Ball of Curious Workmanship

This year for our family scripture reading of the Book of Mormon I really wanted to make it special as it is most likely the last opportunity for our little family as it grows. So I set up a calendar with 2 chapters a day, Monday through Friday (the first -for individual reading and the second -for the family reading.) We read as a family with as many people as can be there and if they can not be there then they can keep up. On Saturday we can spend time in any of the scriptures and Sundays are set up for a family review.

I had found a fun booklet put together from one of the wards we have been in with some cute ideas and our review this week was about the Liahona. We discussed how important it is to follow the prophet and reviewed some great quotes from this last conference. I was so excited to share these balls of curious workmanship with the family all day today:) If anyone out there has more fun ideas for our scripture reading please email them my way!

Happy 17 th Birthday

We finally had a chance to sing Happy Birthday to Michael tonight. I really ought to stock up on some birthday candles. I used to always have some but when people use them for those of us that turn 40 and so on it really depletes the supply. For supper we had chilli and corn muffins...one of the cup cakes ended up without icing and with the corn muffins which made for a fun laugh. Michael said "these arn't corn muffins are they?" So when it came time for cake and ice cream people were concerned that they might find a corn muffin with icing on it.

Enthusiasm

Last Testimony Meeting Christopher shared his sweet testimony about his preparations for a mission. After church that day he was invited to go home teaching, speak in church and give a lesson. So today was his big day speaking as a companion speaker for another ward, and he has another opportunity in February as well. These are super opportunities in his preparation.

No Empty Chairs

Here is where Timothie was living one month ago. Having her back home with us for this season has been such a blessing. Having another female around is so nice. It makes me think of how each of our children fill such an important role in our eternal family, a part that no one else could ever fill.

Rub a Dub Dub

The last fishing adventure was very interesting... Two ladies were on the shore in the same area we were fishing were having all the luck that day and because they do not eat fish they gave them to us. Then there was the men you see in the picture. They seemed to be smiling for me to take the picture. Inovation in the name of fishing. Later that night a yummy fish fry and a new game called Bananagram.

Moments

It reminds me of being on the beach in California when an airplane will fly by with a banner waving behind it an advertisement. The difference with my banner today is that it was heaven sent through the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This morning I was awaken with a clear thought. Some nights I will go to bed with a question, a challenge, or a problem I am pondering in my mind and I have been very grateful for those times, like today when I awoke with direction. I got out of bed to write down the thought so that I would not lose it or allow it to be diluted in anyway, and as I walked past the front door I could see a beautiful cotton candy pink sunrise. Upon returning to take the picture the moment had passed and this is what was left remaining. Although it was still beautiful, it was not as brilliant. And although I may have missed the picture it was most important that I remembered the message and followed its instruction.
Tonight I do not want to miss this moment to share with you that which is of most worth to me. It is through this same gift that woke me up today that I know that we all have a loving Father in Heaven who knows us each individually. We are his children. He loves us each completely. He is all knowing. He wants to bless us with all that he hath. He sent his only Begotten Son to atone for our sins and our mistakes, to comfort and understand our every difficulty we could experience in this life. The atonement allows us to forgive and to be forgiven, it provides hope in all circumstances, comfort, love and peace..If only we will do our part...to have faith...to be believing...to keep his commandments. For this knowledge I am very grateful, and very busy. I hope to follow each instruction that I am given. I want to be ready, awake, and prepared for each message I receive. I know that doing so will bring pure joy and happiness. I know these things to be true because i have put them to the test.

What's New?

Michael purchased his first car on Tuesday night....he had found it before Christmas and had been waiting while the title was fixed. Check it out. It is a great little 2 seater, 1984, no power anything and no air conditioning, but the price was right and its only hot about 4 out of the 12 months in the year. Michael needs it to go to school, work, get together with friends and prepare for a mission. This week is his 17th Birthday.
Happy Birthday Mike
We Love You!!!