BYU

Yesterday Pat drove me to Oakland airport so that I could fly to Utah to visit with Craig, Angela,Lucas & Darci. Unfortunately Lucas and Darci are sick so we aren't able to do all that we planned. We thought they were both better so we went to BYU campus (always a must for me). Lucas noticed other people eating outside at the 'picnic' tables outside the Wilk and thought that was a great idea! He said he wanted to eat at a table on a chair, I suggested we go eat inside at a table on a chair, he thought that was a great idea. So off we went to the Cougar Eat (confession: I still miss the old one). We all opted for Subway sandwiches. As we were eating we could visibly watch Lucas losing steam. He could barely keep his eyes open. Poor little guy. Now he is running a fever again and feels miserable. :( Even though we weren't on campus long I could still feel the wonderful spirit there. I am so grateful for BYU and all the amazing blessings I have because of attending college there.

White Shirts

I love watching the Aaronic Priesthood holders in our ward as they prepare, bless and pass the Sacrament. I love their white shirts and the symbolism of their being pure priesthood holders who are on the Lord's errand. I am grateful for all of them, for their strength in overcoming all that is thrown at them. I realize some are better at avoiding or dodging Satan's fiery darts, but at least they are trying. I have to believe that them participating in the Sacrament is one of the greatest shields they have, along with Seminary, scripture study and prayer.

Years ago I had a 'vision' of a young man, standing alone, yet boldly, with his sword of truth and his shield of righteousness...coming at him were Satan's followers, those Spirits that chose not to follow Christ's plan. Then, a few years ago when I was assigned to speak in Ripon ward I had the topic of the Aaronic Priesthood. During the preparation of that talk this 'vision' I had in my mind expanded. The young man was no longer standing alone, behind him, and beside him, were: his family, his fellow Aaronic Priesthood holders, his youth leaders, his bishopric, his Stake Presidency and Stake young men leaders, and on it went, all the way to President Monson, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf. All of them, stood solidly and faithfully to thwart the fiery darts of Satan, to make sure that this young man would one day return to live with our Father.

I am grateful for worthy Priesthood holders, that represent themselves and their purity with white shirts on Sundays.

Mormon Helping Hands

Today in California it is Mormon Helping Hands day. It's a day where each and every ward do a service project for their community. In our stake we are cleaning up parks, painting a homeless shelter, working on the Manteca Historical Museum, sprucing up a bike path and cleaning up our cemetery. It will be a busy morning for many LDS families.

The reason we do this activity is to serve our neighbors and friends; our communities. When we did this two years ago we had people walking by us at the park wondering how they could get involved. I know our ward has over 40 people signed up. Pat is about to leave to go participate. (I would, but I am leaving for Utah tomorrow and don't want to hurt my back so that I can be sure and enjoy my grandchildren!)

I am grateful for our church leaders who recognize that serving our community is important, and for the members who willingly give of their Saturday morning to serve. It's just wonderful, that's it, just wonderful.

Standing for truth

I read a post on facebook written by Bob Lonsberry. Now, I don't profess to know who he is, but I do know this...I like him. As you know I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day  Saints. I am a "Mormon." So, when Mr. Lonsberry addressed the topic of Mitt Romney's 'underwear' because a caller asked about it on his radio station, I paid attention.

I am well aware of the fact that our church will be scrutinized, and criticized, during this national campaign, that our beliefs and values will be mocked. I am okay with that. We believe what we believe; we know who we are; and we stand up for our values and beliefs, kindly. With that being said I also am aware that those who don't know a great deal about this wonderful, true, religion of ours will possibly learn much about the true goodness of our religion, and most of our members. This is an opportunity for us to shine, and I welcome it.

I am grateful for people that stand for truth and righteousness, for their strength and their goodness...even if I don't know who they are.

This is what Bob Lonsberry shared:
"Let’s talk about Mitt Romney’s underwear.

A caller to the radio mentioned them yesterday. He was a sick-sounding man, with an odd cackle, and he over and over asked, “What about Mitt Romney’s magic underwear?”

He clearly felt he was making some sort of a point.

And he was.

That he was an idiot and a bigot.

But let’s answer his question.

What about Mitt Romney’s magic underwear?

Mitt Romney is a Mormon. That is a Christian religion founded in 1830 in upstate New York. Some Mormons do wear a religious garment under their outer clothes. Presumably, Mitt Romney is one of those Mormons.

What is a religious garment?

Well, it depends on the religion. Several faiths have unique bits of clothing that mostly seem to have the same purpose – to remind believers of who they are and what they have promised to God.

Thus the headwear of the Sikh, and the beads, prayer feathers, medicine pouches and shamanic robes of various Indian tribes.

As well as the yarmulke of some Jewish men and the head coverings of some Jewish women, and the aprons, trailing strings and hats of yet more followers of Judaism.

Or the phylacteries and other garments and devices described in particular detail in the Bible.

In that regard, it’s quite possible that Jesus, following the Old Testament Law of Moses and being an observant Jew, wore religiously prescribed garments.

Roman Catholic religious have worn sacred garments for 1,700 years. Similarly, religious garments – or “habits” – have been worn by Anglicans and religious of the Eastern Orthodox, Coptic and Greek Orthodox churches. Some of these garments are priestly, and just for ceremonial purposes, while others are worn constantly as a declaration of faith.

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, specialized articles of religious clothing, of one type or another, have been worn for at least 4,000 years. Some of these have been visible, as a sign to the world, and some have been worn under other clothes, as a reminder to the wearer.

In Islam, many women wear religiously prescribed head coverings, as they have since the religion’s founding. Some Muslim women also wear a veil.

The notion of a religious head covering and even a veil is a belief also held for centuries by Christians and Jews. The Bible teaches men and women about the propriety of covering or uncovering their heads, particularly during prayer and worship. Some Christian denominations in America today, including some conservative Evangelicals and Mennonites, follow these teachings. Until a couple of generations ago, it was common for women to wear hats or scarves to mainstream American churches, to obey the biblical command to cover their heads.

The “babushkas” of many Eastern European women are worn in obedience to their understanding of their Catholic faith.

The point of all this is that religions around the world have various types of religious garments. If you do the math, most believers on earth belong to a religion that commands its followers or leaders to wear religiously significant clothing.

Mormons are part of that majority.

And Mitt Romney is a Mormon.

And he lives his religion.

So, yes, Mitt Romney wears a religious garment, beneath his outer clothes. He does this for the same reason almost all religious clothing is worn – to remind the believer that he is a believer, and as a token of promises the believer has made to God.
Promises which, like the garment that represents them, are sacred, and should not be made fun of.

At least not by decent people."

Aloha!

As I visited with my PT today he told me that he will be gone for three weeks starting mid May. I inquired as to where he was going to be spending three whole weeks! As he shared his vacation destination all I could say was, "I am SO jealous!"

My heart melted. I so miss Hawaii, everything about it. It's been twenty years since we've been there. I dream of the day we will return. Will it happen? I sure hope so.

I am grateful that we have been blessed to be in Hawaii three different times, to three different islands, and that we can have dreams, that are obtainable, sometimes.

P.S. If you've never been to Hawaii, or went there when you were really young, I advise you to put it on your bucket list...it is so worth it. Aloha!

Outlet stores

This morning I ventured over to Tracy, first to go to WinCo and pick up a 'few' things (totaling $80)! It's so funny how when I go to a less expensive store I end up spending more because everything is a great deal! (and we are adding to our food storage, so why not take advantage of a bargain, right?) Secondly I went to Tracy to  shop at the outlet stores. Pat needed a new pair of Khaki's and Van Heusen has them on sale for $22.99...not bad. I also got myself a few things.

Sadly, due to the economy, many of the stores have left the building...or area, I should say. However, in Livermore/Pleasanton they are building a bigger and better outlet mall. I believe I will be shopping there when the kiddo's come for a visit. (us Dell's like a good bargain!) I am grateful for the outlet mall we have so near to our home, and for the one that will soon be just a bit further away.

Food storage

Like many others we have quite a bit of food storage. Some of it we've had for twenty years. On Saturday we finally busted out our wheat grinder, ground some wheat, then made delicious homemade wheat bread. Pat and I have been discussing our food storage a great deal, and gathering more along the way.

Some of our canned goods will soon expire so I've decided to figure out how to use some of the ingredients we have and make them into meals. This is definitely a new adventure for me as I experiment with the likes of canned corned beef, roast beef, and yes, even spam!

Oh dear, what have I gotten myself into?

Last night I made Hawaiian baked beans, which calls for baked beans, pineapple, hot dogs, and various condiments. Instead of using hot dogs I used spam. Now, the hot dog version is better, but if we were in an emergency situation the spam works great. We hope we never have to use our food storage, but if we do I am so grateful we have it and that I will know how to cook with it.

Not again! :/

Our cat, Missy, was absent alllll day yesterday. We started getting concerned in the evening. Back in the day when she was young and spry we wouldn't have been concerned. She has been known to disappear when warm weather hit...and it sure did hit this weekend!  You could say it used to be her mo...but not anymore. She is now 13 years old, and feeling her age more and more...i can relate.

Last night, just after it became dark, we heard an odd cat -like noise...as if she was angry but couldn't quite get her frustration out. Pat opened the back door and in limped Missy, in a hurry to get to our room. She was injured, couldn't even jump up on our bed.

Uh oh.

As much as she loves being around us, she was not a happy kitty and she let us know her feelings.

This morning we took her to the vet. Worse case scenario...surgery. I am grateful that it was not that serious!! Instead she has arthritis in her 'ankle', along with achilles tendonitis. She is still one sad Kitty, but at least she is home and comfy.

Walks and Chats

Almost every Sunday after church Rach goes for a long walk. On some Sundays I am blessed to be the recipient of a long chat while she walks. I love those chats and look forward to them. I know Rach is where she belongs right now, and am truly grateful for that...I also have come to realize how much I have missed having her here.

Isn't it wonderful to have people in your life that you love them enough to miss them and look forward to chats? I am grateful to have several someone's like that.

I married up

This week Pat had hopes of going to Yosemite today. However, when we found out on Thursday that it's National Park free entrance day, he opted not to. He does not like crowds, at all. After deciding not to go he asked me what we should do instead, as in where should we go? Being the California girl that I am my first thought was the ocean! Not necessarily the 'beach', just the ocean. How I love the ocean. We talked about going to Monterey or Half Moon Bay - I let him decide, since either works for me. He thought it'd be great to go to Half Moon Bay; it's closer, we have a favorite restaurant there (too), and we love to walk along the beach.

I had visions of us enjoying lunch, then watching the waves roll in as we sat comfortably on our chairs. Half Moon Bay isn't usually overly crowded, it's just wonderful.

On our way there Pat decided to turn on the radio and listen to traffic reports. We were literally within miles of the turnoff for the San Mateo Bridge - which takes us to our destination, when the traffic reporter talked about how horrible the traffic was to Half Moon Bay - miles and miles it's backed up. That road is not one to be on for miles and miles, it is windy and slow going then.

Anyone who has been there knows that it isn't a big place - there's  not a lot of room for a lot of people, or cars. So, we decided not to go. He was willing to drive me to Monterey so that I could enjoy a day there. But I know him, and I know he wouldn't enjoy himself as much as if we'd gone to Half Moon Bay. After driving south for a ways we opted to go home. Yep, home.

Picture my sad face. Yes, sad. This is about the third time this year when we've had hopes of going to Half Moon Bay only to have it thwarted. I didn't even see the ocean! Not once!

So, how did I marry up? My sweet husband was willing to do whatever it took to bring a smile to my face. I wasn't having any of it. I'm afraid I sulked. So immature, I know. Believe me I let myself have it pretty much all the way home. Not my Pat, he did not; he was understanding and sweet. I am doing better now. I am still disappointed, but I will live. It's not like Half Moon Bay is going away - or Barbara's Fish Trap.

I am grateful for a loving, long-suffering husband, who has chosen me to be his eternal companion. I am pretty sure there were plenty of girls who'd have counted their blessings if he had chosen them too. I'm so grateful I married up. ;)

Amy Liz

Happy Birthday to our Amy girl!

This picture depicts her personality then and now! She has always loved happiness, giggling, snuggling, family, friends, good food (and now cooking good food), laughing out loud, music, a good movie or tv show, the gospel, keeping busy...and life in general. And now she mostly loves her boys - Brad, James, Gav, and little Jack-Jack. Life is good, especially when she gets a good nights sleep! 

We love and are grateful for our Amers.

Happy 28th Squirrel!

Nature

We noticed the other day that a bird is building a nest in our orange tree. It's interesting to watch as this bird goes about finding just the right materials for it's future family. I love the simplicity and beauty of nature - that a little bird instinctively knows what to choose for it's home. I am grateful for the wonders of nature...and Heavenly Father's hand in it.

Sunshine!

Isn't it wonderful to have sunshine in our lives? As much as I love and appreciate winter, with the storms, and cloudy days, I am certainly a bigger fan of Spring (and Fall, truth be told). I am so grateful for the sunshine we are now experiencing! I am grateful that I can go on walks and ride my bike and enjoy the outdoors. It just makes me smile...a lot.

Dutch oven cooking

Our final emergency prep class took place tonight. Pat cooked cherry crisp in one of our Dutch ovens in their backyard. One of the Dutch ovens we inherited from my dad, the other we bought. We've been cooking with them for over twenty years (borrowing my dad's.) We even cook a mean roast dinner by putting one in the oven. I am grateful for Dutch ovens and how wonderful food cooks in them. They are wonderful for emergency preparedness.

Oakland Temple and Janet

Last night our dear friend, Janet, came to our ward and shared with the youth the experiences her father had while constructing the Oakland Temple. Years ago when we were all in Ripon ward she shared the same fireside with our youth. Our boys and Pat were able to hear her story, it really impressed Pat, and them.

Pat really wanted our youth to hear the story, so at Stake Conference he asked her if she'd be willing to do this. She told him she no longer gives firesides, but for him she would do it.

She took part of Elder Bednar's talk in October, "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn." In the talk he stated, "I now invite the attention of the young women, young men, and children of the rising generation as I emphasize the importance of the Spirit of Elijah in your lives today...Many of you think family history is to be performed primarily by older people. But I know of no age limit described in the scriptures or guidelines announced by Church leaders restricting this important service to mature adults. You are sons and daughters of God, children of the covenant, and builders of the kingdom. You need not wait until you reach an arbitrary age to fulfill your responsibility to assist in the work of salvation for the human family."

Then he goes on to say, "It is no coincidence that Family Search and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord - not just to communicate quickly with your friends.The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation.

"...As you respond to this invitation your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives."

That is quite the promise. Janet, said to them, and stated several times later to me, "If I had kids at home, that message would be plastered throughout my home...you need to know this promise, and be taught to live up to it. What a wonderful promise...that you will be protected from the adversary, and safeguarded in your youth, and throughout your lives."

I had read the talk before, but I hadn't grasped it's significance, not really. Those who have children at home,  pay special heed, and get your kids on the computer to do indexing, or family history. That could make the difference in their eternal salvation. Teach them this promise.

Janet also shared how her father faced a dilemma in the construction of the temple. I love the Oakland Temple, it's uniquely beautiful. The panels shown above with Christ and the Twelve is amazing. At the time he had no idea how they would fix it to the temple without unsightly bolts showing. He didn't know what to do, and he prayed about it, earnestly. He wanted everything to be right. The brother that oversaw the temple construction from Church headquarters had told him, that if there ever was a problem, go to the Lord, He would tell him what to do, since it's His temple.

He did just that. One Sunday when his daughter had to give a talk in Junior Sunday School he sat on the back row to listen to her talk. While he sat there he had a vision of just what to do - to know exactly the kinds of materials he needed, even down to which store to purchase them at. He actually went to that store and the clerk said they didn't have those, then he asked if they had a store room where they stored things that hadn't sold that he could look in and see what was available. The guy said sure. He took them back to the store room and there sat the box of tension rods that he needed to support the three panels.

The Lord answers prayers. If we are doing His work, He will guide us so that His will can be accomplished. Isn't it marvelous?

Changes

We have a new bishopric. Our new bishop, Bishop Haroldsen, is our hometeacher. He is a wonderful man, with a great family. I am looking forward to the spirit they will bring to our ward.

I am so grateful for Bishop Gross, who was released today, and the many hours and heart he put into being bishop. I am grateful that Pat had the opportunity and privilege of serving with him these past 5+ years as his first counselor. I am also grateful for the other brethren that have served as second counselor.

I am grateful for the blessings our family has received while Pat has been in the bishopric. There is no doubt in my mind or heart that we have been blessed as a direct result of his service. I am grateful for Pat - for his ever willing heart and helping hands, I admire him, and love the man that he is, the man that he has become through the years.

I am grateful for the testimony that I have. As we sung hymns in Sacrament meeting today they really hit home; the reason we do all that we do in the church boils down to one thing - we have a testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He leads the way, and we follow.

I am also grateful for Pat's continued willingness to serve as we open a new chapter in our lives and he serves on the high council. I am excited for him to work closely with the Stake Presidency. I know it was an amazing experience for me to feel of their spirits (when I was in Stake RS), and of their love. Now he will have that choice opportunity. That will be a great blessing in our lives.

Gardening

Our friends, the Nydeggar's, have been hosting emergency prep classes over the past two months. One of the first classes Pat attended without me, since I was out of town. It was on square foot gardening. We always have 'dreams' of having a great vegetable garden, somehow it never pans out. There is always something that gets in the way - a rainier than usual year, not ordering materials, etc. It hasn't helped that we've been discouraged from gardening thanks to the squirrels that dwell on a neighboring farm. They love the delicious fare that has been offered in previous years. :(

Since Pat attended that class he has had the gardening bug (Yay!)! He ordered the square foot gardening book on Amazon and has been studying it. He, as of today, converted our former wooden 8X8 to two 4X8 garden boxes. This morning, before going to see my mom in Sacramento, we went to OSH and purchased vegetable plants. Monday night we will plants those veggies, and hope to have an abundance to share in the coming weeks/months.

I can't wait to taste freshly grown eggplant, zucchini, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, etc. It's almost too much excitement to bear! I am grateful that we can plant food and grow it. I am grateful for the experience we are gaining by doing so. Of course I hope to be grateful when we are successful in our attempts! I'll keep you posted...some day in the near future when I am enjoying some of our veggies I will let you know!

RS meetings

Last night we had our ward RS meeting. The subject was about nutrition and exercise. Some of my friends spoke, and they did a really great job. I now feel motivated to get going in both areas. I have been a slacker lately, it's time to start once again!

I am grateful for RS meetings that often motivate me to be better...we all know I need it. :)

The Hunger Games and a good friend

Last week my friend, Brenda, called and invited me to go see "The Hunger Games" with her. I had not yet read the book. At the time I had just come down with a bad cold and she was about to go out of town, so we opted to see it this week. Today was the day. I read the book last week, and enjoyed it. I was appalled at the thought of children's lives being of such little value to those in charge, and the 'power' they held over those dwelling in the Sections, and how little they really cared for anyone in their 'country'. It was awful. I was heartened by the goodness found in others, whether they lived in the sections or in the capital. Some, obviously were shallow, others had much greater depth (Cinna).

As I watched the movies those feelings were more intensified than when I had read the book. I found myself being grateful for the blessings we have - we aren't being starved by others, we don't have to send our children away to fight to the death to prove a point. Yes, I know it is a fictional world, but I can still be grateful for the blessings we have in our reality.

I am also grateful for a good friend that will invite me to see a movie that my husband would never see with me! (nor hers with her!)

Protection

It was a stormy day here in central and northern California! We had thunder that scared our cat so much that she crawled into one of the beds between the sheets, and stayed there for hours. She was frightened, and rightly so. The thunder was louder than I have ever heard it before, I didn't see much evidence of lightening but I am positive it was there. A tornado touched down just a few miles from us in French Camp and there was a funnel cloud in Stockton. We also had some good sized hail. Crazy weather!

I was happily at home all day long, watching, but not participating in it. I am very grateful for our home, and the comforts it gives us, especially when the weather is crazy like that. I honestly don't know how people handle it that don't have shelter and warmth. I hope to never be in that situation.

Rylee is home! :)

Our little Rylee went home from the hospital today. I am grateful she is doing better, I am grateful to all those that took care of her, especially Linzi, her mommy. I know she is exhausted, I also know it was completely worth it. On another related note, I am grateful for the help Sadie gave her big sister, for their special relationship. To finish...I am grateful for all the prayers offered, and for the answer to those prayers. Truly, I have so much to be grateful for.

Eventful day

Some days start slow...and then unexpected events occur. Sometimes those events change your life, gratefully that did not happen today. The first, and thankfully not life-changing event occurred when I decided to go for a bike ride this morning. I was a short distance from our home crossing a street where there was zero traffic. As I crossed the street this yellow beetle bug came racing up going about 45 mph! The girl had a stop sign, I was literally right in front of her. She showed every sign of not stopping, so I yelled at her, and went out in the middle of my street, leaving the safety of the bike lane. She screeched to a halt...and I am so grateful she did. I am grateful it was a close call and not a hit!! The other thing that made my heart sink today was when Linzi texted me and said they were admitting Rylee into the hospital. (Can I just express how much I dislike being so far away from our family!?) Ryles had her tonsils out last Wednesday and is now dehydrated...she will be spending the night in the hospital so she can be her cheerful, sweet self again. I am so grateful she is being taken care of. While it was a crazy day I am grateful all is well.

He is Risen!

Today we celebrate Easter. In our ward we had an Easter Cantata. The words and music were touching, sharing the journey of the Savior in His final hours living on earth, His death and resurrection. I also have come to appreciate and love Mary Magdalene, for her example of following the Savior, becoming who she was meant to be, and being so dedicated to Him to seeing Him as a resurrected being.

I am so grateful for Easter, for the opportunity we have of remembering how important Jesus Christ is in our lives. Each year I gain more understanding of what He has done for me personally. I remember being a student at BYU (oh, so many years ago), and as we sang the Sacrament song, "Behold, The Great Redeemer Die" I gained an overwhelming understanding and appreciation as to how the Savior's actions/sacrifices have affected my life. I came to realize that every good thing we have in our lives are because of His actions. We have the scriptures, a Prophet and Apostles, we have temples - where we are sealed for time and eternity to those we love, we have prayer which allows us to commune with God, our Father. There are so many, many blessings that we have in our lives that we would be without were it not for Him.

I testify that He lives, that He loves us, and that He has done everything for these simple reasons, 1) to glorify our Father, 2) He loves us - each one of us, individually. I am so very grateful for that knowledge, and the testimony that burns within allowing no doubt in my mind, or heart.

LDS Funerals

Funerals do not sound like something one should be grateful for. LDS funerals, to me, are the exception. There is a spirit present, a comfort and peace that makes you grateful for what you have; the knowledge that Jesus Christ is our Savior, that He has provided through His atonement, and resurrection, the way back to God, our Father...if we but follow Him.

I am so very grateful for these truths. I am so grateful that our dear friends that buried their beautiful Jen today know these truths.

Reading

When the book series of "The Hunger Games" were first read by the girls they told me that it isn't something I should read. They know me quite well, and understand that violence, negativity and I don't mix. A few days ago when they were discussing the movie they both said that they now think I can handle it, and that I would enjoy the movie...I have no idea why.

Since I've been sick and not good for much of anything around here I decided to read "The Hunger Games." I haven't been disappointed (unlike a certain vampire series). It is well -written, clever, and not always predictable!

Is it violent? Somewhat, yes. However, it isn't violence for the sake of violence, but for survival...that makes a difference to me. I am grateful for the ability to read. I am grateful for well written, imaginative stories that pass the time when I'm not feeling great.

Conference Talks on Roku

I have a cold...which is much better than constant headaches! While I am recuperating I have chosen to watch several conference talks. I sm so grateful that I have a Roku and can watch them whenever I so choose! It's just wonderful! :)

Visiting Teachers

I have been called to be our ward's visiting teaching coordinator. That means I take all the reports, and figure out how many sisters were visited, or called, or sent a note. One of the things I've noticed is how few sisters are doing their visiting teaching, it's a little discouraging.

I find myself being so very grateful to those sisters who take the time to serve their assigned sisters. They are truly wonderful to me...and probably to those sisters they visit. The thing that amazes me about those who don't do their visiting teaching is that it is so simple to take a few minutes and send a note in the mail, or pick up the phone. It's just not that difficult.

I am sometimes surprised at those that don't do their visiting teaching; I don't get it. They are faithful in every way that I can see, yet this one thing seems to elude them. I know it's not always easy, I have struggles sometimes with it as well. However, once I have my visiting teaching under control it helps me feel good about the small contribution I am making, and I love seeing the sisters on my route also.

So, if you are a visiting teacher, please take the time to see or call or send a letter to those you visit teach. It not only uplifts them, it also uplifts you...it's a win/win!

"Da!"

Gav is nineteen months old. I can't believe he's that old. He has his own little language, but he does say some words pretty well. "Yes" is not one of them, but I love his "Da!" for his answer 'yes' to anything. At bedtime they read "Green Eggs and Ham", and in the course of the book they ask, "Do you like green eggs and ham?" With all earnestness and sincerity he looks at us with his innocent eyes and says, "Da!" (he doesn't even like eggs, let along green ones!) It's super adorable.

I love the language of children. They may not be able to speak the same way we do, but they sure can express themselves in whatever mood they are in. I am grateful for their innocent expressions - all of it, every one of them - it's one of the most beautiful languages in the world.

Fun day!

Today was unseasonably warm. A perfect ending to Amy and Rachel's visit! We all walked to our local park where the boys played and ran...a lot! Afterwards we all agreed that.a barbecue was in order, so Rach and I went to Costco and purchased some yummy New York steaks. An hour and a half later we were feasting on a somewhat "rare" treat! (They were mostly medium well) It was nice to have sunshine for their last day here! I am grateful for this fun filled end of their vacation! Now we just need the warmth to follow them home!

General Conference...interrupted!

As you are aware by now Amy, Rach and the three little Misters are visiting. You should also be aware that I am a "Mormon", happily and wholeheartedly. Every six months our church holds General Conference, which is when we have the blessing of hearing from our Prophet, the Apostles, and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I absolutely love this time, it gives me insights and much needed strength. It is wonderful. This time it's a bit different since there are three little boys here! While we all attempted to watch/hear Conference it really wasn't happening a whole lot. The main messages I always get from Conference are, 1) Come Unto Christ, and 2) Love your family - they are eternal. From what I heard those messages continued to be shared. (We did watch the last session in its entirety since Amy took the boys to Grandpa Jim's and Grandma Chris's house then.) While I 'missed' much of Conference the reward was great. I was able to spend time with some adorable little boys that love me!