Lessons in Life

When we spent time in Brussels with John and Natalie our conversations would alot of times end up talking about Meridith. I think it was really good for Rick, he shared with them different thoughts. He worried that it was awkward for them, they of course assured us it was not. But it has certainly given me time to reflect on the different stages of our lives. Different things that have happened and things that have been said or done. For those of you who know me, know that it is very difficult for me to let anyone help me, or to ask for help. John and Natalie moved down the street from us in the late summer of 2005. When Rachel had Haylee, and we were in Argentina with Brett, Rachel called Natalie late one night when she needed some reassurance, and a mother's love. Some may think that was a conscience, but I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father. When Meridith died John was our home teacher and he came as soon as he heard. Natalie came everyday to do what ever need to be done here at our house. I know they moved to Texas for a reason and maybe it was for more than one but I know that the Lord knows what we need.

Today I have been asked to teach a lesson in Relief Society in the singles ward. The lesson is from conference 2009 Robert D Hales Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. It has certainly given me time to reflect on my own testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I'm not sure when I gained my testimony, but I know that I am most grateful that I have one. I think that when people chose to not follow the teachings then they flounder in life. Some who have never had the gospel, when found they never let go. Others may let let it come and go in their lives when its easy. I read about someone who's family joined the church and so did she, but she said that one day she would like for it to be important in her life again, when she was not so selfish. I was surprised by that statement. Maybe I should be, but for me I know that God lives and that he loves us. I know that Jesus Christ suffered and died for each of us. Not just for me but for everyone. I know that even when someone hurts me deeply that I can't blame God or Christ, whether they are in the church are family or friends. I still need to forgive them, how ungrateful would I be if I didn't and then expected Christ to forgive me of all that I have done, knowingly or even unknowingly. During these last few months as I have read the scriptures I have tried to understand how people get sucked into the pride cycle, how do they let their testimonies wither. I know that I am blessed to know that God lives. I know that I can not be too careful with that knowledge. Satan will certainly use every force and deception that is out there to try to ensnare all of us. I struggle daily with that. Why can't he just leave us alone. I know why...we are a force of good, we can and do make a difference in each others lives, like wise if we don't follow what we know or even believe is true then we are falling right into Satan's trap and he will win.
Hopefully today I will have the spirit with me as I try to teach that we truly have a Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ who really loves us.

31 years together

December 15, 1978

As I think back over the last 31 years, I am thankful that we made the choice to be married in the temple. Neither of our parents were there because there are not members, but that did not stop either of us from wanting to be married for eternity. What a blessing that choice has been in our lives. We have been blessed with 4 beautiful children whom we love dearly. Rick is a great man I love him dearly. He is a great provider, father and a super great PaPa. He has always been supportive of me. He surprises me often. Thanks for the last 31, looking forward to eternity.

Brussels

This is the Atomuim it was vey neat you actually went into the balls of several of them. We took an elevator to the top and then back down, then you took escalators and stairs the rest of the way. The pictures are actually backwards but I figured I should at least get them on my blog so I don't forget.

In the miltary museum they has tanks and airpalnes, we also saw a automobile museum it was very intresting. What a fun day.

This pictures is the view from on top of the next picture. It has an amazing view of Brussels

This reminds me of France.

This is a real mmmy, you can actually see their bones an toenails, teeth and all..
I find it intresting that it has two crypts, shaped like this. Rick said its like ours caskets, we put them in one and then put the casket in a concrete vault.

Today we toured a couple of museums and then we went to the Atomium (something like that) it was quite unique. Lots of fun, we met another missionary couple today the Phairs they are from Utah, we ate at this yummy place, it was like a wrap we call it a tortilla they called it a crepe. Which ever it was yummy. Here are some pictures of today. We did have some yummy belgium chocolates. But no belgium waffles, but there is always tomorrow.

AS you can tell I got the pictures and words mixed up, but oh well. What great day we had today. Lots of walking but its the friends that make it the best.

Brussels

SO YUMMY
Its so good to spend time with John and Natalie.

Dinner

The Christams tree at Grand Palc

We are in Brussels. Its is beautiful here. We are with our dear friends the Arhets. It is so great to see them. Last night when we met up we went to Grand Plac, it use to be where the diffent trade buildings were now its lots of shops. There were street vendors, we have some yummy hot chocolate, a wonderful dinner, it was steaks with french fries and salad. After dinner we went back to find a beligum waffle, on ours we put chocolate and strawberries, John and Natalie had just chocolate. It was so yummy. we will certianly have more of thoses. Fries here are a speciality, they fry them twice. They are really yummy, they have stands that sell fries. hey are a few pictures.

How did you know

During this last month I have had several opportunities to reflect on my testimony. I had someone tell me that church is not always fun, but they go because they know they are suppose to. Then during a conversation with someone else, as we were talking about many things something was said about the gospel being my belief. I explained to this person that No it was not just a belief but knowledge. As we continued to talk they said that they had prayed about the gospel just like everyone had told them to, and they never got anything. This troubled me and I thought about it some more. I talked with my good friend Marcia about her testimony as well and how did she know that the church was true. The scripture came to my mind about
To some is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe on their words that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful. I have often wondered why I was blessed to have a strong testimony. As I told this person, that it is not a belief it is a knowledge. I know these things to be true. They said then I'm saying that what others believe is wrong. I told them no. that not what I'm saying but I know what I do know to be true.
On Friday we as a Stake Young Women's and Young Men's Presidency went to the LBJ Grasslands to see if this is where we would want to have youth conference this next year. So I asked Sister Furniss and Sister Johnson both about how did they know that the church was true.
I have learned alot this weekend. Sister Furniss grew up in the church and she said that she always went to church and everyone she knew went to church, but after she married and moved to Texas(not here but a small town in west Texas) She knew she needed to know what she believed. For Sister Johnson she said she prayed and prayed and wanted what someone people talk about a big spiritual experience, she had always read her scriptures, but one day while jogging it came to her, she reminded me of a seminary song of a long time ago. I can't remember all of it but it starts out like drops of rain falling to the ground like one by one upon the thirsty ground. She said its like that for her. Doing the things we are suppose to day by day. Reading our scriptures praying paying our tithing, our callings supporting our leaders. Remaining faithful, being obedient. Then I asked Sister Tan, Friday afternoon while we were getting ready for the Beehive Conference on Sat. She said after she meet her friend Joyce she went to Church for 2 years, attending Seminary and Church with out any other family there with her. Then one day while she was reading the Book of Mormon she just felt it to be true. She then bugged her parents to let her be baptised. I am so thankful for the ladies that I serve with. I have had my testimony strengthen so much by them. This has been an enlightening weekend for me. One thing that Marcia said to me is that when the spirit is there you can teach. I know that when the spirit is there he will testify that those teachings are true. The person receiving that Holy Ghost's promptings have to be receptive as well. I am so thankful for the knowledge of the Gospel. I am thankful that I do have a testimony. I have thought about it alot this weekend. I know that when I first joined the church my testimony was just beginning, and as I have studied and prayed and kept going and doing what the Lord has asked, it has been strengthened. At what point did it turn from a belief to a knowledge... I don't know but I am so glad that it did. That doesn't mean that everything has been peaches and roses because it has not but I do know that I have a loving Heavenly Father and He is mindful of me. I want to return to live with him and the rest of my family forever as I have been promised.

My Grandpa

This is my Grandpa, Floyd Merle Kyllo. His birthday would have been yesterday. This picture was taken in about 1989 or 1990. I loved him so much. He was a twin and the oldest of 13 in his family. When he was born in 1908 they didn't think he was alive but as my great grandmother was having his twin brother Lloyd they put my grandfather in a box on the oven door to keep him warm and the nurse (midwife) I guess saw his foot move and they realized he was alive. He was a hard worker. He was a logger and construction worker, even after he retired he worked as a school crossing guard. This picture was one morning as we were getting ready to come back home. They lived in Grand Island Nebraska. I loved to listen to my grandfather tell stories of when he was a child. He had a dog Max. I swear that dog could talk to him... and he was just my grandfathers dog. After Rick and I were married we went to meet my grandparents, we slept in my grandfathers bed, Rick had gotten into bed and I was getting ready to, Well, max came running in jumped on the bed and firmly planted his feet on Rick's chest and growled, he was not impressed. Rick said "grandpa. grandpa." I other on the other hand am laughing only because it is not me...my grandpa came to the rescue and got max down. My mother taught me so much about caring, I would watch my mother even though she was in TX and they were in NE she would talk to them weekly and sometimes more often. She would make sure they had what they needed and most of the time what they wanted. Anytime we went up there she made sure that she would get different things for them to eat if they wanted to. I am thankful to my grandfather for the example he set for me. I am thankful that he taught me the value of hard work. I am thankful for his determination, even when things were tough. I know it was hard for him when my grandmother died and my Aunt Karen was just 15, even though he remarried, he would show my pictures of my grandmother and talk about her me. When he died my Aunt Karen got many of his albums and now my mom has them and someday I will. I am thankful for the many times I got to spend with my grandparents as a child, I cherish those memories.

So busy

Life has been so busy lately. I took a new job at work and have been working tons. Its been fun and interesting all at the same time, but I sure hope it calms down some. We have this huge training issue that is government mandated so we have to make sure everyone gets trained and on time. Man some people just drag their feet, I can't believe that some just don't want to do their jobs. So frustrating.
Life at the singles ward is good, they are some really great kids. We go to the temple twice a month with them. Once for endowments the other for baptisms, it really great to go with them, to see their dedication, and feel of their testimonies. We had a fun Halloween party with them here Saturday night. Haylee really enjoyed them, she was a little shy but then she came around. Uncle Aaron and Aunt Kimmie were here to, she really loves them.
We went to Colorado for a super short visit, but it was good to see Brett and Brittany and Calan. Calan is getting so big and we so miss them. Flight benefits are great, we flew out Friday night and flew back Saturday night had to leave Saturday about 3 hours earlier because they delayed the later flight and we weren't sure if they might cancel the flight.

Grandmother

I spoke with a cousin last week, and learned alot about my maternal grandmother. Her name which I knew was Eva Gertrude Wells. She did not like Gertrude and so she went by Eva G.

She had been married before she married my grandfather Floyd Kyllo. I knew that, she had a daughter Lois Jean, I knew that too. I always knew that my Aunt Lois was 12 1/2 years older that my mother. My grandmother was an nurse and one day she came home because she had spilt something on her uniform and found my Aunt Lois under the sink and her husband no where to be found. She pack my Aunt Lois up and moved from Wisconsin to Washington. I was quite suprised that in the 30's she would do that. I asked my cousin why Washington and she said that she had a friend who had family there. I always knew that I had very strong willed and determined women in my family but I have a much greater respect for my grandmother. I wonder what she felt and was thinking taking a small child across the country be herself. All of my grandmothers family is in Wisconsin or Minnesota. My grandmother died when I was 2 months old. My mother was just 18 and my Aunt Karen was just 14. I know that my mother always missed her mother. I wish I could have known her. I am thankful for the knowelege of her that I have and for the memories that are shared with us.

Genelogy

Rick has gotten into genealogy lately. Its been quite interesting. I guess it started when we took Meridith's name to the temple, realizing how important families are. We have talked with a few of Rick's Aunts and learned more about his grandparents. We have also been on line and found census that had our families information in it. That's quite exciting, some of Ricks genealogy has been done back to 1400's. We learn more everyday.

Womens Conference

Tonight is the General Women's Broadcast from Salt Lake. I am looking forward to it. I need the extra spiritual boost that comes from listening to the words from our General Relief Society Presidency and the First Presidency. I asked Rachel and Kim if they wanted to go. Kim has been sick with food poisoning since yesterday. I hope she fells better.

I love this weather & random thoughts

Today the weather feels like fall. I love that time of the year. We do not get much of this type in Texas. The air is cool and crisp.. Its beautiful. But they say its suppose to be hot again this weekend..go figure.
Spelling errors are a thing of life.. I looked at my last post and realized oh great.. maybe I shouldn't write it so early in the morning.

Rick told me about this web site maybe you guys have all heard about it
readthescriptures.com
You can put what you want to read and when you want to be finished by and it lets you know how much you should read each day. I finished the Book of Mormon sitting and waiting for Rick, Brett and Brittany while they were in the Nauvoo temple. It was a great place to finish reading it... But I'm finishing my YW in Recognition award and that is one of my goals again to finish it by the end of the year. It has been such a good thing for me to read it and now reread it again. I have had my testimony strengthen so much. I am thankful for the gospel and the hope and joy it brings into my life.

I quote i saw this morning before work

"Some men are willing to die for their faith but will not fully live for it. Christ both lived and died for us. By walking in his steps and through his atonement we can gain the greatest gift of all--eternal life--which is that kind of life of the great Eternal One, our Father in heaven."--Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ--Gifts and Expectations, Byu Devotional", 10 December 1974


and here is another:

"You are sent to this world with a very serious purpose. You are sent to school, for that matter, to begin as a human infant and grow to unbelievable proportions in wisdom, judgment, knowledge, and power. That is why you and I cannot be satisfied with saying merely 'I like that or want that.' That is why in our childhood and our youth and our young adulthood we must stretch and grow and remember and prepare for the later life when limitations will terminate so that we can go on and on and on"--Spencer W. Kimball, "the Matter of Marriage", from an address delivered at University of Utah Institute of Religion, 22 Oct. 1976, 2

And another ramdom thoughts:

"Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!" --Spencer W. Kimball, "Speaks Out on Service to Others", New Era, Mar. 1981, 47

I hope everyone has a good day.

Picture from Nauvoo

One of my goals for young women's was to finish reading the Book of Mormon before I took Meridith's name through the temple. On Wednesday night Rick, Brett and Brittany went to the temple to do some baptismal work for our families. I went to the Family Living Center and talked with some of the people there before they closed. They were getting ready to do a play that evening, which we got to see. It was good. I sat by the Scovil Bakery and finished reading the Book of Mormon and Calan slept. What a great feeling to have finished my goal of reading. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon, I learned alot this time. I understood how it is really written for us now. I can see how pride destroys us in a very short space of time. Satan is very good at that.

This picture of Brett and Brittany and Calan was taken on Thursday night, after we toured Carthage Jail. We drove back to Nauvoo to see the temple again, I am so thankful for the temple and the blessing that receive there. I am thankful that Brett and Brittany and Calan were there to spend this sacred time with us. What a blessing to know that this little family is sealed together forever.
This picture of the flower was taken when we came out of the temple after doing our families temple work. Rick took it, Meridith's favorite color was pink. I love this picture, it was a beautiful day. I am thankful for the privilege of being Meridith's mother. Thankful that Heavenly Father trusted Rick and I to teach her the gospel and prepare her to return home. We would never be ready to send her home, but he knew she finished her work here, and so did she, her last week was filled with seeing those that she loved. I know that she loves her siblings and wants for them to return to be with her.

Nauvoo is a beautiful place, I think of the sacrifices that the early Saints made on our behalf. Many of them lost children, husbands, parents and some even lost their entire families. They remained faithful so that they could be together forever. I too and thankful for their sacrifices and hard work and dedication so that this gospel is here for us to have in our lives today.

We need to keep the temple as our goal even for us who have been through the temple. Sister Elaine Dalton said compare it to walking around the temple but never going inside. It may be beautiful while it is in sight, but to really fulfill God's plan for his children on earth you have to go inside.

Blessings

I am grateful to know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who loves me. I am grateful for the gospel. I am grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that Christ loved us so much that he willingly gave up his life so that when I make mistakes I can repent of them. That knowledge gives me hope everyday. I know that we have a prophet today on this earth. I know that we are blessed to have the priesthood. I am very thankful for the priesthood, it has blessed my life and our children lives on numerous occasions. I am thankful for prayer, for prayers of children, how they know Heavenly Father will hear them. I can remember numerous times when Rachel prayed for something it was answered. Each of our children have been blessed by the gospel.

World Congress V on families

Families are very important to us all. As I have read, listened to others and thought about families I came across these articles speakers at the World Congress on Families, just and interesting note to look at the speakers the website www.worldcongress.nl/en/home/. There were many prominent speakers. I liked this article written about Sheri Dew
'Resurgence of moral virtue' is necessary
AMSTERDAM

"We all know that every nation is ultimately at the mercy of its families," she said. "If families are riddled with problems, society eventually collapses under the weight of problems too vast for any government to meet. If families are strong, society is strong."

Further, she said, "A virtuous life is an easier, more fulfilling life. And it is one of the most powerful keys to strengthening families and therefore to strengthening our world."


Sister Dew began her address by answering the question of why a woman with no nuclear family of her own is qualified to speak at a congress about families.

"I am not married and have not had the privilege of bearing children — which are, candidly, the heartbreaks of my life," she said. "This isn't by choice. My dream was to marry and have a house full of children. The answer to why I haven't yet married is simple: No one has ever asked me. So you may wonder why am I here, and why do I care so much about the family.

"I care in part, precisely because I haven't yet been blessed with a husband or family of my own. I know firsthand that the passage in Genesis is true: It is not good for man or woman to be alone (see Genesis 2:18). This is not just good theology; it's terrific sociology. As grateful as I am for many things, I am painfully aware that I am not complete without a faithful husband."

The world tries mightily to uncover secular solutions for societal ills, but in the end there is no substitute for morality and virtue.

"We tend to focus on policies, legislation and court opinions related to family," Sister Dew said. "But today I invite you to consider that the single most pervasive threat to the stability and future of the family is sexual immorality in all its forms. Nothing would do more to strengthen the families of the world than a resurgence of moral virtue, particularly sexual purity."

According to Sister Dew, many men and women would follow a path of sexual purity if they only knew the truth. Therefore, it's imperative for those who know the merits of virtue to boldly share that truth in its unadorned simplicity.

"The world is filled with good people who may not know that virtue would transform their lives and who only need to be shown the way," she said. "If defending virtue requires sacrifice and discipline, then so be it. We have a choice to make. We can either watch our societies crumble under the weight of moral impurity, or we can lead out in the cause of virtue.

"May we go forward, determined to make this world better by making it more clean. May we champion virtue as a key to building strong families. God will help us. No one cares more about our families than He does. As we honor Him by embracing the virtue He has ordained, He will help us preserve the foundational unit of every society, the family."
— Jamshid Askar

Our Young Womens theme this year added virtue, I can see that moral virtue is becoming harder and harder for youth and young adults, satan is working double time in this area. The world does not see anything wrong with it, but it is so damanging to our souls.

Reading

Sister Tan reminded me that we needed to have our virtue value done by the September Auxiliary training meeting. I had done the goals just not the project. The project for virtue is reading the Book of Mormon. I decided that since our training meeting is September 10 I would make the goal to finish reading by the 3rd when we go to the temple. It has been really good for me. The last time I read form cover to cover is with the young women. That was an awesome experience for me. I hope that the girls will always remember it. The parents of those girls were very supportive, they would bring the girls, leave them and come back in an hour. I know that for some it was not always easy, but what a testimony builder to me. They were very faithful. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon. I have really enjoyed reading. There are some faith building stories in there for me, and I realize how many in the Book of Mormon would not keep holding on to the iron rod. They just would not stay faithful. I see how in this life there are so many that will stay faithful only when it is easy, or if its fun. I had a Young Women's President tell me about a family who has been members all their life and since their daughters want to do other things they have to justify not coming to church. They have chosen to attend another church. I realize that enduring to the end is going to get harder and harder. I think about young women who want to be married but will not put themselves in the right place often so that they might be able to find the right person. I remember and young women who had a child out of wedlock and one night kissed him goodbye and told him"I'm going to find you a daddy" She did she meet and married this wonderful man, who loves her and her son. She put herself in the right place to find the right kind of young man. Listening to some young women at camp concerns me in what they are thinking now. Satan is real and he will seek to tempt and destroy us. He want us to be miserable like him, what better way then to help us let go of the iron rod. He is pretty good at what he does. Its not all bad or I can repent later. That may not always be the case. A little bit of dog poop is still dog poop. It would ruin a batch of cookies in a minute. As Satan will work on all of us, we need to be helpful and supportive to one another.

Missing You

Today Meridith I am missing you. I have thought about you alot lately. I meet a girl in the singles ward about your same age she will turn 23 in the next couple of weeks. She reminds me of you, she has that same wit about her. She says whats on her mind and I appreciate that. She told me about a friend of hers that, that died similar to the way you did, it was her twin sister that was driving. I guess Heavenly Father needed a bunch of strong faithful young women back home. She is leaving for BYU-I and a couple of weeks. She asked me about you, and we talked about our going to the Nauvoo for your work. I know you are where you are suppose to be, but some days its hard to not have you here. Haylee is a doll we love her so much. I know you would have loved her too. We talk to her about you, she knows she has a Aunt Mer-Mer and that you are in heaven and now tippi is there with you. When I see little girls at the airport in pink converse I think of you. Haylee has had them. Brett and Brittany bought her a pair last year for Christmas, she wore them alot. You would love Brittany she is a wonderful young woman, she is a great wife for Brett and a wonderful mom to Calan. Calan is so cute, we miss them not living close. but it has been good for them to live away. Aaron and Kim finally got married and it was nice. I hope that someday it will be for forever. Im just missing you, but you help keep me strong. I love you.

Make A Wish

This morning at work I had a flight to Orlando Florida. On this particular flight, Natalie my supervisor came and told me that I had a 4 yr old boy who was traveling with Make A Wish. For those of you who may not know- Make a Wish is for terminally ill children and their families. This little boy turned 4 on Aug 1st, he has twin brothers that looked to be about 5-6 years old. I had the privilege of trying to make it a special flight for them. We had the fire department at the airport there and this is a list of things that transpired for this little boy. He and his family came in from Coppel Tx on a fire engine. How exciting is that. We sang Happy Birthday to him. They had a cake for him compliments from Sam's the mayor of Coppel was at the airport to see him off and so were several friends with their children. Before we began boarding everyone we had his family to go down so that he and his brothers to see the cockpit and meet the captain. I had the brothers Zachary and Josh make an announcement to all the people and tell then to have fun at Disney World. It has made me a little more melancholy, Rick and I have talked about which way would be easier to lose a child. Knowing that they are going to die and seeing them suffer like this little boy Caden is, or by an accident in which it happens quickly. I would have liked to have been able to Meridith one time time that I love her and tell her bye. But on the other hand this mother is having a very difficult time with knowing that her son is dying and there is nothing that she can do to stop it. I feel for her, I know the road that lies ahead and its a tough one. There is no book to help you deal there is only Heavenly Father and knowing that the plan of salvation is real. For me, that keeps me going. I want to see her again and hold her. This time of the year is hard for me, her birthday will be here soon and I miss her. This birthday will be a good one, we are taking her name through the temple, what a blessing. Last year when Rick and I decided to do this, Brett said that we needed to wait a year to let those who might want to be there to have that chance. So we have, I had hoped that Rachel and Aaron would have wanted to be there. It was 11 years ago when Meridith first came into young women's, and we did baptisms, that was the only time all 4 kids were in the temple together. I am grateful for temples and the ordinances that binds families together.

Children

Children are given to us--on loan--for a very short period of time. They come to us like packets of flower seeds, with no pictures on the cover and no guarantees. We do not know what they will look like, act like, or have the potential to become. Our job, like the gardener's, is to meet their needs as best we can: to give proper nourishment, love, attention, and caring, and to hope for the best.
--Katharine Kersey

I saw this posted on someone blogs and I know that it is so true. Today as I was reading in Jacob about the vineyard and grafting and the good and the bad. It made me be even more aware that we never know what choices our children will make and how it will effect their lives forever.(we even have to ground them) (Pray for them a lot) Sometimes a small choice, which you may not think it will effect anyone but yourself will effect many. I think about my choice to join the church many many years ago. I was young and I don't remember thinking about how this will effect my family for generations, but now I realize it has and does. Because of Rick's and my choice to join the church(each at a different time) and be married in the temple for time and eternity, we will have our family with us. Now I know Meridith will be there, the others it is still their choice. Sometimes the here and now seems more important then the eternity. I pray that our entire family will be together forever. I remember Rachel telling Kim after Meridith died that she needs this to be true. Rachel, Aaron and Brett, I know it is true. There is no doubt. There never has been, for that I am blessed. I don't want to give anyone the wrong ideal and think that because I know this is true and right, that everything is roses...Ha far from it. I know Satan works hard on me, and he will work hardest on me through my kids. One day as I was driving I thought about my patriarchal blessing,and how Satan will use everything he has to get me. So I thought about Meridith, did he think that by taking Meridith young, that I would fold? That I would just give up? I know that is why the Lord allowed me to know that she would not be here long, so that when times get tough and they do, I would rely on my testimony. That is why Helaman 5:12 is my favorite scripture. Children are a blessing, enjoy them, love them. Grandchildren are even more fun, we love Haylee and Calan.

More Rain

We had a good thunderstorm this morning. It woke us up before 5am, I had to get by 515am anyway so i just got up. It took me a little longer to get to work, just normal slow traffic on a rainy day. We need the rain so it was all good. The last hard rain that we had our great neighbors had a really bad time. They had..I repeat had this great playground for their twins, but with the very strong winds 60-70 mph the playground (we call it the park) was in their pool. It picked the whole thing up and planted it in their pool, broke a window in the living room and did some water damage upstairs. This morning I get a text from Amy asking for some fans, the window in one the bedrooms fell into the room, the latch broke and rained in all morning. One son was in there, sleeping th whole time....come on how on earth can you sleep through the storm this morning.. he did. One of the twins came down at 5am and talked abot the storm unti 7am and then went back to sleep... poor moms we never get to go back to sleep.

Returning Missionaries

We finally got some rain on Monday, but with the rain came lighting, its beautiful to watch but....not so fun when you work for an airline. Monday is usually my day off but they asked me work ramp transfer. What is that you might ask? I watch the international departures and see if there are any passengers that might have a very short connection and would miss their flight. On Monday with it being a weather day makes it hard to know which flights are delayed and which ones are going out on time. Doing ramp transfer is different, I usually have very nice and happy people because they will be making their flights. In the afternoon I went to get a salad and saw this missionary walk by me..I thought I wonder if he knows where he should be, people miss their flights all the time because they sit at the wrong gate. I went to taco bell and on my way back to office I saw him again. I stopped and asked if he was ok and he said yes and then he said he was waiting for his flight much later and I checked on it for him and he told me his brother who was also returning home from his mission they were suppose to be on the same flight. I checked and his brother would miss their flight. I had him come to the counter so I could help him, He had served his mission in Peru and his brother in Merida Mexico. His brother flew from Merida to Mexico City and the flight from Mexico City to DFW was delayed. As we talked and I was getting his brothers flights taken care of I gave him my cell phone to call his dad to let him know about his brothers flight information, then I found out that this was to be a surprise, his mother knew that his brother was coming home but he was not suppose to come home til Friday. Nasty weather ruined their plans. The flight to Ontario was oversold and it frustrated me to think they all had put this much effort to come home together and come off the plane together and surprise their mom. I desired the flight and called our yeild management department and told the lady who I was at DFW and I needed to have this segment overbooked. I told her I realize the flight is full but that I had his brother confirmed on the flight, and proceeded to tell her that they had been gone for 2 years and had not seen their parents and this was to be a surprise because the one I was trying to get confirmed on this flight was not suppose to be home til Friday. We were so blessed, the lady on the other end was either a member of the church or knew about missionaries. I know the Lord had a hand in this young missionaries life, he said he had been praying for help and didn't knw what to do. I am thankful that I could be a part of the reunion for he and his brother. I am thankful for the gospel and the joy that missionaries give to people as they accept the gospel.

Fireside

Last night I had the privilege of going to the Denton Stake and listen to Sister Elaine Dalton, the General Young Women's President of the church. We met at the church and I had 7 kids ride with me. I'm glad they rode with me. I had the chance to talk to Anthony Garret about his plans, its was good to hear him talk about turning in his mission papers in a couple of months. When we got to Denton it was already getting very full, I'm so glad we left early, probably should have left about 20 minutes earlier for better seats for the kids. Everyone in my car got into the auditorium. The Denton stake had it so that only the kids were in the auditorium(thinking that would be enough room it was not). I kept taking kids into the auditorium to get seats, as we were standing by the table for the Hurst Stake. There were a lot of kids from our stake, I'm so glad that they chose to come. Then in the overflow is where they were going to have the leaders be, WELL there was not enough places for kids, they eventually had the adults move out of the chairs so kids could sit down, even with that there were still kids that did not have a seat. She talked about the 3 things they as a presidency have asked the kids to do:
1. Pray everyday both morning and night
2. Read the Book of Mormon for at least 5 minutes everyday (if you
did this you would finish the Book of Mormon in 1 year)
3. Smile
We should do these things, they are not hard.
Sister Dalton's husband served his mission in Texas in 1968, when Texas use to be only 1 mission. That's hard to believe, but very exciting. He bore his testimony. I'm so glad I got to go. There was then a dance that followed, I did not stay I had to be up at 5am for work, bummer. I would have loved to hear the kids talk about the activities on the way home. Thanks to those who picked the kids up for me.
One bummer of the evening, since we were in the foyer/cafeteria time of place and could see the fireside on a TV screen, many did not take the opportunity to listen. Sister Johnson and Sister Furniss and I sat ton the floor against the wall, I had 2 ladies beside me, that did not shut up the entire time SO, the kids that were next to them did not either, but hey what kind of an example did those leaders set for them. I still got a lot out of their talks, I am so thankful to have joined the church, for all those who took me under their wing and taught me the gospel.President Martino spoke for a few minutes, he spoke of many people that I knew, and spent time with. I am so thankful that as a young girl I took advantage of the gospel, of the knowledge it gave me. I think about my sister who joined the church the same time I did, she has not gone to church in years, even before her leg was removed. My good friend Julie has not gone in years either, she has made some pretty wrong choices, and she knows it. Julie will tell me that she still prays everyday. I know that is important, but come on so is what you are doing in your life, you will be judged for your knowledge and choices. Sometimes that is so hard for us to understand, or maybe we understand it, but choose to do what we know is morally wrong anyway.

Weekend Activities

Tonight we get to keep Haylee, Rick and I are both so excited. Haylee is such a wonderful little girl. WE of course are a little bias, but that's ok because being her grandparents is the best. I have to work Saturday morning and then Saturday night we have a 15 stake fireside in Denton and Sister Elaine Dalton will be speaking and then we will have a dance, I know that kids are excited about that one. We have slot of really great youth in our stake and in our ward. I will certainly miss seeing some of them every Sunday. With Rick's new calling church will be late for us, but that's ok. The single ward is quite large they said they average about 150-160 every Sunday, so that will be nice to see that many active young single adults striving to do whats right.

The Value of VItrue

This year our General Young Women's Presidency added another value to young women's. Virtue.

We decided as a Stake Young Women's Presidency we would complete our Virtue goal by our Next auxiliary meeting in September. As I have worked on this and thought about it alot I know as a society we have gotten away from thinking about virtue. It saddens me to look around as see young women who make the choice to not be virtuous. A few years back as I was serving in our wards YW presidency I knew of a young girl who was considering having sex with her boyfriend as I spoke with her I tried to let her know that she would be giving something up she could never regain. I explained about repentance, but we never get that virtue back. For many young women they become that notch on a boys belt, someone they can brag about. For girls it is a very sad time for them. As I have read the family proclamation and the For the Strength of Youth it clearly states that sex is between a husband and wife who are married. NOT living together. When you obey God's commandments you are prepared to enter the temple to make covenants with the person who you love forever. I think about Rick and I, even though neither one of our parents could be there and Rick was the first one on his side of the family to get married, we both knew that getting married in the temple was not an option. I am grateful for our marriage, for both of us being worthy when we met to go to the temple. I am glad that virtue has been added to the young women's values. The value project that goes along with virtue to to read the Book of Mormon. My goal is to have it finished when we go to Nauvoo to take Meridith's name through the temple. So today I start reading the Book of Mormon, to be finished by September 3.

What's in a name

For camp this year my talk was "whats in a name". I told the girls how I got my name, I told them about Elder L Tom Perry's family history of how they joined the church and in 7-8 generations they had more than 10,000 descendants, sufficient numbers to organize 3 stakes. Hard to believe isn't it. I talked about how Aaron was named after my grandfather, and asked what has Aaron done with my grandfathers name...since he had no sons only daughters, is he living it in the way my grandfather would be proud? Rachel was given my middle name and Haylee was given Rachel's middle name are we each living a legacy that each can be proud of?
When my nephew and niece had their daughter Eden they named her Eden Meridith. Stephanie's mother sent me this wonderful card written with such care and I read a portion of it to the young women. Her mom talked about how Stephanie was named after her Aunt Melissa who died at just 2 1/2. This is what her mother said. "As Steph drew up she learned more and more about Melissa and wore her name proudly, somehow like a badge of honor. Steph told me one day that she was so honored to carry on the name of someone who was loved so very much. Now fast forward to the day Steph found out they were having a daughter. She told me she wanted he daughter's name to mean something, and like her name something she could be proud of, and thus Eden Meridith came to be. It is the perfect name for a very perfect little girl!" Stephanie's mom may not have realized how much that meant to us, but it did and still does. Stephanie's mother is an amazing woman, I see her love and kindness to all that she comes in contact with, I am honored to know her. So as I asked the Young Women "What are you doing with your name?" I went on the tell them that at baptism the took on someone else's name. The name of Jesus Christ "what are we doing with his name?" Are we living our lives so that we can return to him and he be honored by us, or are we not keeping up our end of the Saviour's name. Since camp it has caused me a lot of reflection of my own life. We should live our lives so that we will one day be able to stand before Christ our brother and he be thrilled at how we honored his name and that we did all we could to glorify him.

I love the flag

Today is the 4Th of July and the cub scouts just put the flag in our yard. I love to see that flag flying. One morning after Sept 11, 2001, as I was driving to work early by Hwy 26 there are several car dealerships and they each have these huge flags, the wind was slightly blowing and the flags were flowing and it was a beautiful sight. I'm so thankful to live in a country where we are free. So many freedoms, so many opportunities.

LOL:)

All in all camp went very well. The girls seemed to have had a good time. We had a hard night Thursday night. Thursday night was our spiritual program night. Sister Woolford planned and prepared a wonderful evening. She spoke to the girls about finding their way and how GPS's are great and how we each have one as well. The stake leaders had a value and we each wore khaki pants with the color of t-shirt that went with our value. We had a little part that we said to each group that camp through. We asked the girls to commit to living that value as we tied a ribbon of that value to their wrists. As they came to each group we all had cd players with a cd that Sister Woolford made for each of us and we turned the cd's on as we tied the ribbons and as they walked from each group. We were far enough away from each other that we could not see or hear the other group. When the girls first started and their journey they were each given a candle in a dixie cup to carry to light the way. If it went out they were not to light it again, some went out right away because they were not very careful, some girls were very careful with theirs. One thought that I told the girls towards the end of the groups as it was getting darker into the evening, is that as they started out each had a light and could see very easily but as the night progressed on and their lights went out it was harder to see. We needed to depend on the Savior more when life becomes hard and its not as easy to see. We need to remember that Heavenly Father loves us and is there for each of us. We need to ask him for guidance and follow his commandments even when others try to lead us in a different direction. After this wonderful program, several things happened and several girls fell right into Satan's trap of not doing what is right. I know that Satan works hard on all of us and that we need to really stay on the path because he is trying to hard to pull people away...one girl..one family.. many generations. Its just that simple.

LOL :) part 2

On Wednesday I was able to go to Sister Tan's class, she did a great job. Then I spent the next 2-3 hours at the horses. When they said they were going to ride in the covered pavilion, I was disappointed, I thought of it as a ride around the ranch, but after seeing that sooo many girls have never ever been around horses and did not even know how to get on them, I thought OK good idea. The ranch activities were fishing and doing a large obstacle course bounce house. The girls could race one another, I heard it was great. We had sandwiches for lunch, scripture and journal time and then we heard from Sister Furniss, she did a great job. She talked about her growing up and what it was like she brought her old letter jacket and pictures of her families farm and talked about things in her life that gave her, her foundation. She brought her old Merry Miss banner, things that she has done as a member of the church. For dinner that night we had lasagna, it took much longer than they had thought, so dinner was running late. We went into the kitchen to help and starting cooking it in the micowave...at least we got it started before the rest got done.
Thursday we had the same classes, with the exception of it was my turn to teach. I taught on What"s in a name. I'll write more later.

LOL:)

This was or theme for Young Women's camp. For us it was living our legacy. I think it turned out great. This is how the week played out: We meet Tuesday morning at the Beach Street Building with all the Stake Leaders (13) and the YCL'S (53)(youth camp leaders), and 2 amazing priesthood holders to be there for us. The men loaded all the girls stuff in a trailer, and we loaded up all the girls. I had 4 girls from the Park Glen 2ND ward, even though Rick's car can hold more I had to take the back seats out for all the stuff I was taking to camp. We got to camp and unloaded and had the girls take their stuff to their cabins. We had the YCL's make welcome signs to hang on the cabins for the girls that would be arriving the next day. We had lunch, some girls went swimming and hung out some rode horses. We watched the original Parent Trap, and made the yummy popcorn with Almond Bark. Then everyone went to their cabins and we went to sleep (haha). The next day we were prepared for all the girls and leaders to arrive. What a site that is to see so many young women coming to camp, and parents and leaders bringing them and all their stuff. After check in in they all got their shirts and we took a camp picture. Everyone got ready for the days activities. This year one of our activities was horses, each girl got to ride about 30 minutes. Since its Texas and it certainly gets hot here we had to change our classes and activities around to be in the morning. We had a 4 rotation classes to attend. Horses, ropes course/ranch activities, a spiritual class, pool. Our classes were "Roots and Branches" taught by Sister Tan, she is an amazing woman. She has 4 small children and when we have camp she leaves them with her husband as long as he can take the time off, or with friends of her ward. Sister Tan has this amazing testimony, she joined the church at 17 in Singapore, from the example of a girl that she didn't really know at first. My class was "What's in a name", Sister Johnson's class was on "I write my own story" Sister Furniss's class was on her own history. I will write more later.

Aaron has hand sugery

This morning Aaron had surgery on his hand. All went well. He had a cyst on his left wrist. Today when we came home Rachel and Haylee were waiting for us in the garage. Haylee was quite concerned for his Uncle. We were out in the back yard and John Wyatt came over to play, the first thing Haylee told him that Uncle Aaron had surgery, but he had a blessing last night. Its interesting how somethings leave important impression on a child. Brother Cook came over last night, thank you, and as they gave Aaron a blessing, she sat so very still on the couch all by herself. She didn't move or make any noise. I'm so thankful for the priesthood. What a peaceful assurance it brings to us.

UP

We went to see up last night with Haylee. It was not her favorite. She did not like the dogs biting the leg of the bird. She asked alot of questions, when she got home she told Papa about it. It was quite cute. Rachel and I liked it, maybe most 3 yr olds wouldn't ask so many questions but she did. She got scared in it, held on to mommy and then sat on grandma laps. Papa and I will go it sometime and then he will understand all her questions.

Weeds, weeds and more weeds

I pulled weeds over the weekend and today I'm pulling more. I love flowers and flower beds but man are they ever alot of work. I think if we ever build another house it will certianly have a much SMALLER flower bed. Oh well learn as you go.

Thanks to our Military

I want to thank for who have served in the armed forces. I am thankful to all those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms. So often we go about our daily lives and don't think twice about all of our freedoms, to work where we want, eat what we want say what we want do to the movies or go out to dinner or do just nothing. On Friday at work I was talking with a man who has not been home for 1 year. Thanks a long time to bee in Iraq and away from your family. I appreciate all they have done to allow us the freedoms to live our lives and worship how wee feel.
Thanks to all.

Happy Birthday Terri

Today is my sisters 51st birthday. She is in a nursing home and about 2 weeks ago she broke her femur. Terri had gone to Dallas with her friend Rita. While they were there Terri slide out of her electric wheelchair going down a steep incline at the hospital. Needless to say she is in a lot of pain. It is on her leg that has been amputated at the knee. They have taken several x-rays and there is nothing they can do. If your like me "why" can't they. Normally they immobilize your whole leg, but she only has a half leg there. Terri does really well, she never complains, she hurts really bad, but just keeps going. Happy Birthday Terri, I wish I could change it for you. These are my sisters. Diane is the the oldest on the left me in the middle and Terri on the right. Terri hair has always been dark like my mom's, me I'm the odd ball, they always told me I came from the cabbage patch. Gotta love the short dresses.

Camp

As a stake young women's presidency we are getting ready for girls camp. We are so excited about the new place we found this past year. We have 90 plus girls
(levels 1-4) and 53 YCL's hard to believe. I guess the had a good time with us last year, they wanted to come back. We did have a good time. We are hoping this year will be even better. There is lots to do, swimming, horses, rock wall, ropes course, we are even trying to find more fun things for them to do.

Who does this look like

Isn't this a cute little girl at the age of 2. Last night I was looking for picture of girls camp and came across this one. They look alike. I sure love them both.

Flowers

On friday my mom went to the dentist and I watched Dusty my great nephew and Haylee. I had been cleaning and found this flower that Rachel had bought her a year or so ago. As her and Dusty were playing with this flower I heard her tell him the flower is for Aunt Mer Mer. Over the last couple of weeks she has gone out to the cementary several times. Rachel took her, Uncle Brett took her, and then she went with us on the 12 of May. Meridith was so excited to be an Aunt. She so loved Haylee. Meridith always took the pictures so the ones we have of her holding Haylee are priceless. I sure miss her.

So many thoughts

Lately I have had so many thoughts rambling around in my head. I got the Ensign with the conference talks in it and I have been reading them. They have had such meaning lately. Learning the Lessons of the Past by M Russell Ballard, One of the things is said is "Now there is a powerful lesson for all of you in this experience. When you are willing to listen and learn, some of life's most meaningful teachings come from those who have gone before you. They have walked where you are walking and have experiences many of the things you re experiencing. If you listen and respond to their counsel, they can help guide you toward choices that will be for your benefit and blessing and steer you away from decisions that can destroy you. As you look to your parents and others who have gone before you, you will find examples of faith, commitment, hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that you should strive to duplicate." There are many good points in this talk. I am thankful for the ensign for the leaders who spoke to us, for their thoughts and testimony. I have so many blessings, I am very thankful for them. What joy the knowledge of the gospel brings to me.

Driving from Colorado

SO Wednesday night Brett told us that we should drive to Texas. He thought he might be ale to turn his truck in a get a car if the numbers worked out right. But it doesn't look like it will. So Brittany, Calan and I started out trip.. It went really well. Calan was a trooper. Funny thing that happened we decided at about 1130pm that we would stop for the night, we had considered driving the rest of the way. Hey it was only 4 More hours. SO we stopped in Clarendon, Tx and stayed at the Best Western there, got there about midnight. We went to sleep got up the morning and went to get in the truck and guess who's truck was right beside ours....Uncle Gary. He is driving back to Co. I thought he was staying in Wichita Falls, but he said when he got there he felt fine and decided to make it to Clarendon. He saw Brett's truck and thought "this is sure a popular truck in Texas" He was quite surprised when I told him we were at the same hotel. We had a nice drive. We arrived safe and sound. Thankful for our many blessings.

Colorado

I'm in Colorado with Brittany and Calan Baby. Its great. I sure miss them. I got to see Brett for a short whole before I hopped on the plane to fly out here. We are having a great time. Tonight the family is coming over for dinner. Hope its good. We are trying recipes that we haven't tried before.

Cannery

Rick and I went to the cannery in Dallas to do some food storage. We had a good time. It brought back many memories for me. Many years ago we as sisters in our ward went to the cannery every month faithfully. It didn't matter how much or how little you wanted to do, we just worked together and had a great time. I think about those sisters often. I was thinking about Susan Nelson who use to go with us, what a great lady she was. She has since passed away but her legacy and spirit live on, she taught me alot. For awhile I was blessed to be her visiting teacher, how I loved her and really enjoyed our visits. Her youngest son was in between Brett and Meridith, we had Joy School together with Brian, Spencer, Darrell and Meridith, what joy those memories bring back, and now all those kids are grown, some even have families of their own. I am so thankful to have lived in a ward with so many wonderful friends and great memories.

Youth Conference

This last weekend we had our Stake Youth Conference. It was quite amazing. We participated in the Special Olympics. We had over 230 kids that volunteered and they were great. The 14-15 yrs cheered at the soccer fields until after 1200 when they gave out their awards. While I was over there, we encouraged the kids to find out what the players names were so that they could cheer them on personally. They did and I think what they found out is that they are just like them, they have the same desires and dreams but with a few limitations. It was great to see them come out of their comfort zones and give truly of their selves. The special Olympics volunteers kept saying how much they really appreciated us there. They also said that they are having another one that is bigger in may and would love for us to come back. I think there might be some wards that might be going back. As a stake young women's presidency we really wanted for the kids to have a great experience. We wanted them to truly serve someone as the Saviour loved and served us. When we had our testimony meeting the kids again did a great job. President Hadley talked alittle about what a testimony is and why we bear a testimony and it was very uplifting. We didn't have a thankamony the kids bore a great witness of the love of the Saviour and how this effected them and how they realize how much they are loved. I am very grateful to be able to serve in this calling, we have a really great presidency and I have learned alot from the women that I serve with. Now we are finishing up on young women's camp.. that's in about 6 weeks. From one activity to another. We are blessed to serve.

I appreciate Rick

On Saturday Morning Rachel and I got up and went to go the annual Saginaw Easter Egg Hunt. We went out and got in Rachel's car and the Battery was dead....Haylee ran inside and got her Papa he can fix everythig and he came out and jump started the truck. I guess we left the light on from the night before. Aaron and Kim came over and Rick asked Aaron to go with him to the Preisthood session of conference. I was hoping he would. They could of had a nice dinner together and enjoyed conference together. But Aaron did not answer Rick when he asked him nor did he call him later. I was bummed for Rick, he would have really enjoyed that. Brett was in Colorado so he couldn't go with him. I appreciate Rick, all that he does for his family. I'm not sure that the kids realize how he has worked to allow them the opportunties they have been given. Thanks Rick, I love you.

Frustrating

My mom bought my sister a laptop computer for Christmas. Since Terri is in a Nursing Home its gives her something to do. Well it worked Saturday and she went to turn it on on Sunday would not turn on. Mom brought it to me so I could get it taken care of. It is so frustrating when you call a company and they
1. don't listen and
2. don't have a clue what you are talking about because they are reading everything from a script.
All I needed was for them to send me a box so that I could mail it to them for repair. Simple right, no way!! After we played 20 questions I finally told her THERE are NO lights on the computer it WILL not turn on. Since it is a HP and they have our phone number down when we ordered Meridith's computer she wanted to tell me that the numbers didn't match up. I told her for the computer that went with the sweetiepie email address was my daughters but this is a different computer. Sometimes it would be so much nicer if.... they just listened instead of reading the script. Enough venting!!

Training

Last night was our auxiliary training meeting. It was very good President Hadley spoke about families and how we need to help build strong families with the testimonies of the Savior. Then in our meeting with the Young Women Presidents we talked about how as presidents they have a vision about their young women and their counselor help carry out that vision. And about helping the girls.. a quote from President Hinckley given in Jan 2004 at a worldwide training meeting he said"When you save a girl you save generations, she will grow in strength and righteousness. She will marry in the House of the Lord. She will teach her children in the ways of truth, they will walk in her paths, and will similarly teach their children. Wonderful grandmothers who will be there to lend encouragement. I see this as one bright shinning hope in a world that is marching towards self destruction. To the stake presidents and bishops I plead with you to give encouragement and help in every possible way to women and girls of your stakes and wards. They need your priesthood backing, and they need your leadership and counsel, help they in every way you can, and while you are doing this you will help yourselves.

That is so true. We have some awesome young women in our ward. They are not without challenges, some of those challenges you see, some you do not. Sometimes they feel like they are alone, and that no one understands them. Its rough being a young women in these very challenging times. I know that if they hold fast to the teaching of the gospel they can be strong, to face whatever comes their way. Satan certainly wants them to struggle and not stay strong. Because its what President Hinckley said "you save a girl you save generations."

When its cold and rainy..

I just want to crawl under the covers... but I had to work this morning. Haylee is coming over and we are going to take a nap (YEAH) .This weekend we were all so busy, up late and then up early. We still didn't get everything done that we wanted. We wanted to take Haylee and Calan's picture together. Rachel bought them cute matching outfits, bummer they didn't get to wear them together. Hopefully Brett and Brittany and Calan baby will come back down soon. We miss them. WE sure need the rain. Yesterday I saw bluebonnets. I love them the freeways look so beautiful when they are in bloom. I hope everyone enjoys them.

Family Time

It has been great this weekend. Brett and Brittany and Calan Baby came in on Thursday, Mary and Uncle Gary came in on Fri. So much fun. On Saturday we drove to Tyler for Debra and Caleb's wedding. It was very nice. It is always fun to see the family. We meet Darrell's new friend. She is very nice, you know when we all get together is a free for all. Laughing and joking, she took it all in stride. We had a good time... we realized that in the 10 hours on Sat we spent 6 in the car. It was a long drive but worth it. On Sunday I had Stake Meetings so I didn't get to spend much time with everyone but the time was great and tooo short. Brett and Brittany don't leave til Tuesday night... Yeah..grandma gets to spoil just a little longer.

Waiting for The TV guy

Rachel is getting cable in her apartment and I'm just waiting for the guy to come and turn it on for her. Fortunately she does has some movies, so I'm watching 27 dresses..it's a cute movie. Then I have to go to work. Tonight I'm working with Ramp Transfer...hopefully it won't be to boring tonight. I hope they get here before I need to leave. Haylee wanted to come with Grandma, and wait for the TV guy, but she went to school instead.

Brett Brittany abd Calan Baby

They willbe here in 4 days..We can't wait to see them and hold and kiss on Calan Baby.... Yeah
Plus Uncle Gary amd Mary will be coming to... We are excited.

Stake Conference

Stake Conference was very good this weekend. I really felt uplifted. Debi King spoke on Saturday night, she did an amazing job. I really enjoyed her talk. I'm so thankful that we went to Saturday night conference and then again on Sunday. Saturday night we watched a talk given in General Conference by James Corbridge somethings we reminded us of...There is opposition in all things. Come unto the Lord all who are heavy laden...He is there to carry our burdens. The Lord's way is not hard..life is hard. Get on the path and never give up OR get off. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that the Lord is there for us.
On Sunday one of the speakers said Listen and give heed to the Lord's spirit. Focus on Spiritual things (rather than worldly). Listen and follow our leaders. If we are prepared we will not fear.
Predident Uchtdorf said Have a current Temple recommend even if you can't go often.
Study the word of God daily.
Pray Daily=Speak to Heavenly Father
Quotes from other Presidents of the Church
Ezra Taft Benson-Nothing can take the place of prayer
Howard W hunter -Set our houses in order with prayer
Thomas S Monson- Never been a time when there is a greater need to teach family prayer.

I find it interesting that so much importance is going back to basics. Listen to the Holy Ghost, relaying on the Lord. Going to him in prayer. I'm grateful for these gentle reminders.

Its cold again and super WINDY

Hold on to your hats and doors to your cars..if not it'll blow you away.

Its 85 outside today

Its 85 outside today...and its only February.. I know its almost March. Some of our friends have already been in their pools..not me its still to cold. Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather.

4th Picture

This is my 4th picture and I love it. A little while back at bedtime Haylee would get 3 books for Papa to read to her. No one else would do, just Papa. Quite often they would read the same 3 books. Now that Rachel and Haylee have their own place Rachel reads to her. I sure love these two. They are very important in my life. I love Rick, he is a great husband, dad and papa.

I tag Marcia, Sherwoodsforest, Holly and Michelle Kirchner. Have a great day to everyone.

New Beginings

Being the Stake Young Women's we have the privilege of going to the different wards as they hold their New Beginnings. They have been great. Last Night we attended the Park Glen 2nd Ward. They did a great job. They had the girls read a brief statement about the values. One of the statements was given by Boyd K Packer.

Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that “leap of faith,” as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and stepped into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two. “The spirit of man,” is as the scripture says, indeed “is the candle of the Lord.” (Prov. 20:27.)

What makes some of us ready to take that leap of faith? Why does it make sense to some and others struggle with it? Faith as we are told in the scriptures Hebrew 11:1 Faith is to hope for things not seen but are true.

Miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one’s faith.

As these young women are given short thoughts to read, are they learning what they are reading? DO they understand that these young women leaders are there for them. They love them or do they just read it and hope to get through it before they are asked to do something else. Do they understand their own potential? Do we? Who are we? You can ask ourselves those very basic questions, but can and do we answer then honestly, or do we really not know.

Rachel posted one time on her blog

"Why can't we see the future?

Why can't we "know" things are going to work out when they are rough?

I just want to know the outcome of my choices, and which one is really the "better" one to make. I want to see each path and how they are going to affect the whole package before I make them.

So I have thought about this statement from Elder Boyd K Packer. Its that "Leap of Faith"
Do we trust Heavenly Father enough to know that he really knows us? Do we do our part? Or what is our part? I don't have all the answers but I do know that we must make that Leap of Faith. We must put forth all our effort and even when it gets tough and believe me it will get tough. We have to remain faithful. We are in the mist of a great battle, there are lots of little ones to (haylee lovely fits) but the biggest battle is Satan is trying to destroy us. He doesn't want us to return to Heaven. It gives him great joy to see him destroy a family, a parent and child. If he gets to us then we can affect generations. Its scary to think about it.
One family goes inactive when their children are young, think about the eternal consequences, so they don't teach their child about the gospel, that child grows up and has 3 children and they are never taught the gospel, we have just lost 2 generations, and how many more.
Do we bargain with the Lord....I will do this if you do this..Or I will do this when this happens for me. Why can't we see the Lords hand in our lives and be willing to follow all the commandments, not just when it is convenient but all the time. As long as we follow that Lords commandments we should not have any fear. We should do as the prophets asks us. Sometimes it may be hard, but we know where we want to be at the end. We can know that things will work out even when its tough. We have the gospel, the promises are there for us. We have to make sure to know what to look for, and keep on that path to exaltation. Helaman 5:12 is my favorite scripture.


Hel. 5: 12

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Busy Busy

We have been so busy lately. We went to Colorado for the baptism of my great niece. It was great. Rachel, Haylee and I drove Brittany's car so that when they moved up there they would only have to drive 1 car. It was fun. I enjoyed the time with Rachel and Haylee. The trip took a little longer than expected but hey with a 3year old getting restless you just stop more often. We made many walmart stops and Haylee got more dolls that go with her dolly house she got for Christmas. She will still show me what she doesn't have for her dolly house. It was so good to see the family. Then Brett and Brittany pack up and move to Colorado. Yes they are gone and YES I do miss them. But they are coming back for Debra and Caleb's wedding. Yeah we will get hold and spoil Calan. Then Rachel moved into her apartment. Ok its on the 3rd floor. Its rough to haul everything up to the 3rd floor. Thanks to Rick and Aaron, they moved the bigger stuff. Then I drove to Mississippi to take Kyndall a car. She is doing well. Hopefully she keeps her grades up. Now Rick and I are alone in the huge house by ourselves. Its quite different. Sometimes lonely, but we are getting use to it. Haylee still likes to spend the night with Grandma and Papa. We are so glad to have her(even when she throws a good ole fit.)

We are getting ready for girls camp and youth conference and a Priest Laurel Prom. Life just keeps going. Its great to be able to serve.

Life isn't perfect its messy

Tonight I went to the movies and saw Bride Wars. It was funny. But when that statement was made, it made me think about our lives and no matter how we want something to be Life isn't perfect and sometimes its messy. Or should I say we make a mess of it. My goal is to try not to make such a mess to the ones that I love. Sometimes I say to do things that are not always the nicest. But hopefully they still forgive and sometimes forget.

Today I have been training at work to see if I would like to do what we call ramp transfer. That is when a plane is running late and passengers will miss their connection, especially international flights. We go get them and take them down the stairs and get them into a van an take them via the tarmac to the next gate and then up the elevator to their flight. Not to bad. It was interesting today. Most everyone was happy and grateful, but one lady only worried about her bag. There was another flight about 2 hours later but it was full. Her bags if they didn't make it would be on that flight and we would deliver them.. But the entire ride...she griped.... the other 2 people going on her flight to Honolulu we just happy to be there and not miss their flight. Again Life isn't perfect its messy.
Have a great night.

Dinner

Dinner group was really fun. We went to Cierra and Randy's it was really fun. I took Rachel along with me because Rick's brother Gary came in and they don't get to see one another very often. In fact he had to leave before church started and Rick left before Gary got up. But Rachel and I had a great time. It was fun to play games and talk with the Holly and Kimball and Kathy and Steve. We had a yummy dinner and played a very fun game. The guys won, which included Rachel. It was a very fun night. Thank Cieraa for hosting the great dinner.

Thanks Rachel

Rachel and I had a nice time together today. Just kinda hanging out and going shopping. It was good. As we were walking into Kohls Haylee said just the girls. Mommy how many? So they counted and she said just 3 girls, but the way she says girls is so cute. We just love Haylee she is our little princess. Thanks for the good day.

Calan Baby

Brittany waitng for Brett to meet us to take her to the hospital

Such a cute pregnant girl

Cute Haylee with her new cousin
Brittany and her mom.
Calan baby as Haylee calls him arrived. Brittany is sooo sweet with him. Brett is to, at the hospital Brett picked him up and held him on his shoulder and I told him he gets lost in your neck. Brett is big and Calan is so little. He is rather cute, but hey I'm his grandma I can be partial. They are so sweet together. I know Brittany will post about her experience but all went well. She did great. We are glad he is here. Laurie, Brittany's mom made it in so she got to be here, I'm glad that she did. Well here are some pictures of the newest addition of our family.