This week was INTERESTING to say the very least. Monday morning started with a phone call, which really turned into a call to action. The Nevada state Legislature was set to pass a comprehensive Sex Education bill by the end of the week....the bill was basically sponsored by Planned Parenthood. I will not go into the details, but only to quote my good friend, "One time I started checking out Planned Parenthood to educate myself about the organization and soon had to stop because everything I read was pornographic in nature." I cannot think of anything more damaging to our future, than to give the permissive pornographic culture which we are fighting so hard to deflect, a prominent classroom within the halls of our public schools.
I come across many causes I would like to help, but my life is busy and many I cannot justify taking from my family's time to fight. This cause I could not justify NOT FIGHTING. So we organized, we called, we did what a tight-knit group of mothers does best, we spread the word!
By the end of the week, the prospects were dim and we started planning the VILLAGE once again. (The village is the place where we (the neighborhood moms) Fantasize of raising our kids...located on Meek's property, and ran completely by US :) I was HEARTSICK! I had one thing to look forward to. Saturday would be Noelle Rust's bridal shower....and for some reason I could not wait for it to happen. It went far beyond my COMPLETE OBSESSION with planning parties. And minutes before the party started, it dawned on me why!
We were not having a bridal shower, we were having a celebration of VIRTUE. A daughter of God (who my family ADORES with everything we have) had found someone just as pure and good as she was. There was no denying at that moment, God takes care of His children. There is a well marked path of virtue, even in a very wicked world. As we celebrated, we were HAPPY, not entertained, but HAPPY.
Then a miracle happened! In the midst of our celebrations I received a text! The Bill Was DEAD! It would not be brought to the floor! I cannot wait for the morning to call the Senators brave enough to make the decision. As others are criticizing them, and, oh how loud their voices are! I am positive that Lord never did need to talk that loud to assure us that we have done is RIGHT, AND GOOD, AND VIRTUOUS!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
My Heart Hurts
Today I blog in pictures...I woke up to the somber news that Sister Monson passed away this morning. I could only imagine the tender scene in my mind, as I have witnessed one of my own, and after you have seen a life pass from this one to the next.....you are never quite the same.
No, I have never met or even shaken President Monson's hand, or seen his wife in person, but when he says he loves me, I feel almost child-like, trusting in and hanging onto his every syllable. If his love can have that effect on me, I think it may have been almost overwhelming to have been in that small hospital room this morning. His grief must be consuming. Of all the funerals he has spoken at, he will now attend his wife's...of all the widows he has seen to, he will now be the widower. Surely The Lord will be merciful to such a diligent servant.
As soon as I read the news, THREE pictures immediately came to my mind. Please indulge me and look. In a world when so many are exchanging pure love for things so artificial, these are THE REAL DEAL!
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No, I have never met or even shaken President Monson's hand, or seen his wife in person, but when he says he loves me, I feel almost child-like, trusting in and hanging onto his every syllable. If his love can have that effect on me, I think it may have been almost overwhelming to have been in that small hospital room this morning. His grief must be consuming. Of all the funerals he has spoken at, he will now attend his wife's...of all the widows he has seen to, he will now be the widower. Surely The Lord will be merciful to such a diligent servant.
As soon as I read the news, THREE pictures immediately came to my mind. Please indulge me and look. In a world when so many are exchanging pure love for things so artificial, these are THE REAL DEAL!
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Sister Monson...Isn't she beautiful!
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President Hinckley at his wife's funeral.
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One week before my dad died.
Like I said, this is the real deal....the kind of deal you KNOW has to LAST FOREVER!
Friday, April 12, 2013
18 years ago.....
Some days my mom will call me and begin the phone conversation like this, " you just never know what is going to happen when you wake up in the morning....." Followed by some sort of news that nobody wants to hear. Today (and it seems like an increasing amount of days) was one of those days. Only, it wasn't my mom, it was my sister, and the news....news that nobody wants to hear.
I am a proud graduate of North Fremont High School. Purple and Gold forever:). There were (I believe) only 44 members in my class, thus making us quite unique. More or less an extended family. Most of us went to school with each other for 13 years straight....the few that moved in and out were remakable, and remembered, because not much happens in Ashton, ID:)
Next month will mark 18 years that we have been graduated. In our Senior year, on a snowy January day we lost one of our own in a car accident. Stephanie Palmer! Oh we cried! She was always a light and we loved her. This winter I went home and attended a basketball practice where, sitting nearby I saw Stephanie's sister in-law, who she had never met. As she was exiting the gym I quickly got up and introduced myself. And briefly told her, " I was Stephanie's friend, she was a remarkable person, you are going to love getting to know her in the next life."
In all of our crying sessions, I am not sure who we were crying for. It must have been us, because the thought that we were crying for her seems unreal through the scope of time.
18 years has taken our little class and spread us throughout the country, with varying jobs and families and situations.....but every situation that I know of has been dealt a share of heart-ache.....somedays leaving us wondering, "did I really sign up for this?"
Today and as night closes in, heartache abounds for one of our own, and my heart is breaking for them as well. MaiKeli lost an 8 year old son. 3 years ago, at my own dad's viewing, I remember Keli walking through the line, giving me a great big hug, and wanting to talk, but couldn't as tears streamed down his cheeks........I have thought of that often over the last few years. Simply his ability to mourn with those that mourn made all the difference to me.
I cannot count the number of times that I have heard the following, "why would God let that happen?" And as life's experiences continually take me to my knees and to the scriptures looking for answers, I still don't know the answer to that question. But I am becoming COMPLETELY SURE that the solution always lies with Him and Him alone. There is only one place to turn, when happiness never again seems to be a possibility.
I am a proud graduate of North Fremont High School. Purple and Gold forever:). There were (I believe) only 44 members in my class, thus making us quite unique. More or less an extended family. Most of us went to school with each other for 13 years straight....the few that moved in and out were remakable, and remembered, because not much happens in Ashton, ID:)
Next month will mark 18 years that we have been graduated. In our Senior year, on a snowy January day we lost one of our own in a car accident. Stephanie Palmer! Oh we cried! She was always a light and we loved her. This winter I went home and attended a basketball practice where, sitting nearby I saw Stephanie's sister in-law, who she had never met. As she was exiting the gym I quickly got up and introduced myself. And briefly told her, " I was Stephanie's friend, she was a remarkable person, you are going to love getting to know her in the next life."
In all of our crying sessions, I am not sure who we were crying for. It must have been us, because the thought that we were crying for her seems unreal through the scope of time.
18 years has taken our little class and spread us throughout the country, with varying jobs and families and situations.....but every situation that I know of has been dealt a share of heart-ache.....somedays leaving us wondering, "did I really sign up for this?"
Today and as night closes in, heartache abounds for one of our own, and my heart is breaking for them as well. MaiKeli lost an 8 year old son. 3 years ago, at my own dad's viewing, I remember Keli walking through the line, giving me a great big hug, and wanting to talk, but couldn't as tears streamed down his cheeks........I have thought of that often over the last few years. Simply his ability to mourn with those that mourn made all the difference to me.
I cannot count the number of times that I have heard the following, "why would God let that happen?" And as life's experiences continually take me to my knees and to the scriptures looking for answers, I still don't know the answer to that question. But I am becoming COMPLETELY SURE that the solution always lies with Him and Him alone. There is only one place to turn, when happiness never again seems to be a possibility.
Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Road trips to Bluebell!
Our Toyota Sienna has seen one too many long road trips as of late. Once It had a gray shiny seats now the seats are gray and whatever color Ritz crackers + gray makes. (when somebody finds the perfect traveling treat for three year olds… Please let me know)… And I will give a reward to anyone who has the cure for the whining six-year-old who is constantly thirsty… I am a glutton for punishment if Long road trips bring us closer to family, then bring on the Ritz crackers.
This weekend we got to Take our Toyota sienna all the way to Bluebell, Utah, Jared's hometown. Two of his nieces were talking in church. Both decided on the day that President Monson made the big announcement (girls can now serve a mission at age 19 as opposed to 21) that they would be serving a mission! In fact, I distinctly remember checking my Facebook that day to see Jessica say "I'M GOING ON A MISSION!" And Cortney frantically searching for her mother (who was not near a phone) to tell her that she too was GOING ON A MISSION!
6 months later, we are here, with one shortly departing for Ohio and one for New York. That in itself is amazing, but what I saw on Sunday was even more amazing. There is a scripture that frequently runs through my mind it comes from the Doctrine and Covenants. It gives me hope for Ally's future. And on Sunday I saw manifested in two of her cousins.
LET VIRTUE GARNISH THY THOUGHTS UNCEASINGLY… Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God…
They were beautiful and so fun to listen to, but it went so much further than that. Cortney showed such grace and True understanding. Jessica has a depth of understanding in spiritual matters that she has paid a price for. It was everything a mother could hope for! And I know I am not their mom, but I would have been proud to be! As they spoke I kept checking Ally to see if she was seeing the POSSIBILITIES!
Jared and I are both on the younger end when it comes to sibling order....That is proving to be a huge blessing for us and our kids! We are watching and learning much! Good luck Cortney and Jessica. Remember, with virtue comes confidence! You are well on your way!
This weekend we got to Take our Toyota sienna all the way to Bluebell, Utah, Jared's hometown. Two of his nieces were talking in church. Both decided on the day that President Monson made the big announcement (girls can now serve a mission at age 19 as opposed to 21) that they would be serving a mission! In fact, I distinctly remember checking my Facebook that day to see Jessica say "I'M GOING ON A MISSION!" And Cortney frantically searching for her mother (who was not near a phone) to tell her that she too was GOING ON A MISSION!
6 months later, we are here, with one shortly departing for Ohio and one for New York. That in itself is amazing, but what I saw on Sunday was even more amazing. There is a scripture that frequently runs through my mind it comes from the Doctrine and Covenants. It gives me hope for Ally's future. And on Sunday I saw manifested in two of her cousins.
LET VIRTUE GARNISH THY THOUGHTS UNCEASINGLY… Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God…
They were beautiful and so fun to listen to, but it went so much further than that. Cortney showed such grace and True understanding. Jessica has a depth of understanding in spiritual matters that she has paid a price for. It was everything a mother could hope for! And I know I am not their mom, but I would have been proud to be! As they spoke I kept checking Ally to see if she was seeing the POSSIBILITIES!
Jared and I are both on the younger end when it comes to sibling order....That is proving to be a huge blessing for us and our kids! We are watching and learning much! Good luck Cortney and Jessica. Remember, with virtue comes confidence! You are well on your way!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Of Primary, Elmo, Obedience and Tinfoil!
I think I have just entered one of the funnest stages of life! My kids are doing the best and funniest things, and I am enjoying every minute of it. I am not sure what has changed, I am sure they have always been brilliant and funny, but something in me has relaxed just enough to see and enjoy.
Yesterday Jared told Daniel to go make his bed...Daniel is 2! This was the result! Yes, that is Elmo with a binki in his mouth :)
Two days ago I went to the Thrift Store with Joe (4). I let him buy a package of Spider-man Invitations. When we got home he quickly opened them and asked me to read them.
I said, "You're Invited to a party!"
He immediately said, "YES!" and then walking away he said, "I wonder which party it is?"
That was fun, but Joe did something amazing this week....I quote from my friend's blog (she is the song leader in our Primary):
As the Jr. Primary children hurried into the primary room after sacrament meeting , I stood in front of the room and sang songs, welcoming them in. This is what I do every week. Little three year-old Lauren Hopkins was having a very hard time in Primary. Her mother, Larissa, sat beside her for a few minutes, reassured her, and then got up to leave. Lauren tried to suppress her tears, but it was more than her little heart could take and she began to sob. I guess it was more than Larissa's heart could take as well, and she went back and sat by Lauren. Once again Larissa comforted Lauren, and stood to leave. And again, Lauren began to sob. Larissa took courage and did what a mom needs to do sometimes; she did not go back to Lauren. I quickly began singing fun little action songs with the children in hopes that I could catch Lauren's attention and keep her from crying. It didn't work. Her crying increased, but I was so surprised by how still and reverent the rest of the children were. They were softy singing as if to comfort their little friend. . Then something amazing happened. As we were quietly singing I watched four-year old Joseph Bolton reverently get up from his chair. He walked behind where she was sitting and put his arm around her shoulders, while bending over to show her that it was him. So calm. So sacred. So perfect. As Lauren's cries began to subside, Joe quietly returned back to his seat never saying a word.
Joseph has always had a tender heart...I hope I don't ruin it :)
The Bishop recently asked our family to study "Obedience and Sacrifice" for the next three months and then be willing to talk about what we had learned. It has been really fun. When we meet for Family Home Evening we come ready to study instead of present! The other day we asked the kids to write in their journals what was hard about obedience. Without Ally's permission I am sharing her's! (because I think it is so cool..great insight for a 9 year old!)
And as a passing, closing thought, I thought I would share with you just how much tinfoil is on a small roll of Great Value Tinfoil.....Because at this point, Daniel, Autumn Whiting, and Jared and I may be the only ones that know :)
Two days ago I went to the Thrift Store with Joe (4). I let him buy a package of Spider-man Invitations. When we got home he quickly opened them and asked me to read them.
I said, "You're Invited to a party!"
He immediately said, "YES!" and then walking away he said, "I wonder which party it is?"
That was fun, but Joe did something amazing this week....I quote from my friend's blog (she is the song leader in our Primary):
As the Jr. Primary children hurried into the primary room after sacrament meeting , I stood in front of the room and sang songs, welcoming them in. This is what I do every week. Little three year-old Lauren Hopkins was having a very hard time in Primary. Her mother, Larissa, sat beside her for a few minutes, reassured her, and then got up to leave. Lauren tried to suppress her tears, but it was more than her little heart could take and she began to sob. I guess it was more than Larissa's heart could take as well, and she went back and sat by Lauren. Once again Larissa comforted Lauren, and stood to leave. And again, Lauren began to sob. Larissa took courage and did what a mom needs to do sometimes; she did not go back to Lauren. I quickly began singing fun little action songs with the children in hopes that I could catch Lauren's attention and keep her from crying. It didn't work. Her crying increased, but I was so surprised by how still and reverent the rest of the children were. They were softy singing as if to comfort their little friend. . Then something amazing happened. As we were quietly singing I watched four-year old Joseph Bolton reverently get up from his chair. He walked behind where she was sitting and put his arm around her shoulders, while bending over to show her that it was him. So calm. So sacred. So perfect. As Lauren's cries began to subside, Joe quietly returned back to his seat never saying a word.
Joseph has always had a tender heart...I hope I don't ruin it :)
The Bishop recently asked our family to study "Obedience and Sacrifice" for the next three months and then be willing to talk about what we had learned. It has been really fun. When we meet for Family Home Evening we come ready to study instead of present! The other day we asked the kids to write in their journals what was hard about obedience. Without Ally's permission I am sharing her's! (because I think it is so cool..great insight for a 9 year old!)
And as a passing, closing thought, I thought I would share with you just how much tinfoil is on a small roll of Great Value Tinfoil.....Because at this point, Daniel, Autumn Whiting, and Jared and I may be the only ones that know :)
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Tonight, there is a ward party! Ward parties inevitably remind me of my dad. He LOVED them. He said that the first thing he did as a Bishop was call a great Activities Chairman (Nikki Reynolds:) What he liked the most about ward parties was sitting at the end of one of those long tables and talking (potlucks scared him, the food was never the main event)....we always ended up sitting by the Christensen's, cause duh, they are REALLY fun to talk to!
This Thursday marked THREE years from the day that my dad died. This blog has acted as my therapy, my memory recorder, and my link from him to my kids. Silly words can never really convey the feeling you got when you were with him. He made you feel important, smart, empowered, and humbled, all with a GLANCE. Strangely enough, I still have those feelings in quite moments.....the thoughts will float through me, "I proud of you sweetheart, I love you." And, Yes, the kiss on the cheek and side squeeze around the waist is missing, but the feeling is still there. More often than not, I know he is there. Like I have said before, our little family is GRANDPA-less, but we are certainly not HOPE-less :)
Two weeks ago Sam was baptized by his dad! I woke up that morning with a scripture on my mind, that stayed with me through the rest of the day:
"Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest." Doctrine and Covenants 84:20
So throughout the day, I watched, and watched, looking for how this first saving ordinance could be so life changing, so manifesting, of God's power. And in His perfectly organized fashion, I saw it! The Priesthood of God has truly been restored to the Earth, and by its power, ordinances are performed that we may one day live with Him again!
Life is GREAT! We have good kids, we have great parents, we are surrounded by the best people this world has to offer! Pretty lucky we are!
Farewell! It's time to curl my hair....there is a ward party tonight!
This Thursday marked THREE years from the day that my dad died. This blog has acted as my therapy, my memory recorder, and my link from him to my kids. Silly words can never really convey the feeling you got when you were with him. He made you feel important, smart, empowered, and humbled, all with a GLANCE. Strangely enough, I still have those feelings in quite moments.....the thoughts will float through me, "I proud of you sweetheart, I love you." And, Yes, the kiss on the cheek and side squeeze around the waist is missing, but the feeling is still there. More often than not, I know he is there. Like I have said before, our little family is GRANDPA-less, but we are certainly not HOPE-less :)
Two weeks ago Sam was baptized by his dad! I woke up that morning with a scripture on my mind, that stayed with me through the rest of the day:
"Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest." Doctrine and Covenants 84:20
So throughout the day, I watched, and watched, looking for how this first saving ordinance could be so life changing, so manifesting, of God's power. And in His perfectly organized fashion, I saw it! The Priesthood of God has truly been restored to the Earth, and by its power, ordinances are performed that we may one day live with Him again!
Life is GREAT! We have good kids, we have great parents, we are surrounded by the best people this world has to offer! Pretty lucky we are!
Farewell! It's time to curl my hair....there is a ward party tonight!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
We have had a great week. The last several months we have had several opportunities to be with family...which is always the best place to be. Yesterday found us with Uncle Cory and Aunt Michelle and the gilrs in Las Vegas.
Michelle and I got to spend the day in the temple! As we sat there, and I thought of how much I liked this family, a quote popped promptly into my head....all of those who know her will find it quite fitting!
Jared, Cory, and the kids went to Chuckee Cheese's and I am quite certain that Cory has forever branded himself with the title of FAVORITE UNCLE as he supplied them all with tokens and pizza :) As we sat eating breakfast this morning, Gary said, "I love Uncle Cory, that was AWESOME!"
Breakfast seems to be the place to interject all sorts of great comments lately, I particularly enjoyed this one by Sam this week, "hey guys, I read yesterday in the Book of Mormon about these evil people that think they are perfect enough to pray once a week." Sometimes things make perfect sense when seen through the eyes of an 8 year old :)
This week, I had another poem sitting on the fridge, begging to be memorized by the kids....soon they came to me one by one and had it memorized! I thought the following picture was fitting for the poem!
And now it will be even cuter when you watch this :0
Life is Good!
Michelle and I got to spend the day in the temple! As we sat there, and I thought of how much I liked this family, a quote popped promptly into my head....all of those who know her will find it quite fitting!
Jared, Cory, and the kids went to Chuckee Cheese's and I am quite certain that Cory has forever branded himself with the title of FAVORITE UNCLE as he supplied them all with tokens and pizza :) As we sat eating breakfast this morning, Gary said, "I love Uncle Cory, that was AWESOME!"
Breakfast seems to be the place to interject all sorts of great comments lately, I particularly enjoyed this one by Sam this week, "hey guys, I read yesterday in the Book of Mormon about these evil people that think they are perfect enough to pray once a week." Sometimes things make perfect sense when seen through the eyes of an 8 year old :)
This week, I had another poem sitting on the fridge, begging to be memorized by the kids....soon they came to me one by one and had it memorized! I thought the following picture was fitting for the poem!
And now it will be even cuter when you watch this :0
Life is Good!
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