Something I am grateful for . . .

In Nature
  Dad and Girls: Animals (Megan)
  Mom and Boys: Delicate Arch

that makes a beautiful sound
  Dad and Girls: Flute (Liz)
  Mom and Boys: Violin (Nathan)

that tastes good

  Dad and Girls: Chocolate milk
  Mom and Boys: bacon

that smells amazing
  Dad and Girls: vanilla
  Mom and Boys: cinnamon

That has been hard for me
  Megan: goalball ("It is fun, but sometimes it hurts.")
  Michael: allergies ("I have learned things because of them.")
  Nathan: Jumping off the diving board for the first time ("I was so scared to jump off hte diving board for the first time, but once I did I had so much fun in the pool.")
  Liz: goalball and school
  Mom: vision ("As hard as it is sometimes, we have received many blessings; a closer family and we have been blessed by the service of others." The best part of sharing this though was when Liz said, "I didn't even think of that." This is just another example of how she faces challenges with optimism and joy. Something that is a definite challenge doesn't feel hard to her because of her attitude towards it.)
  Dad: callings ("They can be hard, but they help us learn and give us the opportunity to serve.")

that I would like to share with others
  Dad and Girls: The Gospel
  Mom and Boys: The Gospel

that is older than me
  Dad and Girls: Parents (Family for Megan because she is the youngest)
  Mom and Boys: parents

that I recently discovered or learned
  Dad and Girls: math (Liz learned to make cool designs based on math principles)
  Mom and Boys: math (Nathan learned things that he can easily apply to his every day life), American History (Mike loves what he is learning about the founding of our country.

that shows a vibrant color
  Dad and Girls: the sky, the sunset
  Mom and Boys: Christmas lights

that has words on it
  Dad and Girls: scriptures
  Mom and Boys: books, scriptures

that makes me feel strong
  Dad and Girls: Adrenaline
  Mom and Boys: The Holy Ghost (what a powerful response from Nathan.)

that makes me laugh
  Dad and Girls: Dad
  Mom and Boys: Dad (all kids, in both groups, said this without hesitation)

that makes me cry
  Dad and Girls: Our Savior (Megan says that she cries when she thinks about Jesus dying on the cross for us.)
  Mom and Boys: hymns

that represents my country or culture
  Dad and Girls: flag
  Mom and Boys: "Old Glory" (Mike wanted to make sure it was in quotation marks.)

that is someone I love

  Dad and Girls: grandparents
  Mom and Boys: Jesus Christ

It was a wonderful opportunity to take time to think about what we are grateful for. I love how the list include the big, important things, and it also included the little everyday things that bring us joy. It was special to have some insight into the kids thoughts too.

A Lesson Learned

I wrote several months ago about a significant experience relating to Michael's peanut and tree nut allergies. This experience taught me a lot of lessons. I still consider it mostly my fault, but I was so grateful to see some of te good fruits that have come out of this experience.

On Friday Michael had an event at school. Afterwards cookies were served. He came home and told us, "I didn't have any cookies because I saw they were the kind with macadamia nuts, and I didn't wan tot do that again." He went on to tell us that a friend told him about normal chocolate chips cookies and how his friend said he would get one for Michael. Michael told us that he told his friend that he didn't want one because they had been on the table with the nut cookies. It was wonderful to watch him be confident in his decision, and seeing how well he handled it without feeling left out or liked he missed out.

But the best part was knowing that he, with no mom or dad there, made a good decision for himself.

I have talked about trials before, and specifically how, as a mom, I wish I could remove some of the challenges that my kids face. But sometimes I realize that I am grateful for trials, because of the lessons they teach. And even more amazing than watching lessons be learned in myself is watching my children learn lessons for themselves.

Come Unto Christ

I have thought a lot about this scripture on the final page of The Book of Mormon.

Moroni 10:32
Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

Isn't that our goal? To become like He is, to be perfect like He is. And to realize that our quest to become like Him is only possible because of His atoning sacrifice. Because of the Atonement we can overcome sin and imperfections and be strengthened to endure the challenges of mortality. How grateful I am for this indescribable gift!

I thought about this quest to Come Unto Christ as I listened to our Primary children sing in Sacrament meeting a couple of weeks ago.  They sang this verse from "The Family is of God".

A mother’s purpose is to care, prepare,
To nurture and to strengthen all her children.
She teaches children to obey, to pray,
To love and serve in the fam’ly.

I love the whole song, but for some reason this verse about mothers really stood out to me. I thought again of coming unto Christ, and how we must bring ourselves unto Christ, but also we have a great effect on others, to help them in their journey to Christ And as a mother I have a profound influence on my children. I must never forget that.

Then I thought about a painting that I have seen in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. It was attended this past spring when the baptistry was renovated. The painting depicts a street in Jerusalem during Biblical times. In the corner, there are women sitting together with buildings in the background, and there is a small grouping of men watching the three main people in the painting. And the focus of the painting is a mother, her daughter and Jesus Christ. The girl is walking with a crutch. The mother has her arm around her daughter, and they are both intently looking at the Savior, who is standing near them with his arms outstretched. There is no way of knowing what this mother has gone through to bring her daughter to see and be healed by the Savior, but you can tell it is important to her. The young girl has a look of joy and hope on her face.

This painting will forever remind me that I need to do all in my power to help my children come unto Christ that they may be perfected in Him.

Happy, Happy Halloween

A year ago at this time we had just finished remodeling the kitchen. The last thing I wanted to think about was Halloween, but we came up with some sewing-free costumes and even carved a pumpkin.

This year I was so excited to sew costumes. Some of the kids settled on their costume plans months ago, so I had lost of time to plan and prepare. 

Megan was the last to decide what she wanted to "bee". I was so tickled with her decision, and it was fun to plan how to make it. The wings made out of tulle are my favorite part. Well, that and her darling smile. 

 This was my first time ever making a costume just for Kit. So much fun!

Michael has now officially been three students from Hogwarts. This year he chose Cedric Diggory.

Hufflepuff Prefect

Quidditch Hero

Hogwarts Champion in the Triwizard Tournament

Nathan also wanted to be a Hogwarts student.

He chose Neville Longbottom . . .

Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . . . 

because by getting rid of the snake, Neville is a huge part of getting rid of Voldemort.

Liz chose a character from one of her favorite books, The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale.

I found the hat and shirt several months ago, then made the skirt last week. She crocheted the goose.

She even just bought the entire Books of Bayern series for herself.

 And Molly even got a costume too.

The kids love Halloween and dressing up.  

And they are pretty silly.

 Brian and I kept it pretty simple this year. Our X-ray shirts show what is in our stomach. Ice cream for me, and bacon for Brian.

Monday night for FHE we went to visit the great grandparents. I wish I had taken a picture at Calls. Nathan played some violin (Hedwig's Theme and a couple of hymns) and it was fun to visit. Grandma had little bags for us to fill with cookies. Yum!

We had a nice visit to Grandma Houghton's too. The kids had an impromptu costume parade and enjoyed plenty of treats.

We loved visiting Grandma. She sure loves Halloween.

Fire hats and Fur Elise

Mike might hate me one day for posting this picture, but it was so typical of him that I had to record this occurrence somehow. 

Last week the cub scouts went to the fire station for a field trip. He came home with this fire hat. He loves his fire hat! A couple of days later he was doing his piano practice and obviously he wanted to wear his fire hat at the same time. It wasn't until he started practicing Fur Elise by Beethoven that I grabbed my camera. There was something about the irony of that hat and that song being somehow combined that made me smile. Or maybe it was just so fun, as a mom, to see Michael's interests and talents combined, even in an uncharacteristic way.

Ogden Temple Open House

ON Friday we took the kids to the Ogden Temple open house. In 2010 it was announced that the Ogden temple would undergo major renovations. It is so exciting to be able to take the kids to a temple open house. And all six of us will be able to attend the dedication this time (since Megan is eight and has been baptized).

They showed us a video before we went in the temple. It talked about why temples are important to us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I loved how it talked about how temple unite husband and wife and their children for eternity. Elder Holland talked about how heaven wouldn't be heaven without his wife and children. I agree completely.

Walking through the temple was a wonderful experience. Everything was so beautiful, beyond description even. The artwork on the walls was a combination of some of my favorite well known paintings as well as many that were new to me. The details in each and every room were absolutely stunning. 

As we walked through the brides' room I whispered to Liz that this is where brides get ready to get married, and I told her how the grooms just change in their locker areas. She smiled. I am sure that day for her will come in the blink of an eye.

The baptistry was one of the favorite spots. It was so bright and beautiful and it was neat to see how the paintings on the walls belonged together.

The sealing rooms were gorgeous. Brian had been holding Megan's hand for most of the tour, but I snuck in and held his hand for a bit, as I remembered kneeling across the altar from him. Miraculous things happen in the temples every day!

When we walked into the Celestial Room it was amazing to see how people naturally slowed down and became even quieter. Megan slowly whispered to dad in a very awed and reverent tone, "What do they do in her?" He told her about how this is where we can feel close to God, where we can catch a glimpse of what it will be like to return to his presence, where we can pray and seek inspiration and where we can feel the peace that the temple brings. Nathan commented later on how he noticed how people's walking even got quieter as we went through the celestial room. I wanted this moment to last forever.

As we left the temple Mike said, "What a perfect way to celebrate you anniversary . . . in the temple!" Yes, Mike it was a great way to celebrate, since that is where our marriage started, in a temple.

Temples are sacred and holy places. We do not take pictures while inside, but the church has posted images of the inside of the Ogden Temple. The Church released some images before the open house and they can be found here. The entire temple was absolutely stunning!

We enjoyed some time on the temple grounds after our tour.

The temple was absolutely gorgeous in the morning light, as the sun came over the mountains.

After walking through the temple we attempted a family picture. Unfortunately we were facing that before-mentioned rising sun. It was painfully bright and we got a few lovely squinting pictures. Megan was so cute in one of them though. 

I loved this Christus statue in the small visitors' center tent next to the temple. What a great reminder that the temple helps us Come unto Christ. 

We got a family picture on the west side of the temple. It was fun to get the entire temple in the shot too.

I LOVED the reflecting pool.

There were ropes directing the tours going in and coming out of the temple. I didn't know if we would be able to get close enough to do our traditional temple touching pictures, but I thought it was worth asking. The volunteers were more than happy to oblige. I was so grateful. This is one of my most favorite traditions. 

I know I posted this quotation at the end of my last blog post, but I thought about it a lot this weekend.

"As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple provides purpose for our lives. It brings peace to our souls—not the peace provided by men but the peace promised by the Son of God when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (President Thomas S. Monson)

Temple Memories

The temple has been on my mind a lot this week. Tomorrow we are going to the Ogden Temple Open House. It is a wonderful chance to see in side the temple before its rededication next month. I love any chance we have to take our children to the temple, and for these special opportunities for them to see inside these holy buildings. I am so excited for tomorrow! We have taken the kids to two other open houses in the last five years and they were both special and wonderful experiences. 

Another reason the temple has been on my mind is because this week marks 14 years since I entered this holy building, made covenants with my Heavenly Father and received my endowment. (For some great information about what this means go here. The second paragraph under the first question is a great explanation.)  

It was a special day! Something I had planned for and looked forward to from the time I was young. I was blessed to have a few special people with me; my parents, grandparents, an aunt, my brother, Brian, his parents and his older brother.

This week is also our anniversary. Fourteen years ago tomorrow is the day that Brian and I returned to the temple together and were married. Because of the sealing ordinance available in the temple (there is a paragraph about this at the link above) it is possible for us to live as husband and wife and for us to be linked to our children for eternity. I was very grateful for these possibilities on the day we were married, but fourteen years later that gratitude has only increased as our love and family have grown. 

I have many other cherished memories of the temple. I was able to be there when my older sister received her endowment, and when she was married. When my younger sister went to the temple for the first time and received her endowment it was the first time I was in the temple with all of my siblings, which meant that my parents were in the temple with all of their children. I felt like I witnessed a piece of heaven that day. After all, that is what temples are for, to help us return to heaven as families. 

When my brother was married it was the second time that the four kids in our family got to be in the temple all together (with our parents too), and even more amazing was when my younger sister was married. There I was with my parents, my wonderful husband, my three siblings and their spouses, my grandparents. All of the members of my family had partaken of the blessings of the temple. Brian and I walked out of the temple to our happy children, enjoying the wonderful morning with their cousins. That day was full of so much love and joy, I cannot put it into words.

Two of our children are old enough to go to the temple. While they are not old enough to make covenants for themselves they are able to do baptisms for their ancestors who passed on without receiving the essential ordinances of baptism and confirmation and the ordinances available in the temple. They are able to feel the power of the work that goes on in the temple. When Nathan attended the temple for the first time (Liz was there too), I watched Brian performing the ordinances with Nathan and Liz taking turns to stand as proxy. Tears rolled down my face into my lap. My heart was so full.

The temple is all about families. Our Heavenly Father loves us, his children, so much that he has given us the way to return to him. I am so grateful. The temple brings us closer to Jesus Christ. When I go to the temple I feel my Heavenly Father's love, and it increases the love I have for Brian, for our children, and for those around me.

I found this quotation by President Thomas S. Monson that I love. "As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple provides purpose for our lives. It brings peace to our souls—not the peace provided by men but the peace promised by the Son of God when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” 

Thankful for Fathers

I have thinking so much about fathers recently, and how vital and important they truly are. Not long after Brian and I started dating we had a conversation about what we were hoping for in a spouse. For whatever reason, I couldn't really put my thoughts into words. All I could say is, "I want to marry someone like my dad." Brian had never met my dad and he asked what I meant. I explained myself with two simple requirements; someone who loves his family and loves the Lord. 

I was blessed to grow up with a wonderful father, a dad who always reminded us that he loved us. He taught me how to ride a bike, to swim and to love math. I will forever remember a day in junior high when I came home and aksed him what calculus was. We pulled out the markerboard and he showed me. He took the time, even though I didn't understand much of it. A few years later, on my first day of calculus I sat in class as the teacher drew the same diagrams my dad had years before, and I understood. 

My dad supported me in everything I did. He sat through countless gymnastics meets and watched me cheer at endless ball games. He even came to math meets to help my team in between rounds. He couldn't be at every single thing, but when he couldn't be there he found ways of letting me know that he was thinking of me. And now he is a grandpa. Despite living thousands of miles away he is an important part of my kids' lives. They love to share exciting things with him. He loves to take time and play games with them when he is here. And he is still never shy about letting them know that he loves them.

Most importantly, my dad showed me what it meant to be a righteous holder of the Priesthood. I watched him serve faithfully in various callings. I watched him as he left to go home teaching. I watched him support my mom as she served in various callings. He and my mom led us in family scripture study, family home evening and family prayer. He gave blessings when school was starting, when we were sick, or even when we just needed one. I remember watching as he taught my brother to consecrate oil. He has been a part of each of our children's baby blessings and baptisms. We feel privileged that he could be there each time.

It was easy for me to see what was important to him. He showed me as he served God and served his family. 

As I have thought about all of these things this week I have realized that in all of these ways, and more, my dad was helping me understand not only his love for me, but also my Heavenly Father's love for me. Knowing that I was a special daughter of my earthly father helped me to better understand my relationship with my Father in Heaven.

My baptism day, April 16, 1988

With the statue of famous mathematician Simon Stevin, Bruges, Belgium - May 1999

Dancing at my wedding reception, August 2000

Our kids with Grandma and Grandpa Call in Salt Lake - June 2012

When Brian and I decided to get married I knew that he loved me (and that he would love the children that would join our family) and I knew that he loved God and had a desire to serve Him. It was easy for me to see that. Over the years I have seen more and more how much like my dad he really is. They share a similar sense of humor and are both fun to be with. But more importantly I see the ways that he helps his family understand their divine origins, and their divine potential. He feels such love for his family, and makes sure they know it. He works so very hard to provide for the temporal needs in our family. And in word and deed he is leading our children to Jesus Christ.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World says,

 "HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations. . . .

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

I am so grateful for these two wonderful men in my life and for all they have done, and continue to do for me!

Different, But Equal

General Conference is coming around again. I am so excited! I love conference weekend and the opportunity to hear direction from the Lord's chosen servants; warning and guidance meant for me and my family, intended to help us combat the influences of the world that surround us daily. This year I am particularly excited because of the General Women's meeting that will be held the weekend before. This meeting is for all female members of the church, ages eight and above. And guess what! My youngest turns eight six days before, so I get to go with my two favorite girls, my two daughters. I am so grateful for this chance for them. I hope that they can feel the excitement of being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at this exciting time, a time where the gospel is spreading more rapidly and into more parts of the earth. And I hope they can understand, their role, because, you know what, there are countless influences trying to confuse what that role is. From the time they first announced the change to the General women's meeting I felt instantly that it would be important. It will be a way of strengthening our women, from the time they are very young, against the onslaught that they will face.

And how do I know what will come? I know because I see glimpses and feel a taste of it almost every day. Women are often criticized for choosing to stay home with their children instead of working otuside the home. Women over time have been told they they need to be as smart and strong as and just like men if they want to accomplish anything. And the hardest part for me, is that there is a small, yet vocal, part of the membership in the church that feels women should hold the Priesthood, implying that women cannot possibly be full paticipants in the gospel unless they are ordained. We hear these things now, and they aren't just going to go away. We need to teach our women, young and old who they are, and what Heavenly Father expects of them.

All of this is hard for me, because I know in my heart, in my mind, and in my soul that I am a beloved daughter of my Heavenly Father. I know that He cherishes me and loves me. I know that He has given me guidance throughout my life. He has blessed me with a remarkable husband, and entrusted US with four of his special children to raise in our home and family here on the earth. I know that he has a mission for me to fulfill on this earth, and I know that it is only through His help that I can fulfill this mission. I know that I have not been ordained to the Priesthood, but I have felt the power of the Priesthood bless my life. Not only have I received Priesthood blessings from men I love and respect (I know that they spoke for my Heavenly Father, from whom those blessings came), but I have felt strength, guidance and protection come to me and my family even when no Priesthood blessing was given. This power is very real, and I know that is power came from God. This priesthood power is available to me because I made covenants (covenants made through the authority of the priesthood) and because I strive always to keep my covenants.

I  know that my initial, inward reaction to those who want women to hold the priesthood is sometimes defensive, and I know I feel frustration. As I thought about things today I realized that one reason I have a hard time with women fighting for the Priesthood is that I feel like in their fight they are saying, "a woman who is content with the way things are must not really understand. She cannot really have an equal marriage if she does not have the priesthood. She cannot possibly make a difference in the church without the priesthood. The men she knows can't possibly respect her enough if she doesn't hold the priesthood."

But I do understand. I understand that the Lord has given men and women different, complementing roles as we work togther to raise our family and build His kingdom. I understand that Satan's plan is to attack the family, and I understand that he focuses much of his attention on attacking the roles of wives and mothers. I understand that the world we live in is hard, and scary and that so much is asked of us as wives and mothers.

I also understand that in a marriage sameness doesn't mean equality. My husband and I are different. I feel his love and respect for me as his wife and also as a daughter of our Heavenly Father. I know that he sees my talents and strengths and that he sees (even better than me sometimes) the influence for good I can have on those around me. He honors my roles of nurturer and homemaker, but is never ashamed of pitching in on the housekeeping chores. We discuss together any big (and many of the little) decisions that affect our family. We work together to hold Family Home Evening, family scripture study and family prayer. We discuss the needs of our children and how to address those needs, whether in these formal settings or, more laid back settings. He has always completely supported my service in various church callings, even though at times I was gone in the evenings, and he was home with the little ones. I truly am, and feel like his equal, in every sense. (and I am so grateful that he worthily holds the Priesthood, because it is a blessing and a strength in our home. He sets a wonderful example to our children of what a righteous Priesthood holder is and does. This will help our boys as they follow in his footsteps and our girls as they seek for their eternal companions.)

I also know that righteous women have always and will always have a huge impact on the church. Sometimes that is a sister reaching out to the children of a struggling family, helping them know they are missed when they aren't at Primary. Sometimes that is a well-prepared sister who teaches a lesson in Primary that invites the Spirit and allows a young man to strengthen his testimony. Sometimes it is a sister serving on a ward council who shares her concerns with other leaders and together they work to resolve the concern. It could be one of the many sister missionaries who are doing much good as they take the gospel all over the world. I have seen all of these happen as I have watched women around me serve. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to serve, and to, at times, feel like the Lord used me to bless and influence those around me.

And today I have thought a lot about the men around me, both at church and in my immediate and extended family. None of them are perfect, no one is, but my heart is so full of gratitude for countless righteous and worthy priesthood holders who have blessed and influenced me and my family. To say these man are puffed up, or set themselves above women, or feel they are better than anyone else because of a calling or position is COMPLETELY FALSE. They see their call to hold the priesthood as a call to service, as a call to do what the Lord has commanded and to lead others to do the same. They feel love and respect for those around them and a responsibility to watch over and care for God's children in their stewardship.

I am a mathematician and I love numbers and equations. Today I thought of (2+2)x3 and (60-12)/4. They are very different expressions, and use different numbers and mathematical operators, and yet, they are equal. Men and women have different God-given roles, and we each have individual talents and abilities, and yet we are all equally important, equally needed and equally loved by our Heavenly Father.

I must not become complacent

I have had a couple of experiences lately that have taught me the importance of always being on my guard. The first was a very physical experience, the second was more spiritual.

Our family was at an event recently where treats were being served. A few years ago if I knew there would be food I would make sure Michael had his allergy kit on his back before we even left the house. But, he hasn't had any allergy trouble for years, and I have gotten out of the habit a bit. I did throw the epipen in my bag, though it is funny because Benadryl has really been our first course of action the three times he has needed something. I didn't bother to search for it though. The event ended and the kids got in line for treats. A few minutes later Michael came to us. He had thrown up on his clothes. He said that he had eaten a couple of cookies. My niece threw up the first time she ate peanut butter before they knew she was allergic, so I thought that might be what was going on. Brian headed home with him to get him cleaned up. By the time they got home Michael's lip had swollen quite a bit. Brian gave him some Benadryl. We got home a bit later and Michael was feeling miserable, but wasn't having any toruble breathing. I thought we were in the clear. Just as we were getting the kids into bed Michael threw up again. He was also sneezing, coughing and his nose started to bleed. He still was breathing just fine, but we thought a trip to Instacare would be a good idea. He was so groggy on the way there. I was so worried that something was really wrong. I tried to keep him talking (if I had remembered that Benadryl makes him really drowsy, I probably wouldn't have been quite as anxious.) He mumbled off a list of as many states as he could remember. That made me feel a bit better. Before we actually checked him into the instacare we talked with a nurse to see if there was anything they could do or if we would really need to go to the ER. She checked his oxygen saturation and asked about symptoms. We told her all that had happened. She asked if he had hives. We said no. She went to talk with the doctor. By the time she got back to the room Michael had hives all over his arms, legs and back. She turned right back around to pass this info along ot the doctor. We talked with him for a minute and he said that we should check Michael in, but that he still couldn't promise that we wouldn't need to go to the ER. After another little wait we met with the doctor again. He checked breathing and listened to Mike's lungs and heart and stomach. He let us know what we could do to help the hives. Poor Mike was so tired! The doctor asked him to cough at one point and Mike mumbled, "I don't feel like it." He just wanted to sleep. The doctor sent us home, telling us to check on Mike every two hours throughout the night. Michael was asleep before we left the parking lot. I was so grateful that a friend came and helped give Michael a priesthood blessing. What a comfort that was! The night was still hard. There was more throw up, and it was just hard to sleep, knowing we had to check on him. Oh, how grateful I was to see him pop off his pillow this morning saying, "Mom, I feel so much better!"

The second experience happened tonight. The kids had received a new movie. They watched it while Brian and I went to the temple. After we got home and they were in bed we thought we would watch it. (we both remember seeing some of it when we were young, but didn't remember much.) We watched for a few minutes and then some things happened and some things were said that we were uncomfortable with. We certianly hadn't expected those things, but we turned it off right away. But on my mind was the fact that the kids had seen the entire thing. We will talk with them tomorrow and in the future will do all we can to be more educated about the movies we bring into our home. It is so important that we are ultra careful about what we watch and see and listen to. Those are things that are hard to forget.

I have felt some "mom guilt" because of these two isntances. In both cases I feel like I should have done more to protect my kids. I wish I could turn back time and do it all over, and do it better, do it right.

And as I type this I realize that I need to get over the guilt. I need to know that I can't redo what has already been done, but I can do better. I am grateful that each day we can do better than the day before. And I am grateful that these reminders came to me now, in ways that are relatively minor.

Armor of God Dodge Ball

The Beehive class (Young Women, 12 and 13 years old) in our ward were in charge of the weekly evening mutual activity Wednesday night. It was for all young women AND young men ages 12-18. I always get a little nervous when I am responsible for this combined activity. Coming up with an idea is always the hardest for me. Well in March I woke up one Sunday morning after having a dream. In the dream I had been at a youth activity, and as I got out of bed I thought, "That could work!" It evolved over the last couple of months, but I consider last night a success. 

Here's how we did it.

I created a matching game. I used these images from lds.org to create the special matches. I found other similar images (free coloring pages online) of other activities like hiking, fishing, dancing, TV, computer, homework, mp3 player etc. and created similar cards for them. In total there were fifteen matches. 

We assigned each youth a number from 1-6 and each group was given a set of the matching game. (Our groups had four to six youth in them, and that seemed to work out well.) They mixed things up, spread them out and played the game just like any other matching game (though we did cut out the rule of getting another turn if you got a match. Play just moved from one person to the next.)

When all of the groups were finished we gathered everyone together to hand out armor. They called the people forward that had earned one of the special matches above, gave them the "armor" and explained what benefit it would have in the upcoming dodge ball game. One person in each group earned each piece of armor. Youth could earn more than one piece of armor (if they got more than one of the six important matches), and many youth didn't earn any pieces of the armor. 

Helmet of Salvation (bandana, tied around head) - If the dodge ball hit them in the head they would not be eliminated from the game.

Breastplate of Righteousness (t shirt) - You can get hit in the torso without being eliminated from the game.

Sword of the Spirit (Plastic bat) - Gives you two hits before you are out. Turn in bat after 1^st hit, then leave game after 2^nd.

Shield of Truth (Cookie sheets) - If the ball hits the cookie sheet, you are not out

Loins girt with truth  (long strip of cloth tied like a sash around waist) - Protects from your waist to your knees

Feet shod with preparation of the gospel of peace (bandana tied around ankle) - Protects BOTH legs from the knees down (shins, ankles and feet)

This items were simple to gather and were essentially free. And they worked well during the actual dodge ball games. We put three groups onto each side of the gym and they formed the two teams for dodge ball.

The adults were referees as the youth played dodge ball. It was played like a normal game, though we didn't use the rule about catching a ball that was thrown is a way to eliminate someone on the other side. It was fun to see how the youth benefited from the "armor" they had earned. It was also nice that not everyone had armor. It provided good contrast and helped in teaching the lesson we were hoping to teach.

After the dodge ball game had gone on for a while, most people were out. We stopped the game and gathered around for a moment to talk about what we had done/learned. Here are the questions we used and some scriptures and quotations that we found applied.

Ephesians 6:13-17

 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

How did the armor affect our dodge ball game?

What would our game have been like if everyone had all of the armor?

How can the Armor of God help us each day?

Helaman5:12

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

What can we do to put on the whole armor of God?

Elder Robert D. Hales

Staying on the gospel path of covenants, commandments, and ordinances protects us and prepares us to do God’s work in this world. When we obey the Word of Wisdom, our agency is protected from addictions to substances like alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. As we pay our tithing, study the scriptures, receive baptism and confirmation, live for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, partake of the sacrament worthily, obey the law of chastity, prepare for and receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, and make sacred covenants in the temple, then we are prepared to serve.

Sister Linda S. Reeves

Brothers and sisters, because I know from my own experiences, and those of my husband, I must testify of the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening. These are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction to our lives, and add protection to our homes. Then, if pornography or other challenges do strike our families, we can petition the Lord for help and expect great guidance from the Spirit, knowing that we have done what our Father has asked us to do.

I think the youth had a great time. It was sure fun to watch them play, and to have there be some important meaning behind the activity too. I was struck (again) by how the best ways to protect ourselves and our families from the evil influences of the world are not new things, but rather the small and simple things we are taught to do from the time we are very young. Sometimes we might disregrad pryaer or scritpure study because it may not seem to make much difference at the moment, but by daily participating in these habits of personal righteousness we are strengthening our armor little by little. 

Thank you, Mom!

Tomorrow is Mothers' Day. I have been thinking about how grateful I am to be a mom and having the opportunity to raise some of Heavenly Father's precious children here in my home. I have felt blessed as I watch them grow and progress, make good decisions, and choose to do thigns that are right and good. I feel very lucky.

I have thought about my sisters, sisters-in-law and friends who are mothering at the same time I am. We are all different. We have different strengths, different weaknesses, different ideas, different needs, different habits and different schedules, but we all have the same goal. And we all feel indescribably love for our children.

I have thought about one sister in particular. She has blessed the lives of children (mine included) for many years, but this year is special, because she has welcomed a special child into her home, into her heart. Their start wasn't easy, but I can see much good that has come from the bumpy beginning. She is an amazing mother!

I think of my mother-in-law, my grandmas, aunts and friends. Many women have touched my life and the lives of the children.

And I think of my mother. Having children was never an easy process for my mom. I am truly amazed at all she sacrificed to bring me and my siblings into the world. Even more importantly though, is all that she did to help me become who I am. She created a home where I wanted to be, a place where we could learn, grow, explore our talents and overcome mistakes.

I remember one night long ago. I was probably ten years old. My bedroom was downstairs from most of the house. I couldn't sleep and I snuck up the first flight of stairs. I could sit out of sight and listen to what my mom and dad were doing. (Now that I am a mom I realize their post-bedtime attempts to get laundry and other such things finished before they headed to bed themselves.) But then, my mom spotted me. I expected to be in trouble. After all, I should have been asleep for quite a while. I remember getting teary eyed, and saying I was hungry. My mom took me into the kitchen and sat me in her spot at the table. I curled my legs under me as I sat. And mom made me toast, with apple cider jelly. Maybe my mom felt some exasperation at my "night owl" tendancies, but it certainly didn't show. I went back to bed with a full belly and warm heart.

I don't know why this particular time has been on my mind yesterday. Maybe it is a reminder of how I should be when my own little night owl stumbles down the hall. And it is certainly a lesson of how the little things a mom does can make a huge impression.

When I feel sentimental I like to play with pictures. I love to look at old pictures. This year I have made some colalges that I am proud of. I also like to make videos. Here is one I made this weekend. It includes many of my favorite pictures. It is a way of watching my kids grow up.

Saturday was a special day

Megan's baptism day on Satuday was so special. She has been looking forward to this for a very long tome and her excitement bubbled out of her every time we talked about baptism, or baptism in general. Even reading the word "baptism" made her shiver with joy and excitement. And Saturday was the big day! It was a special day for me as a mom too, because Megan invited all of her siblings to participate in her baptism service by praying, speaking and singing a special musical number. It was a perfect "last" baptism for our family.

Does she look excited or what!

Events like this often make me feel a little sentimental, and this was no different. I went back and looked at pictures from our other baptism days. Here are pictures from each baptism. These pictures of the four siblings were all taken in the same spot of the church building. I love seeing how the kids have grown.

April 11, 2009

 July 10, 2010

 June 2, 2012

 May 3, 2014

It was so wonderful to see MEgan so excited to take this first step along the path back to her Heavenly Father, and it is wonderful to see all of the good these kids are doing as they continue to learn and progress. WE have some very exciting years ahead of us.