Easter Sunday 2011

Yes, I am fully aware that Ben is growing like a weed. He seems to startle people all the time with his height. And he's not even as tall as I am yet. Almost, though. Here the kids are right before church this morning. It was a little chilly, but not bad. A nice day to celebrate Easter.

I love Easter Sunday. I have a strong testimony of the Savior. As I read the accounts of His Atonement, Crucifixion and Resurrection in the New Testament, I feel their truth. And the Spirit tells me of the importance of those events. I am grateful for the Resurrection of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My knowledge of His atonement for my pain and sins - and for my family's - is a driving force in my life.

Today my sweet nieces recited this testimony of today's living apostles from memory. Their testimony echoes mine, and so I have a goal to memorize this by Girls Camp in June. A big order. But, a good one. Wish me luck.

THE LIVING CHRIST

THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLES THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispen- sation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth— “built upon the foundation of . . . apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles— that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

Easter is coming! Today the family and I had a fabulous discussion (fabulous meaning captive audience, not necessarily uninterrupted by chaos) about the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

On a lighter note - today we were driving to Jake's soccer game (4 goals) when Scott said - "Ooh, gross. A dead rabbit." To which Ben promptly replied, "Oh, sad, somebody killed the Easter Bunny." I tried not to laugh. Didn't succeed.

Tom goes to check on Avery tonight and comes down and asks me, "Elena, at what point tonight did you change Avery into her swimsuit?" Apparently, when the door closes, she gets to make the rules - including appropriate sleeping attire.

ps - It's not that light in her room. The flash was just really bright. And I did cover her up so she wouldn't get cold.:)

pps - And I specifically remember putting white undies on her today. Which means the whole wardrobe change was very thorough.

Loving the Last Day of Spring Break

For our last real day of spring break we decided to hop on over to the Children's Discovery Gardens at TP with some good friends. We all had a fabulous time. Kids ran and played while adults chased after the littles. I love having kids old enough to let play on their own (with specific instructions to not bother other patrons). It was so much fun. The day was beautiful and my kids made me smile. I also want you to notice that almost all the boys have baseball mits on their hands. I think that by the end of the season we're going to have to have them surgically removed.

After that we headed up to Highland to watch Garrett's baseball game. It was a tough loss, but it was fun to hang out with grandparents and Aunt Jenny and baby Austin. It was also fun to get our Redneck on and eat lunch on Tom's tailgate. At least Avery looks like a lady.:)

Love spring break. Also love that it means only 7 more weeks of school. But, honestly - it's kind of exhausting. As you can see from my cute littles.

Spring Break

We're into day 3 of spring break. And, as Utah usually goes, we've had crazy weather. Beautiful one day, stormy and cold the next. Thanks to my dear friend, Ashley, we've been able to keep the kids busy. Saturday was a freezing, icy day so the kids were cooped up inside. They got so desperate for adventure that Scotty joined Avery for a tea party. I think the cookies and fruit helped him make the decision to play nice with his sister. Actually, he's pretty good to do whatever she wants. On Monday the boys played baseball for 5 hours. 5 hours. Followed by a craft that Ashley put together (basketball hoops - a total hit). Tuesday was swimming (after an almost $400 dentist visit - ugh). Today I took Avery to TP Farm Country where I fell in love with her again. She was such a little lady. Then, this afternoon we hit the lamest movie ever - aka Rango. But, I got some pics of the older boys on the way home. Ben has obviously been working on his personal grooming - as you can see by his new hair style. And Garrett was caught doing what he always does in the car - his DS. I love the carefree days of Spring Break. Now, only 7 more weeks of school and we can enjoy summer. Woohoo!

She Loves Her Daddy

After a fabulous day of General Conference where we were spiritually fed, Tom and Avery crashed in front of "Tangled". Apparently Avery was more entranced by it than Tom was. Even though Avery has seen it at least once a day since we bought it on Tuesday. I love that they are holding hands.

The Middle Child

I just went down my recent blog posts and saw pictures of every single one of my children (some several times) - except one. The middle child. The one that had to figure out a long time ago how to make it on his own because I was either so busy with his little siblings or distracted by the craziness of his older ones. So, here's my Scotty - whom I love more than a mother should love her child. He's independent, smart, responsible and fun. And he loves soccer. Scotty spends most of his time doing his homework, outside with his best friend or playing Wii. I have to make an effort to find him and check in with him. But, when I do, I get a glimpse at a fantastic, smart, sensitive kid who just wants to do the right thing. He's one of those people who isn't afraid to let you in. He's okay to be vulnerable with you but also let you know he's strong and capable. Part of me wants him to need me more. But a bigger part is proud that he knows what he's doing. So, if you don't see pictures of Scotty on this blog - remind me to go give him a hug and snap a shot of him.