Sunday, before Sacrament Meeting, one of our Stake High Councilmen (who is also in our ward) asked me about Trek and how I was doing. My reply was that it was hard and if I had known how hard it was going to be, it might have had second thoughts about going. This is pretty much where our conversation ended. During the meeting, the thought came to me that if I had not gone, I would not have had the experiences or the blessings I received from going. So after the meeting, I went back up to him and told him that even if I had known what it was going to be like before going, I would still go so that I could have the experiences and blessings I received from being on Trek. I can't even describe in words the feelings and connections I feel towards trek but only leave it at that it was awesome and I would not trade it for anything.
As I was getting ready for my day this morning, I was thinking about that conversation and I got to thinking that this might have been what the premortal life was like. In many cases we probably knew (at least a little bit) of what we were getting ourselves into coming to this earth but we still chose to come despite the trials and challenges we were to face. We may have known that we would be disabled, live a life of poverty or even suffer abuse from the hand of someone we love but we still chose to come because we knew that if we didn't, we would forgo all the experiences and blessings our Heavenly Father has for us. We would not be able to become like our Heavenly Father.
Oh, the sweetness of the Gospel and knowing the Plan of Salvation!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
My Application
Tonight, our family read "Nephi's Psalm" from 2 Nephi 4. About a year ago, I read a book where the author, when she was speaking somewhere or was a leader in her ward, gave everyone the challenge to write their own psalm. When I read her experience (and those of others), I decided I would write my own psalm patterned after Nephi's. So, here it is:
"O fickled woman that I am! Yea, I keep doing stupid things like being hard on myself and uncertain of my abilities and talents. I'm surrounded by temptations like reality TV and Internet websites that aren't bad but zap away precious moments better spent preparing lessons or helping my children with their chores now that mine are done for the day. And I'm sorry that I don't seem stronger, that I sometimes give in. And when I desire to rejoice and finally get started on those scrapbooks that have piles in the corner, I find myself getting frustrated with the fact that I put it off for so long and my inadequacies.
However, there have been many times I prayed and received strength and support from my God. I remember receiving help from my Heavenly Father one time when I was extremely frustrated after a rough day of an unruly child. I was not the kind of mother I wanted to be but I turned in prayer to find that through Him, tomorrow is a new day and the change to be that mother again. He has blessed me with great children who, in their ways, have shown that they are listening. He has blessed me with a wonderful, supportive husband who love me in spite of me. He has blessed me with many great friends who I have quickly numbered as my family. They have come to mean so much as I have learned how to be a better person from each of them.
He blesses me so much that I shouldn't get weighed down with something as silly as the kitchen floor that hasn't been swept in days or that my skin isn't as perfect as I would like it to be. He has guided me in my callings, He has comforted me in my loses and I know He has rejoiced when I have stretched beyond what I thought I was capable of.
Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart. I WILL NOT GIVE UP TRYING! I will not get down on myself or give up because another activity, lesson or spiritual moment didn't go as I thought it should. I will not give up on my righteous goal of reading the Relief Society lesson just because they only one I can bounce my thoughts off is my sweet, patient husband. I will not give up on my closest friends who have strayed from the light because I know they need the warmth of the light just as much as I do. If the Lord has helped me before, then I trust that He will help me now! I will lift up my voice unto my God in prayer because I know He answers prayers. I will pray fro more faith, humility, and strength as I accept this new calling in the face of ever increasing turbulent world. I will pray for guidance, answers and blessings but most of all, I will never quit praying for help. Amen."
I wrote this shortly after I was called to be our ward's Young Women's President (hence the mention of calling). I was feeling a little overwhelmed with magnitude of what I was about to face (as I wasn't sustained by that point). A year later, I still feel overwhelmed from time to time but I know that Heavenly Father has truly blessed me with strength. I have seen growth in our efforts and I have seen growth in myself. The interesting thing though is that the more growth I have seen or experienced, the stronger the challenges seem. Very interesting!
Keep the faith and endure to the end!
"O fickled woman that I am! Yea, I keep doing stupid things like being hard on myself and uncertain of my abilities and talents. I'm surrounded by temptations like reality TV and Internet websites that aren't bad but zap away precious moments better spent preparing lessons or helping my children with their chores now that mine are done for the day. And I'm sorry that I don't seem stronger, that I sometimes give in. And when I desire to rejoice and finally get started on those scrapbooks that have piles in the corner, I find myself getting frustrated with the fact that I put it off for so long and my inadequacies.
However, there have been many times I prayed and received strength and support from my God. I remember receiving help from my Heavenly Father one time when I was extremely frustrated after a rough day of an unruly child. I was not the kind of mother I wanted to be but I turned in prayer to find that through Him, tomorrow is a new day and the change to be that mother again. He has blessed me with great children who, in their ways, have shown that they are listening. He has blessed me with a wonderful, supportive husband who love me in spite of me. He has blessed me with many great friends who I have quickly numbered as my family. They have come to mean so much as I have learned how to be a better person from each of them.
He blesses me so much that I shouldn't get weighed down with something as silly as the kitchen floor that hasn't been swept in days or that my skin isn't as perfect as I would like it to be. He has guided me in my callings, He has comforted me in my loses and I know He has rejoiced when I have stretched beyond what I thought I was capable of.
Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart. I WILL NOT GIVE UP TRYING! I will not get down on myself or give up because another activity, lesson or spiritual moment didn't go as I thought it should. I will not give up on my righteous goal of reading the Relief Society lesson just because they only one I can bounce my thoughts off is my sweet, patient husband. I will not give up on my closest friends who have strayed from the light because I know they need the warmth of the light just as much as I do. If the Lord has helped me before, then I trust that He will help me now! I will lift up my voice unto my God in prayer because I know He answers prayers. I will pray fro more faith, humility, and strength as I accept this new calling in the face of ever increasing turbulent world. I will pray for guidance, answers and blessings but most of all, I will never quit praying for help. Amen."
I wrote this shortly after I was called to be our ward's Young Women's President (hence the mention of calling). I was feeling a little overwhelmed with magnitude of what I was about to face (as I wasn't sustained by that point). A year later, I still feel overwhelmed from time to time but I know that Heavenly Father has truly blessed me with strength. I have seen growth in our efforts and I have seen growth in myself. The interesting thing though is that the more growth I have seen or experienced, the stronger the challenges seem. Very interesting!
Keep the faith and endure to the end!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sometimes peer pressure isn't a bad thing!
When I'm asked about peer pressure, I can now say that sometimes it's not a bad thing. I have a good friend who started blogging about her shopping trips (thebargainjargon.com) and how she got those great deals. I have been following now for a couple of months and today was my first venture without checking out what someone else did because I had several Walgreens register rewards coupons that were expiring today and later in the week so I took advantage of adding to our storage. Here's what I was able to do:
So, here's how I did it (just remember that I only got these things because I had free money that was going to be thrown away if I didn't use them today and I just couldn't let that happen):
Transaction #1 :
(3) boxes Kellogs Special K cereal $10
(3) Mars brand candy bars $.89 each
(1) Colgate MaxFresh toothpaste $2.99
Then I used:
In-ad coupon for the Mars brand candy bars for $.49 each (limit of 6).
(3) $1 off coupons for Special K
(1) $1 off coupon for Colgate
(1) $2 off Walgreens register reward earned in previous weeks
(2) $3 off Walgreens register reward earned in previous weeks
I paid $2.75 out of pocket and received a register reward coupon for $3 from the Special K and $2 from the Colgate toothpaste. So I got everything in this transaction for free and earned $2.25.
Transaction #2:
(1) Omega-3 Fish Oil Tablets $8
(1) Colgate MaxFresh toothpaste $2.99
(5) Mars brand candy bars $.89 each
Then I used:
In-ad coupon for the Mars brand candy bars for $.49 each (limit of 6).
(1) $1 off coupon for Colgate
(2) $3 off Walgreens register reward earned in previous weeks
(1) $2 off Walgreens register reward earned in previous weeks
(2) $2.50 off Walgreens register reward earned in previous weeks
I paid $2.96 out of pocket and received a register reward coupon for $8 from the fish oil and $2 from the Colgate toothpaste. So I got everything in this transaction for free and earned $7.04.
Transaction #3
(1) Colgate MaxWhite toothbrush $2.99
(2) Mars brand candy bars.
Then I used:
In-ad coupon for the Mars brand candy bars for $.49 each (limit of 6).
(1) $1 off Colgate toothbrush
(1) $2 off Walgreens register reward earned in previous weeks
I paid $1.25 out of pocket and received another register reward for $2 making everything in this purchase free too and earning $.75.
I know that is a lot of candy bars but when you're using register rewards with manufacturer coupons, you need some filler items. It's a good thing I bought some toothpaste and a toothbrush to go with them! Anyways, I may have been able to do better but I think I didn't do too bad with my first on-my-own Walgreens trip. Thank you Christy for helping me become a better steward with the money the my Heavenly Father has entrusted my husband and I with!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
It's been awhile since we've (or I) have posted and I can't really say why. Time just flies so fast that I can't keep track anymore. Here we are only a week or so before Kate's 2nd birthday and I keep asking myself wasn't it just yesterday that she was just a tiny infant in our arms? It's crazy but it's also amazing to see the growth that she and the rest of us have gone through just having her in our lives. We love her very much.
Brent is still dealing with school and is really glad the last term is over. He really struggled this last term with balancing life, work, family, church and school and the result was lower grades. He passed the classes enough to keep on the good side with Boeing but not enough for himself. So he's set the goal of doing school work early in the week especially since we have busy weekends.
Morgan, Britt and Jesse just finished this state's standardized testing and I'm certainly glad to have that behind us. Washington has opted to stop their current test and go to another. I don't understand what the big deal is about it because the requirement that the children still pass it in order to graduate is still there. What happened to the days when these tests were administered to test the results of what was being taught in the classroom and the children's retention? Oh well, I'm just hoping that with this new test and the promise that they're going to make them computerized might actually help Morgan and he loves the computer.
For me, things have been a virtual roller coaster. My mom has now been living in Washington about 8 months and it's been harder for me than I thought. There have been days where I've just called her to say that I just can't do it that day. I love my mom and I know that she deserves to get out to but sometimes I just can't add one more thing to my plate and I will not cut out my husband or children. She wears on me a little more emotionally than I thought she would. She struggles with her own identity (a daughter of God and being worthy of that) that it's hard to be around the negativity. No matter how much I tell her I know that she is a cherished daughter of our Heavenly Father, no matter how many scriptures I quote or give to her to look up, she doesn't let it took root into her heart. I love her and it breaks my heart that she is struggling so much. My prayer for her is that she can someday find peace with who she is and that she is worthy of all the blessings Heavenly Father has promised to each of us as she does what she can to live the commandments and make Him apart of her life.
I've now hit the year mark in my calling and I can't believe that has gone by so fast. These young women that I serve with are amazing. They have had so much thrown at them but yet they are firm in their testimony and even love to share it with their friends. They each have amazing talents and abilities that make coming to Mutual and Church meetings enjoyable and rewarding. They make me want to be a better person too.
I hope that you are all doing well. Remember to keep the faith and endure to the end, especially today.
Brent is still dealing with school and is really glad the last term is over. He really struggled this last term with balancing life, work, family, church and school and the result was lower grades. He passed the classes enough to keep on the good side with Boeing but not enough for himself. So he's set the goal of doing school work early in the week especially since we have busy weekends.
Morgan, Britt and Jesse just finished this state's standardized testing and I'm certainly glad to have that behind us. Washington has opted to stop their current test and go to another. I don't understand what the big deal is about it because the requirement that the children still pass it in order to graduate is still there. What happened to the days when these tests were administered to test the results of what was being taught in the classroom and the children's retention? Oh well, I'm just hoping that with this new test and the promise that they're going to make them computerized might actually help Morgan and he loves the computer.
For me, things have been a virtual roller coaster. My mom has now been living in Washington about 8 months and it's been harder for me than I thought. There have been days where I've just called her to say that I just can't do it that day. I love my mom and I know that she deserves to get out to but sometimes I just can't add one more thing to my plate and I will not cut out my husband or children. She wears on me a little more emotionally than I thought she would. She struggles with her own identity (a daughter of God and being worthy of that) that it's hard to be around the negativity. No matter how much I tell her I know that she is a cherished daughter of our Heavenly Father, no matter how many scriptures I quote or give to her to look up, she doesn't let it took root into her heart. I love her and it breaks my heart that she is struggling so much. My prayer for her is that she can someday find peace with who she is and that she is worthy of all the blessings Heavenly Father has promised to each of us as she does what she can to live the commandments and make Him apart of her life.
I've now hit the year mark in my calling and I can't believe that has gone by so fast. These young women that I serve with are amazing. They have had so much thrown at them but yet they are firm in their testimony and even love to share it with their friends. They each have amazing talents and abilities that make coming to Mutual and Church meetings enjoyable and rewarding. They make me want to be a better person too.
I hope that you are all doing well. Remember to keep the faith and endure to the end, especially today.
Monday, March 9, 2009
New Update
Hi All -
Just a quick update to let you know that we are all doing well but we've been incredibly busy. Brent just got released as our Ward Clerk and is now serving as the Varsity Scout Leader which means he is working with the scouts ages 14 & 15. Yes, I know, that means we're both at Mutual every week but we're making it work (so far). Brent is so excited to be involved with the Scouts and is looking forward to helping each of them achieve their scouting goals.
Morgan has been playing 7th grade Basketball for the last few weeks and is having a great time. They only have 6 games and he'll only be playing 3 of them but he has really enjoyed being involved in this new sport.
Britt is doing Girl Scout Cookie booths right now and that means that we have been just as busy getting her prepared and delivery cookies. Yikes. Does it every slow down?
Thank goodness Jesse only has Activity Day activities every other week. I am so grateful her interests are very limited right now. She only has this activity and her friends. YEAH!
And then there is Kate who seems to be growing faster than I can run. She is almost 2 years old and runs around like she owns the world. Except she won't go to Nursery. Yikes. But we're working on that. I was actually able to get her to stay in Nursery for the first hour yesterday and play with her friend Izzy (although I had to stay in there with her and play too). Once I got up to leave for Young Women's, she did not want anything to do with being left there by herself. Oh well. She get there soon enough and then we'll never get her to stay home I'm sure.
I love my family!
Just a quick update to let you know that we are all doing well but we've been incredibly busy. Brent just got released as our Ward Clerk and is now serving as the Varsity Scout Leader which means he is working with the scouts ages 14 & 15. Yes, I know, that means we're both at Mutual every week but we're making it work (so far). Brent is so excited to be involved with the Scouts and is looking forward to helping each of them achieve their scouting goals.
Morgan has been playing 7th grade Basketball for the last few weeks and is having a great time. They only have 6 games and he'll only be playing 3 of them but he has really enjoyed being involved in this new sport.
Britt is doing Girl Scout Cookie booths right now and that means that we have been just as busy getting her prepared and delivery cookies. Yikes. Does it every slow down?
Thank goodness Jesse only has Activity Day activities every other week. I am so grateful her interests are very limited right now. She only has this activity and her friends. YEAH!
And then there is Kate who seems to be growing faster than I can run. She is almost 2 years old and runs around like she owns the world. Except she won't go to Nursery. Yikes. But we're working on that. I was actually able to get her to stay in Nursery for the first hour yesterday and play with her friend Izzy (although I had to stay in there with her and play too). Once I got up to leave for Young Women's, she did not want anything to do with being left there by herself. Oh well. She get there soon enough and then we'll never get her to stay home I'm sure.
I love my family!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Look who had a birthday!
Hey all! Yesterday was Britt's birthday! Yikes! 11 years old and on the verge of teenage hood. I can't believe how time flies but she is a wonderful young woman I look forward to what here teenage years bring us (or at least that's what I'm telling myself).
We spent the weekend spoiling her and celebrating her birthday in different ways. Saturday I took her to Build A Bear because she received a certificate to get a free one for her birthday. Saturday night we did her birthday dinner so that Grandma could be there too and she got spoiled but she wouldn't let the restaurant people sing to her. She is quite the shy one. For her actual birthday, she got French Toast for breakfast and the day spent putting her Science Fair project together. Fun times!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Britt's Bowling Pin
Britt's Girl Scout Troop went bowling last night and this is what she brought home with her:
She's calling it her baby and she needs a name for it. Any suggestions? When she was a little girl, she said once that she was going to marry someone named Rolling Ball. I guess having a bowling pin as a baby makes since if she does marry Rolling Ball. I'm just joking with Britt. I can't let her live down the Rolling Ball story. It's funny. Anyways, the whole troop was able to take pins homes as suvinors of their nights fun. Way to go! Another cool paper weight in our home.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Our Weekly Update (sort of)
Here we are at semester end for Morgan (He got 5 B's and 1 A and boy did he work hard for them)! Next semester brings mostly the same classes so hopefully he's realized that with a little more work and getting his assignments in on time, he could easily have straight A's. I'm just so excited he was able to pull his English grade from a D up to a B. We didn't think that it was possible to see anything beyond the a C with the way he's struggled all semester but he did it and he did it with getting his work done and doing extra credit. Way to go, Morgan!
Britt has had a busy week too. She's getting ready for the Science Fair since she's in fifth grade this year and it's required for every fifth grader to participate in it. (yuck!) She found a project that really interests her and she is eagerly preparing for it. She is also actively participating in Activity Days and Girls Scouts. This past Monday she turned in her Girl Scout Cookie order with 161 orders. Yeah! Thank you to everyone for helping her work towards her goal. Their troop is trying to earn enough money to get to Disneyland this summer. If you missed getting your box of cookies, it's too late for pre-sales but we can get extra boxes, just let us know what and how many. Every little bit helps get them to their goal.
Jesse has been a little lost all week. One of her best friends have been out of town all week taking her older brother to the MTC to start his mission. She spent a good portion of an hour on the phone with another one of her friends talking about missing Emma. I'm so glad to see my kids have such close friends. Especially ones that are good kids.
Kate is just Kate. She's been nursery age now for about 3 months but has yet to actually go into nursery and stay for the whole time. Last week she won't even let Brent sit with her in there without crying. Brent ended up just bringing her out and she went to class with me. She doesn't like to be anywhere without someone she is comfortable. She doesn't even like it when people talk to her at the store. I was at Albertson's yesterday with her and my mom. I walked away for a minute to get something I missed on a previous aisle and a gentlemen stopped to talk to her. She realized at the point I had walked away and she freaked out. My mom ended up having to come get me because she won't calm down until she saw me again. She has become my "cling-on" child. At least she lets me get things done.
Brent and I too have been busy. We just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. Where does the time go when you're having fun? It hasn't been all highs but we're still in love and loving every minute we have together. Brent is still working on his Master's but should be done this upcoming August (as long as his employer keeps paying for it). As many of you know, Brent works for Boeing and they have announced lay-offs. We don't know if Brent will be laid off or not but so far so good. We keep praying things we keep the way they are but sometimes Heavenly Father has something else in mind.
As for myself, the above says it all. I am constantly juggling everything for everyone as well as keep myself wrapped around the home responsibilities and my callings. It's all busy but I try and make time everyday for the little things that make it all worth while.
Keep the faith!
Britt has had a busy week too. She's getting ready for the Science Fair since she's in fifth grade this year and it's required for every fifth grader to participate in it. (yuck!) She found a project that really interests her and she is eagerly preparing for it. She is also actively participating in Activity Days and Girls Scouts. This past Monday she turned in her Girl Scout Cookie order with 161 orders. Yeah! Thank you to everyone for helping her work towards her goal. Their troop is trying to earn enough money to get to Disneyland this summer. If you missed getting your box of cookies, it's too late for pre-sales but we can get extra boxes, just let us know what and how many. Every little bit helps get them to their goal.
Jesse has been a little lost all week. One of her best friends have been out of town all week taking her older brother to the MTC to start his mission. She spent a good portion of an hour on the phone with another one of her friends talking about missing Emma. I'm so glad to see my kids have such close friends. Especially ones that are good kids.
Kate is just Kate. She's been nursery age now for about 3 months but has yet to actually go into nursery and stay for the whole time. Last week she won't even let Brent sit with her in there without crying. Brent ended up just bringing her out and she went to class with me. She doesn't like to be anywhere without someone she is comfortable. She doesn't even like it when people talk to her at the store. I was at Albertson's yesterday with her and my mom. I walked away for a minute to get something I missed on a previous aisle and a gentlemen stopped to talk to her. She realized at the point I had walked away and she freaked out. My mom ended up having to come get me because she won't calm down until she saw me again. She has become my "cling-on" child. At least she lets me get things done.
Brent and I too have been busy. We just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. Where does the time go when you're having fun? It hasn't been all highs but we're still in love and loving every minute we have together. Brent is still working on his Master's but should be done this upcoming August (as long as his employer keeps paying for it). As many of you know, Brent works for Boeing and they have announced lay-offs. We don't know if Brent will be laid off or not but so far so good. We keep praying things we keep the way they are but sometimes Heavenly Father has something else in mind.
As for myself, the above says it all. I am constantly juggling everything for everyone as well as keep myself wrapped around the home responsibilities and my callings. It's all busy but I try and make time everyday for the little things that make it all worth while.
Keep the faith!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Morgan's Amazing Adventures
So, Morgan received another award today for his heroism. Lt. Jim Glass (the Fireman who came to Court of Honor last December) nominated Morgan for the Young Humanitarian Real Heroes Award from the Red Cross and was picked to receive the award. It was an honor to have Morgan participate in this award and it was an awesome awards breakfast we attended with him. He was included in extraordinary group of people who, like him, went out of their own comfort zones to reach out to someone it need. To listen to each of their stories was inspiring. I would hope that we would all follow their examples by moving out of our comfort zones to reach out to those in need, emergency or not. One such hero today was recognized for give her kidney to a person who she only knew from her beverage of choice in the place where she worked. Wow! I wish we were surrounded more by stories like these.
We took the camera and recorded his award and acceptance for all of you who could not attend with us. Thank you to everyone for recognizing Morgan's heroism. I know it is from the examples all around him that has taught Morgan to reach out to others around him.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Temple Square at Christmas Time
Hi All!
We're home and are slowing getting back into some normal schedule. I thought I'd share a few of our pictures from Christmas Eve on Temple Square.
It was a cold night but we enjoyed the lights and nativity scenes decorating Temple Square and surrounding area. The kids really enjoyed the hill just behind them in the above picture with the Temple in the background because they were able to "ski" down.
Along the walk way by the Church office building, there were luminaries, each one with messages of joy in different languages.
We had a lot of fun being home with Brent's family and reconnecting with some of my family. We haven't been with family for the holidays in the 7 1/2 years we've lived here. We had a great time and it was hard to leave but we're also happy to be home again.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Morgan in the News
Morgan made our local newspaper today for his quick thinking and heroism. Here's the link just in case Brent didn't send you the link already.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/puyallup/story/564255.html
All I can say is "wow". I don't know if I would have done the same thing and I'm an adult. What a crazy thing. I'm just trying not to let thoughts of what could have happen get to me because that just sends me into a panic that I think would detour Morgan from reaching out to help others again for fear of how his mother would react.
I am proud of Morgan and his ability to focus and quick thinking under pressure to help others stay safe. I know that he was being protected that day. Heavenly Father was aware of what he was doing and sent his angels to help keep him safe.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/puyallup/story/564255.html
All I can say is "wow". I don't know if I would have done the same thing and I'm an adult. What a crazy thing. I'm just trying not to let thoughts of what could have happen get to me because that just sends me into a panic that I think would detour Morgan from reaching out to help others again for fear of how his mother would react.
I am proud of Morgan and his ability to focus and quick thinking under pressure to help others stay safe. I know that he was being protected that day. Heavenly Father was aware of what he was doing and sent his angels to help keep him safe.
Friday, December 5, 2008
End of the Week Update
Hey all - Well, it's the end of the week and what have I done? Or better yet, what have I not done but don't really have the evidence that I've done anything? Isn't that the life story of every mom out there.
I have exactly two more weeks before I officially become the mother of a teenager. Yes, Morgan turns 13 on the 19th. Crazy, I know but that's the truth. Brent and I were looking at his baby pictures we have hanging in our hallway the other night wondering where the time had gone. It doesn't seem that long ago ... but on the other hand, it seems a million years ago. Yikes!
The kids are counting down to winter break. They can't wait to travel to Utah. It's hard to judge which they're more excited for, Christmas or seeing family. Or is it not having school for two weeks? Alright, it's seeing family. It's funny how the anticipation of gifts has been overshadowed by traveling somewhere for the holiday.
The other day as we were driving home from some youth activity, I made the comment about how many more houses seemed to be decorated this year for the holidays. I don't know if it's something I didn't notice in years past but one seems not to be able to drive through any given neighborhood and find 50% to 75% of the homes decked out in lights. Driving through neighborhoods for the light shows has always been a tradition that Brent and I have had since we were dating the Christmas before we were married. It's nice to see more people getting into the holiday spirit and letting it show (or shine).
If there's one thing I can share with you all tonight, it's take time with your family. You don't know how quickly they grow and move on to other things. When we establish traditions when they're young, they'll long to keep those going even when they're grown and gone.
Keep in touch, keep the faith and endure to the end.
I have exactly two more weeks before I officially become the mother of a teenager. Yes, Morgan turns 13 on the 19th. Crazy, I know but that's the truth. Brent and I were looking at his baby pictures we have hanging in our hallway the other night wondering where the time had gone. It doesn't seem that long ago ... but on the other hand, it seems a million years ago. Yikes!
The kids are counting down to winter break. They can't wait to travel to Utah. It's hard to judge which they're more excited for, Christmas or seeing family. Or is it not having school for two weeks? Alright, it's seeing family. It's funny how the anticipation of gifts has been overshadowed by traveling somewhere for the holiday.
The other day as we were driving home from some youth activity, I made the comment about how many more houses seemed to be decorated this year for the holidays. I don't know if it's something I didn't notice in years past but one seems not to be able to drive through any given neighborhood and find 50% to 75% of the homes decked out in lights. Driving through neighborhoods for the light shows has always been a tradition that Brent and I have had since we were dating the Christmas before we were married. It's nice to see more people getting into the holiday spirit and letting it show (or shine).
If there's one thing I can share with you all tonight, it's take time with your family. You don't know how quickly they grow and move on to other things. When we establish traditions when they're young, they'll long to keep those going even when they're grown and gone.
Keep in touch, keep the faith and endure to the end.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Just in case someone out there is reading our site and wondering why we haven't posted since May, I thought I'd get on and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that your holiday is a good one and that you find many things to be thankful for. We are surrounded by many things Heavenly Father has blessed us with that it 's always hard to pinpoint a just a few. The kids really liked sharing those things around the table at our thanksgiving meal but I can never think of just one thing. My list is always long and is ever increasing. This is probably where having a gratitude journal comes in real handy.
Anyways, we hope that you are all well. We (I mean me) are trying to be more diligent in keeping this going. I (I mean we) have so much going on that sometimes it's hard to sit and type in some thoughts. Someday we'll (I mean me) have it all together.
So here's a thought for the day, take President Eyring's counsel and keep a gratitude journal. There is nothing like looking back and seeing how Heavenly Father has blessed you. I recently read his talk to the Priesthood from this last General Conference and he talked about the feelings of inadequacies when it comes to callings and responsibilities. He advices that when those thoughts and doubts creep in, that we need to turn to our Savior. Having a gratitude journal helps us to look back on how we've been blessed. Counting our blessings helps us to recognize the Savior and Heavenly Father's hand in our lives.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Anyways, we hope that you are all well. We (I mean me) are trying to be more diligent in keeping this going. I (I mean we) have so much going on that sometimes it's hard to sit and type in some thoughts. Someday we'll (I mean me) have it all together.
So here's a thought for the day, take President Eyring's counsel and keep a gratitude journal. There is nothing like looking back and seeing how Heavenly Father has blessed you. I recently read his talk to the Priesthood from this last General Conference and he talked about the feelings of inadequacies when it comes to callings and responsibilities. He advices that when those thoughts and doubts creep in, that we need to turn to our Savior. Having a gratitude journal helps us to look back on how we've been blessed. Counting our blessings helps us to recognize the Savior and Heavenly Father's hand in our lives.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Hey to Everyone,As most of you know I graduated last October from DeVry University and landed a job at Boeing in February. Well a few things have come from this:
1) We are better off financially and I have to say really blessed that Nikki has the mindset of paying things off so that we can be debt free and have a savings. Were not there yet but getting closer daily.
2) It has allowed me to be home in the evenings which is something I have not been able to do realistically in years and I am really enjoying being with my wife and family. I think they also really enjoy seeing dad more often then just the weekends.
3) It has given me a better perspective on technology and an ease that has allowed me to accept several opportunities to serve. The most recent is that I am working on a small database for the Seattle Temple so that they know who can speak a foreign language and when they are available to assist in ordinances at the Temple.
4) It has made me realize that even though I thought I would be good at it, I am not a programmer! Therefore I have a surprise:
Some of you may know already but for those of you who don't I am going back to school. I am going to go to Keller Graduate School of Management for my MBA (Masters of Business) with a concentration in Project Management. I will also be able to take the test to become a PMP (Project Management Professional) which will be a globally recognized certification. There are many things that make this exciting and I have the support of my beautiful wife in this decision. One of the best things is that I will not have to pay a penny as Boeing will pick up the entire bill as long as I keep my grades up. WOO HOO....
Anyway, hope all is well with all of you. Have a Great Day!Brent
1) We are better off financially and I have to say really blessed that Nikki has the mindset of paying things off so that we can be debt free and have a savings. Were not there yet but getting closer daily.
2) It has allowed me to be home in the evenings which is something I have not been able to do realistically in years and I am really enjoying being with my wife and family. I think they also really enjoy seeing dad more often then just the weekends.
3) It has given me a better perspective on technology and an ease that has allowed me to accept several opportunities to serve. The most recent is that I am working on a small database for the Seattle Temple so that they know who can speak a foreign language and when they are available to assist in ordinances at the Temple.
4) It has made me realize that even though I thought I would be good at it, I am not a programmer! Therefore I have a surprise:
Some of you may know already but for those of you who don't I am going back to school. I am going to go to Keller Graduate School of Management for my MBA (Masters of Business) with a concentration in Project Management. I will also be able to take the test to become a PMP (Project Management Professional) which will be a globally recognized certification. There are many things that make this exciting and I have the support of my beautiful wife in this decision. One of the best things is that I will not have to pay a penny as Boeing will pick up the entire bill as long as I keep my grades up. WOO HOO....
Anyway, hope all is well with all of you. Have a Great Day!Brent
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother's Day Talk
Hi all,
I gave a talk today in Sacrament meeting and thought I would share, enjoy!
Brent
Miss Jones was giving her second-grade students a lesson on science. “Here is a magnet,” she said. “It’s made of a kind of metal. Look how it can pickup nails, bobby pins, and other bits of iron.” The class watched with great fascination.
Then, by way of review, she asked, “All right class. My name begins with the letter ‘M’ and I pick up things. What am I?”
A little boy on the front row raised his hand and said, “You’re a mother.”
…
Happy Mother’s Day to all you sisters in the ward because you are either mothers or potential mothers and so I again I wish you Happy Mother’s Day.
…
Sister Marjorie D. Conder, curator at the Museum of Church History and Art, in an interview with the Church News in 1993 commented about the sacrifices made in the building of the Salt Lake Temple, "For those committed to the Kingdom, women and men, every resource which could be spared, even at great personal sacrifice, was plowed into the completion of the temple.
"This meant that in a time of expanding inventions and modernization, many women continued to perform daily tasks in old-fashioned and more difficult ways because family resources which could have made their lives easier were often diverted to finishing the temple. Thus for some women, every batch of laundry done in a more physically demanding way instead of with a washing machine was a consecrated sacrifice offered to the completion of the temple."
Temple project wages were modest and many workmen donated their time, she added. Skilled artisans were critically needed to complete the temple, but there was also work at much higher wages for these same artisans elsewhere in the territory.
"How many husbands and wives decided together to make the physical and financial sacrifices to finish the temple?" Sister Conder asked. "The women may not have been down at the temple site, but the fact that they were willing to have their husbands there showed personal sacrifice and commitment.
"These sacrifices are largely unknown and unvalued. It's not the kind of sacrifice that makes a story, but it's the sacrifice that made a temple," she remarked. "It was sacrifice that was unseen and unvalued even perhaps by those who had witnessed it or were giving it. Yet it was known to God and accepted of God as a sacrifice. . . .
"Seeing the larger picture and being willing to sacrifice in practical everyday ways for a larger cause, even if none but God could see and understand, is intuitive and central to women's spiritual lives," Sister Conder concluded.
Not only was the sacrifice of building the temple intuitive to women's spiritual lives, but completion of the temple has since brought women even more opportunities to grow as they have served in the sacred edifice through the years.
(Among the Silent Builders , LDS Church News, 1993, 03/20/93 .)
Let’s talk a little about how sacrifice is viewed today: I am constantly hearing about how someone has had to sacrifice time, energy, and monies to some cause and it has not always been talked about positively. In fact just the opposite is most of the time true. For the most part they feel cheated or put out by “having” to do this sacrifice they are talking about. How sad it is that they do not know little Zane May who we heard last week drew a picture of Jesus on the cross with a smile on his face. How sad it is that they may feel no value for their sacrifice. How sad it is that they do not truly understand what sacrifice is or what blessings it can bring.
Most of the dictionaries I looked in defined sacrifice as giving something up or offering animal/human sacrifices to appease the gods. But I think the very best definition I was able to come across was “to make sacred” and this is the type of sacrifice I wish to address in my talk today. Gospel principles tells us that “Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever he requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further his work. The Lord commanded, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”. Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. I also would like to directly relate to the sacrifices that women make to keep the human race afloat, as this is Mother’s Day and it should be appropriately about the sisters.
Sister Okazaki in her book Lighten Up says it very well, she says, “I know there are many women throughout the Church who grew up in poverty. Women who have had to struggle and sacrifice to get an education. Women who have nonmember husbands or part-member families. Women who have dealt with infertility. Women who have felt the sting of racial prejudice. Women who have worked outside their homes, either as a career choice or out of necessity. Women who bear the emotional and physical burdens of ill health. Women who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Women who have left the traditional religion of their families to embrace the gospel.
(Chieko N. Okazaki, Lighten Up! [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1993], 3 - 4.)
While serving in the Florida, Tampa mission I came across a young lady in that last category. We had been teaching her boyfriend in the Palm Harbor Florida and she became interested in our discussions with him. She started asking questions one day and the follow up questions came on like a flood. Even though she was an actively participating member of her faith with responsibilities to teach and everything you could just tell she hungered for more. The answers we gave were almost astonishing to her as “she had always thought it was something different but didn’t know what it was that was that was different about religion that made her uneasy” with her church. Her testimony, her boyfriend’s interest and testimony and that of his mothers and grandmothers grew to a point that all four were baptized and became great students to the gospel. It was hardest for her because of her activity in the other church and her family’s belief. She finally had to come to the only conclusion that she saw as salvation: she had to give up her other church and feel the scorn of those who had lover her all her life. But she was willing to make the sacrifice she knew would ultimately lead to eternal life with her Father in Heaven.
Again referencing Gospel principles, “The Lord’s people have always sacrificed greatly and in many different ways. Some have suffered hardship and ridicule for the gospel. Some new converts to the Church (such as the sister in Florida) have been cut off from their families. Lifetime friends have turned away. Some members have lost jobs; some have lost their lives. But the Lord notices our sacrifices; he promises in Matthew 19:29, “Everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life”. As our testimonies of the gospel grow, we become able to make greater sacrifices to the Lord.” And they seem to become lighter and not quite the burden that the world sees sacrifice to be.
Some of the women we read about in the scriptures have made huge sacrifices on our behalf and we would not probably be where we are today if not for them:
1) First and foremost is mother Eve. God gave us the most important gift that we will ever have: The right and ability to choose for ourselves. But if you think about it if Eve had not given up living with her husband in paradise where everything was provided for her, where there she and her husband walked and talked with the Lord, where she knew for a fact she was loved, to know the good from the evil, we would not be here right now and they would still be in paradise. But she knew when she did that she would be able to do more good by knowing how to choose between the good and the evil. The blessing of course is that we are here today.
2) Another woman of the scriptures that gave a great sacrifice is Ruth. After her husband died she could have very easily gone back to live with her family, but seeing that her mother-in-law Naomi would be alone she chose to go to Bethlehem and live with her. The blessing received from her actions were that she was able to learn the Gospel from her mother-in-law, gain favor in the sight of Boaz who married her and gave her a child (for she had not been given one of her original husband before his death), and the generations that came after gave us King David and his royal line that included eventually our Savior Jesus Christ.
3) There are many many more woman of the scripture who gave up much for the benefit and blessings of the Lord:
A) Sariah, mother of Isaac, was probably given the knowledge out of the respect and love from her husband that he was given the task to sacrifice their son, but was willing to allow her husband Abraham the leniency to be tested by the Lord of his devotion to Him. The Blessing was the great nations that were born in righteousness to whom we all belong.
B) Sarah, the mother of Nephi, gave up the riches and luxuries that her husband’s wealth provided to follow him and his prophetic warnings, to dwell in tents, have her son’s (Laman and Lemeul) give great persecution to her husband Lehi and her son Nephi, and be lead on a great journey of hardship and strife. The Blessing is that today we have the Book of Mormon and the Gospel Restored in our day.
C) And how about the mother of the Son of God. When Christ was born she knew that he would have to deal with great hardships, persecutions, strife, and eventually a great sacrifice, the greatest sacrifice of all, his death that all mankind could be saved and live with our Father in Heaven again.
Mothers even today make some great sacrifices for us and as we all have a mother I wish to talk a little about them. It’s probably not easy being a mother when you have to go through some major bodily changes to give life to someone who may not always show you the greatest respect and knowing that your body will never truly be the same. It’s probably not easy to see your child struggle through the trials that he or she has been given to undertake. But what a wonderful blessing it is to see a beautiful smile from a youngster who sees you and lights up knowing that you will protect, lead, and guide them through this life. What a wonderful blessing it is to get that hug that wraps around you with no guile, completely loving you and conveying that love through that hug. What a wonderful blessing it must be when you see that through your righteous teachings your children make correct choices and learn to live the Gospel.
President Harold B Lee taught: “Woman has within her the power of creation in company with her legal and lawful husband here, and if sealed in celestial wedlock, she may have eternal increase in the world to come. Woman is the homemaker in her own home and an exemplar to her posterity in the generations that succeed her. Woman is the helpmeet to her husband and may render him more perfect that he otherwise would be. Woman’s influence can bless a community or a nation to that extent to which she develops her spiritual powers in harmony with the heaven-sent gifts with which she has been endowed by nature… Year in and year out, she may cast the aura of her calming and refining influence to make certain that her posterity will enjoy the opportunities to develop to their fullest potential their spiritual and physical natures.”
And I find his next statement particularly true in our home, “Mothers are the creators of the atmosphere in the home and do much to provide the strong foundation for their sons and daughters, to provide them with strength when they leave the influence of their homes.” Along with these words I want to add a poignant statement from President Brigham Young, “One thing is very true and we believe it, and it is that a woman is the glory of the man… When I reflect upon the duties and responsibilities”, and I would add the sacrifices, “devolving upon our mothers and sisters, and the influence they wield, I look upon them as the mainspring and soul of our being here.”
I would be amiss if I did not acknowledge the sacrifices the woman in my life has made in behalf of our family. She has through the course of the 14 plus years we have been married: worked while I could not provide fully for our family and went through school, put up with me going through a medical depression, bore four pregnancies that gave us four beautiful children, and put their physical and spiritual needs before her own to make sure they know that their Father in Heaven loves them. There is music in our home because she has taught them to sing. There are times of peace when a lesson of spirituality is taught by her. And there are sacrifices she has made to make our home a great place to be. She has also made sacrifices that have made her willingly available to the sisters she has served in the church and whom she surrounds herself. And the really neat thing is that I hear more about the blessings she feels from serving others than I do about sacrifices she feel she has made on their behalf.
This is the way sacrifice should be viewed and which we as Latter-Day Saints uniquely are able to perceive our Savior being as he gave of himself willingly and, again as little Bro. May has shown us, happily for our salvation.
I gave a talk today in Sacrament meeting and thought I would share, enjoy!
Brent
Miss Jones was giving her second-grade students a lesson on science. “Here is a magnet,” she said. “It’s made of a kind of metal. Look how it can pickup nails, bobby pins, and other bits of iron.” The class watched with great fascination.
Then, by way of review, she asked, “All right class. My name begins with the letter ‘M’ and I pick up things. What am I?”
A little boy on the front row raised his hand and said, “You’re a mother.”
…
Happy Mother’s Day to all you sisters in the ward because you are either mothers or potential mothers and so I again I wish you Happy Mother’s Day.
…
Sister Marjorie D. Conder, curator at the Museum of Church History and Art, in an interview with the Church News in 1993 commented about the sacrifices made in the building of the Salt Lake Temple, "For those committed to the Kingdom, women and men, every resource which could be spared, even at great personal sacrifice, was plowed into the completion of the temple.
"This meant that in a time of expanding inventions and modernization, many women continued to perform daily tasks in old-fashioned and more difficult ways because family resources which could have made their lives easier were often diverted to finishing the temple. Thus for some women, every batch of laundry done in a more physically demanding way instead of with a washing machine was a consecrated sacrifice offered to the completion of the temple."
Temple project wages were modest and many workmen donated their time, she added. Skilled artisans were critically needed to complete the temple, but there was also work at much higher wages for these same artisans elsewhere in the territory.
"How many husbands and wives decided together to make the physical and financial sacrifices to finish the temple?" Sister Conder asked. "The women may not have been down at the temple site, but the fact that they were willing to have their husbands there showed personal sacrifice and commitment.
"These sacrifices are largely unknown and unvalued. It's not the kind of sacrifice that makes a story, but it's the sacrifice that made a temple," she remarked. "It was sacrifice that was unseen and unvalued even perhaps by those who had witnessed it or were giving it. Yet it was known to God and accepted of God as a sacrifice. . . .
"Seeing the larger picture and being willing to sacrifice in practical everyday ways for a larger cause, even if none but God could see and understand, is intuitive and central to women's spiritual lives," Sister Conder concluded.
Not only was the sacrifice of building the temple intuitive to women's spiritual lives, but completion of the temple has since brought women even more opportunities to grow as they have served in the sacred edifice through the years.
(Among the Silent Builders , LDS Church News, 1993, 03/20/93 .)
Let’s talk a little about how sacrifice is viewed today: I am constantly hearing about how someone has had to sacrifice time, energy, and monies to some cause and it has not always been talked about positively. In fact just the opposite is most of the time true. For the most part they feel cheated or put out by “having” to do this sacrifice they are talking about. How sad it is that they do not know little Zane May who we heard last week drew a picture of Jesus on the cross with a smile on his face. How sad it is that they may feel no value for their sacrifice. How sad it is that they do not truly understand what sacrifice is or what blessings it can bring.
Most of the dictionaries I looked in defined sacrifice as giving something up or offering animal/human sacrifices to appease the gods. But I think the very best definition I was able to come across was “to make sacred” and this is the type of sacrifice I wish to address in my talk today. Gospel principles tells us that “Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever he requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further his work. The Lord commanded, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness”. Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. I also would like to directly relate to the sacrifices that women make to keep the human race afloat, as this is Mother’s Day and it should be appropriately about the sisters.
Sister Okazaki in her book Lighten Up says it very well, she says, “I know there are many women throughout the Church who grew up in poverty. Women who have had to struggle and sacrifice to get an education. Women who have nonmember husbands or part-member families. Women who have dealt with infertility. Women who have felt the sting of racial prejudice. Women who have worked outside their homes, either as a career choice or out of necessity. Women who bear the emotional and physical burdens of ill health. Women who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Women who have left the traditional religion of their families to embrace the gospel.
(Chieko N. Okazaki, Lighten Up! [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1993], 3 - 4.)
While serving in the Florida, Tampa mission I came across a young lady in that last category. We had been teaching her boyfriend in the Palm Harbor Florida and she became interested in our discussions with him. She started asking questions one day and the follow up questions came on like a flood. Even though she was an actively participating member of her faith with responsibilities to teach and everything you could just tell she hungered for more. The answers we gave were almost astonishing to her as “she had always thought it was something different but didn’t know what it was that was that was different about religion that made her uneasy” with her church. Her testimony, her boyfriend’s interest and testimony and that of his mothers and grandmothers grew to a point that all four were baptized and became great students to the gospel. It was hardest for her because of her activity in the other church and her family’s belief. She finally had to come to the only conclusion that she saw as salvation: she had to give up her other church and feel the scorn of those who had lover her all her life. But she was willing to make the sacrifice she knew would ultimately lead to eternal life with her Father in Heaven.
Again referencing Gospel principles, “The Lord’s people have always sacrificed greatly and in many different ways. Some have suffered hardship and ridicule for the gospel. Some new converts to the Church (such as the sister in Florida) have been cut off from their families. Lifetime friends have turned away. Some members have lost jobs; some have lost their lives. But the Lord notices our sacrifices; he promises in Matthew 19:29, “Everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life”. As our testimonies of the gospel grow, we become able to make greater sacrifices to the Lord.” And they seem to become lighter and not quite the burden that the world sees sacrifice to be.
Some of the women we read about in the scriptures have made huge sacrifices on our behalf and we would not probably be where we are today if not for them:
1) First and foremost is mother Eve. God gave us the most important gift that we will ever have: The right and ability to choose for ourselves. But if you think about it if Eve had not given up living with her husband in paradise where everything was provided for her, where there she and her husband walked and talked with the Lord, where she knew for a fact she was loved, to know the good from the evil, we would not be here right now and they would still be in paradise. But she knew when she did that she would be able to do more good by knowing how to choose between the good and the evil. The blessing of course is that we are here today.
2) Another woman of the scriptures that gave a great sacrifice is Ruth. After her husband died she could have very easily gone back to live with her family, but seeing that her mother-in-law Naomi would be alone she chose to go to Bethlehem and live with her. The blessing received from her actions were that she was able to learn the Gospel from her mother-in-law, gain favor in the sight of Boaz who married her and gave her a child (for she had not been given one of her original husband before his death), and the generations that came after gave us King David and his royal line that included eventually our Savior Jesus Christ.
3) There are many many more woman of the scripture who gave up much for the benefit and blessings of the Lord:
A) Sariah, mother of Isaac, was probably given the knowledge out of the respect and love from her husband that he was given the task to sacrifice their son, but was willing to allow her husband Abraham the leniency to be tested by the Lord of his devotion to Him. The Blessing was the great nations that were born in righteousness to whom we all belong.
B) Sarah, the mother of Nephi, gave up the riches and luxuries that her husband’s wealth provided to follow him and his prophetic warnings, to dwell in tents, have her son’s (Laman and Lemeul) give great persecution to her husband Lehi and her son Nephi, and be lead on a great journey of hardship and strife. The Blessing is that today we have the Book of Mormon and the Gospel Restored in our day.
C) And how about the mother of the Son of God. When Christ was born she knew that he would have to deal with great hardships, persecutions, strife, and eventually a great sacrifice, the greatest sacrifice of all, his death that all mankind could be saved and live with our Father in Heaven again.
Mothers even today make some great sacrifices for us and as we all have a mother I wish to talk a little about them. It’s probably not easy being a mother when you have to go through some major bodily changes to give life to someone who may not always show you the greatest respect and knowing that your body will never truly be the same. It’s probably not easy to see your child struggle through the trials that he or she has been given to undertake. But what a wonderful blessing it is to see a beautiful smile from a youngster who sees you and lights up knowing that you will protect, lead, and guide them through this life. What a wonderful blessing it is to get that hug that wraps around you with no guile, completely loving you and conveying that love through that hug. What a wonderful blessing it must be when you see that through your righteous teachings your children make correct choices and learn to live the Gospel.
President Harold B Lee taught: “Woman has within her the power of creation in company with her legal and lawful husband here, and if sealed in celestial wedlock, she may have eternal increase in the world to come. Woman is the homemaker in her own home and an exemplar to her posterity in the generations that succeed her. Woman is the helpmeet to her husband and may render him more perfect that he otherwise would be. Woman’s influence can bless a community or a nation to that extent to which she develops her spiritual powers in harmony with the heaven-sent gifts with which she has been endowed by nature… Year in and year out, she may cast the aura of her calming and refining influence to make certain that her posterity will enjoy the opportunities to develop to their fullest potential their spiritual and physical natures.”
And I find his next statement particularly true in our home, “Mothers are the creators of the atmosphere in the home and do much to provide the strong foundation for their sons and daughters, to provide them with strength when they leave the influence of their homes.” Along with these words I want to add a poignant statement from President Brigham Young, “One thing is very true and we believe it, and it is that a woman is the glory of the man… When I reflect upon the duties and responsibilities”, and I would add the sacrifices, “devolving upon our mothers and sisters, and the influence they wield, I look upon them as the mainspring and soul of our being here.”
I would be amiss if I did not acknowledge the sacrifices the woman in my life has made in behalf of our family. She has through the course of the 14 plus years we have been married: worked while I could not provide fully for our family and went through school, put up with me going through a medical depression, bore four pregnancies that gave us four beautiful children, and put their physical and spiritual needs before her own to make sure they know that their Father in Heaven loves them. There is music in our home because she has taught them to sing. There are times of peace when a lesson of spirituality is taught by her. And there are sacrifices she has made to make our home a great place to be. She has also made sacrifices that have made her willingly available to the sisters she has served in the church and whom she surrounds herself. And the really neat thing is that I hear more about the blessings she feels from serving others than I do about sacrifices she feel she has made on their behalf.
This is the way sacrifice should be viewed and which we as Latter-Day Saints uniquely are able to perceive our Savior being as he gave of himself willingly and, again as little Bro. May has shown us, happily for our salvation.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Changes In Our Home
Hi all,
Here's Jesse's baptism picture (thank you to Mom and Dad for remembering your camera when I didn't hear Brent telling me to grab ours.):
It was a beautiful day, both because of the event and because of the weather. After several months of below normal temps and snow the week before, we had 80 degrees on one of the best days ever. She was so beautiful in her dress. We're getting her pictures done this weekend and I'll post it as soon as we can so you can see her dress too.
Britt and Morgan are doing well too. Right now they're going through WASL testing (Washington state's standardized review tests). This is Britt's first year and she seems to be doing well. Our concern was whether she would take her time and complete each question as needed. But she is doing well and only has three more days. Morgan is also doing well and is taking this year very seriously. He will be going to 6th grade camping in less than 2 weeks. He is so excited! It should be very interesting to see how he does because he will be gone for 4 days and I don't think he will be able to call home to say goodnight like when he's with his scout leaders when they go on overnighters. He is very senstive in this respect and is very mindful on how things are going at home when he is not here. Last night, on the way home from Mutual, his scout leader took his kids, his niece, and nephews and Morgan to McDonalds for Mcflurries. Morgan was so mindful that I would be waiting at home for him that he had Bro. Ayala call home to let me know that they would be a little late. He has given us quite moments of surprise when he has shown us how he truly can be responsibility. I have been so blessed with great kids not to mention a good husband from a great family!
I love you all and hope all is well with you.
Keep the faith and endure to the end!
Nicole
Here's Jesse's baptism picture (thank you to Mom and Dad for remembering your camera when I didn't hear Brent telling me to grab ours.):
It was a beautiful day, both because of the event and because of the weather. After several months of below normal temps and snow the week before, we had 80 degrees on one of the best days ever. She was so beautiful in her dress. We're getting her pictures done this weekend and I'll post it as soon as we can so you can see her dress too.
Britt and Morgan are doing well too. Right now they're going through WASL testing (Washington state's standardized review tests). This is Britt's first year and she seems to be doing well. Our concern was whether she would take her time and complete each question as needed. But she is doing well and only has three more days. Morgan is also doing well and is taking this year very seriously. He will be going to 6th grade camping in less than 2 weeks. He is so excited! It should be very interesting to see how he does because he will be gone for 4 days and I don't think he will be able to call home to say goodnight like when he's with his scout leaders when they go on overnighters. He is very senstive in this respect and is very mindful on how things are going at home when he is not here. Last night, on the way home from Mutual, his scout leader took his kids, his niece, and nephews and Morgan to McDonalds for Mcflurries. Morgan was so mindful that I would be waiting at home for him that he had Bro. Ayala call home to let me know that they would be a little late. He has given us quite moments of surprise when he has shown us how he truly can be responsibility. I have been so blessed with great kids not to mention a good husband from a great family!
I love you all and hope all is well with you.
Keep the faith and endure to the end!
Nicole
Friday, March 28, 2008
Happy Friday!
It's Friday here and it's suppose to be spring but if you were look out our window, you'd see the snow falling as I type. Oh well, it's still pretty. (Here's a picture of Kate and I checking out the snow).
Things here are quiet. The kids are all at school for their last day before Spring Break. We've got nothing special planned except Jesse's 8th birthday next Thursday. She'll probably have her two girlfriends from her CTR8 class over for the day and a family birthday party when Brent gets home from work. She can't wait to go to Activity Days. The leader and all the girls made her a welcome card this last week to welcome her in since she gets to go to their next activity.
Britt cracks me up. You will probably relate but this girl loves to read. Everytime we turn around, she has her nose in a book. She loves it so much it's actually getting her in trouble now. She puts reading above everything. School and house work gets put aside so she can read (huh, that's sounds like me). Her teacher loves the fact that she's always reading except that she's not turning in her reading log or getting her other work done. How do you get someone to stop something that we spent that last several years trying to get her to do?
Kate is into EVERYTHING!!! Here's her latest adventure:
Morgan is doing well. Nothing really to be totally excited about but he is getting ready for 6th grade camp. He's constantly talking about the different activities he will get to participate in. He can't wait! Well, here's our update for the time being. Check back again and if you want, drop us a line. We'd love to know how you're doing.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Drinking from a fire hose
You ever have something thrown at you so overwhelming that you felt like you were trying to drink from a fire hose? Well that is how the last couple of weeks has been. I am learning a lot but have also lost a lot of sleep not being able to feel like I am in control of what I am supposed to be doing. The guys I work with have an abundance of knowledge but lack slightly in some of the more social aspects. I can't seem to get any of them to look at me during a conversation. For the most part you can see the fact that they love computers and love to "talk" to their computers. I am going to do my very best, as well I should, but I think I will look elsewhere in Boeing for somewhere to land in the not to distant future. For now I will try to learn as much as I can and hope I can figure out why God wants me here at this time.
Have a great night.
Have a great night.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Several Weeks Later...
You'd think I'd have things going by now but sadly I do not. I have no excuses because I feel that excuses are just not taking responsibility for your actions. I have just chosen to do other things (play with the kids, clean the house or whatever else "needed" to be done).
Week 1 of Boeing. Brent is now settled and even has his own phone number. I don't know it right off the top of my head though so I can't tell you. Sorry but if you'd like his cell number, just email and I'd be happy to give it to you.
Kate is now walking!!! I can't believe it. She's funny to watch because she just starts to do it. We've been coaxing her for the last few nights, maybe even the last week but tonight she just started doing it on her own. Brent and I were playing a video game and the next thing we knew, she was walking between the recliner to the couch between us. I can't believe she's already there! Yikes! Time sure does fly.
Thank you to everyone that helped Britt make her Girl Scout Cookie goal! She had her last booth sale last weekend and we should be getting her final totals sometime this month.
Britt and I attended Roger's High School's performance of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast". We have three teenagers from our ward that Britt's knows in the performance and since it's my favorite Disney story, we went together. We had a great time and really enjoyed going. The whole cast did a really great job and it was fun. If you get a chance, there four more performances this weekend and it's worth seeing.
Well, for now, that's all that is going on. We're busy these next few days but my goal is to get pictures on this blog by the end of the month! There, now I've put out there for all of you to read so now I have to do it. Doesn't the saying go "a goal is just a wish until it's written down"? If not, it sounds good any ways!
Week 1 of Boeing. Brent is now settled and even has his own phone number. I don't know it right off the top of my head though so I can't tell you. Sorry but if you'd like his cell number, just email and I'd be happy to give it to you.
Kate is now walking!!! I can't believe it. She's funny to watch because she just starts to do it. We've been coaxing her for the last few nights, maybe even the last week but tonight she just started doing it on her own. Brent and I were playing a video game and the next thing we knew, she was walking between the recliner to the couch between us. I can't believe she's already there! Yikes! Time sure does fly.
Thank you to everyone that helped Britt make her Girl Scout Cookie goal! She had her last booth sale last weekend and we should be getting her final totals sometime this month.
Britt and I attended Roger's High School's performance of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast". We have three teenagers from our ward that Britt's knows in the performance and since it's my favorite Disney story, we went together. We had a great time and really enjoyed going. The whole cast did a really great job and it was fun. If you get a chance, there four more performances this weekend and it's worth seeing.
Well, for now, that's all that is going on. We're busy these next few days but my goal is to get pictures on this blog by the end of the month! There, now I've put out there for all of you to read so now I have to do it. Doesn't the saying go "a goal is just a wish until it's written down"? If not, it sounds good any ways!
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