What is Mormon General Conference?

     This weekend is the 184th Semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

     What is this General Conference? Well, as "Mormons," or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that just like in Biblical times, God has chosen prophets and apostles to speak His will in modern times. These prophets and apostles, along with other men and women in leadership positions in the church who have sought heaven's help in preparing their sermons, speak to us semiannually (each April and October) in what we call "General Conference."

     As it says in the Bible, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) I know this to be true. God does not leave us alone in this difficult world. He continually provides us with direction and peace through the words of His latter-day prophets. To read the words from past General Conferences all the way back to 1971, go here.

     The upcoming session of this conference will be held on Saturday, October 4th at 10am - 12pm MDT and 2pm - 4pm MDT, as well as Sunday, October 5th, 2014 at 10am - 12pm MDT and 2pm - 4pm MDT.  (MDT = Mountain Daylight Time)

     This video tells more about this conference:

   
     I always find comfort in the words shared at these meetings, and I invite you to share in that comfort with me. Watch or listen to the program live here. It will be broadcast in 26 different languages, and it is completely free, with no strings attached.

     The meetings consist not only of beautiful sermons, but of uplifting music. No matter your situation in life, there will be something for you. So please, join us!

     

Popular

     This morning I got the kids breakfast then headed back into my room to get ready for the day. As soon as I stepped into the bathroom to brush my teeth, I heard both of the kids yelling for me. Sam half-jokingly said to me, "You know, you sure are lucky. I'm sure there are lots of people in the world who would love to be as popular as you - with people screaming their name all the time." We both laughed, but it's absolutely true. I am so blessed to have these three cuties call me Mom, no matter how loudly they tend to do it.

How Great Thou Art

     Lack of sleep is one of the hardest parts of motherhood for me. I have always needed a lot of sleep to be a decent human being, and though I am getting better at running (and being kind) on less sleep, it is still tough for me. All three of my kids are sick right now, so this week has involved lots of middle-of-the-night snuggles, most of which have taken place in the bathroom with a hot shower running so that the steam can unclog stuffy noses and help coughs - which means I have been running on low in the sleep department lately. 

     This morning around 5, Jonah woke up. By the time I took care of his stuffy nose and got him fed and back in bed, it was time for Sam to get up so he could be at work early. A large part of me wanted to crawl back under the covers and go back to sleep, but I decided to get up and jump in the shower instead. 

     I got dressed, and soon after that Sam was on his way out the door. I gave him a kiss and said goodbye to him from the porch. As he opened the car door, he told me to come look at the stars. We live a little ways out of town, so the stars are easily visible without the glare of city lights around us. As I looked up at the beautiful night sky, the first verse of the hymn "How Great Thou Art" came to my mind: 

Oh Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works thy hand hath made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed;

Chorus:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

image from here.

     
     God created such a beautiful world for us to enjoy, and I am so grateful for the opportunity I had this morning to feel of His love through one of His stunning creations. This reminder of His love for me has helped me to be a more patient mother than I might otherwise be today, even though I am incredibly tired.

     

One of my favorite renditions of the hymn.

While I Was Nursing... Continued.

He was totally soaked...

...and totally happy. 

Jonah's Trip to Arizona: A Photo Essay

Jonah had fun in Arizona. He got to spend some time with his grandparents, aunts and uncles. 

Hyrum and Micah called going shirtless going "Jonah style" since he was only in a diaper.

On Sunday I took our bags downstairs and was going to take another trip to go get Jonah. When I came back upstairs my first thought was "Where's Jonah?" Then I saw his little feet. Silly boy.

When Sam and the kids picked us up from the airport I expected Ellie and Nathan to be excited to see us, but I didn't anticipate how excited Jonah would be to see his big brother and sister. He was all smiles and giggles.

Ellie insisted that she had to hold him right then.

So of course Nathan insisted on holding him too.

(He really was happy... I promise.)

We had a great trip, but it is always good to be home.

Planes, Puke and Peaches.

Jonah and I are currently in Arizona for the weekend to see my brother Ben before he leaves for his mission in a few weeks. It's been fun to be by myself with Jonah - to be able to focus my full attention on him. Our flight out of Idaho Falls was delayed, so we got to spend a little extra time in the airport.

Jonah got to play on the floor (it's pretty hard to keep him on his blanket since he crawls and rolls like crazy) and take a nap in the carrier.

He was totally good on the plane, which was a huge relief. He was exhausted by the time we got to my parents' house, so I changed him into his jammies and was going to feed him. He refused his cereal, which was unusual for him, but I chalked it up to him being too tired and decided to nurse him and put him to bed. After I nursed him I put him up to my shoulder and he threw up. A TON. I guess guzzling two bottles down in the airport wasn't the best for his stomach... At least he felt a whole lot better after it all came up. 

I couldn't believe how much he threw up. It was all over the chair I was sitting on, he was completely soaked, and it was all over me. On (and down) my shirt front and back, and the same with my pants. No wonder he didn't really want to eat. Poor guy!

After a good night's sleep, little man's belly was ready to try something new. He got to try one of the peaches my mom and I were canning.

I think it's safe to say he liked them - he was smiles the entire time. I sure love my little guy.

And I miss my other two (well... and Sam of course!)

Tears and Jumping for Joy

This is what our morning has looked like today:

Is it nap time yet? 

No?

Well, at least someone is happy.

The Book of Mormon: Comfort Through Jesus Christ

     A few nights ago we finally finished reading The Book of Mormon for the first time as a family. It took us quite awhile since we can only read a little bit per night, you know, since toddlers aren't that great at sitting still for more than about 10 verses.

     At the end of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, if offers this promise:

     "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

     I have taken this challenge - several times, actually. I have asked my Heavenly Father in prayer if what I have read in the Book of Mormon is true, and I have received an answer. I know, without a doubt, that it is true.

     As Jeffrey R. Holland said in his talk given in 2009, Safety for the Soul:

     "Love. Healing. Help. Hope. The power of Christ to counter all troubles in all times...That is the message with which the Book of Mormon begins, and that is the message with which it ends, calling all to 'come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him.'"

     I love this message from the Book of Mormon. No matter what our struggles are, we can find comfort through coming to Jesus Christ. He loves us. He is always listening, and His arms are always outstretched, waiting for us to come back to Him. No matter how far we feel we have strayed from His love, it is never too far.

photo from here.

     To request a free (no strings attached) copy of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, go here. Or you can read it online here.

     To learn more about "Mormons," or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, go here.

     To read about why I choose to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, go here.

Jonah is Growing Up!

Our little Jonah will be 6 months old at the end of this month. Where has the time gone? 

He is so much more round than my other kids, (gotta love the dimpled little hands) and I'm not used to how quickly he is growing out of clothes. For example, he currently fits into a shirt (that will be too small soon) that Nathan wore when he was almost one. It's just funny because the shirt is size 3-6 months, so of course he should be growing out of it soon.

He was introduced to the high chair and Cheerios this weekend, and he is quite happy with the whole thing. I told Sam yesterday that it is amazing how much a baby can learn in 6 months. He started as a helpless newborn, and now he can almost sit up on his own and eat Cheerios? Wow.

If you know Jonah, you know he is literally the most mellow baby ever. He usually only cries when he's hungry or tired, and those things are easily taken care of. Right now he is getting his bottom two teeth, so he has been crying quite a bit more than he usually does, and it breaks my heart to see him so sad. Thank goodness for Tylenol.

Two days ago this little man learned to army crawl. He had been rolling all around the house up until then, but I guess something clicked and he all of a sudden started his cute little crawl. He's got two older siblings to keep up with, so I'm sure that had something to do with it!

This video cracks me up because it basically showcases our life: two toddlers trying to help with whatever Sam and I are doing, a barfing baby, fighting kids... yeah. That's our life, and we love it!

Shaving With Daddy

No matter what Sam is doing, these two want a part of it.

I'm glad that they have such a great dad that allows them to do pretty much everything with him.

Holy Temples.

Last weekend we went down to Provo. On the way we stopped in Ogden to attend the temple open house. When a new temple is built, (or in the case of the Ogden temple, a significant remodel occurs) the temple is open for public tours before it is dedicated. We took this opportunity to share the beauty of the inside of the temple with our children. We especially wanted our children to feel the unique spirit that can be felt there.

The temple is such a special place for our family. Because of covenants Sam and I made there when we were married, our family can be together forever, not only in this life. 

To learn more about what Mormons believe about family relationships, go here.

I brings me great peace to know that I can be with my family forever.

For more information about Mormon temples, visit this post.

The Ogden open house is now over, but a temple was recently built in Phoenix, Arizona. They will be providing free tours to the public starting on October 10, 2014. If you will be in the area, I urge you to attend. Find more information here.

Working Hard or Hardly Working?

Sam took Ellie to work with him last Friday. She was beyond excited when he told her to get ready that morning. She kept telling me, "I have to hurry so me and Daddy won't be late to work!"

She got to do all of her favorite things:

Wear her backpack,

visit Daddy's office,

color on the whiteboard,

ride on the elevator,

and just generally walk around being big like Daddy.

She thinks he has the coolest job ever, and she wishes she could go to work with him every day. One thing's for sure - she definitely has the coolest dad around.

Life Is to Be Enjoyed.

     This morning as I was nursing Jonah I took a little scroll through Facebook (Don't judge. I know you're supposed to have all of this uninterrupted eye contact time while your baby is nursing, but sometimes I look at Facebook, a'ight? Don't tell me I'm the only one.) and I saw that one of my friends from nursing school started a new job. When I saw it I started to tell Sam how awesome it was for her, but I (embarrassingly) began to get a little bit emotional. Maybe it was that potty training was getting to me, or that I had found yet another dried remnant of the purple play dough we made yesterday stuck to the bottom of my foot. I could have sworn I got them all.

     Either way, I was feeling a little put out. I worked so hard to get my nursing degree, and I see all of my classmates getting their dream jobs: Primary Children's Hospital, Phoenix Children's Hospital, NICU, Surgery, Labor and Delivery, Cardiac. I wondered if I am wasting what I learned in nursing school by choosing to stay home with my kids.

     Then I looked over at my little Nathan, working so hard to pull down his new big boy underwear so he could go potty. My Ellie, dancing around in her pajamas. My Jonah, looking up at me with his big brown eyes while he finished up his breakfast. And I had no doubt that this is where I need to be right now.

    I'm sure that one day I will get to work in the NICU or Labor and Delivery like I have always dreamed. But for now, I get to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a mom.

     I'm going to enjoy the kids dirtying up the blankets and dish towels from the monstrous pile of clean laundry I have to wait until naptime to fold by using them as capes.

     I'm going to enjoy rolling out playdough with my kids, because who else will be ridiculously proud of the ugly dragon Ellie insisted that I make?

     I'm going to enjoy impromptu dance parties to "Happy" and "Let it Go," even though I have been sick of both songs for upwards of three months.

(sideways video... sorry!)

     I'm so blessed to be a mom, and I'm going to enjoy every second of it.

     Well, maybe not every second...