Moses Knew

Genisis through Deuteronomy were all written by Moses. It is curious that Moses could write about people and events where he was not present. Take Joseph and Potiphar's wife. Nowhere in the account were there witnesses yet, Moses knew of Joseph's faithfulness, as well as the intents in the heart of the unfaithful woman.
Two years ago my Seminary students found this to be startling, that others could see their doings even without being present. But I find that in the knowing, I have greater resolve to choose the right. Our works will ever be known. Therefore, may we rise up and live up to our heritage, that befitting sons and daughters of diety.

A Secret Valentine

Somebody loves us! A very sneaky somebody. These showed up anonymously on our front door! Thank you to whoever did this!

Paige for the Weekend:

From Pancakes to pulling weeds to playing games we had a great time with Paige!

Alma 32, The Faith Chapter

Most of the beans we planted in Seminary weren't "good seeds".

These were.

Hawaii and Japan, great places to visit, but...

...they live toooo far away!!

Handsome boys: Chandler, Jacob and Adam.

I just had to post several pictures of Kamryn and Isabel!
So cute!

Surprise!!!

It was Jamie's birthday, too!

Seminary today was soooo fun! I was really surprised! I never suspected THIS! But I did wonder why Clara was so early and why the lights were out in our room when I just knew some of my students were there!!

We managed to have a lesson but it was kept pretty simple. I'm glad it was a subject they were already familiar with.

Mission Accomplished!

Mission Pictures -

Today we received our release letters from our Seminary "missions". We reported our thoughts and activities, and then, we had an "open house", with refreshments. We concluded with the lesson from Alma 37 and 38 about how by small and simple means, great things can be brought to pass. Also we spoke about the small act of keeping a journal and how the ancient journal, or, Book of Mormon, is making all the difference in bringing us to Christ, and by following it's precepts, we are learning wisdom in our youth. Our missions gave us each the opportunity to raise the bar in our lives. Testimonies were born about lengthening our stride, and making scripture study and prayers more of a habit.

The letter -

Dear Brother/Sister______,

It is a privilege to extend to you this honorable release from serving a three week mission in the Tulare 1st and 2nd Ward areas.

Your efforts to increase in spirituality and become an even greater influence for good at home, at school and at church has not been unnoticed and you will be blessed greatly for your good works and honest heart.

You may feel proud of yourself for meeting the challenge to be more obedient in keeping the commandments as well as in sharing the Gospel and being a better family member and friend to those around you. You have had an opportunity to strengthen your own testimony as you have fulfilled your mission assignments, and hopefully this experience will be a blessing to you forevermore.

Thank you for your service.

Thank So Very Much!!

Doorbell rang. Looked out window. No one visible. Asked, "Who's there?". No answer. Opened the door a crack to see our 4 yr. old Abbie standing there all alone as though she traveled here herself without a grownup in sight! Huge grin!!
So, after the "Hi's" and "How did you get here's?", her mother comes out from around the house with a very large bag. Some of our children decided to give us a Christmas gift, and no, it's not late, it's EARLY! (Christmas gift, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day... You get the picture!)
"Wii" are now set up with a new system. I personally prefer to exercise at home and now we're going to be able to step up the routine with Wii Fit!!! Looking forward to getting into it.
Wonderful gift! Wonderful kids!

Then Wii Did Lunch

Abbie is dipping a chicken nugget into her chocolate shake!

And Mollie... ?

Well, let's just say, they have two vastly different pallets!

Boy Toy

Tried this on for size and it was a perfect fit!
Is this midlife crisis or just an extension of a boyhood dream?
You go, Dave!

Pure Religion

From the dawn of time mankind has been learning how to be nice to each other. These cave people, their clubs and their "stuff" help make the point. Today our Seminary lesson was about the importance of sharing the gospel so that we all will be happier. After all, God is Love and the essence of pure religion undefiled is to love one another.

They Burried Their Weapons Of War

Well, most of the girls made for high ground to avoid the camera, but here you can see history in the making! The youth of the Tulare Wards' Junior/Senior Seminary Class of 2010 have chosen to make a pledge to forsake one of their weaknesses in honor of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies doing just that when they burried their swords.

OUR PLEDGE IS TO WORK ON OUR CHOSEN TRIAL UNTIL WE CONQUER!

Three Weeks Tomorrow

Herbals are a miracle! When I saw the dentist last week the dental assistant, Toni, thought it had been a whole month since the surgery because the healing was so advanced. Boy was she surprised when I told her it had only been 13 days! Now after one more week I am happy to say that there is almost no pain anywhere, including the spot where Dr. Bell did an extra something that was very sore for a while.
I'm so thankful for a great oral surgeon, a great dentist, Dr. Moraza, and for how Heavenly Father has provided perfectly for the care of each of us.
P.S. When I went to get some calcium tablets the other day, the Spirit whispered, "Why would you use these when you have herbal calcium in the other room?" I hadn't put it in capsules yet, but I did so immediately afterwards because there is no better endorsement than that!

A Cheshire Moon

When our kids were little, Sam was such a jokester and our Suzanne was the more down-to-earth type.

I remember how indignant Alice became when the Cheshire Cat just couldn't be serious when she felt the situation demanded it. Last night I thought of this and how it reminded me of them as we drove into California and were greeted by a cheshire moon.