My Happy Boy

.
.According to Aaron Jr. :

While praying Aaron Jr asked for the Mouse and the Princess movie. (The Tale of Despereaux)
(April 2009)

* * *

Aaron: I like Jesus. He's cute.
(April 2009)

* * *

While watching a toy commercial.

Aaron: Mama, I want one of those.

Me: You do?

Aaron: Yeah. We must get one for me.

* * *

Aaron stood behind me and put his arms around my neck.

Aaron: How about a piggy back?

Me: Oh man, my back hurts so much.

So he had a great idea.

Aaron: How about a small piggy back?

I had to laugh and how could I resist?

* * *

Me: Guess where you get to go tomorrow?

Aaron: Where?

Me: The dentist.

He looked disappointed, so...

Me: They are going to make sure all of the sugar bugs are off your teeth.

Aaron: (in a whiny voice) No! I don't want the sugar bugs to be off.

(feb 2010)

* * *

Regarding his playdough:

Aaron: What happened to this?

Me: I don't know... what happened?

Aaron: I think it has mouse juice in it.

Me: Mouse juice?

Aaron: It has rat juice in it.

(I have no idea, but I had to giggle)

* * *

Aaron: Mom, did you know I don't have a baby sister?

Me: Yeah, I did. (with a sad tone to my voice)

Aaron: Yeah, we must get one for me.

* * *

Me: Aaron, were you a good boy in class today? (referring to church)

Aaron: Well, I didn't hit my teacher.

(may 2010)

* * *

Me: Aaron, what happened to your lip? (which looked red and swollen on one side)

Aaron: Well, I was hungry. (then pointing to his lip) And this tastes good.

* * *

Aaron: My tummy hurts. I think I ate too many Starburst. I think pink bubble gum will make it feel better.

* * *

Aaron: Hey mommy wait! Jesus Christ makes everyone's big owies feel better.

Me: You're right! Is He making yours feel better?

Aaron: (head nod)

* * *

Out of the blue...

Aaron: Jesus Christ built us with instructions.

* * *

Aaron: Mom, I know where the food goes. (pointing to his chest as though showing where the food goes down)

Me: Wow, good job!

Aaron: Now tell me I'm a genius.

Me: (while giggling) You're a genius!

* * *

The smoke alarm kept going off and we were scrambling to open doors and fan the smoke away, when Aaron says:

Aaron: IT'S FREAKING ME UP !!!
I couldn't stop laughing.

* * *

In his prayer:

Aaron: bless we can all be still alive and our hearts will be in ourselves.

* * *

Aaron: my bum was hurting because I was scratching it for a very long time.

* * *

Aaron: Mom, I'm gonna beat you to the car. (racing)

Me: Oh man! You Won!

Aaron: Mom, sorry my shoes are so fast.

* * *

Aaron: Mom, do you know who and what I love?

Me: Who?

Aaron: I love candy and you.

Me: Oh?

Aaron: But I love you more and candy much.

* * *

Me: (softly) I love you so much.

Aaron: What did you say?

Me: I love you so much.

Aaron: (as he laughed) Oh, I heard you say 'I love you like a sandwich'.

* * *

While looking at a photo of Michael with his birthday cake.

Aaron: Are those toys on top or candy?

Me: Toys.

Aaron: Toys are really hard to eat, so Michael shouldn't eat them.

* * *

In his prayer:

Aaron: bless we won't punch our eyeballs out.

* * *

Aaron: If I was Daddy, you and me could go on a date and go everywhere that's beautiful.

* * *

(finding Aaron Jr eating candy)

Me: Aaron, are you eating this?

Aaron: Yes.

Me: But you brushed your teeth already!

Aaron: (with his hands up in the air all frustrated) What was I thinking about?

(So funny)

* * *

Aaron was playing his Lego Star Wars game.

Aaron: watch what this guy can do with his head.

Me: he can use the force.

Aaron: hey how did you know that?

Me: because I saw that movie when I was little.

Aaron: when you were a boy?... or when you were a girl?

* * *

In his prayer:

Aaron: bless when I am bigger, I can play with dangerous things.

(dec 2010)

* * *

In his prayer:

Aaron: bless that everyone can have a better life.

(dec 2010)

* * *

Aaron sounds things out for me often: This is him sounding out the movie 'Ice Age' for me.
Aaron: mom, say 'I'

Me: 'I'

Aaron: 'Sage'

Me: 'Sage' Ice Age :)

(dec 2010)

* * *

Aaron tapping his foot on the floor:

Aaron: I'm Humper.

Me: Who?

Aaron: Don't you remember Humper from Bambi? ...He humps?

Me: Oh right! (as I am cracking up laughing on the inside)

(dec 2010)

* * *

In his prayer:

Aaron: Bless everyone's life to not be ruined.

(dec 2010)

* * *

In his prayer:

Aaron: bless Daddy can stay with us. bless he can be right by us.

(jan 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr is all boy. After he tooted...

Aaron: that was a lucky one.

Me: why was it a lucky one?

Aaron: because I've been waiting for a loud toot forever.

Me: haha. Aaron that was gross.

Aaron: haha. thank you.

(jan 2011)

* * *

Speaking of his 6 month old cousin.

Aaron: Mom, Andrew's cheeks are cozy.

(march 2011)

* * *

While I was looking through old photos of Aaron Jr:

Aaron: Is that me? Was I that little? Did I eat ice cream when I was that little?

Me: Yes. :)
(Then he sees another photo of himself painting with finger paints:)

Aaron: (huge smile) I LIKE me. ... I LIKE me.

(March 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr trying to act really tough after I told him we were not going to McDonalds:

Aaron: If you don't take me to McDonalds, I'm going to throw my boots in the garbage.

Me: Okay, go ahead. (smile)

Aaron: Get me a happy meal or I'll throw YOUR boots in the garbage too.

(he was trying to act so tough through a half smile)

Me: If we go, you have to use your own money.

Aaron: Okay... (goes to get his wallet)

Me: You want to use ALL of this money in your wallet to go to McDonalds?

Aaron: Yes.

Me: It will all be gone then.

Aaron: I will have to get some more.

Me: Where?

Aaron: I will just find some in people's houses and keep it to go to McDonalds.

(THAT is when we had to have a serious talk so he knew that was stealing... hopefully he understands. :)

(March 2011)

* * *

Aaron: Ode didn't smile at me.

Me: When?

Aaron: When Jesus took his spirit to heaven.

(march 2011)

* * *

When I start to count to three to help him obey, he says things like:

Aaron: Don't count, it makes me embarrassed.

or

Aaron: Don't count, it makes me boring.
He just throws out whatever word he thinks will make an impact. :)
(early 2011)

* * *

In his prayer:
Aaron: bless my daddy is looking at me.
(march 2011)

* * *

Aaron's leg got stuck between his mattress and footboard of his bed:
Aaron: ah, crap nuts!
(I guess I say the word 'crap' too often... oops :)

* * *

Aaron: I miss Ode. Maybe we can dig him up and see how well he is.
(april 2011)

* * *

Aaron: Was Daddy looking at me today?
Me: What do you think?
Aaron: Yeah.
Me: What makes you think he was looking at you?
Aaron: Because he always is.
(april 2011)

* * *
As he sat against the wall to say his prayer, his hiccups were making his head hit the wall softly every time he hiccuped.
In his prayer...
Aaron: bless I can get better and not have hiccups so I don't hit the wall when I have the hiccups.
(april 2011)

* * *

After having a snowball fight with some neighbor kids...
Aaron: Why were those kids throwing snowballs at us?
Me: I think they were just having fun.
Aaron: Maybe its because we were throwing snowballs at them.
:) hahaha. Makes sense to me. :)
(april 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Moms cry when their husbands do die, but they don't cry when they get hurt.
(may 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: (playfully) Don't make me snap you in the face.
(may 2011)

* * *

As we packed for our family reunion...
Aaron Jr: Daddy's coming too.
Me: How do you know that?
Aaron Jr: Because he's still with us.
(june 2011)

* * *

(out of the blue)
Aaron Jr: You should marry another dad so you won't be alone and you can have more kids... because Daddy's in heaven, but you still have Daddy.
(june 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: How do you go to heaven? Climb a beanstalk? Or fly in an airplane? Or with a jet pack?
(june 2011)

* * *

After getting my hair cut, Aaron Jr tells me that he liked it better before and says: you can wait for it to grow or tape it on or glue it on.
(june 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: The bumble bees hate those kinds of flowers because they don't have any polish.
(july 2011)

* * *

In his prayer:
Aaron Jr: bless our hearts can make us do all the good things.
(july 2011)

* * *

Me: I hate my hair today.
Aaron Jr: Because its all carmeled up? (as he makes a curly motion next to his head implying 'curly' hair)
(august 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Do you know why I'm always worried?
Me: Why?
Aaron Jr: Because I'm scared.
Me: Why are you scared?
Aaron Jr: I'm scared that something will happen to me. Something that will make me die. Do you want me to die?
Me: Of course I don't want you to die. I won't let anything happen to you.
Aaron Jr: You mean you'll grab me if I go into heaven?
Me: Yes.
(Sept 11, 2011)

* * *

In his prayer:
Aaron Jr: Bless my heart will keep beeping forever and ever and ever and ever and bless my heart will beep for as long as my Mom's.
(Sept 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: I wish I could go back to the old times before I worried all the time.
(Sept 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Mommy, I know how to write 'Da End'. (the end)
Me: You do? How?
Aaron Jr: Da End... D - I - N
(Sept 2011)

* * *

Grandpa: What does charitable mean?
Aaron Jr: to sit and listen.
(like on a chair)
(Sept 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Mom, do you know what D-V-D spells?
Me: What?
Aaron Jr: DVD
(Oct 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: We're Fablious!
(Oct 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: If I make my pants stink and my shirt stink, when I go out to recess, it will blow right off me.
(Oct 2011)

* * *

Aaron prays every night that me and him won't go to heaven because we don't want to and we don't like it. So I asked him...
Me: Why do you think heaven is such a bad place?
Aaron Jr: Because I don't want to go there, I want to stay with you.
(Nov 2011)

* * *

As Aaron Jr stretched, he said
"I'm stretchable right now".
(Dec 2011)

* * *

Aaron Jr: I speak Spanish... Alooooha!
(Dec 2011)

* * *

We were stomping on packing air bubble things to make them pop... and I asked Aaron...
Me: Do you want to help me pop these?
Aaron Jr: becourse!
(he meant of course but he couldn't remember the OF part)
So cute!
(Jan 2012)

* * *

I was cleaning out Aaron's ears with Q-tips and he always likes to look at them to see the ear wax that is on the Q-tip. He usually says "Ewww", but this time:
Aaron Jr: Mmm, that looks like caramel. I wish my ear wack was caramel, so people could eat my ear wack.
(He calls ear wax "ear wack' because he thinks 'ear wax' is plural and 'ear wack' is singular. HA!)
(Jan. 2012)

* * *

Aaron was sitting next to me and started wiggling back and forth, then said with an innocent look on his face and innocent sound to his voice:
Aaron Jr: What? I'm just shaking my bum.
(Feb. 2012)

* * *

Aaron sounds out words for me. :)

* * *

When Aaron Jr writes me notes with random letters on them, he then asks me what they say. So I will sound out what the random letters say, and he will say, "no, read it."
So then I will make something up, and he will ask, "how did I know how to write it?"
Its so cute.
* * *

Aaron Jr: I'm going to get impaired to go to Michael's house.
(he meant 'prepared to go to Michael's house :)
(Feb. 2012)

* * *

Me: You need to go right to sleep, Bud, it is already an hour past your bedtime.
Aaron Jr: Well I already did my *he made a sigh sound*, so I am ready to go to sleep.
(I guess he didn't remember the word 'yawn', instead he made the sound of a sigh. It was so cute.)
(Feb. 2012)

* * *

Me: I am so tired, so can you carry me?
Aaron Jr: No, you're not the baby here... I am.
(Feb. 2012)


* * *

Aaron Jr: hand sanitizer grabs the germs off.
(Feb. 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: At school, I thought Nick said that he wanted to cut the blue things on his arm. So I told him, 'don't cut your blood wires or the blood will leak out'.
(Feb. 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Mom, if you say a girl is cold, that means you don't like her... but if you say a girl is hot, that means you like her.
Me: Who told you the thing about a girl being cold?
Aaron Jr: I thought of it myself.
(who is teaching my son that girls are HOT?)
(Feb. 2012)

* * *

After I got done helping Aaron fill out his tithing slip...
Aaron Jr: How does Heavenly Father get our tithing?
Me: We give it to the Bishop to put it in the bank so Heavenly Father can use it for His church.
Aaron Jr: And then the Bishop throws it in the air with a balloon?
Me: Why do you think he throws it in the air with a balloon?
Aaron Jr: Because there is no other way to get it to Heavenly Father. We can't use a ladder or anything like that. Its the same way we send things to daddy... with balloons.
(March 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Mom, make sure the dirt doesn't blow in your eyes because it hurts... like lemonade.
(March 2012)

* * *

On Easter Morning:
Aaron Jr: The gladdest day of the year because Jesus was resurrected.
(April 2012)

* * *

(name changed in this one)
Aaron Jr: The Holy Ghost touched my heart to tell me to like Josh. I didn't like Josh before because his smile was weird, but the Holy Ghost told me to like Josh.
(April 2012)

* * *

(wearing a baseball cap and standing over me with the bill of the hat over my head)
Aaron: I'm the shader, I shade people.
Me: Is that your superpower?
Aaron: Yes.
(May 2012)

* * *

Aaron praying:
Bless nothing bad will happen to me, but if it does happen, make it better or fixed.
(2011)

* * *
Aaron praying again:
Bless nothing bad will happen to me... wait, I don't think I need to pray for that anymore.
(March ish 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: I'm delightful that this peanut butter tastes so good.

* * *

After a commercial about Pull-Ups was over, our conversation went something like this:
Aaron Jr: Why are they talking about bacon in a potty commercial?
Me: What do you mean?
Aaron Jr: They say "I love bacon now".
Me: Oh, actually they are singing "I'm a big kid now".
(so funny)
(May 2012)

* * *

While weeding...
Aaron Jr: Is this a weed?
Me: Yes.
Aaron Jr: Oh, I can't resist my eyes on this one.
Me: You can't resist your eyes?
Aaron Jr: Yes, I can't resist those ones either.
(so funny)
Me: Ok bud, let's go in, its getting dark.
Aaron Jr: Not yet, I can't resist this plant, its too special.
Me: The weed is too special?
Aaron Jr: No, this plant we got from Hazel is too special.
(he was weeding around a plant from our neighbor Hazel, who passed away in June... so sweet)
(July 2012)

* * *

Me: You are getting so big, why can't you just stay my little boy?
Aaron Jr: What... I sleep too much. :)
(I tell him that he grows while he sleeps)
(July 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: That's quitely stupid.
(July 202)

* * *

When I was pretending to cry.
Aaron Jr: Hey, slap out of it. (as he pats my cheeks)
(Aug 2012)

* * *

Aaron told me about a girl in his grade who broke her arm on the playground. Then he said:
Aaron Jr: She might have broken her blood tubes.
later her said: She might have broken her blood vines.
(Sept 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Who's ready to locket raunch?
(Oct 2012)

* * *
Me: Its 11:11, make a wish.
Aaron Jr: I wish for everything. I always wish for everything, except the time when I wished for a family.
(two days later)
Me: Its 11:11, make a wish.
Aaron Jr: I wish to play games on the computer every day. I'm not wishing for everything anymore because everything would mean girl dolls and salad.
(Nov 2012)

* * *
After Aaron helped me with something.
Me: Thank you for doing that for me.
Aaron Jr: No comblamo.
(He meant 'no problemo'.)
(Nov 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Despicable me. He's a tiny man. No confence.
(He meant 'no offense'. :)
(Nov. 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Remember when we went on a trip with Lily because of dyingness?

(this was when we drove to Idaho with them for a funeral... or I guess 'dyingness')

(Dec. 2012)

* * *

Aaron and I were singing 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' and he was singing the little additions throughout the song, then he said:

Aaron Jr: We made a few touchments in the song.

(He meant 'adjustments'.)

(Dec. 2012)

* * *

Aaron got into an argument with another boy at school and the boy said 'Hell' to Aaron. Then Aaron yelled at the boy.

Aaron Jr: I wish Jesus didn't love you!

(At least he knows that Jesus loves everyone :)

(Dec. 2012)

* * *

Aaron Jr: I wish Daddy was still alive so I could go ice fishing with him.
(Feb. 2013)

* * *
Aaron Jr: You're always repaired Mom.
(he meant prepared :)
(March 2013)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Storm Cooper.
Me: storm cooper?
Aaron Jr: Yeah, its a guy on Star Wars thats a bad guy.
(March 2013)

* * *

On Aaron's birthday at the cemetery in Aaron Jr's prayer...
Aaron Jr: Bless that Daddy will get his balloons. Please say to him that we miss him.
(March 2013)

* * *

Aaron was telling me about a bully at school:
Aaron Jr: He jumped on Sam and his peanuts was bleeding.
Me: His peanuts? Where is his peanuts?
Aaron Jr: You know, the tenders. We were all proud that he was bleeding because he is a bully.
(April 2013)

* * *
Aaron: oh gross. (looking at his dirty toe nails)
Me: I know, you need to shower once in a while. (spoken sarcastically)
Aaron: what?! I showered last week!
(April 2013)

* * *

Me: You're cute... But you know that already, don't you?
Aaron: (Nods head.)
Me: How do you know you're cute?
Aaron: Because I'm your son.
Me: But how do you KNOW you're cute?
Aaron: Because you're my mother.
Me: But why does that mean you're cute?
Aaron: Because I'm a child of God... and I'm just cute.
(I love that boy!)
(April 2013)

* * *

Aaron Jr: I'm kindful.
(i think he was trying to say thoughtful and kind at the same time)
(May 2013

* * *

Me: Its 11:11, make a wish.
Aaron Jr: I wish I had a Dad.
(June 2013)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Last and for all.
(i think he was mixing up 'last but not least' and 'once and for all')
(Aug. 2013)

* * *

regarding his part in the Primary Program.
Aaron Jr: I don't think I'll be able to recognize my part.
he meant 'memorize'. :)
(Oct. 2013)

* * *

at church...
Me: What are you thinking about Jesus right now?
Aaron Jr: Him walking with me.
(April 2014)

* * *

Aaron Jr: My tummy hurts really bad, I think I'm getting homesick.
(May 2014)

* * *

Aaron Jr: I hardly ever get a bath, and you get one each week!
(May 2014)

* * *

Aaron Jr: Dogs have lots of leftover skin.
(May 2014)

* * *

Aaron Jr: When a dog loves you, she sheds on you.
(May 2014)

* * *

Me: You're always touching your bum.
Aaron Jr: Ha! That's what men do. Ha.
(June 2014)

* * *

Aaron was very impressed for some reason...
Aaron Jr: You took my socks off!
he meant "you knocked my socks off".
(June 2014)

* * *

Looking for crayons to buy:
Me: How about this one? It has a pencil sharpener on the back.
Aaron Jr: Sure! I can't resist a pencil sharpener.
(August 2014)

* * *

We were talking about Boyd K Packer and we discussed that he is the senior Apostle and if President Monson dies, President Packer would be the next Prophet. Aaron then asked who would take his place as an Apostle? I told him that they would have to call someone to be an Apostle. Aaron was very thoughtful for a few moments and he thought about it and said he might... if they needed someone... he would be willing to volunteer. He then wondered about being an Apostle AND a wood carpenter (because that is what he wants to be when he grows up). He asked how long they are an Apostle and I told him that it is for the rest of their lives. He asked if you still get to see your family and I told him yes.
~ I thought it was so sweet that he was willing to take on the task if they need him to... if they need a volunteer. His questions were so sincere. So sweet.
(August 24, 2014)

* * *

While putting on his soccer socks and cleats on our way to his soccer game:
Aaron Jr: I have hair!
Me: On your legs?
Aaron Jr: Yes, I am strong.
Me: Hahaha, because you have hair on your legs?
Aaron Jr: ........ body hair. Body hair makes you strong.
(hahaha)
(October 2014)

* * *

Aaron Jr: I have no happiness inside of me.
Me: Why?
Aaron Jr: Because Spencer and Kristi left.
(the family with cousins that he just absolutely adores)
(Jan 2015)

* * *

Aaron Jr: I swear on my heart and hope to die.
(March 2015)

* * *

Aaron Jr: If there's a week, there's a way. ???
Aaron Jr: If there's a way, there's a will.
(March 2015)

* * *

Aaron Jr: About 89% of everything you do during the day uses your hands.
(March 2015)

* * *

trying to sing the Rhodes Rolls Bake and Serve jingle:
Aaron Jr: things that makes it better, roast beef and serve.
(it is supposed to be "simple things that make life better, Rhodes bake and serve")
(June 2015)

* * *

Me: Aaron, when you're up in front of the church singing for Fathers Day, how does it makes you feel?
Aaron Jr: Good... and embarrassed.
Me: Why embarrassed?
Aaron Jr: because I'm up in front of everybody.
Me: Why does it make you feel good?
Aaron Jr: because I'm making people happy.
Me: Who does it make happy?
Aaron Jr: Grandpa, because he's the one that is there for me [to listen to me].
Me: Do you ever think that Daddy is there listening?
Aaron Jr: Yes.
Me: Where do you picture him being?
Aaron Jr: Sitting next to you.
(love this boy)
(June 2015)

* * *

Aaron Jr - isms

.
.
CORRECT = AARON'S VERSION

trampoline = jumpoline
heart beat = heart beep
Lagoon = Doogal
shooting star = moving star
computer = puter
sharpener = sharpmeasure
cartoon network = cartoon neckwork
spaghetti = skepti
airplane = hairplane
cookie dough = cookie dove
copy = coffee
map = mat
pluto = cludo
mickey mouse = mickey nouse
dolphin = golfin
cupboard = covered
string cheese = screen cheese
notebook = noke book
scraped = squirped
healthy = helpthy
cat in the hat = hat in the cat
Hulk = Poke
pretzel = pencil
need = heed
macaroni = macanoni
Waldo = Mardo
pathetic = fetic
ridiculous = udiculous
Disneyland = Disney Channel
vampire = ampire
Power of Grayskull = Power of Grayscar
Ninja Turtles = Minja Turtles
teeth = teef
unicorn = unihorn
Joseph = Jovis
viking = biking
mouths = mouthuz
slipped = swipped
Polar Express = Polar Expreff
Pippi Longstocking = Pippi Longstyle
Boondocks = Moondot
PBS kids dot org = PBS kids dot yorg
animals = aminals
Linus = Minus
Rapunzel = Compuzzle
Abominable Snowman = Adorable Snowman
Megamind = Nevabind
Indiana Jones = Manna Jones
Selfish = shellfish
Statue of Liberty = statue of the liverty
licorice = rickerish
commercial = mershel
pick up = hick up
laundry = rondry
woodpecker = woodpepper
skunk = stunk
draw = drawl
the coast is clear = the close is clear
alcohol = alfacol
delicious = alicious
fragile = rigile
try this one on for size = watch this one for size
speaking of which = talking of which
thorn = forn
lullaby = loveaby
German Shepherd = Herman Shepherd
beaver dam = fever dam
baseball mitt = baseball mitten
slap = snap
shrinked = shtrinked
dehydrated = irritated
Clifford = Clipperd
Lagoon - A Goon
styrofoam = styrophone
milk duds = milk buds
secret weapon = secret webbin
bent = dent
pinky swear = promise my pinky?
samples = stamples
potatoes = tatatoes
skunk = stunk
on guard = on guy
carnival = carnibal
hopefully = hopeily
envelopes = embelopes
launch = launge
toaster strudel = toaster snoodle
imagination = inanimation
booby trap = booty trap
styrofoam = styrophone
heart beat = heart beep
thunder = fender
lever = liver
earwax = earwack (singular for earwacks of course)
majesty = majensty
Aloha = helloha
vanilla = banilla
plowing = clowing
vegetables = vengtables
rubber band = ruvver band
brain freeze = freeze brain
squirrel = scroll
harmonica = fermonica
photo album = photo alvin
exploded = spaloaded
pickup truck = hiccup truck
cactus = captus
reversible = inversible
triple = trumple
piggy bank = picky bank
terrifying = terrifighting
bon appetit = bone on a tique
pretend = attend
thanks = hanks
magnet = magnick
electric shock = electric shot
you take forever = you take so ever
according to my calculation = according to my campilation
kernel = kennel
thingamabob = thing of a bob
overflowed = overfloated
orphanage = orphan hedge (orthan hedge)
binoculars = vilocaners
vanishing = banishing
blood veins = blood vines
...............,........blood cords
........................blood tunnels

suspicious = daspicious

failure = failer

pipsqueak = peepsquick
pigeon = pitchen
razorblades = laserblades
grappling hook = grabbling hook
Kermit = Germit
vanished = banished
thoughtful = kindful
worn out = warned out
vanished = banished
cabbage = cavvage
orphanage = orphan hedge
desitin = destin
triple please = trumple please
darth vader = dark vader
festival = festibal
dissect = dissept
bratwurst = bratsworth
bristles = brustles
Spalding ball = spaddling ball

.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.

Got Instagram?

So, I was thinking about my blog recently and feeling so bad and guilty about how rarely I post and wishing that I had never slowed down. I have had such good intentions of catching up once I had some free time, but as life is only getting busier, I am realizing that it is possible I well never be able to catch up. It makes me sad because this blog and its followers (you) have been such a huge and integral part of my healing process these past years. I am not giving up on this blog, I still want to post things when I have time, but I came to the realization recently that the quick and easy posting I am able to do on Instagram has kinda taken over the way I share and document our lives through photos. So... I decided to create a post on here inviting my blog friends to follow me on Instagram. I put that photo at the top so you know how to find me.

My Instagram username is: lesterlou

I am so grateful for those who have followed my blog and have been such good friends to me through these years as I've grieved and healed and figured out ways to live life with joy and purpose. I love you all... I hope you'll come and follow me on Instagram. 

5 with + 8 without = 13 years

 An anniversary is

a time to celebrate the joys of today,

the memories of yesterday,

and the hopes of tomorrow.

~Author Unknown

'after the manner of happiness'

~ 2 Nephi 5:27 ~

I've read this verse hundreds of times, I'm sure... but this time it jumped out at me like it never has, and not just because of the big blue smiley face I had drawn over it years ago. There was a time in my life when I felt like the light within me / the happiness I felt inside of me could be seen by all of those around me. People would randomly tell me that I'm always smiling when they see me. Even Aaron wrote in a letter to me while I was on my mission and while he was on his mission... that as teenagers, he would watch me from afar and could see that there was light and happiness inside of me and it made him desire the same thing. I wish I could remember his exact words, I'll have to dig that letter out and read it again. I was always happy to hear things like this because I felt like if light shined from me and if people could tell I was happy, it would reflect the the light of the Savior and they might be able to feel the love of the Savior through me somehow. Well, after the trials of life started to weigh heavier on me than I ever imagined possible, I know my light and happiness has faded... and I think the reason this scripture hit me harder this time is because I know in my heart that I'm not letting my light and happiness reflect the light and love of the Savior. My desire to reflect that light hasn't changed, but my ability has been somewhat halted by the weight of my burdens over the years. I desire to change that. I plan to change that... to "live after the manner of happiness" even through undesirable circumstances in my life.

TO STAND

~ Ephesians 6: 10-18 ~
I was talking to Aaron today about certain things going on in our world right now, things that are contrary to God's plan for His children... and this scripture in Ephesians came to my mind. So I figured it was a good time to discuss this scripture with Aaron and talk about the importance of it. We need to arm ourselves every day and teach our children how to arm themselves every day. We can't afford not to.

~ ~ ~

I posted that in instagram and on facebook a couple weeks ago. The words in these verses are very poignant at this time and this is something that I will continue to talk to Aaron about.

~ ~ ~

My friend Chandra then sent this email to me this past week:

"This morning as I was coming into conscious wakefulness, one thought blazed across my mind: "STAND YE IN HOLY PLACES." I even saw it in caps just like that! I immediately stilled myself, knowing that the spirit put that thought there – I don't just think like that! But one thought that became clear to me was that in using the word "ye"- it meant ME. As in, the spirit is saying, "Chandra, stand in holy places." It was very specific and not a general "ye." Does that make sense?

Anyhow, I began to ponder on this phrase and asked the Lord what I am to learn from the statement – what was I supposed to find? And are there specific "holy places" I am to stand in? My next thought was that this sounded like it could be a title from a general conference talk. And it sounded like something Elder Bednar would say so I figured I would search the most recent general conferences. I went to my Mormon channel app and began to scan all the titles from all the sessions in the most recent general conferences. I got to April 2013 and ran across the title "Stand Strong in Holy Places" by Elder Hales. That made me pause. Sure it wasn't a direct quote of what was in my mind, but it was almost like the spirit was adding line upon line here and before when he's saying in essence, "Chandra, stand in holy places." Now he's adding to that (line upon line, precept upon precept) by saying, "Chandra, stand STRONG in holy places." This talk is incredible and it spoke many things to me which also happen to be in my Patriarchal Blessing. Coincidence? No. But just to be sure I went to LDS.org to search for the exact phrase- which I'd found by Harold B. Lee. There are also some wonderful nuggets contained therein.
Anyhow, what have I learned from this experience? 1) The Lord does speak to and reveal things to his prophets continually. And unless we have the eyes to see and the ears to hear, we will miss vital information! 2) The more we are prepared for an open ourselves up to the promptings of the spirit, it will come. I need to show the Lord he can trust me and stand strong in holy places. And 3) that I need to study and learn how to fully put on the whole armor of God- and then teach it to my children."

~ ~ ~

I'm grateful she shared that with me.

My response to her was:

 After I got done reading it, I went back to my posting on instagram where I put the scripture about putting on the whole armor of God and the words "to stand" are underlined in my scriptures. Those two words must have had an impact on me when I was first marking those verses so many years ago... and it brought me back to your email "stand strong in holy places". These things go hand in hand. In this day and time, we need "to stand" stronger than ever to fight against the evils of this world... and  "to stand" in holy places because that is where we will find the strength "to stand" in the first place.

~ ~ ~

I hope to help Aaron learn how

...to stand strong...

...to stand up for what he believes...

...to stand for truth...

...to stand for righteousness...

...to stand up against evil...

...to stand up for justice...

...to stand with faith...

 ...to stand in holy places...

...to stand as an example to those around him...

...to stand firm in the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ...

...to stand in defense of all that is right and true...

...to stand...

President Boyd K. Packer

President Boyd K. Packer, of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, passed away today. This makes me very sad. I remember when I was a teenager watching many times a video that was put together after a talk he gave in General Conference, it was called 'Spiritual Crocodiles'. It was an inspiring video and I loved the truth he spoke in it. (If you haven't seen this video, you should look it up on LDS.org). President Packer had a very recognizable raspy voice that I will miss hearing in General Conference, along with his inspired counsel as well.
~ A memory I want to share is about a conversation I had with Aaron on the way home from church last summer. Aaron had a printed copy of the talk by President Packer called 'Spiritual Crocodiles' that he had received in Primary that day. When I saw it, I told Aaron that President Packer is the Senior Apostle and that if President Monson passes away, then President Packer would become the next Prophet. Aaron then asked who would take his place as an Apostle? I told him that they would have to call someone to be an Apostle (through revelation from the Lord). Aaron was very thoughtful for a few moments, then he stumbled over his words a bit and said that he might... ...if they needed someone... ... he would be willing... ... to volunteer. I could tell he was not taking this lightly in that sweet brain of his and he asked if he could be an Apostle AND a wood carpenter (which is what he wants to be when he grows up). He then asked how long they are an Apostle? I told him they are an Apostle for the rest of their lives. He then asked if you get to see your family if you are an Apostle. I told him yes. ~ I thought it was so sweet that he was willing to take on the task if they needed him to... if they needed a volunteer. His questions were so sincere. So sweet.
President Packer will be missed.

Uncle Carol

My Uncle Carol passed away last week and we attended the funeral in Mapleton, Utah on Monday. 
Uncle Carol was the 2nd oldest brother in my Dad's family. 2nd oldest brother of 8 kids.

This photo of him as a baby is just so precious.

The middle photo brought back memories from when I was growing up... Uncle Carol loved roosters and chickens and always had them as pets... that is one of my main memories of him when I was young. There was a time when I was young when he kept some of his roosters over at our farm. I remember some of them were really mean and would chase us kids around. They were a little scary sometimes. He sure loves his chickens and roosters though.

He was a school teacher and also an artist. His paintings that are my favorites are of farm / country scenes and roosters. He was very talented. Someday, I would love to own one of his paintings... one can hope. :)

The right photo is a photo I took of him the last time I saw him when he could still walk. Uncle Carol endured many difficult and heart breaking trials in his life, but he always had a testimony of the gospel, was faithful through it all, and had a love for and faith in Jesus Christ.

We love you Uncle Carol. We will miss you.

Aunt Betty

So, because I have been so far behind on my blog, I had not yet added a post about my Aunt Betty. These two photos are a couple of my favorites as I was looking through the photos of her as a child. So cute.

She passed away earlier this year. We attended her funeral up in Washington State back at the beginning of February.

Aunt Betty was a kind soul. She was the oldest sister on my Mom's side of the family. Oldest sister in a family of 11 kids. I remember when Aunt Betty brought her son down to Utah to take a tour of some of the National Parks here and on their way through, they stopped at our house to visit. My sister Lisa and I ended up getting invited to go along and we had a great time with Aunt Betty and our cousin Marty. She made us feel special and important.

She was the sister who lived closest to my Grandpa after he had a stroke and had to live in a care facility... in those 11 or 12 years that he lived there, she visited him every single day, unless she was out of town. She was dedicated to making sure he felt loved and cared for. I am so grateful to her for that.
I also remember when Aunt Betty had lost her husband and as a widow, she came to Salt Lake City, Utah to serve the Lord on a mission. We loved having her so close. She would come and spend the weekends at our house. She was still on her mission there when I left on my mission to England. She had found a second hand plaid blazer somewhere and had bought it for me to take on my mission. I wish I still had that. It was so thoughtful and kind. 

I love my Aunt Betty and I sure miss her.

Elder L. Tom Perry

Aaron and I went to eat at The Mandarin Chinese restaurant in Bountiful while we were engaged. Elder Perry happened to be there eating. He was just sitting a couple of booths away from us.

At one point, Aaron said he would be right back, and he walked over to Elder Perry's table and squatted down next to Elder Perry and started talking to him.

After he was done, he came back over and sat down with me. He told me that he had pointed to me and asked Elder Perry, "see that girl over there? I'm going to marry her... and I was wondering if you would seal us in the temple?"

Elder Perry agreed and gave Aaron the phone number of his secretary and told Aaron to call her and have her schedule it. Because of a prior commitment Elder Perry had, we changed our wedding date a couple days earlier so that he could be our sealer. It was so exciting.

As the wedding day approached, Aaron got a call from the secretary telling him that Elder Perry had been given an assignment I think taking him out of the country and would not be able to seal us after all. We were disappointed, but we understood.

The sealer we did have was amazing and we really loved him.

Since this experience at The Mandarin, I have always remembered this experience when I have seen Elder Perry speak. Hearing about his passing yesterday was very sad for me and brought back that memory again. I grieve every time one of our church leaders passes away, but I'm grateful for the legacy and the loving counsel they leave behind.

Elder Perry will be missed.