The Love of God

There are a handful of times in life when you feel the love of Christ so strong that it fills the center of your soul. I'm not talking about the wonderful and frequent promptings of the spirit that happen. I mean the rare and precious moments when you feel heaven and earth almost touch.

I had one of those experiences this morning as we got up early, put on our best Sunday clothes and drove to the Conference Center to attend the viewing for President Hinckley.

As with most good plans, opposition always creeps in. It was a little harder than I thought to get five children (our three plus Daniella & Andy) and myself downtown to pick up Mark by 9:00 am. The car was out of gas, I took a wrong turn, got stuck waiting for the trains, had to go to three different doors at the Conference Center to check the stroller in, not to mention it was windy and 23 degees.

Samantha was fussy and I was worried as we headed up the escalator. I thought about turning around and letting Mark take the other kids, but as we approached the top floor, a feeling of peace and reverence flooded the room. "Our Savior's Love" was playing softly. It was almost like stepping out of earth and briefly into heaven. While many babies and children and hundreds of people were there, it was still and beautiful. It felt like being wrapped in a blanket of overwhelming love, the love of Jesus Christ.

President Hinckley looked so peaceful and yet so holy. A gentle glow seemed to radiate from him. Here was a man who truly knew the Savior. Tears began to fill my eyes and flow down my cheeks. I know without any doubt that he was a prophet of God.

He did many marvelous things during his time as our prophet but what I will remember most is his admonition to simply be a little kinder. Do a little better. Stand a little taller.

We decided to take the kids somewhere nice for breakfast. Mark asked each of them to share how they felt. I loved their answers. I know that they all have testimonies. They know who they are. They know that Jesus Christ knows them and they felt His presence today. They understand why they are here and where they are going.

These are the blessings of the gospel. This is the love that God has for all.

To Wii or not to Wii

Call me old fashioned but I just don't get the big deal about video games. It seems to me that if kids have time to sit around, glued to buttons and a screen, they have too much time. Now days games can be played just about anywhere. In the car, while visiting grandparents, I have even seen kids playing their games at the library! What ever happened to singing songs in the car, talking to your grandparents and actually reading at the library?

So my poor, deprived twins only get to experience the luxury of gaming when they visit a friend, a cousin and yes, their grandparents.

For the past year, Lincoln has been trying to talk me into getting a Wii. It has been a weekly (sometimes daily) discussion. A few months ago, Rachel joined his cause so I have been bombarded with pleas from both of them.

Finally a couple of weeks ago I told them to make me a formal presentation. "This is a long shot" I warned. "You have one chance to make your case". They immediately met in Lincoln's room and set to work. After organizing all the markers and art supplies according to color (Rachel's idea) and formulating an outline (Linc's idea) they began. They have spent hours collaberating, and working together.

Last night as part of Family Home Evening, they unveiled the final product. A book entitled "Wii Would like to Play! " At the bottom of the page it says "the praposle" followed by a trademark symbol.

"Hmm, very clever" I said as I reviewed their work. The book included a table of contents.

Chapter 1.......The Wii
Chapter2.......About the Wii

Chapter 3.......Why we want the Wii

Chapter4....... Promises

Chapter 5......Drawings

They proceeded with their pitch. Taking turns, they went through all the chapters.

I hesitated to admit how impressed I was. They went so far as to change out of their p.j.s and into regular clothes and Linc even combed his hair for the occasion. They closed with a song about how much fun it would be to spend time as a family playing together. Mark just smiled and winked at me.

I thanked them for their time and effort and told them that I would take the matter into advisement. "Do you think you could get back to us next Family Night?" Rachel asked. I said I would. So now the question is, to Wii or not to Wii?

President Hinckley

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/beloved-church-president-gordon-b-hinckley-dies-at-97

We just received word that our beloved prophet, President Hinckley, passed away tonight. Our hearts are full of love for him. To read more about the life of this remarkable man, click on the link above.

Want to put a liitle June in January?

Grab your cousin, a few friends and hit the pool. Don't forget ice cream on the way home!

Thanks Mom

One of my favorite childhood memories happened the year I was in kindergarten. It was early October and I was walking home from school with some friends. We were on the next street over from mine, and I was looking between the houses trying to see my little yellow house. There is was. But wait! There was something different, something special ......my mom was putting up Halloween decorations! I got so excited , I started running as fast as my five year old feet would carry me. I ran all the way home.

That was my first memory of holiday decorations. My mom has a way of making every holiday special. She uses lights, bows, beads, cardboard cut-outs and just about anything else that will work. She bakes a bunny cake on Easter and a spider cake on Halloween. One July 4th she made us ride around the neighborhood in the back of a trailer singing patriotic songs. Many holidays she delivers treats and gifts to all the grandkids. Needless to say, I have been left without excuse.

So yesterday I pulled out the Valentine box. I had just hung the door decoration up when the twins got home from school. Lincoln walked right by without noticing, but not Rachel. "Wow Mom! The door looks great!" she said. We were sorting through the box together when Rach had a great idea. "Mom, let's go all out this year because it's Sam's first Valentine's Day."
How could I argue with that? So off to Target we went. We bought a strand of heart lights, pink and red doilies, and some window stickers.

By the time we got home it was dark and cold. We went outside and got busy. Our neighbor, Harro yelled over to us that it was 12 degrees but we didn't mind. Once we got the outside finished we went inside and taped the doilies to all of our front windows. Rachel kept running out to the sidewalk to see how it all looked. She would smile and give me the thumbs up sign.

These are the simple and yet lasting memories that my mother gave to me. I appreciate her and love her for it. These are moments I love sharing with my daughter. In my mind's eye I can see Rachel all grown up with a daughter of her own. I can picture green spaghetti noodles on St. Patrick's Day, shopping for just the right Christmas ornaments and I can see them stringing heart lights and taping doilies to the windows. Thanks Mom.

Recipe for fun on a snowy Monday

1. Make sure Dad is home so that you can start the day with a little bit of snuggle time.

2. Cook a big breakfast.

3. Deliver cinnamon rolls to neighbors who shoveled your walks this morning.

4. Play in the snow!

5. If you're too little to go out, watch from the window, and dream about next year.

6. Drop by Grandma's for a visit.

7. Pick up lunch on the way home.

8. Turn on the fireplace and kick back in the recliner for a little nap.

9. Play games and then more games.

10. Say prayers, tuck the kids in bed and then treat yourself to a hot bubble bath.

It Takes A Village

Lincoln and Rachel turned ten today. We had a great weekend celebrating together. The highlights were going to breakfast with YiaYia & Papou yesterday and a visit / game playing session with Uncle Nate today.

I did well. I only cried twice and it was brief both times.

Tonight the presents are put away, the cake crumbs are swept up and in a few minutes, I'll take the decorations down. The twins are tucked in and Mark is reading. It is quiet and I have time to reflect on the past ten years

My heart is full of thanks for all the people that have crossed our paths over the years. I believe that it does take a village to raise a child, and tonight I want to thank some of the villagers.

Thank you to our wonderful families. The twins have four incredible grandparents. Mark's parents live right next door and it has been a unique and special experience to have Grandma and Grandpa right there when you need a buddy to play cowboys and indians with or a friend to talk to. My mom and dad host regular "grandkid parties". They have all the grandchildren over for a sleepover. They always have activities, crafts and treats. This time together is precious and it binds the cousins together. Thank you to our brothers and sisters and their sweet families for their influence and example.

Thank you to primary teachers who have taught them about Jesus and helped them to recognize and feel the spirit. There have been many lessons and sharing times that have left imprints on their minds and hearts. Thanks also to a caring and thoughtful home teacher who came over tonight to deliver birthday gifts.

Thank you to school teachers. We have loved every teacher they have had from preschool on up. This year they have a teacher who is bound and determined to turn them in to writers. Mark and I have been amazed at the way she inspires them.

Thank you to an incredible coach that has taught Lincoln so much more than rules and skills of the game. Lonny has shown through his example how to have integrity and sportsmanship. He has a way of making each boy feel like a champ.

Thank you to Brooke who has been a hero to Rachel. She has not only helped Rachel become a beautiful dancer, she has taught her lessons about dedication and commitment. Brooke is a wonderful role model and I am thankful for her.

Thank you to thoughtful friends. We live in a very closely knit neighborhood. I would like to have a bigger laundry room and garage but I can't see us moving away from so many people we love. Lincoln and Rachel have friends all over the neighborhood. All are outstanding kids. Rachel has had one special friend nearly all her life. Lincoln & Rachel have been fortunate to have their cousin Daniella live down the street and be in their school class.

I feel very grateful as I look over this amazing village. We could not do it without you. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Samantha Sunshine

Samantha turned three months old this week.

Here is what we know about her so far:

She is in love with her brother and sister.
She thinks Daddy will pick her up each time he walks in the room. (She is usually right)

She has three mobiles. She like bears the best, then butterflies and monkeys are last.

She likes the stroller, dislikes the car seat.

She likes to sing along in primary.

When we eat dinner, she has to sit at the table with us or she feels left out.

She has a little crush on our friend, Taz.

She like lullabies and country music.

She enjoys looking at herself in the mirrior.

Her hair refuses to lay down.

Pinky and Greeny are her favorite pacifiers.

She is easy going and happy.

We call her Samantha Sunshine beacuse that is what she is.

Here are a few things she has learned about us:

We are wrapped around her finger.

We love to kiss her cheeks, nose, toes.

Lincoln loves to take pictures of her.

Rachel is already teaching her about fashion.

Mom is a push-over.

Her cousins, Daniella, Jaron & Jacob are big fans.

We can't imagine life without her.

Turning Ten

Well, this time next week I will be the mother of two ten year olds. Birthday week is always an emotional time for me. I am sad to watch my twins turn another year older. I cry every January 13. For that matter, I cry every time they hit a milestone.

Most moms cheer when their child learns to ride a bike or loses a first tooth, I sob. The first day of school each fall is one of the hardest days of the year. Maybe it comes from having only two children who are the same age. Everything they do becomes a first and a last all rolled into one.

For many years I thought I wouldn't have another shot at shoes on the wrong feet, the first Sunday as a Sunbeam, learning to ride a two wheeler, the spring kindergarten program and the bike parade on the 4th of July. There have been so many moments in the last ten years that I wish I could freeze and do again.

When Samantha was born I thought for sure this feeling would disappear. It hasn't.

The happy news is that life seems to get better as we go along. It turns out that three was more fun than two, four was sweeter than three and so on. So far, nine has been the best year yet.

So this week I will cry a little. Mark knows it is coming and he will be extra sensitive. Lincoln and Rachel will reassure me that they will always be my babies and I will hold Sam and look forward to all the firsts we will get to do again.

Happy New Year Resolutions!

I am the first to admit that I do not have many obvious talents. I'm not really musical, creative or artistic. Although I graduated from college with good grades, I don't consider myself particularly smart. Overall, I am pretty average at things and I'm ok with that. However, there is one thing that I have done extraordinarily well for the past twelve years..... I keep new year's resolutions. While I am not perfect at it every day, I try hard.

There are three main reasons why I manage to keep them:
#1 I only set one goal, two at the very most.
#2 I only set goals that are reasonable for me.
#3 I tell Mark what they are so that I have some accountability.

Some past resolutions have been:
Smile and say hello to the cashier before he / she says it to me.
Be the most courteous driver in my state.
Take my father in law's trash cans out before he can take mine out. (We are next door neighbors)
Be 20 minutes early to church each week.
Read the Book of Mormon three times in the year.
Put more thought and preparation into dinner.
Improve table manners. (That year I bought stemware for adults and a child size set for the twins, we used cloth napkins too. By then end of the year we only had one child size glass left but the manners were greatly improved.)
Double our fast offerings, then double them again.
Go on special dates with Lincoln & Rachel.

This year I narrowed it down to three major areas that need work. I thought it over and decided to go with a fitness goal. I want 2008 to be the most fit year of my life so far. I need to lose the last twelve pounds from having Samantha and I want to eat healthier. I want to run a few races this summer and maybe even a half marathon. I want to lift weights regularly and get toned.

This morning I registered for an 8 week challenge at discoveryhealth.com. I also did the unpleasant task of taking my measurements which made it easier to avoid the temptation of having a brownie for breakfast.

I'm excited to get moving. Here's to a great 2008!