Hannah's Baptism

On Saturday my baby made the choice to be baptized and is now an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We could not be more proud of her, she is an amazing girl with a big heart who loves her Savior. She took her decision to be baptized very seriously and was excited to follow Jesus's example.

I don't know how we lucked out to have all 3 of our kids be the only ones from our ward who were baptized on their Saturday, but we did, and I am grateful we had those moments together as just our family.

Both of Hannah's Grandmas gave talks, just like they did for Samantha and Hunter, we are so grateful they were willing to share their testimonies. Samantha also played "When I Am Baptized" on her guitar (video below), she has only been playing since August and I was grateful for how brave she was to play in front of everyone. She even held her composure when baby Sebastian came really close to check out what she was doing.

I really am grateful the entire program was personal for Hannah and her special day.

And can I also echo Linda K. Burton and what she said in this last conference:

"I am convinced that a husband is never more attractive to his wife than when he is serving in his God-given roles as a worthy priesthood holder—most important in the home."

Rob is an amazing husband and father, and I happen to find him very attractive, especially when he has baptized and blessed our children. I am so grateful for all he does for our family, we are all very very lucky to have him.

It was a beautiful day, one we will not forget!!

Brigham City Temple Open House

We were living in Kansas when the prophet announced they would be building a temple in Brigham City, Utah; at the same time they also announced the Kansas City, Missouri temple and I was very excited to take the kids to the open house. Sadly we moved before it was completed, but thankfully we moved to Utah and were able to attend the open house for the Brigham City temple, which looks exactly like the Kansas City temple so it is almost as good as being there.

We went on Saturday, and Labor day weekend so it was crazy busy but the kids were so great waiting in line and being reverent and respectful when we walked through. They were amazed with the beauty of it all and I loved walking through each room and explaining the purpose of each.

When we walked into the Celestial room Hannah's eyes got really big and she said "Wow, this is my dream house". I hope they can remember the feelings of being in the temple, it may not have been dedicated yet, but there was a very special spirit present.

We are looking forward to the completion of the second Provo temple and the Payson temple, it will be so nice to have 2 more temples in Utah County. Plus their completion date is the same year Samantha turns 12, she has been talking about how excited she is to be old enough to do baptisms, plus everyone will be old enough to attend the dedication.

I love that we have so many temples here in Utah, I want nothing more than for my kids to love the temple and all the blessings it brings as much as I do.

Family Time

A couple of months ago I was released from my calling as Nursery leader and called to be the secretary in the  Young Women's presidency.  I was so excited because I have always wanted to serve in Young Women's and so I figured it wouldn't happen.  Most callings are given from our Heavenly Father as opportunities to grow, and I figured I would be having way to much fun and wouldn't be doing much growing, thus defeating the purpose of callings in the church.  But I have come to realize my Heavenly Father knew I would enjoy it but I would also learn so much helping me to also grow each Sunday and Tuesday night I spent with the girls fulfilling my calling.

Last Tuesday we were working on Personal Progress with the girls and we discussed The Family Proclamation. I have read and studied this many times but that night this part really stuck out to me and got me thinking:

 Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

These are things we are constantly working on in our house, and it inspired me to reevaluate how we were incorporating them and also see if we needed to focus on any of them.  When I told Rob about what I had learned and some of my ideas I told him there was one area we were golden on thanks to him:

wholesome recreational activities.

Here are a couple I haven't blogged about:

A quick (2 mile) Wednesday night hike in Mapleton Canyon.

 And the Boys riding bikes in the west mountains and us girls coming along to take pictures and cheer Hunter on while he is still learning to ride.  

(plus McDonald's is always a bonus with every wholesome recreational activity)

I am so grateful for my calling, I love it and I am especially grateful for all I am learning.  But I will never stop being thankful for Rob, he would rather be spending time with us than anyone else and is always looking for fun things to do as a family.  He is the greatest husband and father and we are all very lucky to have him.

Love you Hunny!!