YESTERDAY

It's been a good day. I've felt happy. I was a little tired after I woke up this morning (going on too little sleep). But after my workout and shower, I felt better. 

Today's affirmation: ... actually, I haven't really used one today. Just trying to remember that God loves me. During my scripture study this morning, I read section 18, about how the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. I had underlined all the mentions of repentance (of which there are several) and noted that repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ is evidence of how God feels about His children. 

One of my favorite parts of the day: playing with Sawyer in the basement. He had made all these really cool looking vehicles out of Lego. We got these build books from the library, and the boys are so good at looking at the diagrams and building things out of Lego. 

A thought I had in the temple this afternoon: it's no secret that I have struggled with my Relief Society president calling. It's been hard, mainly emotionally, and also mentally. But I can emulate Jesus by submitting my will to the Father. "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done." I don't want to be Relief Society president. There. I said it. But just because I don't want to do it, doesn't mean I won't. I need to submit my will and do it anyway. And do my best. And change my attitude. 😆 Like Jesus did. 

TODAY

Been a regular day. Sawyer played with his friend Dax for a lot of the morning. First at our house, then at his. And I was able to get some things done. I also went to meet with a counselor at the middle school about having Brooke take a couple of classes there while she homeschools. So, we're getting that figured out. 

Favorite thing: went to Camille's 4th grade Utah program. It was absolutely adorable! I loved it! They sang a bunch of Utah themed songs, and a handful of kids took turns and got up to give some little tidbit about Utah or Utah history. They had a slide show at the end that had each kid's picture, a picture of the kid somewhere in Utah. This is the picture we sent in: 

The little cutie! 

Why I love my husband: he's not awkward around my friends. Last night I had some friends over to watch an episode of Pride and Prejudice, and he sat down and watched it with us and made funny comments. 

I'm grateful for delicious food: crunchwrap supremes and sourdough bread. And chocolate chip cookies. And green smoothies. 

I'm also grateful for good movies: we started watching "The Sound of Music" tonight while we ate dinner. And it's just such a delightful movie. So delightful! The kids were loving it! And they loved that we were doing a random movie in the middle of the week. It came about because Jack's been learning the song "Do-Re-Mi" from that movie in music class. 

I love my husband because he's steady. 

 Affirmation of the day: God loves me. I'm not expected to be perfect yet. 

Favorite thing of the day: I got a lot of Relief Society stuff done today, kind of spread over two periods of time. 

Lowlight of the day: I spent way too much time paying my stupid speeding ticket. 🙄🙄🙄

Today I'm grateful for my sister, Julie, who is one of my safe people, who I can talk to about almost anything, and I know she'll still love me and won't judge me.

I love my husband because he's fun. He plans fun trips, and he does fun romantic things, and he's clever, and he goes on adventures with me. 

Affirmation of the day: I had a kind of argument with my brain in the shower. Or maybe it was with whichever of the devil's minions that was whispering negative things into my ears. I woke up remembering my humiliating moments and/or looking at my actions from a critic's point of view. And I was struggling to turn my thoughts around. So I talked, rather vehemently, to myself (or the minion) in the shower, defending my own actions and reaffirming that I'm a good person. 😆 And actually, it worked, haha. After I got out of the shower and started getting ready while listening to the Book of Mormon, I stopped having negative, critical, degrading thoughts about myself. So, no specific affirmation today, but maybe just reminding myself that I'm a good person and that my intentions are good, if nothing else. 

Lowlight: Family home evening. It was extremely painful tonight. I prepared a real lesson and everything, with visual aids and scriptures handed out for children to read. I was using a lesson plan from an fhe book I sometimes use. It was a great lesson! Buuuut... the kids talked sooo much. And when they gave answers to questions, they were so drawn out and long. My patience was very much tested. The lesson, which should have only taken about 20 minutes, was almost double that! And not only were they talking too much, Sawyer was playing on the side and being so loud, and Brooke was playing with the dog and Daniel was trying to train him at the same time. It was so much for my brain to handle. It was super hard to stay on track. And I ended my lesson pretty emotionally drained. 

Highlight: I dunno. Feeling a little down and drained tonight. Probably playing with Sawyer was my highlight. Also that I got some food prepping done today. I also had a friend come over with her son to play (not a good friend, a sister in my ward that I don't know very well), but she kind of unloaded on me, which is fine, but probably couldn't be considered a highlight. 

Grateful for an abundance of good food. 

I love my husband because he's supportive. 

Spiritual Memory

Here is a more recent memory. A few years ago, we were driving in the car. I believe it was on the way home from a road trip or maybe from Daniel's mom and dad's house. Daniel was driving, and he asked me to read scriptures for our couple scripture study while we were driving. We were reading in the Book of Mormon, Alma chapter 7 and when we got to the following verses, I just felt the Spirit so strong, testifying to me the truth of what the verses were teaching: 

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. 

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. 

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me. 

14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.

I felt so strongly that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He loves everyone and died to save us. I know that He knows perfectly what we go through; He took it all upon Himself, He felt everything, and He knows how to help and heal us. 

Sunday Notes

• Pondering question/affirmation for this week: How can I follow Jesus today? How can I strengthen my dedication to Him? 
• Might be worth while to start studying in Preach My Gospel; particularly the attributes of Christ -- focusing on compassion
• Why am I in this calling right now? What can I focus on? What do I have to offer the women in Relief Society and the ward? What gifts can I ask to develop? What gifts do I already possess that can help me? 
• Teach lessons about baptism and covenants -- prior to Jack getting baptized
• Pray specifically for power because of my covenants; I can call upon blessings from heaven because I keep my covenants -- think of my patriarchal blessing and the promise I have if I live righteously

Relief Society lesson notes: 

From three talks: 

"Welcome to the Church of Joy"

"God's favorite"

"The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again"

Coming to this ward, some of our sisters have felt such welcome and just embraced into our ward. ❤️ I love this so much. 

Strength and joy in unity! Such a blessing to know we have each other, and what a joy it is to have a support system, during hard and good times

Amanda Howells' trick - asking the question "how is this Satan's plan?" When you see things happening in the world or directly around us or in our lives. "How is this Satan's plan?" Satan is just a jerk! 😆 He just wants us to be miserable and drag us down. The only power he has is the power we give him. We know the end from the beginning. So we don't have to fall for his tricks.

The Lord's message: "My hands are stretched out still" -- no matter what

Jesus had power over death, so He has supreme power over all!

This life is the beginning, life doesn't end with death, we have potential eternally, Heavenly Father is not passive in our lives, He is pursuing us, he loves us eternally and knows what we are capable of, we are important and progressing and have potential

If you don't know who you are, ask Heavenly Father. How do you feel about me? 

How have you found joy in the church and in the gospel? How can you increase your own joy? 

I haven't been as good about affirmations this week. I tried to think of some that would help me, but wasn't very consistent with them. 

And I've been busy the past few nights with relief society meetings. But mainly my days have been kind of normal: watching kids (mine and not mine), doing preschool lessons about plants (so fun. We painted pots and then planted flower seeds in them), cleaning up and getting things done from my to do list, getting Brooke's shots done and Tucker's shots done, and about a million little errands. 

I don't have much to write. But I'm trying to keep up the habit, so here we are. 

My favorite part of today: we got a doggie door put into the wall, so now we can train Tucker to go out to go potty on his own! And Sawyer was very interested in watching the guy we hired work, with all his tools. It was cute that he was so interested.

Today's affirmation: I am of great worth. God is in control. 

Today's favorite thing: preschool and mommy time. I hosted our preschool today. We talked about plants, watched some videos about how plants grow, made a pompom flower craft and started some beans in jars to watch them sprout. It was very fun. Then Sawyer wanted to make brownies for mommy time, so we did that together, and then played in the basement for 10 minutes after doing a preschool lesson. It was actually quite a lovely and delightful day. 

Today I'm grateful for good days that are slow and technically uninteresting, but good nonetheless. 

Reason why I love my husband: this photo that I found during my 10 minute picture purge from 7 years ago today: 

Need I say more? I think not. 

Was a busy day, so not much time to write. Brooke and I went shopping for about an hour this morning. She needed a new swimsuit, and she's growing out of her clothes too. So we got her a few things. 

We took the kids swimming at the Legacy Center pool; Gramma and Grampa and Brooklyn and Baylee came with us. 

When we got home, we prepared dinner for everyone. David's family came for dinner too. We just did a collection of appetizers, which I thought was delicious. But then I was worried about there not being enough food for everyone... I forgot that certain of my nieces and nephews really load up their plates without really thinking about others who have to eat. 🙄🙄🙄 That might be my biggest pet peave. I just think that's so thoughtless and rude. And parents need to teach their kids not to do that, but I'm not sure anyone really does. Anyway. It all turned out okay, despite my annoyance. 

I'm a little grumpy tonight. We had a nice day. I mean, swimming was fun. I felt like getting dinner ready while everyone was at our house just sitting there was kinda weird, and it put me out of sorts. And then one of my children got mad when I didn't read to them because it was too late. It just wasn't a great evening. I am glad to be able to host and see our family frequently though. I'm just grumpy. 

Grateful for: a comfy bed I get to sleep in tonight. 😅 

Reason I love my husband: he's a great partner in all things -- supportive, does what needs to be done, helps me when I ask for it, disciplines and pushes the kids when that needs doing, etc.

Spiritual Memory

I think I've written down this memory before. But it probably bears repeating, as it was one very influential experience for me. 

This was shortly after my graduation from BYU. I was trying to find a job and/or working part time odd jobs (at the school for troubled kids and medical office) and/or working as a temp, while Daniel was finishing up his last year. That whole year was quite hard for me. I felt so directionless, so purposeless. I wanted to find a good job, but was struggling to do so. I wanted to go to dental hygiene school, and Daniel and I were having major disagreements about that. I didn't really know what to do with myself. It was a rough time. 

One Sunday, we were sitting in church. I believe, if memory serves, it was stake conference. I don't remember what the speaker was talking about; I wasn't even really paying attention. I was thinking about my frustration, how I had graduated from college, but wasn't finding good work. I was frustrated because I felt that I wanted to do more with my life at that time, but was being thwarted by outside circumstances -- the bad economy making it hard to find work, disagreements with Daniel about me going back to school. I remember kind of saying to myself, "What's even the point of all this? All this struggle and confusion and wandering." And I had this thought -- maybe I'll just run away from this life. Leave everything -- my husband, my stupid jobs, my purposelessness. I'll move to New York City. I'll go back to school like I wanted. I'll live a more worldly existence. 

Immediately, as these thoughts entered my head, the Spirit whispered another thought: "Lord, to whom shall we go?" (Although, I think the exact wording was "Where shall I go?") "Thou hast the words of eternal life." (John 6:68 - when Jesus was teaching the multitude about eternal life, but they were just disappointed that He wasn't giving them free food. And He asked His apostles if they were going to turn away from Him as well as the others. The words that came to my mind were Peter's response to Him.) Those words settled into my brain: "Where shall I go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." And my brain twisted and turned my former thoughts on the head. Did I really think I'd find greater joy and satisfaction in that kind of life? Did I really think that I'd feel better if I stopped living the gospel? If I ran away? What did the world have to offer that was better than what the Savior gave me? Obviously, the answers to those questions were "no" and "nothing." It helped me get myself back on track and anchor myself more fully to Jesus Christ and gospel living. It helped firm up my resolve and dedication. 

I've been so grateful over the years since then that Heavenly Father allowed me that experience. It's been a core memory, an anchoring memory, that's helped me to remember why I live the gospel and why I follow the Savior. Over the years, I've noticed that the Holy Ghost will pop scriptures into my head at times when I need it, and I'm so grateful for that. Little nudges to keep me going in the right direction. Little love letters from God to let me know He's aware of me and my situation. They are such faith strengthening moments. 

And after this particular instance, I remember my why. 

Valentine's Day

It was an odd day, definitely out of my routine. But the fact that it was a fun holiday made it okay. Daniel got home super late last night, because the snow storm caused all kinds of traffic everywhere yesterday, and he just figured he'd stay and work late instead of sit in traffic for 2 hours. But late an night, before he got home, Drew called and asked if he could spend the night at our house so he didn't have to drive hours to get to his apartment in the snow and traffic. So then, in the morning, he was kind of hanging around while I was doing all my Valentine's day stuff. 

I got up and made breakfast burritos for breakfast for everyone. I had intended to give Daniel breakfast in bed, but he was already up and had made the bed by the time I got up there. He just brought the tray with his breakfast back down. 😂

After the kids and Daniel were off, I made a bunch of sugar cookies and frosting, and Sawyer and I went to a homeschool Valentine's Day party. Cookie decorating was my activity that I contributed. It was a very fun activity, so many little homeschool kids and I got to hang out with some of my friends. My bigger kids were so sad that we were going to a party without them. Haha. And I was like, "Well, next year we'll be able to do stuff like this!"

Sawyer and I came home in time for lunch and having Dax over. His parents went on a Valentine's day date and they needed someone to watch him. He and Sawyer sort of had fun and didn't have fun with each other. It wasn't a smooth play date by any means. I mostly cleaned the wrecked kitchen while they played. It was awful after everything I did that morning. Then I got ready for my date with Daniel before picking up the kids from school.

We spent about 15 minutes or so finishing up delivering our Valentines neighbor gifts. I decided to do cookie jars. It felt like less work at the beginning... but then it was still a decent amount of time dedicated to it. 😂 Ah, well. It still turned out fun and cute. 

Daniel took me to Tsunami for an early dinner. He made a reservation, but the only time they had avaliable was 5pm. He said it was the first time he'd ever made a dinner reservation! I was shocked. Especially since we've been together so long, I figured he's done it at least once before. It was a delightful dinner. We finished super early, though, and didn't want to go home yet. So we parked and made out for a while before going home to the kids. It was actually quite lovely, because it started raining pretty hard while we were kissing in the car, and we were inside, warm and cozy and kissing. 🥰 It felt so good. And I felt so loved and so much love for Daniel. And when he finally said, "Should we go home?" I don't know why, but it just melted me, again, like the other day. And I thought, "I have a home with this wonderful man. I get to go home with him." ❤️ The whole experience was incredible. 

Reason I love my husband: I feel completely safe with him when we are intimate. I never feel shamed or made to feel bad about myself. He's so sweet and gentle. 

We had our family Valentine's dinner tonight. I spent a few hours in the kitchen to never chicken tetrazzini, salad, heart shaped breadsticks, and chocolate covered strawberries and sparkling juice. I think the kids loved all of it (except the salad), but the chocolate strawberries were the major hit. We decorated the table with the roses Daniel bought me and some candles. The kids loved it. Brooke said, "We should do flowers and candles on the table every night." Maybe I should for a little while. Make dinnertime a little special. My poor little Sawyer has been not feeling well all day today, so he didn't really participate in our dinner. He mostly laid on the couch while we had dinner. Poor little man. 

Reason I love my husband: he's the most handsomest. 

Reason I love my husband: he wishes he could sing so he could sing love songs to me. 😍 

My favorite part of today: it snowed like crazy!! It started snowing in the afternoon and hasn't stopped yet. Sawyer's friends, Johnny, came to play after they had preschool, and my friend, Laura, came over to make banana bread with me before I went to get the kids from school. The snow was so beautiful, falling in fat, slow flakes. It took a long time picking up the kids because the traffic was horrendous. But when we got back, they went outside and played in the snow until dinnertime. They loved it! I went out and enjoyed it while attempting to shovel the driveway. I was only partially successful, though. It was such sticky snow that it just stuck to the driveway and I made very little progress. I let Tucker come out to be with me while I worked, and he loves romping around in it until his fur became covered in a bunch of little snowballs on the bottom of him, and then he started walking funny and tried biting them away. The girls and I found this especially hilarious. 

Also, this happened while I was at a meeting at the school yesterday. Daniel was watching the boys: 

Jack said, "Look, Sawyer's a mom! He's a girl!" 😂

Past my bedtime. Today I'm grateful for beautiful snow, and a solid winter this year, finally. I love my husband because he's a hard worker. 

Today's affirmation: God is in control. 

What I'm thankful for: my wonderful kids and their willingness to do things with me. Last night for our family home evening activity, we started putting together cookies jars for our Valentines day neighbor gifts. And they were totally gung-ho about it! They loved doing it! 

The young women baked cookies and delivered them to people tonight. They dropped off a plate of cookies for me! It was so sweet! Brooke said they decided to give cookies to all the presidents of auxiliaries. 🥰

Why I love my husband: he loves me and he shows me he loves me. Usually one a day, usually when we're in bed together, either getting ready to sleep or getting ready for the day, he reaches over and scratches my back for a minute or 2. It's the sweetest. Also, he pulls me in for hugs and kisses frequently. Also, he likes to snuggle in bed. He's my favorite human. 

Today's affirmation: Not even my weakness can frustrate the works of God. 

One of my favorite things today: this morning when my kids were getting ready for school, they were asking about the potato people drawings that toddlers first do when they're trying to draw people. And then every one of them drew their own potato person with their left hands. 😂 They were cute, but not as cute as when they drew them at 2 years old. Sawyer drew a truck instead. 

Another favorite thing: after mommy time with Sawyer, he wanted to just keep playing on his own (which rarely happens), and he told me, "Okay, mom, you can go do your other stuff now." 🤩 So I went upstairs and worked on ministering assignments for an hour and a half, and he played happily by himself for most of that time. I think it was a blessing from God, actually, to allow me some quiet thinking time to get ministering done. Hopefully it was good for Sawyer, too. 

Why I love my husband: he is kind. He doesn't say or do things to make me feel embarrassed or ashamed. 

What I'm grateful for today: the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. I felt like I was being led when I was working on ministering today. 

Also. This song makes me cry every time I hear it: 

Growin’ Up Raising You

Song by Gabby Barrett ‧ 2024

Six in the mornin', hands are shakin'

Half ready, half scared to death

Hand me the world, wrapped in a pink blanket

The world falls asleep on my chest

I'm so in love even though we just met

Got no clue what I should do next

We'll get it wrong, we'll get it right

Whole lotta tears we both have to cry

You'll learn to run, I'll learn to let go

Years'll go fast, nights'll go slow

Lord knows the best thing that I'll ever do

Will be growin' up raisin' you

I sat in the backseat for 20 miles back home

Holdin' my breath the whole way

Through the knee scrapes, the heartbreaks, and learnin' the hard way

We're both gonna turn out okay

We'll get it wrong, we'll get it right

Whole lotta tears we both have to cry

You'll learn to run, I'll learn to let go

Years'll go fast, nights'll go slow

Lord knows the best thing that I'll ever do

Will be growin' up raisin' you (you)

You'll crawl 'til you run and you'll run 'til you drive

And your drivin' will drive us both crazy

Wherever you go and whatever you do

Just know you'll never not be my baby

We'll get it wrong, we'll get it right

Whole lotta tears we both have to cry

You'll learn to run, I'll learn to let go

Years'll go fast, nights'll go slow

Lord knows the best thing that I'll ever do

Will be growin' up raisin' you

Spiritual Memory

When I was growing up, I had (and still have) excellent parents. They were always such a good strong influence on my development of faith. We did family home evenings and family scripture studies. My mom was an amazing example of service and faithfully serving in one's calling. My parents are some of the best examples of covenant keeping people I've ever met. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it.  

One of my favorite memories in particular, which I think of frequently, was when I was a teenager, maybe 17 years old. I was starting to be more consistent in my personal scripture study, and I was loving all that I was learning in seminary. I felt like I had a pretty solid testimony about God's existence and His love for me. The young women's theme taught me to believe that with all my heart. But I was struggling with the concept of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How did the Atonement even work? How is it that one person's time in the garden and on the cross could save me, let alone every person who ever lived? With my scientific brain, I was trying to make it fit into a formula or equation. It felt too mystic to be real. 

I had multiple conversations with my dad about it, and he was very patient with me and my doubts and questions. One day, we turned to Isaiah 53, which is now one of my all time favorite chapters in scripture. I believe we read the whole chapter, and my good father explained what the verses meant. But it wasn't until we discussed the following verses that something clicked in my brain: 

10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

And dad explained it to me: Yet it pleased the Lord (God) to bruise him (Jesus) ; he (God) hath put him (Jesus) to grief: when thou shalt make his soul (Jesus') an offering for sin, he shall see his seed (talking about God), he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord (God) shall prosper in his hand (Jesus). He (God) shall see of the travail of his (Jesus) soul, and shall be satisfied... for he (Jesus) shall bear their (our) iniquities. 

It isn't something mystical or magical. It is simply what God decided would be enough. God decided from the very beginning that there would be a sacrifice for the sins of man. Jesus volunteered and was chosen. And when Jesus was there in the Garden and on the Cross, God observed "the travail of His soul," His suffering and death for us, and said it was enough -- it was what was required for our salvation. And Jesus accomplished it. It is our task in life to put our faith and trust in Christ, and when we repent continually and endure to the end, Christ has power to save us through His Atonement. Because God said it was enough. He was satisfied. 

This conversation with my dad is one of the foundational experiences of my faith in Jesus Christ. It was the beginning of my relationship with Jesus and my belief in His power to save and heal. It was a small start. But very necessary to the progression I have experienced since then. 

I was very productive today. I woke up just before 7 and walked while I listened to conference and scriptures, did a bunch of chores that were leftover from yesterday before 11am, showered and shaved my legs and got ready, ate lunch, had mommy time with Camille, took my kids to a play, made dinner, and went furniture shopping with Daniel. Whew! It was busy, but I feel great about it. 

The play I took my kids to we the Secret Garden. One of the local theaters was doing a production of it in American Fork, and Tatum Norris gave us tickets to go see it. So Brooke, Camille, Jack and I went. It was a lovely musical, and so well done. It was a little hard for the kids to follow, since they don't know the story and the music made it a little hard to understand. But I think overall they had a good time. I loved going with them!

How I'm Like a 15 Year Old Girl

I texted Daniel this morning, this is what he sent: 

And it's absolutely ridiculous how that gif just completely melted me and started my heart beating. Like I'm some twitterpated teenager. 😂😍 Like, "Aww, he loves me!" 😂

Dog is absolutely driving me nuts this week. I have very little patience for him and don't quite know what to do about it. I know I need to read the training book and start training him. But oh man. I just want to drop kick him. He's peeing and pooping all over the house and in the garage; he's chewing the leaves off of all my plants on the floor; he keeps chasing and biting the kids; I had a visit from some of the Stake RS presidency and he even peed on them. Like, there's almost nothing I like about him this week. I'm so frustrated. He's cute, dang cute, which is the only redeemable quality about him right now. 

What I'm thankful for today: a day off from school for my kids and that we got to spend the whole day together. Yesterday, when I asked the girls how they wanted to spend the day, I have some suggestions, but they basically said, "What if we do all our weekend chores tomorrow morning and then play the rest of the weekend??" And I was like, "Heck yes!" So we got up and did a couple hours of chores this morning; had lunch; the boys watched some TV while the girls went to art class; we went to the library (and I took Jack to Smiths because he REALLY needed to buy a hotwheels car, after I bought one for Sawyer yesterday); came home and did a "reading marathon" that wasn't very long (mostly we read from the book we're reading together, Island of the Blue Dolphins), and the kids collected a bunch of comfy things and picked spots on the couch to set up for reading; had dinner and watched "Despicable Me 2". It was just a delightful day. 

Why I love my husband: see above. 🫠

St George

A few weekends ago, we went to St George with a bunch of our friends. Last year, we had 6 families including us. This year, we invite 3 more than that! So we ended up with us, the Christensens, the Freis, the Tanners, the Winfields, the Smiths, the Perkins, the Harrisons, and the Jacobs. Daniel and I felt a little crazy for inviting so many people. There were, like 50 of us total! 

Sarah came to our house and watched Tucker for us while we were gone. 

We left Thursday afternoon after the kids were home from school, which meant we didn't get to St George until pretty late. We just packed a bunch of food for the drive and ate in the car, and put our kids to bed right when we got there. Most of our company got in sometime on Thursday, but there were a few families who came on Friday. 

Every family had things they wanted to do, so Daniel created a spreadsheet to coordinate activities, and people could do the activities they wanted to join in on. 

Daniel went biking with the guys and then they took the kids later. I took Brooke to the temple to do baptisms with a bunch of dads and kids and Sarah. We took the kids to the pool and hot tub a couple of times. We had game nights -- kids game night and adult game night. We had a grown up girls night. We met up with the Rubens at a park near their new house. We had some dinners together that were absolutely chaotic with all of us -- just a potluck where everyone brought whatever they were planning to eat and we all picked and chose what we wanted. Daniel and I took the kids to the temple visitors center on Sunday to do some of the activities they had there. We went to Sacrament Meeting. The big kids did night games outside most nights and climbed the hill behind our houses to the playground. The kids loved hanging out with their friends. Daniel and the guys took the big kids to do shooting. We stopped to do about a mile hike on our way home with a bunch of our friends. 

We had too much fun, too much food and too little sleep. The kids were a little emotional at times about things. And Jack was not feeling well for a good portion of the time we were there. He stayed in his room in bed to relax a lot. And I just let him, so that he would be removed from everyone on the chance that he really was sick. We didn't want to spread it to friends. 

It was such a great weekend. I was tired a lot, and didn't get to do all the things I wanted. But it was great to bond with our friends and spend a lot of time with them. We did dinner and breakfast with the families in our house, which went pretty well. And we ate really well. 😊 I didn't take many pictures. But we were busy having fun. 

Today's affirmation: I am disciple of Jesus Christ. How does this determine my actions today? 

Something I'm grateful for: good friends who are understanding of when I screw up. 😬

Last weekend, while Julie was here, Brooke had her talent show. She had her performance at the in-school talent show where she performed in front of mostly students and teachers. But then she and Claire were chosen to perform in the bigger evening talent show that was open to the community. Of all the grades, they chose, I think, 22 or 23 groups or individuals to perform in the evening show. It was a fun little show. Brooke and Claire did really well, though Brooke struggled with holding her guitar and they had some issues with their microphones. But they had a great attitude about the whole thing, and they were so cute. They performed "I'll Trust in You" on piano and guitar while singing. 

On Saturday, Brooke and Camille also had their piano recital. Camille did a duet with Sarah of "scales and arpeggios" from "Aristocats". It was darling, and I think she loved playing it. Brooke played a rendition of "Gethsemane" and did really well. 

Reason I love my husband: he does fun and romantic things for me and with me. He puts effort into our relationship. It makes me happy. 

Julie was here all weekend, mostly to visit Drew. He's really struggling being at BYU. It's a bit odd. He served a foreign mission for 2 years, very successfully, and had a great time. But now he's having a hard time going to school and having a social life. He has been really lonely this month, apparently. But Julie says he's been working so much, 6 days a week, up in West Jordan. And the car he bought from Sammy and Brian wasn't working, so he took public transportation, and was commuting 4 hours every day! All the adults thinks he's making some bad choices. But he doesn't really want to be at BYU, and he's really not giving it a fair chance. 

Anyway, all that to say that Julie came for the weekend to be with him and help him feel better. Daniel and I are write skeptical that it did any good. But it was fun to have her with us. It through me off my routine, but it's always great to hang out with Julie and Drew. She worked out with me on Friday, we went to swig a ton, she came with us to some family events, we had a Chinese family dinner at Scott and Melanie's house on Sunday, we played games one night, and chatted a lot. 

I took her to the airport yesterday, but after she flew to Medford, the Medford airport sent the plane back. So she spent another night with us. Her poor boys at home need her! It was kind of a weird day as a result. I drove to and from the airport twice and Drew to BYU once. Lots of time in the car. But she's home now, with her kids, and we're back to real life. 😊

Sunday Notes

• The focus on spiritual things on a Sunday, especially Fast Sunday, brings such joy and peace and contentment. The task of each other day of the week is to focus on the Savior enough to feel that same sense of joy and freedom. 
• An affirmation to use in coming weeks: I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I have covenanted to take His name upon me; how will that make me behave today? 
• Read talk "Covenant Confidence" this week. 
• Satan wants me to walk through life with my head hung low. He wants me to doubt myself, to feel shame and humiliation for choices in my life or things that I've said to people. He wants to bring me low so that I don't have any desires to do good in this world. God and Jesus Christ, on the other hand, want me to lift up my head and rejoice! They want me to act like the queen I am destined to become through Jesus Christ. They want me to lift up my head, not in pride, but in confidence and joy. They know that if I feel good, I'm more likely to go to work to glorify Their names. I'm more likely to serve in my calling. I'm more likely to repent and to make efforts to improve myself. I'm more likely to be a better mom and wife and friend. I'm more likely to reach out. I need to recognize and see more clearly when Satan is tempting me and lying about me, so that I can turn to Jesus, and He will lead and heal me. 
• How can I come to know the Savior better and be closer to Him so that I believe Him and believe that He can save me? 
• It is okay to kneel in prayer and say to God, "Lord, help me to believe. I do want to believe." 
• Read Sister Yee's liahona message, about the anxiously engaged.