tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38616353620114995822024-03-05T03:45:57.641-06:00Life's Little MiraclesJOY IS WHERE YOU FIND ITH-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-36420189120969456752013-03-01T03:36:00.001-06:002013-03-01T03:36:31.405-06:00My Thoughts On The Priesthood BanFOR ME- the subject of the Priesthood Ban (and accused racism) in the
<br>church is similar to that of polygamy. It is a topic that can get very
<br>heated because of its conflicting modern day teachings. It is sticky,
<br>complex and has a range of opinions and emotions attached to its
<br>history that make it hard to discuss without coming across as either
<br>naïve, unsympathetic, presumptuous, self-righteous, cantankerous or
<br>disbelieving. What adds to its complexity is that it is a taboo
<br>topic/question in our church settings, typically not approached in our
<br>weekly church meetings and General Conference talks, yet pontificated
<br>upon in other "churchish" settings (missionary lessons, religion
<br>classes, family firesides, blogging, etc...), questioned privately
<br>among believers, and rampantly discussed publicly by outsiders and
<br>adversaries. To brush off the inquiries and subject would be ignorant
<br>to the genuine, and yet to harp on it can be disheartening and
<br>spiritually deterring.
<br>
<br>I have heard from the best of non-official leaders (professors, stake
<br>presidents, institute teachers and even well intended senior
<br>missionaries) their personal (be it hopeful or assumed) reasonings for
<br>the Priesthood ban (and polygamy). And in my early missionary days I
<br>may have been guilty of perpetuating un-official ideas and reasons. I
<br>dealt with the subject quite intensely as a missionary who was
<br>constantly being accused of belonging to a racist church (even took
<br>some spit in the face over that one). While unresolved, I was able to
<br>reach a peaceful place with trust in God but never really having any
<br>sure ground on the subject. Always wanting to quickly bring people to
<br>the present day, what we believe/practice NOW because that was where I
<br>felt comfortable, what I knew was right. Never really understanding
<br>why my eternal unchanging Father in Heaven with His eternal unchanging
<br>doctrine could/would have orchestrated such conflicting principles; To
<br>declare all men created equal then disallow the Priesthood be given to
<br>all men. Although I could certainly be on board and grateful for the
<br>1978 revelation to re-instate it.
<br>
<br>I have since studied histories that have detailed the background of
<br>circumstances and events leading to the ban and the 1978 revelation,
<br>and feel I have created my own personal space where I can peacefully
<br>and yet maybe a little uncomfortably wait it out with this one.
<br>
<br>How do we explain past revelation that conflicts with modern day teaching?
<br>
<br>
<br>Some decisively say that although they don't know why, they believe
<br>the Priesthood ban was orchestrated for Gods purpose, by Him. I can't
<br>say that. Others, as decisively, say it was not God's will, it was
<br>wrong and not His work. I can not say this either. I'm uncomfortable
<br>with elements of both actually.
<br>
<br>First of all, I don't know an unfair God. I only personally know a
<br>Father who has been ever just, merciful and kind to me, only allowing
<br>pain but not inflicting it. In no way do I ever think that someone
<br>ever received less consideration from Him, nor were subject to someone
<br>else's transgression/sin, based on the color of their skin. (But then
<br>again, I also don't know/can't understand much of how God is portrayed
<br>in the Old Testament with His cursings, destruction, command to
<br>sacrifice a son or swipe lambs blood on the front of a door so that
<br>the first born isn't killed. This is all much different than the
<br>loving, teaching Father I feel in my life, so I struggle with gelling
<br>the differences).
<br>
<br>Yet, because I do believe He has all wisdom He COULD do or allow
<br>something for a reason we have no way of mortally understanding-
<br>trumping any emotion, idea or limited judgment we may have on the
<br>matter.
<br>
<br>Contrastingly, while I believe that God speaks to his servants I don't
<br>believe he micro-manages them. I believe all of us, including
<br>leaders, are subject to our sphere (cultural/familial) influences and
<br>that God works within us, individually using our understanding,
<br>experiences, knowledge and time (I see this evident not only in my
<br>relationship with Him, but in His processes of revelations to Joseph
<br>Smith and other Prophets). He answers what we ask. (ie...revelation on
<br>baptism, polygamy and blacks with the Priesthood). And while I don't
<br>necessarily believe this, I can see how the implementation of blacks
<br>not receiving the Priesthood (knowing that initially Joseph had
<br>ordained some black men) could have been something that God ALLOWED
<br>rather than prescribed.
<br>
<br>I could carry on in both positions, I can see both. But my point is: I
<br>do not believe that we need to believe in and/or support the
<br>Priesthood ban being divinely inspired in order to believe in the
<br>church being divinely organized and inspired.
<br>
<br>Some people call these "shelf" issues. Things to put on the shelf and
<br>wait upon, they'll "work out in time". I have a few of those, and
<br>while I am content with waiting, how do we resolve enough of it in our
<br>own hearts so that we can adequately respond to others and not let it
<br>be a stumbling block to our belief?
<br>
<br>That was really a question. :)
<br>
<br>Here's what I think...we just keep working on it. Not ignoring or
<br>overly acknowledging. We learn how to shelf some of our issues,
<br>occasionally taking inventory when concerns arise or enlightenment
<br>occurs. We readjust and remember what really matters. Like a marriage
<br>we may discover our "rose colored glasses" view of the church with
<br>possibly unrealistic perfect aspirations... occasionally, sometimes
<br>drastically or even slightly- has little quirks that bug, nuances that
<br>fester, a past with baggage...or hard, intense questions and concerns
<br>that arise and shake us (of course I'm only guessing here with
<br>these)... :) We may find that some things will take some work and a
<br>little getting used to. Stretching ourselves, testing our patience and
<br>endurance, shifting our previous perspectives, forcing humility, and
<br>maybe even bringing some pain. Yet, we cling to it still. We cling to
<br>it because we have
<br>FAITH.
<br>HOPE.
<br>CHARITY.
<br>Because we feel glimmers of indescribable peace and joy and we yearn
<br>for an everlasting version of it. Because we know that any
<br>inconvenience will be WORTH it. Because we're in it for the growth.
<br>And because the precious, even heavenly moments (when we are willing
<br>to acknowledge them) are ALWAYS there. And, although our shelf is too-
<br>with all its questions and clutter (some more crowded than others)
<br>those precious moments (call them tender mercies, personal
<br>revelations, encirclings of love, powerful spiritual
<br>impressions/experiences) somehow help us leave them unsettled for
<br>another day.
<br>
<br>And then hopefully we can share all that is marvelous and good with
<br>others and still honestly approach the unexplainable.
<br>
<br>...Just some rantings/opinions from a slightly sleep-deprived truth
<br>seeker- by the light of her purple blackberry. *Subject to change upon
<br>further light
<br>
<br>Take what you will :) loves to you all
<br>
<br>SaraH-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-53115317389645701882012-09-11T08:29:00.000-05:002012-09-11T08:35:55.747-05:00Quickly turn it upside down...No-one likes a frowny face.
<br>
<br>Family Home Evening memories.H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-20383620618943978082012-09-11T00:45:00.001-05:002012-09-11T00:45:56.332-05:00Disappearing around the cornerToday is my Grandma Bev's birthday. Happy Birthday dear Grandma. <p>Grandma left this earth about nine years ago while I was serving a mission. I still have a vivid picture seared in my mind of her frantically trying to scurry me along at the M.T.C. She was the only one there to drop me off. She had been my roommate for the months leading up to that departing. Letting me stay at her house while I commuted to college. Waiting up for me every night to hear the latest on my life. I'll forever cherish that time. <p>She had on a nice house dress, and her classic pinkish peach lipstick. Always classy, but always ready in a jiffy. We had sung "Called to Serve" and gone through the whole presentation with the classic "some say they don't like the food here, but what you eat here will definitely be better than where you're going" talk and everything else. She was almost pacing in place, nervously. Had her hand on her mouth, pursing her lips tightly to try and hide the tears coming. She always did that. Always tried to hide her tears. She said something about how I had better get on my way, almost immediately after the presentation was over.<p>So I was one of the first missionaries up and out to the door, excited and ready for my venture! But before I went through it, I looked back once more. And there she was. Ever stoic Grandma. Widowed at 30 Grandma. Never complaining, steadfast and immovable, ever serving, ever giving, utterly selfless, Grandma. Peering through the hallway to still watch me, secretly, from a distance. The tears flowing freely from her now, wiping quickly when she saw me looking.<p> Made me start to cry. Really cry. And then almost because she couldn't bare it, and didn't want us to linger together in sadness, didn't want to disrupt the focus and work ahead of me, she left. Disappearing around the corner. <p>I didn't know that goodbye was my last one with her. And even thinking about it now makes the very cry return. And I think of how even after all these years, it's still hard to not have her in my life. <p>How am I doin grandma?<br> <br>How about these kiddos?!<p>How is it with Grandpa?<p>...I miss you....<p>It's hard to turn the corner. Hard to let someone disappear for now as you walk through the other doors ahead in life. <p>Hard to not have my grandma here. <p>But I know she would say that's nonsense and tell me to just keep on. To keep hope. To look to heaven. <p>So, I will.<p> "...Tis not the end but genesis<br>Of better worlds and greater lightGod, touch Thou my aching heart<br>And calm my troubled, haunting fears<br>Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure<br>Give strength and peace beyond my tears.<p>There is no death, but only change<br>With recompense for vict'ry won<br>The gift of Him who loved all men<br>The Son of God, the Holy One.. "<p>I love you Grandma.H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-82081346753122224642012-04-15T21:38:00.000-05:002012-04-15T21:39:37.535-05:00Our Cup Runneth Over<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0186jQnpqFDljgLLGq3lAjrb4RaUkqfqIbUYvKuLxDAAm9l1A863A6LP2SlJoovEYFvdsfpfUtSrPf2Z57EypOA7j2vHNOvs4ot6g1zSjFLINKTEo5iUFWJj4PkT5Qq8uk1MdLr1u3PA/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAwODEtMjAxMjA0MTQtMTAzMy5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-777535"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0186jQnpqFDljgLLGq3lAjrb4RaUkqfqIbUYvKuLxDAAm9l1A863A6LP2SlJoovEYFvdsfpfUtSrPf2Z57EypOA7j2vHNOvs4ot6g1zSjFLINKTEo5iUFWJj4PkT5Qq8uk1MdLr1u3PA/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAwODEtMjAxMjA0MTQtMTAzMy5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-777535" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731822744647301762" /></a></p>Talmage Spencer and Emelyn Rose Lake. Born April 12, 2012. Talmage: 6lbs.13oun. 20inch<br>Emelyn: 6lbs.14oun 19 1/4 inch<p>Life is grand.H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-24077775988215394092012-03-20T15:15:00.000-05:002012-03-20T15:50:34.457-05:00The three of us!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w6-RfXclE4sxWdY1AoK7T_2HX8tR3CL3vKasQ09C7Q6Sdmr64din-Bunb3fv6obAufnu_AdAfcNsoFdZKhd9EZBowUA8U9xcyzh2d0eiKl_wsg_zmfzPzog9v9XqC72lM5rarWPsWPk/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAwMTAtMjAxMjAzMjAtMTM0MC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-734458"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w6-RfXclE4sxWdY1AoK7T_2HX8tR3CL3vKasQ09C7Q6Sdmr64din-Bunb3fv6obAufnu_AdAfcNsoFdZKhd9EZBowUA8U9xcyzh2d0eiKl_wsg_zmfzPzog9v9XqC72lM5rarWPsWPk/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDAwMTAtMjAxMjAzMjAtMTM0MC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-734458" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722084576493475122" /></a></p>This is an amateur shot (my 4year old Kamorah took) of me today- in all my glory! We're at 36 weeks now and I am feeling great! Still pretty comfortable, and assuming these little ones will be sticking around in side for a few more weeks yet. We are hopeful they will come on their own, and as long as the stress tests are fine we can let them come when they want to. If I didn't feel two distinct babies inside I would still not believe I am having TWO! Thanks be to Heaven.H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-90382826087602787392011-10-17T20:39:00.000-05:002011-10-17T20:40:14.900-05:00Our latest news!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kdyN1rEKZtIx2hVVNLTB_gW4nROQekmm19fbnu-Bnx65cjigWj8iJeRy6J7EJhD22zkpUu2y4bzsq0wamAVZLbwXuBty9xlRJ1wa9PDvnTL5RAJzhz8krm1iZCDsjPdfjKNrJJreLag/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDIxMTktMjAxMTEwMTctMTIxNC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-714901"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kdyN1rEKZtIx2hVVNLTB_gW4nROQekmm19fbnu-Bnx65cjigWj8iJeRy6J7EJhD22zkpUu2y4bzsq0wamAVZLbwXuBty9xlRJ1wa9PDvnTL5RAJzhz8krm1iZCDsjPdfjKNrJJreLag/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDIxMTktMjAxMTEwMTctMTIxNC5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-714901" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664641022124582738" /></a></p>Can you make out any features?H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-26073091624284637712011-10-01T10:01:00.000-05:002011-10-01T10:02:48.811-05:00Deep in the Heart of Texas<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjpyFh4tlGmeLNetR6WTNtU4Rv4zyBhY3f6k7RiBkvQ9XfcSW1vkDkV8BJRBhmiMZEJCMSgmF1Hw1HwqYI_LnHscMivNPykbyLJtK7-mi0qenIRoE4yamJtA-0SfZqjR3WbNnYnzf58k/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDE3ODktMjAxMTA5MTAtMTkxNy5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-768812"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjpyFh4tlGmeLNetR6WTNtU4Rv4zyBhY3f6k7RiBkvQ9XfcSW1vkDkV8BJRBhmiMZEJCMSgmF1Hw1HwqYI_LnHscMivNPykbyLJtK7-mi0qenIRoE4yamJtA-0SfZqjR3WbNnYnzf58k/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FSU1HMDE3ODktMjAxMTA5MTAtMTkxNy5qcGc%253D%253F%253D-768812" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658539395901524434" /></a></p>H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-79021785672024923152011-01-04T20:13:00.002-06:002011-01-04T20:22:23.389-06:00Surprise!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwEbJsHFz91xtVuqt3ooxC97VjwU07CcgwR1gMy7xI0X6AOjivJERrlpNGqvO9ggWJ8idTs4dcGB9XuqYXaiw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />...and this doesn't even really capture it. ....more to come :)H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-22054445115748684842010-11-14T11:36:00.001-06:002010-11-14T11:36:53.454-06:00November in Texas<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAMGuYxVjQ67AhrY4Dywh5LR3j5si1vL8_VDN4K5r02VEfl4MiikVFC_i81h_ljT__WX4iG_iU4Z4TgDhulPaxBOIzzn2a3io6GNxS0-X8oIhcsGnGkMkniNTdl4aw1LG03WaRKjgnxc/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FY29hc3QuanBn%253F%253D-713455"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAMGuYxVjQ67AhrY4Dywh5LR3j5si1vL8_VDN4K5r02VEfl4MiikVFC_i81h_ljT__WX4iG_iU4Z4TgDhulPaxBOIzzn2a3io6GNxS0-X8oIhcsGnGkMkniNTdl4aw1LG03WaRKjgnxc/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FY29hc3QuanBn%253F%253D-713455" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539460760429383458" /></a></p>For Today: There's just something amazing about being able to swim comfortably in the Ocean, IN NOVEMBER! ...and jumping in an ocean-side heated pool afterwards. :)H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-17159464188239873222010-11-10T17:44:00.001-06:002010-11-10T17:44:58.693-06:00Too Excited To Stand It!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TWHE0wuDsJfYMGDAFY7Kxs60ZPHVOl_fQbUq3Zvnyz5bcMp1M9qS42x06PSRL-yDOIzp2d8G3pl27Sk0pgm2lE3MqZ2LblRERBAEXzMWNEu3_AiaO__21omfPsbWvgaLztL77WqIwdU/s1600/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FYS1jYWtlLmpwZw%253D%253D%253F%253D-798696"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TWHE0wuDsJfYMGDAFY7Kxs60ZPHVOl_fQbUq3Zvnyz5bcMp1M9qS42x06PSRL-yDOIzp2d8G3pl27Sk0pgm2lE3MqZ2LblRERBAEXzMWNEu3_AiaO__21omfPsbWvgaLztL77WqIwdU/s320/%253D%253Futf-8%253FB%253FYS1jYWtlLmpwZw%253D%253D%253F%253D-798696" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538071279759952242" /></a></p>For Today: It's tradition round our house, like most of ya'alls- to make and decorate a special cake for the Birthday person. I yield some of my perfectionist reign to the exploratory skills of my children. Usually makes for several adventurous hours. Jericho's cake making this year was a hoot! You see, My Morzy- despite my best sugar rationing efforts- is admittedly "in love" with treats. Watching her have to spend hours with her hands drenched in her greatest temptation was like watching an alcoholic at a wine tasting event (since I've seen that before...ha). I could tell it was all she could do to not dive into the cake. The next day, Spence and I watched this Saturday Night Live clip and it so reminded me of her. I admire people who live with such excitability and uncontrollable passion. <a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=CA&client=mv-google&hl=en&v=4hQlH0Uo7Xw">http://m.youtube.com/watch?gl=CA&client=mv-google&hl=en&v=4hQlH0Uo7Xw</a>H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-29222253902111109802010-11-05T09:07:00.001-05:002010-11-05T09:07:20.520-05:00A Nod to the Cart Full<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzW0ABMQ1ViM-GnJ8DQY8uPL1CPHwGes5_F8hhyWcTyS9YyittH9TTHwwAXXGrWzcZq0QvAVqqxVBfW2EeQQ9vcZnLaN5stmp7UXQgTs9XcbVPdrwy2_Y50DDunYVzG139YNIiMveU2M/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FYS1zaWduLmpwZw==%3F=-740521"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzW0ABMQ1ViM-GnJ8DQY8uPL1CPHwGes5_F8hhyWcTyS9YyittH9TTHwwAXXGrWzcZq0QvAVqqxVBfW2EeQQ9vcZnLaN5stmp7UXQgTs9XcbVPdrwy2_Y50DDunYVzG139YNIiMveU2M/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FYS1zaWduLmpwZw==%3F=-740521" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536066993175697026" /></a></p>For today: Have you ever seen one of these? I hadn't. Totally made my running-around-with-my-three-little-duckies day. Felt like someone was acknowledging me in my Mothering efforts, a little tap on the back of encouragement. It was gratifying to park here, and I proudly unloaded my crew into the shopping cart. It seemed too good to be true. I looked around me feeling as though some secret camera were recording me for a "mothers in action" segment. Someone at this store understands. It just felt good. (Despite the fact that I got my wallet stolen at the same store, but that's another story- let's enjoy the sign)... :)H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-86077158725497566682010-11-03T11:26:00.000-05:002010-11-03T11:29:39.402-05:00Oh Boy, I Got Joy<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqdlJ3zAtea9Hx7kpul3blzWklsN1Oq8vQQEHTNAPL1oCCnhi06sBnH9jxgji-4bRrB7FVKvCIPS0LwhGWx9TjvgB8qVZ8L0kYMzcVvz6hpYz46cfMecA7o8ltzpAA3rSQnIE0onem70/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAzMjMtMjAxMDA4MTEtMjAwNi5qcGc=%3F=-779403"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqdlJ3zAtea9Hx7kpul3blzWklsN1Oq8vQQEHTNAPL1oCCnhi06sBnH9jxgji-4bRrB7FVKvCIPS0LwhGWx9TjvgB8qVZ8L0kYMzcVvz6hpYz46cfMecA7o8ltzpAA3rSQnIE0onem70/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAzMjMtMjAxMDA4MTEtMjAwNi5qcGc=%3F=-779403" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535361498774148178" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ktDWyST0EBX-sumvTJd8NpQ9YJ8TRQ1wnQ06OMa8U7gPdfjdr7FRVnCJLG-HGI2jwWT1fDdgJKs9pey4pwYzHYw1sINIoi1642YKf6CoxkR3upXsi2P8qocTQyVEq6VFdpHG8gnod28/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FYS1rbyBjYWtlLmpwZw==%3F=-781012"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ktDWyST0EBX-sumvTJd8NpQ9YJ8TRQ1wnQ06OMa8U7gPdfjdr7FRVnCJLG-HGI2jwWT1fDdgJKs9pey4pwYzHYw1sINIoi1642YKf6CoxkR3upXsi2P8qocTQyVEq6VFdpHG8gnod28/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FYS1rbyBjYWtlLmpwZw==%3F=-781012" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535361501430504306" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVbI4s81KUrxqoZn5Z1wSZU3I4wLVT36blTPjKoCaErPCahiIHWj9YCGx13_yCdyJBvOJiDJvIcKlQK2AlifDR_zFrJW4ER0dG1zyhrH0o_dbYAfl2T1nuVk2nnGdtxRdE7ec9NQvFFQ/s1600/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FYS1rbyBqb3kuanBn%3F=-782723"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVbI4s81KUrxqoZn5Z1wSZU3I4wLVT36blTPjKoCaErPCahiIHWj9YCGx13_yCdyJBvOJiDJvIcKlQK2AlifDR_zFrJW4ER0dG1zyhrH0o_dbYAfl2T1nuVk2nnGdtxRdE7ec9NQvFFQ/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FYS1rbyBqb3kuanBn%3F=-782723" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535361512224935890" /></a></p>When I realized my last post was announcing the arrival of our precious boy and yesterday we celebrated our first year with him, I nudgingly thought it due time to dust off the 'ole blog and get to postin. It sure helps that I discovered a simple email method of posting from my phone so I no longer have the excuse of the "no computer with internet". So...here I am! Nearly a year later with many a topics and adventures to discuss. Expect the post to be a comin! For today: One of our new favorite Joy School songs that we dramatically sing around our house declares "Oh boy! I got Joy, I do, I do"! We relish it in all it's cheesy glory. We sing it mostly because of our little Jericho. "Ko", "Koz", "Kozy", "Bruds" (brother), of all his nicknames, the most appropriately given him is "Joy Boy". The girls decided to call him that, and rightly so. Never in my life have I been around anyone who emits so much light and joy. He beams. It seems to come right out of those glossy big blue eyes and grab at you. It is impossible to be truly down in his presence. Like all children, he loves so purely with out judgment. I know I'm his mother so I am terribly biased, but there is something different in this boy. He seems to see the soul. He unravels me in a way that helps me forget worries and embrace my blessings. Having him in my life has added an entirely new dimension to my ability to love and feel love from others. He is one of God's greatest gifts to me and I pray that I can cherish him enough to show my gratitude. Thanks to Heaven for this past year with my angel boy Jericho.H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-42977421967967970392009-12-26T12:37:00.006-06:002009-12-26T13:13:09.887-06:00He's Here!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbHi6mk2VsbavOdhSxnfkxz5H1Rxfb2REGZAyPF9wpddkwftYmMgjnhZuoQLc1Zhda59IFZyaJjQHWnergOj_3rOmN2tU7aOLXwJq1-2G2jjyQFrSMJGQQFt7bovfwq9LOEMBKdoG-34/s1600-h/S5004033_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbHi6mk2VsbavOdhSxnfkxz5H1Rxfb2REGZAyPF9wpddkwftYmMgjnhZuoQLc1Zhda59IFZyaJjQHWnergOj_3rOmN2tU7aOLXwJq1-2G2jjyQFrSMJGQQFt7bovfwq9LOEMBKdoG-34/s320/S5004033_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419621906144917682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2eHLdtTFRRFezGzCeTZM0ibt9mcauSDO8m3Koe8zGuLzvvyyRJ1fkj92_wC7dAzZwmgJoA_jAs_0Yhe3YJAb8dOL-DVTdFzGHD-WgQCJ7VzpTbV8NEhR58VRz8nYk6ezh8oI42Ol8OY/s1600-h/S5003936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2eHLdtTFRRFezGzCeTZM0ibt9mcauSDO8m3Koe8zGuLzvvyyRJ1fkj92_wC7dAzZwmgJoA_jAs_0Yhe3YJAb8dOL-DVTdFzGHD-WgQCJ7VzpTbV8NEhR58VRz8nYk6ezh8oI42Ol8OY/s320/S5003936.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419621691506178162" /></a><br />Well... he's been here! 7 weeks already actually! Our little <span style="font-weight:bold;">Jericho Bryven</span> (after his Grandpa's <span style="font-weight:bold;">BRY</span>ant and Ste<span style="font-weight:bold;">VEN</span>) Was Born November 2nd via C-Section (due to placenta previa). He was 8lbs. 1ounc. 22 inches long. He's more than a delight. It's just amazing to have him in our home, to feel his light, to snuggle up to, to kiss, to sing to, to dream about, to love and feel his love. We are so blessed and honored to have him come to our family. At 5 weeks he weighed in at 11lbs. 15 ounc. and was nearly 25 inches long-yahoo! He's growing strong and eating lots. He now smiles and can balance his head a bit. <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyWQt962jj4L0DXoAV7ygaEPCiowDvI2saZGXEPy0rS1Sj-QsHk0Di7GDv3Ht5CuY77DW7R997vEGxzWLnKXw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />He appears to have his Daddy's big blue eyes, his Grandpa's temperaments, He's just perfect.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EoYd5S3DOcPt-l-etctN1KCNCNo640gUDeL_TqcXdG02MAYGgZTJAKBQSGUfm1k1w7QLmP3wBDG5YVU7rgJ0jqpc1lQmUXK6RaNInmMtoImVoZZ2jVvhCbj1oR4yy9of6yMwh-fgARw/s1600-h/S5004541_2_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4EoYd5S3DOcPt-l-etctN1KCNCNo640gUDeL_TqcXdG02MAYGgZTJAKBQSGUfm1k1w7QLmP3wBDG5YVU7rgJ0jqpc1lQmUXK6RaNInmMtoImVoZZ2jVvhCbj1oR4yy9of6yMwh-fgARw/s320/S5004541_2_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419624519981242882" /></a><br /><br />Welcome precious Boy. We love you<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT69LVxEh0uIcWSbkA7d1V5c6Hlt-ovZR8SctxTZnBHSksKOu7MkTG5zAVomwbm1LwE1iAll5uLDeA3QyCTn46y97yoVaIuecN1i-vYu6znfNRgSDCdqOwdNM0ctMSDcX_dELt-vUPhK4/s1600-h/S5004712.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT69LVxEh0uIcWSbkA7d1V5c6Hlt-ovZR8SctxTZnBHSksKOu7MkTG5zAVomwbm1LwE1iAll5uLDeA3QyCTn46y97yoVaIuecN1i-vYu6znfNRgSDCdqOwdNM0ctMSDcX_dELt-vUPhK4/s320/S5004712.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419623398284605074" /></a><br /><br />This is indeed our merriest Christmas...<br /><br />(Sorry for the neglect in blogging, we no longer have internet at home, but are holidaying on the Texas Coast!)H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-72299582410008145772009-07-06T10:40:00.008-05:002009-07-06T19:05:56.844-05:00My head rests again on my own pillowI only have a few minutes to try and write an update before we turn over the computer for a few weeks, so I won't be able to post pictures until then...<br /><br />Two weeks ago my little gals and I boarded a plane headed to California to surprise my Grandma and Grandpa (who are serving as full time missionaries there) and visit uncles, aunts and cousins (most of whom I haven't seen in years). After a few savoring days of just being together- talking, swimming, playing, laughing, boating, etc...we drove with family to St. George where all my siblings (except Seth on his mission) and their families were waiting for a good time! We played night games, did silly improv skits, sang, laughed, went to the temple, raced mini cars, discussed the gospel, hiked the narrows at Zion National Park, took in "Annie" at Tuacahn, bumper boated, bat swung and thoroughly enjoyed just being together! Spence was able to use a voucher to fly into St. George for a few days before he had to return to take a final on his Birthday. <br /><br />Then we headed up North since I would be flying out of Salt Lake on Friday, stopping along the way for a quick visit to old Provo and sleeping in Park City. I had planned the trip a few months ago and was so sad to learn on the day I was leaving that I would be missing my nephews baptism and a chance to see more family that would be driving down from Oregon a day later. I contacted the airline only to find out that it would be an additional $374/per person to fly out Saturday or Sunday. I was heartbroken and felt sick that I was clear in Utah with my girls and would have to leave before they could see their Great Grandma Lake, my parents-in-love, my brother and sister-in-love and have a chance to enjoy being with all their little cousins- whom I knew we probably wouldn't be seeing for another year and a half. <br /><br />For some reason it was a particularly big deal emotionally to me, and against my wishes- I was crying before we drove to the airport and got on the plane. I felt so sad for my girls having to miss out on being with more family as I was taking them far away back to Texas. <br /><br />We waited for about 45 minutes on the plane before the pilot came on and said "all flights in and out of Denver have been grounded due to thunderstorms". With no explanation of what that meant we waited in the plane another hour before I heard "Those of you who were connecting to San Antonio will most likely miss your connecting flight and you may wish to rebook your flight for another day". <br /><br />That flight was the last one into San Antonio that night and the next flights for the next day were booked.<br /><br />So, needless to say we were able to see all the Lake family that came in and be there for the baptism. In addition we were also able to see all the extended family on my Dad's side for the 4th of July. <br /><br />Heaven is definitely aware of the details of our lives. And I apologize to those people who had to sleep over at the Denver airport or wait all day to try and get on a flight on my behalf, but those thunderstorms were a tender mercy for me and my gals.<br /><br />And although we had another rough day of waiting, grounded flights, racing and barely making our connecting flight by seconds, making it home around midnight,-we spent last night in our own beds. I slept in a room without my children and before I fell asleep my heart was filled with gratitude that we had been able to spend time with people so dear. And I slept wonderfully comfortable in my own bed.H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-22946025050125674012009-06-01T19:51:00.011-05:002009-06-01T22:15:40.911-05:00Big Sisters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALLC2FiiqZgrnmZAE8W7zWGXsLV_qp1s_HF_os8Om7pnNV2S_VCGDMgP6cCTi0StgQrYUNUsFy2LWG-hZVgrWl67OuM1iJcGcVwRVUq6LIIhyg8zdryXQQvjvefg0_-z7dqf0SThShr4/s1600-h/Big+Sisters.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALLC2FiiqZgrnmZAE8W7zWGXsLV_qp1s_HF_os8Om7pnNV2S_VCGDMgP6cCTi0StgQrYUNUsFy2LWG-hZVgrWl67OuM1iJcGcVwRVUq6LIIhyg8zdryXQQvjvefg0_-z7dqf0SThShr4/s320/Big+Sisters.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342527562235542050" /></a> Adelaide and Kamorah love playing house. They feed, change, sing, rock, teach, read and play with babies. For a while now they have been asking when they get to have a "real baby". <br /><br /> Well...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />the Doctor says late October<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu4iquzAExIFlWn4ZWoSpaVYmYhwvOLwtPCytBMsVJYbCTm_odR8ziMioZlMBoabsoPJSUsZ7PH2PKKU5RpK8FnzMmiRqtPzu6hg-gRXrRJc2SQNNA72kE5YzhdgN03fBb623bpXw_c8/s1600-h/ultrasound+full+body.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNu4iquzAExIFlWn4ZWoSpaVYmYhwvOLwtPCytBMsVJYbCTm_odR8ziMioZlMBoabsoPJSUsZ7PH2PKKU5RpK8FnzMmiRqtPzu6hg-gRXrRJc2SQNNA72kE5YzhdgN03fBb623bpXw_c8/s320/ultrasound+full+body.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342529301571754882" /></a><br /> 18 weeks<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMkLKZF00w3djDPLbXHWi4N33QHZjKr7CyrtF_XNVW0S20-GuIJ1-uIZ0J0EEShLooeSPfMIsjkoCwYxHqKGhQV3KYuWPJAGDxvgaNpm2d7Psduqrb7FfaG4cpSVlE3VEfXvuhdOKFBc/s1600-h/18+weeks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMkLKZF00w3djDPLbXHWi4N33QHZjKr7CyrtF_XNVW0S20-GuIJ1-uIZ0J0EEShLooeSPfMIsjkoCwYxHqKGhQV3KYuWPJAGDxvgaNpm2d7Psduqrb7FfaG4cpSVlE3VEfXvuhdOKFBc/s320/18+weeks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342529787247911762" /></a><br /><br /> 20 weeks<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMvRBcvDJsVgCRGQW7ReNqaiQbq4u9v42C5ODeAQZ1wZGUa5Qwok2qMPMWryuvSKQxJQn_9iNyOnTfqU6ltHii2xDCZGHaHqzcDRLaVltoopjqtLQxiK6Sf2NMZ1zal5sP2Wbkjm3X7s/s1600-h/20+weeks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMvRBcvDJsVgCRGQW7ReNqaiQbq4u9v42C5ODeAQZ1wZGUa5Qwok2qMPMWryuvSKQxJQn_9iNyOnTfqU6ltHii2xDCZGHaHqzcDRLaVltoopjqtLQxiK6Sf2NMZ1zal5sP2Wbkjm3X7s/s320/20+weeks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342530016368406946" /></a><br /> <br /> Gender shot...we didn't see anything? What might that mean....???<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeN3ouisyaMHj4ro-1V0MEvbuDkNV-usErSCp8-lI5kdLcnobW_EAB1YeEiifWStrt7VXM3SDk5AezYXgwH1To64Z6q4mjChOduegHWzoI0qeWMZ18EWk4wH39lUO6jIrEqCMZfCrZe8/s1600-h/gender+ultrasound%3F.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeN3ouisyaMHj4ro-1V0MEvbuDkNV-usErSCp8-lI5kdLcnobW_EAB1YeEiifWStrt7VXM3SDk5AezYXgwH1To64Z6q4mjChOduegHWzoI0qeWMZ18EWk4wH39lUO6jIrEqCMZfCrZe8/s320/gender+ultrasound%3F.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342532426598047138" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">And we feel heaven blessed</span>.H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-79611378337169351502009-05-25T12:46:00.007-05:002009-05-25T13:42:28.471-05:00Bring Him Home<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/CFbsZu7ZN7A' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/CFbsZu7ZN7A'/></object></p><p>This song has long been a family favorite but I had a particularly moving experience today while watching our traditional National Memorial Day Concert. Colm Wilkinson, the classic Broadway Jean Valjean, performed this song in a different setting. He is older now, grayer, more wrinkled, yet maintains the beautiful control and emotional captivation in his voice. For me he does more than perform this song, for a moment he becomes it. He sang this song surrounded by the names of fallen soldiers and in the presence of veterans,wounded soldiers and families. It overwhelmed me. To think of one willing to give their life for another. The thought that so many have already done that for me. The selfless pleading to God to spare someone else. The undeserving grace bestowed upon us from earthly and heavenly beings.
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<br />I am grateful to have been able to visit the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. After viewing a stirring video of eye witness accounts you begin walking through fields of photos of soldiers, reading their stories and feeling of the tragedies. It is probably the closest I have felt to understanding what war must be like and feeling at least a bit of what sacrifice has been made. While walking from one section to the next you walk down a bridge like structure and immediately find yourself facing this picture in a larger than life size.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rWNr5nYOXxpqcPFM7avtXBUwRIj4HPbazv_HIeP8shIE_VAcgo7WuHgfwSwI0NbJY3mr9kFsi0HacZFavEU_qGnBFp9SVXxSwN7GuOs1czQPHH9dtX9XrMEXLsUuhOzRPUSRPggPDa4/s1600-h/S5001626.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rWNr5nYOXxpqcPFM7avtXBUwRIj4HPbazv_HIeP8shIE_VAcgo7WuHgfwSwI0NbJY3mr9kFsi0HacZFavEU_qGnBFp9SVXxSwN7GuOs1czQPHH9dtX9XrMEXLsUuhOzRPUSRPggPDa4/s400/S5001626.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339833643109108626" /></a>
<br />
<br /> It took my breath away. It actually felt like we were one of them on the boats, getting ready to jump off and face the shore of D-Day at Normandy. I didn't want to walk any further.
<br />
<br />I wonder if <span style="font-style:italic;">they</span> knew what was facing them? I almost wanted to yell out, "don't get off"! And although real life would've been in color, I imagine it felt much like this picture, dark and desperate-lacking the joys and color of life- bleak, unforgiving, black and white war. Of course we know this moment to be many soldiers last, as they walked into horror on the death filled shoreline.
<br />
<br />They say we thank our fallen heros by living each day in gratitude, recognizing the precious gift of life and freedom. To those heros: <span style="font-weight:bold;">thank</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">you</span>... today and always, I pray to be worthy of that gift you have given me at such a high cost.</p></div>H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-3646410545737969572009-05-25T12:23:00.001-05:002009-05-25T12:23:11.320-05:00American War Heroes Tribute<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/MyMXL9sV218' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/MyMXL9sV218'/></object></p><p>Because we all need to take a few minutes to contemplate the high cost paid for the freedom we enjoy</p></div>H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-54423645021210321552009-04-11T21:31:00.015-05:002009-04-13T20:40:08.692-05:00What A Spring Break!Some call us crazy, but for Spring break we loaded our little family into our van and started East! We knew we wanted to head towards Florida and stop in a few places along our way, but we wanted to be <span style="font-weight: bold;">spontaneous</span>, so we only actually planned 2 nights of our week long stay. We got plenty prepared with maps, information, city to do lists, camping gear and loads of food...we figured if all else failed, we could always find somewhere to put up a tent, or sleep in our van. So we ventured out-not knowing beforehand the things which we should do! <br /><br />And <span style="font-weight: bold;">what a blast we had</span>! Thanks to cheap camp sites and priceline's 11pm same day reservations, we were able to stay in awesome locations on a small budget! We stayed in Baton Rouge-LA, New Orleans-LA, Pensacola-FL and Destin Beach-FL, stopping at nearly every beach and historical marker along the way! There is far too much to post about this trip, so I thought I'd start with a few of the videos I took. I'll sort through the mounds of pictures later...(I'll do everything later right..wink wink).<br /><br />Needless to say, it was one of those...relationship strengthening-(come back so much more in love), entire family entertaining, educational, peaceful, exhilarating, spiritual, reflective, exhausting, always going to remember, perfect time and money spent- kind of family vacations. <br /><br /><object id="BLOG_video-FAILED" class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="FAILED" height="266" width="320"></object><object id="BLOG_video-FAILED" class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="FAILED" height="266" width="320"></object><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyzA50rzRwluWXnBA5LBQ1YseTSTjdN3CgtOiBZOA-auc4CtUPYBgc_DQRvIgA5T_b_tM3qAV3tNG3oD_TTbw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzvYXDLIY53s1JevuWJ477KphdbUhYDBnXTfevFlfZydDo9SwEuOTcJeSCPLn2TJ3r9MBwLhdB_YbgoEXg-Wg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZR-KIjExoY65F2leK4JEyRFeetEZV1OXFp2wd-AmNR74numYF90Y_Q_ysj5YUxVZZ0x11Dz9ZxzxhT7iraA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyi2x1AeNqm-vAEJ8bJL8qQoO2TR24G1WhU12T6wgvi4K0YwvvEbz156GzzkvwRlr8uXh9YsuItNVqEJuVmQw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-60428721417122346282009-04-11T21:09:00.001-05:002009-04-11T21:09:47.880-05:00 CREATE<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/RhLlnq5yY7k' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/RhLlnq5yY7k'/></object></p></div>H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-75915896101305815512009-03-20T22:15:00.016-05:002009-03-20T22:49:09.329-05:00Silence from this 3 year old is never a good thing...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOO8V0vN9iKsTjMCPkVO7tlXNuDOWQf2-MTL04K7i8bIF5VNnY9oLRDuc9i0SI0fTp0bt3SJENccWp2bclBaxnM_0k4ut4QXBa9-4Ww0mr3dJ7UfOow5MFK2NoslepZBOTQyCujVaVJo/s1600-h/long+hair+addy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOO8V0vN9iKsTjMCPkVO7tlXNuDOWQf2-MTL04K7i8bIF5VNnY9oLRDuc9i0SI0fTp0bt3SJENccWp2bclBaxnM_0k4ut4QXBa9-4Ww0mr3dJ7UfOow5MFK2NoslepZBOTQyCujVaVJo/s320/long+hair+addy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315477849943282898" /></a><br /><br />Mom wonders why the sudden silence from her 3 year old...<br /><br />Mom calls from the other room:"Hey Addz, whatcha doin in there?" <br /><br />Daughter suspiciously replies:"Nothing" <br /><br />Now skeptical, Mom makes her way to a newly closed door, opens it-<br /><br />Mom: Big Gasp! <br /><br />3 Year old:"I wanted short hair like you Mom"...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77WQR8L-cYC1DLTU1QTyMmjUHYcOCtrOwVctk_lCB-p_84F7l9Xsa3CiDnpHg3MxpPIgcyTxmd7PTW0lW9Pt-_m9cQRxSLv-bSrgS-kMRjwQj0qrpnUBt8MZoATmTqG5hewvNz_1N5aI/s1600-h/S5001529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77WQR8L-cYC1DLTU1QTyMmjUHYcOCtrOwVctk_lCB-p_84F7l9Xsa3CiDnpHg3MxpPIgcyTxmd7PTW0lW9Pt-_m9cQRxSLv-bSrgS-kMRjwQj0qrpnUBt8MZoATmTqG5hewvNz_1N5aI/s320/S5001529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315477023609752546" /></a>Self cut hairdo<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOPSnX1B5SGOE3fUZiN6EpRASlF4gH98XBqJ9gS6yQdh3DCV9werYtadyLvD49sEcjOyYTyVtF1WSoBgWM_a9hNVUj7OJw1fXZBBNG6VB9hhnk3tBgiqAJ49OJviQTo_VCMG0JoUJSP8/s1600-h/S5001532.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOPSnX1B5SGOE3fUZiN6EpRASlF4gH98XBqJ9gS6yQdh3DCV9werYtadyLvD49sEcjOyYTyVtF1WSoBgWM_a9hNVUj7OJw1fXZBBNG6VB9hhnk3tBgiqAJ49OJviQTo_VCMG0JoUJSP8/s320/S5001532.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315476759057729074" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR0DnNCx40wMjbcrF9m5Lyj-DWB9cOHhIStk3c4Q1OL-w54QR-BhuLP7uHirwJXK5FRYu8bf2mcK0bwGerPqDbvVVJr1NrS7iXwE2hhNM1X7PBYr_ZR8EX7sNIdZmcUjr10nXHvD1LMI/s1600-h/S5001536.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR0DnNCx40wMjbcrF9m5Lyj-DWB9cOHhIStk3c4Q1OL-w54QR-BhuLP7uHirwJXK5FRYu8bf2mcK0bwGerPqDbvVVJr1NrS7iXwE2hhNM1X7PBYr_ZR8EX7sNIdZmcUjr10nXHvD1LMI/s320/S5001536.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315476537647941906" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mom's fixer cut hairdo<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Like Mother like daughter :)H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-80351455125530631602009-02-25T23:14:00.019-06:002009-02-26T23:20:04.384-06:00It's been a long time, but this past week....<span style="font-style:italic;">You could have found me...<br /></span><br />Early Morning Reading with Adelaide (crying over Dr. Seuss's "Oh' The Places You'll Go" )<br /><br />Hearing simple testimony from my sweetheart<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmDtl9l6WNVmOEKGAIUg-egpvCEeDYUR4THb1o4nk9jXis28VWalazlcV5WAgZ1JLCyx7ERe6oxXkH6X5nMxwKfZ9GEWt8r6N5KLR3RbQQfboC1pAY19Ya4FulWYpTTuUm4ItZ6D78-I/s1600-h/S5001417.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmDtl9l6WNVmOEKGAIUg-egpvCEeDYUR4THb1o4nk9jXis28VWalazlcV5WAgZ1JLCyx7ERe6oxXkH6X5nMxwKfZ9GEWt8r6N5KLR3RbQQfboC1pAY19Ya4FulWYpTTuUm4ItZ6D78-I/s200/S5001417.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306988883219764946" /></a>Taking in My first Texas Rodeo and Stock show with a handsome feller<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pjl7XOEF_b43xgW5DBT8XrF5FULqN_xFpJ-VbZyDSQy_zX1y95fJCg6phfOipGLIvmmE_1rseD9yVl0KoGeulRDWrcZYoT9U1qhLATByQ7elroDYTpM9OKowsiwEdRkN4Iw8uSTzKVY/s1600-h/S5001419.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Pjl7XOEF_b43xgW5DBT8XrF5FULqN_xFpJ-VbZyDSQy_zX1y95fJCg6phfOipGLIvmmE_1rseD9yVl0KoGeulRDWrcZYoT9U1qhLATByQ7elroDYTpM9OKowsiwEdRkN4Iw8uSTzKVY/s200/S5001419.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306996237955405714" /></a><br /><br />Changing Kamorah's crib to a big girl bed after a few floor-thumping attempted escapes<br /><br />Savoring chocolate covered strawberries from my lover<br /><br />Swinging with my daughters<br /><br />Playing pretend grandma to my daughters babies<br /><br />Holding hands as a family, strolling in the park<br /> <br />Planning and preparing for New Beginnings<br /><br />Teaching the YW how to do different hair braids and sharing with them the life of one of my heroes,<a href="http://www.cameronandelisabeth.blogspot.com/"> Elizabeth</a><br /><br />Cleaning the church Saturday mornings<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf_1jH5mx2hcN01mIDvMK3UE5TvfuvbfgmFtA2XmrOcgMHN4CAERAZlpX5nIQ5oAGy68nTRGocUFURbwd5POX5m_np3K9jhMHIshcTxNUs4Fi0lflBbj6Ex_4iccpIbZjerVI5DP5uqE/s1600-h/S5001351.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf_1jH5mx2hcN01mIDvMK3UE5TvfuvbfgmFtA2XmrOcgMHN4CAERAZlpX5nIQ5oAGy68nTRGocUFURbwd5POX5m_np3K9jhMHIshcTxNUs4Fi0lflBbj6Ex_4iccpIbZjerVI5DP5uqE/s200/S5001351.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306987448901496834" /></a>Embracing the help of my assistant, Adelaide, and cracking up at her insistence in doing her "job" of putting away the silverware<br /><br />Reflecting on memories as a friend departed, I love you Grandma Tink! Till we meet again! <br /><br />Sitting together as A Young Women's Presidency in the temple- I consider it an honor to work with such women<br /><br />Filing my taxes (yahoo, they're done!) and making plans for the refund (savings!)<br /><br />Sharing a huge $4 stack of nachos from Chachos with my very own Chacho<br /><br />Praising the magic eraser that cleaned pen drawings off my counter-top<br /><br />Finding joy in my daughters learning- Adelaide being able to write by herself, her name and mine. Kamorah exploring any word I ask her to say, and pushing with excitement on the toilet.<br /><br />Contemplating the YW's challenge to "lead the world to a return to virtue" and how to help them catch that vision<br /><br />Listening to Kamorah's first prayer, recited from her prompter Adelaide<br /><br />Sobbing over "The Secret Life of Bees" (don't watch the first few scenes, I couldn't-too disturbing) then kneeling by my daughters beds, praying they know how I cherish them<br /><br />Reading a few (ever-motivating) conference talks, Always needing a reminder to <a href="http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-2,00.html">SIMPLIFY</a><br /><br />Playing Hide and Seek <br /><br />Taking time (as brief as it may have been) to be holy.<br /><br />DVR-ing and watching (late at night with my sweets)-American Idol and The Biggest Loser<br /><br />Laughing with wonderful friends in church meetings.(just the meetings-not the actual service, you think you'd know the gal) (;<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF17uyQY-ZZVAdb5NECFAiMup3XVr2VT9EY9vJp8CsqTZvS-t0L7FdodA_Xw2i68TUEsYtdAGyW6wBAd8qzvx5cpk7es0nixyx2G7niNMwaGcJwhDfaZpegxbo6D72GmBX23OKyDCqsxM/s1600-h/S5001412.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF17uyQY-ZZVAdb5NECFAiMup3XVr2VT9EY9vJp8CsqTZvS-t0L7FdodA_Xw2i68TUEsYtdAGyW6wBAd8qzvx5cpk7es0nixyx2G7niNMwaGcJwhDfaZpegxbo6D72GmBX23OKyDCqsxM/s200/S5001412.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306989090550146914" /></a><br />Giggling at Kamorah being her jokester, thinks she can do anything, little character<br /><br />Cleaning out my voice inbox<br /><br />Being up in the early hours of the morning with a sick child, happy to give her comfort and care, wishing it were me instead<br /><br />(Subsequently) Cleaning up a few "accidents" and bathing gals multiple times in a day<br /> <br />Keeping track of my families Biggest Loser competition<br /><br />Running away from ducks<br /><br />Stressing a bit over how best to communicate and delegate responsibilities <br /><br />Reading some of "Number the Stars"-Lois Lowry<br /><br />Unsuccessfully highlighting my hair- what was supposed to be caramel-light "Beyonce" brown, turning into brass orange... covering it up to make the final product: red auburney mixed highlights instead. But you know what, I'm embracing it!<br /> <br />Being captivated by a true history lover and story teller, my sweetheart speaking to the cub scouts about America<br /><br />Daily "flying pillows" making in our mother daughter bed making<br /><br />Doing my Total Body Work out from the BYU channel<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAyi_7rxeUg9MjMgL_NqSwjBeBSpQdm5GSZBllpt2T46z7LkVTjZh6qunqAT19YZhAzf8txCJEQnWxPsPLXhmGBC09DQaRqDFzGBaCitocJcrLZbSe6Oc2rLGGXernqSSc71hLPUwu0s/s1600-h/S5001355.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAyi_7rxeUg9MjMgL_NqSwjBeBSpQdm5GSZBllpt2T46z7LkVTjZh6qunqAT19YZhAzf8txCJEQnWxPsPLXhmGBC09DQaRqDFzGBaCitocJcrLZbSe6Oc2rLGGXernqSSc71hLPUwu0s/s200/S5001355.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306986921294043410" /></a>Getting a new crock-pot ("how could I live with out you...I want to know..") Good job finding that Babe!<br /><br />Visiting the enchanting <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.treasureislandtexas.net/gallery.html">Treasure Island</a></span>, pretending I lived there and taking in an estate sale<br /><br />Making hair bows with my gals<br /><br />Seeing two Young Women perform as the leads in their High School Musical<br /><br />Talking with my Mom for hours about how I can be a better leader, and getting inspired advice<br /><br />Trying <span style="font-style:italic;">again</span> to please everyone all of the time and realizing <span style="font-style:italic;">again</span>, that it's not possible- and that I need to not worry so much about it. Slowly but surely, I am learning the fine art of freedom from feeling judged.<br /><br />Feeling so incredibly grateful, so happy, so glad to be where I am at in this moment of lifeH-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-54781681689416280932009-01-30T12:39:00.004-06:002009-01-30T13:56:27.356-06:00Say Yes!<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/_fbblj8hbKM' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/_fbblj8hbKM'/></object></p><p>This youth celebration was exciting, uplifting and motivating! I was so thrilled to see the church make such an effort to collaborate the talents and testimonies of our amazing youth to share with youth around the world! Since I watched a few weeks ago it has become a part of me and my family-we have downloaded all the songs and find ourselves bursting out in song and dance (and occassionally tears). ;) I had to post about it when this morning I overheard my precious Addy singing enthusiastically to herself: "If you feel like all you say is no, don't let go...o o oh, you will eat insactly what you sowt (you will reap exactly what you sow), don't let go... So we say Yes! Yes! Yes to Happiness! Yes, we're livin stronger!" ...then later... " there's a choice, a choice to be grateful a choice to gain knowledge, a choice to be clean!"
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<br />And my eyes swelled again.
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<br />I've heard some say it's cheesy... but if cheesy can bring an enlightenment of the spirit, motivation to be better, and pure sweet joy, bring on the cheese! The more I listen to it and reflect on the words, the closer I feel to Heaven. Enjoy</p></div>
<br />Go <a href="http://abrandnewyear.lds.org/">HERE</a> to see and hear more!H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-6313334480578769132009-01-30T12:18:00.002-06:002009-01-30T12:20:02.801-06:00Elder Holland to the Youth <div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/5QCGfHRuCII' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/5QCGfHRuCII'/></object></p></div>H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-28972695370064097742009-01-14T22:19:00.002-06:002009-01-15T01:10:30.949-06:00My Brother Nate...I love you<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXQ9LElejjWZ2Q9GFmaKGqizgyWpiED5DqNdR4gwvKuSFvE7yXCBLPZZ9o4OhCFqpiWcipA6NPB6S1MHJgzFHq9qp0lXdnSUH1rbYvjWV7uxTcB9oNlCzf5EZQvRP9h-KIjgfkx85Z-w/s1600-h/S5000850.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXQ9LElejjWZ2Q9GFmaKGqizgyWpiED5DqNdR4gwvKuSFvE7yXCBLPZZ9o4OhCFqpiWcipA6NPB6S1MHJgzFHq9qp0lXdnSUH1rbYvjWV7uxTcB9oNlCzf5EZQvRP9h-KIjgfkx85Z-w/s200/S5000850.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289805184573518706" /></a>
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<br />Of course I have a few dozen back posts a waiting as I have been gone from my home for 3 weeks and gone from blogging for even longer... and I <span style="font-weight:bold;">know</span> you must all be desperate to see our hundreds of photos taken over the holidays-wink wink, but...
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<br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM68bm5MFl9mLQz-5YcLzhyphenhyphens17adrjJky-hP1_A8J3ISom6rp8sP6aTfiX8FSNEGBM3xubSElnwqrvZnXVTkhMW_bZIn42AI5ZVEpHuN6vSkWF6-miK-r7xZJidjBDbnUD9Zjoyp5zRyI/s200/S5000713.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289798366821342114" /></a
<br />I have to start with<span style="font-weight:bold;"> NATE</span>. We have been blessed to have my little brother, Nathan, live with us for the past few months. He is a delight. An optimistic, loyal, helpful, hard working, hilarious, talented, passionate, clever, handsomely fellow whom my daughters adore and I cherish. He'll be leaving our home in just over a week to pursue another path. I don't think he (or we) have any idea how greatly he will be missed.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTno9LFK_ge2lMaN1-nrjYr0oz9_2b4ZuMGHf_vON-w1x76390gHPhmlf6LUf_8STvGwGW2PAb0m-EGPAVB0WMsP6hjNFsKP1wjO-Vxprn_XTitVMPflOkwXfhHPxg0v_wA3_SFL1fafk/s1600-h/S5000867.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTno9LFK_ge2lMaN1-nrjYr0oz9_2b4ZuMGHf_vON-w1x76390gHPhmlf6LUf_8STvGwGW2PAb0m-EGPAVB0WMsP6hjNFsKP1wjO-Vxprn_XTitVMPflOkwXfhHPxg0v_wA3_SFL1fafk/s200/S5000867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291414083950060066" /></a>I hope I don't embarrass him with my honesty, but I've learned a lot from Nate these past few months. I've learned and thought a lot about how differently we all make choices, how specifically we are influenced and challenged, and how personally we are encircled in the arms of Mercy. I've appreciated more the virtue of Hope and the ability to feel <span style="font-style:italic;">real </span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Christ-like</span> love. You See, Nate isn't your conventional LDS youth. Some of his choices have been different from gospel standards. His path has lead him down some rough roads with unique challenges and trials. I'm not certain all that he has learned or decided for himself, but I know he has come to know the reality of the grip of the adversary and the sweet refuge of the Master. Watching, listening to, and praying for Nate has made me think more about who I am and how seriously I am seeking to serve and love others as our precious Savior does.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEicvNHz5IZr6zgUGwrHoEN_5-J_o-iccdUeBcaVNULPNIJSHERyEt2F9gDBPJW1g3tdvrgqiSrs4Xh-t0erqZ3aLcl361_hOFVLVwxPnasayavMZN2SOv9OtiMelFnjLf6d6pkbbKSJ0/s1600-h/6431000.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEicvNHz5IZr6zgUGwrHoEN_5-J_o-iccdUeBcaVNULPNIJSHERyEt2F9gDBPJW1g3tdvrgqiSrs4Xh-t0erqZ3aLcl361_hOFVLVwxPnasayavMZN2SOv9OtiMelFnjLf6d6pkbbKSJ0/s200/6431000.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291413306401896802" /></a>I was extremely inspired by the spirit and words of Elder Holland (one of my most cherished Apostle) in this weeks <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/0,5143,705277304,00.html">BYU devotional</a>. He encouraged us to "Remember Lot's wife" (<a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/17/32#32">Luke 17:32</a>). 'He referenced the biblical story from Genesis, where Lot and his family fled at daybreak from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot's wife ignored God's command to "look not behind thee" and — upon looking back — turned into a pillar of salt'(Deseret News).
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<br />Elder Holland Said,
<br /> "It isn't just that she looked back — she looked back longingly,...In short, her attachment to the past outweighed her confidence in the future. That, apparently, was at least part of her sin...."
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<br /> "We remember that faith is always pointed toward the future — faith always has to do with blessing and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives. So a more theological way to talk about Lot's wife is to say she did not have faith. She doubted the Lord's ability to give her something better than she had. Apparently she thought — fatally as it turned out — that nothing that lay ahead could possibly be as good as those moments she was leaving behind."
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<br /> " Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change — and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is it hope? Yes! Is it charity? Yes! Above all it is charity, the pure love of Christ..."
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<br /> "Dismiss the destructive and keep dismissing it, until the beauty of the atonement of Christ has revealed to you your bright future, and the bright future of your family and your friends and your neighbors..."
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<br /> " God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as he does about where you are, and with his help, where you are willing to go."
<br />(*For those of you who get BYU Television it will be rebroadcast on <a href="http://www.byutv.org/schedule/?tz=-7&startdate=1%2F25%2F2009&enddate=1%2F25%2F2009&radiotime=all&topic=&keyword=devotional&createcustom=true&v=range">Sunday January 25th at 8:00am, 4:00pm, and 10:00pm</a>*)
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<br />How grateful I am to be allowed to change my way, improve my vision, look to the future with faith- and move forward! Thanks be to heaven for the plan of Happiness, for the Plan of Growth and Change! For the gift of living in families. I am honored to be a sister to Nate. To have his friendship and confidence. To have been allowed to be part of his journey. To know him how he is and how he can become. To be able to encourage each other in our quest for joy- stepping back at times- allowing agency, that we might claim joy for ourselves through Christ.
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<br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbHMhJXwI3tDGkPQKPognfHcWWjpC_5m_szfKLp16r3X3O_HEGhx_LsCHtONwvMGo4GedpsLJLjTXE7mkCnIsK0RcPrTsi_mGb0vZoCi9GE5QTPeCf__gSWZaBtbMtKbV89WsqALqQ3M/s200/S5000915.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289805812319593010" /></a>I love you Nate, forever. Press on dear brother.
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<br />Sara
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<br />H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3861635362011499582.post-62661690101843064812008-11-28T21:37:00.001-06:002008-12-09T00:16:52.232-06:00One of My Graces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuM8mKtYsQ_HBUzkeTqjOm7BYMO526lovO3L_wpAPS5OdCSww0i_mENu5iTCCVlZdy4K6PQUXfx7pVno7K76R1usnHo985Fz0X7r9IApxaYUw1stnq44yQIzXoBvnZ5t_FEHinmCt0rs/s1600-h/S5000497_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuM8mKtYsQ_HBUzkeTqjOm7BYMO526lovO3L_wpAPS5OdCSww0i_mENu5iTCCVlZdy4K6PQUXfx7pVno7K76R1usnHo985Fz0X7r9IApxaYUw1stnq44yQIzXoBvnZ5t_FEHinmCt0rs/s400/S5000497_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277664131959051042" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaZpm4xWUSOA-tYrm-MD9nEMOu3FfXn85N7ds-ScnCSPRSqBvLLzV5j39elBqCzoXqey9-VuYBvmMe2sGy6_6X6ZD-2pnNFKJWjntHP0_irhMDxcMdoxt1uYKDuUjCu6fLm6YJ_slaZ4/s1600-h/zoomer.fpg.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaZpm4xWUSOA-tYrm-MD9nEMOu3FfXn85N7ds-ScnCSPRSqBvLLzV5j39elBqCzoXqey9-VuYBvmMe2sGy6_6X6ZD-2pnNFKJWjntHP0_irhMDxcMdoxt1uYKDuUjCu6fLm6YJ_slaZ4/s200/zoomer.fpg.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277658953479723794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7DKjXPPlefaOYOGdAgglEt0FYDUr-tg-KbAvxLkqWaT6tXOAH8Bm4bO1Qn5Dgyg8PYlPfytOvDRB4B22OlhJJnnbVsreVKqXP-owCJ_TtA2TTROzy1_6E_wUjpc2s4HsGhwzv36HS0M/s1600-h/S5000598.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7DKjXPPlefaOYOGdAgglEt0FYDUr-tg-KbAvxLkqWaT6tXOAH8Bm4bO1Qn5Dgyg8PYlPfytOvDRB4B22OlhJJnnbVsreVKqXP-owCJ_TtA2TTROzy1_6E_wUjpc2s4HsGhwzv36HS0M/s200/S5000598.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277655440810871058" /></a><br />Three years ago we welcomed her into our world, arms and forever family. We gave her the middle name Grace. That she might be a woman of grace "elegance and beauty of movement or expression,seemliness; a sense of propriety and consideration for others; a disposition to kindness and compassion" (Dashboard Dictionary). And most importantly, that she might always remember her greatest of gifts, the unmerited gift of Grace from our Savior.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn6GPrDVVUYnYGE0eqFThAdjfxYkyGka0oO5cTQucBBoLY2TD3215vYG7AtVKF_zZgQox3xrwAg48eb1rVafWYwo1WL9lQVLMFmlsymcJDQalQVt2yP5lGMoqMxC5XQcyqBtNFzHNLC4/s1600-h/S5000618.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn6GPrDVVUYnYGE0eqFThAdjfxYkyGka0oO5cTQucBBoLY2TD3215vYG7AtVKF_zZgQox3xrwAg48eb1rVafWYwo1WL9lQVLMFmlsymcJDQalQVt2yP5lGMoqMxC5XQcyqBtNFzHNLC4/s200/S5000618.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277663849981389170" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrGKqKXYFY0nuH2G6ZwhYdZu0U1-vNvdyJNb7N1Ik9RCzRrhwbSDLeorUYasD5tW-shyQxkFTI90gv2eLYVMBHhQAmlvFCQ4sP5xSTaHqj7cRooUuv2jZznKxTkDa6Mz1rH7xJcqwLTg/s1600-h/S5000615.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrGKqKXYFY0nuH2G6ZwhYdZu0U1-vNvdyJNb7N1Ik9RCzRrhwbSDLeorUYasD5tW-shyQxkFTI90gv2eLYVMBHhQAmlvFCQ4sP5xSTaHqj7cRooUuv2jZznKxTkDa6Mz1rH7xJcqwLTg/s200/S5000615.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277656739268259650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeHiQ1QR7CE4ESB4kZJxTUZayrgljxvbd9l482rH_Obmw27bylBBI_CgAc887dyki6Hy1IXh9a9AxcCmMhbM4kUvWQ-T_2Pe_W7P-BX1y-5AFIWOKalbN01QAMmvaNjEayM2hUkmIMqc/s1600-h/S5000623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeHiQ1QR7CE4ESB4kZJxTUZayrgljxvbd9l482rH_Obmw27bylBBI_CgAc887dyki6Hy1IXh9a9AxcCmMhbM4kUvWQ-T_2Pe_W7P-BX1y-5AFIWOKalbN01QAMmvaNjEayM2hUkmIMqc/s200/S5000623.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277656589623779778" /></a><br />Our celebration of her birth included a day as a Princess, A daddy-daughter date, a Pinkalicious party with friends, some homemade gifts and lots of love and gratitude. <br /><br /> Adelaide is full of faith, ever asking, ever trying, every singing-reading-teaching-dancing-pretending-learning- loving...<br /><br />She is quick to remind us of divine grace and often prays "please bless us that Jesus can live with us".<br /><br />Truly, she has graced us with her presence and I am honored to be her mother. <br /><br />Here's to being three!<br /><br />I Love you Adz.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxJaEwJa3RCxMqiOWPnqzVbsxnKv7rOnQR7fePkClXmMX-zrYviplztM96p-Dug4BX6SxYKqId_FZiRpS3r1w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>H-less http://www.blogger.com/profile/05337295751189209822noreply@blogger.com9