Oh, my sweet Emma! I can't believe how big you've gotten! I love you more than words can say. HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!
Showing posts with label Blessed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blessed. Show all posts
Friday, October 5
Ode To The Birthday Girl!
Oh, my sweet Emma! I can't believe how big you've gotten! I love you more than words can say. HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!
Tuesday, August 28
"Mormon in America"
(*The statements made in this post are my own beliefs and opinions as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.)
This past week there was and interesting program on TV about the Mormon faith; Rock Center with Brian Williams on NBC.
Here is the program in it's entirety if you are interested in watching it.
Overall, I think this story was well done. They did a great job showing the efforts the church puts into helping the poor and the needy. I think they also successfully showed that we Mormons really are just normal people who are quite happy living our faith. I do think there are points where they over-emphasized parts of the religion that really don't matter all that much in the grand scheme of things, or that may seem controversial to the outside world. I also didn't love their interview with Ms. Huntsman, but I'm sure they tweaked a few things. And she is obviously entitled to feel however she wants to about the church. People within the church are still individuals,their understanding of church doctrine and policies can vary and they may feel differently about any number of topics. That is normal and as true in our religion as it is anywhere else in the world.
The only part of the story that I felt really needed to be corrected, at least from my point of view, had to do with the use of one simple word that really makes a HUGE difference when it comes to understanding the beliefs and practices of the LDS church.
The word is EQUALITY.
At one point toward the end of the story Brian Williams states, "...kids grow up in a church where the two genders, male and female, are not equal. That is one tradition among many that has survived despite all of the changes going on in the world outside the church."
I'm sorry to tell you this Mr. Williams, but that statement is WRONG. It may be an accurate way of depicting what some people may think about certain things, but it certainly is not the truth.
Being equal and being the same are two very different things. The church absolutely believes that men and women are equal. We are of the same worth and value to our Heavenly Father and to the world. But, the church also recognizes that men and women are not the same. They never have been...they never will be...and they are not intended to be. Ask any modern-day scientist and they will assure you that men and women are simply 'wired' differently.
As members of the church we understand that men and women are inherently different. They have different strengths and weaknesses.These differences allow us to compliment one another. They allow us to give and take here and there working together and making up for each other where we fall short. This is what makes a thriving family unit possible. We don't need to be the same, and we recognize that, as with all of God's intents, this is for a wise purpose.
I, personally, have no problem with the fact that my husband holds the Priesthood and I do not. And just so you know, those feelings are not at all based upon the fact that I can bear children and my husband cannot. I don't think that makes us 'even'. But the fact is, this is not a competition, as many seem to think it is. The whole issue has been turned into something as silly as "He got more ice cream than I did!" or "He got the bigger half of the cookie!" It seems to me that this fight over who should have 'rights' to holding the Priesthood shows nothing more than a desire for power.
The Priesthood is partly defined in the church as being "the power of God upon the Earth". Anyone, man or woman, who thinks they should have the 'right' to hold the power of God is horribly mislead and arrogant. God chooses whom He will allow to use that power on His behalf. He knows all things and leads and guides us. For us to think that we would know better than He does, that we would know better what is fair and acceptable in regards to this issue is ridiculous!
But even more to the point, is the idea that women somehow miss out on blessings because we do not hold the Priesthood. It is simply not true. Men do not use the Priesthood as a way to bless themselves. The Priesthood is used to bless others. It is a tool for them in their stewardship over their families. It is we, the women and children in a home, who are most blessed by our husbands or sons or brothers holding the Priesthood. One of the main reasons men are given this charge is to help and bless those around them. When we understand that, we can recognized that men having the Priesthood is quite literally a way that God blesses women. It's not about having a 'right', it's not about a selfish desire for power, it's not about bragging rights or being 'higher up the chain of righteousness' or having a 'better' position in the church. The Priesthood was given to bless us and to ease some of life's burdens. To make temporal things eternal. To allow love and relationships to last forever. To bring peace. It is a magnificent gift from God, and He absolutely has the right to decide whom He will allow to use it.
Men and women in the church are absolutely equal. We are both of great worth and have much that we are able to accomplish in this life. But we are not the same. And the fact that we, as members, understand that and are okay with it, does not mean that we are settling for less than we deserve. On the contrary, it allows us to understand our strengths and use them to better our own lives and the lives of our families. And I believe that having that understanding, in general, makes us more successful in this life.
This past week there was and interesting program on TV about the Mormon faith; Rock Center with Brian Williams on NBC.
Here is the program in it's entirety if you are interested in watching it.
Overall, I think this story was well done. They did a great job showing the efforts the church puts into helping the poor and the needy. I think they also successfully showed that we Mormons really are just normal people who are quite happy living our faith. I do think there are points where they over-emphasized parts of the religion that really don't matter all that much in the grand scheme of things, or that may seem controversial to the outside world. I also didn't love their interview with Ms. Huntsman, but I'm sure they tweaked a few things. And she is obviously entitled to feel however she wants to about the church. People within the church are still individuals,their understanding of church doctrine and policies can vary and they may feel differently about any number of topics. That is normal and as true in our religion as it is anywhere else in the world.
The only part of the story that I felt really needed to be corrected, at least from my point of view, had to do with the use of one simple word that really makes a HUGE difference when it comes to understanding the beliefs and practices of the LDS church.
The word is EQUALITY.
At one point toward the end of the story Brian Williams states, "...kids grow up in a church where the two genders, male and female, are not equal. That is one tradition among many that has survived despite all of the changes going on in the world outside the church."
I'm sorry to tell you this Mr. Williams, but that statement is WRONG. It may be an accurate way of depicting what some people may think about certain things, but it certainly is not the truth.
Being equal and being the same are two very different things. The church absolutely believes that men and women are equal. We are of the same worth and value to our Heavenly Father and to the world. But, the church also recognizes that men and women are not the same. They never have been...they never will be...and they are not intended to be. Ask any modern-day scientist and they will assure you that men and women are simply 'wired' differently.
As members of the church we understand that men and women are inherently different. They have different strengths and weaknesses.These differences allow us to compliment one another. They allow us to give and take here and there working together and making up for each other where we fall short. This is what makes a thriving family unit possible. We don't need to be the same, and we recognize that, as with all of God's intents, this is for a wise purpose.
I, personally, have no problem with the fact that my husband holds the Priesthood and I do not. And just so you know, those feelings are not at all based upon the fact that I can bear children and my husband cannot. I don't think that makes us 'even'. But the fact is, this is not a competition, as many seem to think it is. The whole issue has been turned into something as silly as "He got more ice cream than I did!" or "He got the bigger half of the cookie!" It seems to me that this fight over who should have 'rights' to holding the Priesthood shows nothing more than a desire for power.
The Priesthood is partly defined in the church as being "the power of God upon the Earth". Anyone, man or woman, who thinks they should have the 'right' to hold the power of God is horribly mislead and arrogant. God chooses whom He will allow to use that power on His behalf. He knows all things and leads and guides us. For us to think that we would know better than He does, that we would know better what is fair and acceptable in regards to this issue is ridiculous!
But even more to the point, is the idea that women somehow miss out on blessings because we do not hold the Priesthood. It is simply not true. Men do not use the Priesthood as a way to bless themselves. The Priesthood is used to bless others. It is a tool for them in their stewardship over their families. It is we, the women and children in a home, who are most blessed by our husbands or sons or brothers holding the Priesthood. One of the main reasons men are given this charge is to help and bless those around them. When we understand that, we can recognized that men having the Priesthood is quite literally a way that God blesses women. It's not about having a 'right', it's not about a selfish desire for power, it's not about bragging rights or being 'higher up the chain of righteousness' or having a 'better' position in the church. The Priesthood was given to bless us and to ease some of life's burdens. To make temporal things eternal. To allow love and relationships to last forever. To bring peace. It is a magnificent gift from God, and He absolutely has the right to decide whom He will allow to use it.
Men and women in the church are absolutely equal. We are both of great worth and have much that we are able to accomplish in this life. But we are not the same. And the fact that we, as members, understand that and are okay with it, does not mean that we are settling for less than we deserve. On the contrary, it allows us to understand our strengths and use them to better our own lives and the lives of our families. And I believe that having that understanding, in general, makes us more successful in this life.
Monday, January 2
Our Homemade Christmas
This year we did something a little different for Christmas. We had a homemade Christmas.
Santa brought the kids 2 gifts which obviously were not homemade, but the rest of the gifts were.
I spent the entire month of December, pretty much every day, working on projects. I helped the kids make their gifts for each other and for Daddy. It was really fun to watch the girls have the experience of Christmas from this perspective. They had each spent their own time and come up with ideas that they really thought their siblings would like. They were excited to give their gifts. And they were excited about the gifts they had received, because they knew that the same effort had been put into those gifts. It is quite a different experience to give a gift that you put personal time and thought and effort into than to just go spend some money. My girls got to learn what it's like to experience the joy that comes from giving to others. It was a special experience.
As part of our Christmas tradition, the kids all got pajamas on Christmas Eve. All of the pajamas were made from old clothes that were headed for DI or the trash. It's amazing how much fabric you have to work with when you just use clothes you don't wear anymore!
Now on to the other gifts:
Santa brought the kids 2 gifts which obviously were not homemade, but the rest of the gifts were.
I spent the entire month of December, pretty much every day, working on projects. I helped the kids make their gifts for each other and for Daddy. It was really fun to watch the girls have the experience of Christmas from this perspective. They had each spent their own time and come up with ideas that they really thought their siblings would like. They were excited to give their gifts. And they were excited about the gifts they had received, because they knew that the same effort had been put into those gifts. It is quite a different experience to give a gift that you put personal time and thought and effort into than to just go spend some money. My girls got to learn what it's like to experience the joy that comes from giving to others. It was a special experience.
As part of our Christmas tradition, the kids all got pajamas on Christmas Eve. All of the pajamas were made from old clothes that were headed for DI or the trash. It's amazing how much fabric you have to work with when you just use clothes you don't wear anymore!
Now on to the other gifts:
Emma -- *A heat-able bean bag (I made one for each of the kids with their initial on it)
*2 bean bracelets from Allyson
* A guitar from Molly
*A ring from Bridget (which you can't see in the picture)
*A paper doll kit from Mom and Dad (the coloring and cutting took hours, but it was worth it. She loved it!)
* A baby doll and a scooter from Santa (not shown)
Bridget -- * A heat-able bean bag
* The Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly book with accompanying old woman from Allyson. (The book has the words and each animal which can be placed in a pouch on the old woman's stomach as you sing the song.)
* A purse from Molly made out of Daddy's old jeans.
* A cute flower pin made by Emma
* A teddy bear (which she named Belle) from Mom and Dad (made out of pink hooded baby towels that we no longer needed. The dress and bow were made out of an old shirt)
* A barbie and a scooter from Santa (not shown)
Molly -- * A heat-able bean bag
* A rope-braided necklace from Emma
* A heart pin from Bridget (not shown) made from salt dough and painted
* Matching game cards from Allyson
* 3 homemade puzzles from Mom and Dad
* A barbie and a scooter from Santa (not shown)
Allyson -- * A heat-able bean bag
* A rope-braided necklace from Bridget
* A baby cradle from Molly (the baby was from Santa). The cradle was made out of a rolled oats container and construction paper.
* A Tweety Bird pillow made by Emma from old clothing (She even did most of the sewing and has been asking for more sewing projects.)
* Fairy wings from Mom and Dad made from a hanger and leftover fabric from Emma's baptism dress.
*The phone she's holding was her other gift from Santa
Charles -- Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of Charlie with his presents. We let him sleep past 6:00 so his schedule wouldn't be too messed up. So he didn't open his presents until after church that afternoon and I was out of camera mode at that point. But I'll still tell you what he got.
* A heat-able bean bag
* A stuffed ball
* A drum made out of a used formula can with a drumstick made from and empty spool of thread and a wooden skewer
* Rattles made from small yogurt cups with beans inside
(These homemade gifts were a group gift from the whole family)
* Some cars and a 'punching bag' type penguin from Santa
*Charlie also made a group gift for the whole family (with lots of help from Mom). He gave us our family game, which was a Bean Bag Toss. The girls really like it.
Daddy -- * His Christmas Eve pajama T-shirt, colored on by the kids. The front of it says "This is the Dad of Awesomeness!" It cracks me up!
* A book the kids made for him, "25 Things We Love About Dad" complete with pictures for each thing drawn by the kids. So cute!
* Felt slippers from Mom
We had a lovely Christmas and we hope you did too!
Monday, October 10
So Happy Together
Tonight we started dinner off by teaching the girls how to hang a spoon on the tip of their nose without holding it. The first few minutes were spent with all of us laughing at each other as spoons hung on our noses (or were held, by the smaller ones). They were so fascinated and proud of themselves. I wish I had a picture to share with you. It was a priceless moment.
Ahhhh.....Those small moments.....Giggling, joking, having fun, simply enjoying our time together..... They sure do make all of the other moments worth it, don't they?
What a great plan.....The Plan of Happiness.....It really is.
It's so simple. Sharing sweet moments with amazing people while we're here, and sharing many more of those moments with the same amazing people for eternity. What could make any of us happier than that?
Ahhhh.....Those small moments.....Giggling, joking, having fun, simply enjoying our time together..... They sure do make all of the other moments worth it, don't they?
What a great plan.....The Plan of Happiness.....It really is.
(God gave me my family + My family makes me happy + I will be with my family forever = Happiness Forever)
It's so simple. Sharing sweet moments with amazing people while we're here, and sharing many more of those moments with the same amazing people for eternity. What could make any of us happier than that?
Wednesday, August 31
A Lullaby Fit For Eternity
The other day I was listening to the song 'Lullaby' by the Dixie Chicks. Here's a video if you want to listen.
I have talked about this song before and how much I love it. I don't think there is a better lullaby in all the world. It speaks as if from my own heart. When I was listening to it the other day it struck me in a way it never had before. Specifically the chorus lyrics:
"How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough? Is forever enough?
How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough? 'Cause I'm never, never giving you up."
Not surprisingly, I always think of my children when I listen to this song. As I thought about them this time I thought about the eternal perspective that I have as I listen to those words. Forever means something different to me than it does to many others because of my beliefs about eternal families. I believe that because I was sealed to my family by proper authority in the Temple of God, my family will be mine long after death. Forever, to me, does not mean until this life is over. It is eternity; Time without limits.
What an amazing blessing it is to look into those precious little faces and know that they are mine forever. They will always be mine. I never have to give them up, not even to death! It gives this song a different perspective, and makes me grateful for the amazing blessings that I have been given.
If you are not familiar with my views on eternal families and/or would like to learn more, you can read a short article here or you can click on the 'I'm A Mormon' button at the top of my blog.
I have talked about this song before and how much I love it. I don't think there is a better lullaby in all the world. It speaks as if from my own heart. When I was listening to it the other day it struck me in a way it never had before. Specifically the chorus lyrics:
"How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough? Is forever enough?
How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough? 'Cause I'm never, never giving you up."
Not surprisingly, I always think of my children when I listen to this song. As I thought about them this time I thought about the eternal perspective that I have as I listen to those words. Forever means something different to me than it does to many others because of my beliefs about eternal families. I believe that because I was sealed to my family by proper authority in the Temple of God, my family will be mine long after death. Forever, to me, does not mean until this life is over. It is eternity; Time without limits.
What an amazing blessing it is to look into those precious little faces and know that they are mine forever. They will always be mine. I never have to give them up, not even to death! It gives this song a different perspective, and makes me grateful for the amazing blessings that I have been given.
If you are not familiar with my views on eternal families and/or would like to learn more, you can read a short article here or you can click on the 'I'm A Mormon' button at the top of my blog.
Tuesday, August 30
Good...Great...And Beyond.....
Last week was my birthday.
It was stupendous!
I got to have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants (The Olive Garden, MMMMM.....) with my entire family! (Which hasn't happened in a very long time.)
And
My sweet sister gave me.....
THIS.......
I have no words.....
It was stupendous!
I got to have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants (The Olive Garden, MMMMM.....) with my entire family! (Which hasn't happened in a very long time.)
And
My sweet sister gave me.....
THIS.......
I have no words.....
Wednesday, June 22
My World - And So Much More
Every time I write something I try to use the perfect words. I don't think that there are any words that could describe properly what I want to write about today. You see, today is my anniversary! 9 years ago today I married a very charming and handsome man! We were sealed in the Bountiful temple. We knelt across the altar, looked into each others' eyes, and knew that our lives were intertwined, not only for the rest of this life, but for eternity. We looked forward to our future together and the joy in our posterity that is always mentioned.
Here we sit, 9 years later. We recognize that joy in our posterity -- 5 children who belong with us, who complete our family unit and make us whole. Today we celebrate the day we took that first step, and we also celebrate the innumerable days that will follow that we are overwhelmingly blessed for making that decision.
I just want to share a few thoughts about my precious husband.(I know that doesn't sound very manly, but he is absolutely precious to me in every sense of the word.)
My husband is AMAZING! Just the fact that he puts up with me on a daily basis should probably earn him some kind of an award. But he doesn't just put up with me. He cherishes me. He offers me his unselfish service on a regular basis. He is gentle with me and my tender heart, respecting my emotions and all of the hardships they may stir up.
He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. He not only allows me to be my ridiculous self, but he loves me for it.
He is chivalrous, in fact, I could probably count on my fingers how many times I have opened a door for myself in the last nine years. He always does that for me, not because I lack the ability to do it myself, but because he believes I should not have to. He is an absolute gentleman, and he shares this example with my children. Because of this my daughters will know how they deserve to be treated, and my son will know how he should be treating precious daughters of God.
He has NEVER yelled at me...ever. He cares about my feelings more than his own pride.
He has a knowledge, understanding, and testimony of God and his role in God's plan for our happiness. He holds the priesthood, and I know that because of that our entire family is blessed on a daily basis.
He is incredibly good-looking! This is not because of his bright blue eyes, or his rosy cheeks, or the way his muscles bulge from his arms while he is playing guitar hero -- though I do LOVE all of these things. He is so good-looking because his countenance shows through all of those things. Because the person that he is is no less than astounding!
These examples only demonstrate a part of who he is and what he means to me. Nearly everything that is good about my life can be attributed to him in some way. I am more grateful for him than words could ever describe.
*Oh, and did I mention that even now, 9 years later, he still gives me butterflies in my stomach? I would definitely call that a successful marriage!
Happy Anniversary Love!
Here we sit, 9 years later. We recognize that joy in our posterity -- 5 children who belong with us, who complete our family unit and make us whole. Today we celebrate the day we took that first step, and we also celebrate the innumerable days that will follow that we are overwhelmingly blessed for making that decision.
I just want to share a few thoughts about my precious husband.(I know that doesn't sound very manly, but he is absolutely precious to me in every sense of the word.)
My husband is AMAZING! Just the fact that he puts up with me on a daily basis should probably earn him some kind of an award. But he doesn't just put up with me. He cherishes me. He offers me his unselfish service on a regular basis. He is gentle with me and my tender heart, respecting my emotions and all of the hardships they may stir up.
He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. He not only allows me to be my ridiculous self, but he loves me for it.
He is chivalrous, in fact, I could probably count on my fingers how many times I have opened a door for myself in the last nine years. He always does that for me, not because I lack the ability to do it myself, but because he believes I should not have to. He is an absolute gentleman, and he shares this example with my children. Because of this my daughters will know how they deserve to be treated, and my son will know how he should be treating precious daughters of God.
He has NEVER yelled at me...ever. He cares about my feelings more than his own pride.
He has a knowledge, understanding, and testimony of God and his role in God's plan for our happiness. He holds the priesthood, and I know that because of that our entire family is blessed on a daily basis.
He is incredibly good-looking! This is not because of his bright blue eyes, or his rosy cheeks, or the way his muscles bulge from his arms while he is playing guitar hero -- though I do LOVE all of these things. He is so good-looking because his countenance shows through all of those things. Because the person that he is is no less than astounding!
These examples only demonstrate a part of who he is and what he means to me. Nearly everything that is good about my life can be attributed to him in some way. I am more grateful for him than words could ever describe.
*Oh, and did I mention that even now, 9 years later, he still gives me butterflies in my stomach? I would definitely call that a successful marriage!
Happy Anniversary Love!
Monday, June 13
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice...
My little Emma is such a terrific little girl. She loves to draw and write and learn. She is very talented.
Yesterday she made me a card. She drew a picture of her hugging me and she wrote, "Love is for everyone aspeshely you! I love you Mom!" with a big heart! It really made my day! The misspelled word made it even more precious somehow.
Today she wanted to write a story. She titled it The Hudg (huge) Flower. It is a cute little story and I want to share it with you, complete with all of her misspellings and run-on sentences and what-not. They make it extra special!
The Hudg Flower
One day I was sitting on the portch and said to myself I'm bord. Then I put my head up to look but then I saw a HUDGE FLOWER then I got up and yelled MOM! MOM! And dashed into the house then mom came out and SCREAMED! Then Mom fated.
THE END
The story was complete with a drawing of me in the process of fainting next too a huge flower, roughly the size of a large tree. Cutest thing ever, right? I love that little girl!
Yesterday she made me a card. She drew a picture of her hugging me and she wrote, "Love is for everyone aspeshely you! I love you Mom!" with a big heart! It really made my day! The misspelled word made it even more precious somehow.
Today she wanted to write a story. She titled it The Hudg (huge) Flower. It is a cute little story and I want to share it with you, complete with all of her misspellings and run-on sentences and what-not. They make it extra special!
The Hudg Flower
One day I was sitting on the portch and said to myself I'm bord. Then I put my head up to look but then I saw a HUDGE FLOWER then I got up and yelled MOM! MOM! And dashed into the house then mom came out and SCREAMED! Then Mom fated.
THE END
The story was complete with a drawing of me in the process of fainting next too a huge flower, roughly the size of a large tree. Cutest thing ever, right? I love that little girl!
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