Friday, September 2, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Conversation between T and Jake
T: Daddy, we need to talk.
J:About what?
T: Why are you giving me another brother (in an almost shrill voice) Who is going to play barbies with me?
J: Maybe B will play barbies with you.
T: NO! I wanted a sister to play barbies with and to sleep in my room.
Clearly she's not super thrilled about adding another boy to the mix :) I think she'll change her mind once she realizes how much stuff she'll get by being the only girl :D
J:About what?
T: Why are you giving me another brother (in an almost shrill voice) Who is going to play barbies with me?
J: Maybe B will play barbies with you.
T: NO! I wanted a sister to play barbies with and to sleep in my room.
Clearly she's not super thrilled about adding another boy to the mix :) I think she'll change her mind once she realizes how much stuff she'll get by being the only girl :D
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Pretty much the cutest kids ever :)
This is from our most recent trip to Colorado. We love going down there because Grandma S and Grandpa D are always so wonderful to us, not to mention they are freaking awesome! We had a great time and can't wait to go back again for another visit!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
From the mouth of a Prophet.
(It's long winded so be warned)
Our Prophet doesn't only speak to members of the Latter Day Saint faith, but he is the Prophet of the world. His counsel and advice is for all, and at some point or another in your life, WILL APPLY TO YOU.
President Monson had this to say regarding marriage : "...for one reason or another, love dies. It may be the result of financial problems, lack of communication, uncontrolled tempers, interference from in-laws, entanglement in sin. There are any number of reasons. In most cases divorce does not have to be the outcome."
I believe it does end up being the outcome because of selfishness, pride, laziness, and unwillingness to listen to our leaders. Maybe it's because many will justify or make excuses of why their situation is so much more awful than anyone can imagine and the only answer is to abandon post. NONSENSE! The guilty taketh the truth to be hard. It's because a full effort hasn't been put in. One or both spouses will cleave unto other things, like their "single life" or the opinons of their friends and parents. Their addictions, their own selfish desires. Have these people really put in a full effort of being a good partner and parent? Often the answer is "no" and if so, why is it that these same people whine and complain about how horrible their marriage is and there is never any improvement and the only way to fix things is with a divorce. Why do they expect a reward without the work? You can't expect a leaky roof to fix itself. Do you think improvement is automatic? Or one sided? Do you think your marriage is the first of its kind? Do you feel that you are more enlightened and more spiritual then the Prophet himself? Yes we are all entitled to our own revelation, however, if contradicts what our Prophets and apostles have said consistently, maybe you should consider WHAT SPIRIT YOU'RE LISTENING TO. Every one feels like the grass will be greener on the other side. Or that their life will be less complicated. Or that if they just find a different partner all will be well. Here are what some of our Prophets and apostles have said on the subject:
"Soul mates' are fiction and an illusion; ...it is certain that almost any good man and any good woman can have happiness and a successful marriage if both are willing to pay the price." Spencer W. Kimball
"All should desire and seriously work to secure a marriage for eternity." Dallin H. Oaks (notice he didn't say - sit around and hope happiness just comes a long)
"If you are married, are you faithful to your spouse mentally as well as physically? Are you loyal to your marriage covenants by never engaging in conversation with another person that you wouldn’t want your spouse to overhear? Are you kind and supportive of your spouse and children?" Richard G. Scott
"All things are possible to the Lord, and He keeps the promises He inspires His prophets to declare. Eternity is a long time. Have faith in those promises and live to be worthy of them so that in His time the Lord can make them come true in your life." Richard G. Scott
“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.” (Deseret News, 12 June 1973, p. A4.)
And Finally President Hinckley had this to say (sorry his is soooo good that I had just put all of it in) :
"among the greatest of tragedies, and I think the most common, is divorce. It has become as a great scourge...Millions of single parents are struggling to rear families, carrying burdens beyond their capacity to handle. Millions of children are growing up in single family homes from which the parent, usually the mother, out of necessity, is absent much of the time. (Divorce not only leaves children without a father in the home, but often without the mother in the home because she is out of the home because of necessity) These “latch-key children” return from school each day to empty houses, where, in many cases, there is only the refuge of the television set. Not only are the children suffering, but all of society is paying a frightful price for their circumstances. As they grow older, the incidence of drugs increases among them. Vast numbers turn to criminal behavior. Inadequately trained, many are unemployed. Some aimlessly squander their lives. Millions have become the “flotsam and jetsam” of society, washed upon the shore by oceans of neglect, abuse, and frustration, helpless to correct their circumstances...The costs are enormous, almost beyond comprehension... in their background a broken home where a father abandoned his family and a mother struggled in vain to handle the overpowering odds against her.
Why all of these broken homes? There is no simple answer. I acknowledge that. But it appears to me that there are some obvious reasons that account for a very high percentage of these problems. I say this out of experience in dealing with such tragedies. I find selfishness to be the root cause of most of it.Selfishness is at the root of adultery, the breaking of solemn and sacred covenants to satisfy selfish lust. Selfishness is the antithesis of love. It is a cankering expression of greed. It destroys self-discipline. It obliterates loyalty. It tears up sacred covenants. It afflicts both men and women.
Too many who come to marriage have been coddled and spoiled and somehow led to feel that everything must be precisely right at all times, that life is a series of entertainments, that appetites are to be satisfied without regard to principle. How tragic the consequences of such hollow and unreasonable thinking! Bitter consequences are seen in the lives of children who need but do not have a father who loves them, teaches them, protects them, and leads them along the path of life by example and precept.
(He then relays a story of a young single mother of 7 children who's husband divorced her - She went across the street to deliver something to her neighbors and in her own words here is what she said, I cried and wept when I read this, because I can relate to the feelings)
“As I turned around to walk back home, I could see my house lighted up. I could hear echoes of my children as I had walked out of the door a few minutes earlier: ‘Mom, what are we going to have for dinner?’ ‘Can you take me to the library?’ ‘I have to get some poster paper tonight.’ Tired and weary, I looked at that house and saw the light on in each of the rooms. I thought of all of those children who were home waiting for me to come and meet their needs. My burdens felt very heavy on my shoulders. “I remember looking through tears toward the sky, and I said, ‘Oh, my Father, I just can’t do it tonight. I’m too tired. I can’t face it. I can’t go home and take care of all those children alone. Could I just come to You and stay with You for just one night? I’ll come back in the morning.’ “I didn’t really hear the words of reply, but I heard them in my mind. The answer was, ‘No, little one, you can’t come to me now. You would never wish to come back. But I can come to you.’”
President Hinckley continues:
"There is a remedy for all of this. It is not found in divorce. It is found in the gospel of the Son of God. He it was who said, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:6.) The remedy for most marriage stress is not in divorce. It is in repentance. It is not in separation. It is in simple integrity that leads a man to square up his shoulders and meet his obligations. It is found in the Golden Rule."
There may be now and again a legitimate cause for divorce. I am not one to say that it is never justified. But I say without hesitation that this plague among us, which seems to be growing everywhere, is not of God, but rather is the work of the adversary of righteousness and peace and truth."
I am going to repeat that - a Prophet of God said that divorce is NOT OF GOD, but rather the work of the adversary. It may be one's agency this is true, but again, IT IS NOT OF GOD. I am not saying that it is never justified, but in cases where it's over things like communication, and not getting a long, tempers, and other things that have just built up - I believe that those things can be over come. Therefore if it is NOT OF GOD, then I believe that God will not direct you to do it.
"You need not be his victims. You can rise above his wiles and entreaties. Get rid of the titillating entertainment, the pornography that leads to evil desires and reprehensible activity. Wives, look upon your husbands as your precious companions and live worthy of that association. Husbands, see in your wives your most valued asset in time or eternity, each a daughter of God, a partner with whom you can walk hand in hand, through sunshine and storm, through all the perils and triumphs of life. Parents, see in your children sons and daughters of your Father in Heaven, who will hold you accountable for them. Stand together as their guardians, their protectors, their guides, their anchors."
Does any of this sound wrong or negative to you? When I read the words of our Prophets and leaders all I feel is great love and concern for the well being of God's children and a great desire for our happiness. Why is it then that people who choose not to listen somehow think that they know better. I am not saying that we should all just bah and eat straw. We do have our own personal relationships with our Father in Heaven. HOWEVER, I know that if you say you believe in the Gospel and believe that the Prophets and Apostles are the mouthpieces for God - then you do not have the luxury of picking and choosing which parts of their counsel you are going to listen to because it fits your lifestyle or is easy. We don't live parts of the Gospel - it's not some buffet we can choose from. For me personally when confusion is abounding, and I feel weak and troddened on. When there are conflicting answers and even more questions, I know that I can turn to the counsel of someone who knows more than I and I can trust that what is said is from God himself. They are not counseling people to stick it out and put a full effort into their marriages because they say to themselves "well this advice won't really work but it makes people feel all warm and fuzzy, so we'll just give it to them anyway. " NO! HOW ABSURD! HOW BLIND YOU ARE! They give this counsel because it is from God and it is RIGHT!
And I am not absolved - I have deffinitely made mistakes and my heart aches over the situation I am in. But I am fighting for something better. I believe in the words of my leaders and I really really believe that I can trump the advarsary any day no matter what his form. If that is friends, family, society, or his own imitation of the Spirit. I believe that I am more powerful then him. It is my choice to stay in my marriage and to fight for it. But I am only one side. I know that regardless of the outcome, that I have followed the correct counsel and I will be judge according to that. Let the world judge me how they will. They don't matter. And they may hurt me here and help destroy this family, but I know if I am worthy, my promised blessings will be added unto me after this life, and it will be more then what the world could have ever offered me.
Our Prophet doesn't only speak to members of the Latter Day Saint faith, but he is the Prophet of the world. His counsel and advice is for all, and at some point or another in your life, WILL APPLY TO YOU.
President Monson had this to say regarding marriage : "...for one reason or another, love dies. It may be the result of financial problems, lack of communication, uncontrolled tempers, interference from in-laws, entanglement in sin. There are any number of reasons. In most cases divorce does not have to be the outcome."
I believe it does end up being the outcome because of selfishness, pride, laziness, and unwillingness to listen to our leaders. Maybe it's because many will justify or make excuses of why their situation is so much more awful than anyone can imagine and the only answer is to abandon post. NONSENSE! The guilty taketh the truth to be hard. It's because a full effort hasn't been put in. One or both spouses will cleave unto other things, like their "single life" or the opinons of their friends and parents. Their addictions, their own selfish desires. Have these people really put in a full effort of being a good partner and parent? Often the answer is "no" and if so, why is it that these same people whine and complain about how horrible their marriage is and there is never any improvement and the only way to fix things is with a divorce. Why do they expect a reward without the work? You can't expect a leaky roof to fix itself. Do you think improvement is automatic? Or one sided? Do you think your marriage is the first of its kind? Do you feel that you are more enlightened and more spiritual then the Prophet himself? Yes we are all entitled to our own revelation, however, if contradicts what our Prophets and apostles have said consistently, maybe you should consider WHAT SPIRIT YOU'RE LISTENING TO. Every one feels like the grass will be greener on the other side. Or that their life will be less complicated. Or that if they just find a different partner all will be well. Here are what some of our Prophets and apostles have said on the subject:
"Soul mates' are fiction and an illusion; ...it is certain that almost any good man and any good woman can have happiness and a successful marriage if both are willing to pay the price." Spencer W. Kimball
"All should desire and seriously work to secure a marriage for eternity." Dallin H. Oaks (notice he didn't say - sit around and hope happiness just comes a long)
"If you are married, are you faithful to your spouse mentally as well as physically? Are you loyal to your marriage covenants by never engaging in conversation with another person that you wouldn’t want your spouse to overhear? Are you kind and supportive of your spouse and children?" Richard G. Scott
"All things are possible to the Lord, and He keeps the promises He inspires His prophets to declare. Eternity is a long time. Have faith in those promises and live to be worthy of them so that in His time the Lord can make them come true in your life." Richard G. Scott
“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.” (Deseret News, 12 June 1973, p. A4.)
And Finally President Hinckley had this to say (sorry his is soooo good that I had just put all of it in) :
"among the greatest of tragedies, and I think the most common, is divorce. It has become as a great scourge...Millions of single parents are struggling to rear families, carrying burdens beyond their capacity to handle. Millions of children are growing up in single family homes from which the parent, usually the mother, out of necessity, is absent much of the time. (Divorce not only leaves children without a father in the home, but often without the mother in the home because she is out of the home because of necessity) These “latch-key children” return from school each day to empty houses, where, in many cases, there is only the refuge of the television set. Not only are the children suffering, but all of society is paying a frightful price for their circumstances. As they grow older, the incidence of drugs increases among them. Vast numbers turn to criminal behavior. Inadequately trained, many are unemployed. Some aimlessly squander their lives. Millions have become the “flotsam and jetsam” of society, washed upon the shore by oceans of neglect, abuse, and frustration, helpless to correct their circumstances...The costs are enormous, almost beyond comprehension... in their background a broken home where a father abandoned his family and a mother struggled in vain to handle the overpowering odds against her.
Why all of these broken homes? There is no simple answer. I acknowledge that. But it appears to me that there are some obvious reasons that account for a very high percentage of these problems. I say this out of experience in dealing with such tragedies. I find selfishness to be the root cause of most of it.Selfishness is at the root of adultery, the breaking of solemn and sacred covenants to satisfy selfish lust. Selfishness is the antithesis of love. It is a cankering expression of greed. It destroys self-discipline. It obliterates loyalty. It tears up sacred covenants. It afflicts both men and women.
Too many who come to marriage have been coddled and spoiled and somehow led to feel that everything must be precisely right at all times, that life is a series of entertainments, that appetites are to be satisfied without regard to principle. How tragic the consequences of such hollow and unreasonable thinking! Bitter consequences are seen in the lives of children who need but do not have a father who loves them, teaches them, protects them, and leads them along the path of life by example and precept.
(He then relays a story of a young single mother of 7 children who's husband divorced her - She went across the street to deliver something to her neighbors and in her own words here is what she said, I cried and wept when I read this, because I can relate to the feelings)
“As I turned around to walk back home, I could see my house lighted up. I could hear echoes of my children as I had walked out of the door a few minutes earlier: ‘Mom, what are we going to have for dinner?’ ‘Can you take me to the library?’ ‘I have to get some poster paper tonight.’ Tired and weary, I looked at that house and saw the light on in each of the rooms. I thought of all of those children who were home waiting for me to come and meet their needs. My burdens felt very heavy on my shoulders. “I remember looking through tears toward the sky, and I said, ‘Oh, my Father, I just can’t do it tonight. I’m too tired. I can’t face it. I can’t go home and take care of all those children alone. Could I just come to You and stay with You for just one night? I’ll come back in the morning.’ “I didn’t really hear the words of reply, but I heard them in my mind. The answer was, ‘No, little one, you can’t come to me now. You would never wish to come back. But I can come to you.’”
President Hinckley continues:
"There is a remedy for all of this. It is not found in divorce. It is found in the gospel of the Son of God. He it was who said, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matt. 19:6.) The remedy for most marriage stress is not in divorce. It is in repentance. It is not in separation. It is in simple integrity that leads a man to square up his shoulders and meet his obligations. It is found in the Golden Rule."
There may be now and again a legitimate cause for divorce. I am not one to say that it is never justified. But I say without hesitation that this plague among us, which seems to be growing everywhere, is not of God, but rather is the work of the adversary of righteousness and peace and truth."
I am going to repeat that - a Prophet of God said that divorce is NOT OF GOD, but rather the work of the adversary. It may be one's agency this is true, but again, IT IS NOT OF GOD. I am not saying that it is never justified, but in cases where it's over things like communication, and not getting a long, tempers, and other things that have just built up - I believe that those things can be over come. Therefore if it is NOT OF GOD, then I believe that God will not direct you to do it.
"You need not be his victims. You can rise above his wiles and entreaties. Get rid of the titillating entertainment, the pornography that leads to evil desires and reprehensible activity. Wives, look upon your husbands as your precious companions and live worthy of that association. Husbands, see in your wives your most valued asset in time or eternity, each a daughter of God, a partner with whom you can walk hand in hand, through sunshine and storm, through all the perils and triumphs of life. Parents, see in your children sons and daughters of your Father in Heaven, who will hold you accountable for them. Stand together as their guardians, their protectors, their guides, their anchors."
Does any of this sound wrong or negative to you? When I read the words of our Prophets and leaders all I feel is great love and concern for the well being of God's children and a great desire for our happiness. Why is it then that people who choose not to listen somehow think that they know better. I am not saying that we should all just bah and eat straw. We do have our own personal relationships with our Father in Heaven. HOWEVER, I know that if you say you believe in the Gospel and believe that the Prophets and Apostles are the mouthpieces for God - then you do not have the luxury of picking and choosing which parts of their counsel you are going to listen to because it fits your lifestyle or is easy. We don't live parts of the Gospel - it's not some buffet we can choose from. For me personally when confusion is abounding, and I feel weak and troddened on. When there are conflicting answers and even more questions, I know that I can turn to the counsel of someone who knows more than I and I can trust that what is said is from God himself. They are not counseling people to stick it out and put a full effort into their marriages because they say to themselves "well this advice won't really work but it makes people feel all warm and fuzzy, so we'll just give it to them anyway. " NO! HOW ABSURD! HOW BLIND YOU ARE! They give this counsel because it is from God and it is RIGHT!
And I am not absolved - I have deffinitely made mistakes and my heart aches over the situation I am in. But I am fighting for something better. I believe in the words of my leaders and I really really believe that I can trump the advarsary any day no matter what his form. If that is friends, family, society, or his own imitation of the Spirit. I believe that I am more powerful then him. It is my choice to stay in my marriage and to fight for it. But I am only one side. I know that regardless of the outcome, that I have followed the correct counsel and I will be judge according to that. Let the world judge me how they will. They don't matter. And they may hurt me here and help destroy this family, but I know if I am worthy, my promised blessings will be added unto me after this life, and it will be more then what the world could have ever offered me.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Requirements for Motherhood?
Being a full time parent is one of the greatest blessings there is. It's hard work, long hours, few or no breaks, heartache at times- but the rewards are immeasureable!
I love my kids so much! But gosh dangit getting them here is no fun. I am not - I repeat - NOT a happy pregnant person. I don't understand why there have to be certain things involved with bringing about a human life. Aren't women already dealing with enough with the take over of our bodies, & the pain of labor and delivery. Why does the pregnancy part have to be so.... icky and unfun. Cut us some slack here!
It seems like that there are some fairly standard requirements in order to be pregnant. And in my case, they happen whether I like them or not.
Morning Sickness - this is my least favorite because mine happens whenever it feels like it. So it could be 11pm and I'm up gagging. The worst part about MS is that nothing makes it go away or feel better. Not even those expensive prescriptions. I've tried to out smart it by eating light foods that would not make one sick normally. I know it's suppose to end by the 12th week - but if this pregnancy is anything like Taryn's, I will be sick until 20 weeks.
Peeing 10 times a night - I also really really hate this one. I am already a solo parent of 3 kids. My sleep is very important to me and I get very little of it. So to have it disrupted so many times a night is hugely irritating to me. The funny part is, I wake up; lay in bed, and argue with myself about why I am not getting up - but in the end, my body always wins, and I begrudgingly have to visit my potty.
Charlie Horses - I have no clue why this happens to me, but almost from the beginning of my pregnancies, I get these. I always have to be mindful about how I am moving my body or stretching, otherwise I will be attacked by this painful symptom. I only get them while I'm preggers. And when I am done- they almost immediately disappear.
Smells - I smell everything - and I hate it.
Gas - Since you have it all the time, you have to be strategic and stealthy. So if I am awkwardly silent with a look of concentration on my face while I'm standing next to you - I would just run.
Heartburn - in my case, the only thing I ever eat during a pregnancy that gives me heartburn is sadly chocolate... WHYYYYYYYYY?!?!
Weight gain - I know that several women don't show until they are 5 or 6 months along. Not in my case. I start blowing up almost immediately. But I just look fat and pudgy. It's not until about 5 months that I start getting the cute belly and people can tell I am pregnant - before then, people are just being polite by keeping their mouth shut. But in their minds they are thinking "Ash should really lay off the M donalds - sheesh!"
With the exception of the weight gain, I am not sure what all the other symptoms add to having a healthy baby -well maybe the peeing does, we don't want our bladders to blow up now do we.
With all these "amazing" experiences that we have during our pregnancies - it's a wonder that we choose to do it more than once! I personally believe it's because the reward outweighs the "suffering" significantly. For me, I plan on this being my last rodeo. So you would think I wouldn't be complaining so much but enjoying my experience.... nah... I still hate the process. :) But I am grateful that I am able to do it. To be able to help a spirit gain it's earthly body is humbling. No matter the circumstances, I am a mother. I am grateful to have the responsibilities of these precious beings while here in mortality.
I love my kids so much! But gosh dangit getting them here is no fun. I am not - I repeat - NOT a happy pregnant person. I don't understand why there have to be certain things involved with bringing about a human life. Aren't women already dealing with enough with the take over of our bodies, & the pain of labor and delivery. Why does the pregnancy part have to be so.... icky and unfun. Cut us some slack here!
It seems like that there are some fairly standard requirements in order to be pregnant. And in my case, they happen whether I like them or not.
Morning Sickness - this is my least favorite because mine happens whenever it feels like it. So it could be 11pm and I'm up gagging. The worst part about MS is that nothing makes it go away or feel better. Not even those expensive prescriptions. I've tried to out smart it by eating light foods that would not make one sick normally. I know it's suppose to end by the 12th week - but if this pregnancy is anything like Taryn's, I will be sick until 20 weeks.
Peeing 10 times a night - I also really really hate this one. I am already a solo parent of 3 kids. My sleep is very important to me and I get very little of it. So to have it disrupted so many times a night is hugely irritating to me. The funny part is, I wake up; lay in bed, and argue with myself about why I am not getting up - but in the end, my body always wins, and I begrudgingly have to visit my potty.
Charlie Horses - I have no clue why this happens to me, but almost from the beginning of my pregnancies, I get these. I always have to be mindful about how I am moving my body or stretching, otherwise I will be attacked by this painful symptom. I only get them while I'm preggers. And when I am done- they almost immediately disappear.
Smells - I smell everything - and I hate it.
Gas - Since you have it all the time, you have to be strategic and stealthy. So if I am awkwardly silent with a look of concentration on my face while I'm standing next to you - I would just run.
Heartburn - in my case, the only thing I ever eat during a pregnancy that gives me heartburn is sadly chocolate... WHYYYYYYYYY?!?!
Weight gain - I know that several women don't show until they are 5 or 6 months along. Not in my case. I start blowing up almost immediately. But I just look fat and pudgy. It's not until about 5 months that I start getting the cute belly and people can tell I am pregnant - before then, people are just being polite by keeping their mouth shut. But in their minds they are thinking "Ash should really lay off the M donalds - sheesh!"
With the exception of the weight gain, I am not sure what all the other symptoms add to having a healthy baby -well maybe the peeing does, we don't want our bladders to blow up now do we.
With all these "amazing" experiences that we have during our pregnancies - it's a wonder that we choose to do it more than once! I personally believe it's because the reward outweighs the "suffering" significantly. For me, I plan on this being my last rodeo. So you would think I wouldn't be complaining so much but enjoying my experience.... nah... I still hate the process. :) But I am grateful that I am able to do it. To be able to help a spirit gain it's earthly body is humbling. No matter the circumstances, I am a mother. I am grateful to have the responsibilities of these precious beings while here in mortality.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy." — George Bernard Shaw
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
A week of Easter
Starting tonight - our family will be doing a lesson every night until Easter on things that happened during the Savior's Ministry leading up to his crucifixion. First we will be making a countdown to easter. Each night we will turn over an egg and have a lesson, scriptures, and an activity described on the back of the egg. I'm pretty excited on sitting down with my kids and trying to teach them the importance of what our Savior has done for us. I wanted to share a few ideas that I have planned.
Monday : We will be talking about how and why Mary washed Jesus's feet - as our activity we will wash each other's feet as well.
Tuesday: Jesus taught the greatest law : Love thy neighbour as thyself - we will take a treat to our neighbors
Wednesday: The passover meal and the first time Christ gave the sacrement to help us remember him. We will make a meal. I don't think I can get a hold of unleavened bread, but I am going to buy some flat bread and have my kids eat it so they can have an idea of the type of bread that Christ ate.
Thursday: Cleansing of the Temple - we are going to talk about how our home and church should be a place that is calm and reverent and of order. We will make soft pretzels like folded arms. Maybe I will have them clean the house too :) I've also thought about going to the church (my kids are on spring break) and having them clean a little there.
Friday: The Garden of Gethsemene. We will pick out some things that we can give to the DI
Saturday: Jesus was crucified. This night we will make a list as a family of why we are grateful for Christ sacraficing for us.
Sunday: He is risen! Matthew 28:6 This day we will talk about the ressurection and have our family share our testimonies.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed because I feel it's an enormous task to teach small children the insurmountable sacrifice made on their behalf. But I feel, that if we teach with the spirit, they may not understand all the words we will use, but they will recognize and understand what they feel. And through the Holy Ghost, they will know it's true. I hope everyone has a wonderful week leading up to Easter. It is my sincere testimony that Heavenly Father loves each one of us so much. It is why our Elder Brother sacraficed himself on our behalf. The Atonement is powerful, and real. If well let our walls down and can be honest with ourselves, we can change and be better. Have a Happy Week Everyone!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Heureux Mardi Gras
Being from the South, I am very proud of my roots and traditions that I celebrated growing up. I have been able to go to many Mardi Gras parades, and eat my share of king cake as well as yell "throw me something mister!" Not to mention the all coveted Golden Coconuts.
Now that I live in Utah, it is obvious that no one here really celebrates Mardi Gras. Most people know about the crazy parades, beads, food, and celebrations; but many don't understand WHAT it is. So allow me to educate you a little.
Mardi Gras began long before Europeans set foot in the New World. In mid February the ancient Romans celebrated the Lupercalia, a circus like festival not entirely unlike the Mardi Gras we are familiar with today. When Rome embraced Christianity, the early Church fathers decided it was better to incorporate certain aspects of pagan rituals into the new faith rather than attempt to abolish them altogether. Carnival became a period of merriment that preceded the penance of Lent, thus giving a Christian interpretation to the ancient custom. So basically after Christmas, you party it up for a couple of months until Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is not the only celebration during this time, but it is the biggest since it is the last night to "party" before Lent. Mardi Gras came to America in 1699 with the French explorer Iberville. Mardi Gras had been celebrated in Paris since the Middle Ages, where it was a major holiday
During the late 1700's, pre-Lenten masked balls and festivals were common in New Orleans while it was under French rule. However when New Orleans came under Spanish rule the custom was banned. In 1803 New Orleans came under the U.S. flag. The prohibition against masked festivals continued until 1823 when the Creole populace convinced the governor to permit masked balls. In 1827 street masking was again legalized.
King Cake
The history of the King Cake has its roots in pre-Christian religions of Western Europe. Part of the Harvest celebrations that the pagans practiced was the sacrifice ritual. It was customary to choose a man to be the "sacred king" of the tribe for a year. That man would be treated like a king for the year, then he would be sacrificed, and his blood returned to the soil to ensure that the harvest would be successful. The method of choosing who would have the honor of being the sacred king was the purpose of the "King's Cake". Several men of the tribe, would eat of the cake A coin or bean would be placed in the cake before baking, and whoever got the slice that had the coin was the chosen one.
In 12th century France where the cake would be baked on the eve of January 6 to celebrate the visit to the Christ Child by the three Kings. A small token was hidden in the cake as a surprise for the finder.
Now there are many other parts to Mardi Gras like the beads, doubloons, parades and such. So do you feel more educated now? GOOD :) NOW onto my cute kids!
We decided that for a family activity, we would make our own Mardi Gras masks. :)
Hard at work
I would throw them some beads.. wouldn't you?
Aren't these two just the cutest?
And of course the mask I made.
Ezra is not pictures because let's be honest, all he would do is eat the feathers, crumple the mask, and in a day or two have sequined poop :) So I thought it best to just keep it out of his reach.
HAPPY MARDI GRAS YA'LL
LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULEZ!
(let the good times roll)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
My little chatter box.
Sorry for my lack of awesome videography skills, but I thought this video was cute and I wanted to share. My favorite part is where he whispers "momma" Sure love this little guy.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Who is whispering to you?
When you think of the name Satan, what words come to your mind? Here are a few that came to mine. Enemy, selfish, evil, hateful, power hungry, cunning, schemer, secretive, subtle, liar, user, powerful, successful, & expert. Those last few actually sound like positive characteristics, but in the Devil's profession, they are lethal.
It seems to me today, that saying I believe in the devil gets a lot of funny looks. Maybe even the title of being paranoid or weird. But let me tell you, I believe. I've seen his hand in my life, I've seen the destruction, infact, I feel like I'm dealing with him currently. His grip can get so tight and intertwined that often times it feels impossible to break free. And it doesn't even have to be a hold that he has on you, but on people that you love. If we try to fight him alone, it is like us bringing a knife to a gun fight. We will lose. That is the plain and simple truth. We will lose.
Satan's plan is simply this - destroy our Heavenly Father's plan for his children's happiness and chance at eternal life with our families - He is the son of destruction and his selfishness cost our Father one third of all his children even before we had an opportunity to come to this Earth. His goal hasn't changed over time, but his methods have. Let's be frank, he's had quite a bit of practice, and honestly, quite a bit of success. Please allow me to sound like a raving mad lunatic for just a moment so that I can clearly emphasize what I believe. SATAN IS REAL. HE WANTS TO DESTROY US. He wants to destroy our children, our marriages, our families, our beliefs. Anything that is praisworthy of or good report. It is sick and twisted. He will use anything, any tactic, or any PERSON to cause harm and accomplish his design. He is EVIL. HE IS OUR ETERNAL ENEMY. "he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself" (2 Nephi 2:27) His plan would damn us and stop our eternal progression as well as take away our agency. "Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction. And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God'...And... he ... leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; ...And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth , seeking to destroy the soulds of men" (D&C) 10:22-23, 26-27)
My sister told me a story of a boy in her Sunday School class complaining that they had heard a certain lesson before and couldn't they just move on. It got me thinking of why the scriptures can be repetitive. Why Sunday school teaches us the same things week after week. It is to REMIND us! Not only of the things that we must do in order to return to our Heavenly Father, but also of how precious and how loved we are. It is to remind us of the wonderful and awesome plan our Father has in place for his children. The Plan of Happiness. Satan wants us to forget. He wants us to forget who we are. Sons and daughters of a most High Being. He wants us to lose our knowlege of who our Savior is. If we forget those things, then he can swoop in and convince us of things like that our lives are so messed up and beyond repair that there is no chance of redemption or improvement. What a lie! He wants to alienate us from our most powerful supporters. Our Father and his Son. He knows that if we try to fight him on our own, that he will win. So what does he do? First he takes strike at our knowledge and our personal relationships with the Spirit. When we are not prepared, spiritually fortified and are neglecting our spiritual appetites we are weak and it is easy for the serpent to penetrate our minds and whisper to us. How can we discern where it comes from if our relationship with truth and knowledge is lacking? It sort of reminds me of Harry Potter when Voldemort is able to penetrate Harry's mind because he's too weak to keep him out.
It all starts with a thought. In most cases, Satan can not literally force our actions. He has no power over our bodies. But he has become a master at getting into our heads, playing games and highly influencing our thoughts, which in turn affect our actions. He twists, he taints, he exaggerates, he lies, and oh how he influences and continually whispers to us that we are justified in our poor thoughts and actions. Oh how he prompts and nudges us in the direction of misery. He wants to confine us. He wants us to doubt. If you allow him control over your thoughts, you allow him control over your actions. What can we do? We must change our thinking. We must replace the bad with the good. We must rid our mind of the garbage that we have allow to be dumped there. It's not a quick change or even an easy one. Self Mastery. Our thoughts make us who we are. If we are constantly thinking of the negative, then what do you suppose our actions are? You are not only destructive to those around you, but you are destroying yourself! You have become a TOOL in the hands of the evil one. If you want to be Christlike then your thoughts must be like that unto Christ. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar... for he who loveth God love his brother also"
It can be difficult to see the positive in very dark situations. When I feel this way, I start to think of my Savior and the Garden of Gethsemane. I am so precious to him, my agency, my chance at eternal life mean so much to him that he not only fought for me, (an continues to fight for me) but he sacrificed for me. Don't I owe it to him to fight for myself also? Or do I think that little of myself? "Right thinking leads to right acting. We change our thoughts, and we change our actions, that is when we change our lives" - Toni Sorenson
The devil has many devices he uses. He is an expert at disguise - even to the point where he can even imitate the Spirit or even an Angel of the Lord. Take Korihor from the Book of Mormon. Alma records Korihor's confession after Satan brought him to the point of utter destruction: "Behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me;... There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words;... and I taught them , even until I had much success... that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth even until I have brought this great curse upon me" (Alma 30:53) Sadly, through Korihor, the devil was able to victimize many. He used Korihor as a tool for his purposes. He doesn't care - he is no respecter of persons. No one is exempt.
Spencer W. Kimball had this description of Satan: Satan is very much a personal, individual spirit being, but without a mortal body. His desires to seal each of us his are no less ardent in wickedness than our Father's are in righteousness to attract us to his own eternal kingdom... He is aslo clever and trained. With thousands of years of expereince behind him he has become superbly efficient and increasingly deteremined. Please know that any thought to diminish your worth and negativly impacts your life or the lives of others - whether it comes from your own mind or the mouth of someone else - IS NOT OF GOD (The Miracle of Forgiveness)
He "desireth to have you" (3 Nephi 18:18) Every time you allow him in to influence your thoughts and actions, he gets his sick wish. Everytime you lie, or steal, violate your marraige, harden your heart, become selfish, prideful and carnal. Everytime - no exceptions.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland asked who it is that whispers to us? When I first read that, it made my stomach drop. Fear set in over me and I started to ask myself... who is whispering to me? Am I doing all I can to protect myself from the father of all lies and his schemes to destroy me and my family? The answer is that I haven't. President Joseph Fielding Smith warned us that Satan may influence us through friends, relatives, or other people in whom we have confidence. He has an endless bag of tricks. In subtle ways, the things we we surround ourselves with can wear and tear us down.
Trials and life's ugly situations happen to us not because God makes it, but because it simply does. Actions have consequences. Bad things are sure to come everyone's way. It is part of growing, learning, and experiencing life. God does NOT give us our trials, but he allows us to go through them. Often times it is our own behaviors, thoughts, and actions that bring trials to our doorsteps. Sadly sometimes it is the agency of others that thrust sorrow our way. But that doesn't change the fact that it is an opportunity to learn and grow. Satan wants us to feel like God has abandoned us, that he does not hear our prayers or recognize our needs. This is a lie. There is no fervent (a desire to change) or sincere prayer that goes unheard. And I testify that God is absolutely mindful of each of us in a very personal way.
Take heart. We have a most powerful force on our side. But we must exercise our agency to use it. To allow Heavenly Father in. To allow the atonement to heal our deep wounds. In the midst of me feeling like my life is falling apart, watching my kids struggle through emotional pain, being a single mom of 3, a lack of security, losing my marriage no matter how hard I fight, and battling people's judgments and negative views about me - I have peace and comfort. But it is a choice. I am choosing to not let these trials define me. I am choosing to not let the advasary gain control over me. I have had many dark and lonely nights that seemed like they would never end. And through a tear stained face I have pleaded with my Father to bring me peace and to fortify my family. He has never failed me. I am not saying the pain is magically gone or that each day right now isn't a struggle. I feel like a total failure, worthless, and defeated, but I know I am loved and supported. I can't see what will happen, and I understand that I have no control over what others choose. But remember, "the moment we give up and say our cause is not worthwhile, the moment we choose not to fight is the moment progression stops..." -Spencer W. Kimball
Do not allow the evil one in, even just a little bit. Do now allow him to whisper doubt to your mind. Do not allow him to make you question the precious being you are. Your are sons and daughters of a King. His most prized creation, His top priority. Do not allow him to destroy what Heavenly Father is trying so hard for you to gain. Eternal life with your family. YOUR MISTAKES DO NOT DEFINE YOU! They do not define me. It is why the Atonement is so beautiful. No matter how impossible things may be, they are possible through the Lord.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sound advice
Opposition turns up almost anyplace something good has happened. It can happen when
you are trying to get an education. It can hit you after your first month in your new
mission field. It certainly happens in matters of love and marriage. … beware the
temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and
trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts. …
Face your doubts. Master your fears. ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence.’ Stay the
course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.”
-Jeffery R. Holland
you are trying to get an education. It can hit you after your first month in your new
mission field. It certainly happens in matters of love and marriage. … beware the
temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and
trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts. …
Face your doubts. Master your fears. ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence.’ Stay the
course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.”
-Jeffery R. Holland
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Our little monkey is 1!
We can't believe that our little caboose is 1! E has added so much to our family. We are so grateful for him and the sweet and funny spirit he brings to our home. B and T love being a big brother and sister, and E loves all the attention he gets from them :) It's crazy how big all of them are getting! Happy Birthday Monkey.... we love you so much!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
I feel my Savior's Love...
On this Easter Sunday, my mind is reflecting on my Savior's Love for me. It really is in all the world around me. In my family, my talents, my blessings, and my testimony of his infinite love and mercy for each one of us. Sometimes it's hard for me to even contemplate how he is unfailing, continually there, ever forgiving, ever patient, and ever out reaching. I know there are many times that I've just had enough for the day with my kids. I need a mommy time out. An hour or two a way to just breath and clear my head.... and then I think how many times I'm sure I've been a disappointment to my Heavenly Father and Savior... and yet, they have never left my side.
My heart swells with gratitude when I think of the ultimate sacrifice made on my behalf. Drops of blood that were shed for me - for me to have my agency - for me to have a fighting chance to prove myself - to be home again in the presence of Heavenly Parents, because of an elder Brother who loves me so. I love this picture, because it really shows who Christ is... someone who is always willing to carry us, and give his ever present hand to help us on this sojourn.
I look at my beautiful children. How grateful am I for our Savior's love for them. How comforting it is to know, that they too have such power on their side. I know how I feel when I look at them. How precious they are to me, how I will always love and forgive them, and how huge that is for me as a mother - and then I think - my Savior's Love is a million times greater then this! HOW GLORIOUS!
One of my favorite hymn sums how I feel up in a simple way...
"Oh it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me... oh it is wonderful... wonderful to me."
Happy Easter everyone.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
We're pretty sure it's a BOY!!!
I've talked to most of you on the phone by now, but for those of you who don't know... Here are the pictures of our newest addition to the Carter Family Sedan. He was born at exaxtly 12pm today, to the second. He was 7 pounds 4 ounces, and 20 and a quarter inches long. He is healthy and so is Mommy. We're not totally sure on the name yet, but we'll notify y'all accordingly when we figure it out. Thanks for all the support and we look forward to everyone being able to meet him.This is him at roughly 5 minutes old.
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