Tonight Jessica and I attended General Young Women's Conference. It was wonderful to be spiritually fed. I'm so grateful for inspired leaders and the Holy Ghost.
Virtue was one of the topics. How rare in this world at this time! How precious! What an amazing gift to give one's future spouse and unborn children. The gift of purity and chastity. The gift of selflessness and closeness to God. The gift of security, peace, and true love to one's future family. I'm so grateful for chastity. It has blessed my life beyond measure. I pray I can help my dear, innocent children through a world that mocks virtue and uses every means to destroy it. I pray I can help guide them in cleanliness to the temple of our God. He has great blessings in store for those who keep themselves pure and unspotted from the world. The Lord strengthens us in His Holy House and prepares us for eternity. Eternal life with our happy families. What a blessing! One worth living for and sacraficing for. I'm so grateful for the temple and Heavenly Fathers commandments. They keep us happy and safe!
By the way, I finished a little wool vest for Tank's pioneer outfit. I can't believe I actually sewed something wearable. Yeah!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Spring is Here and Coming
Officially it's Spring. But the weather has been cold, gray, rainy, and snowy for several days now. I can't wait until we get some sunshine and warmth! But waiting will make it even more appreciated.
The kids are sick and tired of school and homework. So maybe it's a good thing the weather isn't the best for playing outside. If it was warm and inviting outside I probably would have a revolt on my hands.
We are planning a vacation during Spring Break. We are headed for the Oregon Coast! I'm so excited! The kids can't stand waiting! We are going to play on the beach, tour Japanese gardens, eat in Portland's China Town, climb to the top of lighthouses, hike, explore, and have a wonderful break from the norm. We are renting an RV trailer for our lodgings. Jaremy's been carefully studying routes and maps. I never have to worry about getting lost Jaremy memorizes the map of wherever we are going.
We just need to set some goals that will help us endure happily and productively to the end. I'm going to do a spring de-tox, finish sewing our pioneer costumes, and keep up with the basics. Oh, I'm also going to lose 3 pounds. That should keep me busy and focused!
I'm just as excited for General Conference! To prepare myself for that I want to be caught up on my callings, attend the temple twice, fast for the Spirit, and keep peace in our home. No problem! Well, with Heavenly Father's help I can be spiritually prepared to hear His word and follow His prophet in every detail!
The kids are sick and tired of school and homework. So maybe it's a good thing the weather isn't the best for playing outside. If it was warm and inviting outside I probably would have a revolt on my hands.
We are planning a vacation during Spring Break. We are headed for the Oregon Coast! I'm so excited! The kids can't stand waiting! We are going to play on the beach, tour Japanese gardens, eat in Portland's China Town, climb to the top of lighthouses, hike, explore, and have a wonderful break from the norm. We are renting an RV trailer for our lodgings. Jaremy's been carefully studying routes and maps. I never have to worry about getting lost Jaremy memorizes the map of wherever we are going.
We just need to set some goals that will help us endure happily and productively to the end. I'm going to do a spring de-tox, finish sewing our pioneer costumes, and keep up with the basics. Oh, I'm also going to lose 3 pounds. That should keep me busy and focused!
I'm just as excited for General Conference! To prepare myself for that I want to be caught up on my callings, attend the temple twice, fast for the Spirit, and keep peace in our home. No problem! Well, with Heavenly Father's help I can be spiritually prepared to hear His word and follow His prophet in every detail!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Childhood and Motherhood are Fleeting
Sometimes our lives get so packed. Run the kids here and there, visit so and so, buy such and such, grab something to eat, do this, and do that. Sometimes life is so crowded I don't know where to start. That's when I have to really prioritize. Even though there are so many people and organizations that need me, my family must be first! Even though there are so many good and important things to do, the essential ones must be first!
There are many wonderful things that I feel pressured to do because they are very good and can help people. However, I have to ask myself several questions. Have I taken care of my scripture study, my exercising, and personal grooming? Pretty basic, huh? If not, my life is out of balance and I need to drop other things. Have I been able to serve family meals? Have I been able to keep the house reasonably tidy and functional? Have I read to my children and studied the scriptures and gospel with them? Have I helped my children get to where they need to be academically, socially, physically, spiritually, developmentally? Am I unhurried enough to really enjoy cuddling, listening, helping, and observing my children? If not, more things need to be dropped.
The questions continue. Have I attended the temple at least twice a month? Have I seen to the needs of the sisters I visit and teach this month? Have I gone on a date with my husband this week? Have I had a one-on-one evening with one of my children this week? Have we held family home evening? Have we visited the elderly and encouraged and helped others this week?
I would like to learn a great deal, write children's books, do tons of family history, serve missions, help the poor more, etc., etc. All of these things are wonderful and would move me closer to Heavenly Father. I could spend lifetimes doing these things. But during this season
of my life Heavenly Father has given me seven beautiful children to nurture. This can't be done later. The time is now and moving quickly. I cannot shirk my duties at home, even if other activities are worthy. This is a small phase of my life. I must rise to the challenge and not become distracted!
Yes, I can help others outside my family. Of, course. But I must take care of my family first and foremost. My family is my eternal calling! Then I can do a bit to share the gospel, my time and talents, and resources with others. But almost all of my efforts, time, talents, devotion, and love must be with my husband and little ones right now.
When I am old or an emptynester I will keep busy doing all the other things I can only do a bit of now. But when I am old I cannot cuddle my children, kiss their bumps, tickle them, read to them, sing with them, or study their sweet faces. When my children are grown I cannot make sure their testimonies are burning within them. When I am old I can't watch their excitement as they go on the outings of youth. Now is the time!!! I miss it all ready!! It makes it easy to eliminate things from my to-do list so I can soak in this precious time!!!!
There are many wonderful things that I feel pressured to do because they are very good and can help people. However, I have to ask myself several questions. Have I taken care of my scripture study, my exercising, and personal grooming? Pretty basic, huh? If not, my life is out of balance and I need to drop other things. Have I been able to serve family meals? Have I been able to keep the house reasonably tidy and functional? Have I read to my children and studied the scriptures and gospel with them? Have I helped my children get to where they need to be academically, socially, physically, spiritually, developmentally? Am I unhurried enough to really enjoy cuddling, listening, helping, and observing my children? If not, more things need to be dropped.
The questions continue. Have I attended the temple at least twice a month? Have I seen to the needs of the sisters I visit and teach this month? Have I gone on a date with my husband this week? Have I had a one-on-one evening with one of my children this week? Have we held family home evening? Have we visited the elderly and encouraged and helped others this week?
I would like to learn a great deal, write children's books, do tons of family history, serve missions, help the poor more, etc., etc. All of these things are wonderful and would move me closer to Heavenly Father. I could spend lifetimes doing these things. But during this season
of my life Heavenly Father has given me seven beautiful children to nurture. This can't be done later. The time is now and moving quickly. I cannot shirk my duties at home, even if other activities are worthy. This is a small phase of my life. I must rise to the challenge and not become distracted!
Yes, I can help others outside my family. Of, course. But I must take care of my family first and foremost. My family is my eternal calling! Then I can do a bit to share the gospel, my time and talents, and resources with others. But almost all of my efforts, time, talents, devotion, and love must be with my husband and little ones right now.
When I am old or an emptynester I will keep busy doing all the other things I can only do a bit of now. But when I am old I cannot cuddle my children, kiss their bumps, tickle them, read to them, sing with them, or study their sweet faces. When my children are grown I cannot make sure their testimonies are burning within them. When I am old I can't watch their excitement as they go on the outings of youth. Now is the time!!! I miss it all ready!! It makes it easy to eliminate things from my to-do list so I can soak in this precious time!!!!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Dancing
How splendid is the human body! I love to stretch and move with yoga and dance! I love to jump, run, climb, hike, walk, skip, and dance. How blessed I am! My body is full of life and health! I visited with my Grandma Keller (88) today. She is restricted in movement and motion. Oh, how I wish she too could sway to music, spread her arms out, and do dog pose. I feel sometimes like I am flying! I want to move everyday of my life as much as I can. I want to help others and bring comfort to their aches and pains. I think movement helps with pain and sadness. I'm so grateful to have a body created after the image of my most loving Heavenly Father.
Japan has experienced an awful earthquake and tsunami. Sending our little donation seems like nothing. I pray for the people of Japan, especially the children.
Japan has experienced an awful earthquake and tsunami. Sending our little donation seems like nothing. I pray for the people of Japan, especially the children.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Missionary Work
I've been praying for missionary experiences for a long time. I felt I should go see Amanda Leishman and invite her to go to church with us. I was so nervous. I don't know her very well. She was my visiting teaching partner for a bit, but then became to busy. She had told me she doesn't attend Relief Society and doesn't want to. But I kept thinking about her everyday. Of course, because I was so nervous I never found the time. Finally, I realized I was being like Jonah. I was hiding from the Lord. I was hiding in the thick of thin things. So I repented and made myself go to Amanda's house. I told her I was so nervous, but I kept thinking about her. I told her I'd never asked anyone to go to church before. I was so nervous I started to cry (which I never do). Of course, that made me feel like an idiot, but I asked her to go with me to Church. She said she would. I also learned during that brief visit that they are moving, so I went over to help today.
Today Amanda shared her amazing life story and conversion with me. She has had a hard life. She has overcome so much! Her story is inspirational. I hope she knows Heavenly Father loves her so much. He is aware of her trials and will help her if she turns to Him. I can see how much He has guided her so far. Tomorrow I'm going to fast for her and put her name on the prayer role at the temple. I hope she knows we welcome her with open arms and are here to help her overcome any challenges she has. I hope we can become good friends.
Yesterday we went on a gorgeous walk. Actually, it was a jog. The kids and I jogged to River Heights and back. It was beautiful and felt so good. We were all surprised to find we had been gone an hour and twenty minutes. It just flew by! We enjoyed it so much we want to go again today with Jaremy. His knee is injured so he'll have to ride his bike. I hope he enjoys it as much as we did.
It's no secret I love the country. I've been amazed how much I love living in town too. The kids have friends close and enjoy getting together with them. We are close to everything. Walking around town is an adventure and there are so many places to explore. We are just a few minutes away from the river, mountains, canyon, and many parks. I love living in Logan too. Heavenly Father has surrounded us with beauty, comfort, friends, family, and every good thing. I'm so grateful!!!
Today Amanda shared her amazing life story and conversion with me. She has had a hard life. She has overcome so much! Her story is inspirational. I hope she knows Heavenly Father loves her so much. He is aware of her trials and will help her if she turns to Him. I can see how much He has guided her so far. Tomorrow I'm going to fast for her and put her name on the prayer role at the temple. I hope she knows we welcome her with open arms and are here to help her overcome any challenges she has. I hope we can become good friends.
Yesterday we went on a gorgeous walk. Actually, it was a jog. The kids and I jogged to River Heights and back. It was beautiful and felt so good. We were all surprised to find we had been gone an hour and twenty minutes. It just flew by! We enjoyed it so much we want to go again today with Jaremy. His knee is injured so he'll have to ride his bike. I hope he enjoys it as much as we did.
It's no secret I love the country. I've been amazed how much I love living in town too. The kids have friends close and enjoy getting together with them. We are close to everything. Walking around town is an adventure and there are so many places to explore. We are just a few minutes away from the river, mountains, canyon, and many parks. I love living in Logan too. Heavenly Father has surrounded us with beauty, comfort, friends, family, and every good thing. I'm so grateful!!!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Great Day
Today we had a story time at the nursing home. Natalie (8), Hyrum (6), Ella (4), and Tank (2) accompanied me. My how the elderly love seeing the little ones. The kids are so quick to smile, talk, and hug the residents of the nursing homes and their Great Grandma Butler. They loved sharing their books with all of their "grandparents."
After the kids came home from school we went to the store and bought Benjamin a fishing license, pole, and bait. We took neighborhood friends and all our kids to First Dam. The oldest boys fished while the rest of us fed the ducks and geese.
I've been reading President Monson's biography and listening to Parley P. Pratt's autobiography. Both are inspirational! They inspire me to lengthen my stride, reach out to others, and stand up to be counted.
This evening the kids had their friends over to make banana splits. It's been a great day!!
Jaremy's in Pittsburg on business for ICON. We will go pick him up tomorrow at the airport. I miss him! The kids are out of school tomorrow, so we can hang out a bit in Salt Lake. Looks like tomorrow's shaping up to be another terrific day!
After the kids came home from school we went to the store and bought Benjamin a fishing license, pole, and bait. We took neighborhood friends and all our kids to First Dam. The oldest boys fished while the rest of us fed the ducks and geese.
I've been reading President Monson's biography and listening to Parley P. Pratt's autobiography. Both are inspirational! They inspire me to lengthen my stride, reach out to others, and stand up to be counted.
This evening the kids had their friends over to make banana splits. It's been a great day!!
Jaremy's in Pittsburg on business for ICON. We will go pick him up tomorrow at the airport. I miss him! The kids are out of school tomorrow, so we can hang out a bit in Salt Lake. Looks like tomorrow's shaping up to be another terrific day!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Fast Sunday
I'm so blessed! I've never had to go hungry in my life. Of course, I am hungry on Fast Sunday, but I choose that. I feel so bad for those who are hungry, sick, lonely, and impoverished. I wish I could do more to help them.
The other day we watched a movie about a leper colony. Moroni was so touched by the movie, he withdrew all his money and bought things for the poor. He also gave more money to the church to help poor people. He has a big heart! All my children have big hearts!!! I love them so much. I'm grateful they are tender and caring.
We have begun our training at the American West Heritage Center. Yesterday we shopped for pioneer clothing. It's going to take a ton of work in the next month to finish all the dresses, slips, bonnets, vests, shirts, pants, bloomers, caps, and aprons we need for our pioneer outfits. We are really excited! It's good we have tons of challenging work before spring arrives, because I have spring fever like nuts! Oh, well! It's coming!
Heavenly Father blesses my family with so much!!! I'm so grateful! I will praise His name forever!!!
The other day we watched a movie about a leper colony. Moroni was so touched by the movie, he withdrew all his money and bought things for the poor. He also gave more money to the church to help poor people. He has a big heart! All my children have big hearts!!! I love them so much. I'm grateful they are tender and caring.
We have begun our training at the American West Heritage Center. Yesterday we shopped for pioneer clothing. It's going to take a ton of work in the next month to finish all the dresses, slips, bonnets, vests, shirts, pants, bloomers, caps, and aprons we need for our pioneer outfits. We are really excited! It's good we have tons of challenging work before spring arrives, because I have spring fever like nuts! Oh, well! It's coming!
Heavenly Father blesses my family with so much!!! I'm so grateful! I will praise His name forever!!!
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