Bonfire: Loving the smell of campfire.....

Post Throwback evening

Jefferson makes Angelina, DR, and I look even better!

Throwback Enrichment = Elementary Bliss

There are very few events that you can label being the "best ever" [insert event] and have it actually be true. The Throwback Enrichment deserves that label. Who wouldn't want to revert back to Elementary school, enjoying mini pizzas, fruit snacks, juice boxes, Disney sing-a-long videos, ping pong, and of course 4 square! Who would have thought a roll of tape could fuel such competition? I knew it would from me but Jane Morgan? Oh yes. A force to be reckon with on the 4 square court, a dark horse.

My 4 square "serious business" look....it works. Jane and I in the final and she did win...this time. Next rematch she best bring her A++ game! ;)

Putting the 4 square tape to GREAT use!

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

My DP taste buds are NOT average...I taste all 23 flavors!

"Today I drank a Dr. Pepper. I didn't taste 23 flavors, I only tasted one. It was Dr. Pepper flavored. MLIA (My Life Is Average)"

My Life is Average

Happiness From Helping Others

"President Gordon B. Hinckley believed in the healing power of service. After the death of his wife, he provided a great example to the Church in the way he immersed himself in work and in serving others. It is told that President Hinckley remarked to one woman who had recently lost her husband, 'Work will cure your grief. Serve others.'"Those are profound words. As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness."President Lorenzo Snow expressed a similar thought: 'When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1899, 2–3). "In today's world of pop psychology, junk TV, and feel-good self-help manuals, this advice may seem counterintuitive. We are sometimes told that the answer to our ills is to look inward, to indulge ourselves, to spend first and pay later, and to satisfy our own desires even at the expense of those around us. While there are times when it is prudent to look first to our own needs, in the long run it doesn't lead to lasting happiness."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 119–20

Girls Night...A's game!

Rach, me, Cec, and Jenn. Not really a girls night could get sweeter. Maybe if the Yanks were playing (hint hint Rach). ;) Thanks for taking us Rach!!

We represent the A's well with footwear! We didn't give Cec the message, but next time she'll support!

Seattle Sunny...No, Really It Was

Headed to Bainbridge Island on the ferry for dinner. Surprisingly the ferry was less rough than the cruise ship. No sea-sickness for me.

Beautiful view of the city. Couldn't ask for better weather for Seattle. As one person put it: Seattle tricks you. It makes you want to move here when its sunny.

Space needle..obviously.

We went to the Folk Life Festival at the City Center. Think How Berkeley Can You Be Parade but bigger! Some of the best people watching I've ever experienced. Matt was entertained for hours (literally).

Not only was this man sporting the black velvet skirt but he was still asking the ladies rather confidently at that to dance.

Simply enjoying the madness of craziness.

The Mariners' field is gorgeous and has a beautiful view of downtown!

Jonathan and I at the game. The Giants won that night. The Bay represented well in more than one way for the Memorial Day weekend. What can I say? I've got the baseball karma...

Behind home plate!

Charlie and Becky's (Amie's uncle and aunt) backyard right off of Puget Sound. It is so amazing. Their house is beautiful, Becky is an amazing cook, Charlie is hilarious, they were so kind and wonderful hosts to welcome me as the tag-along with Matt and Amie.

Matty's favorite position. ;)

Inner Workings Of The Stanford Sophomore Mind Part 4

**Disclaimer: I did NOT put Stanford Sophomore up to this post but as promised I never change the content of my guest blogger (even when it makes me blush...something I rarely do). Thank you SS for the compliments.

Would Jess Berry Approve?

I haven't gotten approval from Rachel Hamilton to use her name, so I will refer to her as Rachel Hamilton. (Hi Rachel!)

So yesterday night I was talking to a very full Rachel Hamilton and she began to tell me about Sunday dinner with her family. She started to tell me how wonderful the steak was she had, but I cut her off to ask:

Rachel, would Jess Berry have approved?

After thoughtful contemplation, Rachel then answered yes. No more description of the fabulous meal was needed, we both understood the powerful implications of that question.

Would Jess Berry approve? That question is an excellent assessment tool for all of our important life questions. Let me give you some examples:

Should I flirt with this guy/this girl? Unsure. The answer could be yes or no depending on the relative and appropriate knowledge of sports compared to yours.

Should I enjoy living alone for a while? Approved! The answer is yes based on your willingness to enjoy "the freedoms" and the privacy.

Should I do something good for someone? Approved! The problem is you have to beat Jess to it. This requires skill, agility, speed, and thoughtfulness.

So the next time you are trying to describe something absolutely wonderful or make a hard decision, stop, think, and ask yourself: Would Jess Berry approve?

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

JM: I want a puppy that doesn't bark and never gets big.

JP to JM: Jane, that is called a stuffed animal.

Do People Feel This Way About My Blog?

Hmmm....probably not....I am too hilarious. ;) 

Too connected to truly enjoy life?

What Happens When Men Pick Out The Wedding Cake

My personal favorite...

Jess Berry Quote of The Day

Personally I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.

Winston Churchill

The Way I Feel About All Forwards!

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

In the depth of winter, [we find] within [us] an invincible summer.

Albert Camus

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

Love is two people becoming stronger through their relationship with each other.

Reija

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

Mark Twain Motivational Posters.

Are We Exhibiting Compassion?

"Being compassionate is [a] great work of our Heavenly Father and a fundamental characteristic of who we are as a people. We are commanded to 'succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees' (D&C 81:5). Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. Those who follow the Savior 'mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort' (Mosiah 18:9)."When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles upon those who care for the least of His children."As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, 'The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls' (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 254)."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 119

Ever Had One Of These?

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

Mark Twain Motivational Posters.

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

Mark Twain Motivational Posters.

I've always wanted to be my Mama one day....

Read more here.

Mexico? No....The Pacific Ocean

Gari and I sailed to the Pacific this past week.  It was very relaxing and filling (for our stomachs that it).  It was a great way to relax, read, and become renewed.    

The port at San Diego.  

Catalina Island

Loved that our church was tacked on at the bottom.

Elegant Dinner evening.  I couldn't even count how many people complimented Gari on her tailor-made Chinese dress.  Oh the chocolate melting cake was to die for too!

Towel animals.....

The coolest one!

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.

Winston Churchill

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

People of humor are always in some degree people of genius.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

What Happens When "Bishop" Berry Isn't The One Driving!

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

I do not wish to treat friendships daintily, but with roughest courage. When they are real, they are not glass threads or frostwork, but the solidest thing we know.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

We are strangers here. Of course we feel lonely. Not even the closest of friends can erase that feeling, for it is natural. I have been told by those that would know that even the closest marriage relationship does not completely erase the feeling of loneliness. It is a necessary part of our experience on earth – for it leads us to the plea found in the final verse of Eliza R. Snow’s lyrics to “O My Father”:

When I leave this frail existence

When I lay this mortal by

Father, Mother, may I meet you

In your royal courts on high?

That is our desire. Until that time, our job is to do the best we can. If you feel lonely, know that those around you do as well. The best thing we can do about it is to close the gap that is causing our greatest loneliness – our separation from God. We do that not only by keeping the commandments, but by acting as He and His Son, Jesus Christ, would act – by serving others. Reach out to all around you, who need your help and love at least as much as you need theirs. If they don’t respond, reach out again.

In so doing, we express the final thought of “O My Father”: “Let me come and dwell with you.”

Benj Christensen

Meat Business Cards

The perfect business card for me! Thanks for the great find Ryan!

See link for more details.

Jess Berry Quote of the Day!

NEVER BE IN THE BACK OF A CALIFORNIA CAR LINE. BE THE LEADER.

Uncle Johnny

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

Face your doubts. Master your fears. Cast not away therefore your confidence. Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.

Jeffrey R. Holland

Michi Birthday Party!

The leaning tower of cupcakes...can you beat that?

Classic!

Even better Mike!

Happy Birthday Girls!

Embrace Life Under Any Condition

Post Secrets

The April Luau!

Happy Luau AR! Getting together to celebrate ARRRRR is no small affair. The limbo, the Tiki glasses, the steak, the grilled pineapple, the Hula shirts and Hula dancing (sort of), and of course a cameo appearance by CP.

The Birthday cake! Delicious frosting!

Mikey gave AR a grill, which we ALL are excited about! AR showing off his grilling abilities.

The Hula dancers themselves. Aren't they pretty!?!

Customized Tiki glasses for all!

SJ and CP (yes he really did make that appearance).

The Luau setting...Mikey planted those flowers six months ago just for the event.......(kidding)

The Woman "manning" the grill for the evening. When I say we ALL are excited about AR's new gift the ALL really means me. ;) We Berrys know our grilling. I am willing to hire out and make your grilling dreams come true. References available upon request.