Reverence...its not as easy as it looks...

Yesterday we had Stake Conference, it was a broadcast conference from SLC and, among others, President Thomas S. Monson spoke to us. He was the concluding speaker and started an hour into the meeting, I have to admit I was relieved that we would probably go shorter than the 2 hours...45 minutes later he ended. So I guess I was right, however, his talk was too long. It wouldn't have been so bad if he had been his normal self, but there was something not quite right about him. Ashamedly, I thought he was just rambling and his talk had little to no point. It was hard for me to listen, so how do you think my kids handled it? This was going to be my post yesterday...How do you teach your kids the right way to behave in meetings? We are really struggling with reverence from our little guys, we got so many looks yesterday (granted almost everyone there had left their kids home). I know they are little, but it feels like we must be doing something wrong. Any suggestions? Please!!!

Last night, as Ethan and I were laying in bed my phone rang...we decided not to answer. Then a couple minutes later Ethan's phone rang, again we didn't get up. This time, however, they left a message, so we felt it was probably important. We got the message that Ethan's mom "had news" (for the record, that is a terrible way to leave a message). We were both nervous for what news the return phone call would bring. We called and learned the sad news that President Gordon B. Hinckley had passed away.

This filled me with several mixed emotions, sadness, for one. I LOVE President Hinckley. He has been the prophet for nearly half my life and I truly gained a testimony of his calling. I know there will be many future prophets, but he will always hold a special place in my heart. The next emotion was gladness for him. I can only imagine the rejoicing at the reunion of loved ones. I am beyond certain, that he happier than he has ever been and for that I am glad, he deserves the utmost happiness. The next emotions I felt was shame and embarrassment for my disrespectful thoughts concerning President Monson earlier in the day. It now made perfect sense that his thought were jumbled and not as "together" as I expected they should be. His mind was heavily burdened, I am sure, with concern for his leader and friend. Let that be a lesson to me, to judge not. You really never know what is happening backstage.

I am so thankful for my testimony of the gospel, what a beautiful understanding we have that we can be together as families forever. What an exceptional beyond description gift was given to us by our Savior for that opportunity. President Hickley lived his life in such a way that there was no question as to whether or not he was Christian. For his teachings, his service, and that unfailing example he will be sorely missed by me.

The 1st Article of Faith

Our ward has been learning about the Articles of Faith in Sacrament meeting the last couple weeks so we decided to focus our family home evenings on them as well. Last night we learned about the first Article of Faith and spent some time memorizing it. We were actually "Family Car Evening" as Bryant pointed out to us, but having the kids strapped down to memorize was a great help. They both picked it up very quickly and easily, what smart boys we have! :)

In a word... Paradise.

We went to another new beach on Saturday, Paradise Beach. I have to say it was the most fun I've had at the beach since having kids. We had such a great time! And it was a beautiful day!





Our sand castle...what a beauty!



Jonas' version of chasing seagulls...


The waves were really quite forceful and the beach kind of sloped downward...those two combined made for tricky footing for Levi. Poor kid...good thing Dad was close by to come to the rescue!


Bryant enjoyed catching some waves, just before this, rather than him catching the wave, it caught his shorts. He ran back to his dad with his little bum hanging out! It was hilarious!

A Pirate Says "Aargh!"

Our own private jungle...

...with our own personal Tarzan!

Jello Shots Anyone?

Our Family Home Evening activity and treat all rolled into one, a couple weeks ago.

How Low Can You Go?

One Saturday morning Ethan and I were being lazy and letting the kids wreak havoc on the house as long as they left us alone...this is what we got out of bed to.



One of us took over as the stick holder, while the other filmed. Bryant was, of course, the mastermind. Jonas likes to hit the stick with his head and say, "I broke the rules!" (I hope this is not an indication of future behaviors and rules). Every time Levi sees the broom, he demands it be held like the limbo stick!

Simon says, touch your nose

I started playing Simon Says with the kids when things start to get chaotic. It has been very helpful, but it also has its down side. Now several times a day Levi will walk over to this wall and wait for me to say something, and if I don't...well lets just say he's not too happy and he lets me know it!

Puzzling...

It appears that Bryant has inherited his grandmas' and his dad's knack for puzzling. Here is placing the final piece in his first 100 piece puzzle that he got for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa Hoss. He did a great job! He basically put together all the pieces with any grass on them at the bottom of the puzzle. As for me, these 100 piece puzzles are just my style!



He was very pleased with his handy work!



Jonas also proved helpful...in taking it apart!



Sorry the pictures are so small...if you click on them, you can see it much bigger.

When Kim got out of the shower this morning,

Bryant yelled from the other bathroom,
"Mom! I'm trying to potty train Jonas and he won't do it!"