Thoughts on Austin

Yummy Green Mesquite BBQ, fortuitous meetings with millionaire ranchers, a truly eclectic mix of characters--all coalescing to form a great experience in our short trip to Austin, Texas. Texas fans are nice, the stadium is huge, and most of the girls wear cowgirl boots with their skirts. I've always loved boots, and this may be the first time I've gotten a yearning to buy a pair of western style (but they were really cute!).

We packed light and so I only had flip flops to wear (they were the "dressy" pair, with the fake, transparent, gold colored accents, hehehe). In hindsight, not the best pair of shoes to hike the 2.5 mile distance to the game (which, incidentally, turned into a 4 mile trek). However, in addition to my bruised feet, I met some very interesting individuals on my solo trek to the stadium.

There were the drunk guys--one who, when I asked directions to the stadium simply stared and said, "you have sweet blue eyes"...HA! Can you say "beer goggles"? This isn't the first time a drunk guy has commented on my eyes. I've decided I'm not picky, though, and I'll take whatever complement I get. :) There were the drunk girls who asked us to beat Texas because they were Aggie fans and couldn't stand the Longhorns. There was the incredibly wealthy--and incredibly unpretentious--ranchers who gave me their phone numbers in case my grandfather (who lives in east Texas) needed help getting away from the wildfires.

Austin is filled with metrocycles--which are rickshaw type vehicles pulled by bicycle. We fortunately snagged one on the way home from the game--saving my already sore feet. We rode through the downtown and I have to say I was pretty floored with the night life. It's not my cup of tea--I'm more a bakery/hot chocolate in the morning kind of girl--but it was pretty fascinating to see so many different people visiting so many different nightspots.

All in all a wonderful weekend and Austin definitely rates as worth at least one more trip! Next time, though, I'll wear more sensible shoes. ;)

Ten years ago today, Adam, my first child, was lying in bed with me. He was only 15 months old and we were snuggling under the covers. My three month old Seth was still asleep in the nursery. Jeff called me and told me to turn the television on, and I stood there in shock and watched the tragedy unfold. How strange, to be so aware of misery actively occurring hundreds of miles away. That misery soon reached across the country and around the globe as we realized the extent of lives lost, and how heroic and brave and stalwart and true so many of those people were.

I remember not even comprehending how people who didn't even know us could hate us so much. I have to admit it was not in my nature to even truly understand this. As the years go by, I have learned that evil doesn't have to be comprehended to exist. The people who planned, prepared, and executed this terrible act want to take away our agency. They want to see us as they are, chained to an ideology that would actively work to murder fathers, mothers, daughters and sons in terrifying and horrific ways. No thank you.

The results of this act have been war. I know people who have given their lives protecting our freedom. Has it been worth it? I believe if we didn't fight we would just see more 9/11's; so I have to say, 'Yes, it has been worth it'.

I am certainly not one who blames Muslims in general for this act. I would, however, hope to hear more Muslim voices unrestrictedly condemning these actions. I would also like to see active work within the Muslim community to reform those factions which practice violence and hate. I know that some are diligently working to make sure they are not defined by the actions of a relative few.

Ten years later I am sitting in a hotel in Austin, listening to bagpipes in the street play a mournful melody. I consider how today I will be on a plane flying on the anniversary of our country's darkest hour. It is small, but I feel as if it is my own statement that I have my agency still. I am proud to be an American.

Wow...a lot has happened since my last post. Jeff and I finished our trip out west with the children and arrived in Alabama. We were there just a few days before leaving for our cruise. We were on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. It really is a spectacular ship. We had a great time, except the first night I had cramping and bleeding again. After the cruise, I made an appointment with an OB/Gyn because I feared I might have had an incomplete miscarriage. The closest appointment I could get was for September 1st.

Around midnight the evening of the 24th I began cramping terribly. After suffering 2 hours, I woke Jeff up and told him we had to go to the ER. He agreed and we went to St. Vincent's. This was a great blessing, because after both a traditional and vaginal ultrasound it was apparent that I had an ectopic pregnancy. This was highly unusual and unsuspected because I have no history of any kind of problems that would result in an ectopic pregnancy and I have already vaginally delivered 6 babies. I had to go right in for emergency surgery and have three little scars to show for it. I still feel the loss of this baby. I yearn for another child--I feel like there is another waiting to come to our family.

I was so blessed to have quality, appropriate care. It could have been so much worse...

Thoughts on Miscarriage...

I am suffering a second miscarriage. It almosts seems surreal because I didn't even know that I was pregnant. This makes it a lot easier than my last miscarriage in December 2006. That period was the darkest in my life. I knew I was pregnant and had already been making plans to have that special little child in our lives. I felt the loss completely--almost sinking into a depression.

Now that I know that I was pregnant, I feel a profound sadness. I also feel a degree of relief with the knowledge that the unexplained bleeding is not something life threatening or something requiring surgery. It is a small comfort.

So now, we will begin our lives anew. I still have hope to have more children join our family. I know that it is not something to take for granted; but is instead a wonderful blessing to hope for and take delight in...

Thoughts While Lying 'Neath a Rose-Colored Canopy

During this hectic week of cleaning and packing up the house, I made updating my blog a priority on my "to do" list. It is now early Saturday morning--at the end of the week--and I find myself in an antebellum home, lying underneath a beautiful rose-colored canopy. The house is cleaned, packed away, and ready for potential buyers. My blog, on the other hand, is unattended. So, before I partake of a delicious breakfast, I will fill in the details of the last month.


Since my last entry we have celebrated Independence Day by eating Voo Doo BBQ one last time, watching "A Capitol 4th" on PBS, and enjoying the neighborhood fireworks.



We celebrated Lilah's 3rd birthday on July 7th. There is a funny story related to this particular day. The night before I began to bake Lilah's cake, quickly realizing that I did not have eggs, cooling racks, measuring cups, etc., as they had all been packed away. So, I made a quick call to my dear friend Jeni who has a cake business. She agreed to do a layer cake for Lilah. She made a beautiful cake to my specifications, then disaster struck. While transporting it to my house, she was nearly hit by another driver. In her evasive driving, the cake was destroyed. She was a true professional and managed, with the help of Lisa, to patch it up. With the addition of the music box (as the third layer of the cake) and the Tinkerbell dolls, it turned out beautifully! Lilah absolutely loved it and we had a wonderful little party. Jeff and I were there, of course, along with Adam, Seth, Noah, John John, Luke, Alana, Dayna, Leonard, Sarah, Lisa, Jeni, and Sissy. It was truly a fun party. Lilah received fairy wings, a fairy book, Silvermist, My Little Pony, a Tinkerbell outfit, pajamas, a monkey book, a Tinkerbell placemat, a little outfit, and the music box. So much fun! And Lilah looked so sweet in her birthday dress--a peach and pale green confection that I bought in Iowa--long before I even had a little girl to wear it!


In mid-July, we took a little mini family vacation to see Grand Isle before we moved. We drove down to Grand Isle on a Wednesday afternoon. We walked the beach and let the children play for a little while. Then, we packed everyone up in the van and headed toward Gulf Shores. We stopped and stayed in a hotel in Biloxi. This was not fun! Lilah and Luke kept each other (and us) awake for a couple of hours. Before too long, it was time to wake up and pack the van again. On the way to Gulf Shores, we visited Bellingrath Gardens. I highly recommend this. Bellingrath is a beautiful home surrounded by acres of gardens. It was so beautiful and the children were very well behaved and really enjoyed this as well. We then caught a ferry to Dauphin Island. The children loved this as well!! It is a very pleasant way to travel to the beach.


We arrived at a duplex we had rented in Gulf Shores. This is a very good way to do family vacations. We didn't have to worry nearly as much about the noise the children made, and having two bedrooms made the stay much more pleasant. We spent two fun-filled days at the beach playing in the sand, splashing in the water, and swimming in the pool. We also had lunch at Lambert's--and the children LOVED it. What a nice tradition!


After the beach, we drove to my parent's house. We stayed Saturday night there, attended church with them the next morning, and then dad drove Jeff and me to the Amtrak station in Tuscaloosa. We left the van to be repaired in preparation for our next trip. Lisa picked us up in Slidell and the crazy week of packing the house began. This last week has really been a blur. Cleaning/packing/cleaning/packing with a couple breaks to get my hair done, watch Harry Potter 7 (fantastic, by the way), and have my very last nail appointment with Debby. I love her and will miss her so much!!! After my nail appointment yesterday, I picked Jeff up from his last day at work and we drove to beautiful Nottoway. It is so lovely and relaxing--and how I ended up updating my blog 'neath a rose colored canopy...

Another Move...

The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.
--Oliver Wendell Holmes

Since getting married in January of 1999, I have moved a total of 7 times. This is about to increase to 8 with our move next month. Jeff's new job will pay moving expenses and we were pretty excited to have a professional company do all the work for us. Unfortunately, our house hasn't sold yet, the land we REALLY want isn't for sale yet, and we don't want to buy a house and tie ourselves to it (thus putting off building our dream house for who knows how long). So, we are going to be staying with my parents until we decide what we need/want to do.

This leaves us with the dilemma of what to do with our belongings while we are in limbo. We ordered two PODS to fill with our household items (dishes, towels, sheets, glassware, etc.) and other things like holiday decorations, camping supplies, etc. We have pretty much decided to leave our larger furniture in the house until it sells. It will give the house that "staged" look and solve our problem of where to store everything until we need it.

Now we are going to have to get serious about a realtor. I have to admit I have really been putting this off. I cringe to think of the check we will have to write them. But, I also realize that each month the house sits unoccupied is money down the drain. I really don't want to do this moving-thing anymore. I am tired of packing and unpacking boxes. I am so ready to have my garden-like property with an enchantingly beautiful cottage-esque house situated prettily on it. Is that too much to ask? I am not serious. I know it is a lot to ask, and I hope that I will be as grateful for it when I get it as I imagine I will be.

So, prayers please that our house sells quickly; that we can buy the property we have our eyes on; and that our path will be smooth and straight in designing and building our future home.

Now THAT is one move I greatly anticipate...

In Zermatt

We spent yesterday and this morning in the lovely Swiss town of Zermatt. It is very isolated and features stunning views of the Matterhorn. It is such a charming town. There are very few vehicles allowed (mostly miniature trucks). In fact, there is a large fee charged if you want to drive your vehicle to the city. This makes it a very pedestrian friendly area filled with charming boutiques and restaurants. Flower boxes adorn homes, hotels, and other places of business. (I LOVE that!)

Typically, the best views of the Matterhorn occur in the morning. It was rainy and we were afraid that the weather wouldn't cooperate. However, last night Jeff called me from his run and told me to run to the window and look. Sure enough, the clouds had cleared to the point where we could clearly see that spectacular mountain. I am so glad we had the opportunity to see it and to photograph it.

I was able to find an adorable traditional swiss dress for Lilah, a stuffed St. Bernard plush toy for Noah, and Swiss Army Knives (engraved) for Adam and Seth. I still am on the lookout for the perfect gifts for John John and Luke. I love shopping! :)

"The Heroine in Your Own Story; or, Lost and Helpless in Sargans"

You know in a good story there is almost always a heroine who gets into trouble. Most often circumstances beyond her control manage to put her into uncomfortable and trying--sometimes even dangerous--situations. We cry with her, we feel for her, we cheer for her when either she is rescued or manages to save herself.

It's a classic scene in the movies--a girl and a boy are separated by a closing train door. The cruel hand of fate reaches in and tears them apart. Enough already, right? Just stop the train. Get the conductor. Pull the emergency cord. Well, I can now say from personal experience that the train doors close quickly, and they don’t open once the train starts to move. The conductor? He’s railcars away and he won’t stop the train for you, anyway. The emergency cord? It doesn’t do a thing--comforting, right?

But, this story needs to be told from the beginning. At least the beginning of the day. I was pretty exhausted after several days of busy sightseeing. I really just wanted to spend the day in bed, reading. Maybe get a massage. I know, I know. Many of you will say, “Why waste your time in Europe?!? The opportunity doesn’t come around very often.” I only reply that I am a quiet person who requires pockets of quiet time here and there. To each his own, right?

Yesterday, Jeff mentioned using our EuroRail passes to really see the country, and maybe pop into Liechtenstein and Austria, as well. I gave up my rest day--actually a little excited to go to places we hadn’t originally planned to see this trip. The day started fine. Jeff had gotten up early to make the travel arrangements and let me sleep in as long as possible. I hurriedly dressed, ate a quick breakfast, and made it to the train station in time to meet him there. We boarded the train to Zurich, passing through Lausanne and Bern. It was very lovely. Mountains, lakes, picturesque villages, and vineyards combined to form a truly enchanting sightseeing experience.

In Zurich, we stopped to eat lunch at a place we heard good things about. The chicken cordon bleu was delicious. The first problem arrived when we found out--after we had already eaten--that the restaurant did not accept credit cards. Uh-oh. We only had a total of two hours in Zurich before it would be time to leave to visit Liechtenstein and Austria. We had already taken an hour of that time to walk and eat. It took a half an hour for Jeff to find a place that would exchange our American dollars for euros/swiss francs (?). Once we had paid for our lunch, Jeff wanted to make a quick trip to see a famous church. I would normally love that, but we only had 30 minutes to catch the train. I am very much a “planning” sort of person. My husband is a “go with the flow”/”fly by the seat of his pants” kind of person. I ended up, grumpily, following him to the church. My feet were sore already, and once we made the trek to the church Jeff wanted to take the time to climb the steps to the tower. Easy right? Short answer, wrong. After, no lie, about 14 flights of very steep steps my legs and feet were screaming. How bad was it? I said “hell”-- in a church--and I don’t even cuss. We hurried back and just managed to catch our train.

Once in Sargans, Jeff found a taxi driver to take us into Liechtenstein. It is a charming country and during a short shopping break I managed to find a kitschy apron for my collection.

We then traveled to Austria where we planned on eating a wonderful, highly rated Weinersnitchel dinner. After arriving in the town of Feldkirch, though, we discovered that the restaurant was closed on Mondays (not terribly unusual with nice restaurants). This was very disappointing. We were really interested in trying that traditional dish in Austria. After a shortened visit, we managed to find the train station to carry us back to Sargans. Once in Sargans, we hurried to catch our train. My feet and legs had already been killing me and I couldn’t keep up. Jeff had my bag, as well as his, so that we could move faster. He ran on ahead to hold the door to the train for me. Just as I was reaching it, he stepped further inside to make sure we were on the correct train. The door slid closed--literally--in my face. We both realized what had happened and after banging fruitlessly on the door the train started to move. Jeff was stuck on it and tried to get it to stop--even resorting to pulling the emergency cord-- to no avail.

I was numb. Frustrated. Angry. My feet hurt. With dread, I realized that not only were we separated, but my bag was with Jeff. So there I was, at about 8 at night, stuck in Sargans with no passport, no money, no rail pass, no credit cards, and no phone. To add insult to injury, I really had to pee and I did not have the change to use the restroom (see previous post). I literally felt like a heroine. No, not the heroine in the end of the story with a glorious conclusion, but the heroine in the beginning of the story when her whole world comes crashing down around her.

What was I to do? Jeff was on an express train (no stops) to Zurich and I was stuck in Sargans. Sargans is in part of Switzerland that isn’t terribly touristy--so unlike Geneva, there weren’t many English speakers at all. I literally sat down on a bench in the open train station there and cried. My jacket was in my bag with Jeff, and so as the night darkened and it got chillier and chillier I was only more and more uncomfortable in my cap-sleeved (but quite stylish) cowl-necked blouse. Then, it started to rain. Really??? Were the screenwriters in the sky conspiring to create this pitiful situation? It sure felt like it. I found a phone booth and tried to make a collect call to Jeff’s cell phone. However, they do not allow collect calls to be made to cell phones. I couldn’t remember the account number, security code, and expiration date of any of the credit cards in my bag, so I wasn’t able to use them to call him.

After about an hour and a half an older man asked me what was wrong. He couldn’t speak English, so he led me into a convenience store where a lady who worked there spoke English. I explained the situation to her, and she managed to call Jeff. She found another train heading to Zurich. I hopped on it, not realizing before it was too late that it did go to Zurich--just in a round about way requiring a train change. Eventually, I made it back to Zurich and Jeff who was there waiting for me. Unfortunately, the last train to Geneva had already left. We were stranded in Zurich. Jeff managed to find a hotel right by the train station for us to stay the night. So, I’m lying here in a hotel that I would be scared to death staying in alone, wishing we were in our very comfortable hotel (THAT IS ALREADY PAID FOR!!!) in Geneva; but, I guess beggars can't be choosers. I should count my blessings. I could still be stuck in Sargans with no money, no passport, no credit cards, and no phone. Somedays it just doesn’t pay to be the heroine in your own story.


P.S. I must say how glad I was to have Jeff waiting for me at the Zurich train station. He had bought me a grilled meat wrap for dinner, as well as several drinks and pastries. I still feel a little bit in denial that all this happened to me. But, in the famous words of Scarlett O’Hara, “tomorrow is another day!”

First of all, Switzerland is a beautiful, very clean country. That is why I was surprised to occasionally smell urine around sidewalks and nooks. Yesterday, I almost walked into a man peeing in a bush in a park; then today I saw a man peeing on the street and another in an outdoor corner. WHAT!?! Why here, in this educated country, are there people peeing in the streets? BECAUSE THERE ARE NO FREE BATHROOMS!! Yes, it's true. Today I had the privilege of paying $2 to use a bathroom. To add insult to injury, exact change is required to enter the bathroom area. This is not good news when you are REALLY in a hurry! Later in the day I stopped in a McDonald's (the chicest McDonald's I've ever seen!) to use the restroom and discovered that the use of their "water closet" was restricted to those who had purchased food there (a code to enter the restroom was on the receipt). If you ever get to travel this beautiful country, make sure you have exact change to enter restrooms and be prepared to avert your eyes if someone just can't make it! [This reminds me of a time, fall 1994, when my dear Danish friend, Martine, went with me to Wal-Mart. She inquired about where we paid to use the bathroom. I thought that was completely hilarious--paying to use the bathroom? Now I fully understand, it's all cultural... :) ]

Of Queries and Manuscripts

Well, I just did it. I e-mailed a query letter along with my manuscript for a childrens picture book to an agent. So now, I suppose, I am waiting for my first rejection letter. :) I have always been a "people pleaser" and I believe writing for publishing is the cure for that! Almost every writing site I have found emphasizes the need to develop a thick skin and prepare for the rejections that will surely come. So, I am focusing on not taking any rejections to heart, and instead using them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Fingers crossed that it appeals to them and they want to work with me! :)

Apron of the Week--Christmas Eve

In our family, Christmas Day is very informal. It begins very early with excited children ready to empty their stockings and open their presents. We have a delicious breakfast that usually includes cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon, hot cocoa and orange juice. We listen to Christmas music, watch a bit of the parade on television, and enjoy our gifts. Around 2 pm we have an early Christmas Dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, jello salad, butterhorns, Ginger Ale, Cherry Seven-Up, chocolate pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and coconut pie. We eat, relax, and enjoy each other's company. There are board games, movies, and tossing the football around in the yard.

Christmas Eve is a more formal affair. We have a prime rib roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, German Chocolate cake, Red Velvet cake, and Sparking Apple Cider. We read the Christmas Story from Luke and ponder on the marvelous occurrence of our Savior's birth. We listen to Christmas music and watch Christmas movies while we sip our hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream. We read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore. We gather around the piano and sing carols and soak up the bubbling excitement of the children.

On Christmas Eve, I wear a formal apron for this formal occasion. It is a lovely red satin with a red lacy overlay. It is decorated with red sequins and is truly a grand lady of an apron. It is my pleasure to share it with you!

Cousin's Camp 2011

Each year we try to have a week or so of "Cousin's Camp". This is a time for the family to get together and have fun. Sometimes we do activities, go out to eat, watch movies, or just hang out together. It is a great time for the children to strengthen their relationships with each other. It is always enjoyable and exhausting! This year for Cousin's Camp we went to a park, played water games, had Noah's baptism, and went on an airboat ride in the bayou. Tomorrow we have a birthday party at Chuck e Cheese and swimming at the pool. Then on Wednesday, Jeff is taking the older ones to play Laser Tag.

It has been a very full house. Besides Jeff, me, and our own six children, we have had my parents, Jeff's parents, my sister and her eight children, Rachel, Travis, and Eloise for a grand total of 24! Fortunately we have had the space with this house. I am certainly grateful for it at times like these. (Please forgive the mess in this picture! All the children were holed up in the media room to sleep--and it shows! ;). Luke and Andrew were napping and not in the picture.)



We had a wonderful time Friday night. The adults went to Bocage and Houmas House. It was very enjoyable to spend time together and enjoy each other's company. This was especially true of Noah's baptism. I am so proud of Noah and his decision to be baptized. I know his Heavenly Father is so very proud of him, too. He was eager to make this special covenant and my heart is so full of happiness at his faith. What a blessing he is! Jeff and I stayed later for the Ellis' children's baptisms. It was sweet to see them make this special choice. When we got home, Noah had a "low episode" and the boys saw him almost have a seizure. It was the first time they had ever witnessed it and I think they have a better understanding of how serious diabetes is. He recovered quickly after we fed him grapes and soda--not the best to bring someone up from lows, but it was readily available. We took pictures and enjoyed the rest of the evening together.


Noah is thrilled to be a Cub Scout. He is working on his Bobcat now--and loving every minute of it! I know that he will excel at this program. It really fits his outdoors-loving personality perfectly. Even though many days are so tiring--as I look at how precious these children are--I am so grateful for the privilege of being their mother.

Apron of the Week--Birthday Party Apron

May is a very special month in our family. Three of our six beautiful children were born in May. John John was born on the 2nd, Noah on the 22nd, and Seth on the 29th. This translates to a lot of birthday cake during this month. By the time Seth's special day rolls around I am tempted to ask, "Wouldn't you like a birthday PIE?" But, I don't do that, because each child is precious and sharing a tradition like birthday cake shouldn't be denied. Now, if HE decides one of these years that he would prefer a pie, I will be happy to oblige! :)

Because we are right in the middle of what I call "Birthday Season", I would like to share my "Birthday Apron" with you. It features an adorable scene with a mix of six kittens and puppies anxiously awaiting their birthday treat. It is a festive scene and a very fun apron. I love the colorful polka dots and the general sense of happiness and celebration this apron portrays. I wear it on birthdays, so this apron gets worn 8 times a year. What delightful memories are made--and they are associated with this thin piece of cloth! When I pull the "Birthday Apron" out, it is as if I am pulling out memories of birthdays past with it.

Apron of the Week

(I started this post yesterday, but with technical issues at Blogger I am posting it today)

Those of you who know me know that I LOVE aprons. My collection now contains about 50 items. I actually get a couple requests per week to see them; so, I decided on Thursdays I will do an "Apron of the Week" post. I might miss one here or there, but I will try to stay consistent.

For this inaugural post I have chosen one of my most favorite aprons. I call it my "New-Year's-Eve-Party-Don't-Do-Any-Work-In-This-Just-Look-Pretty" Apron. It is truly a work of art. It is a half apron made of a lustrous champagne colored satin with a delicately embroidered overlay. Can you say GORGEOUS? It is spectacularly lovely...

This fine piece of art is not to be used as a towel for sticky fingers or to wipe children's runny noses. No, the sole purpose of this beautiful object is to be admired...preferably from afar...or behind glass...and NEVER worn while serving anything that might stain.

Useful? Probably not. Beautiful? Most Certainly. Nothing like a fantastic apron to outshine the dress it covers...

Mother's Love

I am eternally grateful for the love of a wonderful mother. She has taught me that giving yourself to the care and nurturing of others brings it's own blessings and rewards.

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
"No one should ever underestimate the profound power of a mother’s love. Not ever.” These are the words of Steve Mikita, who was born with a muscle disease that has confined him to a wheelchair for more than five decades.

His earliest memory is not about being frustrated that he could not stand, walk, ride a bicycle, or kneel to pray. His earliest memory, he writes, is "of being kissed—a lot—by my mother. . . . In her arms, I experienced the priceless gift of a mother’s love.”

Every day until Steve was 18 and left for college, his mother was the first to greet him in the morning and the last to say goodnight, and she arose three or four times each night to turn him from one side to another. "She did it all, and without a single complaint,” he remembers. "She did it gladly and cheerfully. I was never made to feel that I was a burden. Rather, I was her son, and she viewed the service she gave to me as a gift and a privilege.”

His mother, and countless others, give all they have to their children. In ways large and small, day after day, they sacrifice and serve; they demonstrate courage, confidence, and faith. They willingly walk into the valley of the shadow of death to give birth and then continue to give life and love all their days. No mother is perfect, but most do their best to nurture, teach, and love.

Steve Mikita says of his mother, who passed away decades ago: "Without her love, I would never have come to know [God’s] love. Without her at my side during trial after trial, I would not have approached my life with a muscle disease with as much optimism, resolve, and resilience as I have. . . . It was she who taught me to believe there is purpose in trials. . . . Her love filled the gaps. Her love was my strength.”1

May the Lord bless and keep such mothers.

Hope of a Coming Day

This was actually delivered on Easter Sunday; but, I find it very appropriate after the tornados that ravaged the South--particularly the area around my hometown in Alabama...

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
Thousands of years ago, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed the Lord’s great promise of a coming day: "Beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3). To all who face the ugly realities of life, to any who mourn the loss of a loved one, to all who feel the weight of life’s burdens, consider the glorious promise of an empty tomb: what once was dead is alive, what once was broken is whole, what once was lost is found.

One older couple experienced these realities in a personal way when their home caught fire and burned to the ground. Shocked and saddened, the couple began the painful process of rebuilding their home and their lives. They will tell you that it wasn’t easy, but all along the way they were comforted by thoughtful neighbors, caring friends, and devoted family members. They tried to remember their blessings and focus on what matters most.

They came to know that even in times of trial, against what seemed like overwhelming challenges, life goes on. No matter how dark the night, the sun rises again in the morning. No matter how deep the ashes, they can give rise to beauty. And any burden, no matter how heavy, can ultimately be lifted.

Even though life can be hard at times, we can trust divine promises and hold on to the hope of a coming day. On a spring day never to be forgotten, simple words with the most profound message were spoken. Those words, uttered in a garden near an empty tomb some two thousand years ago, still resound in our hearts with hope and sweet assurance: "He is not here: for he is risen” (Matthew 28:6).

On Mothers

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever--Author Unknown


Mother's Day means more to me now than ever. My first experiences with Mother's Day were those as a child. I made my mother cards featuring my hand prints as flowers or butterflies. I sang "Mother, I Love You" with the other children during Sacrament Meeting. I gave her kisses and hugs and participated in the general festive spirit.

As I got older, I truly began to appreciate all that she had sacrificed for me. I bought her "nicer" gifts, though, I am sure, not as meaningful or as precious to her as those earlier gifts from the heart. Then, on March 6, 2000--I became a mother with the birth of my son, Adam. Mother's Day took on a new meaning then. I realized that although I appreciated my mother and the many, many things she did for me, I truly did not understand the extent of her sacrifices. The pregnancy, labor and delivery were difficult things; but being a mother is much more than giving birth to a baby. There are sicknesses, accidents, arguments, dirty clothes, wet sheets, diseases, scraped knees, vaccinations, hurt feelings, broken dishes, spilled tears, tracked dirt, and broken hearts. A mother soothes all of these bumps in life. Her gentle touch and kind word acts as a salve to an injured spirit and provides a soft place to fall.

I have been blessed with six wonderful children. Now it is my turn to receive these precious handmade gifts. I get sweet coupons for promised services, pictures drawn by budding artists, and little flowers plucked from outside. At times like this, when I can feel their love so strongly and see it reflected so clearly in their eyes I feel the luckiest of women.

My heart hurts for those women who yearn to be mothers and haven't gotten to have a child. Yet, my heart knows that ALL women can mother. Many women who haven't been blessed with children of their own act as mothers to the children around them. Their nurturing spirits can bless the lives of all the children they come into contact with.

So, even though I might complain about something my children may have said or done, I am so grateful for the privilege of being their mother. I am honored to have their special spirits in our family. I am blessed to hear their laughter and see their goodness. Every stretch mark, every pound, every sleepless night is WORTH IT!

The sweetest sounds to mortals given
Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.
~William Goldsmith Brown

The Trip to Salt Lake City

My mother arrived at 10:30 or so on Wednesday evening. She was there to watch over my babies while I went to my very first writer's conference EVER!! The next morning, Jeff dropped Jill and me off at the airport. We cruised through security and made our way onto the airplane. We had no problems and arrived in Houston in time. With such a short layover, we were unable to get breakfast. We were SO hungry. Fortunately, Continental/United had their snack boxes available.

Jill had talked about a particular snack box before. She was very happy to find that this particular snack box was still being served. She bought one and I bought two just in case we needed snacks for our hotel room. We were not disappointed in this snack box! It is called Tapas and contained 3 different kinds of crackers, a parmesan cheese spread, a marinated artichoke and red pepper topping, garden vegetable hummus, olives, and a very stong (thank goodness! :) ) yummy, anise-flavored mint. The snack box was very filling and delicious. We were surprised to find it was only 553 calories...I'll take that!! :)

Our flight to Salt Lake City was pleasant. We visited and I finished Betsy Brannon Green's "Murder By Design". (Very good!). We caught a quick shuttle to our hotel and were able to check in early. We were hungry and decided to have an early Cinco de Mayo Dinner at Red Iguana. The food was fine--not the best I've had but good for Salt Lake City I was told. The non-alcoholic Pina Colada was delicious. We called the shuttle and rode back to the hotel. We were towards the back of the shuttle and felt every bump--occasionally coming off of our seats. Who needs Disney World, we joked!

I showered and turned in early, sleeping over 9 hours. That was awesome! We just woke, dressed, and enjoyed a continental breakfast. Conference begins soon!!

The Week of the Field Trip (Part 2)

With all that has happened recently--the tornados, the death of Osama Bin Laden, etc.--I had not taken the time to convey my experiences with Noah on his class field trip. We were to visit LSU. We met at Mike the Tiger's habitat. It is a very nice area with a pool, waterfall, lots of grass, and several trees. He is behind two fences and a plexi-glass like partition (this is by the pool so that visitors can see him swimming). We enjoyed watching him pace back and forth and even swim a little. i'm glad the pool is there to keep him cooler in warmer weather. Noah was excited to be so close to a live tiger. We went to the gift shop beside the habitat and Noah picked out a stuffed tiger he named "Mike" (very original! ;) But it is much better than the name he originally picked out that rhymes with "hootchie" and starts with a "c". For some reason that name seemed wrong--and it was!--and I convinced him to choose another. I am very satisfied with "Mike").

After spending time at the habitat we toured the stadium. The children had a nice time watching a video presentation about LSU football. We were able to tour the locker room (very large, carpeted, and a little smelly) and see their hall of champions. I got a photograph of their national championship trophy because Nick Saban was coach at the time...Roll Tide! Then we were able to go through the tunnel and out onto the field. The kids loved this. They raced the 100 yards back and forth and really enjoyed the experience.

After the stadium, the children were free to go off with their chaperones. Noah and I visited the Indian Mounds, the Greek Theatre, and the Natural History Museum. Noah especially loved the museum with it's stuffed animals. We then broke for lunch which was a picnic on the parade grounds.

I really appreciated this one on one time with my Noah. He is a sweet, affectionate child and i truly feel so blessed to have the privilege of being his mommy!

This Bittersweet Week in Review

On Tuesday I left earlier for my trip to Alabama then planned in order to get ahead of an upcoming storm. I was told that the next day or so would bring with it serious weather. I hurriedly packed, loaded the children into the van, cancelled my nail appointment, and got on the road. The first hour or so was rainy and I was fearful of what the drive would bring. However, after that first hour, we had beautiful weather to travel in and I was very grateful. I arrived at my parent's house ready to enjoy our Spring Break. My father said that we had bad weather coming, though, and so we did what we could to prepare to go to the shelter.


My parents live in a mobile home. They had scheduled it to be moved on May 2nd in preparation for the construction of their home. Because mobile homes are very unsafe to be in during a tornado, my father built a shelter. I call it the "Hobbit Hole" because it is mostly underground with earth rounded over it. It is only similar to a real "Hobbit's" home in shape, however. Where Tolkien had imagined dry, cheerful, cozy habitations, our Hobbit Hole is quite the opposite. I have to say that I hate it! It is built of cross ties and is dark, damp and smelly. However, during a tornado, I LOVE that Hobbit Hole!! I was very thankful to have a place to go with my parents and children that would offer us protection from the raging winds.


As it would turn out, we would use that shelter on two separate occasions. The first was at 5 am on Wednesday, April 27th. We grabbed our prepared bags containing diapers, wipes, Noah's insulin kit, flashlights, water, snacks, etc. We roused the children and hurriedly carried them outside and into the shelter. It was a tense hour as we sat there in the near dark. The children were understandably irritable. It was not a pleasant experience. After the storm had passed, we returned to the house with grateful hearts and happy that we had survived what we thought was the worst. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come.

Mother and I drove around to see how extensive the damage was. Our electricity had gone out during the storm, and we had no idea how long we would have to go without it. We were dismayed to find many, many trees down. Power lines laced the road. There were many places that were uncrossable. We were very sad to hear that there were 5 deaths related to the storm, and once again were very grateful for our safety.

While we were out, we heard that there was another line of storms headed for us. This seemed incongruous with the calm weather we were experiencing. I now really understand the phrase, "calm before the storm". Our power came back on around 1 pm. We only lost power for about 8 hours--and during the morning to early afternoon--arguably the best possible time during dangerous weather to have to go without electricity . Then, we heard about the tornado assaulting Tuscaloosa. We hurried the children back into the shelter. My father came down and said that it was the worst tornado he had ever seen; this is saying a lot as he spent 20 years in the Navy as a weatherman. We waited, our hearts pounding, for the bad weather to hit. There was only a light sprinkle of rain here and there. The trees were almost swirling and we expected the worst. We saw very dark clouds moving to the north of us--later realizing that this was the terrible storm that had already caused so much death and destruction and had more in her path.

Throughout the weather, I used my Iphone to stay in touch with those around me via Facebook. I heard of the damage around us and I was very fearful of what else would be discovered. I called my brother, Shane, to check on him and his wife and little boy. I didn't get an answer and was very fearful for their safety. Shane later called me and recounted his experience in the storm. He had been at work at Longhorn Steakhouse in Midtown. He heard the tornado as it made its way down McFarland Boulevard. Once he realized that it would not hit him directly, he went outside to watch. He says it was just horrible. After it had passed he ran to see what he could do to help. There was destruction everywhere. He saw a badly injured man on a board. There would not be time to wait for an ambulance. He offered his truck and they loaded the poor man onto the truck bed, and with a police escort my hero brother drove him the short distance to DCH (Druid City Hospital). Two other men in the collapsed house that this man had been pulled out of were not as fortunate. They were already dead. I feel so terrible that my brother had to endure this scene of horror. It is bad enough for trained doctors and trauma nurses, but for everyday people it is truly devastating. We would later learn that at least 50 people would die in Tuscaloosa due to this tornado, with 1000+ injured, and hundreds still missing. The storm continued on, claiming more lives and property.

I had looked forward to watching the Royal Wedding, but due to the weather related conditions I only managed to catch the highlights. I was pleased with what I saw. Princess Katherine is very likable and I loved how modest and graceful her dress was. My friend Becky McCain was to be married to her sweetheart, Steve Ennis, on Saturday, April 30. This was up in the air, now, and we waited hoping that they would be able to be sealed. Fortunately, things were able to go as smoothly as possible. It was so wonderful to be able to see Becky be married to her beau. It was a lovely, life-affirming ceremony. It was truly a bright spot in the week.

Church on Sunday was charged. Teams were sent out to gauge the needs in the Pleasant Grove/Concord area. This is all in preparation for the Mormons Helping Hands outreach that will begin this week. For 4-6 weeks teams from across the Southeast will gather in affected areas to clear debris, cut and remove trees, make whatever repairs possible, and generally administer to the needs of those whose lives have forever been impacted by this storm.

We drove home Sunday afternoon/evening. I saw posted on Facebook that the President was going to make an important announcement regarding National Security. When the news got out that Osama Bin Laden was dead, I was elated. How much death and misery had he brought into this world? The tornado had done it's terrible damage, but it was not an intentional, premeditated attack. Osama and Al Qaeda did their destruction intentionally. I was so glad that he was forever denied any more opportunity to wreak havoc on this earth. His time is over--thanks to America and her servicemen and women.

So now, a new week has started. My sweet little John John turns six today. I am so glad that such wonderful news started this day off right.

Happy Birthday, John!

How We Should Love Our Fellow Man

A lot of people remark that I seem to be a "happy" person--and I believe that I fundamentally am. This happiness doesn't come from money, fame, or even the precious people in my life. There are many people throughout the world who have at least some of these things--and yet find themselves feeling empty and sorrowful. I believe that my personal happiness comes from a firm belief in my Savior. The following is a beautiful example of putting that belief into action. I think we could all take a lesson:




**Sorry, I had to delete this video because it would start playing automatically whenever I opened my blog. You can search for it on youtube: "Dayton's Legs". It is very inspirational!

Aprons! Aprons! Aprons!

I like collecting things: Christmas ornaments, jewelry, dishes, vases, nightgowns, books, and APRONS!!! My mother wore aprons when I was growing up. She wore them while cleaning and cooking, and especially when baking. So many of my childhood memories involve the wonderful aromas of baking bread, homemade chocolate chip cookies, or a turkey roasting in the oven. My mother would be in the kitchen, preparing something lovely for us to enjoy. I recall in particular a long half-apron. It was white and trimmed with a thick eyelet lace. A cheerful yellow ribbon was threaded around it. I LOVED that apron! I remember a burgundy apron--sturdy and serviceable. I remember a holiday apron that added a real sense of "home" to our celebrations.

I think the value of aprons today lies not only in the protection of our clothes, but in tying us gratefully to the past. When I put an apron on, I feel a connection with the millions of homemakers before me who put on this soft armor every morning. I think of tired hands using the apron to dry them; I think of a fine dusting of flour from the preparation of a loaf of bread that would later be enjoyed with hand-churned butter and honey; I imagine the countless children whose tears were dried on an apron as their mothers comforted them. I also think of the loads of washing that were saved by this simple article of clothing.

Aprons are precious to me. I love the fabrics, the designs, the colors, the craftsmanship. I love the histories that aprons represent. My collection is currently rather small (I only have 40-50 presently). But, I get great enjoyment from them and from anticipating my next addition.

Aprons are a sentimental tie to our past. I am so glad that when my children are grown they will remember their mother wearing an apron. Perhaps one day, when I am gone, an apron I wore will bring a pleasant memory of home and love.

On the Easter Menu

Every Easter Sunday we have a traditional meal of Baked Ham (with a yummy brown sugar glaze), Butterhorns (these are FABULOUS homemade rolls), Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Peas, Jello Salad, and Coconut Cake for dessert. It is a meal that I look forward to every year. The morning is usually spent with a nice breakfast of pastries or cinnamon rolls, bacon or sausage, eggs, and orange juice. There are also the beautiful Easter baskets to raid--filled with colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, m&ms, malted milk balls, various wrapped chocolates, creme eggs, marshmallow peeps--the list seems to go on and on.

It is easy to get wrapped up in the trimmings of the Holiday. We celebrate with many harmless and fun pursuits; dyeing eggs vibrant blues and purples or pastel yellows and pinks, hiding and hunting those lovely eggs, watching fun Easter movies, thinking about bunnies and colored eggs and baby chicks. All of these things are good. However, me must not lose sight of the Reason we celebrate.

In our family, we try very hard to stress the reason we celebrate Easter. Christ lived. He led a perfect life. He suffered for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane so that we can repent and live with our Father in Heaven. He died on the cross--after he had completely finished the Atonement. And, the great miracle of the world, He overcame death and Resurrected. I don't know all that was involved in this. But, I have a testimony that he alone could accomplish this first. He overcame death so that we could, too. My heart is overfilled with gratitude for my Savior, who loved me enough to suffer for my sins. At times I feel so unworthy of this sacrifice, but I am SO grateful for it. One day, when I stand before the Savior (we all will!), I hope that I will have lived my life in such a way that I caused as little suffering for Him as possible.

I think that this Hymn conveys the true spirit of Easter:

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!

Happy Easter and many blessings!

An Important Talk on Agency

This is the talk I am teaching from tomorrow. Always good to study these reminders of what is truly important in life.

Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life


By Elder Robert D. Hales

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles



Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal life.

Recently I received a letter from a friend of over 50 years who is not a member of our church. I had sent him some gospel-related reading, to which he responded: “Initially it was hard for me to follow the meaning of typical Mormon jargon, such as agency. Possibly a short vocabulary page would be helpful.”

I was surprised he did not understand what we mean by the word agency. I went to an online dictionary. Of the 10 definitions and usages of the word agency, none expressed the idea of making choices to act. We teach that agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and “to act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon.”1 Agency is to act with accountability and responsibility for our actions. Our agency is essential to the plan of salvation. With it we are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil.”2

The words of a familiar hymn teach us this principle very clearly:



Know this, that ev’ry soul is free

To choose his life and what he’ll be;

For this eternal truth is giv’n:

That God will force no man to heav’n.3


To answer my friend’s question and the questions of good men and women everywhere, let me share with you more of what we know about this meaning of agency.

Before we came to this earth, Heavenly Father presented His plan of salvation—a plan to come to earth and receive a body, choose to act between good and evil, and progress to become like Him and live with Him forever.

Our agency—our ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress. Yet with agency we could make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly Father again. For this reason a Savior would be provided to suffer for our sins and redeem us if we would repent. By His infinite Atonement, He brought about “the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice.”4

After Heavenly Father presented His plan, Lucifer stepped forward, saying, “Send me, … and I will redeem all mankind, that [not even] one soul shall … be lost … ; wherefore give me thine honor.”5 This plan was rejected by our Father, for it would have denied us our agency. Indeed, it was a plan of rebellion.

Then Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father’s “Beloved and Chosen [Son] from the beginning,” exercised His agency to say, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”6 He would be our Savior—the Savior of the world.

Because of Lucifer’s rebellion, a great spiritual conflict ensued. Each of Heavenly Father’s children had the opportunity to exercise the agency Heavenly Father had given him or her. We chose to have faith in the Savior Jesus Christ—to come unto Him, follow Him, and accept the plan Heavenly Father presented for our sakes. But a third of Heavenly Father’s children did not have faith to follow the Savior and chose to follow Lucifer, or Satan, instead.7

And God said, “Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, … I caused that he should be cast down.”8 Those who followed Satan lost the opportunity to receive a mortal body, live on earth, and progress. Because of the way they used their agency, they lost their agency.

Today the only power Satan and his followers have is the power to tempt and try us. Their only joy is to make us “miserable like unto [themselves].”9 Their only happiness comes when we are disobedient to the Lord’s commandments.

But think of it: in our premortal state we chose to follow the Savior Jesus Christ! And because we did, we were allowed to come to earth. I testify that by making the same choice to follow the Savior now, while we are here on earth, we will obtain an even greater blessing in the eternities. But let it be known: we must continue to choose to follow the Savior. Eternity is at stake, and our wise use of agency and our actions are essential that we might have eternal life.

Throughout His life our Savior showed us how to use our agency. As a boy in Jerusalem, He deliberately chose to “be about [His] Father’s business.”10 In His ministry, He obediently chose “to do the will of [His] Father.”11 In Gethsemane, He chose to suffer all things, saying, “Not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.”12 On the cross, He chose to love His enemies, praying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”13 And then, so that He could finally demonstrate that He was choosing for Himself, He was left alone. “[Father,] why hast thou forsaken me?” He asked.14 At last, He exercised His agency to act, enduring to the end, until He could say, “It is finished.”15

Though He “was in all points tempted like as we are,”16 with every choice and every action He exercised the agency to be our Savior—to break the chains of sin and death for us. And by His perfect life, He taught us that when we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, our opportunities increase, and we progress.

Evidence of this truth is found throughout the scriptures. Job lost everything he had yet chose to remain faithful, and he gained the eternal blessings of God. Mary and Joseph chose to follow the warning of an angel to flee into Egypt, and the life of the Savior was preserved. Joseph Smith chose to follow the instructions of Moroni, and the Restoration unfolded as prophesied. Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal life.

In our mortal journey, it is helpful to remember that the opposite is also true: when we don’t keep the commandments or follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, our opportunities are reduced; our abilities to act and progress are diminished. When Cain took his brother’s life because he loved Satan more than God, his spiritual progress was stopped.

In my youth I learned an important lesson about how our actions may limit our freedom. One day my father assigned me to varnish a wooden floor. I made the choice to begin at the door and work my way into the room. When I was almost finished, I realized I had left myself no way to get out. There was no window or door on the other side. I had literally painted myself into a corner. I had no place to go. I was stuck.

Whenever we disobey, we spiritually paint ourselves into a corner and are captive to our choices. Though we are spiritually stuck, there is always a way back. Like repentance, turning around and walking across a newly varnished floor means more work—a lot of resanding and refinishing! Returning to the Lord isn’t easy, but it is worth it.

As we understand the challenge of repenting, we appreciate the blessings of the Holy Ghost to guide our agency and Heavenly Father, who gives us commandments and strengthens and sustains us in keeping them. We also understand how obedience to the commandments ultimately protects our agency.

For example, when we hearken to the Word of Wisdom, we escape the captivity of poor health and addiction to substances that literally rob us of our ability to act for ourselves.

As we obey the counsel to avoid and get out of debt now, we use our agency and obtain the liberty to use our disposable income for helping and blessing others.

When we follow the prophets’ counsel to hold family home evening, family prayer, and family scripture study, our homes become an incubator for our children’s spiritual growth. There we teach them the gospel, bear our testimonies, express our love, and listen as they share their feelings and experiences. By our righteous choices and actions, we liberate them from darkness by increasing their ability to walk in the light.

The world teaches many falsehoods about agency. Many think we should “eat, drink, and be merry; … and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved.”17 Others embrace secularism and deny God. They convince themselves that there is no “opposition in all things”18 and, therefore, “whatsoever a man [does is] no crime.”19 This “destroy[s] the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes.”20

Contrary to the world’s secular teaching, the scriptures teach us that we do have agency, and our righteous exercise of agency always makes a difference in the opportunities we have and our ability to act upon them and progress eternally.

For example, through the prophet Samuel, the Lord gave a clear commandment to King Saul:

“The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be king … : now therefore hearken thou unto the voice … of the Lord. …

“… Go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have.”21

But Saul did not follow the Lord’s commandment. He practiced what I call “selective obedience.” Relying on his own wisdom, he spared the life of King Agag and brought back the best of the sheep, oxen, and other animals.

The Lord revealed this to the prophet Samuel and sent him to remove Saul from being king. When the prophet arrived, Saul said, “I have performed the commandment of the Lord.”22 But the prophet knew otherwise, saying, “What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?”23

Saul excused himself by blaming others, saying the people had kept the animals in order to make sacrifices to the Lord. The prophet’s answer was clear: “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken [to the commandments of the Lord] than the fat of rams.”24

Finally, Saul confessed, saying, “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”25 Because Saul did not hearken with exactness—because he chose to be selectively obedient—he lost the opportunity and the agency to be king.

My brothers and sisters, are we hearkening with exactness to the voice of the Lord and His prophets? Or, like Saul, are we practicing selective obedience and fearing the judgments of men?

I acknowledge that all of us make mistakes. The scriptures teach us, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”26 For those who find themselves captive to past unrighteous choices, stuck in a dark corner, without all the blessings available by the righteous exercise of agency, we love you. Come back! Come out of the dark corner and into the light. Even if you have to walk across a newly varnished floor, it is worth it. Trust that “through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind [including you and me] may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”27

As the hour of the Atonement was upon Him, the Savior offered His great Intercessory Prayer and spoke of each of us, saying: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.”28 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”29

I bear my special witness that They live. When we exercise our agency in righteousness, we come to know Them, become more like Them, and prepare ourselves for that day when “every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess” that Jesus is our Savior.30 May we continue to follow Him and our Eternal Father, as we did in the beginning, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The Week of the Field Trip (Part One)

One benefit of having children is getting to go on field trips with them. A detriment of having children is having to go on field trips with them. I sit comfortably on the edge of that fence--in part looking forward to experiencing something new with my child, and an equal part of "I don't really want to go there/do that/HOW MANY kids will I need to chaperon?!?"

With two field trips scheduled for this 4 day week, I must admit I wasn't really looking forward to it. I am at heart a homebody. I love a quiet, regular, highly predictable routine. Of course, I love to travel and I must get out of the house and away from the kids at least once a week; but, generally, I really like a quiet, peaceful, simple life. The thought of a busy week really sucks away at my spirit. I am definitely not one that thrives on excitement and grows more energetic with more things to accomplish.

A close friend of mine sent me an article (which I later shared on this blog) about priorities. This was a Godsend. Instead of being selfish, which I was (lamenting MY lost week), I decided to approach this whole situation a little differently. After all, life is life. Most things we can't change and some things we can have little effect on. I could change my attitude, though, and search for the good in this week instead of focusing on what I thought to be the negatives.

So on Tuesday morning, I arrived at the school prepared to make the best of it. It's a good thing, too, because one of the drivers of the three chartered buses had a diabetic issue requiring an ambulance. This threw a big wrench in our plans. 13 parents had to drive to New Orleans because the driver wouldn't be able to continue on, obviously. This hiccup in our plans caused us to be 10 minutes late to the scheduled IMAX, and when we got there we found a portion of our tickets had been sold and we were not allowed to go in. This was a great disappointment. I must admit I was looking forward to sitting in a nice, air conditioned room for that hour. A quick rearranging of plans and we were at the Aquarium in the morning instead of the afternoon.

I hadn't been there before, and I must say I really enjoyed it. Seth spent most of the time with my Iphone taking pictures and video of things he found interesting. I followed behind him, marveling at how much he has grown, and what a fine, handsome young man he is becoming! I was definitely a proud mommy!

I was so pleased with how well he behaved. The last two years have shown phenomenal growth in his maturity. This is a most satisfying discovery...

Following the Aquarium we met at a riverside park to eat a picnic lunch. This was my favorite part of the field trip. The weather was pleasant, we had yummy food (you know me, I'm going to tell you what we ate! Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Carrot sticks with Ranch Dip, Pineapple slices, Granola Bar, and A Ding Dong. We washed it all down with Grape Capri-Suns and Rootbeers!) We had a wonderful time just visiting and spending special time one on one. This was the best part of the day--and I was able to understand the importance of events like this. Seth is one of six children. He doesn't often get time with just me. I have set a new goal to make sure that I have this one on one time with all of my beautiful children. They are so important to me, and I know we would all benefit from this practice.

I posted on facebook that we had, "A waterside luncheon with riparian entertainments". You can take the girl away from Hyacinth, but you can't take Hyacinth out of the girl!

Because of the IMAX mix-up, they gave us entrance to the Insectarium. At first, this did not sound good to me AT ALL! But, I remembered my commitment to try to see the positive in everything and continued on--a smile on my face. I realized how much Seth was looking to me to see my reactions to the setbacks of the day. This was so humbling! I was TRULY grateful for that reminder from a friend. Because I took the setbacks in stride, not letting them affect my enjoyment of the day, Seth did the same.

The Insectarium turned out to be pretty interesting. I was able to pick up a few books on beekeeping--which is a hobby I plan to pick up when we have our own property. I also LOVED the Butterfly Room. It was such a pleasant exhibit. Now there were certainly things I could have done without--like the spiders and edible bugs--but it turned out to be a very nice tour.

We returned home tired and ready to rest, but I really had a wonderful time and truly appreciated my one on one time with Seth.

Later I will blog about my day with Noah...

A Timely Reminder About the Most Important Things in Life

Of Things That Matter Most
DIETER F. UCHTDORF
SECOND COUNSELOR IN THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.
It’s remarkable how much we can learn about life by studying nature. For example, scientists can look at the rings of trees and make educated guesses about climate and growing conditions hundreds and even thousands of years ago. One of the things we learn from studying the growth of trees is that during seasons when conditions are ideal, trees grow at a normal rate. However, during seasons when growing conditions are not ideal, trees slow down their growth and devote their energy to the basic elements necessary for survival.

At this point some of you may be thinking, “That’s all very fine and good, but what does it have to do with flying an airplane?” Well, let me tell you.

Have you ever been in an airplane and experienced turbulence? The most common cause of turbulence is a sudden change in air movement causing the aircraft to pitch, yaw, and roll. While planes are built to withstand far greater turbulence than anything you would encounter on a regular flight, it still may be disconcerting to passengers.

What do you suppose pilots do when they encounter turbulence? A student pilot may think that increasing speed is a good strategy because it will get them through the turbulence faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do. Professional pilots understand that there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. And most of the time that would mean to reduce your speed. The same principle applies also to speed bumps on a road.

Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.

The Pace of Modern Life
This is a simple but critical lesson to learn. It may seem logical when put in terms of trees or turbulence, but it’s surprising how easy it is to ignore this lesson when it comes to applying these principles in our own daily lives. When stress levels rise, when distress appears, when tragedy strikes, too often we attempt to keep up the same frantic pace or even accelerate, thinking somehow that the more rushed our pace, the better off we will be.

One of the characteristics of modern life seems to be that we are moving at an ever-increasing rate, regardless of turbulence or obstacles.

Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be busy. We all can think up a list of tasks that will overwhelm our schedules. Some might even think that their self-worth depends on the length of their to-do list. They flood the open spaces in their time with lists of meetings and minutia—even during times of stress and fatigue. Because they unnecessarily complicate their lives, they often feel increased frustration, diminished joy, and too little sense of meaning in their lives.

It is said that any virtue when taken to an extreme can become a vice. Overscheduling our days would certainly qualify for this. There comes a point where milestones can become millstones and ambitions, albatrosses around our necks.

What Is the Solution?
The wise understand and apply the lessons of tree rings and air turbulence. They resist the temptation to get caught up in the frantic rush of everyday life. They follow the advice “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” 1 In short, they focus on the things that matter most.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.” 2

The search for the best things inevitably leads to the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ—the simple and beautiful truths revealed to us by a caring, eternal, and all-knowing Father in Heaven. These core doctrines and principles, though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life.

There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions.

For example, it wasn’t long after astronauts and cosmonauts orbited the earth that they realized ballpoint pens would not work in space. And so some very smart people went to work solving the problem. It took thousands of hours and millions of dollars, but in the end, they developed a pen that could write anywhere, in any temperature, and on nearly any surface. But how did the astronauts and cosmonauts get along until the problem was solved? They simply used a pencil.

Leonardo da Vinci is quoted as saying that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” 3 When we look at the foundational principles of the plan of happiness, the plan of salvation, we can recognize and appreciate in its plainness and simplicity the elegance and beauty of our Heavenly Father’s wisdom. Then, turning our ways to His ways is the beginning of our wisdom.

The Power of Basics
The story is told that the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi had a ritual he performed on the first day of training. He would hold up a football, show it to the athletes who had been playing the sport for many years, and say, “Gentlemen, … this is a football!” He talked about its size and shape, how it can be kicked, carried, or passed. He took the team out onto the empty field and said, “This is a football field.” He walked them around, describing the dimensions, the shape, the rules, and how the game is played. 4

This coach knew that even these experienced players, and indeed the team, could become great only by mastering the fundamentals. They could spend their time practicing intricate trick plays, but until they mastered the fundamentals of the game, they would never become a championship team.

I think most of us intuitively understand how important the fundamentals are. It is just that we sometimes get distracted by so many things that seem more enticing.

Printed material, wide-ranging media sources, electronic tools and gadgets—all helpful if used properly—can become hurtful diversions or heartless chambers of isolation.

Yet amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble Man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting. His is a simple message: “Come, follow me.” 5 And He does not speak with a powerful megaphone but with a still, small voice. 6 It is so easy for the basic gospel message to get lost amidst the deluge of information that hits us from all sides.

The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel. The reason we return to these foundational principles, to the pure doctrines, is because they are the gateway to truths of profound meaning. They are the door to experiences of sublime importance that would otherwise be beyond our capacity to comprehend. These simple, basic principles are the key to living in harmony with God and man. They are the keys to opening the windows of heaven. They lead us to the peace, joy, and understanding that Heavenly Father has promised to His children who hear and obey Him.

My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.” 7

Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world. That is why “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, … that [we] may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.” 8 In the complexity, confusion, and rush of modern living, this is the “more excellent way.” 9

So What Are the Basics?
As we turn to our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom regarding the things that matter most, we learn over and over again the importance of four key relationships: with our God, with our families, with our fellowman, and with ourselves. As we evaluate our own lives with a willing mind, we will see where we have drifted from the more excellent way. The eyes of our understanding will be opened, and we will recognize what needs to be done to purify our heart and refocus our life.

First, our relationship with God is most sacred and vital. We are His spirit children. He is our Father. He desires our happiness. As we seek Him, as we learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we open our hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, our lives become more stable and secure. We experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment as we give our best to live according to God’s eternal plan and keep His commandments.

We improve our relationship with our Heavenly Father by learning of Him, by communing with Him, by repenting of our sins, and by actively following Jesus Christ, for “no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Christ].” 10 To strengthen our relationship with God, we need some meaningful time alone with Him. Quietly focusing on daily personal prayer and scripture study, always aiming to be worthy of a current temple recommend—these will be some wise investments of our time and efforts to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Let us heed the invitation in Psalms: “Be still, and know that I am God.” 11


Our second key relationship is with our families. Since “no other success can compensate for failure” 12 here, we must place high priority on our families. We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship.

The third key relationship we have is with our fellowman. We build this relationship one person at a time—by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents. I was deeply impressed by one sister who was burdened with the challenges of age and illness but decided that although she couldn’t do much, she could listen. And so each week she watched for people who looked troubled or discouraged, and she spent time with them, listening. What a blessing she was in the lives of so many people.

The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of having a relationship with ourselves, but we do. Some people can’t get along with themselves. They criticize and belittle themselves all day long until they begin to hate themselves. May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.

Rejoice in the Pure Gospel
Brothers and sisters, let us be wise. Let us turn to the pure doctrinal waters of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us joyfully partake of them in their simplicity and plainness. The heavens are open again. The gospel of Jesus Christ is on earth once more, and its simple truths are a plentiful source of joy!

Brothers and sisters, indeed we have great reason to rejoice. If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.

Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from placing our attention and efforts on the basics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most.

Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace. For this I pray, as I leave you my blessing, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.