaysia where I met my hubby; after a year of courtship, migrated to U.S. and got married in 2001. With regards to my personality, I am a simple person, serious and sensitive at times, loving wife, mother, daughter and sibling, and a good friend to many.

My husband on the other hand is named after one of the prophets in the Bible named, Matthew who was born and raised in New Mexico. Second child in the family where his parents and siblings call him Matt but prefers to be called Matthew. He has a brother and a sister, and two nephews with a Welsh blood and an ancestors migrated in the U.S. in 1800's. Before he moved in Texas, he was working at the USPS as a mail carrier for three years. Then he decided to change career, applied a job at Texas Instruments (T.I.), was hired and is now working in the manufacturing for 8 years now. He earned associate degree as well as Bachelor Degree in Anthropology, but never used it. My husband is a very patient, simple, loving person, a devoted family man who adores our son so much. Well, he can be a critique sometimes, but an understanding person.

Lessons Learned from the Talks Given at the General Conference

God has prepared us to survive a world of permissiveness. We can gain strength by keeping the commandments of God.

If we don't nourish our mighty change of heart, it will turn to stone. Having religious observance at home is as important as providing food, clothing and shelter.

Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?

Christ enlists us in his service, He invites us to draw close to him.

We are the Lord's hands on the earth with a mandate to serve others.

Man's greatest happiness comes from losing ourself in service to others.
we can all do something to help someone.

Related awesome story of man who lost his hearing before he was able to heed the counsel of the Lord and acted on it.

Iron rod is our safety line, like the safety equip of the bridge workers. The line is there but we must choose to use it.

Integrity is the mother of many virtues.

The roof of the Manti Temple was built using the plans of a ship. Then turned upside down and the rest was added upon.

Husband & Wife are to put the needs of the others above his/her own and the children's need equal to him/herself.

Closing Remarks from the 179th Annual Conference: ''Until We Meet Again''

by Thomas S. Monson

May we long remember that which we have heard during this conference. … I urge you to study the messages and to ponder their teachings and then to apply them in your life.

My beloved brothers and sisters, my heart is full and my feelings tender as we conclude this great general conference.

We have been richly blessed as we have listened to the counsel and testimonies of those who have spoken to us. I believe we are all more determined to live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I express my sincere thanks to each one who participated in the conference, including those Brethren who offered prayers.

The music has been magnificent. How grateful I am for those blessed with musical talents who are willing to share their talents with others. I am reminded of the scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants: "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

May we long remember that which we have heard during this conference. I remind you that the messages will be printed in next month's Ensign and Liahona magazines. I urge you to study the messages and to ponder their teachings and then to apply them in your life.

I want you to know how much I love and appreciate my devoted counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. They are men of wisdom and understanding. Their service is invaluable. I love and support my Brethren of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. During this conference we sustained a new member of that Quorum. He is completely dedicated to the work of the Lord, and I testify that he is the man our Heavenly Father wants to fill this position at this time.

I express my love to the members of the Seventy and the Presiding Bishopric. They serve selflessly and so effectively. Similarly, I pay tribute to the general auxiliary officers. In accordance with our policy of rotation, we have sustained new general presidencies of the Young Men and of the Sunday School. We look forward to working with them. We thank those who were released from these positions at this conference and who served so faithfully in these capacities.

My brothers and sisters, may we strive to live closer to the Lord. May we remember to "pray always lest [we] enter into temptation."

To you parents, express your love to your children. Pray for them that they may be able to withstand the evils of the world. Pray that they may grow in faith and testimony. Pray that they may pursue lives of goodness and of service to others.

Children, let your parents know you love them. Let them know how much you appreciate all they have done and continue to do for you.

Now, a word of caution to all - both young and old, both male and female. We live at a time when the adversary is using every means possible to ensnare us in his web of deceit, trying desperately to take us down with him. There are many pathways along which he entices us to go - pathways that can lead to our destruction. Advances in many areas that can be used for good can also be used to speed us along those heinous pathways.

I feel to mention one in particular, and that is the Internet. On one hand, it provides nearly limitless opportunities for acquiring useful and important information. Through it we can communicate with others around the world. The Church itself has a wonderful Web site, filled with valuable and uplifting information and priceless resources.

On the other hand, however - and extremely alarming - are the reports of the number of individuals who are utilizing the Internet for evil and degrading purposes, the viewing of pornography being the most prevalent of these purposes. My brothers and sisters, involvement in such will literally destroy the spirit. Be strong. Be clean. Avoid such degrading and destructive types of content at all costs - wherever they may be! I sound this warning to everyone, everywhere. I add - particularly to the young people - that this includes pornographic images transmitted via cell phones.

My beloved friends, under no circumstances allow yourselves to become trapped in the viewing of pornography, one of the most effective of Satan's enticements. And if you have allowed yourself to become involved in this behavior, cease now. Seek the help you need to overcome and to change the direction of your life. Take the steps necessary to get back on the strait and narrow, and then stay there.

May we say, with Joshua of old, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Now, my brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.

What a privilege it is to be able to go to the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Great service is given when we perform vicarious ordinances for those who have gone beyond the veil. In many cases we do not know those for whom we perform the work. We expect no thanks, nor do we have the assurance that they will accept that which we offer. However, we serve, and in that process we attain that which comes of no other effort: we literally become saviors on Mount Zion. As our Savior gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for us, so we, in some small measure, do the same when we perform proxy work in the temple for those who have no means of moving forward unless something is done for them by those of us here on the earth.

I am deeply grateful that as a church we continue to extend humanitarian aid where there is great need. We have done much in this regard and have blessed the lives of thousands upon thousands of our Father's children who are not of our faith as well as those who are. We intend to continue to help wherever such is needed. We express gratitude to you for your contributions in this regard.

How grateful I am, my brothers and sisters, for the Restoration of the gospel in this dispensation and for all the blessings that have come into my life and into your lives as a result. We are a blessed people, for we have the sure knowledge that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ.

May heaven's blessings be with you. May your homes be filled with harmony and love. May you constantly nourish your testimonies that they might be a protection to you against the adversary.

As your humble servant, I desire with all my heart to do God's will and to serve Him and to serve you.

Now, my brothers and sisters, conference is over. As we return to our homes, may we do so safely.

I love you. I pray for you. I would ask that you would remember me and all the General Authorities in your prayers. Until we meet again in six months' time, I ask the Lord's blessings to be upon all of us, and I do it in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord, our Savior, amen.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

I got this blogthing tag from Imelda of My Daily Moods; thanks dear for this one. To those who wants to participate, you are free to grab this

You Are a Chief

You are a cohesive force - able to bring many people together for a common cause. You tend to excel in work situations, but you also facilitate a lot of social gatherings too. Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others. You also keep your powerful emotions in check - you know when to emote and when to repress. Your strength: Emotional maturity beyond your years Your weakness: Wearing yourself down with too many responsibilities Your power color: Crimson red Your power symbol: Snowflake Your power month: September

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?