General Conference 2020~ Memorable AND Unforgettable

 The weekend of general conference is always a highlight of the year for our family, and this past weekend was no exception. In such unique circumstances as a world wide pandemic, and the Bicentennial celebration of Joseph Smith's First Vision, this conference was definitely memorable AND unforgettable!

 But not only did the circumstances of the meeting make it memorable, the heartfelt time and preparation that our family put into spiritually preparing for the conference brought a spirit that was thick and tangible to my soul and I felt the spirit "prick" my heart multiple times. The "Spirit of God like a fire was burning" in my heart, and it still is today. I pray that it will forever remain and motivate me for good in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For the first time ever the Saturday evening session was not just for the men, or just for the women, but for the entire family! There were 2 youth speakers during that session, Laudy and Enzo, who did a fabulous job in representing our rising generation of youth and their strong testimonies of today.

 The prophet also introduced a beautiful new symbol for the church with an image of the Savior in the center of it with loving and outstretched arms. It has already appeared on my gospel library app and I love seeing it!

 We also received  a new General Young Men's presidency, and President Nelson also invited the world to participate in yet another world wide fast this coming Friday, which is Good Friday during this week before Easter, for relief from the global pandemic of COVID-19. We held a fast for this with the entire church on March 29th, but relief is still needed and so we will petition the Lord again. I know that He can do all things whatsoever is needful and according to His will..

 The Sunday morning session of conference included a  worldwide Solemn Assembly with a Hosanna Shout. I found our families clean white handkerchiefs and purposely positioned myself at the back of the room in order to watch every member of my family wave their handkerchief, repeating the words of the shout, and letting the spirit fill my soul in reverence to Almighty God. I love Him and His Son, and this wonderful restored gospel of Jesus Christ!

 Also, as a part of the Bicentennial celebration, President Nelson announced a new proclamation to the world: "The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." His words were piercing as he stood in the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York and read it to the world for the first time. I have been to the Sacred Grove myself and have a deep testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith, and as he read the proclamation my heart was filled  with the spirit. Tears softly fell down my cheek and I thanked Heavenly Father for the witness to me of the prophet Joseph, AND the prophet Russell M. Nelson. They are one in purpose and one in the Lord.

 And finally, a hinge point in the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was definitely felt as President Nelson announced 8 new temples, particularly one in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Shanghai, People's Republic of China. The gospel truly is going to all the world!!!

And, the 24th temple in Utah was also announced! We are so blessed to live in Zion!

 I am so grateful for my testimony and membership in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I truly love it with all my heart and it is the foundation for everything that is good in my life. The blessings that have come from it are both countless AND priceless, and as we experienced this spiritual feast of conference weekend, all of the stresses and worries of the world simply melted away and we rejoiced and gave thanks to our loving Heavenly Father for all that is good, and HE is good.

 On Sunday after the conference was over and we shared a yummy dinner, we all headed outside for a walk in the fresh air...all 10 of us. :)

 It felt so good to take in all that we experienced from the last few days, and to be surrounded with the sunshine of my life, all of the people that I hold closest to my heart.

 We walked and talked and laughed and played and it was a good way to end such a wonderful weekend! Because what would I do without these people in my life?? They and my Savior are what make the gospel so meaningful in my life...

 It is because of my Savior Jesus Christ and His restored gospel that I will get to be with my family for eternity, and THAT means everything to me.

 I'm so grateful for the gospel in my life, all the good that comes from it, and that I get to walk the path back home with these people of mine. I am truly blessed and so grateful!

My "Birthday" - From Kesslyn

 My baby girl Kesslyn is growing up all too fast.

Last night, out of the blue, she made me a "birthday card" and present. 

I watched her (without her knowing of course) ask different family members to help her retrieve certain items..."Kierra, can you reach that gift bag for me?" and "Daddy, come here..." walking into my bedroom closet "secretly"...;)

She had made me a beautiful "birthday card", wrote her name on the gift bag, cut little pieces of paper and string and tied on a little gift tag that said from "Kesslyn," and added a large boxed Hershey Kiss for my treat.

 Watching her smile with satisfaction as I praised her creativity and talent, she "let me" kiss her and hug her, and then she opened the kiss and ate the whole thing! ;)

(She did try sharing it with me, but it was just too hard to break in two, so I told her she could have it. :)

She was quite happy with that. :)

She is a sweet blessing and a gift in my life, and my heart is happy and sad all at the same time for how much she is growing up! Being a mother is a blessing and something I have always enjoyed. 

Thank goodness I signed up for the job that lasts for eternity!!

Happy Conference Weekend!!! 

Some Essential Things

 Taking walks everyday and baking in the kitchen are a couple of essentials during our "staying home and staying safe!"

 I love the time I get to walk and talk with Kierra. This time is such a gift to have her and her family here. Kesslyn and Kambriella have loved having them here too, but then again so have all of the kids. :)

 Kesslyn wanted to dip marshmallows and strawberries in chocolate and then dip them in sprinkles and candy pieces. She was so proud of them and even happier to share them with everyone!

We are getting soooo excited for conference! Just 2 more days! :)

A Hike to Bell's Canyon

 Yesterday was a sunny 65 degree weather day and so we quickly took advantage of the sunshine and got the family out of the house and on a hike up to Bell's Canyon.

I love the way the mountains look with the snow hugging the evergreen trees. It was beautiful up in the mountains and the fresh air felt so good.

  We stopped for a minute on the bridge that crosses the river, the kids played around for a minute, and of course I took a few pictures.

  I always love pictures because they help me to remember all of these fun times together with my family, and even amidst the global pandemic of the corona virus, we are finding ways to keep our "social distance" and still enjoy being together. 

It's another "silver lining" to me. :)

 I love watching everyone smile and be carefree while we are out, and still admiring the creations that God has given us.His world is beautiful.

 But one of the most beautiful things that I get to see while I am out is the chubby little face of my little baby grandson Easton. He is so sweet and I already know that he loves me. :)

We are going to be BEST friends. :)

A Weekend of Special Things

 This weekend was a good one and filled with some special things.

Our family participated in a world wide fast for relief from the physical, economic, and social effects of COVID-19. I really enjoyed sitting down to a wonderful dinner with everyone as we ended our fast. I know that when God's children come together in fasting and prayer for good, that miracles can happen, and I am grateful I get to be a part of that.

We also had sacrament meeting in our home and everyone was able to share their testimonies. It was a special day with a very special feeling in our home.

 We also spent a good portion of our Saturday together down at Clint's work.

The kids all worked and then we took a lunch break together in Clint's office.

It was fun to have everyone together just talking and visiting. I like having all of my family together no matter where we are or what we are doing.

 Riley was a champ and helped me put some of Clint's newest and prized baseball cards into some new cases for him. Riley is finally catching just a glimpse of Clint's obsession with baseball...;)

Clint and I were also able to go on a date too!

We went and got take out for dinner and then drove up to the Draper temple and sat in the parking lot and ate our dinner.

 It was a pretty popular spot for a date night because the entire night other cars were coming and going.

 We enjoyed catching up, talking about the crazy world we are living in, and about our upcoming general conference this weekend, all over some good Freddy's dinner and frozen custard.

I love my sweet boy. :)

 We also finished celebrating Dallin's birthday by hydro-dipping!!!

 Each of the kids went through the process of taping off their shoes...

 Spraying the spray paint into the bucket of water, and then dipping their shoes into the cool paint design!

 The birthday boy went first and was very pleased with the result!

So cool!!!

 Kambriella tried some of her shoes that she already had, and they turned out pretty cool too!

 Dallin's shoes

 Kesslyn's shoes

 Carew's shoes

 Kambriella's shoes

 and Gavin's shoes

 They were all unique and colorful and I think everyone had a fun time and was happy with their shoes when we were all finished.

 We ordered Olive Garden take out for Dallin's birthday dinner, and then had birthday cake after we were done dipping the shoes.

 I can't believe how quickly time passes and just how big all of my children are getting!!!

I want time to slow down!!!

 Happy Birthday dear Dallin! I know that you will never forget the year you turned 17 and we were all quarantined at home because of the COVID-19 corona virus!

 I hope all of your birthday wishes come true!!!

I love you!!!

Onward Christian Soldier

 The church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints has temporarily closed all of their temples world wide as of today. This is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting people everywhere...

As I went on my run this morning, I decided that I wanted to run to the temple, simply because even the sight of the temple brings me so much peace.

On my run I listened to a talk given by Russell M. Nelson that inspired my mind with 3 distinct thoughts:

1) The more we come to know someone the more we love them. 

President Nelson has been a heart surgeon and studied peoples hearts for many years. I believe this knowledge adds to his already deep love for others, but his love is intensified by his deep knowledge of people and literally what is inside of their hearts. Heavenly Father's love goes even deeper than we can comprehend because He knows His children intimately, including their divine make up of their body and spirit.

2) Through trials great and small, including global pandemic, we are Christ's battalion and all who are willing must continue moving forward with faith, hope, and determination to "win the fight."

"Like a mighty army moves the church of God;

Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.

We are not divided; All one body we;

On in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Onward Christian soldiers!

Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before."

3) Heavenly Father is very aware of what is happening right now in each of our lives.

As some of His children are called home daily, He moves forward with His plan, and not OUR plan. Sometimes I forget that people who move on to the other side of the veil, are moving on to a happy and pain free place, and not all is sad or lost. Although those who are left behind experience that sad feeling of loss...bringing His children "home" is another part of the plan, and preparing for the day when we will see Him again should be a good thing whether we see Him when we go there, or if it is when He comes here again...

These thoughts that came to my mind while I was running and listening to this talk were very comforting to me and I wanted to record them so that in times of hardship or trial, I can be comforted again and know that Heavenly Father is VERY aware...very aware of me, and of all of His children throughout the world.

This Sunday, March 29, 2020, our family will be participating in a world wide fast for relief from the virus that has shut down the world.

I am excited and grateful to be able to participate in this inspired act that shows through our faith and asking, Heavenly Father can perform miracles.

I love the temple and can't wait until it's open again. But, until then, I will move forward in the fight.