Someone's Getting Baptized soon!

Cute little Logan!

These are some of the pictures we took to put on his invitations!



Martin's Cove

We finally took the opportunity to go to Martin's Cove after being here almost 2 years!   

What an amazing place!   We felt like we were wrapped in a large blanket with warmth from the spirit of those pioneers that had gone before.  I love this quote by President Hinckley.

"We hope that a spirit of peace and reverence and sacred remembrance will hover over this whole area as a beneficent cloud on a hot summer day, and that those who here perished will not have died in vain. I make a plea, go in a spirit of reverence and respect, and know that you are walking on hallowed ground."

(Gordon B. Hinckley, May 3, 1997)

It truly is a beautiful peaceful place.  And we all felt like we were walking on Hallowed Ground. The kids loved the idea of pulling a handcart.   They told Jared that it was so easy- why did the pioneers have a hard time.   Then Jared said- Go offroad with it.   WHOA. That was a completely different story.  They struggled.  They complained.  But they did it.

As we drove home, all we could talk about was how blessed we are to be living in this time.  That we were sure lucky to not have to be a pioneer.  That Heavenly Father does love us.  And that those amazing pioneers sacrificed for each and every one of us. 

Conference Weekend 2011

I love when General Conference comes around!  I love to sit in my pj's- listen to the Apostles and Prophets- and relax.  

With kids- it is not easy to listen and pay attention. 

I've seen tons of ideas floating around on blogs and on pinterest- so I tried to do a few things for our kids to keep them interested or at least quiet!

The top picture is them creating "temples" with mini marshmallows and toothpicks.  It worked for the first 1/2 hour.   :)

The second picture is the treat buckets I made. 

If a word was said by someone speaking- they could have a treat that went with the topic.   For example- if Prayer was mentioned- they got to have candy corns.  This one worked fairly well- but I have wrappers all over the house. (NOTE for next time- NO WRAPPERS!)

I loved conference!  I love knowing that Wyoming is getting a temple!   It will still be over 6 hours to get there for us- so it keeps us at the same temple Billings Montana- but at least Wyoming is finally on the temple map!

President Uchtdorf said....

My dear sisters, I have a simple faith. I believe that as you are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to Him in faith, hope, and charity, things will work together for your good. I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father—as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love. Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment. As spirit daughters of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage. You are choice daughters of our Heavenly Father, and through the things you create and by your compassionate service, you are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you. We love and admire you.

I love this quote from President Uchtdorf. What inspiration!

Happiness

In the Book of Mormon we read in 2 Nephi 5:27 And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness. And it made me think. I am living in the manner of happiness? Am I really happy? What makes me happy? I thought I would list a just a few of the things that make me happy.

• My Parents. I truly have been born of Goodly Parents. They taught me, inspired, instructed, and influenced me. When I think of them- I think of good times and memories that we share. I sure love my parents.
• My Brothers. I am sure that my brothers will be in shock that I am writing about them... but they also make me happy. They each have been an influence on me and they take turns being my favorite. I am blessed to have great brothers.
• My SISTER! I prayed for so long to have a sister. We are 11 years apart but she is really one of my best friends. She is so talented and so beautiful. She is wonderful with my kids and I am so grateful for her.
• JARED!!! My life honestly wouldn't be complete without Jared. He is the love of my life and he makes me laugh. When we were first married- people often commented that we (Jared and I) must laugh all the time. We really do! I am so grateful for a wonderful husband who not only supports me but our family and does everything he can to provide for us. Jared is my rock and my best friend. I am so lucky to be married to my best friend!
• Abby, Logan and Gracie. These 3 little munchkins make me so happy. With the little things they do every single day, it brings happiness to my heart. I love there smiles, their hugs, their jokes, their humor, their love for others, their sensitivity and most of all I love that they love me. I am so blessed.

Happiness is knowing who I am and where I came from and where I go from here. Happiness is knowing that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church on the earth today. We are led by a modern day prophet who has direct communication with our Heavenly Father. The priesthood is on the earth today and the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Happiness is being a small part of it all.

What makes you happy? What makes your heart smile?

I enjoyed conference! I especially liked the solemn assembly that was held and that we were able to sustain President Monson from wherever we were as a Prophet of the Lord. That was just way cool. I loved all of the talks- but the one that sticks out the most was Elder Ballard's talk. He spoke about mothers. It was really good. Here are some of the great quotes from his talk.

"There is no role in life more essential or more eternal than motherhood."

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each has different challenges, different skills, and different abilities, and certainly different children."

"Many are able to be full-time moms, at least during the most formative years of their children's lives and many others would like to be...What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

"It is crucial to focus on the children for the short time we have them with us. And to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our homes."

Author Anna Quindlan:"But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them, sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night.I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less."

"Pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them. Make your bed. Help with the dishes. Do other chores without being asked. Say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, and when a story has been given to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers. Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her."

New First Presidency Announced

President Thomas S Monson was called today to be the next President of our church- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- he is 80 years old.
President Henry B. Eyring was called to be the First Councelor. He is 74.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf is the new second councelor and he is 67.

I am so excited to hear the news of our NEW First Presidency in our church- I
love these men and I am excited to learn from these great leaders.

Boyd K Packer is the President of the Quorum of the Twelve.

President Hinckley

I was quite shocked last night to find out that our prophet, President Gordon B Hinckley had passed away. He was 97 and was such a good man. I think the think I will miss the most about him is his sense of humor. I have loved that about him for years.

There are so many articles about him passing away. I'm sure you have seen them all, but here are a few.

www.ldsliving.com

http://www.deseretnews.com/home

www.mormonwhitehouse.com

General Conference

I really enjoyed conference this past weekend. I loved hearing the prophet and general authorities speak. They always have some great things to share. A few things stood out to me... #1. I am so excited about Elder Erying becoming a member of the first presidency. I have a lot of respect for that man and I feel the spirit every time he speaks. He will be awesome in the First Presidency. #2 What was President Hinckley doing when he "knighted" President Erying. That was funny. Even though I didnt see it while watching conference, I heard the audience laugh and then later watched it on the news. I love President Hinckley's humor. #3 Probably my most touching memory of conference is when Elder Nelson helped Elder Worthlin stand to give his talk. Poor Elder Worthlin just shook like crazy while he was delivering his talk and Elder Nelson stood up and helped steady him. It brought tears to my eyes. So neat. #4 Steven E. Snow spoke in the last session. He is from Washington, UT and has been a family friend for a long time. He and his family lived across from my parents when I returned from my mission and I became good friends with Riley their son. So many memories with him. He is an incredible man that has an awesome spirit!
Yep. I loved General Conference. It was inspiring. I can't wait to read through the talks and remember all that was said.