In Loving Memory

I noticed today that Elder Wirthlin passed away. I dearly loved listening to this gentle man teach at General Conference. He told great stories that often made us laugh. Without fail, his conference talk would stick with me long after conference was over. When we were in New York, I remember listening to the April 2005 conference in the mother's room when Josh was no more than a month old - Elder Wirthlin reminded us that we could all be a little more kind. As a mother with a newly born third child, I took this counsel to heart: I had to work extra hard to be kind as my two preschoolers would fight with each other while I was nursing a demanding infant. I am truly grateful for the legacy of love he has left for me and for my family as I try to apply his teachings. (Now I need to go be kind to my sons who are fighting. . . . )

Food For the Soul

We watched General Conference here at home on the internet. The children were very reverent yesterday; Julie listened to most of the two sessions. Today, they were not quite so reverent, especially during the session this afternoon, but the Spirit was here in our home this weekend. I am so grateful for living prophets and apostles who listen to the Spirit as they prepare messages for us. I have been uplifted and nourished spiritually. I know many of the talks were "just for me."


President Monson reminded us to enjoy the journey, showing gratitude all the way.
President Eyring exhorted us to be united in our wards and in our families.
President Uchtdorf expounded on hope and how it nurtures and is nurtured by faith and charity.
President Packer reminded us that the Lord always prepares the way.
Elder Nelson exhorted all to live worthy of exaltation by becoming a celestial spouse.
Elder Perry reminded us how the gospel addresses the four basic human needs.
Elder Wirthlin reminded us to laugh instead of grow angry.
Elder Ballard reassured us that "no unhallowed hand" can stop the work of the Lord.
Elder Hales exhorted us to respond as Christ would when persecuted.
Elder Oaks reminded us to worship reverently during the Sacrament.
Elder Holland expounded on the ministering of angels.
Elder Bednar continued his marvelous teachings on prayer.
Elder Cook reminded us to seek reassurance through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Elder Christofferson expounded upon the building up of Zion.

One of my favorite quotes was by President Monson: he assured us we would actually miss the fingerprints on a newly clean surface, toys all over the floor, and the never-ending piles of laundry when our children are grown and gone. What a great way to encourage us mothers to enjoy the journey!

It never fails: my love for my family always grows after watching Conference.

After the last session, Julie asked for church music and had a dance. Julie and David danced a pas de deux; Josh asked Mommy and Daddy to swing him around in circles; even James "rocked out" to the tunes. Three cheers for family unity!!!

Happy Weekend

We listened to the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints this weekend. Julie was inspired to draw a picture of President Gordon B. Hinckley. She gave the spelling her best shot without asking for help. Jesse says that she asked him if she had written her d's correctly, then laughed that she had written "presibent." The talks were, as always, exactly what I needed to hear. I have committed myself to acheiving four goals by the next conference in April 2008. I have already started by typing up a list of things to do daily to help me accomplish two of the goals. I know that by doing the daily things -- praying, reading scriptures, singing uplifting music -- I will be a better mother, teacher of my children and Young Women leader to accomplish the other two goals.

Jesse substituted for early morning seminary, a religion class held at the church building for LDS high school students. He taught the chapters about Abraham from the book of Genesis. I enjoyed talking to Jesse about the potential applications of Abraham's experiences. Jesse really enjoyed the opportunity to teach, although getting up at 5:00am was quite challenging.

All in all the week was a reminder to be a little better this week than I was last week. I have decided to become addicted to exercise. I have put on around thirty pounds since David was born. That doesn't sound like much, but when I consider the history of adult-onset diabetes in my family, I realize that I must do something to take control of my health before it takes control of me.

Rat 3, Engineer 0

On a lighter note, we have acquired a pet mouse or whatever it is that is hiding in our garage walls. Jesse, the resident engineer, has designed a trap, but there are some kinks that have allowed the rodent to steal the bait. Essentially, we are feeding the darn thing premium cheddar cheese instead of trapping it! Jesse says he knows the problem, though, so hopefully we'll catch it in the next few days.

The kids loved the idea of hunting the rodent. They dressed in long sleeves and long pants and wore gloves so that it wouldn't bite them if they found it. Suddenly, there were "rats" all over the house and outside in the yard. They said that the rat had yellow eyes with a black middle. I had to show Julie the Wikipedia entry on rats to convince her that only cartoon rats have yellow eyes. Ironically, we saw Ratatoullie this weekend. Jesse jokes that after we trap it, we should put it in the kitchen so we can have our own "Little Chef." Yeah, right!!!