The Final Hurrah!

It's been a wonderful week of cousin lovin'. We had play dates again this morning and then a trip to McDonalds (not the best choice since we'll probably hit one on our way to Utah tomorrow). Then we went to the park and a swimming party for Ike. When we got home we were tired, but there was still enough steam left in us to pack up and prepare for our trip. I'm looking forward to relaxing in the passenger seat and dozing off.

The Good Life

These kids are so blessed with cousins for playmates. All the kids changed into their swim suits several times today hopping back and forth between the kiddie pool and hot tub. We also set up the two-person tent Aaron and I got from our wedding for the kids to play in. Every time I see that tent I think back to the time shortly after our honeymoon when Aaron and I camped in the back yard of our duplex. In the middle of the night, the sprinklers automatically turned on and we rushed into the house completely soaked. Cameron and Estelle hid themselves in the tent from the "monsters outside" screaming every time they put their heads up. We had the Shirts come over after Mary's last day at soccer camp for a little play-date. Between cousins and good friends we really are living the good life.

Give Her Some Space

Since Stelley is so adorable the kids are constantly wanting to snuggle right up to her. Sometimes I have to rescue her and ask the kids to give her a little space, like in this picture where Nikki was trying to make funny faces to make Estelle laugh. It's been so fun watching all the cousins with my mom. We cook and clean together, play and plan together. It's the perfect balance. I love my mom.

Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe

It was crazy hair day at soccer camp today. We didn't have a lot of time so we kept it simple. But she looked so cute with all those bows. Mary doesn't like long shorts so she hikes them up to her comfortable spot, shown below...

For a couple hours following camp today there were 14 children here playing, eating, swimming, jumping, running, and zippety-zooming around the house. It made me think of the old woman who lived in a shoe, she had so many children she didn't know what to do. Lucky for me we weren't confined to a small space and my mom and I worked together to care for the kids (their moms' left for girls camp today).

Follow the Prophet

Today the leader of the Ordain Women's group was excommunicated. It's a sad day. Not because I align myself in any way with her beliefs or ideas but because I feel a sadness for her decisions and for her pain.

I have debated sharing my beliefs on facebook or commenting on friends' posts, as I have in other similar issues such as gay marriage. But I refrain, not because I am ashamed, but because arguing with the world is a losing battle. I've read this feminist movement's arguments and I've read some commentary for and against them. I could sit here and debate their requests for what they see as equality or inequality. But in the end, what it all boils down to is that fact that I believe this is God's church, not man's. I believe that we have a prophet who receives revelation for our church. And I believe that the source of our doctrine is God.

It is just that plain and simple.

I thought the Bishop's letter to Kate Kelly was beautiful. I hope she can see that all of this was not an act of damnation, but an act of love and hope, the great hope of Christ's atonement. I hope that this excommunication brings some clarity for others as well.

I believe Satan is desperately trying to deceive us, even the very elect. I think this movement is full of his lies mixed with truths, his great handiwork. None of us are exempt from his fiery darts. We all need to strengthen and protect our testimonies each day and fill our lives with the Spirit...it will keep us humble, it will keep us teachable, and it will keep our hearts close to truth.

I worry all the time for you my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. I cannot completely shelter you from this world. But I will sure try and remind you of the safety that comes from following the prophet. We are so blessed to have him and all our leaders.

This quote from Sister Oscarson, shared today I think as a result of this experience, left me with something important to remember:

"All of us as sisters in the gospel have the responsibility and privilege to support and nourish one another. We have all committed to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and this discipleship should be at the heart of all that we do. Each of us is in a different place in our spiritual journey. Some may struggle with testimony. Some have questions or wrestle with the pressures and trials of life. Those who are struggling for whatever reason should be able to find within our sisterhood a spirit of warmth, inclusion and love.

“Occasionally, some of our brothers and sisters may find themselves away from the fold because of personal choices. Without condoning those choices, it is important to remember the Savior’s message of leaving the ninety and nine safely in the fold and reaching out with love, with kindness and with compassion to the one. We can demonstrate that compassion by ensuring that our communications with one another are respectful and kind."

On a much happier note I got a lot of church calling work done today as well as housework and grocery shopping. I don't love grocery shopping (by the way). Mary started a soccer camp this week and Noah spent the morning playing so sweetly with the younger kids. I really love having them home.The check-out lady at the grocery store called over two other employees to have them come see Cameron's eyelashes today. I'm telling you, those things get some attention. I also took a picture of Nicole eating some Oreo cookies, or should I say just the middles of them. Totally random day recap. It was a good one.

Dearest Children

Dear Children,
It's been a month since I've posted anything on my blog. I have an ongoing list of pictures and subjects that I hope to catch up on. I was speaking with a friend a while back who told me not to worry about posting something everyday. I explained to her that if I didn't concentrate on it a little each day then I forget to take pictures and record all the wonderful moments of motherhood.

After some amazing talks and lessons today on family history and awakening to the work of the restoration I have decided to continue trying to post everyday, understanding that it's okay if I get a little behind (or a lot as in this case). I also realized that I can eliminate any selfishness (pride) related to public "brag blogging" if I concentrate on who this blog is for...I've read that before in blogging groups and tips...know your audience.

I've concluded that my blog is for you, my wonderful children. It's your beauty, your strength, your love, and growth that I hope to capture in my simple daily snippets. And it's my testimony of our loving Father, His perfect Son, and His great plan of happiness that I hope to share with you now and forever. You are precious.
xo
Mom

A.W.O.L.

At about 1:30 am early this morning Cameron got kicked in the head by a sleepy camper. It started a chain reaction of coughing, wheezing, and crying loud enough to wake up every father and son at the camp site. After some patient fathering attempts Aaron was left with no choice but to leave Noah behind with his uncles and hop in the car with his only located shoe and drive home.

At about 2:30am I was awakened by Aaron and a coughing Cameron. Confused by the two girls snuggled next to me and the surprise return of the boys I dazeley hopped out of bed. I grabbed Cameron some allergy medicine since he wasn't sick before he left, assuming it was some kind of weird reaction to the camp fire. Then I gave him a bath and soothed him to sleep with a little back rub. The cough was gone by 3am and he happily slept in all morning.

Hopefully next year's father and sons goes a little smoother.