I listened to a talk by Brother Wilcox this week and this is what I learned:
The Lord loves to fix the broken heart. We must offer what we have in order for us to be mended and He will bless us ten-fold.
We are to love openly and freely. Do not be defensive. Change is wrought through love. Love is at the center of God. Reach for that center and it too can become our center.
I start school in a week and a half. All of my classes are pre-requisites for the social work program. It should be intense but rather grand. I am also going to be on a student council committee this year. I'm very excited to be getting more involved.
So! that's about all. Love you all fam.
Kels.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Draper Summer Fun in Idaho
The Drapers have had a great summer so far! We have been swimming, going to the sand dunes, floating (see picture), Jackson Hole, Bar J Wranglers, camping, running a 10K, boating, fishing, golfing, Bear Worldx20, the Zoo, Rigby Lake, campfires in the backyard, Jones Reunion, WASA, fireworks, parades, BBQs, and sadly we have to work sometime in the middle of all this fun! It's been a great summer...you really have to take advantage of it when you only get 2 nice months out of the year to enjoy good weather! Stu has been working really hard to grow Get Found First and a lot of changes have occurred just in the last few weeks. New employees hired on, new ideas, and all great things! Linds just goes crazy with a daughter that can not figure out to pull her chubby legs up and move! She would be a lot more content if she could move. Tate is fun and of course every day asks me where are we going mommy as soon as he wakes up. Never happy to just be at home...hence the bear world times 20 add in...I'm not kidding! I'm also running twice a day which gets a little old but my race is coming up soon! I'm cleaning the houses during the 7 week break students are out of school. Rexburg seriously is a different town during these short weeks...I pretty much love it!
Here are 3 short clips to summarize Stu's day to day and Lindsey's day to day:
We love you all!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Little Sweet Voice Kelsey
As a reminder, I have chosen to write memories about each of our wonderful children in ascending order. Nathan was the first since I needed to submit something for his class, so this week I am priviledged to write about sweet Kelsey. Kelsey came into the world upside down, but has been right side up ever since. The doctor was so upset with the attending nurse because she had not detected the fact that she was breach. Fortunately, she was quite small (just over 5 lbs), so he was able to deliver her without great complication. Since Kelsey was a little girl, she's had such a good sense for right and wrong accompanied by a strong desire to please Heavenly Father. Her early years were frought with sickness as she was pretty tiny and seemed so fragile. Her voice carried a squeeky high pitch and while it could be a bit annoying at times, it was also very cute and endearing. When we lived in Pocatello we dressed Kelsey up in a fancy Christmas dress and she played a starring role in all of the holiday advertising that we did for Pine Ridge Mall. The "camera lady" did everything in her power to get Kelsey to smile, but she was having one of those no smile days! We finally had to go with the solemn look. She was accompanied by an elderly lady in one photo and the caption read, "for kids from 1 to 92". I remember when quite a few tears were shed while living in Boise when Kelsey tucked Hammie into a tight area wrapped snuggling in one her toys for a long nap....it turned out to be a longer nap that she had expected. In Virginia, she and her sugar baby friend got into the food storage and her friend thought it might be fun to toss sugar on each other and everything else in the basement. To this day, she claims it was all Cassie's idea. We still believe you Kelsey! Kelsey started developing her talents more fully when we moved to Ohio. She began singing with Summit Chorale, began playing the piano, and joined the Middle School Band. We loved going to her concerts, recitals and tolerated the band concerts the best we could. In time, she and her "bandaleros" became quite talented. She took up precussions because she wanted to be like her friend Sarah Davis. While Sarah was a good girl and role model, we are glad Kelsey became Kelsey rather than a Sarah clone. Before we moved to Rexburg, Kelsey and two of her her band mates performed a rousing number on the zylophone that brought the house down. I remember feeling so very proud of her and how great she had performed. I felt similar feelings when we attended her Summit Chorale concerts, especially at the Christmas concert held in the cathedral in downtown Akron. I am glad that she and mom were able to make the trip to Germany/Austria the summer before we moved so she could have one last memorable experience before leaving her good friends in Ohio. I was so impressed with Kelsey when we decided to make the move to Idaho. In fact, she had her answer that we were to go before we did. And while those first few months as a junior in high school, in a brand new school, without friends, was not always easy for her; yet she never complained or murmured about the difficulty. In fact, she got involved in a number of ways from music to student government. Her senior year was filled with one activity after another; mostly due to her involvment on student council, and she had more friends than two hands can count. In fact, there was often a trail of kids coming and going from our house on most weekends. While we didn't get a lot of sleep those nights we were happy that she was so happy. Mom and I are very proud of Kelsey. We trust her to make good choices and to follow the Spirit. She is very spiritually mature for her young age and has a great love for Heavenly Father. We are excited to see her continue to grow and watch her make good choices that will bless her and our family throughout her life. We love you, Kelsey!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Finding Sanity in an INSANE World
This week has been absolutely INSANE at the Morris household. My friend and I started a Dessert Table/creative blog and we've already partnered up with a wedding and reception center here in town as their exclusive dessert buffet vendor. We are putting together a birthday party this weekend, I'm also helping with a baby shower the same day, doing a cake the next weekend, and then putting together an AMAZING dessert buffet for this huge bridal fair here in town... which has to be done the weekend after that, right before we leave for vacation again (and hope that Adam isn't fired by the time he gets back, since he's taking so much vacation this summer). It's a little overwhelming, but it's very very exciting for me. This is what I love to do, and it brings me such great joy to see other people's reaction to these tables. I feel like I've found the perfect medium to express my artistic (not crafty) self.
Adam was also gone this week for High Adventure camp. I realized while he was gone, that Adam is definitely my better half. I was doing pretty good, keeping my cool and even keeping the house clean, but by Saturday, I was bitter and angry with the whole world. I had my little breakdown when I first heard Adam's voice for the first time in 6 days, but after being with him for just a couple of hours and letting out all my frustrations, I felt like a new person. I could cope again, and I didn't want to eat my children for dinner anymore. I'm so grateful for such a wonderful husband who keeps me grounded. Without him, I'd be in the loony bin, no doubt.
There are times when this life is hard, when we just don't want to be patient anymore, but, we are here on this earth to finish the race. In today's sacrament talk, the speaker told the story of John Stephen Ahkwari, who ran in the 1968 Olympic marathon. Ahkwari had been badly injured during the race, and finished, with a mangled and bloody leg, over an hour after the winner. When the interviewer asked him why he had finished the race (as he knew he had no chance of winning), Ahkwari looked at him and said, "You don’t understand. My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start a race, they sent me to finish it.” We are not here to just start the race, or to even win it, but just to finish it. For a short video on Ahkwari's race, click here.
Anyway, sorry for the disjointedness of this post,
I love you all!
Whitney
P.S. here's my pictures from our trip up to Idaho, we'll never forget it!
Adam was also gone this week for High Adventure camp. I realized while he was gone, that Adam is definitely my better half. I was doing pretty good, keeping my cool and even keeping the house clean, but by Saturday, I was bitter and angry with the whole world. I had my little breakdown when I first heard Adam's voice for the first time in 6 days, but after being with him for just a couple of hours and letting out all my frustrations, I felt like a new person. I could cope again, and I didn't want to eat my children for dinner anymore. I'm so grateful for such a wonderful husband who keeps me grounded. Without him, I'd be in the loony bin, no doubt.
There are times when this life is hard, when we just don't want to be patient anymore, but, we are here on this earth to finish the race. In today's sacrament talk, the speaker told the story of John Stephen Ahkwari, who ran in the 1968 Olympic marathon. Ahkwari had been badly injured during the race, and finished, with a mangled and bloody leg, over an hour after the winner. When the interviewer asked him why he had finished the race (as he knew he had no chance of winning), Ahkwari looked at him and said, "You don’t understand. My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start a race, they sent me to finish it.” We are not here to just start the race, or to even win it, but just to finish it. For a short video on Ahkwari's race, click here.
Anyway, sorry for the disjointedness of this post,
I love you all!
Whitney
P.S. here's my pictures from our trip up to Idaho, we'll never forget it!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Galatians 2:20
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me".
Galatians 2:20
I came across this scripture this week and absolutely love it. Paul is speaking and I admire his relationship with the Savior and also hope to come to come to know the Savior to that degree one day.
Life is going wonderfully. I will be starting a class called Global Climate Change next week. Should be interesting. Ha and I will also be starting a craft camp here in a few weeks. Whitney helped me plan it and gave me lots of ideas. Shaving snow cones just isn't quite enough of a job so having little girls come to my house should help me reach my savings goal for the summer. I will keep you further updated on how it goes!
Galatians 2:20
I came across this scripture this week and absolutely love it. Paul is speaking and I admire his relationship with the Savior and also hope to come to come to know the Savior to that degree one day.
Life is going wonderfully. I will be starting a class called Global Climate Change next week. Should be interesting. Ha and I will also be starting a craft camp here in a few weeks. Whitney helped me plan it and gave me lots of ideas. Shaving snow cones just isn't quite enough of a job so having little girls come to my house should help me reach my savings goal for the summer. I will keep you further updated on how it goes!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why did you have to leave Whitney!!!! I am very mad!!!!!!!! You should live here so you can come when ever you what toooooooo!!!!!! Come on Whit!!!!! It seems when you get here you leave the next day!!!!!! I guess you don't like me do you ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nathan
nathan
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Colors
Dad asked me to post this about 3 years ago (ok maybe just like 3 weeks, regardless, a WHILE ago). Also, I'd like to take this moment to thank Lindsey that I asked her to post... and she did it! No nagging required. Let me just say, that this is going much better than I thought (with the exception of Kelsey, ahem). Thanks to everyone for being so AWESOME. Now enjoy the video!
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Colors/index.htm
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Colors/index.htm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!
Happy Birthday to the BEST Mother! Thank you for raising me the way our Savior would want you to! I appreciate ALL you do for me and my little family! Sydney for sure has her number 1 favorite and I'm happy to say it's you! She couldn't have a better example and hero to follow! I LOVE YOU!!!
YES IT'S LINDSEY'S TURN...PLEASE APPLAUD I DID IT!
Tate's Birthday Party was last Friday and he had a blast! We had Mom, Dad, Kels, Nate, Deb, Larry, Kim, Cassidy, Courtney, Carter, Tyler, Sara, Landon, Cohen, Travis, Monica, Grandma/Grandpa Jones, Rod, Amy, Kaden, Jaren, Tyson, Talon, Diane, Jimmy, and Bentley. Yes, quite a party! We had grilled chicken, watermelon, plenty of sides, and of course cake and ice cream! I made a bean bag toss, a cake walk, and had chalk for coloring in the driveway! When it was time to open presents...let's just say that Tate should just get one present because that's all he has attention for! He was so excited to open it and wanted to play with it right away that when I forced another present on him to open he got REALLY frustrated! Well, note to self: open one present a day next year :)
As you can tell Stu's family was starting to get into town and they all finally got in by that Sunday. We all went to St. Anthony and stayed at a cabin there. Good memories were made but I learned a few lessons on the way....
We all get frustrated with each other and that will just happen but the way we handle it is vital! We can not let frustrations brew inside. We must communicate with each other and discuss our feelings so that we can forgive and forget. We must remember how Christ would want us to act and react in any situation we find ourselves in.
It's good to give ourselves a time out and think what we might say before we say something that we might regret later. It might even be beneficial to have an emergency response answer when we are feeling angry or irrational. EX: Can we talk about this later after I think things through more clearly? Then you most likely won't be kicking yourself for words you may say that you did not truly mean.
Talking behind other people's backs in a negative way is not Christlike. If we have an issue with a specific person please go to that person. It's not beneficial to talk to everyone else instead of directly speaking to the person that you have an issue with. This causes feelings to be hurt and a barrier will be made that will take time to break down. Stu is a great example of not doing this! Whenever a sibling of his talks to me about another sibling I of course want to tell Stu what I heard. He will cut me off and tell me he would rather not know the gossip that is being spread around. We must stand up and not take part of this hurtful process. No good comes out of it! Stay close to the Lord and he will direct thy path.
I love you all and I truly want us to be strong as a family! Don't let Satan in! He will find his way through any crack and get in and destroy! We must make sure we are protected at all times!
-Linds
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Finally Summmmmer!!!
I'm happy to say that tomorrow is the first day of summer and Rexburg took a while to get there but I think we are there yea!!! Whitney I took Lindsey's spot because I don't think she will get to it. ha Linz! take that! I'm reponsible! what now! take that! Here in Rexburg it has been very cold. I have hated it. I am very happy that Whit is coming out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry my post is short sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nathan
Nathan
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Hello Family!
Dad and I are going to alternate blogging assignments so you have to deal with me this week. Dad is going to talk about each child during his turn (Nathan was his first victum so the rest of you will soon follow) so I will turn elsewhere for enlightning topics and insights.
I want to share with ya'll (a little Texan flair!) my experience with family history. Ok you can all stop yawning and pay attention. I have never had much interest in doing family history work, that is for old people, no comments allowed! Before we left Ohio I had a strong feeling I was to get involved in finding ancestors to do work for. I thought Yeah Right! I will never be able to find anyone, my mom had done all she could and was at a dead end. Richie gave me a blessing when we arrived in Rexburg and I was told I was to do something with Family History every week. I excercised a little faith and enrolled in a Family History Class at BYU-Idaho. Great Class but I didn't reallly learn anything about how to research and find lost family. I then volunteered at the Family History Library and I went there once a week to be trained. What a disaster! I was a total dunce! I really was amazed at how dense I was. None of it made any sense. It was a mass of confusion! I'm sure they still tell Becky stories down there to this day. To say the least I was discouraged. I decided to do indexing and I worked on some of Brad Unsicker's names but I still felt like I had failed. Well along came New Family Search and I took a class on that and when it became available in our area I cautiously tried my hand at it. I played around with it and talked to this one lady in our ward who gave me some good advice and then I played around a little bit more and then I found a name with a blinking green temple sign( this means temple work needs to be done) I was so excited! I called up the lady in our ward and she walked me through the steps on how to print out their name to take to the temple. It was one of the happiest days of my life. Sundee then showed me a couple of tricks and I have now found a couple of hundred names. I have also been able to help others find family names. What a Joy! The experience in the temple with some of these family names has been very sacred. I have a strong testimony that we are acting as Savior's on Mount Zion when we seek out our kindred dead. How grateful they are! How blessed we are to be able to perform this work for them. So my experience retaught me that when the Lord commands just go and do it and even when it looks impossible keep pushing forward and the way will be opened for miracles to occur. Truly this was a miracle for me. I adore you all and Iam so grateful that I get to be with you all forever. You are my favorite people. Thanks for your light and inspiration.
Love Mom
Dad and I are going to alternate blogging assignments so you have to deal with me this week. Dad is going to talk about each child during his turn (Nathan was his first victum so the rest of you will soon follow) so I will turn elsewhere for enlightning topics and insights.
I want to share with ya'll (a little Texan flair!) my experience with family history. Ok you can all stop yawning and pay attention. I have never had much interest in doing family history work, that is for old people, no comments allowed! Before we left Ohio I had a strong feeling I was to get involved in finding ancestors to do work for. I thought Yeah Right! I will never be able to find anyone, my mom had done all she could and was at a dead end. Richie gave me a blessing when we arrived in Rexburg and I was told I was to do something with Family History every week. I excercised a little faith and enrolled in a Family History Class at BYU-Idaho. Great Class but I didn't reallly learn anything about how to research and find lost family. I then volunteered at the Family History Library and I went there once a week to be trained. What a disaster! I was a total dunce! I really was amazed at how dense I was. None of it made any sense. It was a mass of confusion! I'm sure they still tell Becky stories down there to this day. To say the least I was discouraged. I decided to do indexing and I worked on some of Brad Unsicker's names but I still felt like I had failed. Well along came New Family Search and I took a class on that and when it became available in our area I cautiously tried my hand at it. I played around with it and talked to this one lady in our ward who gave me some good advice and then I played around a little bit more and then I found a name with a blinking green temple sign( this means temple work needs to be done) I was so excited! I called up the lady in our ward and she walked me through the steps on how to print out their name to take to the temple. It was one of the happiest days of my life. Sundee then showed me a couple of tricks and I have now found a couple of hundred names. I have also been able to help others find family names. What a Joy! The experience in the temple with some of these family names has been very sacred. I have a strong testimony that we are acting as Savior's on Mount Zion when we seek out our kindred dead. How grateful they are! How blessed we are to be able to perform this work for them. So my experience retaught me that when the Lord commands just go and do it and even when it looks impossible keep pushing forward and the way will be opened for miracles to occur. Truly this was a miracle for me. I adore you all and Iam so grateful that I get to be with you all forever. You are my favorite people. Thanks for your light and inspiration.
Love Mom
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Well, two tests down and two to go. Audit is next, something miraculous needs to happen so I don't die studying it...seriously, Whit thought I went into a comatose seizure because drool started streaming from my mouth. Joking aside, it should be a fun summer for us, not the least of which because we get to head up north for a week or so!
The bishop had a fireside for the youth this evening, and though I wasn't too excited to leave my family to attend, I definitely was blessed for doing so. The bishop talked to the youth tonight about having the Holy Spirit in our lives. It was interesting as I sat there, on several occasions I had flashbacks to my mission where I had to put forth considerable effort to ensure that I had the Spirit in my companionship. It was a great reminder that we have complete control over the inclusion of the Spirit in our lives. Our bishop remarked that there are several things that we can do to immediately bring the Spirit. And this is where some of my mission experiences came to mind, haha, in fact, they all involved the same companion, bless his Canadian heart =] Singing hymns, saying prayers, giving service, and performing priesthood ordinances are all ways that will bring the Spirit immediately to you. And how important is that? I was also thinking a couple times today about teaching and learning, particularly by the Spirit. I'm sure we've all felt at times during a lesson or whilst studying, the 'understanding' that comes when the Spirit is teaching you. It's almost surreal, as truth and doctrine is made perfectly clear to you, not only to your mind, but to your spirit also. And when you subsequently try to go and teach that to someone with the same clarity, and intellectual description just can't do it justice, because that type of truth depends little on the spoken word.
Tonight was an excellent reminder to me, to actively seek to have the Spirit with me. Hey, if I'm lucky, maybe the Spirit is an expert on the Audit CPA exam...wouldn't that be fantastically superb?
We love you all!
P.S. I'll fix the picture up north sometime soon...maybe =] It may be a great vehicle to motivate you to post on time. Perhaps we can call it the wall of shame. I can erase your picture if you don't post, and you can't reappear until the next time when you get a chance to post in a timely manner
X^D
The bishop had a fireside for the youth this evening, and though I wasn't too excited to leave my family to attend, I definitely was blessed for doing so. The bishop talked to the youth tonight about having the Holy Spirit in our lives. It was interesting as I sat there, on several occasions I had flashbacks to my mission where I had to put forth considerable effort to ensure that I had the Spirit in my companionship. It was a great reminder that we have complete control over the inclusion of the Spirit in our lives. Our bishop remarked that there are several things that we can do to immediately bring the Spirit. And this is where some of my mission experiences came to mind, haha, in fact, they all involved the same companion, bless his Canadian heart =] Singing hymns, saying prayers, giving service, and performing priesthood ordinances are all ways that will bring the Spirit immediately to you. And how important is that? I was also thinking a couple times today about teaching and learning, particularly by the Spirit. I'm sure we've all felt at times during a lesson or whilst studying, the 'understanding' that comes when the Spirit is teaching you. It's almost surreal, as truth and doctrine is made perfectly clear to you, not only to your mind, but to your spirit also. And when you subsequently try to go and teach that to someone with the same clarity, and intellectual description just can't do it justice, because that type of truth depends little on the spoken word.
Tonight was an excellent reminder to me, to actively seek to have the Spirit with me. Hey, if I'm lucky, maybe the Spirit is an expert on the Audit CPA exam...wouldn't that be fantastically superb?
We love you all!
P.S. I'll fix the picture up north sometime soon...maybe =] It may be a great vehicle to motivate you to post on time. Perhaps we can call it the wall of shame. I can erase your picture if you don't post, and you can't reappear until the next time when you get a chance to post in a timely manner
X^D
So I'm not dismissed from the family...
I was told last night by my dear sister Whitney that if I didn't post by the time she got on the blog tonight, I would be dismissed from the family. So...here I am. Thanks Whit. You're great.
The latest update: I work at Snow Shack. I don't know who would want snow cones in this freezing weather but if you do, then I'm your woman! I must say I've become rather skilled in the art of snow cone making. No, it is not a craft. I tried a new flavor this week-banana, cotton candy. It was delicious.
I've been spending time with Tate and Sydney almost every morning. I'm so grateful to live close to the Drapers. Without them I would have no motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Tate comes in yelling, "HEY UNCLE KELSEY!" It's the best alarm clock I've ever had. After I crawl out of bed, Tate and I hide from the monsters as Sydney purses her lips and flaps her wings. They truly do bring joy to me every day....so Linz, stop apologizing for dumping your kids off at our house. I love it.
I've been studying faith in the scriptures and have learned a great deal. The more I learn it feels like the less I know. Maybe that's a good sign. I plan on writing a paper about faith and I may just have to share it with the family when I am through.
Well....love you all!
Kelsey
The latest update: I work at Snow Shack. I don't know who would want snow cones in this freezing weather but if you do, then I'm your woman! I must say I've become rather skilled in the art of snow cone making. No, it is not a craft. I tried a new flavor this week-banana, cotton candy. It was delicious.
I've been spending time with Tate and Sydney almost every morning. I'm so grateful to live close to the Drapers. Without them I would have no motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Tate comes in yelling, "HEY UNCLE KELSEY!" It's the best alarm clock I've ever had. After I crawl out of bed, Tate and I hide from the monsters as Sydney purses her lips and flaps her wings. They truly do bring joy to me every day....so Linz, stop apologizing for dumping your kids off at our house. I love it.
I've been studying faith in the scriptures and have learned a great deal. The more I learn it feels like the less I know. Maybe that's a good sign. I plan on writing a paper about faith and I may just have to share it with the family when I am through.
Well....love you all!
Kelsey
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Pictures are worth a 1000 words anyway!
I just realized that you can't simply copy and paste into this stupid thing! So what I wrote will have to come in my next post.
UPDATE:
UPDATE:
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Nathan is Student of the Week
We were asked to write up few things about Nathan to be presented to his class this week as they honor him as student of the week. So Mom and I thought it would be a good idea to post this entry on the blog and then to write our memories of each of our wonderful children. So, we will work from last to first over the next few weeks recalling things we love about each of you. It should be a fun walk down memory lane for us. We love all of you very much!
First, let me say that we love having Nathan in our home!! We love going places together and doing things together as a family. He often has interesting thoughts or ideas that he likes to share with us – often making us smile or chuckle. He is like having a best friend and a son all wrapped into one.
When he was little, he could never sit still. He had to be held, or walked around, wiggled or jiggled or he would cry his eyes out. We spent much of the first year of his life trying to keep him from crying. As he grew a little older, he was not quite as “fidgety” but still liked to be on the move and doing something all the time. He definitely won’t ever be a couch potato! One of our favorite things that we started doing when he was about two years old was going to watch Cleveland Indians baseball games. He would sit intently in his seat and cheer when the fans cheered. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought he was born an Indians fan. I also took him to watch the Kent State vs. Bowling Green basketball game when he was five years old. The hometown team, Kent State, led the entire game until about two minutes to go when Bowling Green finally took the lead. Nathan started to cry uncontrollably. I expect people thought I had hurt him somehow. I tried and tried to get him to stop crying and finally gave up and left the game before it was over.
Nathan has loved to play sports ever since he was a little boy. We would play basketball games down stairs – it was imperative that he win or he was an unhappy camper. We often played baseball outside with his neighbor friend David, but when the weather was bad we would play in the family room, often the ball hit things that were not meant to he hit. I was amazed at how well he could hit my fastest wiffle ball pitches at such a young age. He is now quite good at basketball, baseball, football and even golf. We love to watch him play and love to play with him when we get a chance. Nathan loves games of all types and is a good sportsman. He always wants to win, but is also concerned about playing fair and being respectful of the other team.
When Nathan was about three years old he wanted to help me do yard work. Because he was so small there was not a lot that he could do, so while I mowed the lawn he would get his toy lawn mower and follow me around the lawn while I cut the grass. I am quite sure he thought he was the one actually doing the cutting. I never told him otherwise.
My scariest moment with Nathan was at a Salt Lake Bees baseball game when he was seven years old. After the game ended, the announcer invited all of the kids to run the bases. Nathan went down on the third base side where we were standing and after rounding the bases, he was directed up into the stands on the first base side. By the time I worked my way over to the first base side he had gone up the stairs and I could not find him anywhere. We spent fifteen of the longest minutes of my life frantically looking for him. By then most everyone had cleared out of the stadium and I was certain someone had abducted him and he was long gone. After checking with security, asking people if they had seen a boy wandering around, and praying as hard as I knew how, I then went back down to the field and climbed up on top of the dugout and began to yell, please help me find my seven year old son!! There were not many people hanging around at that point, but in my desperation, it was all that I could think of to do. Finally, a security officer approached me and informed me that they had found a lost boy. I rushed up to the concession area to find him sitting with another security officer eating popcorn - without a care in the world. I cannot, even to this day, express the gratitude and relief that I felt in that moment. I suppose it may be a little bit like what our Heavenly Father feels when one His children choses to return to Him. I can't image and don't want to image what life would have been like if Nathan had not been found!!
Nathan has always been a kind and obedient son. He loves his older sisters, Whitney, Lindsey and Kelsey. He is a great uncle to his two nephews and two nieces. He loves to play with them and makes them feel very important. He always is of good cheer and has a way of making others around him feel happy.
He is everything we could have hoped for in a son! We love you, Nathan!!
Dad and Mom
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Kick off
Ok family,
It's time to kick off our family blog again! So here's how it goes. We will take turns blogging each week. I'll start, since I'm already here, and then Mom and Dad will have next week. Lindsey and Stu will take the 23rd, and Kelsey the 30th. Nathan, you can post if you want to, but we won't make you until you have the priesthood :) So enjoy the next 9 months. Now, I WILL hound you. I'll call you on Sunday to remind you. If I don't see a post by 10 pm MST, I'll call you AGAIN. If I don't see one Monday morning, I'll call you every half hour until I see one. So you better just get 'er done quick.
Today we went to see Adam's cousin's farewell. I was a little grumpy about it at first, I wanted to sleep in on Mother's Day, and I didn't want to haul across town. I like my ward, and I wanted to go there. I even told Adam to take the kids, and I would go to our ward later. Haha, BAD ATTITUDE. I got over my grumpiness though, and we went to the farewell. It was lovely, but truth be told, I had a better experience just sitting there with my little Hallie. She didn't want anyone but me all Sacrament, and we sat there and sang songs quietly in our pew, played a few little games, and just did what we do during Sacrament meeting. Hallie was SO good though, and so cute. It gave me a lot of time to really reflect on motherhood and the trials and rewards that come along with it. I thought about myself as a mother and to resolve to do better in certain areas. I love Mother's Day for that reason. I often think about the kind of Mother Mom was, and the kind that I am. I try to put myself in my kids shoes and think of what kind of mother I would really like to have as a 3 year old or a one year old. And mostly, I'm just grateful to be a mom. I get jealous from time to time of those people who are married without children, and think of all the freedoms they enjoy (they are DEFINITELY ignorant to a degree of this magnitude of freedom). But then I think about the joys that I have in motherhood as I watch the women go to school or work, and I don't envy that part of their life. I love being at home with my kids. It is the most rewarding job ever it brings me great joy and happiness, and I know it's exactly what I am supposed to be doing with my life.
Happy Mother's Day
It's time to kick off our family blog again! So here's how it goes. We will take turns blogging each week. I'll start, since I'm already here, and then Mom and Dad will have next week. Lindsey and Stu will take the 23rd, and Kelsey the 30th. Nathan, you can post if you want to, but we won't make you until you have the priesthood :) So enjoy the next 9 months. Now, I WILL hound you. I'll call you on Sunday to remind you. If I don't see a post by 10 pm MST, I'll call you AGAIN. If I don't see one Monday morning, I'll call you every half hour until I see one. So you better just get 'er done quick.
Today we went to see Adam's cousin's farewell. I was a little grumpy about it at first, I wanted to sleep in on Mother's Day, and I didn't want to haul across town. I like my ward, and I wanted to go there. I even told Adam to take the kids, and I would go to our ward later. Haha, BAD ATTITUDE. I got over my grumpiness though, and we went to the farewell. It was lovely, but truth be told, I had a better experience just sitting there with my little Hallie. She didn't want anyone but me all Sacrament, and we sat there and sang songs quietly in our pew, played a few little games, and just did what we do during Sacrament meeting. Hallie was SO good though, and so cute. It gave me a lot of time to really reflect on motherhood and the trials and rewards that come along with it. I thought about myself as a mother and to resolve to do better in certain areas. I love Mother's Day for that reason. I often think about the kind of Mother Mom was, and the kind that I am. I try to put myself in my kids shoes and think of what kind of mother I would really like to have as a 3 year old or a one year old. And mostly, I'm just grateful to be a mom. I get jealous from time to time of those people who are married without children, and think of all the freedoms they enjoy (they are DEFINITELY ignorant to a degree of this magnitude of freedom). But then I think about the joys that I have in motherhood as I watch the women go to school or work, and I don't envy that part of their life. I love being at home with my kids. It is the most rewarding job ever it brings me great joy and happiness, and I know it's exactly what I am supposed to be doing with my life.
Happy Mother's Day
Sunday, January 10, 2010
This is what it's all about
Hey family! So I've been giving some thought these past 24 hours about family and our purpose here on earth. If you didn't get a chance to watch Elder Andersen's talk on our spiritual destiny, then watch it here:
Elder Andersen's Talk
I loved his advice to read our patriarchal blessings to kind of show us where our Heavenly Father wants us to go in our lives.
I've also been reading the book Left to Tell by Imaculee Ilibagiza. It's a great book on the story of finding faith and hope in God during terrible times. In the book, Imaculee is hiding from a race of Rwandans that are out to kill her race. She is hiding without her family and wondering where they are and how she will find them. Instead of turning to hate for those who have killed her family, she turns to God, knowing that she will never be alone, she will never be without family, because her Father in Heaven will be her constant companion.
Finally, I was out with some girlfriends in my ward last night and we were talking about how families are such an integral part of the reason that we are here on this earth. It was a good perspective shifter for me because I think it can become easy to get caught up in the idea that just because I'm mormon, I'm supposed to have a lot of kids. I find it far healthier to look at it from a spiritual perspective rather than the peer pressure perspective :)
All of this thinking has lifted my spirits as I face the challenges of every day. I am sad that I don't live by my family, but my children and husband are very healthy, happy, and safe. Instead of looking at my children as a burden that provide some glimmers of joy, I can look at them as beautiful children of our Heavenly Father that provide so many wonderful opportunities for me to teach the gospel, to teach love, kindness, forgiveness, etc. There are hard times, as Elder Andersen said there would be, but we can't grow, we can't know what we are capable of, without those hard times. Hard times will either draw us closer to the potential God sees in us or will make us fall further into sin. May we all choose to be the Sons and Daughters of God that He sees in us.
Elder Andersen's Talk
I loved his advice to read our patriarchal blessings to kind of show us where our Heavenly Father wants us to go in our lives.
I've also been reading the book Left to Tell by Imaculee Ilibagiza. It's a great book on the story of finding faith and hope in God during terrible times. In the book, Imaculee is hiding from a race of Rwandans that are out to kill her race. She is hiding without her family and wondering where they are and how she will find them. Instead of turning to hate for those who have killed her family, she turns to God, knowing that she will never be alone, she will never be without family, because her Father in Heaven will be her constant companion.
Finally, I was out with some girlfriends in my ward last night and we were talking about how families are such an integral part of the reason that we are here on this earth. It was a good perspective shifter for me because I think it can become easy to get caught up in the idea that just because I'm mormon, I'm supposed to have a lot of kids. I find it far healthier to look at it from a spiritual perspective rather than the peer pressure perspective :)
All of this thinking has lifted my spirits as I face the challenges of every day. I am sad that I don't live by my family, but my children and husband are very healthy, happy, and safe. Instead of looking at my children as a burden that provide some glimmers of joy, I can look at them as beautiful children of our Heavenly Father that provide so many wonderful opportunities for me to teach the gospel, to teach love, kindness, forgiveness, etc. There are hard times, as Elder Andersen said there would be, but we can't grow, we can't know what we are capable of, without those hard times. Hard times will either draw us closer to the potential God sees in us or will make us fall further into sin. May we all choose to be the Sons and Daughters of God that He sees in us.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
HEY FAM
What a great week we had! I'm feeling a little blue and depressed today because I miss you all so much. I always feel kinda bad for other families because their kids are not as cool as ours...OK so I have a pride issue! Anyway I love you all so much -you are some of my greatest blessings. Thank you for being so good.
Nathan has a basketball tournament this week and then we are going to the cabin for a few days. That will be fun and relaxing! Then its back to the demands and pressures of life. It sure has been great to have some down time.
Our bishop gave us some great counsel for the start of the New Year. He admonished us to ask the Lord what he would have us do or change this year. Perhaps we have a bad habit or fault(I like to sleep in instead of getting up earlier and having quiet time with my scriptures-Mind over Mattress!) that we think is no big deal that is keeping the Spirit at bay or maybe we have felt prompted to do or change something that we are reluctant to do for a variety of reasons. Our bishop said that by doing this we would have beautiful spiritual experiences as well as reaching higher spiritual ground. What great counsel for us as a family! I know what the Lord would have me offer this year and even though I'm not a great goal setter I'm determined to make some changes with the Lord's help.
Whitney shared something with me that Brad Unsicker does in his life. Since we all love and adore Brad this will be interesting to all. Brad loves the scriptures in Jacob about seeking the kingdom of God first and then seeking for riches with the intent to do good. Brad applies this scripture in his life by getting up a little earlier each day and spending time in the scriptures seeking the Kingdom of God first and then when he is finished he goes about his job seeking for riches to bless his family and others. What a great practical application for this scripture and Brad is rich indeed both spiritually and temporally. Well enough for now- onward and upward!
Love Mom
Additional Thought: Let's make sure their is room in our Inn for the Savior.
What a great week we had! I'm feeling a little blue and depressed today because I miss you all so much. I always feel kinda bad for other families because their kids are not as cool as ours...OK so I have a pride issue! Anyway I love you all so much -you are some of my greatest blessings. Thank you for being so good.
Nathan has a basketball tournament this week and then we are going to the cabin for a few days. That will be fun and relaxing! Then its back to the demands and pressures of life. It sure has been great to have some down time.
Our bishop gave us some great counsel for the start of the New Year. He admonished us to ask the Lord what he would have us do or change this year. Perhaps we have a bad habit or fault(I like to sleep in instead of getting up earlier and having quiet time with my scriptures-Mind over Mattress!) that we think is no big deal that is keeping the Spirit at bay or maybe we have felt prompted to do or change something that we are reluctant to do for a variety of reasons. Our bishop said that by doing this we would have beautiful spiritual experiences as well as reaching higher spiritual ground. What great counsel for us as a family! I know what the Lord would have me offer this year and even though I'm not a great goal setter I'm determined to make some changes with the Lord's help.
Whitney shared something with me that Brad Unsicker does in his life. Since we all love and adore Brad this will be interesting to all. Brad loves the scriptures in Jacob about seeking the kingdom of God first and then seeking for riches with the intent to do good. Brad applies this scripture in his life by getting up a little earlier each day and spending time in the scriptures seeking the Kingdom of God first and then when he is finished he goes about his job seeking for riches to bless his family and others. What a great practical application for this scripture and Brad is rich indeed both spiritually and temporally. Well enough for now- onward and upward!
Love Mom
Additional Thought: Let's make sure their is room in our Inn for the Savior.
2009 Christmas
We truly enjoyed having all of you home for Christmas this year! In addition to the fun events, playing games, eating and eating and eating, it was great just to be together and to watch you interact and share with each other. You are doing such a wonderful job with your children - you display a great deal of love and patience with them, and while it can be frustrating at times....your demonstrations of love and perseverance will prove to be a great blessing to both you and your children over the course of your lives. As a Bishop, I witnessed several families that struggled simply due to parents raising their voices and breeding contention in their homes. I was always grateful that all of you got along so well with each other. I don't find it to be coincidental that one of the very first lessons Christ taught when he visited the Nephites was the importance of avoiding contention and disputations. Nothing can drive away the Spirit faster than the spirit of contention. So, as I watch you, I am impressed and I encourage you to continue to forge ahead and raise these precious littles one to love one another, to love life and to love our Heavenly Father and the Savior. Thanks for who you are and more importantly who you are becoming.
Love Dad
Love Dad
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Roller Toasters and Hiccups
I just finished posting about Disneyland and Halloween on our blog, and it took me quite a while with all the pictures I put in. So instead of doing it all over again, just click here to see it for yourself. Lazy? Yes. My kids make me tired so I don't have all my blog posting energy up to par :) Love you all lots!! Can't wait to see you in 49 days!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
BYU BBall Reunion
Mom and I enjoyed a fun filled weekend in Provo, UT at the first annual gathering of former BYU Basketball Players. We had been invited back for a renunion for the 1980-81 team but never has there been an invitation extended to all former players and coaches. It was great to see former teammates and coaches. I have attached a photo of Timo Saarelainen, my freshman roomate and Coach Frank Arnold, who recruited me to play for the Cougs. Others that were fun to see were Andy Toolson, Marty Haws, Devin Durrant, Jim Usevitch, Bob Cochran, Coaches Ingersoll and Andersen. Frankly, I was surprised that that there were not more players from my era in attendance, but it was great nevertheless. We watched the first practice of this season (team looks to be very good!) and enjoyed a great banquet and wonderful speech from Coach Dave Rose. He talked about his experiences over the summer of having been diagonsed with cancer and how much he has learned to appreciate each and every day since. He also spoke of taking a few players and family members on a tour of some third world countries this past summer, prior to the onset of cancer. He stated that while those people (members of the church) live in abject poverty, they were some of the happiest people he had ever met. He added that we should all learn to "want less and give more". A statement that really resonated with me. Saturday we golfed together which was a whole lot of fun to have Timo, Marty and Jim for four hours on the course. Seven under didn't win it, but we were competitive. I can't wait until we get to do it again next year!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
I AM MOST BLESSED OF WOMEN
I was reading some of your blogs and I was amazed that Heavenly Father allowed me to be part of such a faithful good family. I must of helped a sweet little old lady across the street in the pre-existence. As I continue to get older my realization of what really matters and lasts gets stronger. I'm deeply touched by what good parents you are. Hallie, Tate, Ashton, and now sweet little Sydney are unbelievably blessed! Richie and I thank you for bringing such joy to our lives. I could not have asked for better children (And that includes the dashingly handsome son-in-laws!)
We have been enjoying Kelsey's roomates. They come up for dinner on Sundays and we have so much fun with them. We are proud of Kelsey and the valiant spirit she is. She really has a can do attitude. The Primary kids loved her and the teachers were amazed at her ability to teach and reach the kids. Way to go Kels!
Nathan is our little football star! He has great hands(so I'm told) and has made many a spectacular catch. We love watching him. What I love most about Nathan is his kind and humble heart. He is always willing to help and he LOVES his nieces and nephews!
We are thrilled to see Whitney, Hallie and Ashton next week. Keep cutting that paper chain Hallie! We love you all sooooooooooooooooo much and look forward to many happy years being parents and grandparents. Love Mom
We have been enjoying Kelsey's roomates. They come up for dinner on Sundays and we have so much fun with them. We are proud of Kelsey and the valiant spirit she is. She really has a can do attitude. The Primary kids loved her and the teachers were amazed at her ability to teach and reach the kids. Way to go Kels!
Nathan is our little football star! He has great hands(so I'm told) and has made many a spectacular catch. We love watching him. What I love most about Nathan is his kind and humble heart. He is always willing to help and he LOVES his nieces and nephews!
We are thrilled to see Whitney, Hallie and Ashton next week. Keep cutting that paper chain Hallie! We love you all sooooooooooooooooo much and look forward to many happy years being parents and grandparents. Love Mom
Grandchild #4
Let me the first family blogger to welcome Syndey Jo to our family. She is a beautiful baby and is so peaceful, bringing with her a little piece of heaven. I was telling that gorgeous blonde that I live with...that this has been a great week for living in Rexburg! We would not have been able to be with Lindsey within a couple of hours after Sydney's arrival and to joy in her arrival were we still living in OH. Nor could have we seen Stu, not long after he had passed out right before delivery, return to the living only to then turn deathly ill - all within a matter of a couple of hours. (We are glad you are feeling better Stu). Also, it has also been great to be near my parents once again, so we can be with them more regularly. On Friday afternoon, I made a quick trip to Clinton to help them put in a lawn. We had a lot of help from family and help from the ward, so it went quickly and really looks good despite my contributions. They were so appreciative of everyone's help and are just good people. I am thankful to have been raised by such faithfilled parents who taught me by word and by example. I am thankful that they will be staying around for awhile so that all of us, including grand and great grandchildren can get to know how wonderful they really are. Life is really quite short! I can hardly believe that we are down to one child in our home. We miss having Whitney, Lindsey and now Kelsey in home regularly, but to stay on theme....we are so thankful that we now live near most of them (Whit and Adam notwithstanding....we may forgive Adam in this life, but if not in the world to come). What a blessing it is to be near all of you and to see your good works and faithful lives. Your mother and I are very proud to be your parents!
May all of you continue to blessed as you live worthily and prepare your families for the events that lie ahead, whatever they may be.
One last thought on what might lie ahead, I continue to be amazed at the sacrifices of so many in the early church. Sacrifices that seems almost too much for us to imagine and yet I believe that because of the faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ that was demonstrated by those early saints, the roots of the restoration were able to sink so deeply into their hearts that their legacy of faith has been far reaching into generation after generation. We are benefactors of that deep rooted faith......we must honor their legacy of faith and do all that we can, so we can stand at the judgment day and be worthy to be counted among them. If for us that means attending the temple more regularly, being a better home/visiting teacher than one who visits monthly, teaching lessons that are accompanied by fasting and prayer that we might reach those we teach, gaining courage to speak to a non-member or to invite a less active person to participate...in our own small way we perpetuate that legacy of faith and keep the flame bright and alive. It may be small in comparison, but important contributions nevertheless.
I love all of you and thank you for your love and prayers.
Have a great week! Dad
May all of you continue to blessed as you live worthily and prepare your families for the events that lie ahead, whatever they may be.
One last thought on what might lie ahead, I continue to be amazed at the sacrifices of so many in the early church. Sacrifices that seems almost too much for us to imagine and yet I believe that because of the faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ that was demonstrated by those early saints, the roots of the restoration were able to sink so deeply into their hearts that their legacy of faith has been far reaching into generation after generation. We are benefactors of that deep rooted faith......we must honor their legacy of faith and do all that we can, so we can stand at the judgment day and be worthy to be counted among them. If for us that means attending the temple more regularly, being a better home/visiting teacher than one who visits monthly, teaching lessons that are accompanied by fasting and prayer that we might reach those we teach, gaining courage to speak to a non-member or to invite a less active person to participate...in our own small way we perpetuate that legacy of faith and keep the flame bright and alive. It may be small in comparison, but important contributions nevertheless.
I love all of you and thank you for your love and prayers.
Have a great week! Dad
Nathan's Highlights from the Summer
1.Going to Seven Peaks
2.Going to the BYU basketball camp
3.Going to Alacatraz
4.2nd place in state baseball tournament
5.Lava Hot Springs
6.BYU beat Oklahoma
7.Going to 49er`s game VERY COLD!
8.Going to the cabin
9.Playing at the Craze
10.Playing golf this summer
2.Going to the BYU basketball camp
3.Going to Alacatraz
4.2nd place in state baseball tournament
5.Lava Hot Springs
6.BYU beat Oklahoma
7.Going to 49er`s game VERY COLD!
8.Going to the cabin
9.Playing at the Craze
10.Playing golf this summer
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Journey of Discipleship
I was on my way to work this morning, and I was listening to Elder Uchtdorf's conference talk, "The Way of the Disciple".
One part really resonated with me:
'It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are His disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. And yet for some, “spectator discipleship” is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping.
Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do. We need to get off the sidelines and practice what we preach.'
I couldn't help but wonder if I am just surrounding myself with good, religious things and then simply observing them. I think you can do this even when you are extremely busy in life (if not especially so). The distinction lies in what we are busying ourselves with.
Hands down, I need to do better in this department. Not that spectating is a bad thing, as long as we're not relying on it to quench our spiritual thirst. We need to DO, and DO often.
I love you all, we (especially the women in our household) miss you . I hope this message finds you in good spirits.
Adam
One part really resonated with me:
'It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are His disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. And yet for some, “spectator discipleship” is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping.
Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do. We need to get off the sidelines and practice what we preach.'
I couldn't help but wonder if I am just surrounding myself with good, religious things and then simply observing them. I think you can do this even when you are extremely busy in life (if not especially so). The distinction lies in what we are busying ourselves with.
Hands down, I need to do better in this department. Not that spectating is a bad thing, as long as we're not relying on it to quench our spiritual thirst. We need to DO, and DO often.
I love you all, we (especially the women in our household) miss you . I hope this message finds you in good spirits.
Adam
Sunday, August 2, 2009
A testimony of the fast
I suppose I've always just fasted out of obedience. I've never had a huge prayer answered due to fasting or had any other experience that really hit me hard as to why we fast. As Adam can probably attest to, it can be quite the challenge for me to fast. I always get the shakes and I've almost passed out a few times. My face is always very pale right before I end my fast (blood pressure drop)... I wouldn't survive long if we were to starve. So I tend to ask myself, why not just pray?? Doesn't it do the same thing? But I still fast, happily, because I know it pleases the Lord and that's basically my main goal in life :)
So today, I decided to fast for Alec since he's starting chemo this month and I know (via classes and watching my friend Brenna suffer) what it can do to the body and how miserable it must be. At first my thoughts were completely Alec-oriented. Like my suffering without food for one day would show that I cared for him as he suffers for the next year (ha, feeble? indeed).
As the day went on, I started to think more about what the Lord means for us to learn by fasting. I started to think about what we learn in the temple and how our body needs constant nourishment, both physically AND spiritually. In a way, by fasting, the Lord is reminding us of our Sprit's need for nourishment. The body is loud, it screams when it's hungry... but the Spirit is subtle, and if we're not careful, we could starve ourselves spiritually. Just by going without food for one measly day, our bodies start trembling, our blood pressure drops like crazy, the body almost goes into a state of shock (at least my whimpy 115 pound body does). But how often do we starve our spirit for a day? Thankfully... I can say not terribly often, but I KNOW my Spirit would love more nourishment a little more regularly.
So today, I have learned for myself WHY we fast. It may be like a power prayer, due to the sacrifice attached. But really, it is a reminder that our Spirit needs fed just as much as our body does. If we can feed ourselves spiritually (with real intent) as much as we do physically, I really believe Satan would have very little power over us.
I love you guys!! Thanks for being such a wonderful family! I'll miss being just a 4 hour drive away!
So today, I decided to fast for Alec since he's starting chemo this month and I know (via classes and watching my friend Brenna suffer) what it can do to the body and how miserable it must be. At first my thoughts were completely Alec-oriented. Like my suffering without food for one day would show that I cared for him as he suffers for the next year (ha, feeble? indeed).
As the day went on, I started to think more about what the Lord means for us to learn by fasting. I started to think about what we learn in the temple and how our body needs constant nourishment, both physically AND spiritually. In a way, by fasting, the Lord is reminding us of our Sprit's need for nourishment. The body is loud, it screams when it's hungry... but the Spirit is subtle, and if we're not careful, we could starve ourselves spiritually. Just by going without food for one measly day, our bodies start trembling, our blood pressure drops like crazy, the body almost goes into a state of shock (at least my whimpy 115 pound body does). But how often do we starve our spirit for a day? Thankfully... I can say not terribly often, but I KNOW my Spirit would love more nourishment a little more regularly.
So today, I have learned for myself WHY we fast. It may be like a power prayer, due to the sacrifice attached. But really, it is a reminder that our Spirit needs fed just as much as our body does. If we can feed ourselves spiritually (with real intent) as much as we do physically, I really believe Satan would have very little power over us.
I love you guys!! Thanks for being such a wonderful family! I'll miss being just a 4 hour drive away!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Goats have kids...I have children
Ever since I was young, I've always enjoyed spending time with those younger than me. Now that I am getting to be an old grizzly bear, the disparity is no longer a couple years, but almost a couple generations. This weekend I had a blast spending time with family. I was taught some important lessons by those who have lived on this earth a lot less than I have.
Hallie generally doesn't pay too much attention to Ashton, moreso of later, but still, she doesn't necessarily "play" with him, unless Whitney or I are involved. But, almost without fail, if he starts to cry she will stick a Goldfish in his mouth, or give him a drink of her sippy, or start singing "...I love Ashton, he loves me, we love..." I don't think I can describe the feelings that I experience when I get to watch Hallie treat her little brother like that. No doubt, this is why the Lord taught that we should become like little children. Because even though Ashton will rip out chunks of Hallie's pretty hair at any opportunity, or try to steal her binkie, or whatever it may be, she still loves him. I have no doubt that she will be a pretty awesome older sister in the years to come, and that Whitney and I will have more than many occasions to count our blessings for such a wonderful daughter.
I also had fun with little Tate. He'd run around the corner as I was playing with Ashton, and I'd get Tate's attention and tell him to come and tickle Ashton. Ashton loves that kind of attention, and Tate was pretty tickled. Another great example to me is Alec. We got to spend not even 24 hours at the Unsicker home, and the few hours we got to spend time with Alec brought a lot of joy. Even despite all that he is going through; the depressing circumstances that he's facing, all of the pain, and discomfort, and inconveniences that he wakes up to each day, despite all that, he still smiles and laughs. The older I've become, I think the less of this quality I've held onto. No one loves to be around Oscar the Scrooge, including Oscar the Scrooge.
So, I am grateful for my children, and my wonderful family is one of the greatest strengths that I have, and I love them. Thanks everyone for being a part of this wonderful blessing.
-Adam
Hallie generally doesn't pay too much attention to Ashton, moreso of later, but still, she doesn't necessarily "play" with him, unless Whitney or I are involved. But, almost without fail, if he starts to cry she will stick a Goldfish in his mouth, or give him a drink of her sippy, or start singing "...I love Ashton, he loves me, we love..." I don't think I can describe the feelings that I experience when I get to watch Hallie treat her little brother like that. No doubt, this is why the Lord taught that we should become like little children. Because even though Ashton will rip out chunks of Hallie's pretty hair at any opportunity, or try to steal her binkie, or whatever it may be, she still loves him. I have no doubt that she will be a pretty awesome older sister in the years to come, and that Whitney and I will have more than many occasions to count our blessings for such a wonderful daughter.
I also had fun with little Tate. He'd run around the corner as I was playing with Ashton, and I'd get Tate's attention and tell him to come and tickle Ashton. Ashton loves that kind of attention, and Tate was pretty tickled. Another great example to me is Alec. We got to spend not even 24 hours at the Unsicker home, and the few hours we got to spend time with Alec brought a lot of joy. Even despite all that he is going through; the depressing circumstances that he's facing, all of the pain, and discomfort, and inconveniences that he wakes up to each day, despite all that, he still smiles and laughs. The older I've become, I think the less of this quality I've held onto. No one loves to be around Oscar the Scrooge, including Oscar the Scrooge.
So, I am grateful for my children, and my wonderful family is one of the greatest strengths that I have, and I love them. Thanks everyone for being a part of this wonderful blessing.
-Adam
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Come what may and love it
The title for this blog comes from our beloved apostle Elder Wirthlin. I had an experience the other day in which the counsel from this talk helped me make a good choice. Nathan had been pleading for me to make cinnamon rolls and finally on Sunday I relented and started making the rolls. Nathan being the helpful thoughtful young man that he is wanted to help and so I gave him a cup of flour and told him to dump it in the kitchenaid with the other ingredients. Well Nathan accidentally dropped the flour AND the cup in the whirling kitchenaid and lo and behold flour, batter, and cup went flying everywhere! Oh what a lovely mess! My first reaction was one of dismay because of the enormous mess. Then I looked at an equally stunned Nathan who was completely covered in batter and flour and I burst out laughing with Nathan joining in. It was a wonderful sweet moment to be with my son laughing at something which I could have chosen to be upset about. Thank you Elder Wirthlin for teaching us to laugh and see the humor in difficult and annoying situations. I love you all! Mom
Monday, June 22, 2009
No Need to Worry About Me!!
Last week we got Panda for dinner and when I was done with my delicous meal, I opened my fortune cookie and found this...
(sorry it's a little fuzzy)
Anyway, I'm pretty sure this is my calling and election made sure. Who knew I was so righteous? I certainly didn't! :)
Whitney
(sorry it's a little fuzzy)
Anyway, I'm pretty sure this is my calling and election made sure. Who knew I was so righteous? I certainly didn't! :)
Whitney
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Graduation!
Thank goodness!! The day I've been waiting for has finally come! I'm graduated! And now I would give anything in the world to go back to high school. I truly have loved high school since moving to Rexburg, Idaho. The people I've associated with have been awesome and I've had truly amazing experiences that I will never forget. Yet, I suppose it's time to enter into the world of college. I will be attending BYU-I in the fall and my declared major is sociology. I hope to one day be a mental health client/socialist. Anyway, this summer is filled with....lots and lots of snow cones. I work at the snow shack/snoasis. We stay busy as long as the weather is nice. I spend the rest of my time with family, friends, books and exercising. Life is good and I'm excited to soon enter a whole new world!
~Kels
Happy Father's Day to all you studly dads!
I'm so loving this blog! I love all your comments and insights about life, your families, and the gospel. You are amazing people and I'm so happy to be related to you all. Life is so good and I feel so much gratitude for everything. Today I'm thinking about Richie, Adam, and Stu. You are good honorable men who are great dads and husbands. Thank you so much for loving the women in your lives. Thank you Whitney for keeping us abreast of Hallie and Ashton, we can't wait to see them in August. We love you all and wish you a lovely Sabaath
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Families Can Be Together Forever
I have been meaning to post this thought with all of you, and I have finally just stopped thinking about it and I am doing it! A little over 2 weeks ago I have definitely had an eye opener on what is most important. Of course, I have always known, but it's important to have experiences that make you count your blessings that much more. ETERNAL FAMILIES is not only what will bring us the most joy, but it is crucial, and we MUST keep ours together forever! We all have our weaknesses, and at times our greatest strengths can become our weaknesses. Recognize what yours is, and do everything you know how to do to overcome those. Satan must not win, and it is our choice if we let him. As a family we are here to uplift and encourage one another. I know I'm not perfect, but I am going to work harder to be better at this. I hope you know how much I love you and how extremely grateful I am for all of you! Stu, thank you for being such a perfect husband and a wondeful Dad whom Tate adores!
Update: Tate's birthday is today...the BIG 2! Lately he has been embracing the word "NO" and using it every opportunity he can. Oh we love the terrible 2's...but he still has sweet moments and those can not be taken for granted! Tomorrow evening is the big day at Riot Zone! Mom got us all a great deal at Riot Zone and Tate will LOVE it!! This is what we are doing to celebrate his 2 years on the earth! Stu is plugging away with Get Found First. His biggest month so far...and it's not even over! Stu's the man! He is a great provider, and I have no need to ever fear! I am pregnant...enough said :) I LOVE YOU ALL!!
--Lindsey
Update: Tate's birthday is today...the BIG 2! Lately he has been embracing the word "NO" and using it every opportunity he can. Oh we love the terrible 2's...but he still has sweet moments and those can not be taken for granted! Tomorrow evening is the big day at Riot Zone! Mom got us all a great deal at Riot Zone and Tate will LOVE it!! This is what we are doing to celebrate his 2 years on the earth! Stu is plugging away with Get Found First. His biggest month so far...and it's not even over! Stu's the man! He is a great provider, and I have no need to ever fear! I am pregnant...enough said :) I LOVE YOU ALL!!
--Lindsey
Sunday, June 7, 2009
We meet again... on the blog
Hello, Fam!
Hope all of you are doing well, we're hanging in there around the Morris household. Hallie and Ashton have been waking up at ridiculously early hours, and we don't know how to solve the problem without waking up all of our neighbors. However, the children are in good spirits as we get to go swimming nearly every day.
Hallie has NO fear of going under the water, down the slides, and has even gone on some of the super huge slides with Adam. The girl lives for a thrill... and for Mickey Mouse. Hallie is a magnificent pray-er, she says all of the prayers at meal time and says her own nightly prayers. She can even say prayers all by herself!! They go something like this... Heavenly Father, thanks for this day, thanks for swimmin, name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Haha, she says that prayer all throughout the day, and knows that she's pretty cute when she does it.
Ashton continues to LOVE Hallie, he relishes in any ounce of attention she'll give him. He's starting to scoot along by pushing along the ground with his toes, and I'm pretty sure he'll be a full-fledged crawler by August. He still doesn't sleep through the night,he still wakes up way too early, and he still demands a lot of attention, but he's not spitting up as much, hooray!
Adam continues to chug along at school. Despite his severe decrease of desire to study or do homework, his grades remain mostly pleasing to him. He is officially finished with his entire education on June 18, and then he gets to study some more for the 4 CPA tests, lucky him.
I remain in my position as the children's life-line and home manager. I am also trying extremely hard to be more tidy so that people don't think I'm a slob :) Hallie is doing pretty well with keeping all food and drink items in the kitchen, although Ashton can't seem to understand that he's only allowed to spit up in the sink... oh well, you can't win them all. I am also reading more, too! This should bring a smile to Mom's face, and may I recommend the book Fairest by Gail Carson Levine... cute book, easy read, in the Goose Girl genre. Any recommendations for me? I'm thinking of picking up the DaVinci Code...
We're really excited to move to Vegas in August and I'll make sure that I get up to Rexburg with the kids before August (with or without Adam). We love you all and wish you a happy Sabbath!
Love, the Little Morris Clan
Hope all of you are doing well, we're hanging in there around the Morris household. Hallie and Ashton have been waking up at ridiculously early hours, and we don't know how to solve the problem without waking up all of our neighbors. However, the children are in good spirits as we get to go swimming nearly every day.
Hallie has NO fear of going under the water, down the slides, and has even gone on some of the super huge slides with Adam. The girl lives for a thrill... and for Mickey Mouse. Hallie is a magnificent pray-er, she says all of the prayers at meal time and says her own nightly prayers. She can even say prayers all by herself!! They go something like this... Heavenly Father, thanks for this day, thanks for swimmin, name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Haha, she says that prayer all throughout the day, and knows that she's pretty cute when she does it.
Ashton continues to LOVE Hallie, he relishes in any ounce of attention she'll give him. He's starting to scoot along by pushing along the ground with his toes, and I'm pretty sure he'll be a full-fledged crawler by August. He still doesn't sleep through the night,he still wakes up way too early, and he still demands a lot of attention, but he's not spitting up as much, hooray!
Adam continues to chug along at school. Despite his severe decrease of desire to study or do homework, his grades remain mostly pleasing to him. He is officially finished with his entire education on June 18, and then he gets to study some more for the 4 CPA tests, lucky him.
I remain in my position as the children's life-line and home manager. I am also trying extremely hard to be more tidy so that people don't think I'm a slob :) Hallie is doing pretty well with keeping all food and drink items in the kitchen, although Ashton can't seem to understand that he's only allowed to spit up in the sink... oh well, you can't win them all. I am also reading more, too! This should bring a smile to Mom's face, and may I recommend the book Fairest by Gail Carson Levine... cute book, easy read, in the Goose Girl genre. Any recommendations for me? I'm thinking of picking up the DaVinci Code...
We're really excited to move to Vegas in August and I'll make sure that I get up to Rexburg with the kids before August (with or without Adam). We love you all and wish you a happy Sabbath!
Love, the Little Morris Clan
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Nathan does not know what to write!
I GUESS I`LL WRITE ABOUT SPORTS LIKE I GOT 3 HITS IT WAS GREAT. I ALSO LOVE MY FAMILY A LOT TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry I'm Late
First time on the blog. Sorry I'm a few months late. Today was a great sabbath. Church, Lindsey's new calling as the Beehive advisor, my deacon's quorum lesson, meat and potatoes at the Webb's, S'mores on the back patio, family videos, Kelsey's FHE lesson, and nice weather. Can't beat it. We missed Adam and Whit.
I feel so blessed to have married into such a great family. While dating Lindsey, I never worried about her family not being loveable because it takes a practically perfect family to produce a woman as perfect as Lindsey.
Yesterday we went on a hike up South Leigh Creek in the Tetons. We missed Nate and The Morris Family...I guess we missed Richie too. There was enough snow still that it was hard to keep track of the trail. Good memories and we are sure to make lots more fun memories in the future. If we don't, what are we going to talk about when we get old? As Elder Packer said in the priesthood session of conference: "Young men talk about their future, because they have no past. Old men talk about their past, because they have no future."
Love,
Stu
Wonderful Stake Conference
Dad and I attended the Saturday Session of Stake Conference with Elder Bednar in attendance. It was wonderful! I came to love, respect, and admire Elder Bednar in a way I had not previously. He is a Master teacher and even though he is very firm ,,(I really liked his firmness) he was very warm and congenial with us. I really felt how much he loves us. On Saturday he talked about agency , covenants, and what it means to be consecrated. When we make covenants we are turning our lives over to God and are using our agency to say my life and everything I am and have is yours and I dedicated my whole life to doing and following your will. Sacrifice is saying I will give my life and the stuff I own for the gospel sake while consecration which is the higher law is giving our complete selves, in essence a thy will be done attitude in everything we do. It is seeking everyday of our lives to do our Father's will and not our will. I kinda compare it to putting off the natural man and becoming a Saint through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I want to do better. I think I will put my novels down and replace themwith something more eternal in nature. On Sunday Elder Bednar said that the question he is asked most often is how do I tell if its the Spirit that is prompting me or just my own feelings. He said his counsel is not to worry about it. Just be good boys and girls and the Spirit will guide you in your lives. He said most of the time we don't even know the Spirit has been guiding us until after the fact. He said we should act on good things in our lives and the power will come. Live good lives, keep the commandments and our covenants, serve the Lord and the Spirit will direct our lives. This counsel was very comforting to Dad because this is the way he has always lives and I think he wonders why he does'mt receive more spiritual promtings. But the Lord is working through him because he is a good boy! We love you all and you are always in our prayers and hearts. Give those babies hugs! Love Mom
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Hahaha
I found this on Darbie's blog. This is what you LEFT BEHIND, Mom and Dad! What were you thinking?!?!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
It was wonderful to be with all of you this weekend at Brad and Sundee's. It is a tremendous blessing to belong to a family who truly cares for each other and desires to support one another, especially in adversity. It is so very impressive to watch the manner in which the Unsicker's are handling this trial. Their faith and trust in the Lord is a great example to all of us. As we pray and fast for Alec, let us also pray for the those who will attend to his needs, for ward members to be in tune to assist when family cannot, and for the Brad and Sundee to be inspired in any decisions that may need to be made.
Whitney, thanks so much for your gift of love. The Harry Potter cake was an unbelievable creation and will be a "forever memory" surrounding Alec's birthday and this time of preparation for the long road ahead. Thanks to Mom for being sensitive to individual needs and for helping so much this weekend so that Sundee didn't feel as burdened as she may have been otherwise. Thanks to Nathan for being a good cousin, willing to give up his baseball games in order to spend time with Alec and doing those things to make Alec feel like life is not all that unusual - at least for now. Thanks to Lindsey, Stu and Kelsey for also coming and showing your love and support. Brad and Sundee love you guys and I know you love them.
I am grateful and very thankful for each of you and consider it an honor to be your Dad!
Whitney, thanks so much for your gift of love. The Harry Potter cake was an unbelievable creation and will be a "forever memory" surrounding Alec's birthday and this time of preparation for the long road ahead. Thanks to Mom for being sensitive to individual needs and for helping so much this weekend so that Sundee didn't feel as burdened as she may have been otherwise. Thanks to Nathan for being a good cousin, willing to give up his baseball games in order to spend time with Alec and doing those things to make Alec feel like life is not all that unusual - at least for now. Thanks to Lindsey, Stu and Kelsey for also coming and showing your love and support. Brad and Sundee love you guys and I know you love them.
I am grateful and very thankful for each of you and consider it an honor to be your Dad!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
My Children's Talents
I'm not quite sure how much spare time I'll have in the next week to post, so I thought I would just guide you to our family blog for the latest and greatest. My most recent post is a tribute to mothers and my fabulous children. So I hope you enjoy.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR BLOG
CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR BLOG
Monday, May 4, 2009
Hello everyone!
I'm so happy to be a part of this wonderful family! A couple of weeks ago I felt so much gratitude for our family. We were all together and everybody was so happy and pleasant and I thought this is just a little piece of heaven. What a blessing it is that everybody loves each other and treats each other with kindness and respest. Now Hallie and Tate need to work on their relationship but since they are only two I think we can be patient with them and let them work things out. I can't express enough appreciation for Adam and Stu. What perfect spouses for our daughters! Thank you for honoring your priesthood and being men of valor. The gospel is so wonderful. My testimony of the Savior and his love for each of us grows stronger with the passing years. I live with great hope, not because I'm anything special or wonderful but because Christ has overcome all things and he is mighty to save. I think about being with all you great people throughout the eternities and I just sigh with happiness.
-Mom
-Mom
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Children We Love
We all love our children, obviously. Even Kelsey and Nathan, who don't have kids yet, already love their children... it's innate. When we think of our children (or our future children) we have many hopes and dreams for them. We would like to see our girls playing barbies together, our boys building forts and having campouts on the family room floor. We would like to sit together as a family at the dinner table, talking and laughing with one another. A picture like this might sum up the words...
And yet, this is not how life always turns out. I am eternally grateful to Mom, Lindsey and Dad for putting up with Hallie's rambunctiousness. The girl is into everything and even though Adam and I have become quite used to this, I know Mom was in awe of her ability to destroy all things in her path, her ability to get into all things you didn't know 2-year-olds could get into, etc. right up until the day we left. So thank you to all of you who put up with my daughter's EXTREME curiosity and my son's throwing up. Instead of loving hugs and kisses, Hallie prefers to show her love for her brother in other ways... like this:
Oh well.
(picture compliments of Breanne's blog)
And yet, this is not how life always turns out. I am eternally grateful to Mom, Lindsey and Dad for putting up with Hallie's rambunctiousness. The girl is into everything and even though Adam and I have become quite used to this, I know Mom was in awe of her ability to destroy all things in her path, her ability to get into all things you didn't know 2-year-olds could get into, etc. right up until the day we left. So thank you to all of you who put up with my daughter's EXTREME curiosity and my son's throwing up. Instead of loving hugs and kisses, Hallie prefers to show her love for her brother in other ways... like this:
Oh well.
(picture compliments of Breanne's blog)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Message
We were all encouraged to watch this video in Sunday School and Relief Society today. Enjoy!
-Whitney Anne
-Whitney Anne
Raising a Family to the Lord
Steven Harper, author of "Making Sense of the Doctrine in Covenants" shares an interesting insight regarding the admonition to parents in Section 76. "Children are born weak and helpless. Powerless to act for themselves but innately divine, children can be empowered to act for themselves if properly taught. Out of love, God empowers his children to act as he acts. He teaches them law, beginning with the law of the gospel. If children are not taught God's laws as they mature, they will neve have agency or power to act for themselves. Teaching children the law of the gospel is a prerequisite to their gaining the ability to choose and act for themselves. Teaching children the laws of God does not guarantee they will keep them. It does guarantee that they will be able to choose for themselves whether to keep them. Parents who do not teach and therefore do not endow their children with agency will answer to God for deciding for their childern rather than empowering them to choose for themselves".
Harper later points out that children are endowed with power by giving them laws and, thus, agency. I believe this concept to be vitally important - we must teach our children not just between right and wrong, but also of the process of choice and accountability. As we teach them to think, consider and ponder and eventually choose for themselves, we are teaching them to become like their Creator...and to act as He acts.
-Dad
Harper later points out that children are endowed with power by giving them laws and, thus, agency. I believe this concept to be vitally important - we must teach our children not just between right and wrong, but also of the process of choice and accountability. As we teach them to think, consider and ponder and eventually choose for themselves, we are teaching them to become like their Creator...and to act as He acts.
-Dad
Sunday, April 5, 2009
For Kels
Kelsey wanted a cuter picture up of her than the title picture. So this one's for you, Kelso.
Welcome to the Webb family blog!
President Eyring encouraged us to record how the Lord has blessed our lives on a regular basis. We're using this blog to post our comings and goings in life, as well as any insights or thoughts that inspire and uplift us. We can offer words of love and encouragement, or we can just show off our cute kids. Feel free to post whatever you want to share with the family, we hope that this blog will help us to become more united and one.
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