The Plan Worked

Yesterday we had a really good Sunday! I had made a plan and prayed a lot yesterday that we could feel the Spirit and keep the Sabbath day holy as a family. Heavenly Father blessed us with a day that went great. We had family council and scripture study. We studied as individuals, contacted extended family, listened to hymns, sang hymns, obtained a list of the widows in the ward, colored while listening to Conference talks, and walked around the temple. Benjamin did family history work and got several names ready to take to the temple. Of course, we held Adelynn and soaked in the special spirit she brings into our home straight from heaven. We enjoyed just being with each other! We have an awesome family!!!

What a joy Adelynn has been in our family!!! She is so calm and sweet! I just love nursing her and holding her. She is very alert and loves bonding with the family when she is awake. We just can't love and hold her enough!!

Meaningful Sabbaths

Today in sacrament meeting we were asked to really improve our reverence. We are usually a little early; however, we think we should be a little more earlier. That way we can sit down and truly reflect on our Savior and renewing our covenants. We are going to be better prepared before we leave for church by having family scripture study and listening to hymns. I will make sure I have time for prayers that aren't rushed and time for quiet reflection and repentance. If our hearts are truly broken and contrite, if we are truly focused on partaking of the sacrament our family's reverence with naturally improve.

After naps and meals on Sunday we sometimes go visiting, hold family councils, review individual goals, and/or watch a nature documentary. However, there is still a lot of room for improving keeping the Sabbath holy. Keeping seven children or various ages and stages active in worthy Sabbath activities can be challenging. I would also like to fit in extra scripture study and contemplation on Sundays. So I need to plan better.

This evening Jaremy and Benjamin organized family photos. Jessica, Natalie, Tank, and I worked on humanitarian baby blankets. It was good, but I need to better to involve everyone in a meaningful Sabbath activity. So tonight I'm praying for Heavenly Father's guidance as a make a Sabbath plan. I'm excited! I think we will see and feel a big difference in our family's spirituality as we strive to keep His day more holy. Of course, this excitement and eagerness comes from the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful for the encouragement instead of a feeling a overwhelming.

Family Council

This evening we have worked on memorizing scriptures as a family. We have a list with a scripture, passage, or poem for about every week of the year. If we all memorize all the passages on the list we will go to San Diego at the beginning of next year. Fun! I love working together and personally to memorize.

We also held a brief family council to discuss our morning schedule for the coming school year and our workout schedule. Tomorrow we are jogging 5.5 miles. About a week ago I jogged (Jaremy calls it wogging - half waddle, half jog) 4 miles for the first time in my life. I am excited, especially considering I'm 5 months pregnant.

Heavenly Father has blessed me with an awesome family. Together He has blessed us to be able to do amazing things. And I hope we are only scratching the surface of what we will accomplish and become in the future. We want to build His kingdom and serve His children more and more.