Father/Son Campout

Every year, Clint and the boys go on an overnight camp-out with the other men/boys we go to church with. Gabe was once again left behind...maybe he'll be out of diapers next year! If dirt is any indicator of the good times enjoyed by my boys, I think they had a blast!!

In their absence, the girls set up a tent, too. Ours was conveniently located in the living room.

Gabe & Autumn enjoyed a couple movies tent-side, before G was whisked away to his crib.

That left time for me and my baby girl to snuggle and watch another show.

In the morning, we ate and bathed, then hurried off to a Pioneer monument dedication. The President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of our Church, Boyd K. Packer, came to dedicate it. It was a nice ceremony.

Autumn captured how at least half of the meeting really went down for me, chasing G who thinks it is hilarious to bolt away (the giggling only increases when he heads for the street.)


(As a side note, we were sitting pretty close, and there were only 100 or 200 people there. Anyway, Sister Packer was sitting on the front row watching and I saw her look over at me and smile a couple of times. She has 10 children, so she must understand... that's what I perceived, anyway. I love being around seasoned, virtuous mothers. I can only hope their strength and goodness is just a little bit contagious!!)

Baptism Day

Jonah has been looking forward to and preparing for his baptism for years now. This was completely his decision, and he has tried hard to study and learn as the time drew closer. What a tender experience to watch my first child be both baptized and blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost. He has always been a sweet boy, always willing to help when asked & often without even needing an assignment. Having a boy first sort of concerned me; I was worried he might be a bully. From a young age, I taught him the roles of an older sibling: 1. to protect 2. to be nice. He has taken those roles seriously, and I think he is following the examples of Jesus Christ and Hyrum Smith (the ultimate big brothers) very well.



We were able to have a separate service (as opposed to the group, or stake, baptisms they usually do where we live), and that was extra special because he knew and chose everyone who participated in the baptismal service. We felt grateful for friends and family that took the time to be there. It meant a lot to him, and to us. And of course we enjoyed eating and visiting with everybody at our house afterwards. My only regret is not taking more pictures of friends and family... oh well!

Saying goodbye. Is it just me or does Nana look a little too happy about this? She was in sort of a hurry to leave this time. Hmmph.

A friendly game of war with Papa


Autumn keeps talking about that cute baby Sam, who is younger but bigger than her little brother! (She's having a hard time reconciling that one.) ;)

Mawwiage

So, unless you've been living in a bubble for the last few months, you've heard all about the upcoming votes in California (Prop. 8), Florida & Arizona on same-sex marriage. I've thought a lot about how to add my voice to the support of these measures, being as how I don't live in any of these states. And I think my little part is to blog about it. In a world that is shifting daily on a million fronts, I am thankful for the stability my home and marriage bring to me, to my husband and to our little ones. I think of times when the only word to describe how I have felt with my family is "heaven," and know that those same experiences could not be recreated had I married a woman. Without passing judgment on those who are living alternate lifestyles, I believe in safeguarding traditional man/woman marriage.

I agree 100% with this position, clearly explained in great detail, and released by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is worth the minute or two to read over why a non-political Church has devoted many resources in support of Prop. 8, in particular. And, lastly, I was especially relieved to hear both Palin & Biden (in the VP debate) reassure us that neither administration would support same-gender marriage, and that they each agree with extending rights, such as those mentioned in the press release I linked.

Ok...thanks for letting me get that off my chest. More light-hearted, birthday, family visiting, and such posts to follow!

God Be With You...

If you have not yet heard, the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away tonight. What an inspiring man; I loved that prophet! He always had a kind word, a funny joke, and inspiring insight to share. I loved teaching people about him as a missionary, not only because of the good news of living prophets in general but also because of the wonderful example of this prophet specifically. How sweet his reunion must be with his dear wife, who passed on a few years ago. I am certain that I will meet him, and many other loved ones, again!