Sick day

I think I love sick days. I am fighting a chest cold but don't feel that bad. I just like the excuse to stay at home, take it easy, not feel guilty for all the things I can't quite get done. Do some reading or computer work and just enjoy a warm home on a cold day. I must admit that one day would be sufficient though. I am anxious to be well, energetic and back on track--but for today I am grateful for a flexible schedule that allows me to rest.

president Hinckley video

I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His restored church on the earth today. I am so grateful for prophets who teach by precept and example. I miss President Hinckley but know the work will go on.

President Hinckley testimony from Julie

2 Timothy 4:6-7
6. For I am now ready to be offered. And the time of my departure is at hand.
7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the Righteous judge shall give me at that day. And not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.

Enos 1:27
And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in Him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before Him; then shall I see His face with pleasure, and He will say unto me; Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen

Tonight I got a phone call from my sister Amber informing me that our Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away of old age. Although he was 97 years old, it broke my heart. I guess I just figured he would always be here. My heart is broken and I will miss him so much. Even though I didn't know him personally, I felt like I did. I know I am not alone in this. He was so loved. And he loved all of us so much. "I have a confession to make...I love you." He said that in one of his addresses. I love that. He had the most amazing personality and brought people from all over the world together. He loved people of all Faiths. He was such an example to me of love. He was compassionate about people. I will miss him. His passing is a sweet thing. He is reuniting with his wife. I am so thankful for my testimony of God's Plan. What a wonderful plan it is. We get to come to this earth, make choices, love, learn and progress. But then it doesn't end there. After this life the progression is not over....the love is not over, its more intense and can last forever. I love my prophet and I am happy for him and where he is now. I hope we can all remember the things he has taught us about how to live our lives. He loved this Gospel. He loved our Savior and our loving Father in Heaven. He said it so simply. Stand a little taller, be a little better, look to God and live.

President Hinckley

How I love President Hinckley. He has been such an amazing and important part of my life. He was such an active, visible, personal prophet after having years of illness in the office of prophet. He was such an example of righteous living and the power of God's love and the atonement in our lives and how it can affect all areas of our life. I will miss him sorely as I have a very real testimony that he truly was a prophet of God called to lead us, teach us, inspire us, and share God's will for us. I also know from his example that he would want us to continue forward in faith, believing in the goodness of God and that His arm is ever stretched out to us. That we will receive comfort and truth through the continuing line of prophets and apostles and that the work will go forth nobly, boldly and I can be a part of that. In fact, I am needed in building the kingdom of God. Each of us must continue on in faith and work. God is mindful of me. He knows us all and will bless us as we continue forward in preparing for the second coming of Christ and in living today for Him. I am so grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is the true church, Christ's atonement blesses me every day, grants me power to meet the day and the challenges and allows me to have hope in the future.

Here is a link to a slide show about Sunday night mourning for President Hinckley http://www.deseretnews.com/photo/sslides/detail/1,5498,37,00.html

My little farmers

Simeon Elise and Isaac

The turkey shed was warm and humid so the camera had a hard time. This is John and Simeon.

John has been taking care of a turkey and cattle farm while the farmer is on a cruise. He likes farmering and invited Simeon and Isaac to help on Saturday. They had a great time. Isaac was an expert at finding the dead turkeys and even helped one turkey that looked weak to eat some food. He figures he probably saved the turkey's life. They both had a great time.

Isaac and Debbie having fun. Debbie loves stickers. Normally they go on her hand but she got creative and plastered her forhead. So creative.

Simeon loves to grab the camera and take pictures of unusual things--thus the chip bag, the dog on the counter, and then Simeon enjoying the stickers

My cute Debbie

I must admit that most of our videos are of Debbie. She is at such a fun age and we love capturing her doing such cute things. This first video is of a game Simeon and Isaac invented that they call belly boarding. They tied a weight to some twine and then they pull each other around the kitchen. Debbie loves it and will lay right down for her turn. It does work fairly well for polishing the floor but leaves the kids a little dirty (not that my floors are dirty!)

Debbie loves to sing. For devotional each morning as soon as she hears the piano she is calling from her crib. She sits on the couch and holds our small Children's song book and sings. We normally have devotional at 6:30am but the other day when I went in to play a song just for fun in the middle of the day, Debbie came in and got her book and tried to climb onto the couch ready for devotional. Today in church she tried to sing with every book I brought to keep her quiet. She doesn't sing anything noticeable but she does make continuous noise. Next time I should bring a towel because I was constantly trying to find a place to wipe my hand after holding it over her mouth to get her to be quiet.