Let Me Introduce You....

In preparation for a Relief Society lesson I came across this quote from Elder H. Burke Peterson.

“I have often wondered what would happen if the method of introducing a father to his newborn child were different. Instead of a doctor coming out and saying, ‘It’s another girl,’ or ‘It’s another boy,’ how would we react if each time a child was born our Father in Heaven made this kind of introduction to the parents:
“ ‘Thank you for preparing this little body for the spirit I have created. Now, I present her to you for a season to care for. Please teach her of me and of my Son. I so much want her back with me some day. … Remember this: She is loving. She will respond to teaching. She wants to learn. Please treat her with respect. The road will not be easy. Some of the time it will be most difficult. I want to help you raise her. Please call on me often for advice and counsel. Together we can help her fulfill her purpose in the earth.’ ” (Ensign, Jan. 1973, p. 115.)

This brought tears to my eyes and made me grateful that I have been given the opportunity to assist in giving some of Heavenly Father's children a mortal experience. What a great responsibility and blessing it is to be a parent!

Visions of Cousin Camp Danced in my Head

So, two years ago, (along with my sister, dad, and step-mom) I hosted cousin camp for 17 of the cousins which included 3 of my own kids. I felt bad not doing it last year, but we had moved in the spring and I just didn't have the time to plan it. But the last couple of nights I have been waking up with visions of cousin camp dancing in my head. I have been so excited that I haven't been able to go back to sleep. I just love that the cousins get to spend time with each other and when you take the parents out of the equation anything goes (well almost anything)! My vibe after cousin camp a couple of years ago was that the kids loved it and what a nice break for the parents. So the gears are turning and I am getting excited, guess I better tell the parents!

Some of my ideas this year are a carnival day with lots of games, booths, face painting and maybe even a store they can earn tickets and buy fun treasures. Maybe we can fit in a dollar movie, bowling, or classic skate day. I was contemplating getting a fire pit so we can roast hot dogs and make smores. Last time breakfast at the park was a hit and so was the milk jug baseball, so maybe we will do that again. Our service project this year might be a service scavenger hunt. I would like to do some type of ropes course for children - anyone heard of one- something to build self-esteem. I tell you the possibilities are endless.

If you have any great ideas please let me know. Three days is a long time and you have to keep them busy or it gets a little crazy.

You Know We Can Say A Prayer

The other day Sophia was at her little friends house when her mom overheard this conversation. They were looking for a specific doll and couldn't find it.

Sophia: "You know Avery we can say a prayer. Heavenly Father will help us out."

Avery: "I know but I think we will be able to find it without saying a prayer."

Sophia: "But maybe if we say a prayer we will find it faster."

About this time Avery discovers the doll.

Avery: "See we didn't need to pray to find the doll."

Sophia: "But we still could have prayed Avery. We can pray anytime, anywhere!"

Out of the mouth of babes we are reminded of the simple gospel truths. I am grateful that Sophia knows she can pray anytime, anywhere.

Sisters that make me smile☺

Through the years I have come to realize that I really like to be around older people. For a few years I visit taught Sister Golightly, she has become one of my best friends and cheerleaders. She has given me advice with the utmost love. She always lifts me up and tells me she loves me. I just love this woman, she makes me smile. We hardly make a trip to Kearns without at least stopping to see if she has just a few minutes to visit. The kids are always asking if we can stop and see Grandma and Grandpa Golightly.

Then I moved closer to my grandma, whom I have already blogged about a little bit. I have found myself finding excuses to be with her and have her teach me something new. This week she came and taught me how to crochet, which I had learned when I was little but hadn't done since then. I realized that older people have so much life experience and wisdom to offer. They have been around the block and have dealt with life. They are so willing to help and I hope that as I grow old that I will be this way.

Just the other day I went to visit a sister in our ward. I just stopped by to deliver her a birthday gift because she would be in surgery and not home yet before her birthday. I was planning on just giving it to her and leaving, but she wanted to visit. We talked about family, raising kids, church, health problems, schools, just lots of fun things. She said you sisters who are raising kids right now are just amazing. She just went on and on. I must say I felt pretty good about life when I left.

I am truly grateful for all these fabulous friends that I have made that lift me up and make me smile.

Just Try to Remain Calm

Just a little over a month ago we began finishing our basement, yeah! Oh we are so excited. Despite the excitement, I think I might go crazy very soon. Our boys who were sleeping in the basement in a partially finished room, now sleep in the living room in sleeping bags. Boys will be boys, whether they have a bedroom or the living room floor. They are driving me crazy with all the wrestling (I know they wrestle more now just to make me crazy). I get to witness every fight. Their clothes are everywhere, but only because they have no where to really be (the laundry room is the designated area). The laundry room has no floor. There is always boy stuff all over the living room. My motto: Just try to remain calm. If I can't see the laundry room floor in a month then my freaking out will be justified.