"Serenity comes from service and sacrifice"

I am going to begin a new chapter to the Vallender Blog...by way of request, I am going to do a daily spiritual thought and insight.  I am sure that I will be the main one to benefit from such a practice as will my family.  Assuredly I will become more peaceful, meek, kind, and patient as I eagerly and steadily study the word to share here.  Hopefully my children and family will have it as a personal record of revelation from me.
So as I do this, I hope that God's spirit will be with me and in the words that I share.  The main thought on my mind today is this theme that serenity comes from service and sacrifice.  As I watched the General Conference for our church (http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2013/10?cid=HPFR100413105&lang=eng).  I felt great inspiration to do the things I need to do to change my life for the better.  So, I guess here goes something of my self sought serenity in the following posts.

Summer 2013 Photo Dump

 My kids first performance ever, and it was together.  Wild West Round up.  They each had a solo.  They sang and danced alot!  Joshua did You are my sunshine, and made me cry!

 Joshua getting ready for his baptism in this picture by the water.  He is excited.

 Happy Fathers Day Elan.  Haha, no real pool to cool off in, so he jumped in with the kids.  Best dad ever!

 Linda and Timmy love to play together, especially with grandpa.

 ASU? UofU?  I don't know...but she definitely has the makes for a cheerleader

 Happy Mothers Day, Serenade by Cello and all.  Homeade gluten free breakfast and jewelry from my kids.

 San Diego Beach trip with Myrna and Juliette.  Was so much fun without the van breaking down!

 Joshua made all stars in Little league baseball this year.  Grandpa coached a winning team.

 Naomi's first and possibly last ballet recital.  The singing and dancing stage is more up her alley.

 Painting with Grandma!  Got to find more to do inside in this heat.

 Sedona discovery 2013.  I have no idea how we found this Zion like trail with a river running through it, but I will take it anyday.  Was awesome

 Holding my newest nephew Maximus.  I love little boys!

 Happy 2nd bday Linda Grace. You are the light of our lives.

 Abuelitas funeral.  She passes away, but is not forgotten.

 Indoor fort and gamecube with his buddy.  Life is good here.

 Freddy was baptized first, and Joshua was so excited to be there.

 My new phase in life, gluten, dairy, and egg free.  My roasted veggie pesto pizza.  good right? :)

 My not so good cake from Alabama.  Ben showed me up with a cake from Ajs

Kids