Anna said, “I have a picture of Jesus in my room. It is the picture of Jesus praying. Jesus is praying for me in my room.”
Cottage Meetings, My Husband and our First Freedoms: William’s Warning
Yesterday, the day before Hawaii became the 15th state to permit gay marriage, Grant was asked to speak at a cottage meeting about the culture war and the attacks on our first freedom. He was amazing. I am grateful to be married to a man who has such strong convictions yet so much compassion (a balance not easily obtained). I know I need to formulate my own approach to discussing the issues of our day, especially this one that is threatening our very right to worship God. I just wish I were better at speaking. I’m sure part of it comes with research, (first seek ye to obtain my word) but why do I get so weak-kneed, why does my heart beat so fast I feel like it is about to burst whenever I have to say anything in front of anyone? I do not doubt that some things get easier with practice…I just can’t help but feel like I hope I never have to practice that much! In the meantime I need to read, research and write down how I feel about this topic that will effect us all so much. Until then, I will post this wonderful clip from the LDS church. Scroll down until you get the one called “What Is Religious Freedom”.
Apparently William is also thinking of heavy things. Recently he left this note on Sam’s pillow:
It says, “In 1947 the battle ended on 4105. In 2 days there will be a big war between China and America. So duck and run.” Boy oh boy do I wish I could see what this looks like in his head.
Halloween
Four years ago today Sam was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was scheduled to be baptized a month earlier but woke up vomiting on the day of his baptism. And so on Halloween Day he was baptized. Before his baptism he had planned on dressing up as Calvin from “Calvin and Hobbes”, but after he decided that he didn’t want to be something bad so he was a lumberjack instead.
Today Grant and I took Sam to the temple for the first time to do proxy baptisms. I loved seeing him there and his excitement to be there. I was excited for him that he could feel the spirit of serving in the house of the Lord. I love that he goes to school right across the street from the temple and now he can join many of the other 7th graders that go together after school!
Tending Roses
Ode To Sam
Sam Is Twelve!
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Family Pictures Today
And now the photos that wont make it into the Christmas card:
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These Kids Have Done Hard Things
With two weeks to practice (about 2 hours each day) Sam prepared a song two levels more difficult than where he is in his Suzuki curriculum and auditioned for a young artists group concerto. This is the website for the Utah Valley Symphony with whom he will be playing.
Then, a week later both Sam and Lizzie auditioned for the next level up in their Orchestra. Lizzie also had to prepare and perform a piece more difficult than she is used to. After much practicing they both made it!
William is now practicing his piano and violin because he loves it. I think this is a great accomplishment as well. He has discovered that he is very good at playing songs by ear and has worked out Micheal Jackson’s “Will You Be There” and “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” on both instruments.
I love seeing these children succeed when they work hard!
Future Runaway Bride?
Making Changes
Taking Care of the Little Mother
Our children know their parents love each other. We have a tradition that when we are watching a movie together as a family and there is a kissing scene, Grant and I get to give each other a kiss. The children react with varying degrees of delight and disgust.
Today I was snuggling on the couch with Grant and William came in, observed us snuggling and said with a happy smile, “It is so fun seeing the dad take care of the little mother.”
Also today I subbed in Sam’s primary class. I had forgotten that I was to teach his class and so was in somewhat of a panic. Sam was so kind and good to me. He took it upon himself to reassure me and help in anyway possible. The lesson was on the story of Samuel and on listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I barely knew the story of Samuel, just a few basic details so while I was hurriedly perusing the chapters in the Bible I asked, “Does anyone want to tell the story of Samuel?” Sam volunteered and proceeded to tell the WHOLE story! He had learned it in school! In fact, he had done a two page biblical biography on Samuel. He was able to share so many details as well as the spirit of the story. I felt overcome with gratitude for a son who is so spiritually sensitive. Thanks for bailing me out Sam!