The Stevenson Ohana

Monday, October 15, 2018

Conference Weekend in the Woods

10/8/2018: We have had FOUR - 4-day weekends in a row!! It’s been glorious. On the last long weekend we decided we HAD to do something fun and get out of Tokyo.

We scanned google maps picked out a green mountain range, Riley found a sweet cabin and booked it and we spent the long weekend in the woods hiking, watching some general conference and eating lots of soba noodles. It was the best. Here is a million pictures from me following my boys through the woods.

"mom, are we still walking??"

Japan has some really cool manholes.

This view = 10/10! You can't see in the photo but Tokyo is far in the distance.

Persimmon Season!

Conference Set-up!

The Cabin!

Japan toilets beat outhouse everyday.

Missionary Journal Design

I've been doing a lot of art and design lately, but haven't shared too much on here. But I'm pretty excited how this hardcover journal turned out for my little sister. She just had her birthday this week and is headed for her mission in about one month.

Etsy Page: https://etsy.com/shop/SimplyLysie

And here is a picture of Hermana Whitney Moncur!

Ya te extraño!!!

XOXO

Monday, October 8, 2018

Book of Mormon Reading Challenge

President Russell M. Nelson, during the Women's Session of General Conference, shared so many inspired words and gave some specific challenges that will bring us closer to the Savior. One of the challenges given during his talk was to read the Book of Mormon starting now until the end of the year. He promised lots of blessings for those who take up this challenge:

"I invite you to read the Book of Mormon, between now and the end of the year. As impossible as that may seem, with all you are trying to manage in life, if you will accept this invitation with full-purpose of heart the Lord will help you find a way to achieve it. And as you prayerfully study, I promise that the heavens will open for you, the Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation. As you read, I would encourage you to mark each verse that speaks of or refers to the Savior. Then, be intentional about talking about of Christ, rejoicing in Christ, and preaching of Christ with your families and friends. You and they will be brought closer to the Savior in this process, and changes, even miracles, will begin to happen."

I was kinda overwhelmed because it is less than 3 months until new years, but decided to take up the challenge and made a printable chart to help keep track and stay on target. As I created it, I realized it is totally possible (about 3 chapters a day on average). Who wants to do it with me?!

Download Available Here

Book of Mormon Chart General Womens Conference 2018

Here is the link to President Russell M. Nelson's 2018 Women's Conference Talk!

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Favorite Things

A little list of my favorite things lately that are bringing sunshine and joy in life lately:

1. We Bought a Zoo = favorite movie ever! I watched it again recently and just makes me so happy.

2. This boy "Yu" at the park! He is our new friend and gets SO EXCITED to see Luke! He can't speak english EXCEPT somehow knows every single construction truck by name and vehicle in english (excavator, cement mixer, dump truck) He had a "bus" on his t-shirt one day and I pointed and said "bus" and he pointed at his shirt and corrected me and said "double-decker bus."

3. Nashi Pears- One of the seasonal fruits right now in Japan that I discovered this year. They are crisp but juicy and somehow so thirst-quenching and satisfying.

4. Luke talking and saying so many new words makes my day, everyday lately! He finally learned "peeze" for the first time this week and it's the BEST.

5. This Quote:

"May you always be the one who notices the little things that make the light pour through, and may they always remind you: there is more to life and there is more to you." -Morgan Harper Nichols

6. Waking up at 5am! I love my morning runs and reading and weekly yoga with Riley SO MUCH before Luke gets up. It makes me so happy and accomplished before 8am.

7. Audible- So many dang good books lately that I have been able to listen too. It's my FAVORITE APP that makes reading while multitasking and being a mom so possible.

8. SAINTS- speaking of good books. . . I'm over half way done with the new church history book that was recently released in the Gospel App (they also have audio version there)! I've been learning SO MUCH and just love how things are in context. Feeling so much light and love for the pioneer saints and Prophet Joseph Smith.

9. General Conference is practically here!!! One of the best weekends all year. Excited to be uplifted and inspired by lots of good talks and music.

10. All caught up with backing up pictures and the blog finally (except Caden's wedding, but still waiting on pics). YAY! Lots of good summer Idaho memories recorded, and now time to make some autumn ones!

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Tokyo Ueno Zoo

Sept.22 One of the very best things about having a kid is seeing the world again through new eyes. We had so much fun going to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo and loved seeing all the animals and playing together as a family.