We submitted our missionary application this week. Now we get to experience "The Wait" that all missionaries experience. We firmly believe that the Lord, through one of His apostles, will make the assignment where we will be able to serve as He needs us. It's a very comforting feeling. We're very excited. It's been enlightening also to contemplate Elder Bednar's talk about mission calls. That first sentence "You are call to serve as a missionary..." so often gets overlooked in the rush to the 'where' assignment. We're trying to focus more on 'the call to serve'.
We've been getting a few new clothes, taking care of medical/dental appointments, organizing our home, and learning to study together! All of that is exciting and challenging.
Mom died 14 months ago and Dad 3 months, but we're just getting around to seriously going through all their things. Most of it doesn't need to be kept. But there are things that were very important to them. It's a little hard to know what to do with things that are important to someone you love even though those things aren't very important to you. I'm working through each thing. Sometimes I have to set something aside several times and come back to it before I figure it out. Interesting process. We'll keep working at it!
And we'll let you know when The Call comes!

Make it a great day!

This weekend is Stake Conference in our area. In the session last night the question was asked "When did you know you had a testimony of the gospel and/or the Book of Mormon? Those two things go together in my mind. If the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's organization, then The Book of Mormon is truly a record of a real people. I knew immediately what my answer to the question was. I can still picture where I was and how I felt when I received that witness. But I was also struck last night by the feeling that I needed to record that experience here on my blog.

I was raised in the church by a lifetime member Mother and a Father who received a testimony and was baptized during my childhood. I went to primary, sunday school, MIA, seminary, Ricks College and then BYU. There were definitely spiritual experiences along the way. But the day came when my idea of how my life would progress and my reality weren't the same. I found myself questioning if my faith was my own or just what was expected. I remember thinking "It's either true or it isn't." And I wanted to know. So I prayed. The answer came softly and gently, but quickly, clearly, and firmly. "You've always known." And I realized that that was true. Though I didn't like that I wasn't receiving the blessings I wanted when I wanted them and I didn't understand everything, I knew that I had a Heavenly Father who loved me. I knew (at least on a beginner level) that His Son was my Savior. I knew that their truths and doctrines were to be found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I knew that my faith was bone-deep. Over the years I've seen faith diminish in some, and I've realized that my faith isn't permanent without working at it. But I've met questions from the view of believing. Sometimes it's taken time to understand some things. Some things I still don't understand completely. But I've chosen to believing view. I approach life with a firm belief that I have Heavenly Parents who want the best for me, and are completely capable of helping me achieve it. I believe in Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. I have felt their influence deeply. I have tasted their peace. There are still blessings that I haven't received when I wanted them. Their are still things I don't completely understand. But my understanding is maturing and the strength of my faith grows deeper. I don't want to ever walk away from the covenants that I've made. I pray every day that I and those I love will feel and know the love and grace of the Lord. That our testimonies will strengthen. That the posterity entrusted to us will remain valiant and dependable.

Make it a GREAT day!

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIM!

I wanted to find just a couple of pictures to put with this post. I saw this first one and had to check that it wasn't Ty. (Actually I didn't have to check - I remember that day!) And I put on the second one to remind Tim and Carlee that we DO understand what they're going through with 3 wild and crazy and wonderful little boys!

Tim says he's living the dream. And he's right. And I'm glad he realizes it. A wonderful wife, 3 happy healthy sons, a good job, living in a city he adores, full of faith with desires to serve...   Life is good!

So proud of your hard work and diligence, Tim. So grateful for the love you give us. So grateful that you work through the hard times and come out better for it. So happy that we get to have Carlee in our family because of your good sense.

Keep up the good work! Enjoy the life you have every minute. Continue to teach your family to pray and learn and listen.

We love you!

Make it a great day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEVIN!
This little boy was born 21 years ago, far far away. This picture is of the first day we met him 17 1/2 years ago. Our first family picture of the 3 of us. We had no idea of what adventures the coming years would bring us, but we knew he was our little boy and we'd finally found him.

 He fit in very quickly and easier to the California lifestyle!

 His siblings were very glad to meet him and have him in the family. The relationships that have formed over the years continue to grow.

Kevin became an official part of our eternal family in August after he arrived in May. The temple is important to our family and I'm very grateful that we have covenants that unite us as we try to live them.

Kevin and Yasmin were married earlier this month as our family continues to grow.

Kevin, we love you and hope your days continue to be filled with happiness and every good blessing!







Make it a great day!

 I'm thankful:
That I'm almost used to the time change.
That I get to watch Lori in action in her classroom today as I help out with Big Center Day.
That I can sleep peacefully at night. I know this is a wondrous blessing.
That Lori brought me Uberitto for dinner last night.  
That Traci and I both have blue tooth in our cars so we can talk as we drive home. 

Make it a great day! 

Well, a week has passed since I've taken time for this thankful list. But I have felt a lot of gratitude this past week. Dad went into the hospital a week ago today. During that week he had over a liter of fluid drained from his lung, which unfortunately started returning almost immediately. They spent the next few days working with medicines to get his body to get rid of the fluid naturally. All seemed to be going well and they were ready to release him yesterday, when he began complaining of a pain in his abdomen. So they kept him overnight, expecting him to come home today. But his blood count is not right this morning, so the search is on for the new culprit. Another CT scan today will hopefully shed some light. And today will probably not be homecoming day.
In the midst of all of that I've been grateful for:
Kind medical workers. They've been thoughtful, respectful and caring. From the janitors to the doctors. It truly makes such a difference.
Good hospital food. Dad hasn't eaten much, but he likes what he has eaten.
For family who have kept in touch and stayed concerned.
For a husband who during the past week has been out of the hospital maybe 30 hours total. He sleeps in the room with Dad and eats in the cafeteria. He handles trying to understand the situation and help Dad understand it, which is no small feat. He comforts Dad like nobody else can. Dad likes having me there, but he feels safest when Tony is there.
And most of all, I'm thankful for the peace that comes from talking with Heavenly Father and listening to his comfort. From blessings given and honored. And for the plan.

Now today is a special day. My Mom was born 87 years ago today. She left us 9 months ago to return Home. I've missed her every day. And I've learned so much about her and about myself in those 9 months. And through some special experiences, I've learned that she is still learning and growing and is aware of us and near us. 
I'm so grateful for the parents I was given. I'm glad we will enjoy each other forever and forever.   

I truly believe that beginning each day with a grateful heart, no matter what, makes life good.
Make it a great day!

 

I am thankful:
31. That we really can make magic just by being kind. I love kind people!

32. For books. Sometimes I try to imagine what life was like when there were few books and even fewer people taught to read them. What was it like?? I'm so grateful for all the things I can learn and experience through reading.

33. For dreams fulfilled. I'm thinking of a cousin who has waited a very long time, but is finally experiencing what she has dreamed of her whole life. Worth it!

34. For pickles. I've always loved pickles.

35. When reports of rain don't materialize when my loved ones are traveling.

   Make it a great day!