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Chimneys are scary. Santa is scary. That is all.

-Emma Alvarez

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Thanks to my second guest poster, Emma! Also my niece. She has pretty eyes, and a cute smile, and she loves to tell jokes. Thanks Emma!

~Crystal

family

Our family is too awesome.We play a lot, I mean a lot. We make a bunch of recipes. We have a bunch of cooks in are family.....well we think they are cooks.

My family goes to Texas a lot and we go to Arizona. We love to travel. We also go around Utah a lot. My family loves each other! :)


-Rebecca Alvarez

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Thanks to my guest poster! My niece Rebecca was sweet enough to do a guest post. I love her insight and humor. She has a great smile too.

~Crystal Schultz



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------WE WILL HELP PEOPLE ALWAYS!

-Rebecca Alvarez

Who is praying for you?

Who is praying for you?

When I've been in difficult situations in my life I have felt the prayers and good thoughts of people I know who are hoping the best for me, who are praying for me, who want me to get through my hard times.

I was thinking of someone close to me yesterday, and I wondered if that person had any idea how many people are praying for them; how many people want this person to succeed in their life and challenges.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS/Mormon) we have a wonderful built in community.

Those that are called as leadership in our church are constantly praying for those that they watch over in their calling's responsibility. Everyone in a ward is prayed for by a Bishop, and his counselors. If you're a woman you're especially prayed for by the Relief Society President and her counselors. Men have their Quorum's leadership. Those that are teens are prayed for by their leadership (Young Women/Young Men Presidents and counselors). And the little ones are prayed for by the Primary Presidency. And they all might pray for all the others, or the whole ward too! And each ward is in it's own Stake, so then the Stake leadership is also praying for each Ward as well.

Then there's also the temple. Temple goers have the opportunity to place names of people in need of extra blessings/comfort/spiritual help on a Temple Prayer Roll. Then that name might be prayed for by dozens to hundreds of people.

If you are a child, you're parents will pray for you. I know that my parents are constantly praying for their children, just as I am for mine. As well as their grand-children, and of course extended family. I like to include all of my in-laws, and my close, and extended family in mine. And though it sounds kinda silly, I actually do pray for everyone in the world sometimes. We are all brothers and sisters. We all branch from the same tree, and I do sincerely wish that all our lives are blessed and happy and selfless.

I know that the First Presidency and those serving with them pray for everyone in the whole church as well.

Friends pray for friends. On Facebook I see people that are praying for many strangers they don't even know. 

Do not our thoughts have power? Don't our prayers have increased power? I know they do. I have experienced it for myself. The forces for good want us to succeed! One of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon is after Christ is resurrected and He comes to the Americas, and when seeing how much the people don't want him to go He is filled with compassion, and He stops and prays for them. I love that so much!

And those that don't have a church community, or family, or friends, you may not know who is praying for you, or wishing you the best. Could be a co-worker, could be a friend of a friend. Sometimes I see people in the store and think that they look like they could use some happiness and I wish them goodness, I pray for them. 

No matter how alone you feel, know that there is someone somewhere that is sending you love and praying for you. :)

Sending love, hugs, best wishes, and prayers,

~Crystal

A posture fix for CHEAP

I've been trying to have better posture, but it's really hard. I was thinking about buying one of those back sling things to help improve posture, but I'm too cheap to buy one. And then my classmate Michael (he's a professional dancer) told us this awesome [CHEAP] trick.

Put on a kinda tight tank top over whatever you're going to wear, then take the front and lift it over the back of your head so the tank becomes like a shoulder holster. Then wear it around the house.

I only started doing it yesterday and I can tell there's been a huge improvement!
I have lots of back problems. The muscles in my back are not well trained to good posture anymore.
I had an accident when I was seventeen, and I fractured multiple vertebrae in my back and since then I have had lots back issues, then after two pregnancies...well, my back hates me, we'll put it that way. The muscles are constantly tired. I don't just have bad posture, I shlump like no one's business, especially when I'm at home or alone. Then on Sundays when I try to sit up for church my back is just screaming because it's not used to good posture anymore and those muscles are lazy now.
I've gone to physical therapists, and they help a lot! But doing the exercises at home...with kids...well, it's really hard to get motivation to do. It's so much easier when I have a physical therapist (personal trainer really) with a timer telling me what to do, and I just have to do it. Buuut, I don't have one anymore. Anyhoo, so I can tell you from lots of experience that this little trick is helpful. :)

I noticed that when I'm not wearing the tank (keep in mind I've only been using it for one day, and a morning) that subconsciously I stand up straighter, like I would with the tank on. Also, it helps do a little of the work of keeping my back straight because it's pulling around my shoulders. Basically it's taking a little weight off my muscles so they have an easier time getting whipped back into shape. I took off the 'tank shoulder holster' and sat on the bed at my computer and my back started aching so much I put the tank back on, and it was much easier to sit straight up. Of course it's not a miracle maker, I have to put work into it and consciously be straitening my back all day. But it's a huge, cheap!, help.

I just thought I'd share since most of us (especially if we sit at the computer much) are getting horrible posture which not only looks bad, but it can even lead to internal problems, and create headaches, and all sorts of nasty stuff.
So, try it out!
Tell me what you think? Is it helpful to you? Not that much? Have you tried something else that works better or just as good?

~Crystal

"Find your humanity!"

You can hear her voice in your head? Can't you? Hahaha. My guess is that if you're like me you'll see it about twice and then hurry and scroll down so you can't see it anymore. So you don't get annoyed to death. ;)

Here's something I was thinking about. Rowan was on a "Tangled" kick for a while, so I heard this movie, and this line, over and over...and over, and over, and over.

And it struck me. When she says "humanity" what she's really implying is "divinity."

A 'humane' thing to do means the compassionate thing; the kind and loving thing to do. Of course the derivative is 'human'.

Human definition:

of, relating to, or characteristic of humans

2

: consisting of humans

3

a : having human form or attributes

b : susceptible to or representative of the sympathies and frailties of human nature 

'Human Nature' vs 'Divine Nature' to me is a very distinct thing. As a member of the LDS Church we are taught about the 'natural man' that is the part of us that wants to give in to temptation, the part that desires to do the lazy or wrong thing. 'Natural man' is also known in the scriptures at the 'carnal man', he wants his carnal desires...things opposite to Godly and divine desires. The 'carnal nature of the flesh' is saying that we are giving in to the wants of our flesh (human nature) instead of our Godly desire, like doing good and avoiding evil and temptation.

'Divine nature' is the part of us (the soul in us) that is divine; that is a part of our Father in Heaven, the part of us that wishes to do the kind, compassionate, and loving thing. Because after all, God is LOVE. We, as His children, are also divine in spirit. Part of Him dwells in us, in our souls and hearts. Do you not feel that special thing in your heart that reaches out to give a kind word to a broken heart, or to comfort those that mourn, that feeling that we are all connected together. Everyone in this whole world, and that ever was, or will ever be. We are Divine, sons and daughters of God, and therefore divine brothers and sisters in spirit. We are Divine. Isn't that just an incredible thought?
So today especially, after the horrible events (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/12/live-updates-newtown-ct-school-shooting/), the killings of those poor people and children let us remember our divinity and do something good in this world for someone else. I will be praying and sending good thoughts and love to those families of which their lives will never be the same. May they find peace and comfort. I know there will be 'helpers' there for them, shining examples of love, kindness, and their own divinity.

~Crystal
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” - Mr. Rogers

Veruticco Farm

Alyssa and I finally met up with our girls and had a fun play date at Veruticco Farm in Gilbert this morning! 

A fun barrel-train ride, a big bubble bouncy thing, farm animals, games and crafts, etc. Needless to say Addie, Rowan, and Mercedes had a blast! 

On the barrel-train ride around the farm.

Alyssa and Addie on the train :) 

 Mercedes and I riding together.

 An accidental picture, but I thought it looked kinda cool.

 Playing on the bubble-bouncy thing.

:) 

All three girls playing on the stacked tires...and in the dirt :) 

Birthday twins! Both born the same day. 

"I'm king of the mountain!" 

At the bounce house. Mercedes didn't want to go in, but Addie and Rowan loved it! 

Craft time, decorating pumpkins.  

Second time on the train ride...it was probably their favorite part.  

Smile! 

 Pumpkin head! <3 p="p">

Thanks Alyssa and Addie for coming with us. Sorry I didn't get more pictures of you two. I mostly took these to send to Ben, but I wish I had taken more now. :) We had a blast! Now, here's wishing for an early bedtime ;)

~Crystal

Perfect timing~

     Have you tried the Mormon Channel app yet? It's really wonderful :)
You can listen to scriptures, talks, or they have new episodes on various topics they put together everyday. Usually when I'm cleaning or driving or doing dishes I like to listen to something. I know my awesome sister-in-law loves to fall asleep listening to a good talk.

     Well, this evening while I was doing the dishes I found this gem, and it was just....well, perfect timing. All the things he mentioned were valid to the immediate time (political time). Of course to our day as well and a lot was just tailored to me and what I was looking for. 
So, I had first used the search tool and looked up "Instrument" on the Mormon Channel app and three Conference talk came up. This was the second one. And here are just some of the absolute jewels I found in his talk that spoke to me. But I urge everyone to read the whole thing! It's great!

"I have a friend who is a member of a political panel that is seen each week on national television. Explaining her role, she said, “We are encouraged to speak before thinking!” We appear to be living in an era in which many are speaking without thinking, encouraging emotional reactions rather than thoughtful responses. Whether it be on the national or international stage, in personal relations or in politics, at home or in the public forum, voices grow ever more strident, and giving and taking offense appear to be chosen rather than inadvertent."

     (This reminds me of some reality TV shows, all based around making drama)

"The first casualties of human wrath are truth and understanding. James counseled that we be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”...Whether they be false friends or unrighteous teachers, artists or entertainers, commentators or letter writers to local newspapers, seekers of power or wealth, beware of those who stir us up to such anger that calm reflection and charitable feelings are suppressed."

"Have we who have taken upon us the name of Christ slipped unknowingly into patterns of slander, evil speaking, and bitter stereotyping? Have personal or partisan or business or religious differences been translated into a kind of demonizing of those of different views? Do we pause to understand the seemingly different positions of others and seek, where possible, common ground?"

     I feel that every one of God's children have their own troubles and burdens. Why tear another's spirit down by stereotyping and being impartial to others who have differences from us or our opinions? It just tears us down as well to talk and act that way. Even thought I have different opinions or political positions than many friends I feel that is no reason to not be friends! I love them all! 


"We need, as the Lord counseled, to uphold honest, wise, and good men and women wherever they are found and to recognize that there are “among all sects, parties, and denominations” those who are “kept from the truth [of the gospel] because they know not where to find it.” Would we hide that light because we have entered into the culture of slander, of stereotyping, of giving and seeking offense?"

     "seeking offense" Wow. Isn't that true of so many?!

"In this regard, the Lord has counseled in latter days that we “cease to find fault one with another” and “above all things, clothe [ourselves] with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.”

     Give, serve, and love everyone! 

"President George Albert Smith observed, “There is nothing in the world more deleterious or harmful to the human family than hatred, prejudice, suspicion, and the attitude that some people have toward their fellows, of unkindness.” ¹⁶ In matters of politics, he warned, “Whenever your politics cause you to speak unkindly of your brethren, know this, that you are upon dangerous ground.”

     The ones that stood out to me here were "suspicion" and "unkindess". They seem like such small things to so many people, but I have seen how it can in fact destroy lives and families. 
And the last line I want to reiterate: "Whenever your politics cause you to speak unkindly of your brethren, know this, that you are upon dangerous ground."


"President Gordon B. Hinckley, has counseled: “Now, there is much that we can and must do in these perilous times. We can give our opinions on the merit of the situation as we see it, but never let us become a party to words or works of evil concerning our brothers and sisters in various nations on one side or the other. Political differences never justify hatred or ill will. I hope that the Lord’s people may be at peace one with another during times of trouble, regardless of what loyalties they may have to different governments or parties.”

     We can give our opinions, but we shouldn't let evil into it. We shouldn't speak try to belittle, or use hatred of others with different opinions or positions, or even of different countries/nationalities/cultures. In my humble opinion we should be able to talk equally of different opinions without getting angry or frustrated. Hopefully everyone can try to bring an "open mind" to a discussion with peace in their hearts and not a single purpose of slandering or attempting to convert everyone to their own ideas or opinions. Because guess what, everyone thinks that they are the right one. 

I leave you with these two quotes that I think go nicely side by side:

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle

"He that is convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still."
-Attributed to Benjamin Franklin and two others.

I hope that in this political season we can talk. All of us talk without being demeaning or trying to be hurtful or harsh. That we will be able to entertain thoughts and determine for ourselves if they are true or not without an instant shut down. I also hope we can use this for all of our different opinions, not just during election time ;)
And my greatest desire is to personally become so full of charity that I truly love every person I encounter! To find good things about each person I meet and to try and make them shine with their own self-worth. :)

Goodnight!

~Crystal