Christmastime is Here!!!

Okay - not really! But! I've changed my playlist to all Christmas music, because I start listening to Christmas music in September. I love the way I feel when the music I'm listening to reminds me of kindness, happiness and the Savior.

It's cold today, and Timp mountain is covered in snow. The foothills are radiant with gorgeous oranges, yellows and reds and it's been raining here in the valley. So much of my life is changing radically, that it's somehow comforting to see a visual change in nature as well.

Phillip was FINALLY able to get all of his mission paperwork sent this past Sunday, which means we should see a mission call in the mail, two weeks from today. SURREAL! Things are looking good for Jenna, Lauren and Phillip to all go through the temple for their own endowments, together - October 31 at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Kind of a fun twist on the holiday - wouldn't you say? Doing something so "spirit-filled" on Halloween will be a great memory.

I feel lucky...

Exercising Faith

Exercising makes me think of getting sweaty, working hard and pushing myself beyond normal limits. Today, I'm realizing that for my faith to grow I will have to undergo a measure of pain. I always thought the term "Exercising Faith" meant just using faith, but I was wrong. My muscles ache when I'm through with a work out, but the results are always rewarding. Odds are it works on a spiritual level as well.

I think Heavenly Father means for me to be more than what I am, now. Hope I can measure up eventually...

Me First

What has happened to the world? There seems to be a collective voice, rising up chaotically and screaming ME FIRST!!! Have we, as children of God become nothing short of a bunch of 2 year olds?

I like to think I am involved and knowledgeable in political arenas, both local and national. I am staunchly conservative and any liberal agenda bothers me horrifically. However, when I step back and remember that opposing opinions do not negate the primal fact that I am connected to my human family - that every individual is either brother or sister - politics don't matter as much.

If we clamored less for what we want for ourselves and devoted just 15 minutes a day to selfless service for someone else, the world would change without government spending and contentious debate. If we worried less about the offense we took and more about the offense we gave we would be happier and more content.

Courtney says the sweetest prayers - chocked full of thanks. "Thank you for the lovely colors in our world; thank you for my soft bed; thank you for letting me go to school..." and on and on. My prayers are full of wants and needs and sorrows, with a few obligatory "thank yous" thrown in for good measure. I have a lot to learn from my 5-yr old!

Ch-ch-changes

This morning Wendy Vincent, assisted by her friend Melanie, took beautiful bridal pictures of Jenna.

This afternoon, Lauren and Jeremy decided to have their reception at the Springville Art Museum.

Next week, Phillip will be submitting his mission papers. (Photo by Amber Kaye Smith)


It feels like 10 minutes ago, I was taking the following picture - even though it was 16 years ago...

Nick just started high school. (photo by Amber Kaye Smith)

Becca and Courtney just started 5th grade and Kindergarten.

There is much to celebrate, and yet I find myself crying A LOT. There are tears of joy, regret, gratitude, humility, etc. Much introspection is taking place in my heart. Did I do what I planned to do? Did I (and do I) love them enough? Can my mistakes be redeemed? Can they overcome my failings and excel beyond my shortcomings?

I sure hope so - - - I love them so!