Sunday, July 19, 2015
#IAmAPioneer
July 24th is a holiday for the LDS church where we commemorate Brigham Young entering the Salt Lake Valley (through Immigration Canyon) and saying, "This is the Place!" Those Mormon Pioneers definitely sacrificed a lot and left an amazing legacy for me, and others, to follow. The LDS church is making a point to focus on modern day pioneers, and encourages others to leave their legacy for future generations. During my readings on some modern pioneers from the website, I came accross this quote I really liked:
“A pioneer is not a woman who makes her own soap. She is one who takes up her burdens and walks toward the future.” Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
I liked that definition, and I definitely know some modern day pioneers, including each member of my family. So I got to thinking, what's my legacy? What am I leaving behind? My decision to homeschool our children definitely makes me feel like a pioneer. As I prayed to know how to help my son while he was completing the 1st grade about 3 1/2 years ago, the thought to homeschool settled into my mind. I recently found this quote, "The Holy Ghost can carry us to places and tasks that our mind will not allow." I have definitely found this to be true, and following those promptings is a great way to be a pioneer. While I was seeking out the avenue to homeschool, I was reading the Book of Mormon early one morning and I read 1 Nephi chapter 18, where Nephi is commanded to build a ship, not after the manner of men, but how it was revealed to him by the Lord. Part of versus 2 and 3 read, "I did build after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me....Wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things." These words sank deep into my heart, and I knew I had to trust God as I took this leap of faith to take my son out of school to teach him at home. I doubt the pioneers knew the effect their choices would make to their posterity and the future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This scripture is my hope, and something I feel God lead me to as a promise - that if I would trust him, he would reveal great things for my family. Being a pioneer takes courage and faith, but brings great blessings. This is my small, simple story. I know many of you have wonderful stories of greater faith and courage. I would love to read yours in any sort of social media of your choosing - just write it and comment below where I could find it. Cheers to pioneers!
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Fireworks and birthday candles
Last weekend was another busy 4th - with the birth of our nation and the birth of our firstborn to celebrate. We had a fun weekend of setting off and watching fireworks. I love the neighborhood gatherings fireworks create. Our family has the most amazing neighbors that have become some of our closest friends. It's always fun to have an excuse to come together.
When we watch the city fireworks, extended family comes together, and that's always fun as well. This is especially so because we can celebrate Peter's birthday, as well as his cousin's, who was born just a few hours later on the 4th. Adam really love the fireworks! He yelled in excitement and giggled at the bright explosions. I spent about as much time watching him enjoying the fireworks as I did watching show itself.
Peter and Elsie prepared and celebrated the 4th of July by participating in a Patriot Camp. They really loved learning about the founding of our country, learning sign language to our national anthem, memorizing the preamble of the constitution, and dipping candles, making butter, setting off a canon, and writing secret messages to name some favorites. Kimball is excited to join them next year.
Annnnd, Peter turned 10 through the excitement of everything else. Yikes! Are we really into double digits already? He is getting bigger, becoming more responsible, working harder, and becoming more and more aware of the world around him. I guess that's what growing up is all about - seeing one's place in the wide, wide world, and learning to accept and fulfill one's personal mission. I can see Peter taking little steps on this journey that I find myself continually adjusting for myself as well.
For his birthday, Peter was more than ready to retire his Lightening McQueen comforter for a new plaid and red blanket for his bed. His grandma's each gave him some money which he has enjoyed spending on a new Nerf gun and bullets. His dad also gave him a really cool flashlight. It''s a father/son fetish.
I am so proud of my little man and the choices he is making. He is such a good example to his siblings - he is kind to them and sharing. He works hard to bring peace into our home. Peter is my right hand when we are in public, helping me look after my keys, purse, and children. He is the perfect fit into our family - oh how we need Peter! Happy birthday!
When we watch the city fireworks, extended family comes together, and that's always fun as well. This is especially so because we can celebrate Peter's birthday, as well as his cousin's, who was born just a few hours later on the 4th. Adam really love the fireworks! He yelled in excitement and giggled at the bright explosions. I spent about as much time watching him enjoying the fireworks as I did watching show itself.
Peter and Elsie prepared and celebrated the 4th of July by participating in a Patriot Camp. They really loved learning about the founding of our country, learning sign language to our national anthem, memorizing the preamble of the constitution, and dipping candles, making butter, setting off a canon, and writing secret messages to name some favorites. Kimball is excited to join them next year.
Annnnd, Peter turned 10 through the excitement of everything else. Yikes! Are we really into double digits already? He is getting bigger, becoming more responsible, working harder, and becoming more and more aware of the world around him. I guess that's what growing up is all about - seeing one's place in the wide, wide world, and learning to accept and fulfill one's personal mission. I can see Peter taking little steps on this journey that I find myself continually adjusting for myself as well.
For his birthday, Peter was more than ready to retire his Lightening McQueen comforter for a new plaid and red blanket for his bed. His grandma's each gave him some money which he has enjoyed spending on a new Nerf gun and bullets. His dad also gave him a really cool flashlight. It''s a father/son fetish.
I am so proud of my little man and the choices he is making. He is such a good example to his siblings - he is kind to them and sharing. He works hard to bring peace into our home. Peter is my right hand when we are in public, helping me look after my keys, purse, and children. He is the perfect fit into our family - oh how we need Peter! Happy birthday!
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