"The TRUTH of God Will Go Forth"

As many of you probably did, I received a disturbing email today. It outlined pictures and material defaming the sacred temple ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that are soon to be expounded on and aired on HBO. I hold these truths dear that are about to be mocked on the show "Big-Love". (which I had never heard of until today) The email called for action... with a link to HBO, the email asked for anyone and everyone to voice their opinion and distaste for this show and its content. My initial reaction was to write the station and voice my angry feelings in hopes that somehow they would decide not to air this blasphemous show. But, I didn't feel entirely comfortable writing the angry thoughts I was feeling, so I tried to let it go and went about my day. I received a similar email again, later in the day that stirred up the negative feelings and worry once more.

This story has a happy ending... This evening, I found this link on a friend's blog

http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma

The church has published their view on this situation and this article brought me much comfort. I understand now why I didn't feel comfortable writing that angry email to HBO. I hope anyone who has experienced similar feelings to mine today will read this and understand what it is that the church has asked us to do.

Also, I would like to quote the words of our beloved Joseph Smith...

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540)

Lastly, I would like to quote my friend's bishop...

"Surely this is a time in which calumny defames. However, we remain confident in the divinity of this work. The teachings of the Savior inspire us to respond to attacks with forgiveness. Our best defense against controversy is silence."

Maybe Later

I just sat down at the computer a few minutes ago. All of the kids are asleep except Bella (thanks to a late afternoon snooze) and the house is quiet. So, I was going to write a post about Bella's birthday festivities over the last few days. I checked a couple things first and before I could start my "journaling", Bella came over to me and said... "Mom, you need to get off the computer so you could watch Peter Pan with me". Fair enough...... :)

Small Moments...

Sometimes, life stinks... Literally. (no shower for five days, throw-up, non-brushed teeth, dirty toilets, dirty dishes, etc) You get what I mean.
On a deeper note though... sometimes, life does not go our way and it is really hard. Hard for us in our own way. While our trials seem monumental to us, we know of others' trials and pray that we can keep ours. This is the Lord's plan, to strengthen us and keep us humble at the same time. Well, in an effort to be humble and learn from the most recent trials in my life, I have compiled a list. It started as an accidental, mental list that grew and grew until I made a concious effort to add to it and give it a name. So here's the list... in no particular or chronological order.

Moments that Make it All Worth It...

*As I head to the bathroom once again to "pray to the porcelain throne" Todd hurries downstairs to make me some gatorade. He knows I like it strong :) And he dishes me up a plate of the Chinese Food he went and got for dinner because I wasn't strong enough to cook. P.S- This food and drink was the first to stay down for over 48 hours. *

* Mom takes my garage door opener out of my car while I am at her house. Then as I go to pick up my kids from school, she heads to my house to clean it. She is there when we get home... doing the dishes and Leanne is picking up the mountain of toys. *

* One of my BFF's husband shows up at the door with a homeade lasagna. They live 25 minutes away.*

* Same BFF shows up, on a different day, with both of her kids at a babysitter's house so she can clean my bathrooms. I wonder if she will still be my friend after seeing how dirty they were?*

* On her way out the door for school, Chansey passes by the sink and with a motion towards the 50 dirty dishes says "Don't worry about these dishes mom, I'll do them when I get home". *

* Bella has a high fever and is obviously not feeling well laying on her beanbag. Eathan runs upstairs (without being asked) and gets her favorite blanket and cuddles up with her. He rubs her face and asks, "Bella is there anything else I can get for you?"*

* Spencer comes to the couch where I am laying and lays his head beside me. (As if to say, Mom, I know you are feeling yucky, I am here for you) I can hear a piece of apple crunching in his tiny teeth. (Chansey gave him a snack... unsolicited)*

* Another BFF comes over on a Saturday, with all of her kids to clean my house. They all helped, even the three year old. And, my video closet hasn't been that organized for months. (Thanks buddy :) *

* I think a turkey sandwich sounds good. We have no turkey. Todd has the flu. So, I hurry to Walmart (at 10:00 pm) to get some turkey before the urge passes and I won't be able to choke a sandwich down. When I get home, Todd cleaned the kitchen... flu and all. He is sweating because he couldn't get me to go to Super-Walmart (which is farther away) So, he knew he had to hurry in order to finish before I got home. *

* I saw a commercial for Arby's while at my mom's house. I mention that curly fries look good. She tells my Dad and he drives to Arby's to get me some. *

I may add to this list later, but you get the picture. I have so much to be thankful for. For family and friends that see my needs and fill them without me asking. For a loving Heavenly Father who sticks by me and blesses me through rough times. Trials... what trials?!

Ten Years

Last month, Todd and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary! Even though it is a terrible cliche, "Time flies when you're having fun!" And wow... we have a had a lot of fun. In true blogging style, I thought I would make a list to describe the last ten years. So here are some of the things that the last ten years have brought us...
4 INCREDIBLE kids (and one on the way)
8 addresses
3 trucks
2 SUVs
1 red convertible
3 pizza restaurants
2 college degrees
217 college credits (and many more to come :)
10 ER visits
30+ trips to Mexico
8 visits to other US states
4 trips to Disneyland
The list could go on and on...
But the bottom line is, this has been the best 10 years of my life! Even through the trying times, the blessings and happiness have never stopped. And through it all, we have gained a deeper love for each other and for our Savior. We know all good things that have and will come are through him.
One other side note... Todd and I never went on a honeymoon. The truth is, he was sick the day we got married and neither of us felt great for the next few days. So our honeymoon plans were delayed. For the last several months we thought we would be able to go on a really cool 10 year anniversary vacation and make it the honeymoon that we have always dreamed of. But, once again, those plans were thwarted by my being in the early (yucky!) stages pregnancy. So, maybe one day we'll go on that trip that we have been hoping for... Or maybe we'll have to wait until our 50th wedding anniversary and by then our kids can surprise us with one!! (Love you mom and dad :) We'll keep you posted!! ;)

Shameless Plug

It's official... I am an institute teacher at Mesa Community College! ~For those who may not know, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has Institutes of Religion at most colleges throughout the United States. It is a place where young single adults can register for classes at no charge to learn more about the doctrine of the church.~ Anyway, I am excited to be given the opportunity to be a teacher at the school where I attended college! I love to teach and even more, I love to learn the doctrine! I am teaching the second part of the New Testament, after Christ's ministry on the Earth. My first class was last night and it was awesome. These young people are so amazing, they know a lot more than I knew when I was their age.
So, here's the shameless plug part... If you have any friends or relatives that are between the ages of 18 and 30, tell them to come to my class! It really is a lot of fun and we learn a lot! Even if they don't take my class, tell them to take any class... all of the teachers are just awesome! I wish I would've taken more institute classes when I was younger. It really is a special opportunity that we have as members of the church. It is a great refuge from the troubles of the world available to all young people. Spread the word!!

Brothers don't shake hands... Brothers gotta hug!!

The other day at church, something really cute happened...

Since we have entered the "no-sitting-still" stage of toddler-hood, I was out in the hall with Spencer during Relief Society. He was crawling around on the floor with another little boy who is the same age. They were laughing and playing around, but never wandered more than a few

feet from me and the other mom. Until... Eathan walked by. He was headed to the bathroom

down the hall and didn't see us at first. But Spencer saw him and immediately crawled as fast as he could in his direction. Well, it wasn't very many seconds before Eathan dissapeared into the bathroom. Spencer stopped dead in his tracks and starting whining/crying. I headed over to comfort him, but he didn't want me. In just a minute or two Eathan exited the bathroom and again came into Spencer's view. This time, Eathan saw him and headed our way. Spencer again crawled as fast as he could to Eathan until they met. Eathan picked him up and hugged him and Spencer laid on his shoulder for a few seconds (he is very cuddly). He laughed and was so excited to see his big bro. I had to break the news to Eathan gently that he couldn't take Spencer to class with him so he put him down and I distracted Spencer so Eathan could return to class. Several times over the next 20 minutes, Spencer crawled all the way down the hall trying to find Eathan. It was so hilarious!! He LOVES his big brother!!

A BIG change!!

It has been a while and I have been wanting to post some more updates about our holiday season this year, but I haven't gotten to it yet. So, this afternoon, I sat down at the computer, but decided to read some of my friends blogs first. As I was 'blog surfing' , Chansey came over and started looking at the computer with me. (She really likes seeing some of her friends and their families on the computer) As I continued she watched and then asked me a funny question. She said "Mom, what is our website's name?" I told her "the amazing six". She then proceeded to say "Pretty soon we are going to have to change it to the amazing SEVEN!" This comment prompted me to spread the news. And yes... you heard right... I am expecting!! In or around August we will welcome a new baby (the 7th member of our family). Are you shocked? Yea, tell me about it!! :)

We are really excited and overwhelmed all at the same time. We know Heavenly Father has a plan for our family and we are anxious to do our best as we follow his plan. With this technically being my 6th pregnancy, my body has been put through the ringer and I hope to get through this one with less drama than the others. (cross your fingers ;)

Needless to say, though, I haven't been blogging much because just getting through life's normal duties has been a challenge for the last few weeks. I am trying to be strong and keep up, but I will be glad when I am big and fat and farther along. Then I will feel better. :)

BTW- If you know anyone who needs advice on how to get through severe cases of morning sickness/hyperemesis... send them my way.