A Mission Fulfilled

Last night we learned of the passing of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, President Gordon B. Hinckley. We weren't really shocked, since he was almost 100 years old and has served for decades in the leadership of the church, but the sadness fills us just the same. I have to say, I was surprised that I wasn't more upset when we found out. Instead, I was instantly filled with an assurance that he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a heavenly sphere that we can not even imagine. My testimony came to mind and comforted me in a way that I never even thought possible. I am so grateful that we as members of the Church have a true understanding of life after death, and of our Heavenly Father's eternal love for us. I think of President Hinckley, (or any of us) returning home to our Father, and the happiness at that moment, and it brings tears to my eyes. I can only hope and pray that I can live the gospel in such a way that I can be worthy of that most supreme of all blessings as well.

Something that comforts me even further is the knowledge that President Hinckley is finally together with his eternal companion Marjorie. Even though he has tried to be strong, anyone who has seen him in person or on television these past 3 1/2 years since she passed has been able to see the toll that her absence has taken on him. What a joyous reunion that must have been!

I love this picture. Don't they both look so serene and pure?

I am so thankful for my testimony of Jesus Christ our Savior. I know that he died for me, and for you, and that if we can live worthily every day, we can someday return to be with him and our Heavenly Father. I know that our Heavenly Father knows each of us personally and wants only happiness for us. Although we each have our own trials, the Lord gives them to us as a way to make us stronger and to encourage us to come to him in our times of greatest need. May we all recognize his hand in our lives and thank him for all of the amazing blessings that he has given us.

Popcorn Poppin'

Last Sunday we were sitting at the dinner table discussing what to have for dessert. When Emma suggested popping some popcorn, this is what happened. He did it all on his own, and every time we asked him to repeat it, he did the same. Enjoy!

I looked out the window and what did I see?

(This is the only part he wouldn't do, but he does it now.)

Popcorn poppin' on the apricot tree.

Spring has brought me such a nice surprise.

Popcorn poppin' right before my eyes.

I can take an armful and make a treat.

A popcorn ball that would smell so sweet.

It wasn't really so.

But it seemed to me.

Popcorn poppin' on the apricot TREE!

(This is his big finish)

I had to find the nursery music leader yesterday and tell her that she's doing a great job. Frank knows this song, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and almost all of Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam.

Amazing!

Big Dreams

Last week I was running around like a crazy person trying to get ready to leave for Young Women's Soccer. I was anticipating standing out on the soccer fields for 4 hours on the coldest night of the year, and I was not enthused. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY CALLING! But when it's 25-30 degrees outside and you have to just stand there and freeze while you watch the girls play, it can be a real test of how much you're willing to do the Lord's work. I know you're thinking, sports, the Lord's work? But trust me, being out there for these girls is really important.

Anyway, I had been grouchy and was packing everything in the car and getting my hot chocolate in my thermos when I turned around and saw this.

Who knew that my kids want to be astronauts?

These are the packages from the new soccer balls I bought for the Young Women. I would have never thought to use them. In fact, I had thrown them in the trash. But to Emma and Frank, they were a mysterious new toy just waiting to be played with. Emma told me all about how they were going to fly to outer space, and they even had some practice orbiting around the kitchen table. That is, until Frank got stuck in his and lay on the floor screaming "Help me, Help me," until I could detangle him from his astronaut suit.

This is why I love this blog. It makes me stop and appreciate these cute little moments because I'm always on the lookout for things to share. I tell you, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Through this marvel of technology I have learned to slow down and really LIVE life. So often we just rush through life and forget to just BE IN THE MOMENT. My goal is to savor these moments whenever I am blessed with them.

Yum!!!

I am having the most pleasurable experience right now. I'm eating the best thing ever!

My mom came to town today, and the kids and I rode along while she ran errands. At Costco, she bought me a bag of Snyder's of Hanover pretzels. Yummy, right? It gets better.

These are little round pretzels made into peanut butter sandwiches. Kind of like those Ritz Cracker sandwiches. Ok, but it gets even better. These little peanut butter pretzel sandwiches are also drenched in chocolate fudge!

So it's kind of like heaven wrapped in chocolate.

I feel a little bit guilty, because I fully intend to hoard the whole bag and eat it all myself. But not too guilty. These things are amazing! If Andrew is really nice, like rubbing my feet nice, he might be able to pry 1 or 2 out of my hands.

Aahh, the simple joys in life!

Family Time

This weekend we went to the Barrett-Jackson car show in Scottsdale. I love car shows, but was not exactly thrilled to go to this one. For those of you who are not familiar with the whole car scene, Barrett-Jackson is the best of the best. They auction off the rarest, most expensive, and most famous cars in the world. For instance, this year they had the original Batmobile and the truck from the Beverly Hillbillies TV show.

I think that selling cars for 1 or 2 million dollars (yes, million) is just insane, and a huge waste of resources that could be used to really do something for our country. However, I consented to go with Andrew and we dragged the kiddos along.

This is them having lunch while being pushed by Grandpa.

Frank's reaction upon walking into the building was "Car, WOW!" He immediately tried to climb out of the stroller and was very upset that we wouldn't let him play with the cars. Eventually he kicked back and just enjoyed the ride like the cool kid he is.

Emma liked all of the people and found the 1 car that I think was absolutely made for her. She said, and I quote, "I definitely need one of these for Christmas!" Honestly, she could probably drive this thing within a couple of years, it was so small. But, a yellow one just like it sold last year for $74,000 so I don't think she'll be getting one any time soon.

Yep, it's the real thing!

We were so tired by the end of the day that we didn't even go see our friends or family that live up there. Sorry, Tammy, Tanya, and Gina, we wanted to come see you but just couldn't make it. We got on the freeway and didn't stop until we got to the Cracker Barrell in Casa Grande.

My 2 handsome men.

All in all, it was a great trip, and I really did enjoy myself. The car show wasn't quite as pretentious as I thought it would be, and the kids were amazing (considering we stuffed them in a stroller and made them ride all day long). We didn't get home until almost 11 pm because there was construction on I-10, but we did get home safely. We are very lucky to have a daddy who really loves us and wants to spend time with us. We love you, Daddy!

Robosaurus

Emma's favorite part of the whole car show was Robosaurus. We were standing along the railing on the side of the demonstration area, and ended up being less than 30 feet from this fire-breathing maniac. I'm sure some of you have heard of him, but in case you haven't, here's a rundown of his act.

Robosaurus picking up a helpless little Saturn.

(What'd this car ever do to him?)

Robosaurus having a little afternoon snack.

Robosaurus likes his metal extra-crispy.

The aftermath. Apparently Robosaurus' mother never taught him to clean up after himself. The fire department had to take care of his mess.

Emma screamed with fright/excitement the whole time. She kept saying how scared she was, but was peeking through her fingers to catch every moment. She's an adrenaline junkie like her mama.

I was holding Frank while he was sitting on the railing in front of me. He was shaking, but I thought it was because he was wobbling sitting on the fence. Not so. He was such a little trooper being face to face with that monster. He was watching with fascination but was apparently terrified. He literally quivered for 20 minutes afterward. Poor little guy!