Baby?

So it's June 30th and with less than 8 hours left in the day, I may have to relinquish my wish for a June baby. I have an appointment tomorrow morning and sure hope there is news for a baby to come this week!!!!!! I just don't want to chance my doctor (actually mid-wife) to be gone (she will be from the 4th -7th) and have someone else deliver...that would just not go over well for me, she's delivered all the other children, she knows my style and I know hers...this is a part where change is not acceptable to me.
Anyway, I know some of you have been wondering...believe me, I feel as if I have been doing everything I can to get her here (minus the nasty castrol oil, I find it too degrading to even try).
In the meantime, check out a few of the posts I've made in the last few days; reminiscing fun (of my life) and which disney princess are you? (that one is fun)...
Check back soon, I hope to have another update posted very soon!!!! :)

Reminicing Fun...

I've been officially tagged by my friend Lisa and find this tag to actually be a little fun and hopefully interesting :) Hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoy remembering the times (some longer than others).

20 Years Ago (1988): I was 7 and loved playing at my grandma's house (she only lived a couple miles down the road and we would do there almost daily) with my aunt and uncle who are within two years of age as I am as well as my other 3 siblings. We would play house, dressup, hotel, restaurant, make forts, whatever we could think of-inside or out. I loved being in charge and setting up the game and the rules and telling everyone else what to do (I realize that now). I admired especially my aunt-she was the oldest and could bring in some fun alterations to the games.

10 Years Ago (1998): I was in the summer prior to my senior year in high school and thought I was on cloud nine. I had been elected the Student Body Secretary (by default, no one else ran) and was totally in my element of organizing and getting things ready for registration days and all the summer activities we did. I worked at Albertson's for a neighbor and enjoyed doing the odd jobs I was assigned. I kept busy "nannying" the neighbor kids and loved it-everyday! I was the Laurel president with a leader that was new to YW's-she had joined the church later in life and never experienced it, so I was involved with a lot more because she would ask my advice a lot. I loved being so busy.

5 Years Ago (2003): Jake and I had been married almost two years and I was in school trying to finish my last two semesters of college and do my student teaching to get my degree in Health Education and Physical Education. Bryant was in his first year (he had been born the previous December the week before finals) and the cutest baby ever-we lived close to family who was so willing to help out. Jake had begun working nights and was trying to go to school himself, so Bryant learned at a young age to love people. It was a hard year, looking back, it was not one of the most enjoyable years of our marriage-things were really hard trying to balance everything, there were of course fun times, but the days were long and hard -- trying to learn to be a mom, trying to finish being a student, trying to be a good wife-honestly, not a favorite memory of mine-it was quite honestly (to this point in life) one of the hardest years I have ever experienced. I would not want to relive that year, but I would not change it either. However, I got through and finished my student teaching that fall. When right after Bryant's first year birthday we moved to an apartment property to begin our first ever managing position for a local couple who were so kind to us-we loved that managing position!

3 Years Ago (2005): Kayelynn entered our family in February and we were actually just starting a new managing position at one of the largest apartment properties in town. Jake was working full-time at the hospital and taking a break from school. Our lives changed quickly this year...we began a very small managing position in the spring and then moved to the large property by July into a temporary home for 6 weeks and then to the assistant manager home (which is what we were, only having to work 4 hours a day) and by September we moved to the managers home as the manager had resigned after just 6 weeks. By October the company we worked for changed dramatically and we were offered a full-time, literally (8-hour days) for me to work in the office and to lose a bedroom of our home (which was non-negotiable) to expand the office and was trying to train a new assistant manager (I had only worked there two to three months) by November which luckily turned out to be my sister-in-law. We took it, possibly against our better judgement, but we survived. And by Christmas of that year we discovered that we were expecting our darling princess Sarah (surprise)!

One Year Ago (2007): We were still managing, but had moved in January to a different property with a larger home and more space to breathe and somewhat enjoy life. Jake was starting the LPN program in Idaho Falls and was really enjoying it. I was learning patience and acceptance of the Lord's will and time frame in my life-sometimes being a planner is not the best option when you cannot control your own life-so I learned. Bryant was starting preschool and loving it. Kayelynn was just blossoming daily and Sarah was becoming a toddler overnight! We found out just before Thanksgiving that we were expecting #4-not a surprise, but definately an increase in anxiety as we were trying to figure out how to survive and what to do when Jake graduated.

This Year So Far (2008): WHOA!! I think this has been our most eventful year of marriage (thus far). In January it was clear that to keep our sanity and our marriage in accordance with our beliefs and covenants we should retire from managing and learn to be a family as we are intended to be. The first of February we moved to the smallest basement apartment (for a family of 5, going on 6) with the largest amount of crap known to man! The second week of February I had surgery that was very emotional and disappointing. We were blessed beyond comprehension with service from family in EVERYTHING! Jake continued to work nights on the weekends and to go to school full-time. I started to learn (and still am learning) to be a mom and understand the actual day-in and day-out of full-time momminess. In May Jake graduated from EITC with his LPN certificate. Bryant and Sarah had surgery to get their tonsils and adnoids out (thankfully)-not the most exciting adventure, but again we were blessed by the service of family. May and June were the months of daily/hourly on our knees prayer for survival of the family and that Jake would get the job he was offered in March. In June Jake took his NCLEX test to certify as an official LPN and we found out a week later that he passed!!!!!! Jake took a new job the middle of June for the company that had offered him a job in March with awesome benefits and the chance to come out of the student poverty level.

Yesterday: We spent the day as a family just hanging out in Idaho Falls to get everything settled with Jake's new job. Jake received his official documentation for his LPN and worked his last night at the hospital. I did water aerobics and felt awesome! The kids actually went to bed totally tuckered out! :)

Today: I am doing laundry and getting things finalized on my "nesting" list (as Jake calls it) before the baby comes. We are trying to be quiet so Jake can get sleep from working last night. I am also trying to figure out a name for this child...nothing I think of settles with the kids or with Jake...she may just be a nameless baby, the first in history ;) I am also trying to get some school classes finished as I only have two weeks more before I have to be done!!

Tomorrow: I hope to keep my sanity as I take the children to church by myself since Jake will be working. I intend to keep the spirit in our home longer than an hour I also hope to get this baby here-I would love to have a June baby!!

In the next year: I hope to have figured out how momminess is intended to be. I hope to have moved to a larger home with a yard the kids can enjoy. I hope to have more patience with my children and to help Bryant and Kayelynn understand the things they will be learning in kindergarten and preschool. I hope to help Sarah and no name baby be confident and happy children and follow in the righteous footsteps of their siblings. I hope to develop a stronger relationship with my in-laws and my Father in Heaven.

I don't usually tag, but I'm going to break tradition and tag Jen McG., Julia M. and Rachel P. -old roommates from college, what reminiscing times :)

Which Disney Princess are You?

So, I've seen this on a few blogs and thought that it might be fun and interesting to see what they would ask and how they would consider the answers...here's my results...


You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

It was very interesting...it'd be fun to see what you all are, since deep down we all love the Disney Princess!!

The Results are In...

So, I'm a few days late posting this and a few of you already know, but for those of you that don't this is the post (I guess one of the few in the last few months) that we've been waiting for....drumroll.....
Jake got the results from his NCLEX test-the official "he can be an LPN" results...
he PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course!
He was able to call/look up the score as of the 16th, but he was so scared to see if he really passed or not...I was patient. However, by Saturday I was ready to know! He started his new job in Idaho Falls on the 18th and was afraid to check because if he didn't pass he would not be able to work until he did-understandable! But there have been so many people praying for him and just plain believing that he would pass that I was not nervous at all! I finally just looked it up for him...scared him to death that he didn't pass (that was fun)...then heard him scream over the phone that he passed. He has been ever so happy since! His boss is happy and proud and his family couldn't be happier!
He should get the official little document in the mail with the actual score and the paper stating that he is certified and knowledgable in his department!
Way to go Jake, I knew you could do it!!!

Baby Update

I went to the doctor yesterday for my 34 1/2 week appointment (of course I'm counting ;)).
I found out that I am still, of course, measuring large-37cm, so 3 weeks ahead of schedule. I also found out that I am starting to dialate (I'm at a one) and I'm 70% efaced!! Yeah, I just might be able to have her early!!
Jake and I joke that because the other two girls birthdays are both on the 24th of a month, we should have this one on the 24th, however, if I have her on the 24th I'd like it to be this month, which is Tuesday! If that were to happen it would be a miracle :) I told the doctor this and she just laughed. She said to make another appointment for 2 weeks and that she doubted she would see me sooner...I am determined to do all I can to get more progress or delivery here before my next appointment on the 1st of July! We'll see. :) :) I know it's the anxious end of the pregnancy hormones speaking, but it would sure be fun to have our girl on the 24th to keep with "tradition".
I also found out that my doctor will be gone over the 4th of July weekend and I stated that I would have to have her before then, the doctor was all for that! So I hope to have this girl within the next two weeks! Isn't that exciting and super scary at once?! With each child I think I get more and more anxiety on how things are going to work...I'm too much of a planner sometimes and trying to get things ready is just not easy work with three other munchkins needing just as much attention as the unborn child!
Anyway, I wanted to make note that I have 5 1/2 weeks left and sure hope that it's within 2!!!!!!!

ABC's of Me

Thought this was interesting...enjoy reading and learning a little more about me.

*The Letter A*
What is your age?: 27 (almost)
What annoys you?: not having a plan

*The Letter B*
Do you live in a big house?: nope, the exact opposite!
When is your birthday?: July 25

Who is your best friend? Jake, of course!

*The Letter C*
What's your favorite candy?: peanut M&M's or big hunk (depends if I feel like chocolate)
Who's your crush?: my Husband
When was the last time you cried?: today, I cry all the time these days!

*The Letter D*
Do you daydream?: of course!
What's your favorite kind of dog?: not a fan really, so, fenced ones, stuffed ones, or dead ones
What day of the week is it?: Monday

*The Letter E*
How do you like your eggs?: scrambled
Have you ever been in the emergency room?: yes
What's the easiest thing ever to do? love

*The Letter F*
Have you ever flown in a plane?: once
Do you use fly swatters?: in the past I have, I don't currently own one
Have you ever used a foghorn?: no


*The Letter G*
Do you chew gum?: yes, when i remember where I put it!
Are you a giver or a taker?: i'm sure this could be disputed, but I would say a giver
Do you like gummy candies?: not really


*The Letter H*
How are you?: tired, stressed, and uncomfortably huge and swollen!
What color is your hair?: dishwater blonde

*The Letter I*
What's your favorite ice cream?: cookies and cream
Have you ever ice skated?: yes, but i didn't like it-i kind of block it out of memory
Do you play an instrument?: the piano (not too well, I've pretty much taught myself), I played the viola through middle school and would love to play agin

*The Letter J*
What's your favorite jelly bean brand?: those are gummy candies and super disgusting!
Do you wear jewelry?: always

*The Letter K*
Do you want kids?: too late for that!
Where did you go for kindergarten?: garfield elem.


*The Letter L*
Are you laid back?: nope
Do you lie?: i try, but i'm not successful

*The Letter M*
Whats your favorite movie?: how to lose a guy in 10 days
Do you still watch Disney movies?: daily
Do you like mangos?: i suppose, they aren't on my weekly fruit pick, but they're okay

*The Letter N*
Do you have a nickname?: Audi
What is your real name?: Terressa
Whats your favorite number?: 16
Do you prefer night over day?: not if i can help it

*The Letter O*
What's your one wish?: debt free
Are you an only child?: no, 4 siblings

*The Letter P*
What one fear are you most paranoid about?: giving birth to an unhealthy child
What are your pet peeves?: disorganization, finding out you've been the topic of conversation when you could have been confronted, fakeness, assumptions
What's a personality trait you look for in people?: sincerety


*The Letter Q*
What's your favorite quote?: you get what you get, and you don't throw a fit
Are you quick to judge people?: probably, although i keep it to myself

*The Letter R*
Do you think you're always right?: no, but i hate when other people think they are and it's obvious they aren't!
Are you one to cry?: about everything!!!

*The Letter S*
Do you prefer sun or rain?: after the winter we are still having i think i much prefer the sun!
Do you like snow?: yes, when it's gone by the middle of january!
season?: fall


*The Letter T*
What time is it? 4:15pm
What time did you wake up?: 9:00ishAM
When was the last time you slept in a tent?: over 10 years ago!

*The Letter U*
Are you wearing underwear?: That's kinda personal!
Underwear or boxers?: For what?

*The Letter V *
What's the worst veggie?: peas
Where do you want to go on vacation?: Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Disneyland, England, Australia

*The Letter W*
What's your worst habit?: talking too much :)
Where do you live?: Rexburg
What's your worst fear?: My husband or child(ren) dying unexpectedly

*The Letter X*
Have you ever had an x-ray?: yes
Have you seen the x-games?: not interested
Do you own a xylophone?: no

*The Letter Y*
Do you like the color yellow?: yes
What's one thing you yearn for?: a big house

*The Letter Z*
Whats your zodiac sign?: Leo
Do you believe in the zodiac?: no, but's its fun to read my horoscope
Favorite zoo animal?: elephants!

Wow!! You made it!! Feel free to change it up and post something about yourself, this is by all means not a tag of any sort, just fun information if you feel like sharing.

"To The Children of the Church"

As I was researching some fun talks about fathers I came across this message from President Ezra Taft Benson from the April 1989 General Conference. I was seven years old at the time-I do not remember President Benson all that much, but I am sure that I thought he was speaking to me (I was that kind of kid). I doubt I realized all that he was saying, but now being a mother this is the perfect talk to share with my children to express how the prophet and their Heavenly Father love them for what they do and how they can do better (with the help and love of their parents)! I just thought I would share it with all of you, it really touched me.

My dear brethren and sisters, how I have rejoiced in the messages I have heard delivered from this pulpit at this great general conference of the Church.

The messages are true. They are important. They are vital to our personal salvation, and with all my heart I commend them to you.

In previous general meetings of the Church, I have spoken specifically to the mothers and to the fathers, to the young men and to the young women, to the single adult sisters and to the single adult brethren.

For my closing message at this conference, I would now like to speak to the children of the Church—yes, to you, our precious children. And as you listen, I pray that you will know that this is a personal message just for you.

How I love you! How our Heavenly Father loves you!

Just like the beautiful Primary song you sing, each of you truly is a child of God. For you, rich blessings are in store, and if you learn to do His will, you will live with Him once more. I know this to be true. (See “I Am a Child of God,” Hymns, 1985, no. 301.)

Today I desire to teach you what our Heavenly Father wants you to know so that you can learn to do His will and enjoy true happiness. It will help you now and throughout your life.

First, may I say how thrilled I am to know how you children are learning about the Book of Mormon. This is one of the very important things Heavenly Father wants you to do.

I know you are reading the Book of Mormon, for I have received hundreds of personal letters from you telling me that you are reading this sacred book. It makes me weep for joy when I hear this.

Many of you have read the Book of Mormon all the way through. In family home evening and in Primary you have dramatized Book of Mormon stories, you have sung songs about the Book of Mormon, you have learned the names of the books in the Book of Mormon, you have played Book of Mormon games, you have learned about wonderful Book of Mormon prophets. Some of you have even earned money to send copies of the Book of Mormon around the world.

How pleased I am to hear of your love for the Book of Mormon. I love it too, and Heavenly Father wants you to continue to learn from the Book of Mormon every day. It’s Heavenly Father’s special gift to you. By following its teachings, you will learn to do the will of our Father in Heaven.

I also hope your parents and leaders will give you opportunities to learn from the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Bible as well.

Now, there are other important things Heavenly Father wants you to do.

He wants you to pray to Him every day. He wants to help you because He loves you, and He will help you if you pray to Him and ask Him for His help. In your prayers, also thank Him for your blessings. Thank Him for sending our oldest brother, Jesus Christ, into the world. He made it possible for us to return to our heavenly home. Thank Him for your family. Thank Him for the Church. Thank Him for this beautiful world you live in. Ask Him to protect you. In your prayers, ask Him to help you know what to do in your life. When you make mistakes, your Heavenly Father still loves you. So pray to Him, and He will help you try again to do right.

Pray to Heavenly Father to bless you with His Spirit at all times. We often call the Spirit the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is also a gift from Heavenly Father. The Holy Ghost helps you to choose the right. The Holy Ghost will protect you from evil. He whispers to you in a still, small voice to do right. When you do good, you feel good, and that is the Holy Ghost speaking to you. The Holy Ghost is a wonderful companion. He is always there to help you.

My dear boys and girls, honor your fathers and mothers. They will help you make good decisions. Enjoy and respect your grandparents. Be a real friend to your brothers and sisters. Choose friends who have high ideals. Choose friends who will help you to be good.

Attend sacrament meeting. Listen carefully to what your bishop says. He is an important spiritual leader who has a special calling from Heavenly Father to help you.

Enjoy Primary, and attend every week. Bring your member and nonmember friends to Primary. Learn the Primary songs well. They are wonderful. Memorize the Articles of Faith and earn the Gospel in Action Award.

Be honest. Do not lie nor steal. Do not cheat. Do not use profanity, but be clean in your thoughts and speech.

Be a true Latter-day Saint. Stand up for your beliefs. One of my favorite Primary songs is “Dare to Do Right.” Some of the words are:

Dare to do right! dare to be true!
You have a work that no other can do;
Do it so bravely, so kindly, so well,
Angels will hasten the story to tell.
(Sing with Me, B–81)


Remember, Satan does not want you to be happy. He does not want you to dare to do right. He wants you to be miserable, as he is. He has captured the hearts of wicked men and women who would have you participate in bad things such as pornography, drugs, profanity, and immorality. Stay away from these evils. Avoid books, magazines, videos, movies, and television shows that are not good. As the scriptures tell us, avoid the very appearance of evil. (See 1 Thes. 5:22.)

Dress modestly. Choose clothing that covers your body properly. Behave in a courteous and polite way. Live the Word of Wisdom. Keep the Sabbath day holy. Listen to good music. Do your best to be good.

Do well in your school work and strive to be a good student.

With help from your parents, begin your own library of favorite tapes, books, and pictures which are available at Church distribution centers. Enjoy reading each month in your home the Friend magazine or the international magazines.

Love the country in which you live. Be a good citizen. Be patriotic. Fly your country’s flag on special holidays. Pray for your country’s leaders.

Primary boys, plan and look forward to serving a full-time mission for the Lord. Young girls, be prepared for missionary service if you are called. But also, young girls, learn from your mothers the important homemaking skills you will use in your own home.

Now I want to say something to you children who do not feel safe and who are frightened or hurt and do not know what to do. Sometimes you may feel all alone. You need to know that even when it seems that no one else cares, your Heavenly Father does. He will always love you. He wants you to be protected and safe. If you are not, please talk to someone who can help you—a parent, a teacher, your bishop, or a friend. They will help you.

I am sure each of you has favorite stories from the scriptures. One of my favorite stories is found in the seventeenth chapter of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. It tells about the visit of Jesus to the people on the American continent after His resurrection. It tells about Jesus healing the sick and teaching the people and praying to Heavenly Father for them.

Now, this is one of my favorite parts of that story:

“And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude that they were overcome.

“And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them arise.

“And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full.

“And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

“And when he had done this he wept again;

“And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

“And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.” (3 Ne. 17:18–24.)

I promise you, dear children, that angels will minister unto you also. You may not see them, but they will be there to help you, and you will feel of their presence.

Favored little ones were they,
Who towards him Jesus drew!
Who within his arms he took
Just as loving parents do,
Christ the Lord “Our living head.”
This of little children said,
“Such shall of my kingdom be,
Suffer them to come to me.”
Listen to the Savior’s plea,
“Let the children come to me.”
(“Let the Little Children Come,” Sing With Me, B–14.)


Dear children, our Heavenly Father sent you to earth at this time because you are some of His most valiant children. He knew there would be much wickedness in the world today, and He knew you could be faithful and obedient.

Dear child, you are God’s gift to your parents, and the gift your parents can give God is to bring you back to Him sweet and pure and faithful.

He expects your parents and leaders to teach you, to walk beside you, and to be shining examples to you so that you will know the way you should go. They must spend time with you and love you and pray with you and for you.

Your leaders must call faithful men and women to teach you in Primary. We must provide experiences for you early in your life that will help you know how to live the gospel.

God bless the children of this Church. How I love you! How Heavenly Father loves you! And may we, as your parents, teachers, and leaders, be more childlike—more submissive, more meek, and more humble.

I close my message to you this day with the prayer that we may ever respond to your plea as you so sweetly sing:

Teach me to walk in the light of his love;
Teach me to pray to my Father above;
Teach me to know of the things that are right;
Teach me, teach me to walk in the light.


And then, as your parents, we sing to you:

Come, little child, and together we’ll learn
Of his commandments, that we may return
Home to his presence, to live in his sight—
Always, always to walk in the light.


And together we sing:

Father in Heaven, we thank thee this day
For loving guidance to show us the way.
Grateful, we praise thee with songs of delight!
Gladly, gladly we’ll walk in the light.
(Hymns, 1985, no. 304.)


For this I fervently pray for the children of the Church

Happy Father's Day!

We had a fun weekend celebrating father's day. We rode our bikes to the local air show(about 1/4 mile away)-which luckily this year was free :) and watched some amazing air stunts...the kids were in heaven and Jake got to see some "some real beauties" (referring to the airplanes, of course). It was so warm, probably the warmest day of the year so far and from sitting in the sun at the airport we got tired quickly...we all came home and took long naps :)
Sunday was a fun day. The kids made Jake some special cards just from them and delivered them to him just before church, it was so cute to see the reactions on the kids' faces when he read the cards and admired each one's art. It was again a hot day and we were able to have a fun BBQ and just be together. It was super low key, but oh so fun to be together!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY JACOB!!!
You are one of the best dad's-the kids love you and I admire your tenderness with them!

I found this article about fathers from the 1990 October General Conference and I love how Elder Durrel A. Woolsey commemorates and uplifts fathers all in counsel! Enjoy the read:

My beloved brethren of the priesthood, the Lord Jesus Christ said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36.) Could we add, “lose his own soul, and his family”?

As I left California, bound for Salt Lake City to receive training and be set apart for a mission in Arizona, I experienced for a moment an alarming feeling. I had lost all of my keys. The keys to the cars, home, business, and Church calling had been left behind. I had the depressing feeling that I no longer had any keys; even my pockets seemed empty.

Then came the exhilarating thought that I still had the most important key of all, a key that I will hold eternally, if I remain worthy. That key, of course, is the patriarchal key with my family.

I became aware of how temporary most other keys are, especially keys that control material things that will one day become victims of moth and rust. Priesthood keys of leadership and other keys of presidency are extremely vital; but for the most part, even they are temporary in nature. Eventually, after faithfully serving, you will then relinquish those keys to someone else.

We will, however, be blessed to continue to hold our patriarchal key. Fathers, you hold the key to accomplish the work stated by several of the prophets as vitally important. President Harold B. Lee said, “The most important work you will ever do will be done within the walls of your own home,” and President David O. McKay cautioned that “no other success can compensate for failure in the home.”

Many in the world are alarmed, and with some justification, at the plight and deteriorating condition of families. The most powerful thrust toward a resolution of this significant problem would be an honorable father, full of integrity and fidelity, giving righteous leadership to his family. That joyful work and calling is to do whatever is necessary to chart a course for you and your family to unitedly return and live with Heavenly Father.

We likely will not be called upon to endure the great physical hardships suffered by so many of our pioneer forefathers. Ours is a much more sinister and demoralizing challenge. Often this challenge will approach cloaked in confusing masks of misunderstood rights and agency or the enticements and allurements of a misguided world. We daily face the “anything for a thrill” crowd or the “What’s in it for me?” society.

The anti-Christ Korihor, in the Book of Mormon, taught a similar type of damaging doctrine when he said, “There could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime.” (Alma 30:17.) This rhetoric could blend into much of the accepted doctrine of the world today.

So where is safety? How does a father go about safely guiding his most priceless possession through the reefs and shoals?

Dad, you need to be a hero in your family. They need a hero. They will have strong peer pressure and temptation to adopt the so-called heroes of today who are not worthy of their attention and most certainly not their emulation. The heroes or superstars in the sports and entertainment world, and there are many, frequently become examples of dishonesty, instability, and infidelity. They flagrantly and indifferently flaunt those weaknesses of character and immorality before a doting and accepting world, as Korihor said, “according to the management of the creature.” (Alma 30:17.)

Could not, should not, Father become the hero to his family? A father worthy of attention, worthy of emulation? Most certainly, but how?

First of all, a generous amount of your time is required. Not a superficial moment here and there, not the tired and worn-out phrase, “We’ll talk about that later,” but an honest, generous piece of your day on a continuing basis, even at the sacrifice of things social, things personally entertaining, or even things financially rewarding. All of the money in the world, significant worldly accomplishments which may include the upper rungs of the success ladder, or the personal enjoyment of athletic and sporting activities, will not return you and your family intact to live with Heavenly Father.

President Joseph F. Smith quoted from the Savior, as stated in Mark: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36.) Then President Smith continued, “What would it profit me, though I should go out into the world and win strangers to the fold of God and lose my own children? Oh! God, let me not lose my own. I can not afford to lose mine, whom God has given to me and whom I am responsible for before the Lord, and who are dependent upon me for guidance, for instruction, for proper influence.” (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1975, p. 462.)

The salvation of our families will require all that we have to save all that we have. So you will make the time commitment. Great! Positive, wonderful benefits will begin to flow to you and your family almost immediately.

So what next? I mentioned fidelity. It is absolutely essential that you set an undeviating course of loyalty and faithfulness to your companion, to whom you have previously made these very commitments and promises. The example of your great love and respect for her, the two of you being as one, will establish a singular guiding strength that your children will desire to follow. Your voices and actions blending together in a united front as you teach and lead your little family will be the trumpet with a certain sound of strength and unity leading to safety. Synonyms of fidelity are allegiance and devotion. They will be critical supports to your foundation of fidelity. “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.” (D&C 42:22.)

Father, one of your greatest resources will be the scriptures. You would not consider making a large investment in a rather complicated and technical piece of equipment, then begin its operation, without an involved study of the handbook of instruction. Further, you would likely reference that handbook often. The handbook of instructions for your somewhat complicated, very sizable investment called family is certainly the original handbook of instruction—that being our beloved scriptures. They are complete with instructions and examples. Often, you will find the answer before the question is asked. Daily research is required. It is also vital to maintain open communication lines with the Fountainhead of all wisdom and truth through your daily family and personal prayers.

Finally, what better resource for direction could we have than a living prophet? A great safety-net can envelop you and your family as you follow the Brethren. How blessed you are, Dad, to have living oracles of God to update you with current instruction to guide your family through modern-day challenges. To not hear, or ignore them, to not understand and heed those instructions would be like beginning a trip across the sea in a small boat without a compass.

Well, that’s it, Dad. You must become the family hero, worthy of not only their attention but their emulation. This will require your constant investment of sufficient time, complete emotional and physical fidelity, with unity of purpose between you and your eternal companion. This will require your constant dependency upon the Lord, demonstrated through scripture study and prayer. This will require that you follow the Brethren in every sense of the word—hearing, understanding, and doing. This simple formula will unite and strengthen your beloved family and bring countless blessings from our Father.

May God bless all fathers to righteously obtain and maintain this patriarchal key to the blessing of families throughout the Church.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO EVERYONE!!!

Happy Days...Update

So Jake was scheduled to take his test at 8 o'clock this morning. He arrived early and discovered that he could just go in when he was ready, he didn't have to wait until 8am. He went in at 7:45am and was done and had driven to my mom's office (1/2hour away) by 9:30!!!
He emailed me and said that he only had 85 questions and now we just wait to see if he "passed quickly or failed quickly"-in his words ;)
I think he did awesome and that he knew what he was supposed to, I guess we will find out this weekend...if he decides to call...HAHA!
See you tonight dear!

Happy Days

Jake left this morning for Boise to take his NCLEX test to complete the final step in his certification of becoming a true LPN!
We are so excited for him. When he took the "dumby" test at school they told him he had a 99% of passing-I have not been worrying...it's been funny to see him stress over it though, I guess there is always that 1% that he could do badly, but I have all faith and confidence that he will do well! He will then be able to call on Saturday and find out his score (or otherwise wait 2-4 weeks for the results to show up in the mailbox-talk about anticipation and heart attack)!
We also received good news yesterday that he was finally hired at the clinic in Idaho Falls-there have been some long and drawn out snags with the process, but it has felt so good that we have just endured the painful unemployment weeks to get to this point. The human resources department sent out a letter yesterday stating the intention of hire and asking that he come in immediately to fill out all paper work and get things going. His boss then called him this morning before he left town and asked that after he get his paper work filled out on Friday that he come to her office and get his schedule put together! A huge weight was lifted off Jake's shoulders in the past 24 hours that I think his mind will be clear enough to pass his test!
"Happy days are here again" We are finally on the road to security and the real world (whether that be good or bad is your judgement). I am so excited Jake can finally say no to nights at the hospital-I never thought I would see the day when he would be working days! HA, here it is!
GOOD LUCK JAKE!

Forty-two

As I mentioned in the last post, Jake's favorite number is "42"! The story behind this goes back to when he was a kid...I sure hope I get it all correct. (any family that reads this and remembers it differently from what I've told, feel free to correct in the comments ;)).
He and his family were playing games downstairs when someone wanted to know the temperature outside, Jake raced up the stairs to check it out. He didn't return and the family was onto something new. He runs down the stairs and announces "42"! Nobody knew what he was talking about and they all just laughed. He explained, they got it, but it had been so long from the request that it is now a standing joke that when something "random" is said by the infamous Jake they all announce "42".
However, for him, this number has rung true to be his lucky number since! Even Disney and other movies are relating the same number of randomness-it's kind of funny actually.