Bonus Blessings

Jaremy has been blessed with a large bonus this year!  Because of it we are now out of debt (except for the house).  We are going to be able to buy a year's supply of basic food (grains, beans, oil, sugar, powered milk) and the shelves and buckets that will require.  Plus we bought some other things to replace items around the house.  What a blessing Heavenly Father has sent us!  We are trying to be wise with our money and obey the counsel of the prophets.  The Lord has opened up ways for us to do that!

Everyday I realize I need to become less selfish.  I'm not here to do anything, but serve my family and others.  I don't need appreciation, recognition, or control.  I just need to bless those around me and let them choose what they will.  I just need to love and serve them!

Sore Legs

On Saturday, Jaremy and I ran 5 miles down from Rose Canyon.  It was a beautiful morning!  I love running in the mountains.  I wasn't quite ready for 5 miles, but I'm glad I did it.  Today I'm a bit sore.  Yesterday we went on a little, family walk on the trails by Juniper Point.  It was beautiful!  Being with my family in the mountains is one of my favorite things!  I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me so much!!!

Grandma Zola Keller

My dear grandma, Zola Keller, died last week at 92, almost 93.  She was such a sweet, humble, simple, loving woman.  She was very accepting and loved each member of her family, no matter what choices they made.  She quietly served others and lived the gospel.  She wasn't out to impress people, just love them.  She always remembered birthdays, life events, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.   Once as a teenager I was looking at a clothes catalog and mentioned I loved plaid sports jackets (they were in then).  The next Christmas or birthday (I can't remember which) I opened a box with a plaid sports jacket inside.  She had spent hours making it for me!  She was always doing something like that.  She quietly made all her grandchildren (19 of them) pajamas for Christmas every year.  She never got cross or stressed.  On my seventh birthday my parents were in Switzerland and we were staying with babysitters at our house.  I was so homesick and miserable.  Then my grandpa and grandma came to visit with presents and a cake.  My grandma had made an adorable cake in the shape of a puppy.  She must have spent hours making it.  Then they drove over an hour to our house to visit me on my birthday.  It lit up my life that day!  It was a relief from the homesickness.  I can't believe they did that for me!  But they always did things like that for all their family members.  Grandma is such an inspiration to me.  I miss her and hope I can live worthy of meeting her again!  I'm so grateful to have the gospel and know of the plan of happiness!  I'm so glad families can be together forever!

Diligent Kids

This morning Benjamin, Moroni, and Natalie got up at 4am to study and finish their homework.  That is so hard, but they are really trying to do their best in school.  Jessica, Benjamin, and Moroni are taking difficult college-level classes.  I pray they will not get discouraged, that their reading speed and comprehension will increase, that they can manage their time wisely, and that they can conquer these very challenging courses.  I also pray they can find balance in their lives.  All these things are hard even for adults, but it is what this day and age requires, so I pray most fervently.  I know Heavenly Father blessed me in school and I know He will bless them as well. This is such a comfort when we face stretching seasons in life!

Let It Go

I started off the school year badly, in that, I nagged the big kids about their homework.  Jaremy and I talked about it.  If they want help they can ask, but their education is up to them at this point.  Of course, I hope they will succeed marvelously, but if not it is their life.  I've taught them as much as I possibly can.  I hope it is enough.  I will try to keep being an example and teacher, but not a nag.  I have reminded them everyday of their lives to say their prayers, to read their scriptures, to be safe, to be kind... I have taught them over and over how to repent, how to make good choices, how to recognize the Spirit.  I have to trust it is enough and let them choose whether to live close to the Lord or not.  They are such wonderful children I know they will.  But I've got to back off and let them test their wings, show their own initiative, set their own goals, and such.  Because of my constant harping and reminding relationships were stressed and so was I.  As a control freak it is hard to let go and let my kids just choose for themselves.  Heavenly Father lets us choose, succeed or fail, plan or wing it, pray or leave Him.  He doesn't force.  He steps back and lets us decide.  Agency is a big deal.  It's time for the three oldest to have a lot more freedom from Mom.  Yes, they still are expected to do chores, but I will not ask or remind.  They will lose money or privileges if they aren't done, but we won't lose a good relationship. They will either study hard and smart or pay the natural consequences of having a difficult time in life.  They will either work hard and earn their Eagles or Personal Progress or they will miss the blessings that would come from that.  It is their choice.  Again, I think they will do awesome! and choose well!  But they are going to be the ones earning good grades, starting their own businesses, earning their own awards and money, etc.  Self-reliance brings confidence and happiness, so I'm going to let them have that opportunity by getting out of the way, by letting it go.  I'm so excited to see what they will do, how high they will fly!  I'm so grateful Heavenly Father lets me choose, fail, succeed, come to Him, or not.  He loves us enough to not force us to follow Him even if it is the best way.  I love Him so much!

Labor Day Weekend

We were able to see Geoffrey and Amber and their family on Sunday.  It was nice to see them again.  Our little girls enjoyed playing together.  The food was excellent!  Jenni and Ryan made deviled eggs with jalapeno and cruchy bacon bits it them.  Absolutely delicious!  I hope these family gatherings help encourage and build others.  I hope they aren't just fun!

Yesterday we went to the Showcase of Homes in Park City.  It was fun to be together as a family.  The mountains are beautiful and trees are starting to change color.  The smell of the mountain air is intoxicating.  The homes were very worldly and over the top.  I love my little cottage bursting with children!!!  I'm grateful that the Gospel teaches us why we are on earth, the importance of taking care of one another, and who we really are.  When we are armed with such knowledge we don't need the world to tell us about ourselves.  We know we are children of a Heavenly King and are here to serve our brothers and sisters not promote ourselves.  I'm not saying that everyone that builds a huge home is doing that.  Everyone has different needs, perspectives, and life callings.  But I'm afraid if I had a large, fancy home my heart would be set on it and the feeling of stature it would give me.  Some people are much more humble than I am and can handle such possessions without letting it go to their head, but not I.  However, sometimes I think having a bigger home for our family (maybe the extravagance of 2 bathrooms and a dishwasher) sounds nice.  So does being able to host our large family parties.  But we can use parks or just get cozy!