Newborn photos

I'm not a huge fan of newborn photos.  Well, I guess certain kinds of newborn photos.  The naked baby ones.  Just looking at the pictures makes me nervous because I think they are about to pee.  And no matter how many fluffy stuff, hats, or anything else you surround them with, my first instinct is to want to clothe them, to make them warm.  Even if they look comfortable, in my mind there is still a sense of discomfort to each baby in every naked newborn picture I look at.

Reading

Matthew hasn't been a big reader.  He reads on grade level and we do at least the required reading for school.  I'm not a huge reader, so I've wanted my kids to read more in life than I do.  Last night Matthew said, "can I get a book like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" or something like that for me to read?"  I read that to the kids along with a bunch of other books that they liked to listen to me read.  I had bought some Diary of a Wimpy Kid books from a yard sale and I handed it to him last night.  He was SO excited that I had them.  He would not go to be last night.  He read for 90 minutes and we had to force him to put the book down and go to bed.  This morning he had five minutes before the bus came and he ran up to his room to read more of his book.  It was too quiet with the girls up there and I went to check on them.  Matthew was sitting on his bed as the girls listened as they kneeled on the side of his bed.  I was ooverjoyed!  I said to him last night, "isn't reading fun?"  And he said, "yes, if it is something you like reading."  I'm so thrilled about this and I hope it continues. I'll be on the search for more books that he'll love reading.

General Authorities and Reese's PB cups

I don't know if you've seen this clip or not yet.  A few friends have posted it on facebook and I cry (and snort) each time I watch it.  I hope you don't find it offensive, because I find it hilarious.  I love Reese's pb cups.

New truck

We just bought a 2000 Dodge Ram.  Dave sold our 1986 Chevy truck a while ago, so a 2000 feels brand new to us.  It is white, diesel, manual transmission, and really tall.  It is hard for ME with my freakishly long legs to get in that thing. We have been looking for a long time now, so I am glad the search is over.

Lake Powell Tragedy

Did you hear about the horrific crash on Lake Powell last week?  Here is the ksl article in case you missed it. My cousin (and his wife and at least two of his four girls) was on the speed boat.  He and his wife and kids were on vacation at Lake Powell with his wife's family.  My cousin had recently returned from Iraq (or Afghanistan) for the fourth or fifth time.  They found the body of the girlfriend and as of today, the body of his sister-in-law is still missing.

I had been looking at the missing woman's (Jessica) facebook page and saw a picture of a grave/headstone.  I did an internet search and it turns out the baby was her nephew who died the same day he was born.  That same internet search led me to her blog.  I read some of her blog.  I specifically love the one on May 23, 2012 the 4th paragraph;.  This girl (she is about 22, which to me seems so young) was so strong spiritually.  Not just having deep thoughts.  Not just pondering God and His power.  But she has a strong, strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it completely shows in her writings.  She seemed so close to her mother, what a blessing that they are together in heaven, reunited with that sweet baby.  And what a blessing it is to know she is freed from the difficulties she faced by the limitations of her physical body.


Also, my cousin's wife posted this on her blog two days after the accident in Lake Powell.

Today I am Grateful . . .

Today I am Grateful . . . 

* That all of my parent's grand kids are healthy and safe.

* That kids are kids - even in the midst of tragedy they are just themselves - they keep me linked to reality.

* That my Heavenly Father through His tender mercy has seen fit to allow me to continue to raise my four beautiful daughters.

* That there are still moments of joy, laughter, and silliness amidst the heartache, sorrow, and pain.

* For the peace of the Spirit, which passeth all understanding.

* For all of the wonderful people who have touched my life and that of my family.  The outpouring of love we have felt has been overwhelming and I realize truly how many amazing people have influenced my life and helped me to be a better person.

* For being near my family and the peace and comfort that brings.

* For the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation that gives the assurance that I will see my mom and sister again.

* For eternal families - that through covenants made in the temple we truly will be together forever.

* That I have the most amazing family - on both sides of the veil.

• 
  

My life lately

What we've been up to:

My kids have been taking swimming lessons for the last couple weeks.  The lessons are for three weeks, Monday through Thursday.  Tomorrow is the last day.  We have to drive to Salem (practically Woodland Hills) and it's in a beautiful indoor private home pool.  The kids are doing great.  The lessons are one on one with the teacher for 10 minutes.  My sister-in-law told me about this lady.  She does a great job.  My sister-in-law told me it's amazing what they can learn in 10 minutes.  Matthew and Molly had a hard time with it the first week, but Norah took to in instantly. No fear whatsoever.

Matthew and Norah are in coach pitch and t-ball, respectively.  It's fun to watch them play, or rather NOT play as it sometimes is.  I don't know that I'll sign them up for it next year, but I think they like it okay, not love love it though.  I'll for sure sign Matthew up for soccer this fall.  He has a fun time with that.

Dave is still in night class.  This summer class is over tomorrow and they start up again in a week or two.  I'm so proud of him.  He never complains about it, he just does it.  He loves what he is learning and it comes in handy at work.  We are so blessed that he has a good job and is able to support our family.  I love him and appreciate all he does for me and the kids.

Dave got a promotion at work.  The hours don't change.  Praise the heavens.  The financial blessings are pretty cool, too.

My lawnmower won't start.

We went on a trip to Cedar City a couple weekends ago.  Our youngest was very difficult during the car ride.  Made me never want to drive over an hour anywhere with her again.  I love her.

Laundry is still my nemesis.

I need a hair cut.  My kids need haircuts.

Do you ever have flashes of past experiences and they seem like yesterday?  But they were well over 20 years ago?  Or whenever.  That happens to me all the time.

Dave and I watched the new season of Arrested Development.  It was okay, not great.

I'm trying to get my doctor friend Amy to build a house two lots away from us.  They are building nine homes to the west of us, just on the other side of our neighbors. They will be acre lots.

I got a sitter a couple weeks ago while I went alone to WalMart in the morning.  Totally worth it.

My kids are playing together really well lately.  Super awesome.

My friend Amy (not dr. amy) is expecting baby number five in January.  Hi Amy!

My pregnant friend Amy watched my kids last week while I went alone to WalMart in the morning.  Totally worth it.

I have so many friends named Amy.

I like visiting teaching, but kind of drag my feet doing it.  It's the lining up the schedules that is hard.

I ate an entire avacodo last week.  I get ham slices, and cut up avacodo pieces in it and roll it up.  It is so, so, so good to me.  An average size avacado has about 240 calories in it.  I looked it up after I at that entire avacado.

My Molly is a sugar FIEND.  She goes crazy wanting candy.

This month marks 10 years since Dave and I started dating.  Our first kiss was on the back porch of our Orem house.

20 things a mom should tell her son

TWENTY THINGS A MOM SHOULD TELL HER SON

1. Play a sport.
It will teach you how to win honorably,
lose gracefully, respect authority,
work with others, manage your time
and stay out of trouble.
And maybe even throw or catch.

2. You will set the tone
for the sexual relationship,
so don't take something away from her
that you can't give back.

3. Use careful aim when you pee.
Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young
because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you
to the dishwasher, oven,
washing machine, iron,
vacuum, mop and broom.
Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully
and don't ever start a fight,
but if some idiot clocks you,
please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something
that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly.
Forever is a long time to live alone
and it's even longer to live with somebody
who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do.
This includes her having a successful career
and you changing diapers at 3 A.M.
Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir"
still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts"
is because they're "private".
Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing.
Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason
is always a good idea.

17. It is better to be kind
than to be right.

18. A sense of humor
goes a long way
in the healing process.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely.
My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me
spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother
because I might be missing you.

A facebook friend posted this morning that over the weekend, her friend's husband died suddenly of a heart attack. He was young and they had a two-year-old daughter.  The wife just graduated from BYU Idaho with a teaching degree and was excited to finally be a stay at home mom.  She said she was glad she stuck with it and got her degree.  What a blessing that she is now qualified in that way to support her daughter financially.  She was so excited to go on a 6 day vacation with her husband.  I am not sure if they had taken the trip already or not.  On her blog she wrote that she thought a lot about when to have a second child.  His last facebook post was a video of his little girl and he wrote how much he loves his wife and his daughter.  He talked about he was the luckiest guy to have them in their lives.  And then within two weeks he had died.

It's so sad.  Things can be so heartbreaking sometimes.  I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and we don't really know what that plan is.  We may think we know, or we may have a good idea of what it is, but the details of it, we ultimately don't know.  We know what our rewards can be if we are faithful, and sometimes that might be what keeps someone going.  We know that this family will be together forever and they are sealed as a family.  This knowledge is crucial.  It's just the living without that person that is the struggle.  This young mom had hopes and dreams and plans with her husband.  They are different now.  She wanted and thought her earthly future would include them being together.  I'm sure she'll get remarried and have more kids, although surely that is the LAST thing on her mind right now.  It's hard in the present to see the long term blessings that Heavenly Father has in store for us.  But he sees us, knows us, guides us, and comforts us. You never know the course your life will take.  The challenge is what you do with the changes.

Someone posted this quote on the wife's fb page.  I find it comforting:

"In like manner our father and mother, brothers, sisters and friends who have passed away from this earth, having been faithful, and worthy to enjoy these rights and privileges, may have a mission given to them to visit their relatives and friends upon the earth again, bringing from the divined Presence messages of love, of warning, or reproof and instruction to those whom they had learned to love in the flesh." -Pres. Joseph F. Smith

I've realized I like meeting women--like other moms. I know that sounds weird.  I bought some books off of Spanish Fork indoor yard sale recently and the girl I bought it from, well, I just friended her on facebook.  I liked her right away.  And she is building a house about a mile away from me. I want to be her friend.  Isn't that weird?  And when I looked at her interests on facebook, we had a lot of the same interests.  And that is awesome.  And when I say interests, I mostly mean tv shows. Because that is mostly all I'm interested in.  Unless I count food storage. Or emergency prep.  Or weeding.

I am so glad spring is here!  I love mowing the lawn and weeding.  I can't get the edger to start right now, but  I even love edging.

I have had about 5 loads of laundry sitting in laundry baskets waiting to be folded for at least a week now.  Laundry is my nemesis.  You'd think my nemesis would be satan, or temptation, or all the weight I've been gaining.  But it's not.  It's laundry.

Change your thinking

A friend posted this on facebook.  I've read it before and have always loved it.  I thought I'd share.  

Change Your Thinking


Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.


She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .'
The origin of this letter is unknown

Fire Safe

I bought a fire safe.  Finally!  I've been wanting one for a while now.  It is fireproof, water proof, and it locks.

More and more pictures

December 2009

More pictures

These are all from August 2010. Baby Molly is 2 1/2 now.

Just pictures

Recently my friend Tiffany told me one of her sisters was pregnant with twin girls, and she was due in May. Last night I found out that on February 9th they were born, over three months early! They were each about a foot long and just under 2 pounds. Here is their blog address to see the cute babies: bertandholly.blogspot.com

Stake Conference

A friend emailed this to me. My friend isn't a member of this stake, and neither am I, but it is a great eye-opening read. On Sunday we had the best stake conf I've ever attended. The Stake President was the concluding speaker. Below is his talk exactly as he emailed it to me today. Sorry for the length but there was nothing I could cut out of it. It was that good. (Anonymous) Stake Conference General Session Talk: 2/3/13 President Mathew De Visser Stake President Sandy Utah Hidden Valley Stake Draper, UT My dear brothers and sisters, it has been a wonderful conference weekend. I have been inspired by those who have shared their stories and testimonies. I have been equally inspired by the music. I have learned that it is not an easy thing to plan a stake conference. Much fasting, prayer, and deliberation go into it and I have felt the spirit of the Lord guide me in selecting our speakers and topics. I express my appreciation to those who have participated. The spirit of the Lord has been with us in abundance, and I pray that it will continue to be with us as I now address you. Another year has come and gone, but not just any year – it was the year 2012. A year about which much was speculated, predicted, and some would even argue prophesied. And while the most discussed prediction or prophecy – that of the Mayans concerning the end of the world – did not come to pass, I feel and believe that 2012 will still prove to be one of the more significant years in our life time. Let’s take a moment and look back at a few things that happened in 2012: - Gaza fired missiles on Jerusalem causing heightened unrest in the Middle East - The Director of the CIA, a man considered to be of the highest moral integrity, resigned due to improprieties and adultery - The UN Ambassador was instructed by the White House to cover up what happened in Libya, attempting to minimize the deaths of four Americans who were murdered - There was an attempt to raise taxes during the worst economic times since the great depression - Hurricane Sandy, called the “perfect storm” hit the east coast causing great devastation - Iran became closer to a nuclear weapon - The use of marijuana was legalized in Washington and Colorado - Some states legalized same sex marriage - 23 states began a petition to secede from the nation - Russia strengthened its coalitions with North Korea and Iran - Forces aligned to stop school prayer, but allowed the handing out of birth control - The government used tax dollars to fund abortions - Examples of violence, gambling, drug misuse, and infidelity were more prevalent than ever - Hollywood promoted parenthood without marriage - Education scores of our youth plummeted to their lowest levels ever - And finally, we were brought to the edge of the fiscal cliff In my opinion, the first 30 days of 2013 have proven to be the same. In fact, my head is spinning at all of the insanity and craziness that is happening in the world. Now, I want to make it clear that it is not my intent today to be controversial, political, or even dire. My intent is to state the facts as I see them, as the Stake President, having been moved upon by the Holy Ghost. When I speak from this pulpit as the Stake President, the primary intent of my voice is one of love and compassion, but I also have an obligation to use my voice as a warning when it is necessary. Today is a day when I choose to use it primarily as a voice of warning hoping you will realize and understand that it is in love and compassion for you that I do. Each of us has our agency and we are free to act for ourselves. We are agents unto ourselves and each of us is free to take what I say as he or she will. You may choose to disagree with me. You may even choose to ignore me, but I have been impressed by the spirit to say what I must say. Never in my life have I witnessed a more stark difference between good and evil than I did in 2012. Never has there been a greater moral, economic, or political decline in society, than there was in 2012 and over the last few years. These climates combined, were as bad in 2012 as they have ever been in the history of the world. The current moral condition of our world and country reminds me of the condition described in Helaman, chapter 5, verse 2, and I quote: “For their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening with destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.” End quote. In 2012 the voice of the people spoke loudly and clearly as it chose: - Socialism over capitalism - Entitlements over free enterprise - Redistribution and regulation over self reliance Unfortunate as it is, this should not come as a surprise to any of us who have spent the better part of our lives as members of this church. The scriptures and the prophets have warned us for hundreds of years, and have been trying to prepare us for this time. The scriptural and modern-day prophesies we have read and heard throughout our lives are no longer prophesies to us – they are now our living reality. Let me take a moment and share with you a few of the scriptural and modern-day prophesies and quotes that I find interesting and revealing. First, on November 9th, 2012 ( just a few months ago) the First Presidency issued the following statement: “We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.” The most glaring part of this statement, to me, is the acknowledgement from our prophet and the First Presidency that we are living in difficult and turbulent times. Now, listen carefully to these two quotes. To me, these quotes are fascinating, and they reflect the ability of our leaders to see and predict the future. In 1976 (this statement was made over 35 years ago) while serving as a President of the Seventy, Neal A. Maxwell said the following: “I fear, that, as conditions worsen, many will react to the failures of too much government by calling for even more government. Then there will be more and more lifeboats launched, because fewer and fewer citizens know how to swim. Unlike some pendulums, political pendulums do not swing back automatically; they must be pushed. History is full of instances when people have waited in vain for pendulums to swing back”. In 1966 (this statement was made over 45 years ago) while serving as an apostle, Howard W. Hunter said this: “The government will take from the “haves” and give to the “have nots.” [When this happens] Both have lost their freedom. Those who “have,” lost their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. Those who “have not”, lost their freedom because they did not earn what they received. They got “something for nothing,” and they will neither appreciate the gift nor the giver of the gift”. Now I quote from 2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 1-4: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”. Sound familiar? It does to me, and as the Stake President, I not only see it happening throughout the world, but I also see it happening right here in our stake. These conditions described by Paul concerning the wickedness of the last days, are being realized right before my very eyes. As the Stake President, I see and hear all manner of sin – violence, crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and immorality of every kind. I believe there are not many things left for my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Evil is escalating at an alarming pace even here at home. Just as the Savior prophesied concerning the conditions in the world that would precede his Second Coming: “iniquity does abound, the love of men does wax cold” (JS-Matt. 1:30) and “all things are in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts do fail them, for fear has come upon all people” (D&C 88:91). I now quote Elder Bednar in a talk he gave one day after the tragic events that occurred only 45 days ago in Connecticut. He said: “We live in a world that grows increasingly confused and chaotic - ever more evil and dark. Nothing could have emphasized that truth more than the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Connecticut.” With his comments, Elder Bednar also quoted recent comments made by President Packer, who said: “The world is spiraling downward at an ever-quickening pace.” Now, pay close attention to this next sentence brothers and sisters – President Packer said: “I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.” President Packer goes on to say: “I know of nothing in the history of the Church, or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now. Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, and even accorded legal protection. At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now, they are spread across the world, and they are among us”. Brothers and Sisters, as I said last year during Ward Conferences – “we are in the count down.” Again, I say to you, that the scriptural and modern-day prophesies we have read and heard all throughout our lives are no longer prophesies to us – they are now our living reality. If there was ever a time in the history of the world for a people to wake up, pay attention, and get it together – now is that time. This is a defining moment for us, and we cannot delay. We need to get our temporal and spiritual houses in order. It is a must. Difficult times are still ahead and we need to be prepared. In my opinion, the last 5 years have put us on notice, and they should serve as a wake-up call in both temporal and spiritual matters. All throughout my life I have been counseled by our church leaders to live within my means and get out of debt. In fact, there was no topic talked about more by President Hinckley, during his time as the Prophet, than living within our means and getting out of debt. As I look back on the last 5 years, it is no wonder to me why he did. We experienced the worst economic, political, and spiritual times in the history of our country, and even globally. The words of President Packer during his visit to our stake 4 years ago still ring loudly in my ears when he mentioned this topic and warned us, by saying: “This time is different. We have not experienced this in the past. This time it is global, and it will be deeper and last longer than anything we have economically and spiritually experienced.” Today, it is easy for us to reflect upon his words and know that he was right. Many of us would be better served today if we had taken his warning more seriously. For example, from 2008 to 2009 our stake experienced a 150% increase in welfare assistance to its own members. That assistance stayed about the same during 2010 and 2011. In 2012 we saw some improvement, and I am happy to report that we are now only 70% above our pre 2009 level of assistance. While there are some of us who could have done better, all in all, I commend you brothers and sisters. We are one of a few stakes in the entire church that remained a Fast Offering Giver rather than a Fast Offering Receiver during this time – meaning that we were able to meet the temporal needs of our own members and still have a surplus to pass on to the church to assist other stakes. I also want to commend you for following the counsel of your priesthood leader to prayerfully consider a more generous Fast Offering. It is overwhelming to me that during this temporal meltdown you have risen to the occasion and given more generously. I am very pleased to report that over the past 4 years our fast offering contributions have increased by 11%. This is amazing, especially since we now have 1,000 members less in our stake than we did in 2008. So, I thank you brothers and sisters. You are wonderful and I promise the Lord will continue to bless you as you continue to give generously. Now, while temporal and economic conditions appear to be getting somewhat better, let us not kid ourselves about what is really going on. Any improvement is only temporary, and the conditions we have experienced over the last 5 years will eventually and certainly return, and even get worse. Let us not forget the last 5 years, and let us learn from it. Let us all finally follow the counsel of our prophets to live within our means and get out of debt. It is possible to get out of debt if we live within our means, but it is not if we don’t. Now, not only is temporal preparedness vital for our mortal existence, but it also sets the stage for us to be spiritually prepared. The most important matter for us to consider right now and always is our spiritual preparedness. Over the past 4 years, it has been a wonderful exercise for me to call upon the Lord for guidance and direction concerning this stake, and in particular the setting of stake goals. It has been an interesting evolution to witness. Let me share with you part of a statement we prepared for all of us this year (a copy of which can be obtained from your bishop): “As the Stake Presidency discussed, pondered, and prayed about our stake goals for 2013, we were impressed by the feeling that goals should be a matter of focus and commitment at a personal level. In conjunction with this direction, we encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question: What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior? Let me repeat: We encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question: What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior? We trust that as you prayerfully consider and ponder this question, it will be clear to you what your goal should be. We also testify that your personal commitment and discipline to fulfill this goal will indeed bring you closer to the Savior and will give you spiritual strength to remain firm and steadfast in the gospel regardless of the circumstances. We are impressed to share with you one goal you might consider, as you ponder the question: What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior? Spend time each day reading and studying the Book of Mormon. Two others which are not in the statement but which I would like to also suggest are: 1) Don’t let a day go by in your life when you do not humbly and sincerely kneel before God to thank Him for your blessings and plead with Him to give you the spiritual strength to meet the challenges which are coming. 2) Perform a spiritual self examination. Examine every aspect of your life. Identify those things for which you need to repent and then do it. Simply put, focus on your own personal worthiness. In the end, the only things that will matter will be our personal worthiness and our relationships, especially the one we have with the Savior. Brothers and Sisters, President Packer was absolutely right when he said: “I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.” As difficult as it may be to embrace, it is simply God’s plan. The moral, economic, and political conditions of the world will not, overall, get better. You and I were held back for this special time to prepare the earth for the return of the Savior. I believe many within the sound of my voice will be part of, and witnesses to, all of the events that will transpire prior to the return of the Savior. This will require each of us to be temporally and spiritually stronger than we are currently. In closing let me share a quote from Heber C. Kimball: “The time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to the extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint, from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brothers and sisters, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a TEST, a TEST is coming, and who will be able to stand?" This church and each member of it has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to be temporally and spiritually prepared, and have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess these things will fall.” Brothers and sisters, the test has come. It is now upon us. No man or woman will be able to endure what is happening now, or what is ahead, if we are not temporally and spiritually prepared. If you are not, you will not stand. I love you brothers and sisters. I testify to you that I speak the truth. I have a personal witness of the Savior and I know that He lives. He is the Son of Almighty God. He will return in glory and He will sustain us through the difficult times ahead if we do our part and are temporally and spiritually prepared. And, I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

He's 7!

Matthew turned 7 last month. Here are some pictures of him playing soccer last fall. He is taking a basketball class now, once a week for 6 weeks.

I love that you can see our house in the background of this one.

For his birthday we went to Fat Cats bowling alley in Provo. We invited 6 friends and Matthew has so much fun. It was kind of pricey, but I thought by the time I add up all the things I buy for a party and the time it takes to do everything (and I cut a lot of corners) I'd just rather pay money and go somewhere and have it all ready for me. It was fun, but kind of chaotic. I don't think I'd do it again for the same child, but I'd do it once for each child. Matthew is such a great little boy. He is a good helper and a great brother. He says funny things. Like during the sacrament on Sunday he asked me, "mommy, are fart guns real?" I stifled my laugh as well as I could. And I told him, no, they are not real. He replied that he knew how to make one and did I want him to tell me? I absolutely want to know how to make one, but I told him not during the sacrament. Talking with a friend the other day we were wondering what our kids will be like in the future. My parents always tell my siblings and I how proud they are of us. And they should be. I think we all turned out to be decent human beings. More than decent, hopefully. I love my boy. I love who he is and who he is becoming each and every day. He makes me want to be a better mom. And a better wife, oddly enough. He needs to see what a good marriage is. He needs an example of what the role of a mother is and what the role of a father is. I hope we show that to him. He is a strong boy with a lot of love, excitement, and energy to give the world.

I wish you enough

This is not my narrative, but I like it and thought I'd share. I WISH YOU ENOUGH. Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport as the daughter's departure had been announced. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the mother said: "I love you and I wish you enough." The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom." They kissed and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I sat. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy but she welcomed me in by asking, "Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?" "Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking but why is this a forever good-bye?" "I am old and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said. When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, "I wish you enough." May I ask what that means?" She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail and she smiled even more. "When we said 'I wish you enough' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them". Then turning toward me, she shared the following, reciting it from memory, "I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye." She then began to cry and walked away. They say it takes a minute to find a special person. An hour to appreciate them. A day to love them. And an entire life to forget them.

Making History

I've read the quote a lot lately. The one that says something like "Well behaved women seldom make history." I don't actually care for that quote. To me it implies we should not behave if we want to be known, or remembered. I don't know the history of the quote, or even who it originated with. I'd rather be well behaved and forgotten than be poorly behaved and have people remember me. Maybe I'm not thinking about it in the context of how the statement is truly meant to be understood.