women's conference & chloe's roasted chicken

Ruthie & I went to Women's Conference last Thursday & Friday.

It was just what I needed. 

Seriously folks... I really. really. needed to be there.

Before I went I prayed that I would find some answers to what I need to do to help my family with our current set of trials.

 Specific answers please.

 Humbled by our current set of trials- I was feeling lowly of heart & ready to learn of what I could do. How I can change & do better.

Well, guess what?

I did receive those answers.

I really did. It was amazing. There were times while listening to speakers when it was like they were speaking specifically to me- like I was the only person in the audience. 

I was reminded by the gift of the Holy Ghost-

*that I can only change myself- my attitude- my opinions & choices

*that I needed to recommit myself to what is truly important in my life- God & Family

*that family prayer, scripture study & family home evening need to be of absolute importance- not to be taken lightly or half heartily prepared for. 

*that making my home a place of Peace & Love takes effort- and that effort is worth it.

This week I have been working on memorizing all the verses of this song. I sing it to myself throughout the day. 

Even though today wasn't Mother's Day- I came home from teaching a class at work- on Sunday

(not cool... especially after all my enlightened women's conference experiences)

to this beautiful roasted chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy & homemade rolls!!!

so today...... I learned that CHLOE rocks - another reminder- because, duh- I already knew that. 

It's a good life.

sunday thoughts

Yesterday we got our first "real" snow storm in a long time!

5-7" inches - beautiful. I can't wait to tell Missionary Jack that is snowed!!! He was so disappointed when we talked to him Christmas day, that there was no snow here. He was dreaming of a white Christmas- for sure. It's summer in Brazil, but then where he is it's never, really winter. He will have missed two full winters-- lucky? Right now he is surely sweaty & hot walking somewhere (he walks 10-15 miles a day typically.) It's in the 80's with 80-95% humidity. I know because I check the weather in his city every night before I fall to sleep. 87 days left & I find myself thinking of his homecoming on a regular basis... all the time. I dreamt of him coming home last night. We picked him up at the airport. He was thin & dirty & I hugged him as tight as I could- then woke up.

~

Today at church two baby boys were blessed. My mind wandered back to the blessings of my three boys. With tears running down my face I remembered Jack's baby blessing. Brett said in the blessing- that he was to read the Book of Mormon. I don't typically speak of such personal matters here on this blog. But, I know this book is true. Call me crazy, call me nuts- call me a believer, because that's what I am. I have read it (and the bible) studied it, prayed about it- and it's true. 

It is the basis of my religion & my religion is the basis of my life. I love the teachings of this book. I love knowing that my family is sealed in the temple of God and that the bands of death- nor anything else can break that bond.

Truly God has blessed me with so much in this life.

This is what I know.

87 days.....

merry christmas

I am taking a break from wrapping presents & getting ready for our Christmas Eve traditional hoagie dinner to say~

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thank you to all my friends & family for your love & support of this little blog. It is a joy to look back through & see the good times in my life.
This Christmas I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. For His birth, His life, & His atonement. I love Him. I am thankful to know that He is my brother & He is on my side.

I am also thankful for my husband & six children-- they are the joy of my life.
Oh how I wish we were all together on this special day-- but it's okay, that's what Heaven is going to be all about!

I am also thankful for my missionary. Who comes home in just over 100 days. (YES You better believe I am counting the days- no I don't tell him that, although I'm sure he knows.) Tomorrow- Christmas Day 2011- will be his third & last call home from Brazil. The next time I hear his voice it will be in person. I cannot wait to wrap my arms around him & kiss him on the face. It will be one of the best weeks in my life- as all my children will be home to celebrate Easter (and those two beautiful grand baby's of mine!!)
I remember when he left- two years seemed so far away- and yet, here we are.

NO- life here is not perfect-- I leave a lot of those details out. But, YES- life here is good.

again~
Merry Christmas
May the light of Christ our Lord bless your life as it has mine.

Love,
Patsy

loved

I really didn't mean for that last post to stay up so long.
It just got busy...
and ya, it's true. I have been fighting off negative feelings.

But today is a new day & I have been thinking. A Lot of thinking.
Thinking about all of you wonderful, kind commenter's & more who have sent prayers our way!
~THANK YOU~
 I feel loved and-
Loved is --- my favorite feeling.

Loved because of kind comments here.
Loved because some amazing, anonymous person sent me flowers Friday- I wish I knew who you were?!
Loved because of Trent's scout leaders who took him camping Friday night & made sure he had a GREAT time. (thank you- thank you- how can I ever express my thanks!? You guys are so wonderful)
Loved because we all (every person in this family) has such wonderful friends.
Loved because I dreamt Jack was home & he gave me a big hug.
Loved because Trent's teacher now eats lunch in the lunch room at his table & Trent thinks it's the bomb.
Loved because Trent has the world's best brothers & sisters who were specially sent from heaven above, before him to lead the way.
Loved because on my way to work yesterday I prayed
hard
and I received a strong impression- some may call it intuition- I call it an answer from a loving Heavenly Father who knows me & you & wants to bless us.
It came in my thoughts & in my heart.

my answer
It's okay.
We all get bullied at one point or another in this life- all of us. Love him. Tell him what you told the other kids when they had these problems at his age- "now you know what it feels like to be treated badly. Whenever you see someone being talked to or treated that way YOU can stand up for them YOU know how it feels. Because, YOU know what it feels like to be bullied- You must always be careful not to bully others. Look for the kid alone who needs a friend and be one. That is the covenant you took upon yourself at baptism- this is what it means to be a true disciple of Christ."

Parenting a child is not easy- but it is worth it. I wonder if my other children remember conversations like the one above? I need to have the faith that Trent can do this!
Yes- I would take this trial away from him if I could (and you better believe I WILL try to make it easier) but he will learn & be a better person in the long run.
Faith- sigh.

missionary jack- an update... updated!

This week these photos & a few more-- were in my inbox. It is such a delight to get photos from missionary jack! You can see for yourself... he looks good, a little skinny, but still- he looks GREAT. His emails are so incredible to me. His testimony of The Living Christ knocks my socks off. I used to quote The missionary Brian a lot, but now it's impossible to cut & paste missionary emails. So I don't- and you guys are seriously missing out. I think I will print his Easter Week email & copy it here

Later today- I have kids to get out the door & bbsitting to do & laundry. Lots of laundry. I love this boy. I can still feel him. When I see his photo I can remember EXACTLY what it feels like to hug my boy. To kiss his face. I am so happy that he is a missionary. I know it means the world to him & because of that I can let him go. He will be back! I learned that from Brian (did you know I wasn't sure?) but for now I can wait.

I LOVE YOU JACK- MOM

I rarely include such personal & spiritual writings in my posts. But this message is so important to me. I want everyone to know why I love having a missionary, what I believe~ what I know he believes & why he is sacrifice two year so his life to go on a mission. This is his testimony. What a privilege to share it with you!

His email:

Hey everybody, How are things going? Are you all excited for Easter this year? I am really excited for it even though it does make it harder to work here. This week is called the holy week and everyone goes out of town to visit family or on vacation to somewhere. Those that are here are "relaxing" yet, too busy to hear our message. Everyone keeps responding, "no, just come back next week." However, I am excited for Easter for different reasons, I am excited because this is a time of year when we can reflect upon the life of our Savior. I have a learned a lot about my savior as I have served as a missionary. I have come to know Him better I have come to understand on a a higher level, the sacrifice that He made for me. this week I have thought a lot about the first Easter. I have thought about the original apostles and the events of this week many years ago in Jerusalem. I have also thought about the events this week here in the Americas. With reverence I have pondered on Gethsemane and of the selfless love that was there expressed. I never applied Easter to the Americas and the Book of Mormon but, this week, I have realized the similarity in the situations on both sides of the world. With the death of the Savior, both sides of the world saw great destruction However, the more severe destruction was here in the Americas. The end result being that the face of the land was completely transformed. But I have thought more of this week about darkness. For three days both sides of the world sat in darkness. This side was a more literal and physical darkness, but the apostles and others in Jerusalem were in a darkness, and the affects were just as penetrating. While darkness covered this earth, light as bursting into the Spirit world where the Great Captain on Salvation was organizing his work for the dead. For three days, those on earth, waited in darkness. Then on the morning of the third day the darkness was dispersed and a light unknown until this time dawned upon them. The response at the tomb was that, "He lives." The eternal significance that just as He lives again, so will we. Our Savior became what he was destined to become. He fulled His mission that no other could. I know that my redeemer lives. I know that He suffered, suffering so great for us that blood came from every pore. He let Himself be betrayed and was crucified by those lost in darkness. I know that He let Himself die, a sacrifice for his father's other children. But with an inexpressible joy I have the knowledge that fills my body & soul that He lives. That he broke the bands of death, spiritual and physically for each one of us. He is the Great Captain of Salvation . He is the son of the Living God. He is & forever will be my Greatest Hero. He, not only prepare the way for me to be saved, but prepared the way for my family to be eternal. He prepared the path that we may be reunited with all those that we love. He made possible out return journey to our Heavenly home. I know that this is the message which I carry. I know that being a missionary is one of the greatest blessings I have received. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter I hope you remember what it really means.

I have learned a lot being a trainer this week. I will probably include more stories about that next week. this week I only had Easter on my mind. Have a great week everyone!

Love,

Elder Messer

Easter

{to buy, or for information on this art work, click on it}

I believe in Christ.

I know He lives.

He suffered in Gethsemane,

died on the cross, and rose on the third day in glory.

In Christ I have the perfect example of eternal love.

I am so grateful for this knowledge, for prayer,

for a Father in Heaven who loved us enough to send His only begotten Son.

I am far from perfect- I am grateful for repentance-

for that first Easter morning.

I love Easter

women's conference 2009

I got home late Friday night from women's conference. It's been a whirlwind of activity since then... really busy- but I wanted to document a few of my favorite thoughts & moments before they are lost in my-- not so great memory. First of all- You know how I love BYU - but especially in the spring. The campus was so full of beauty. The grounds impeccable & blooming. I of course, forgot my camera card & only had a few pictures I could take .

(!#*&#*-- it was "Women's Conference" so I will not tell you how I really feel about that.)

{ Megan - Me - Ruthie}
We went to many fabulous classes- here are some of the highlights:

1. Reclaiming the Joy of the Sabbath- by Dianne Madsen & Brent Top

*Our testimony determines how we prepare for the Sabbath day.

* Reclaim the JOY of the Sabbath - call the Sabbath a delight.

*look for the positive/ don't be negative about what you can't do...

*The Sabbath day is a gift to us! When properly observed, we will know that we are on the Lord's side & will be protected & blessed by Him.

2. "Beware of the Evil Behind the Smiling Eyes" Discernment & the Media- by Mary Rasband & Jon Mott

*Establish internal & external filters- not just the kind you buy-- but talk about what is appropriate in your home & outside your home.

*Where do we spend our time vs. our real priorities. HOw much time do we REAlly spend on the internet vs. what we think.... ?

*our behavior online- is it consistent with our regular behavior ? What about our teens?

* technology is full of good... & evil- be prepared-

3. Precious Children, a Sacred, Noble Stewardship": Fulfillment in Motherhood- by Julianne Clark, Bonnie Cordon, & Katie Smith

(I didn't take notes here...I can't remember why- it was really good though)

Friday morning - what a tREAT!!

I looked around during the opening session & guess who I saw-

one of my favorite bloggers- Crystal-

I mustered up some courage & introduced myself.

We took a photo here... oh boy- that's how much I love crystal-

I'm willing to put this picture up of myself- that's a lot!

We walked to our next classes together & she is a delight.

It is so exciting to meet a fellow blogger.

The opening session Friday morning was truly one of the best parts of the conference. Julie Beck was the speaker- she is one of my favorites & her talk was very inspiring to me.

*The Proclamation is not something new, just reiterated.

*Anti- Christ teachings & policies are always Anti- family.

*We must preserve our families against evil by

1. clearly focusing on the blessing of eternal life.

2. being involved in God's work everyday.

*Be intentional about everything we do! As parents set specific goals for our children & map out a plan on how you will accomplish them.

* Be intentional about creating a strong family.

* Create opportunities to teach.

* Our homes should be based on Love!
4. Love is What We go through Together- by Cami Rush & Jill Stevens Shepherd

*Dear to the Heart of the Shepard are His sheep. We promised at baptism to look over our brothers & sisters.

*How can you tell if you or someone else is converted to the Lord Jesus Christ? By how they treat others.

*Be the kind of person who nurtures others- who builds them up- if you think something nice about someone, say it! Everyone loves/needs a compliment. leave people better than when you found them.

*Be kind - for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle- Plato

* Take time to be quiet, be still, read the scriptures & pray. The Holy Ghost will help us to know who is in need of our help.

5. Faith is not a Feeling; it is a Decision- by David Christensen & Alena Taylor

*our quest for eternal life is a day by day process not a one time event!

* even beyond the grave we will be working at being better.

* Doubt & Faith cannot exist at the same time.

* Perfection- be as perfect as you can be then- let it go-

* Your Faith is as good as your understanding of Jesus Christ.

* Have you come to terms with you YOU are? If not your faith will be filled with doubt. Love YOURself. don't be so hard on you.

* Pray for the gift of faith, for it is a gift.

* Pray to the Father to know His Son so that your faith can increase.

* Pray to help you accept what is realistic for you to achieve.

* How do you develop faith? ACCEPT YOURSELF & DO YOUR BEST TO KNOW THE SAVIOR

* The purpose of faith? To bring up happiness

If you are still reading this-

You can see it was a beautiful conference!

The closing speaker was Elder L. Tom Perry.

He too was so great to listen to, full of wisdom & insight.

so- have you ever been to Women's Conference?

Broadcast of different speakers can be found here?

if you have cable tv, you just may be able to watch some... even if you don't live in Utah.

It's really worth it :)

emotional

It was a beautiful Christmas program at church today.

I usually sing in the choir every Christmas. But for the last two years I have sat out. I just know I can't. I'm much too emotional. Christmas brings out so many feelings in me that I find it almost painful & wishing it would be over. Knowing what Mary & Joseph did to bring the Christ child into the world is so humbling & powerful to me, it almost puts me over the edge. As soon as I sat down in the pew I looked up to see another family in the congregation whose grown children & grandchildren were visiting. Upon that sight I started to cry. The meeting hadn't even really started. I couldn't help but think of all the lonely people in the world. I was overwhelmed at the thought of loneliness this Christmas. I certainly don't feel lonely- but I have a very, very,very tiny glimpse of how painful it would be, especially at Christmas time. I didn't stop crying until half way through the service. I fought the urge to go home. My thoughts went back to 5-6 years ago. Brett & I were to dinner with all our shopping/Christmas lists in hand- ready to organize. I found myself anticipating this very day. The day when we would be losing our children to adulthood one by one. It's a glorious thing to be a mother, but if you're good at it- you work yourself right out of a job. I knew even back then- I wouldn't handle it well. Brett reminded me we had 6 rambuncious children at home... I was being ridiculous & should mourn their leaving when they actually left. (If you are thinking I am crazy right now- call me when your kids start leaving- then tell me if you still think I'm crazy?)

I decided I needed to pull myself together. For heaven's sake- I am so blessed. I am surrounded by blessings. Health, strength, four beautiful children at home- two resposible children grown that I am so proud of ... seriously. So I pulled an idea out of my blogger's head from Jill & started to take notes. Thank you Jill. This was remarkable. I heard the message, and now I even remember it.

*It is by giving not getting that we feel the true spirit of Christmas

*A testimony of Christ or of the gospel never stands still. It is either growing or diminishing.

*Christmas is a time of good will to all men~ friends, strangers, even enemies.

*It is a selfish act to not partake of Christ's healing atonement.

*All year, any time, Christ is available & accessible.

I am grateful for this Christmas season.

I am grateful I am home with family.

I am so grateful for my knowledge of Christ, for His birth, for His sacrifice, for His example.

Corn chip

This is Cory...

(photo taken by Brian on the trampoline last summer)

Cory & Brian- aka the missionary- have been friends since the 5th grade.

Cory goes by corn chip at our house.

Cory & Brian were locker partners through jr. high.

Cory & Brian have been in 5-6 music theatre shows together.

Cory has a beautiful tenor voice- brian is a bass. I love when they sing together.

Cory has spent many a day & night here with our family- before the missionary left.

( Brian, Cory & Spencer outside David Letterman last spring-

spencer is now on a mission in Leeds, England)

A couple of months ago we got a much anticipated phone call from Corn chip- he had received his mission papers... and excitedly told us he was being sent to Guatemala. he said he & brian would be speaking spanish to each other forever more.

Today we went to Cory's sacrament meeting service to hear him speak. Listening to him talk about choices, obedience to the commandments, love of family & church melted my heart. Hearing him bear testimony of a living prophet, Christ's atoning sacrifice, & his desire & faith to bring other's unto Christ on his mission... oh boy. Man, I love these kids.

Seeing Cory & some of Brian's other friends around town (but especially cory) was kind of like having a little bit of Brian around. A couple of months ago I saw Cory at the theatre & ran up to him to give him a hug. I asked him if he was a little creeped out having his friend's mom always wanting to hug him- he said I can hug him anytime...
Today I am so thankful for my children's friends. Nothing is more important when you are a teen than having good no great friends. We are truly blessed with an amazing generation coming up behind us.

during the sacrament service I sat next to Jack- it dawned on me for the first time... in two years guess who will be gone on a mission then? DAng it- these darn kids!

I'm missing Brian really a lot today.

Tomorrow he should email & I will write an update.....

missionary update

Yesterday besides getting a fabulous email from the missionary, he sent some pictures!!

This is Brian with Elder Cuevos (the bird catcher.) I love that bird catcher story. Anyhow, Elder Cuevos is home now but here is a picture of the two of them. Love it!

Also, you'll NEVER believe this one, here is Brian & a friend Nadia from H.S. Yep, she was in Chile??? She was there with one of BYU's international dance teams doing a show that the missionarys got to go to. Brian said he couldn't believe it. He thought he would never run into anyone from home- it's truly a small world.

And most importantly... here he is baptizing an 11 year old boy in a lake last Saturday! He says it was freezing like you can't believe. This boy's parents have been baptized & going to church for quite some time but wanted to wait until they thought their son was ready before they let him make this commitment. Brian was thrilled to teach him & have the opportunity to baptize him. I have to say that I busted out in tears when the picture came up. I love it!

The missionary is well-

*says his companion is a "lazy butt who won't work very hard" - that was nice

* he was sick with a fever last week, but is okay now-

*he got my package with girl scout samoa cookies in it & nearly had a heart attack he was so happy (we love those babies)

Then added this: I was talking the other day with a member about the gifts that Heavenly Father has given. I love how ever person has been given a gift but not everyone has all the gifts. I was thinking when i was talking with this member because she told me that she didnt have a gift. I realized, because it says that we, obviously, make up the church of Jesus Christ. If we as people make up the church of Christ then each one of us has importance and part of it is because of our gift. God gives gifts to edify and to uplift or help others and to help uplift and edify the church as well. (i hope i´m making sense) What i´m trying to say is that each of you is very important. You have a gift that is important to you and is important for others. I would invite you if you dont know what you gift is to find it and to cultivate it. To make it stronger and more apparent and by doing so you will bless other with you gift. This is in Doctrine and Covenants 46. There is a list of possible gifts that people have and all that. Each of you is important. Salvacion is personal, but with your gifts you can help others to acheive their goal. Even if you don´t realize it.

Having a son as a missionary is proving to be an absolutely amazing experience. It was so hard to see him go- like one of the hardest things I have ever done- but let me tell you the paybacks, their incredible. I love this kid, love my family, love the gospel- I know it's true & that he is doing exactly what his Heavenly Father wants him to do.

Brian the Missionary - An Update

Lelly recently asked me to give an update on my missionary son Brian. Don't you just love that Lelly? Although having a missionary is one of my favorite subjects to talk about, I find it very difficult to blog about. My emotions are all over the place. Sometimes I'm excited, happy, proud- the next minute I physically ache missing him, worry myself sick, & feel like my heart has been ripped out. I'll tell you this much. I have NEVER cried so many tears, happy or otherwise.

"oh, last night we were street contacting a lady was walking our way so i was like hola senora como esta, she kind of kept walking so i said ¿a donde va? thinking that that was ok... my companion told me that means ¿where you goin, wanna come with me instead...? and it was dark... haha my first nasty mess up with the language. but that at least explained the look she gave me haha. bad bad."

Almost 21 years ago I went into labor with my oldest child- a girl-Megan. As I lay in the hospital bed I remember thinking- this is a breeze! Not long after that I was in complete life changing shock. I had NO IDEA it was going to be that hard. I remember staying up all night crying while Brett & Megan slept. I felt sorry for myself & for her. My hopes of having a large family were completely shattered. She would be an only child. I was NEVER doing that again. That's the only way I can compare sending off a missionary right now. I am completely shocked at my reaction. I had NO idea how hard it would be. I had NO idea how great the rewards would be. I must be so nieve, I feel so stupid.

"i feel the love of my savior. i love teaching his gospel. the most powerful things to teach out here are the first vision and restoration and the atonement of our savior jesus christ. he loves us more than we can ever comprehend and the little stuggles and things that we go through are not in vain. he has felt every little tiny pain we have ever had and we should feel so comforted for that. i know that he is with me. he leads me and guides me to do and say what his brothers and sisters need to here. i love reading the book of mormon, the true word of our father in heaven. it has such power. today i read in doctrine and covenants in a part where christ tesifies of himself! its so true! none of my doubts and questions matter when im feeling the spirit and i feel it alot here. i know that he lives, that he loves us and is with us. i know that joseph smith was and is a prophet of god. with president hinckley, we got a call early this morning during study and they told us. i know that he is in the next life, in a better place. im sure the reception for him there was fantastic and i know that he can kneel before our lord and have his life accepted for his service. i pray for each of you by name, every day. i know that the spirit is with you."

I knew he should go, I never pushed him but knew he would do great & be happy serving. He has a love of people, of Christ. A real testimony of this gospel that is so much of his upbringing and our lives, and so do I. But he is my baby. A friend of mine told me- the sooner you put him in the Lord's hands the better off you'll be. I know she's right, but I just can't let go.

"we went to visit this really old man at his house. he has no hands, only a pinky on one. he actually isnt an investigator or a member but we like to visit him. we were in his house and i was really tired and my comp asked if we could sing a hymn for him. my comp had me choose and i chose ¨abide with me tis eventide¨ which is equally beautiful in spanish and we sang that for him. instantly i had the spirit chills all over my body, it was so strong, i loved it!"

Motherhood. It is such a priveledge & trial. What made me think I could ever be a mother especially to so many children? I am so proud to be a missionary's mom. I am happy he is living his dream. I guess I am living mine too.

"it gets hard. but this is so important. i cant let these people miss out on their chance to hear the message of our savior jesus christ and his church on the earth.i love you all so much."

Sunday Thoughts

Today I taught what is probably the most famous/popular children's song in the LDS world to the primary kids. (For those of you who don't regularly read my blog, I teach music to children on Sundays at church. We call the Sunday school for 3-11 "Primary")

I Am A Child Of God.

I am a child of God

And He has sent me here.

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind & dear.

(chorus)

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with Hims someday.

I am a child of God

And so my needs are great

Help me to understand His word

Before it grows too late

I am a child of God

Rich blessings are in store

If I but learn to do His will

I'll live with Him once more.

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with Him someday.

There is so much to be learned from this song.

We are literal children of God.

We lived with Him & will live with Him again someday.

We are here for a purpose.

He loves us...

the simple lessons from this song go on & on.

Today as I was finishing up it just hit me-

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me

Help me find the way.

This is truly how our Saviour would have us treat His children-

each other.

Lead - Guide- Walk Beside-Help

It doesn't say... yell, force, demand, manipulate.

I truly believe we Lead, Guide by example. Just as He did- whether we know it or not.

I started out dreading teaching today. I am so glad I did it anyway.

*any thoughts?

Sunday Thoughts

Today we went to a sacrament meeting service where the missionary's good friend Jordan was speaking. Jordan is going on a mission for our church to New Hampshire. He leaves for the Missionary Training Center on January 9th. He will stay for 2 weeks then off he goes. (Brian is staying for 9 weeks because he is learning Spanish since he is going to Chile.) Whenever a young man, young woman or older couple gets close to their missionary departure date they usually speak in sacrament meeting services. Besides the sacredness of partaking in the sacrament (the most important thing,) it is a very special time for a missionary & his family- you can read about my missionary's "farewell speaking day" here if you missed it.

{Brian & Jordan graduation June 2007- Jordan= valedictorian}

There are two good things that immediately come to my mind when I think of Jordan leaving for the MTC. First- Brian will be so happy to see him there. Second- Brian is leaving for Chile one week after Jordan gets there, so time is flying.

It was great to go today. We saw many of the missionary's high school buddies whom I love & hearing Jordan speak of his testimony was inspirational. This is truly an amazing generation. I cannot help but reflect on my own testimony & the sacrifice it has been to send my son off on a mission to teach others of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am absolutely sure I didn't have the courage or conviction to do such a thing at their age. Today I am back to feeling that it isn't a sacrifice after all but a privilege. (However I will make sure that if Jack goes on a mission he WILL NOT leave just before the holidays- that wasn't a very good idea for this mother.)

Tonight for our Sunday devotional we are writing Christmas thank you notes as a family.

* do you go to church?

* do you make your kids write thank you notes after Christmas or other times?

Trimming The Tree

Yesterday during our Sunday devotional (every- most- Sunday's we have a little recap of the day & a spiritual thought, scripture study or discussion) we watched the

First Presidency Christmas Devotional

then trimmed the tree.

The devotional was just so beautiful. It was just what I needed at the beginning of this Christmas Season. The music was fabulous, I love when the symphony plays with the choir, and the talks so perfect. I kept thinking of the missionary, knowing he was watching it too, wondering if he was homesick at that very moment, and hoping he was at least sitting with someone from home. (two good friends are now at the MTC too) During one of the songs Brett had us all kneel & we prayed for Brian as a family. We prayed that he would be comforted & know that we love him & that He loves him. I cried, Brett cried, the kids looked at us like we were just a little crazy. They're young & blest & don't yet know what it's like to feel alone, especially at Christmas. I just don't want the missionary to feel alone at Christmas and I know he won't... but he may have during the devotional.
Elder Erying's talk was particularly meaningful for me.
"What our God for us hath done in sending His beloved Son...
Because of the gift of His birth, my heart could be changed to become again like that of a little child pure, clean & fit to go home again to the God who gave us a Savior so we could go home again... If go so loved us we are also to love one another. We can choose on this Christmas & all the days to follow to feel that light & that love. We can choose to have our sins washed away in the waters of baptism and to receive the Holy Ghost & as we do we will feel the love of God who gave us the gift of his Son. A feeling of love for His Son- who is the light of the world- & love for one another. We sing of that light & that love at Christmas. The Saviors birth is a gift which makes it possible for the father to give us peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come."

I am so thankful for this Christmas season.
As a new mother I remember feeling such compassion for Mary & all she went through bringing her first born son into this world in a manger and under such difficult circumstances. Now as a mother I feel such love for God. For giving us His Son. How oh how did He do it? How did Mary...? I am so thankful, so grateful, so in awe of the blessings around me.

I have a testimony that God lives. That His Son Jesus Christ lives. That He knows us, each and everyone. That he will not leave us alone. Not at Christmas, not anytime.

I feel His love in my life. All around me even in the difficult times- which there have been a few.

But, I am not complaining. I love living.

Sunday Morning Walk

Fall- the perfect time for a morning walk.

This morning before Conference- Brett, Trent, Max & I took a little walk.

These are some of the beautiful sights along the way.

My heart is full with gratitude this General Conference Weekend,

for all the many blessings in my life.

For family, health & strength, knowledge of God & His Son Jesus Christ.

For the grand opportunity of life, of living.

Blogging these past few months has given me the ability to appreciate

the little things, and live my life more fully.

I'm sure that would sound silly to most.

But journaling my life is now of great importance to me.

For I know that as said today in conference...

young or old no one is guaranteed a tomorrow.

So for today I want to say thank you, Father for the opportunity of life.

For love in my home.

For giving me the awesome responsibility of being a wife & mother.

I know that there is a prophet on the earth today.

I know that God lives and loves us.

I know that I am His daughter a child of God.