My Mom

I have always wished someone would ask ME to speak on Mother's Day because I would love to honor my Mom not only because she is an amazing mother, but because she is a great example of a successful woman, person, and individual, outside of being a mother. I think most Mothers would agree that they would love to pretty much avoid Mother's Day at church; the disappointing talks by youth who can only come up with a pathetic acknowledgment that their Mom cooks and cleans, or the other extreme--the mother we all hate because she bakes bread, always loves being a mother, sews, does her geneology, is always serving others, never needs sleep or takes any thought of herself, all while maintaining an obnoxious eternal grin on her face. Nothing disgusts me more--BECAUSE THIS WOMAN DOESN'T EXIST!!
These are the things I love most about my Mom:
*Her sometimes inappropriate sense of humor (which I get from her). She often can't keep herself from laughing simply because it is the absolute worst time to laugh.
*She is talented and educated. Her dedication to the piano and to going back to school when she was in her late 30s is a great example to me. When she went back to school, I saw her self-esteem grow as she pursued something that she had an interest in and as she widened her social circle.
*She is fiercely loyal to her family. She has supported us, protected us, taught us, and loved us every day of our lives. No one could ever think her first priority was not her family.
*She has a strong opinion about EVERYTHING--a trait in which all of her children have followed. I detest women who are passive, and this is definitely something she has NEVER been. This is a wonderful example to me that it's okay to be strong and voice your opinions.
*I love her red hair. It is totally fitting to her personality.
*She is the wisest person I know (besides Robert). She instinctively knows what to do in every situation and can easily discern any person's spirit within seconds.
*She is simple. There is nothing worldly about her and all she desires in this life is that her children walk in righteousness.
*She is distrustful of authority--like me. I mean this in the best sense because I think it is vitally important to learn everything for yourself and not to follow anybody blindly. Any person in power is to be distrusted--and this example has served me well through the years.
*She is by far, the most empathetic person I have ever known. My siblings can attest to this. As a matter of fact, she probably feels things we are going through even more than us! No one can make you feel better then her.
*Did anyone notice that I did not say a thing about house cleaning, cooking, crafts, or even parenting skills? Although she is excellent at all of these things, these domestic abilities do not define who she is and why she is so wonderful. The most important things to me are the personal traits that are either innate, or that she has worked on through the years. I see her as a powerful, accomplished, fulfilled person, woman, daughter of God, and I am so blessed that she happens to be my Mother too! I love you Mom.

"Trust Me" --Posted by Robert

Trust Me

Our neighbor’s daughter, Talitha Underwood just turned eight and today was her baptismal day. Since our family first moved into this ward, the Underwoods have been amongst our best friends. We have taken several vacations together and our kids also match up close in age and play well together. Paul and Lucinda are such a neat couple. When they first met each other in Alaska, neither were members of the church. Through independent trials and experiences, shortly after they both became converted to the gospel of Christ and were baptized. Today they have four kids and are remarkable members and people.
This was a very memorable and precious baptism experience. It started in the traditional program format, which included a short talk on Baptism and the Holy Ghost that they asked me to give:

There once was a man named Nicodemus who came to talk with the Savior one night. Jesus told him, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. Nicodemus did not understand what Jesus meant. How could a person be born again?
The Savior explained, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”.

Jesus was talking about being born spiritually. To do this, a person must be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.

Jesus further explained that Heavenly Father had sent Him to earth to prepare a way for us all to return to Heavenly Father. The Savior testified that He would suffer and die on a cross so that we would be saved if we believed in Him and kept His commandments. He said that we need to choose the right and to not do things that are wrong. If we do what is right, we can return to live with our Heavenly Father again.

Did you know that Jesus choose to be baptized? Jesus wanted to go back to Heaven just like we want to. He is a good example of choosing the right. Do you want to be baptized like Jesus was?

Then today you are choosing to be born again. Today is like a new birthday--a spiritual birthday and Heavenly Father wants to give you a special birthday present: The gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost can be your best friend. He is often call the Comforter, because he has the ability to touch our hearts and help us feel peace. The Holy Ghost can warn and protect us from harm and help us know what is right. The Holy Ghost is a very special gift.

I am proud of you for choosing to be baptized today. I know that you are choosing the right. Our Heavenly Father is very pleased that you love Him and want to follow Jesus.
Testimony...
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen

Upon conclusion of my remarks, Paul entered the men’s dressing room and Talitha entered the women's. A few seconds later Paul descended into the baptismal font and waited for his daughter to emerge. Seconds turned into minutes. Finally a scared voice muttered, “I don’t want to get into the water”! Paul immediately went to her trying to understand her concerns. “I don’t want to go under the water”, she again exclaimed. At this, I reflected on the talk I had just finished where I asked Talitha if she wanted to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized today, in which she enthusiastically nodded with a big grin of agreement. Paul then explained to the anxious assembly of friends and family that Talitha (like her mom) had a great fear of being submerged in water. Paul and the Bishopric were now left with the conundrum of what to do. They knew she wanted to be baptized, but it didn’t seem right to force or trick her under the water ignoring her fears and free agency. Paul continued, gently persuading and encouraging her that she would be safe and he would never let go. After some time passed to no avail, whisperings of ‘maybe we should just reschedule her for another day’ began to surface amongst the crowd. Paul brought her close to him and asked her if he had “ever let her down”? In which she answered, “no”. He then asked, “Has Heavenly Father ever let you down”? Again, she quietly whispered “no”. Paul then replied, “you need to trust me and trust in Heavenly Father that you will be ok”. Sinking deeper in the water to be face to face, Paul then asked her if he could say the baptismal prayer and if she was ready she could be baptized, and if not, that’s all right, “I am not going to force you to be baptized”. He then raised his hand to the square and calling her by name, performed the baptismal prayer. To his astonishment, a peace and calm came over Talitha and even before finishing the prayer she began arching her back toward the water in which he gladly finished her full immersion. Upon her ascent she wrapped her precious arms around the daddy she knew she could trust to keep her safe.
What a sweet spirit we all shared today--the purifying covenant of baptism and that of a Father-daughter relationship based on trust and love. It is ever too common to parent with force, taking away a child’s opportunity to choose for themselves. During the war in heaven this fundamental gift of free agency was disputed. Lucifer and those who followed him desired to perfect the souls of man by way of force, stripping every individual of their agency. While at first glance one could see brilliance in such a plan--everyone makes it to perfection. However, as reality dawns we realize that nobody would be perfect--only the outward shell of perfection. It such a way there is no internal dedication, conviction, or testimony. True perfection comes from within. Our Father in Heaven doesn’t want to make carbon copies of Himself against the desires of His children. He wants us to choose our eternal destinies ourselves. He wants us to choose the level of happiness and responsibility that we are willing to receive. Our kind Father in Heaven quietly leads, encourages, and inspires us to spark the desire to follow Him to a fullness of Joy. If we ultimately do not choose to follow and emulate His perfected ways of our own freewill and choice, then we will receive our just rewards; "For where your heart is there also will be your treasure." Also, "For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift" (D&C 88: 3). Today was also a testament that our loving Father in Heaven can deliver peace and assurance at our moments of deepest need as we trust in Him with faith.

April 2009

Life just never seems to slow down does it? Here is what we have been up to lately.

Recently at Stake Conference, a family spoke who had made it a goal to go see every temple in Utah. We thought this was a wonderful idea and decided to take it on as a challenge for our family, along with our friends. So far, we have been to the Draper Temple, the St. George Temple and are planning a trip to Moab in June to see the Monticello Temple. The kids have really enjoyed the small trips we have taken, and hopefully this activity makes an impression on them.
Christian received straight A's again and was invited to be a member of the Jr. National Honor Society. He has found his passion with track and came in 2nd place in the mile and the 800 meter run. He will be running in the Race for the Cure, hopefully with me.
Madison seriously never stops running, jumping, and playing. She was the star stealer and shooter on her basketball team and her and Hunter enjoy being members of the "Best Buddies Club." They are inseparable and can usually be found on their RipSticks (like a skateboard), trying to sell things to earn money door- to- door, jumping on the trampoline, or making up plays.
Ashton is officially into the terrible twos and is DANGEROUS. He's always escaping the house and going down the street, YIKES! It's so hard to keep tabs on him at all times.
We are finishing off our theater room downstairs, along with an exercise room and a small kitchenette. Kristen's husband Zack has been an awesome contractor and has also framed the theater room. I am so happy that Robert is finally getting his theater room because he really has never done anything for himself; he is frugal to a fault, and usually talks himself out of everything he wants. I, on the other hand am not quite as frugal . . .
We are planning a trip to Yellowstone in July and hoping that the rest of my family can come too. I am slowly trying to check off my list of things I have always wanted to see and do, and Yellowstone is one of those things. We are renting a cabin in Island Park which is 20 minutes from the West entrance to Yellowstone.
I am gearing myself up for summer, which usually proceeds as follows: June---fun and busy. July--house is a mess, kids are starting to fight more, and I have run out of things to entertain them. August--Hell which I am not enduring well. Fighting is all day, I have given up on keeping the house clean, cold cereal for dinner, I force them to watch TV so that they won't interact with me or each other, and sometimes I resort to locking them outside. Things are a little better now that Christian can babysit and I can occasionally leave, however.
Which brings me to the next upcoming event: Christian turns 13 (meaning I'm old and I officially have a teenager), and Hunter turns 8 and will be baptized! Two very exciting milestones to look forward to. That's it for now. . .

Our Awesome Trip to St. George

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Krissy and Sandra's Trip to Sunny San Francisco

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Draper Temple Open House

Today we had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Draper Temple open house. I have to admit, I wasn't too thrilled about the idea of checking all the kids out of school, driving all the way to Draper and then not know how they would behave. But, it was a great experience for all of us and I hope that being in the Celestial room and in the Sealing room made an impression on them. Over the years, there have been a few minor things that I haven't understood about the temple, but I know that when I go, the Spirit is strong and pure and I know it's a sacred place to be. I am grateful for all of the picturesque temples I am surrounded by, and especially the Salt Lake Temple which holds the most special place in my heart.

ASH-BEAR Turns 2

My widdle Ashton turned two yesterday which was both happy and sad for me. I am sad that my baby is growing up because he is our last, but happy that he is learning and growing every day. Ashton is the sunshine of all our lives; so loved, cherished, and adored. Here are some Ashton-isms we love:

*Beautiful huge brown eyes

*Says "Day-Doo" (thank you) to everything we do for him--even when we change his diaper or give him kisses!

*He's very attached to his stuffed dog which he carries everywhere. I was so concerned that it would get lost, or that we might have to wash it at some point (!) that I bought an identical one just in case. Well, now he insists on carrying BOTH around at all times.

*All animals are "Boppies" (puppies)

*Every morning we are greeted by one of three words: "Shooooes" (he loves to take on and off shoes all day), "EWWWWW" which means he knows he has a dirty diaper, or "Boppy" (doggies).

*If he could spend the whole day in the bath, he would.

*When he gives kisses, which you must be "worthy" of, he will put his lips on yours and just hold them there indefinately, while his big brown eyes just look around and blink until he's done.

*When Robert comes home he runs as fast as he can yelling, "Daddy! Daddy!" wraps his arms around Robert's legs and buries his head in his knees.

*"No" means yes, and "No" means no.

*His head is an enormous globe.

*He has a precious dimple in his right cheek.

*He loves to drink out of the dog's water bowl.

*He likes to try and make his hair handsome with toilet water and can sometimes be found sitting in our toilets.

*He's left handed. (we think).

*He loves his carrrrrrs.

*He loves to spit and the more Elisabeth cries that he is spitting, the more he laughs and spits harder.

*He loves to run, laughing in the opposite direction if I ever want him to come here.

*Endearingly bashful.


For his birthday, we went to Chuck E. Cheese's which all the kids loved, and Robert and I endured.
Here are some pictures of the day: