Oh, such beautiful truth....

From my reading tonight. ...

"But that night,  he (father) stepped into the door,  I burst into tears.  'I need you!' I sobbed, 'you can't die,  you can't. '

....Father sat down in the edge of the narrow bed. 'Come, ' he began gently, 'when you and I go to Amsterdam,  when do I give you your ticket?'

I sniffled a few times,  considering this. 

'Why just before we get on the train. '

'Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we are going to need things, too.  Don't run ahead of Him,  Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die,  you will look into your heart and find the strength you need-- just in time.' "

Oh how perfectly the gospel is found in every moment of our righteous lives,  His power is in every action and experience which we can pattern our life after sacred and deep gospel truths. 

Take the ticket when it's given,  and trust that someway,  and in the beautiful details of life,  you have been prepared to face heartache,  grief,  and mourning--sometimes unsoothable for a season.  Trust. Believe. Seek. Do these things in Christ,  and I promise answers... to the Why's,  the How's,  and the Where's. 

Fifth Birthday Treasures!

Our week long visit with Grandma and Grandpa was so much FUN!!!

We saw the Peking Acrobatics Show with our homeschooling group their first day with us--these people are from China and they certainly wowed all of us!

We celebrated the 5th Birthday of My Miss Lydia!  I cannot believe she is five and about to go to school.  She insists on going to the public school system, and I had already decided to allow her and Maya to start up as the boys did with a public education, but I am so sad to see the year vastly approaching.  Soon enough she'll be going to school, and then a short year later Maya will follow!  Where does the time go???

Birthday pics to come...

At five, Lydia is so darn beautiful!!!

Her favorite color is still blue.

She has learned how to soothe he fears and worries far better than years prior, I was worried we would never completely leave that "hug and kiss" screaming tantrums in the  middle of EVERYWHERE, at any given moment, over any given circumstance.  While she still has her small meltdowns, I can say she is growing up just fine!  Not too long ago, she laid beside me in the morning, asking me to get up.  I did the typical, "Just a minute" tired Mommy thing, and she rolled over, kissed my cheek, and said, "I'm gonna go sit with Aiden in the living room and wait for you!"  I was in shock...no begging and pleading for food, a hug, water, hot cocoa...just sweet and pleasant patience and love.

Her favorite movie is definitely Frozen, and her favorite character is Elsa!

She is still goofy as ever, and a good laugh can cure any tantrum threatening her smile.

She speaks often of other people with deep compassion--we saw a house fire last month on the way home from church, and days later she was worried about the people inside of the house...she spoke of the possible burn and pain they may have had with a solemn expression.

She is becoming quite a lyrical queen, taking after my ability to know and sing lyrics very clearly...she will carry a beautiful voice as she matures.

She loves exercise and running seems to be her gift, with the long limbs she has, I am certain she will excel in it. 

She still expresses sorrow over Baby Shane and his loss, she is determined to hold him first upon the resurrection morning.

She is perfect...in every way!

Lydia's birthday paralleled Connor's fifth Birthday as well.  Connor has requested to go to the DC temple for his Birthday in 2008.  We drove the distance, stayed in a hotel, and walked the grounds and visitors center for him on his 5th Birthday.  Lydia was, by mere circumstance, given the gift of walking through the Gilbert Arizona temple for her Birthday.  The open house just happened to commence, and we all decided to make the trek to AZ to have this amazing experience.  It was breathtaking.

The kids were pretty good in the long drive to and from Arizona.  I did a lot of singing with the girls...lots of Frozen songs over and over and over!

I'd have to say, Arizona took me and Steve to a little place of Heaven.  At least Gilbert did.  We fell in love with the land, the story, and the temple.  I wouldn't be surprised if it happens to turn up as a place of interest for future habitation...it was that beautiful and perfect to us! 

It brought some good luck too.  We were lucky enough to keep Grandma and Grandpa for a few more days due to snowy east coast weather...we found out half way home.  We were all bummed we rushed off so quick but delighted in the opportunity to have and hold our family for a few more days.  Saying goodbye is always hard, getting back in routine is even harder, but these moments are the ones that make a life story so memorable in the end. 

Grieving. ..

I should be sleeping as I approach the end of this awful flu. I should be dreaming of who knows what,  but my mind and heart just want to do good....to write.

It was a week and a half of being spoiled rotten. I had grandma and grandpa here for Lydia's 5th birthday. In that time,  we took a last minute trip to Arizona,  toured the Gilbert temple open house,  stayed in a hotel,  ate yummy food,  and we even took them to see a movie before they took off.

Every once in awhile we experience these glimpses of pure joy.  I find myself grieving,  that is the best term for it. It sounds ridiculous,  it sounds as if I'm exaggerating.... but I'm not. I miss them when they're gone.

I wonder where those days went when we all lived in the same home. Though inconvenient for my husband,  it was a bonding time for me with my inlaws I do not regret. I wish my relationship with every member of my family was as deep. I wish we could all see the goodness for the most part,  and realize that any negative character is most likey related to trauma and heartache.

I have brothers in laws,  a sister in law,  many nephews and nieces, and one of my greatest fears is not holding them all again and saying "I LOVE YOU,  not your faults,  not your fears,  not your self doubts. ...I LOVE YOU,  in the beauty you were created to be".  Would it resonate with peace or come across as a tinkling cymbal?  Would the bar of its beautiful rhythm sink in,  or would it appear comical coming from young and naive lips?

I'd like to think I know a small degree of wisdom. I've known the courageous act of putting aside my physical and needs for the sake of a family,  for our deep desire to have a roof over our heads (sometimes that came one month after another)  I've known the pain of returning back to a full time (plus) working routine after giving birth 6 weeks ago to my 5th born child. In those moments,  I smiled, though my heart quivered in silent tears. The tears fell in solitude. I've known death at its darkest,  and it being your child is indeed dark and harrowing.  I've recentky known that you can be an athlete your entire life,  and then Father can grab your health,  in hopes for a season.

But in all I've known,  I've had glimpses of love and peace. That is why I still smile. I'm praying the next glimpse is soon, and more peaceful than I can imagine.

Cub Scouts Pack 309 January Newsletter

January Core Value

Positive Attitude

This month we want to focus on having a positive and uplifting attitude.  The boys will play games together on 1/15 to learn that winning is great, but losing is not always a sad and gloomy place to be--it just means you can improve.  When we live the gospel we will inevitably fall short at times; those times will give us an opportunity to carry on in faith and cheerfulness or to murmur and complain.  Let's teach our boys how to be cheerful in their trials!

Time Change for 1/22 Meeting-1:45pm

The time for our meeting on January 22nd will accommodate the early release for the children from school.  If any child would like to stay later that day to work on achievements that need to be accomplished before an upcoming Birthday, I will gladly stay.  Remember, rank advancements can only be made in their according year.  Wolves can earn a badge by age 9 and Bears can earn a badge by age 10.  Bring your collections to this meeting as well for sharing.  We will be starting props for a magic show presentation in February as well on January 22nd.

Important Dates

January 14, 2014 7pm--Council and  8pm-- Committee Meeting, LDS church

January 15, 2014 4:30pm--Playing Games den meeting, LDS church

January 22, 2014 1:45pm--Creating props/masks and displaying collections den meeting, LDS church

January 28, 2014 6pm--Pack Meeting

Information :Crystal Fultz, Den Leader Wolves and Bears

Faith In God Achievements

Articles of Faith

We have cub scouts of different faiths in Pack 309.  Our LDS Cub Scouts will work with the Primary this year, and we will be memorizing and passing off the 1st Article of Faith in January.  Most of the boys have done this, and they are welcome to choose any Article of Faith to pass off with me as they choose.  Cub parents of different faiths--please let me know what I can do to help you in strengthening your child's faith!

FUN FOR THE FAMILY

Cub scouts is not only for the child, but it is meant to be a family edifying program.  There is a program for the family designed to allow each member of the family to pass off activities and earn a patch and pins for their accomplishments.  I will highlight one of five categories monthly and then rotate through them.

For each member of the family to earn a patch they must accomplish 2 requirements from 5 categories in a 12 month period.  If someone has not accomplished the activity, then that person alone doesn't earn the patch, everyone else does!  To earn additional pins, each member may complete 2 additional activities from the categories.  I have a very detailed link that will take you to my personal blog where you can find all the information for earning this award!

Let me know when you have completed activities, and who in the family has, so I know when we can order the awards! 

CATEGORIES

1. Shaping Your Family Identity

2. Developing Personal Skills

3. Building a Family Team

4. Connecting With Your Community

5. Facing Family Challenges

PATCH= 2 activities from all 5 categories in 12 months

Blue and White pin= 2 additional activities from #1

Black and gray pin= 2 additional activities from #2

Orange and green pin= 2 additional activities from #3

Black and red pin= 2 additional activities from #4

Blue and yellow pin= 2 additional activities from #5

Cub Scouts FUN FOR THE FAMILY AWARD

For my Cub Scouts and their families:

Cub Scouts FUN FOR THE FAMILY AWARD!!!

To earn a PATCH for each member of the family, do two activities from each category in a 12 month period:

1. Shaping Your Family Identity
2. Developing Personal Skills
3. Building a Family Team
4. Connecting With Your Community
5. Facing Family Challenges

Each member can earn a patch but does not have to.  If everyone BUT one member did the requirements to earn a patch, everyone but the one member will get a patch.  The same applies to the pins, explained below.

To earn a PIN, the following applies:

Blue and White pin= 2 additional activities from Shaping Your Family Identity

Black and gray pin= 2 additional activities from Developing Personal Skills

Orange and green pin= 2 additional activities from  Building a Family Team

Black and red pin= 2 additional activities from Connecting With Your Community

Blue and yellow pin= 2 additional activities from Facing Family Challenges

HERE ARE THE ACTIVITIES FOR EACH REQUIREMENT!!!

Please talk about your activity and why is exemplifies the core value (which is always at the end of each activity...where it says "for________"!  Make these your FAMILY HOME EVENING PLANS!!!

1. Shaping Your Family Identity

A. Bookworm--Read Books for Cooperation (Cub Core Value)

B. Celebrate The Date--Theme of the month activity for Citizenship

C. Family Ancestors--Story Telling for Courage, Faith, or Perseverance

D. Family Faith--Practice Faith in God for Faith

E.  Family Motto--Making a poster for Honesty

F. Family Reunion--Family Reunion Interview for Courage

G. Family Roots--Make a Family History Tree for Respect

H. Family Values--Family council and activity for Health and Fitness

I. Heritage Party--Party for Resourcefulness

J. Holiday Traditions--Holiday Tradition Activity for Cooperation

K. House Upon a Rock--Making sad sculptures for Positive Attitude

L. Kindness Counts--Role Playing for Compassion

M. Lights On--Discussion with darkness bringing in light (flashlight) for Faith

N. Milestone Celebration--Party for Courage

O. Name Book--Making a Family Book for Respect

P. Picture Perfect--Drawing Pictures for Responsibility

2. Developing Personal Skills 

A. Career Choice--Exploring a career for Citizenship

B. Courtesy Capers--Role playing different manners for Cooperation

C. Family Fitness--Playing a game or sport for Health and Fitness

D.  Family Restaurant--Family Dinner for Responsibility

E. Family Support--Attending an event or Practice for Compassion

F. Game Day--Playing games for Honesty

G. Guess Who?--Guessing Game for Honesty

H. Hobby Fun--Working on Hobbies for Resourcefulness

I. Keep It Clean--Practicing personal hygiene for Health and Fitness

J. Mealtime Manners--Family Dinner with nest manners, linens and dinnerware for Positive Attitude

K. Money Games--Playing Board Games for Responsibility

L. Music Melodies--Enjoying singing favorite hymns for an evening for Positive Attitude

M. Practice Makes Perfect--Practicing a Skill or Talent for Perseverance

N. Skills Showcase--Demonstrating skills or talents for Respect

O. Skit Fun--Doing a skit or melodrama for Resourcefulness

P. Special Strengths--Dinner discussion of each members strengths for Faith

Q. Talent Show--Family Talent Show for Courage

R. Words! Words! Words!--Word building games for Perseverance

3. Building a Family Team

A. Budget Bank--Making a savings plan for Honesty

B. Church Visit--Visiting a Church Service for Faith

C. Clean-Up!--House or Yard clean up for Citizenship

D. Family Campout--Campout for Cooperation

E. Family Crest--Making a poster for Responsibility

F. Family Garden--Planting a garden for Resourcefulness

G. Family Pet--Taking care of Pet for Responsibility

H. Family Potluck--Dinner or Dessert Night for Health and Fitness

I- Farm Visit- Observing Animals for Respect

J. Follow the Leader--Family Activity for Courage

K. Good Sportsmanship--Game or Sports Activity for Health and Fitness

L. Happy Hikers--Hiking for Perseverance

M. Job Chart--Making a job chart for Positive Attitude

N. Measure Up--Measuring for Resourcefulness

O. Mission Possible--Helping a Community Cause for Faith

P. Read-a-thon--Reading Books for Perseverance

Q. Secret Pal--Secret Service for Compassion

R. Story Creator--Telling Stories for Cooperation

S. Team Spirit--Creating a family team and logo for Cooperation

4. Connecting With Your Community

A. Bike Ride--Bike riding for Health and Fitness

B. Car Wash-- Washing cars for Respect

C. Care Center Program--Program or service for Compassion\

D. Church Help--Service activity for Honesty

E. Community Clean up--Cleaning a park or other activity for Respect

F. Community Event--Participating in a Fair Parade for Cooperation

G. Community Service--Service Activity for Citizenship

H. Conservation Project--Project for Perseverance

I.  Fire Hydrant Care--Adopting a Fire Hydrant for Courage

J. Flag Day--Learn flag etiquette for Citizenship

K. Food Drive--Helping with a food drive for Compassion

L. Garbage Weight--Weighing Garbage for Responsibility

M. Helping My Neighbor--Helping neighbors for positive attitude

N. Neighborhood Pixie--Secret Service for Compassion

O. Public Transport--Riding a city bus for Resourcefulness

P. Recycling is Best--Visiting a recycling center for Resourcefulness

Q. Road Trip--Visiting Historical sites for Citizenship

R. Rules of Respect--Listing rules and laws for Honesty

S. Tree Planting--Planting trees for Faith

5. Facing Family Challenges

A. Cemetery Discovery--Art activity at the cemetery for Respect

B. Family Emergency Plan--Making emergency kit for Resourcefulness

C. Family Journal--Writing in a family journal positive attitude

D. Fire Drill--Mock disaster or fire drill for Cooperation

E. Frozen Feast--Preparing Food/Frozen Meals for Responsibility

F. Honor Book--Honoring a loved one who has died by writing memories for Respect.

G. Hopeful Lessons--Discuss hopeful lessons of death in your religion for Faith

H. Memorial Day--Visiting cemetery for Citizenship

I. Moving On--Making goodbye cards with your new address and number for Positive Attitude

J. Nature Honor--Planting trees or flowers for Respect

K. Nutrition First!--Making a healthy snack for Health and Fitness

L. Obstacles! Obstacles!--Setting up an obstacle course for Perseverance

M. Pet Memories--Making a memory book for Courage

N. Physical Assistance--Visit to a store for people who need physical assistance for Respect

O. Problem Solver--Discus 10 problems written on slips of paper randomly and solutions for Courage

P. Safety and Security--Visit with police officer or fire department for Citizenship

Q. Security Code--Fingerprinting and Codes for Honesty

R. Tender Loving Care--Helping one with Long term illness for Compassion

S. Welcome Neighbors--Preparing treats for Compassion

Lessons from Life/Work (some recent, some.....not so much)

First: Love your kids and never purposely hurt them physically or emotionally! If you have, repent and never look back! Cherish them because for one reason or another life can change in an instant because we all are fragile and living on borrowed time (I know this all too well). Don't live with regrets of missing one more hug, or one more compliment. Our days and all we do and need to do is known to God and He will guide you as a parent to accomplish His work and bring Him more glory. If our time is running short and there is yet work to do, I believe (for some) the Lord will make it known ahead of time in order to prepare.

Second: Donating organs is a beautiful and sacred gift! I may never see the recipient end of this process and God willing I personally will never need to be the receiver, but to those who have offered the gift of life to another......You Are A Hero!

Third: The will to live is incredible, which leads me to wonder upon the reason why some must remain in this life in spite of having an excess of medical problems and even issues with not having a normal and reasonable neurological state of being. Clearly they have work to do here, even if it is just to help others obtain "Sainthood" in their service/care. On the other hand, I have seen others (children) who have been made to stay, through means of medical science, when they clearly keep trying to and likely should be dead. And all this because too many don't have the truth and don't know where to find it. This life is not the end! It is merely a necessary layover in our Eternal journey. Jesus Christ lives and because of Him we ALL will live again. It is my intent to make sure I do a better job in sharing the eternal, reassuring truths of The Gospel.

Fourth: A less meaningful lesson would be that vaccines and other medicine have been given to us for our good. Science and medicine teamed up with the power of God and the Priesthood are a perfect team! Don't fool yourselves into relying on one or the other solely, and limiting the full potential of the gifts God has given us. So, on that note, GET A FLU SHOT! That silly H1N1 virus is back and people are getting really sick, and worse. Google it! Here are current flu trends.

Fifth: Trust in The Lord with all your heart and no matter what comes along it will be OK in the end. It may not seem like it when walking down the roads of trials, which may at times seem constant, but when looking back with a clearer lens it will be evident. He is at the helm, and if we accept that and do our part there will be less kicking and screaming along the way. Love deeply and forgive quickly! This includes yourself! For you are not ugly and worthless like Satan wants you to believe.......only kind of ugly (just kidding).