inspiration for 2011

"True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes. In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny."

This quote from Elder D. Todd Christopherson is a fabulous guideline for me as I ponder what I want 2011 to mean for me and my family and where we plan to focus our priorities. Looking forward to a fresh, new year with no mistakes in it (yet!).

chalkboard paint

I feel like chalkboard paint is all the rage these days. And it's definitely caught my eye. There's just something about being able to draw on your walls, y'know? (Or on your dresser or table or...) I've been half-tempted to do something in Christian's room with it but not knowing where we'll be after next summer has kept me at bay. However, I look forward to using it wherever we settle down for the next stage in life.

Till today I foolishly thought you really only had one option: black. But this new line from Hudson paint proves how wrong I was. For me, I'd almost go with the vivid purple, but something green or orange would probably be more appropriate for Christian. What do you think? Weird or fun?

(While you're at it, check out this sweet chalkboard-painted car.)

back to reality

Well, we made it back from Mexico, safe and sound, and somewhat bronzed. ;) I'm excited to share photos and a details but unfortunately I haven't had time to download all the photos yet and sift through them (we took WAY TOO MANY so it's going to be a process).
In the meantime, here's a funny picture of my brother, Chad, who is serving a mission for the LDS Church in Juarez, Mexico. It's pretty obvious in the picture that he is working under FREEZING COLD conditions while riding a bike between pueblos. His Mexico experience couldn't be more opposite than ours, that's for sure.