Lately Porter has been playing with this little baby doll that was mine when I was little. It was given to me by my Uncle Jared who passed away a year ago in August. I am so glad that I kept it and everytime I see Porter snuggle him it makes me so happy. Thank heavens it is a boy baby doll or Dave might have to take issue with Porter playing with dolls. :)

Family Time

Today we decided to break out our little fire pit and have smore in the back yard. The kids absolutely loved it. We took turns going around the campfire telling campfire stories. It was so funny to listen to the boys make up their own little stories. I loved it!!!! in 90% of them mom was the victim of some sort of crazy scheme or dissaster - I wonder what that means :)......

Yummy Smores!!!

WHAT IN THE WORLD

Where is the mother of these wild children?

Congratulations Jenna

My baby sister graduated from High School!!! I cannot believe that she is that old - time goes by so fast. I am so proud of her she is such a good girl. I was so sad I could not be at her graduation. It's hard to live soooooooo far away. I can't wait to be home!!! LOVE YOU JEN JEN!!!!

A Sweet Experience

It seems like lately I have had a lot of spiritual things on my mind. As you know from my previous posts. I use this as my journal and sometimes I'm sure I record things that are not very interesting to anyone but me. But some of these things are things that I want to remember.

Today at church I had a very testimony building experience. Our ward was split today into a Branch and then a Ward. As I sat and listened to both the old the old and new members of the Bishopric and Branch Presidency I was touched by the love they had for each other. One of the Counselors in our previous Bishopric could barely speak. He said that he was overwhelmed with emotion because of the love he felt for those he served with and would greatly miss serving with the men he served with. The spirit was so strong that it moved me to tears. I could feel how much he loved the other members of the Bishopric.

I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to belong to a church where we serve along side of one another to achieve a common goal. All of us are imperfect people struggling to do the best we can and we are so lucky to have members of our ward who lead us with patience and kindness to where we need to be.

I feel so grateful to have had people in my life that were willing to look past my imperfections and believe in me. I have had many life changing experiences due to people who believed in me and made me feel like I was an important part of a ward. I'm so grateful for those who took on roles to take care of my little family like I was a part of their family. I'm grateful for friends who continue to bless my life with their examples - I sure have great friends.

Its amazing what blessings can come by serving in your wards. I accepted a calling in the Primary in the Morgan fifth ward a few years ago. I have to say I was a little nervous when I accepted the calling because it was a very young class filled with strong little spirits. Because of that call I received such a huge blessing - my sweet, sweet friend who was called to serve right beside me. We did not know each other before that and Heavenly Father knew I needed her. My life would not be the same without her.

I guess today I feel so blessed to have a testimony. I love this gospel - I love the people that I am blessed to come in contact with. Chances are if you are reading this I love you too!!!!

Thanks for listening to me ramble on and on... I'm sure there is more to come.

Thank You!!!!

Thank you so much for all of you who have given me great advice on my previous post. Some of you have posted your ideas and others have called. Either way - thank you for your help! It is so nice to know that as moms we can help each other raise our great kids!!!!

In my quest - I read this wonderful, wonderful talk by Elder Holland. It really touched my heart. When I really think about the awesome responsibility it is to raise these little ones it feels a bit overwhelming but I also look at each one of my kids and realize how lucky I am that they are here with me and that I get the privilege to have them in my home. They teach me more than I could ever teach them. They have sweet, sweet spirits and I could not be more blessed!!!!

I thought I would share a little piece of his talk - I just loved it!!!!

A Prayer For The Children

Elder Holland

In such times as we are in, whether the threats be global or local or in individual lives, I too pray for the children. Some days it seems that a sea of temptation and transgression inundates them, simply washes over them before they can successfully withstand it, before they should have to face it. And often at least some of the forces at work seem beyond our personal control.
Well, some of them may be beyond our control, but I testify with faith in the living God that they are not beyond His. He lives, and priesthood power is at work on both sides of the veil. We are not alone, and we do not tremble as if abandoned. In doing our part, we can live the gospel and defend its principles. We can declare to others the sure Way, the saving Truth, the joyful Life. We can personally repent in any way we need to repent, and when we have done all, we can pray. In all these ways we can bless one another and especially those who need our protection the most—the children. As parents we can hold life together the way it is always held together—with love and faith, passed on to the next generation, one child at a time.

It is definitely clear that we have a major responsibility to our children. But I also think it is clear that we can do it!!! It is clear that being a good parent starts with being a good person. I sure have a way to go on myself but I am trying. :) I am so grateful for the gospel. There is not a better way to raise my kids and I am so grateful that I don't have to do it alone.