And he is off!

My second son, fourth missionary has begun his full time service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He will serve for 24 months.  I am so excited for him.

 He is ready to thrust in his sickle.

Doctrine and Covenants 11: 3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

 We received our first letter from Dane yesterday. He loves the training, loves the people, is so enthusiatic about the things he is learning and recognizes the great  help our stake Preach My Gospel class has been for him.  In our stake they have recently returned missionaries teach this class at 7:30 every Sunday morning.

Grateful:
680 The Lord trusts these amazing youth to represent him in sharing his gospel.
681 for the confidence of youth that willingly accept calls and jump in.
682 to live in these exciting days of hastening the work and bringing the good news to all the world
683 for the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ that contains the fullness of the gospel.

Girls Camp

As the brand new Young Women President in our ward, girls camp became a very important event.  Here it is in pictures.  The girls were amazing, fun, good, kind, and capable.  My love for them is growing!

Grateful:
675 Girls camp
676 the young women of today are strong and valiant!
677 I felt the support and love of both the girls and the leaders of our ward and stake.
678 Divine Nature, Come Unto Christ, Here Am I Send Me.  The daily themes of girls camp.
679 Our stake leaders main goal of girls camp was to strengthen testimony. They gave us many great opportunities and I know our girls were strengthened and grateful.

my baby's baptism day

Debbie's special day began with time with her grandparents and a special gift of a really soft blanket (comforter - reminder of one of the blessings of the Holy Ghost)

 Glad to have some special cousins to share this day

 Debbie was baptized by her father and confirmed by her Grandpa Peterson.

 We just had to hold her while we still can, she is growing up so fast and wonderfully.

 We actually had lots of great support.  I have noticed that sometimes for these younger kids schedules get too busy for family to participate.  I sure appreciate all those who were able to be there and testify of the importance of this sacred first ordinance and covenant.

I want Debbie to always know that I, too, am grateful for the opportunity to be baptized a member of Christ's true church on the earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and to have received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I am grateful for the power of the atonement that makes forgiveness possible for the many mistakes I make and enables me to forgive others and to move forward in doing good in this world.  I know it is by the power of the atonement through the Holy Ghost that I am able to help in building the Kingdom of God, to raise a family up to God, to love and reach out and assist in the rescuing of Heavenly Father's children and to share in the work of feeding His sheep.  His plan of happiness brings me joy every day.  I am so grateful to have the role of wife and mother and to share this earth experience with the very best people and I get to call them family.

Grateful:

672 at 8 years old a child is capable of choosing between right and wrong, listening to the whisperings of the Spirit and growing in testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

673 for my neighbor who came and took pictures for us for Debbie's special day

674 My own testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice for me.

Independance Day 2014

Another favorite holiday celebrated well with family, fun, and a birthday for Debbie.  She's turning 8! We always begin the day ringing the Legion Hall bell before 7am

These crazies ran the 5k and did great.  Then the rest of us did a family 5k bike ride.  It was really more my style.  They were sore that day but not me.

Back for birthday fun and breakfast of Dad's waffles and butter syrup.

 Then we headed back to the park for patriotic speeches and lots of fun games.  The footraces,

 3 legged races,

 sack races,

 spectators,

 and egg toss.

 By the egg toss we had the Gunters and Grandma and Grandpa join us.  After enjoying sun and free watermelon at the park we headed to our house for a BBQ and water fight.

 Blowing out the candles

At the stadium we played games, (minute to win it and twister and hola hoops), Mr. O competed in the Mr. Man contest where he shared about hill billies and

we enjoyed the fireworks.  Loved it all.  Thank you family for making our day great.

Grateful:
669 for the United States of America, land of liberty
670 small town celebrating in big ways.
671 irrigation water is back on.