Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Sam-o and the Brothers


These two are alike in a lot of ways.  So many things about the way Sam looks and acts remind me of Henry at this age.  He loves cars and books and singing.  He is a pure delight, how he walks around the house singing, all day long.  I remember Henry being so similar.  I love how this picture shows Henry and Sam, both surrounded and captivated by books.  I think I might have a picture of Henry surrounded by books for every year of his life -- he has always been like this and probably always will be.  It will be fun to see if Sam continues with a thirst for books like Henry has.

I won't say Sam is unlike Ellis, because he does share a few of Ellis' interests.  Sam loves to mimic whatever Ellis is doing - performing "on stage," running around screaming like a crazy man, or reciting the presidents.  Because of Ellis, Sam has learned most of the U.S. presidents' names, and he loves them about as much as he loves cars!  He was pretty excited about opening this Christmas gift from Grandma Whitesides:

"Lincoln!"


Sunday, January 27, 2013

Small and Simple Things

I have always been kind of like Alma in the Book of Mormon, who wished he was an angel, so he could declare the gospel and preach repentance to the whole world, sounding like a trumpet.  I feel so incredibly blessed to have the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my life.  It makes my life so full, rich, and wonderful.  It gives me perspective, depth, understanding, peace, and pure joy -- and I want EVERYONE to be as lucky as I am to have it in their lives.  I have a swelling desire, a flame in my heart that just yearns to bring about the salvation of many souls.  

I have thought, worried, and stressed a lot about this desire.  I have made a lot of mistakes in talking to people about the gospel, and I have had a lot of humbling learning experiences.  But something I learned in the past couple of months is that I DON'T HAVE to bring about the salvation of many souls!  That is God's end of the deal - he'll do that part.  All I have to do is "small and simple things."  Tiny little things that don't seem like very much at all.  But they can have a profound effects on some very important lives.

Yesterday my friend Stephanie got baptized and became a member of the Church.  She is truly converted, and she knows that her life has been changed forever.  She knows that God has great things in store for her, and that she was meant to do great things for Him.  She knows the fullness that this true, amazing gospel can bring to her life.  I am so happy for her - and our friendship that started only four months ago will last forever.

Stephanie and I met with our kids at the park near our homes.  She has two sweet little girls, and her youngest one is named Sami (close to my Sammy's age).  The older one, Tabi, goes to the same school as Henry.  The more we talked, we found out that we had even more in common.  I realized that it was unusual to meet another YOUNG mom at the park (usually if I meet someone that seems close to my age, she is a nanny).  She talked about her husband graduating recently.  I explained how my husband is STILL a student, and that I don't think I have ever met anyone in our area who has kids while they are still in school.  Steph was excited because she also never meets young people like her.  I told her that she was in luck -- I actually know a LOT of young moms in our same situation - since I'm Mormon and we all tend to start our families earlier. :) I told her she needed to hang out with me and all my Mormon friends -- she would fit right in!

That's where it all started - a small and simple thing.  Many playdates later, we invited Stephanie to bring Tabi to see all of her friends sing in our Primary program.  They came, and Tabi immediately asked when they could come back so she could be in Primary too.  "Why not?" Stephanie thought.  And then she started looking into the Church and found what she had been needing her whole life but didn't even know to look for it.  Since then, she has been SO faithful, strong, capable, and brave.  She is officially a member and is here for good!  

Elders Johnson and Nordin

Here is Ryan, the supportive and awesome/funny/charismatic husband.  He isn't interested in joining the Church, but he is already popular in the ward and is talking about forming a Ward Wrestling Club and Ward Science Club.  :)

It has been SO surprising to me that in order for Stephanie to be converted, I didn't have to do anything great or profound.  All I did was small and simple things - hanging out, sending a text, planning a playdate, asking a question, listening, and handing her an invitation.  She and the Lord did all of the big stuff on their own.  This is His work, and He knew what He was doing in bringing Stephanie and myself together.  I just feel honored to have had a chance to be a useful little instrument in His hands, and I'm so happy to have a new eternal friend.  

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

December via Instagram

Ready to hit the sack. Just spent 15 hours of my weekend formatting my Blurb blog book.  

I started a list of things to remember to pack for our trip tomorrow. Looks like Ben helped me with the list.  Wouldn't want to forget the nose hairs!

Kid Port right next to our terminal. #thankyouairportangels

4 boys sitting on one row.  1 mom sitting uselessly on the row in front of them.  Sam started on my lap, but he prefers to be part of the action.  #dadiseveryonesfavorite #notcomplaining

This is what my morning looks like.  How about you? #provomarriott #roomservice #pondertime

Temple Square lights and Jennica's madrigals concert.  See the snow in our family picture?

Ben at age 4 1/2.  Do you see a resemblance to any of our boys?

On our way home! The saintly desk agent rearranged our seats and gave us a WHOLE ROW to ourselves! #thankyouairportangels #tendermercy

Silly boys have been on an airplane too long.

Joy School Nativity program.  Ellis was so proud of his acting skills as a shepherd.  He said, "I CAN'T BELIEVE I'm actually old enough to be in a play.

Little entrepreneurs set up a show store in our living room.  Henry is talking supply and demand, 90% off, and forecasting future styles.

Sam is taking longer than average to learn the difference between an ornament and a ball.  Farewell, lovely Rockefeller ornament from 2006.

Not a bad haul for one day!  #iheartamazon

Cake mix + 1/3 cup oil and 2 eggs, plus peppermint M&Ms from Target.  They're surprisingly delicious, and will be even better with peppermint ice cream!

Do you think Ben will be able to guess what I ordered for him for Christmas?

Piano recital with my six students tonight!  I love the time I get to spend with these kids every week, and I love getting to know their families.  It was a magical night listening to how much they have learned over the years.

Yes! My boys are finally old enough to appreciate the best Christmas movie ever.

Ellis is going to LOVE me! #homemadegift #prophets #guesswhogame

Presidents too!  "Was your guy born in a log cabin?" "Does he have facial hair?" "Was he a Republican?"

I probably should have owned one of these a long time ago!  Think of all the packaging tape I would have saved!  #laminator #happychristmas

Sam's new favorite: turning on the toy drill in his mouth.  #futuredentist?

New attempt at organizing my life.  I'm trying to get rid of the Franklin Planner, now that I use my phone calendar . . . but a few things were missing.  Ben asked, "Will this replace the sticky notes that are all over the house?"  I hope the answer is yes.