Beautiful Place

My Mom came and visited us and we thought we would take her on a little tour to Nauvoo.  The kids have not been yet, and since Kyle won't take time off of work unless we are actually GONE, we thought it would be a great time to go.

We first went to Dubuque, which we love.  Staying at the Hotel Julien and a visit to Catfish Charlie's are a must.  Order the catfish or fish and chips and onion rings.  You can't go wrong.  

Next up was a trip along the Mississippi to Nauvoo.  It really is a beautiful drive for the most part, and I am sure it would be breathtaking in the fall.

The Nauvoo temple.

Statues of Joseph and Hyrum Smith on their last ride to Carthage Jail before they are killed in cold blood by mobs.

One of my favorite sculptures in the Women's garden, a mother with her children.

The Christus.  There is another large sculpture at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

The beautiful temple stands in the original place the first temple was built.  

Beautiful flowers and greenery along the Mississippi.

The time I felt the presence of the Spirit the most was during the early morning hours after a run down to the Joseph Smith Historical sites.  There were no tourists around and it was serene and reflective.  I can't even begin to grasp the difficulties and challenges the early Saints faced as they were forced to flee from one place to another.  Their work in Nauvoo brought forth a beautiful city with hopes of peace.  Their hard work was left in the blink of eye and they continued on their journey toward religious freedom.  I took time to walk around their home, their graves and pondered what it would mean to give my life in pursuit of the ability to worship God freely as our founding fathers had intended.  I found solace despite the many crimes committed against many of the Saints that the Lord's work will go forth even in the depths of tragedy.  Their death did not end the work but instead allowed it to flourish.

Our hosts for our carriage ride...Dan and Doc.

The statue of Joseph and Hyrum outside of Carthage.  

The original door showing the holes from the bullets as Hyrum was shot and killed first, then Joseph.

Outside the window Joseph fell out of on his way to death.  For those vicious men it wasn't enough, they continued to shoot him after he was dead on the ground.  This is a very reflective place to visit.  How many of us would willingly die for what we knew to be true.  Would you?  Would I?  We know Joseph and Hyrum did.

Taylor trying his hand at some pioneer games.

More pioneer games.

The Nauvoo temple at night.  

Hinckley and McKay are enjoying being pulled in a handcart.

Random Happenings

With baseball season in full swing, and having surgery, yearly and quarterly taxes, PTO meeting, dance pictures, quick trip to KC and NOT BEING ABLE TO RUN, it has been a little busy, overwhelming, frustrating and exhausting.  I am super crabby and NO ONE gets it.  I KNOW I am blessed, but I have nothing for myself right now.  Running is MY time and it has been taken away for a time, even exercising for that matter has.  My boys have been fighting, disobedient, and challenging.  Hinckley is into everything and has been a little stinker about nap times, bedtimes, and even when I walk out the door just to go into the garage he throws a fit.  Yep, I am on empty.

Oh well, that is my lot for the time, isn't it?

Here are some happenings as of late...

McKay and her BFF having fun after school.  Why is it that every child insists on only wearing socks outside?

Not ours, but our neighbors.  And I constantly hear "Why can't we get a dog? Everybody else has a dog?  We want a dog.  It's not fair that we don't have a dog."  She cutes, but so glad she isn't ours!

Little always working...

or making a mess.  Too bad his love of cleaning doesn't extend to CLEANING UP!

Veggie Fried "Rice"

1 c. shredded cauliflower

2 c. vegetables, chopped into bite size pieces

2 eggs

1 tbsp. Chinese five spice

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tbsp. olive oil

Heat olive oil in large sauté pan over med high heat.  When oil is hot add vegetables and sauté until crisp tender.  Add cauliflower and 2 tbsp. water and put on a lid.  Allow to steam cook for a few minutes or until cauliflower is cooked.  Remove lid and make a space in the pan for eggs.  Scramble them and the mix well with stir fry.  Add spice, sesame oil and pepper to taste.  Top with coconut aminos for a grain free meal.

Life is so unfair when I can't just sit in the fridge and leave the door open for as long as I want.

Quick Easter picture of one.  Hair done by Dad because Mom had a migraine.  Alas, no good Easter picture this year.

The older boys set up a Easter egg hunt in the house for the littles.  Hinckley LOVED all the candy.

Another quick lunch creation.  Cook a few pieces of maple bacon in a fry pan, add leftover roasted butternut squash and cook until heated through.  Add baby kale and chopped tomato.    Add a splash of two of apple cider vinegar.  Salt and pepper to taste.  It was actually quite good!

B for D.  Frittatas, Roasted zucchini with Parmesan, and fried sweet potato/potatoes.  One frittata was plain cheese for the kids.  I opted for caramelized onion, brie and prosciutto.  Roast zucchini at 450 and then finish on broil to melt Parmesan.  

We love to color!

A quick trip to KC for the temple open house.  So beautiful.  I love that my children were able to be part of this rare opportunity.  Even though it has not been dedicated I don't understand how someone could not feel the presence of our Heavenly Father there.  What a blessing it is to know that families can be forever and that those keys have been restored.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven:  and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven:  and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."  Matthew 16:19.

It is nice to hear that they have had such an overwhelming response that they had to extend it for a week!

Seriously, I know that every parent says this, but he is stinking cute!!!

What fun this has been!  Not so much...

Another lost tooth.  She is growing too fast!!!

Truth

As I review for a brief lesson I will be giving tomorrow on Prayer, I was looking through a book of President Thomas S. Monson's favorite quotations and came across this one...

"We have been so anxious to give our children what we did not have that we have failed to give them what we should."  Author Unknown

There are days that I feel like I don't give them enough, but I do know that I am trying to teach them about what they need in life, not give them all they want in life.

I guess I am not doing too bad...chores and all.  

MUST READ

If you do anything while visiting my blog today, please link to this article.  It is a must read!

My favorite quote?

"It is ironic that 40 years of women’s liberation has succeeded only in turning women into a commodity."

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-death-of-pretty#ixzz1j0JXhWQp

For unto you is born this day...

What Child is this who, laid to rest On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come peasant, king to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise a song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby. Joy, joy for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

May God bless you this wonderful holiday season and may the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you always.

Forget Me Nots

Now that conference is over I have finally been able to sit down and listen to the talks from the General Relief Society meeting.

Forget Me Not

What an inspired message.

What I am loving

At this very moment I am LOVING listening to my daughter sing Praise to the Man.

And then singing this:

I Know that my Redeemer Lives.

The word mix ups make it so precious, so very precious.

Brief Insights from General Conference - Sunday Afternoon Session

Elder Russell M. Nelson

We must learn to understand the transcendent significant of the Abrahamic covenant.  The Lord is counting on us.  We must have the doctrine deeply planted in our hearts.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

What do you believe and what are you doing with that belief.  Learning the ways that the Savior always honored the Father.  Examine yourself in your faith.  Seek to establish his righteousness.  Do His will and you will know His doctrine.

Elder Matthew O. Richardson

We have a responsibility to teach.  We must do so by the spirit and by being real.  Do not restrict learning. How do I invite my children to learn for themselves.  We do not teach my just talking and telling, we must listen.

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

Through your love of others you are imparting the love of God.  Live so that you invite the spirit in your life.  Strive to be a disciple of Christ.

Elder Randall K. Bennett

We have been given the gift of choice.  Decisions we make determine our destiny.  Do we choose our consequences.  Eternal destiny is not the result of chance, it is the result of choice.  Following the world is allows in our lives deceptive philosophies, subtly and dangerous.

Elder J. Devn Cornish

We are bless to have God's mercy in our lives.  Things that are important to us can become important to Him just because He loves us.  We must ask for help.  What more can you do in your requests for the Lord's help?  Express reverence and submission to God.  It is not enough to say prayers, we must live them.

Elder Quentin L. Cook

We must not look through only the moral lens of life.  A knowledge of the eternities and our Heavenly Father's plan will allow us to face tragedy.  We must have a spirit of gratitude in our hearts.  The Atonement covers all unfairness of life.  Remember Paul and his teachings about what God has in store for those that love Him.

President Thomas S. Monson

Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face.  We must have an increased kindness to others.  We must fill our homes with harmony and love.  Every one is important.  God loves us.  He is personable.  He is willing to help us. 

If you are interested in hearing these talks, please go to:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

There is no obligation if you link to this page, you won't be tracked down by missionaries if you link to the talks, I was not required to put this on my blog,  you don't have to be a member of our church, and, most importantly, these talks  are for anyone who wants to hear an uplifting message.  They should be on the site in their entirety by tomorrow.

Brief insights from General Conference - Sunday Morning Session

Elder Eyring

We must be a bold witness of Christ.  We must have service, charity, faith, and be a truly converted child of God.

Elder Robert D. Hales

We must learn how the Savior's atoning sacrifice is applicable in our life...He made that eternal offering for each of us.  The Savior exercised his agency to atone for each of us.  We must learn to wait upon the Lord by having faith, patience, humility and enduring to the end.

Elder Tad R. Callister

We must learn and understand the doctrinal clarifications and confirmations of the Book of Mormon in relation to the Bible.  Paul's teachings are crucial when understanding the significance of more than one witness.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton

The key to a father raising his daughter is to love her mother.  By treating her mother with tenderness, loyalty,  and compassion you teach your daughter in a way that she will not settle for less.  You must be an active part of her life.  Teach her so that she wants a righteous life in her home and her family.  

Elder M. Russell Ballard

We must understand the importance of a name.  We need to understand what a blessing it is to take upon us the name of the Savior.  Jesus Christ's name must be written in  your hearts at all times.

President Thomas S. Monson

Morality is not passé, our conscience must be our guide and we are responsible for our actions.  The laws of God are constant.  The Ten Commandments are as requisite today as they were when they were given to the children of Israel.  The constancy of God is something we can rely on.  We must work towards a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Challenges are an inescapable part of morality but God is our anchor.  Prayer is necessary.

If you are interested in hearing these talks, please go to:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

There is no obligation if you link to this page, you won't be tracked down by missionaries if you link to the talks, I was not required to put this on my blog,  you don't have to be a member of our church, and, most importantly, these talks  are for anyone who wants to hear an uplifting message.  They should be on the site in their entirety by tomorrow.

Almost no words...almost.

I almost have no words.  Almost. 

There is no such thing as Mormonism.  I AM CHRISTIAN.  I BELIEVE IN CHRIST.

Here's an interesting concept for you to review:

The Religious Test

And a reminder in case you have forgotten:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  (The Declaration of Independence)

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. (Bill of Rights, Article 3)

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.  (The Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)

I respect and encourage to you to worship as you choose.  I expect the same in return.  

Now, I am not saying that I endorse Mitt Romney or John Huntsman.  I do not.  I have not yet made a decision on the person I am going to support, however, I have made a decision that I will not support or reject a candidate based solely on his or her religious convictions.  I ask you to do the same.

On a side, it would be interesting to research this "Religious Test" on an even broader spectrum.  I think the "Candidate Test" should suffice.  What are Americans thoughts on Muslims, Atheist, Gay or Lesbian, or Women candidates? 

Stop judging and start understanding.

Hey America, let's wake up and look at the whole picture instead of one through a narrow lens.

I BELIEVE IN CHRIST

"And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said..." St. Matthew 28:6-7

"And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." St. Matthew 28: 18-20

May the many blessings of this wonderful Easter be upon you and your family. 

 God is our Eternal Father. His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, lives.  I know this to be true.

He lives!

 I believe in Christ; he is my King!

With all my heart to him I’ll sing;

I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy,

In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.

On earth to dwell his soul did come.

He healed the sick; the dead he raised.

Good works were his; his name be praised.

 I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!

As Mary’s Son he came to reign

’Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,

To save them from the woes of sin.

I believe in Christ, who marked the path,

Who did gain all his Father hath,

Who said to men: “Come, follow me,

That ye, my friends, with God may be.

 I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God!

My feet he plants on gospel sod.

I’ll worship him with all my might;

He is the source of truth and light.

I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.

From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,

And I shall live with joy and love

In his eternal courts above.

I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!

From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”

I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With him I’ll stand in that great day

When on this earth he comes again

To rule among the sons of men.