Hill Cumorah Pageant

Such a great traveler!

 Thomas was asked to work staff for the week of Zion's Camp, an LDS Scout Camp near Palmyra, NY.  Since the timing of it fell during the Hill Cumorah Pageant we decided to make the trip as a family.  I love family road trips because we are all together and we can escape, to some degree, the outside distractions and just focus on each other.

 We were able to visit Harmony, PA along the banks of the Susquehanna River.  This is the Priesthood Restoration site.  It was the first time we had been here and we loved it!  So glad we made this stop.

 This was the home of Emma's parents.

This great picture was moments before they turned into dominoes and fell down the steps bonking heads along the way.  Never a dull moment!

In the morning we were busy getting things ready to go and Rebekah was fussing.  Jacob found a way to calm her down by offering his thumb to her! ;)

We then headed toward Palmyra and arrived late in the evening.  We were able to stay in the Palmyra Inn again.  We love being so close to the Sacred Grove and the Palmyra Temple.  The next morning Joel and I were able to attend a temple session and then we headed to the Sacred Grove as a family.  The cool thing about living so close to these special sites is we have been here many times so we don't feel rushed to see everything.  We just enjoyed our time.

 After visiting a few more places we headed to Hill Cumorah.  We were able to get front row seats for the pageant.  While we were waiting for the pageant we took turns going to the visitor center at Hill Cumorah, played some games on the field, and ate our picnic dinner.

 Prior to the pageant beginning the cast mingled with the crowd.  We loved finding our favorite scripture heroes and getting pictures with them.  They were so fun to talk with.  All the kids loved this part of the pageant.  Some of the cast were trying to recruit our family to coming next year and being part of the cast.  They were successful at convincing our children...Joel and I are not yet convinced!

The show was spectacular.  The Spirit was so strong and testimonies were strengthened.  I loved talking with the kids after and hearing their favorite part of the show.  The Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Jesus Christ.  We have a loving Savior that has done so much for each of us.  This experience strengthened my resolve to live more fully the teachings of Jesus Christ and strive each day to do a little more than the day before.  I'm so grateful for the efforts and service all these amazing people put into this performance so our family could have an amazing spiritual experience.

90 Day Challenge

Spring was finishing reading the Book of Mormon and we got to talking about the different ways we can study the scriptures.  I mentioned to her that I had read it in 3 months a couple of different times and how much I enjoyed that for a change.  She decided she wanted to try.  She asked me, Thomas, and Joel if we would like to join her in this challenge. We all accepted.  Grandma Powell joined us in the challenge as well.

We found a reading schedule that would allow us to finish in 90 days reading between 2-5 chapters daily.  It was an incredible experience to read the Book of Mormon again this way.  We all read individually; however, we were reading and studying the same chapters each day.  It allowed for some great discussions and sharing of insight and testimony during this time.  I loved when Thomas and Spring would come home from school and say, "Mom, have you done your reading yet today?"  Sometimes I could answer yes and sometimes I told them I still needed to do it.  Amidst the busy schedules of life we were able to motivate each other to keep going.  Spring mentioned that she was finding herself yearning for moments to read the Book of Mormon.  It began to be something she sought after, not something hanging over her head needing to be done each day. She said she learned so much from the story of the Book of Mormon. She caught the vision!  The Spirit began to instruct her and guide her.  Thomas has read the Book of Mormon quickly before and has an amazing habit of daily scripture study already.  He mentioned that this challenge helped him develop the habit and love to study even on the weekends.  It helped him determine how to make it a priority even when he was not on a normal routine.  My testimony of Jesus Christ increased as I studied this time.  I was taught, by the Spirit, over and over that we need to rely on the merits of Jesus Christ daily.  Regardless of the trials and cycles of life, it is the repentance and turning back to our Savior that will bring peace and joy now and through the eternities.

I know the Book of Mormon has a power that is unequaled by any other book.  Our family grew closer during this time.  We were reminded of the most important things in life and how we need to make time for the BEST things before anything else.  In these challenging times our children are faced with much opposition, as has been in all generations of time, and consistent study of the Book of Mormon is an amazing defense and weapon to stay on the Lord's side.  We didn't even have to challenge the kids to take Moroni's challenge again when they finished.  They did, on their own.  These children we have been given are spiritual giants.  I often feel like I bask in the light of their testimony.  How grateful I am for their example and strength.

As I have reflected over this experience another blessing became apparent to me.  Spring and Sammy have struggled getting along for quite some time.  They get frustrated easily with each other and tend to focus on the negative characteristics of each other.  We have challenged them many times over the last few years and tried to give them ideas on how they could improve their relationship.  It has been successful in the short term, but never a lingering peace.  One evening about 2/3 of the way through our challenge Joel and I were discussing our children.  I mentioned to him how Spring and Sammy have become friends.  They seek each other out. They want to spend time together.  They rarely argue and when they do both are quicker to apologize, forgive, and move on.  We tried to determine what happened and we couldn't find the reason.  We were just grateful for the respite and hoped it would continue.

Then one evening, these words of President Marion G. Romney quoted by President Benson came to my mind in a moment of quiet reflection:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.” 

The change in their behavior was a direct blessing from Spring's study of the Book of Mormon. This blessing has continued as Spring and Sammy continue to build upon that friendship and love. The struggles they were having are all but gone. How grateful I am for the power of the Book of Mormon and for the opportunity we had to witness this together in 3 short months.

Blessings

One of my goals with this new year is to be more aware of the tender mercies from my Father in Heaven in my life.  Then, to take the time to record those feelings and those experiences so I can develop more gratitude in my life.  I, all too often, either don't recognize the daily miracles in my life or I notice them but don't focus enough on them and soon forget those tender experiences.  I want to be able to look back through my life and remember the times when the Lord's hand has been in my life. I also want our children to gain a testimony that our Father knows us personally and blesses us in countless ways.

 

We dropped the van off at a transmission shop expecting the worst.  We were sure we would need a new transmission which would result in up to $5000 in repairs and we would be without the vehicle for at least a week.  You never want to spend money on car repairs but this repair was worthwhile to us because the vehicle is paid for and worth far more than the cost of the repairs to us.  I know Joel felt really bad about the situation because it was not something he could fix for us as he does with so many of our car repairs.  Yesterday morning Joel received a call from the shop and braced himself for the "damage."  What a miracle it was when he was told the transmission was fine and did not need to be replaced.  There were some significant leaks that needed to be repaired.  Total for parts, labor, and then the fluid to be added would only cost about $500 and we could pick the van up in the afternoon.  I love how Joel told me he has never been so excited to spend $500! 

 

I know this was a tender mercy for us.  The cost could have been drastically more and it would have been a challenge for us to cover the expense.  How blessed our family was.  I was telling Spring and Thomas about the situation after Joel called me and Thomas looked at me and said, "Mom, going to the temple really does bring blessings to our life, doesn't it."  I know life is full of challenges and struggles.  Sometimes they are struggles that we have brought upon ourselves but sometimes they are just part of mortality and part of the testing and learning we are placed on this earth to endure and learn from.  I'm grateful for those times when Heavenly Father makes those struggles lighter for us through his tender mercies.  Makes me think of Alma and his people in Mosiah 24.  Amulon and the Lamanites were persecuting them and had taken them into bondage.  The people prayed for strength and deliverance.  The Lord eased their burdens that they could be made light and that they could not feel them.  We will still have struggles and difficulties but if we are faithful we will be able to endure these burdens with patience.  How grateful I am for this testimony and knowledge.

Testimony through Music

A few months ago Thomas was preparing for a violin/piano duet in Sacrament Meeting of an arrangment of "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief."  He was going to play the violin part and needed some help with a section of it.  He took the music to his orchestra teacher who helped him with this section.  She then asked him if he would be willing to perform it sometime at school if the music teacher would accompany him.  Well, of course Thomas didn't need any encouragement to agree to this.

 

They asked him to perform this piece at the Veteran's Day Assembly last Friday at school.  This is an all school assembly (5th and 6th) graders.  Students invite Veterans they know to come and be honored in this event.  The mayor and other city representatives also come.  They have slideshows, musical tributes, speeches to honor the veterans, as well as a keynote speaker which is usually a local Veteran.  I went to the assembly so I could be there when Thomas performed his piece.  Now, as is customary with Thomas he just takes care of things.  He had told me he was going to perform this and I would ask him every few days if he had been practicing and if he was ready and he, of course, was. 

 

Prior to his turn to perform there had been numerous musical pieces performed from the school choir, local musicians, and even the brother of a soldier from our town that was recently killed in Afghanistan.  During these performances the students were rather well behaved but there was a lot of background noise and whispering.  Following the performances the audience would clap and cheer loudly.  When it was Thomas' turn to perform his piece he first came to the microphone and stated that he wanted to give a brief history of the piece of music he was going to play.  Now, I became a little nervous because he had not told me this before and I know the principal at his school is very against any mention of God or religion at school.  I later found out that he had asked his music teacher about 5 minutes earlier if he could introduce the song and she told him he could as long as he kept it general.  This is what he said (as I try to paraphrase):

 

In the 1800's there was a man that was persecuted for his beliefs.  He was a good man and never harmed another person but people were not accepting of his beliefs.  He was ridiculed, spit upon, mocked, and even tarred and feathered throughout his life.  Even with all of this he never backed down from his beliefs or changed who he was.  This song we will be playing was sung hours before his eventual martyrdom.  This song reminds us that all the large and small acts of service that we give to others each day is they way we serve and honor the One who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  As you listen to this piece I would like us to remember with gratitude the service our Veterans and current soldiers give to each of us.

 

He and his music teacher performed the song during which time you could hear a pin drop in the gymnasium.  There were  no longer whisperings among the students, movement of people in the gym ceased, and the Spirit could undoubtedly be felt.  I am sure most didn't know what exactly they were feeling or didn't attribute it to the Spirit of Christ but that is most certainly what it was.  And, the most amazing thing was that as the song ended, not one person clapped...not one person cheered...a solemn moment of reverence hung in that large gymnasium filled with middle school students and citizens of the community.  Thomas was able to allow the Spirit to testify of peace and the love of our Father in Heaven to hundreds that day.  I don't think he even begins to understand the powerful missionary he is when he shares his love for music and his testimony with everyone.  He is an example to me of not being ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It made me think of the scripture, Romans 1:16, when Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of salvation to all that believe.

Charity

Spring loves Activity Days and, like many girls, wishes it was each week.  For the last couple months, however, she was often the only girl to show up for the activity.  Living in this area where there are not a lot of members contributes to that but there are girls that age and she missed having them come.  Last month she told me she wanted to call the girls and remind them about Activity Days.  So, she called her leader and got all the phone numbers of the girls (there are 6 others) and set to work calling them the day of the activity.  It is so sweet to hear her talk to the girls or leave a message reminding them of Activity Days and telling them she had missed them coming and hoped they would be able to come that night.  She was very anxious the first night getting ready to leave for Activity Days. She kept saying that she hoped some of the girls would come and that they remembered. She even made homemade cream cheese brownies to take for the night.  I wanted so badly for the girls to come so Spring could see the fruits of her labors and be able to have those associations with the other girls.  I anxiously awaited her arrival home and was thrilled when she came running in the house telling me that all 6 girls came and they had SO much fun.  She had a hard time remembering what they had done at the activity because I think she was more excited that the other girls came and had fun.  That was about 6 weeks ago...

 

Fast forward to this week and she has continued to call each afternoon before Activity Days to remind the girls and they have all been coming each week.  It is so fun to see how happy it makes her.  This past Wednesday when she was calling she was talking to one of the girl's mom and I heard Spring quietly reply, "Oh, I'm so sorry about that.  Tell her we will miss her."  She got off the phone and was very somber so I asked what was wrong. She told me her friend had been sick and in and out of the hospital for a couple weeks so she wouldn't be able to come.  Then her eyes brightened up a bit and she said, "Maybe we can make her get well cards tonight!"  So she took off gathering card making supplies and stickers and odds and ends to take.  That evening she told her leaders about this girl and asked if they could make cards for her.  All the girls had fun doing this and Spring came home with a big pile of cards.  She put them in  a big envelope so we could mail them to her.  She thought her friend would enjoy getting a big package in the mail just for her!

 

How humbled and grateful I am for Spring's example of tenderness and true charity.  This is what compassionate service is all about...it's hearing of a need and acting on that need without being compelled in any way.  It makes me think of the scripture that teaches us to be "anxiously engaged in a good cause."  I continue to learn so much from our children.

The Faith of Little Ones

Last week my Mom called with some bad news she had received from her doctor.  It has been a rough few days as I have been struggling to accept the news and also come to a realization that it is for real.  One day this week at lunch the kids and I were talking about it and Thomas and Spring suggested to me that we should fast for Grandma this Sunday "even though it wasn't Fast Sunday."  I told them that was a great idea and that my siblings were all going to fast as well.  Then they said to me, "But, Mom, you can't fast right now."  Before I had an opportunity to respond to them Sammy said, "That's OK, Mom.  I will fast for Grandma for you since you can't.  I know I've never fasted before but since it is for Grandma I'm pretty sure I can do it."  I choked back emotion as tears started to fall down my cheeks and thanked him for being willing to do that and told him I knew he could do it too. 

So this morning we gathered the kids in our room as soon as we woke up so we could open our fast with a prayer together before we got ready for church.  As we were getting the kids in the room Mary told us that she was going to fast for Grandma too.  Joel offered the prayer and the kids were all so quiet and reverent.  The Spirit was so strong and I was crying at the strength that comes from prayer and fasting.  As the prayer ended I looked around at our children all kneeling in a circle and was so grateful for their simple faith and their desire to do this for Grandma.  We got ready for church and headed off.  Not once before church, on the drive to church, or at church did any of them mention they were hungry or ask for something to eat.  Even on the drive home they never once said anything about being hungry.  Later we gathered as a family again to close our fast and as I prayed I was overcome with comforting influence of the Spirit and gratitude for our children's willingness to do something hard for someone they love so much.

After the prayer Sammy told me, "Mom, it was easier to fast than I thought it would be.  I'm so glad I did it."  A little later Mary came to me and said, "Mom, fasting is hard but fun.  I know it will help Grandma."  Spring was talking to me this evening and telling me that even though she has fasted a lot this has been the easiest time ever for her to fast and that she didn't even feel hungry at all.  We talked about it a little as to why that might be so.  She typically opens her fasts with a prayer and has something she is fasting for but she told me that this is the first time she fasted for something that she wanted so much.  Never before, she said, has she had such an important thing to fast for.

I am so grateful for this opportunity our family has had to fast together for my Mom.  I have also noticed our prayers, personal and family, this past week have been more sincere and taken on so much more meaning.  I am awed as our children each pray, without prompting, for Grandma in each prayer they utter.  Their simple faith and their reliance on our Father in Heaven is a strength and a reminder to me.  This doesn't mean I am glad for news we received; however, I can already see the hand of the Lord our lives as we are pulling together even though we are all so far from each other to pray and fast for a woman we all love and revere. 

Spring's Strength

We have known from the time Spring was very little that she is headstrong and knows what she wants in life.  I remember times when I was struggling with her independence and strong nature as a young child.  I would call and talk to my mom and she would remind me, "This is a gift of her's.  As long as she learns to do what is right she will be really, really good throughout her life because she won't let anyone convince her of something she knows is wrong."  We took comfort in this as well as have tried really hard from a young age to help her learn the gospel and understand why the standards and teachings are important for us to find true happiness in this life.  I have had a few moments in the past week when I have seen her strength, character, and testimony radiate and I am so grateful for the strong girl she is and the wonderful young woman she is becoming before our very eyes.

Last week she came right home from school and pulled out the Gospel Art Kit pictures and began going through them.  I asked her what she was looking for and she relayed the following to me:

A friend at school had been using the Lord's name in vain a lot.  Spring asked her to stop and her friend replied, "Why does it matter?  He's dead anyway."  To which Spring explained that He is not dead.  Her friend replied that Jesus died on the cross and isn't alive anymore.  Spring proceeded to explain to her that Jesus did die on the cross for us but that he was resurrected and now lives again.  She explained that He has a body of flesh and blood just like our's but is perfected.  Then she explained that Jesus is a different person from God.  She explained the relationship of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  Spring them told her that when we use His name in vain we are not showing him respect and love that He deserves from us.  She then told her about the Plan of Salvation and that if we live righteously in this life and keep our covenants then we have the chance to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.

As Spring was telling me this tears of a grateful mother filled my eyes and my heart warmed.  I was amazed at the strength of her testimony to know with enough surety to explain all of this to a friend at school without fear of what her friend would think.  I have so very much to learn from this amazing girl.  She was looking for pictures because she thought if she could bring a picture depicting the Plan of Salvation and a picture of the First Vision showing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ next to each other it may help her friend better understand what she was teaching her.

On another topic...

Spring is a very modest girl.  She checks her clothing each day after she gets dressed to be sure she is modest by doing her "Head-Shoulders-Knees-Toes" check that we have taught her.  I never have to worry about her and she is bothered that so many around her dress immodestly.  She really understands that her body is a gift from our Father in Heaven that must be respected.  Well, she also has been growing like a weed lately.  I am sure it won't be long before she is taller than me.  She is a little more excited about that than I am!  Anyway, she is in dire need of some new skirts for church.  Her skirts are right at her knee and it has been really bothering her for a couple months.  We have been looking endlessly trying to find her some skirts to no avail.  It is so frustrating with the fashion now-a-days.  It seems there are countless outfits of leggings and long shirts; however, that is just like wearing tights and a short skirt.  We needed something that would be modest.  I have been so discouraged but tried to remain optimistic for her.  This week I headed to Kohl's to see if I could find anything.  I found 2 skirts in the entire store that were modest...and each was on clearance and there was only 1 skirt of each style.  What a blessing that they were both Spring's size.  Now, the price was still much more than I would have liked to spend but after a couple of months of not finding anything I knew it was best for me to get them for her.  She was so excited when she came home from school and I showed them to her.  Her eyes lit up as she hurried to try them on.  She came in with them on and she just glowed.  She was beautiful.  She looked at the price tag on them though and asked if I had really paid that much for them.  I sat with her and we talked about how sometimes we may have to spend a little more to be sure we are modest but we will always make that sacrafice for her.  We talked about how that is a sacrafice we are willing to make; however, we will never lower our standard of modesty.  She just radiated and was so grateful for the skirts.  She had that "light of Christ" in her eyes that comes from being obedient.  She talked endlessly the rest of the night about which she was going to wear first.  It was so cute.

The next day I was at Target getting diapers and happened to stop by the clearance racks in the girl's department.  To my shock I saw a long skirt hanging on the rack.  It was really cute and I was again amazed that it was the only one and it was Spring's size.  It was only $4 so I snagged it.  Later that evening Joel and I were sitting on the patio while the kids were jumping on the trampoline.  I remembered about the skirt so I brought it out to her.  She was again so excited as I told her the story of how I found it.  Joel remarked, "See, good things come to those who wait."  To which Spring replied with this glow in her eyes, "No, Dad, blessings come to those that keep the commandments."  Once again, she has taught us more than we could teach her.  I love this amazing girl and am excited to see the young woman she will become.

Baring Testimony

A few weeks ago Thomas came home from school very excited.  He said they had watched a film in History about the different theories regarding what group of people first came to the Americas.  He said the video cited proof that possibly the Chinese, Welsh, Polynesians, Vikings, Irish, Japanese, or Israelites first inhabited the Americas.  He was very excited that the video actually mentioned the Mormons and the Book of Mormon telling the story of Lehi's family that crossed the sea.  After the video a class discussion ensued about who the students felt was the first group.  Thomas raised his hand and said he knew there was a group that came even before Lehi's family.  He then recounted the history of the Jaredites.  For an assignment that evening each student needed to write a paragraph supporting their opinion of who came first.  Thomas asked if he could write about the Jaredites but was told he needed to choose from the groups that were mentioned in the film.  Here is the paragraph Thomas wrote:

I can firmly tell you, without a doubt, that the Israelites came to America first.  The Book of Mormon is a true record that Lehi's descendants kept about the events that happened to them and their people as well as testifying of Jesus Christ and His role in their lives.  The Jaredites came before Lehi's family.  I know Lehi's family did build a ship that was very watertight.  Nephi was instructed, through prayer, how to build this ship.  They sailed it to the Americas.  The Book of Mormon also states they were on the ship for many months.  Once they made it they began to prosper in the new land.  Also, they knew of the land as the Promised Land.  This is why I know the Israelites made it to America first.

Lunchtime

It seems that lunchtime is one of the most difficult parts of my day...one that I seem to dread everyday.  We often are gone in the morning running errands, going to the library for storytime, playing, and having a good time. Then we pick Sammy up from Kindergarten and come home. At this point all 4 of our little ones are not only hungry but they are tired too.  Sammy is excited to tell me all about his day at school so, of course, Mary can't be left out and has to talk louder and faster about everything she did that morning.  Often they start running around and playing and goofing off and the noise level escalates rapidly.  They all like to help me get lunch ready which often takes me even longer than if I just did it.  The last while I was realizing that I was spending more time correcting them and rushing them to finish lunch so we could head up for naptime then anything else.  And, it was taking longer and longer each day to get through lunch amidst the threats of going to naps without lunch being finished, or "if you get down one more time lunch will be over" and on and on.  Needless to say, lunchtime was a very dreaded time for me.

One evening about a week ago I found myself thinking about this and knowing that I needed to change something.  I want our children to look back on mealtimes as enjoyable.  We do great at dinnertime but I was always rushing them through lunch and not enjoying it with them.  I blamed it on the fact that they were just tired and ready for naps.  But, as I thought more about it I realized it was becuase I wasn't engaged with them.  I often wasn't sitting with them because I was busy cleaning up from making lunch and getting things ready to lay them down for naps.  I don't know why it took so long for me to realize that all they really wanted was my attention and since I was too busy with other things they knew they would get my attention if they messed around.

So, we started a new plan and it is working amazing!  I actually look forward to lunchtime now.  Just today Sammy told me lunchtime is his favorite part of the day (now by tonight I am sure something else will be his favorite).  We work together to get lunch all ready and have prayer.  Then I sit with them and read to them from the Friend while they eat lunch.  They LOVE it and I LOVE how calm and attentive they are.  It is amazing to watch them eat their lunch in peace!  It has given us countless opportunities to talk about the stories and sometimes they will mention something similar to a story that happened to them.  We talk about what we learn from the story before moving to the next story.  It has been an amazing opportunity to share our testimonies with each other.  I am baffled, although I know I shouldn't be, at how much it has helped them be kinder to one another.  I see them trying to help each other clear their dishes after lunch or go out of their way to say something kind or to do other things that they heard about in the stories.  It is true that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass."  The Spirit is in our home and lunchtime is now a calm and peaceful time to share and learn together.  And, the bonus....they usually finish lunch and are up in bed for naptime even faster than before!

The Living Christ

We have had a few people ask about the pictures on our family room wall.  A few months back we decided we wanted to memorize "The Living Christ" as a family.  So, we decided to learn it line by line and pair it with a picture that would help us understand the meaning of the words.  As we introduce the new line we talk about what it means.  It has been an incredible opportunity for our family to focus on the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Our testimony of Jesus Christ has grown.  It has given us so many opportunities to discuss and answer questions that our children have. Sometimes we will be reading in the scriptures or talking about something and Joshie will run to the wall and point to a picture that shows what we are talking about.  Sometimes as I listen and watch them play I will see them pointing to the wall and reminding each other what they have learned.  It has been incredible how much we notice these teachings in our scripture study as well.  We are about 2/3 of the way through it at this point.  Our family has had countless blessings as we have used this opportunity to do as Nephi instructs:

 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (1 Nephi 25:26)

As Zion's Youth in Latter Days

Thomas has the opportunity to play prelude for Sacrament Meeting each week on the organ.  He has been teaching himself to play the organ and has greatly improved since he began during the summer.  He has accompanied once during Sacrament Meeting when he was called the night before and asked if he would substitute.  He went to church early that week and practiced the hymns that were going to be sung for Sacrament Meeting.  He is slowly adding to his repertoire of hymns that he can play on the organ but he doesn't get time to practice other than while playing prelude.

So, yesterday morning he was playing prelude as usual.  He usually comes to sit with us once Sacrament Meeting begins.  Well, Bishop stood up to begin the meeting and after a couple minutes I realized that Thomas was sitting at the organ still.  I looked to Joel and mouthed, "Is he playing for Sacrament Meeting?"  Joel was just as shocked as I was and we caught Thomas' attention and he just smiled at us.  The Chorister smiled too.  I quickly opened the hymnbook to see what the opening hymn was going to be and my heart started to beat even faster.  It was "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days" and it is not an easy song to play on the organ.  Even more troublesome was I knew he had never even attempted this hymn on the organ.  I began sweating and I was afraid my heart was going to jump right out of my chest.  All too soon, the opening hymn was announced and Thomas began the introduction.  Cool, calm Thomas with a huge smile on his face and me "freaking out" as he would say.

The introduction to the hymn did not help put my nerves at ease.  He struggled through it and I looked at Joel with dread.  I was really worried about how this was going to go. I began to silently plead with our Father in Heaven to help Thomas be able to do his very best and to help him be able to get through the hymn without too many difficulties.  He improved dramatically as we all began singing and by the 2nd verse he was doing so much better and the third verse was almost flawless.  I had tears in my eyes and gratitude in my heart for a son that is so willing to serve and for a Heavenly Father that loves us and is aware of each of our individual needs.  I know Thomas received Heavenly help as he so willingly shared his musical talent so we could sing worship to our Father in Heaven.

I calmed down a little and was relieved because I knew he could play the Sacrament hymn with ease.  It is one of his favorites as he loves playing the Sacramental hymns on the organ.  I wasn't so sure about the rest hymn but he played it beautifully, although, he had never before played that hymn either.  Following the rest hymn our final speaker, our High Priest Group Leader, stood to speak.  With tears in his eyes he explained to the congregation the situation. The organist was not at church when it was time for Sacrament Meeting to begin and Thomas volunteered to play for Sacrament Meeting.  He was asked twice if he would prefer someone be asked to play the piano for the songs but he said he would be just fine accompanying.  Brother Johnson then, overcome with emotion, recited the words to third verse of our opening hymn:

          Thru test and trial we’ll have our fears,
           But we will not despair.
           We’re here to serve a righteous cause;
           Truth gives us strength to dare.
           We’ll love, and learn, and overcome;
           We’ll sing a joyful song,
           As Zion’s youth in latter days,
           Triumphant, pure, and strong.

He shared how wonderful it was to see Thomas overcome this test and trial in the midst of playing the hymn. How grateful I am that Brother Johnson shared this because I was too nervous and too busy praying for Thomas to listen and be touched by the words of this hymn.  I don't think I will ever listen or sing this hymn again without remembering the miracle of this day.  Our Father in Heaven blessed Thomas to be able to have the strength to dare an then to love, learn, and overcome so we could all sing a joyful song together.

Sammy, the Author

Yesterday afternoon Sammy told me he wanted to write a book about dinosaurs.  He asked me how to spell "dinosaurs" and after that he told me he was going to sound out the rest of the words so he could write the book all on his own.  It was so fun to listen to him sounding out the words and coming up with the different things to put in his book.  He has really begun to show such an interest in reading and writing.  I love watching him learn how to sound out words.  He is excited to read books now and often wants to read to Mary and Joshie before naptime.  Earlier this week during our family scripture study his verse was a shorter one with many words he knew and/or could sound out on his own.  He was so excited to read his first verse almost all on his own.  It warms my heart to watch him finding this success and joy because he has worked really hard for it.  His eyes just light up when he is reading and writing stories.  Reading and academics has not come as easily to him as it has to the others.  I think, for this reason, it is even more exciting for me to watch him grow and progress.  It reminds me of the truthfulness of the words of our Savior in Ether 12:27 that if we humble ourselves (become teachable) and have faith in the Savior then He will make our weaknesses become strengths.

Here is his story (translation in italics):

Dinosaurs

By:  Samuel

They hav sopr sopr shrp teth.(They have super, super sharp teeth.)

They r gud stomprs.  (They are good stompers)

They ete met. (They eat meat.)

I like them.

Final Day in Nauvoo

We started early on Friday morning visiting some of the outdoor places that we had not yet been to and that did not require a tour. We visited the quarry for the original temple rock.  Then we went to the Pioneer Memorial.  This is at the end of the Trail of Hope near where the Saints crossed the Mississippi River on their exodus out of Nauvoo.  This is a memorial with over 2,000 names of Saints that were known to have died on the trek west to the Salt Lake Valley.  We found 2 family names on the wall.  The name of John Worsley, my paternal 4th Great Grandfather who died in Missouri.  We also found the name of Julia Hills Johnson.  This is the mother of Joel Hills Johnson, a great grandfather of Joel whom he is named after.  This brought such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to us. We also found the names of other ancestors of ours that were in Nauvoo and made the exodus west.  I can't find the words to describe the wave of emotion that overcame us as we thought of the legacy our ancestors have given to us.  We were walking on the grounds they walked on as they so valiantly and courageously left all they had to follow the council of the prophet.  As we drove down the trail of hope with our children we talked to them about why the Saints left Nauvoo...that it all came down to the fact that they left because the Prophet asked them to.  We looked back at the beautiful temple and we could almost see the thriving city of homes, stores, shops, and farms that they left behind.  The kids all talked of how hard this must have been.  Sammy, in particular, mentioned many times how "they must have been so sad to leave their homes.  I bet they cried a lot...even the dads."  We took the opportunity as we sat looking back at the temple to remind the kids that there may be times in their lives when they think it is hard to follow the counsel of the prophet and we want them to remember this moment and to remember what the Saints did to follow the Prophet.  We promised them if they remember this feeling they will find the courage and the desire to always follow the prophet.  This one moment with our children was worth the trip.  I pray they will remember this time and will find the courage and fortitude to continue to develop their testimony of our Savior and to always remember it is Him that our Prophet speaks for so it is the Savior they are following when they follow the Prophet.

We then went to the Sarah Granger Kimball home, Wilford Woodruff Home, and Heber C. Kimball home.  While in the Heber C. Kimball home we learned that his family had lived in a shack made from the wood of an old barn, and mud huts for the first years in Nauvoo before they were able to build their beautiful home that we toured.  They had lived in their home for only 4 months before they left it behind and headed west.  What obedient and humble people they were.  We have so much to learn from them.  Then we made another visit to the brickyard, which was a favorite of all.  After lunch we spent the rest of the afternoon in the Family Learning Center learning about pottery and making more ropes.  Then we went back to the Seventies Hall and the children signed the registry as Descendants of John Worsley, a Seventy in Nauvoo.

That evening we went for a short drive.  We drove into Missouri just so we could say we had been in that state.  We even bought gas there!  Then we drove to Montrose, Iowa which is the city across the Mississippi River that the Saints went to when leaving Nauvoo.  It was amazing to be able to see acorss the river to Nauvoo and to see the temple so clearly on the hill.  We pondered how difficult it must have been for the Saints to look back and see the temple...it looked so close and really in distance it was so close, yet it was so far away and they knew they would never return.

This has been one of our most memorable Christmas vacations ever.  Sammy cried last night as we were driving back to the condo.  He kept asking us through his tears, "Can't we stay just one more day?"  We would have loved to say yes but knew we needed to come home.  None of us wanted to leave the peace and wonderful Spirit found in Nauvoo.  It definitely is a "Beautiful City."

Nauvoo...Day 3

Thursday was a BEAUTIFUL day!  We started the morning walking to the school house.  In the schoolhouse we learned how important education was to Joseph Smith and the early Saints.  At that time in history about 1 in 6 children were educated; however, Joseph felt all children needed to have the opportunity to attend school.  This was a very fun stop and the kids enjoyed doing some math problems to calculate that in Nauvoo there were approximately 2600 homes that housed the 12,000 people.  That is astounding when you consider Nauvoo now is a town with a population of 1100!  Following the schoolhouse we went to the shoe shop to learn how shoes were made.  Then the kids really wanted to walk around the temple grounds some more so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent almost an hour walking around the beautiful temple.  As we were walking the kids began singing "I Love to See the Temple."  How grateful we are for the opportunity we had to share together.

We went on the wagon ride again, as this was a favorite of everyone's!  We hurried back to the condo for lunch and decided we were going to extend our trip one more day because none of us were ready to leave!  We had originally planned to leave early Friday morning.  The kids were beyond excited when they found out we could stay one more day.  After lunch we went to the Seventies Hall.  The kids enjoyed being able to pretend they were giving a talk at the podium.  Then it was off to the Blacksmith Shop to learn how wagons and horseshoes were made. Everyone was given a prarie diamond...a horseshoe nail that was bent to make a ring.  We then enjoyed a pleasant walk to Brigham Young's home.  It was really neat to be able to go inside his root cellar and see how much cooler it was inside.  We then walked over to the cultural hall for a tour.  We were able to go to the top level where dances were held and the kids went to the balcony to pretend they were the band for the dance!  And, oh how they echoed!  I'm so grateful the missionaries are all grandmas who just love children and are not bothered by their excitement for life!  We took a long walk back to the van and the kids loved running in the fields.  We went back to the condo for dinner and then to "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" again.  This is a highlight for our kids and they have been singing the songs, complete with hand gestures and facial expressions, all week!  I can't even begin to describe the excitement, energy, and love that the missionaries share during this performance.  We enjoyed meeting and talking with the cast afterwards outside.  These wonderful Senior Missionaries make Nauvoo amazing.  They recognize our children and remember things about them.  They talk with them and love them.  It is amazing how strong of a bond that can be formed when we share testimony and feel the Spirit of our Father in Heaven together.  I'm so glad this was not our final day in Nauvoo.  None of us were ready to leave.

Day Two in Nauvoo

We started our morning driving out to Carthage, Illinois.  We had a wonderful tour of Carthage Jail.  I was somewhat apprehensive, at first, to visit this place because I wasn't sure how I would feel with the sadness of learning more of the martrydom of Joseph Smith.  I was surprised how comforting the tour was.  We learned about Carthage Jail.  The Jail was in the home of the Jailor and his 7 children.  The jailor told Joseph and Hyrum they were not criminals and he was not going to treat them like criminals so he had them take his room so they would be upstairs, in a safer place and more comfortable with the summer heat and humidity.  When the mobs broke through the door of the house the jailor was not home; however, his wife and a few young children were.  She grabbed her children and ran out the back door so they were, fortunately, not in the home when the marytrdom took place.  It was so powerful as we listened to a recording depicting the events of the matrydom.  What an example of faith and testimony Joseph was.  It was recorded that the last things the Prophet Joseph spoke was how he wished he see and be with his family one more time and that he could teach the gospel one more time.  What a reminder to me of where my priorities should be.

As we drove back to Nauvoo I made sandwiches and we ate while we were driving so we wouldn't lose any time in Nauvoo.  At a turn in the Mississippi River we could see the Nauvoo Temple off in the distance so we pulled over to walk around a bit and take some pictures.  When we got to Nauvoo we walked around the Memorial to Women statues for a few minutes before taking the Carriage Ride around Nauvoo Countryside.  This was about an hour long and we learned more about the life of the Saints during their time in Nauvoo.  We went to Joseph Smith's home, the Red Brick store, and the Mansion House.  We then learned how to make bricks at the brickyard and were given a commemorative brick.  We ended the day learning how barrels were made.  This was amazing.  It took 7 years to become a master cooper (barrel maker).  That was longer than it took to become a doctor back then.  Just goes to show how important a commodity barrels were to them.

We came to the condos for dinner and then the kids had a party in the condo while Joel and I were able to attend a session in Nauvoo Temple.  I was awestruck as we walked inside the doors of the temple.  It is breathtakingly beautiful.  I could have spent hours in the temple.  I tried to soak it all in while we were there.  After our session a temple worker walked us around the temple so we could see the batistry and other parts of the temple.  They were so kind to us as they took the time to tech us and show us many great things.  I was overcome with the sacrifice the Early Saints made to build this temple and, then, to continue building it even when they knew they would be leaving it behind.  I thought of the Saints waiting on the roads for their turn to cross the Mississippi River and looking behind them to the temple they had sacrificed so much to build knowing they would never again enter the doors of the sacred building.  It helped remind me of the eternal importance of temple covenants and the peace they bring in our lives knowing we can be with our families throughout eternity.  It also makes me realize how blessed I am to live only 3 hours from a temple and to know that as we leave the temple each month we know it will be there for us again the following month when we return.  How grateful I am for President Hinckley's desire to rebuild this beautiful temple.  We told Thomas and Spring that if we are still living out here when Spring turns 12 we will bring them back so they can go inside the temple with us.  I loved how their faces lit up when we told them this.  I love how much joy all the kids have being here and walking these sacred grounds.  We are exhausted at the end of the day, but it is the best exhaustion we could ever have!

Nauvoo...Day One

We started the day early as we headed to the Nauvoo Visitor's Center.  We were able to watch a short film entitled, "Remembering Nauvoo" which related some experiences of people who lived in Nauvoo in the 1840's.  We then went on an hour long (COLD...complete with snow and freezing rain) wagon ride through the streets of Old Nauvoo.  We learned about the history of the town and some highlights of each of the restored buildings.  We then visited the Family Living Center where we learned to make rope, learned how bread and candles were made, and learned how to weave cloth to make rugs.  The children all loved this place and Mary and Joshie loved that there were toys for them to play with.  We visited the Lyon Drugstore and a few other sites.  I brought the younger 3 back for a nap and Joel took Thomas, Spring, and Sammy back to Old Nauvoo.  They walked around the temple grounds, visited the Browning Gun Shop, Post Office, Print Shop, Tinsmith, and John Taylor home.  They came back and picked us up and we headed back to the Visitor's Center for a few minutes before it closed.  Then we hurried to the condo to make dinner and then back to the cultural hall for "Rendezvous at Old Nauvoo."  This is a musical production performed by all the Missionaries serving in Old Nauvoo.  It was spectacular, to say the least.  We were all so touched and enjoyed a lively and spiritual evening.  It was fun to meet the cast afterward. 

In the evening we were exhausted yet full of joy, contentment, and peace from the many testimonies that were shared with us by the wonderful missionaries.  How blessed we are to visit such an amazing place.  The Spirit of the early Saints is so profoundly felt as we walked the streets and into the homes, stores, and buildings of this beautiful city, Nauvoo!

Answered Prayers

This afternoon Spring took Sammy, Mary, Joshie, Gideon, and Scout for a walk.  When Joel got home from work they were still not home and they had been gone for about 20 minutes which is a pretty long walk for them but the weather was nice so we thought they were just enjoying the time.  About 15 minutes later they were still not home yet and it was starting to quickly get dark.  Joel and I walked to the corner to see if we could see them but we couldn't.  He kept walking and I ran back home to get the van so I could drive the other direction looking for them.  Just as I was backing out of the driveway I saw them turn the corner to our house.  I asked if they were OK and they said they were and then proceeded to tell us this story....

They wanted to walk to the little neighborhood park to play for a little while.  Sammy said he knew the way to the park so he led the way.  After a while he told Spring he guessed he didn't know the way afterall.  Spring said it was OK because she knew where they were.  Then a couple minutes later, after walking some more, Spring said she didn't know where they were either.  Sammy started to cry and kept telling Spring he was sorry and it was all his fault and he should have never come on the walk.  He was crying pretty hard and was scared they wouldn't get back home and it was getting dark and cold.  Spring put her arm around Sammy and asked Sammy if he wanted to say a prayer with her.  He said that would be a good idea so they all kneeled down on the sidewalk and Spring said a prayer that they would be comforted and be able to find their way home before it got too dark.  They all commented on how much calmer they felt after the prayer.  Sammy said he was still a little scared but not even close to as scared as he was before they said the prayer.  They then got up and started walking and really soon they found a street sign they recognized and Spring knew exactly where they were and how to get home. 

We talked about his during dinner tonight and Sammy mentioned how he was so glad that he could feel the Holy Ghost comfort him when he was so scared.  Spring mentioned how neat it was that this week she is focusing her personal scripture study on how to recognize the Holy Ghost in her life and that she had this experience tonight when she knows she felt the Holy Ghost comfort and guide her.  I am thankful that Sammy and Spring had this experience together to learn they can depend on each other and help each other because sometimes they have a difficult time getting along with each other.  I think they both learned how deep their love for one another really is and how much they need each other.  How grateful I am for children that have the faith to pray for comfort and guidance and for a loving Father in Heaven that answered their pleading.

"Do what is right, let the consequence follow..."

Thomas came home from school on Monday and told me that his team at school (2 classes that switch for various subjects) was going to have a party on Thursday for the end of the quarter.  There were 3 movies for the students to choose from and one of them he knew he could not watch.  He voted for one of the other 2; however, was very disappointed that the movie that received the highest number of votes was the one he knew he should not watch.  He told his teacher that day he would not watch that movie.  As we were talking he also told me that other kids were trying to convince him to just watch it anyway.  Here are some of the things he was told and his responses:

OTHERS:  "Just don't tell your parents.  They'll never know because they aren't in school with you."

THOMAS:  "I don't hide things from my parents and I won't lie to them.  Anyway, I know it is wrong and that is why I am not going to watch it."

OTHERS:  "But, nobody will know you did."

THOMAS:  "I will know.  And, even if my parents never found out, there is someone else that will always know what I am doing."

OTHERS:  "But you'll really like this movie."
THOMAS:  "There's no way I would like watching something that I know I shouldn't be watching."

I was so humbled by him as he was telling me about the situation and ever so grateful that he courageously stood up for what he knew was right.  He said he told his teacher that he would not watch the movie and she told him he could go to a different room to read if he wanted to during the movie.  He was just fine with this alternative.  So, I was talking with him and asked him if he would like me to come and pick him up during this time and we could go do something fun instead and then I would take him back after the  movie was over.  He thought that sounded great. 

I emailed his teacher Monday evening and asked what time the movie would be shown so I could come and pick him up.  I was so impressed with her response the next day,

We came up with a great idea.  We will show 2 movies, one in each of the classrooms.  We will show the 2 most popular movie choices and that way more kids will be happy.  Thomas has such a fine character to stand up for himself and we want to honor the decisions you make at home .  I think our solution will work for everyone.

WOW!  Was I surprised and ever so grateful.  Thomas came home from school on Tuesday and told me of the plan because his teacher had talked to him about it already.  He was so excited.  We talked about how wonderful it is when we are blessed for doing what is right.  It reminded me of a line to a hymn, "Do what is right, let the consequence follow."  He did what was right with no worry about the consequence or what he may miss out on.  In so doing he set a powerful example and he gained a testimony that Heavenly Father will bless us when we "dare to do right." 

Today was the party and he came home so excited.  He told me there was another boy in his class that thanked him for saying something about the movie because he wasn't allowed to see it either but he was too scared to say anything.  How grateful I am for a son that inherently wants to do the right thing and really doesn't see anything else as an alternative.  And, how grateful I am for loving teachers that went out of their way to make the situation a positive experience for all involved.

Working Weekend

We had a wonderful weekend.  One of those weekends that go by so quickly you wonder where the days went but you also marvel at all you were able to accomplish.  Joel and I began the weekend with our monthly trip to the temple.  We have always loved our time and the opportunity we have to attend the temple and remember the covenants we have made.  I also love being able to enjoy the peaceful calm the temple brings.  We have time to ponder, pray, learn, and be reminded of where we are going in life and of any course corrections we need to make right now in order to be worthy to return to live with our Father in Heaven.  We love the almost 3 hour drive in each direction as it is uninterrupted time to talk and share with each other.  We can catch up on life, our children, our family, our concerns, our successes...whatever it may be.  I also love that we usually fill our drive home with conversation centered on how we can better bring the Spirit of the Lord into our lives, our children's lives, and our home. 

On Saturday morning we arose, bright and early, after getting home around 1:30 in the morning.  Our family was able to help in a Ward Service project at the City Center.  We pulled weeds, mulched, and did other basic landscaping.  The kids had a blast.  We had beautiful weather and wonderful company as we worked to beautify this part of our community.  The kids loved being able to wear the "Mormon Helping Hands" t-shirts and they worked so hard.  They were tired after but full of smiles.  I love opportunities to get out and serve together as a family.

We came home and decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather.  We cleared our yard of leaves, mowed the lawn (swamp may be a more accurate description), Joel changed the brakes on the van, we cut back bushes preparing for the winter, and cleaned out and organized the garage.  Our kids were such big helpers and troopers.  We were laughing and playing as we went and were shocked at how quickly the time went by.  Spring happened to see the time and asked us if we wanted her to prepare dinner and we gratefully accepted.  She made dinner while we finished up and then we enjoyed the evening together.  I love time to work together.

On this last temple trip we realized we need to be doing more to help our children learn how to search and study the scriptures.  We read from the Book of Mormon each evening as a family but we felt we needed to raise the bar and do more.  We have decided to spend each Sunday afternoon helping Thomas and Spring (and the others as they begin to read independently) become more familiar with the "Preach my Gospel" book.  We began this on Sunday giving them each their own copy of the book.  They thought they were so cool to have their very own.  We began at the beginning with them.  A question was posed in the book, "What is the gospel?"  Thomas and Spring struggled to answer this.  They said they knew what it was but it was "kinda hard to explain."  So, we asked them where we could look for the answer.  They suggested the Bible dictionary so we did just that.  After we read that and some additional scriptures they were so excited to be able to explain that the Gospel is the good news that Christ has atoned for our sins so we can all be resurrected and if we are righteous we can return to live with Him.  We loved this time with them and look forward to each Sunday to continue to study with them.  The coolest thing of all is that each day since Sunday I have found Thomas and Spring at different times with their "Preach my Gospel" book and their scriptures studying and taking notes on different principles of the gospel.  How grateful I am for promptings of the Spirit to help us know what we need to do to prepare our children to be profitable servants of our Father in Heaven.

Mary's Growing Testimony

I just had to post this so I don't forget it.  Mary came down to me today after her nap with really puffy sleepy eyes but a grin that covered her face.  She said these most precious words to me,

"Mommy, I was scared to go to sleep today but I said a prayer to Heavenly Father.  Jesus came to be with me so I could go right to sleep and not be scared.  Heavenly Father answered my prayer even though I said it really quiet.  Now I know He hears me even when I just whisper my prayers."

How, I am humbled and taught by this sweet girl each day.  I love her and am so grateful for the strength she is to me and the simple reminder to me that Heavenly Father does love us and does answer all our prayers!