Carter Sealing

I was going to include these pictures with the rest of my July pictures (in the following post), but this occasion was special enough that is deserves it's own post.  On July 26th, I was privileged to be able to go to the sealing of Logan to his parents Maria and Weston.  The Carters are our good friends, who are living in Toledo and were able to adopt Logan.  It is so fun to see their family grow!  Here is a picture I took of them outside the temple afterwards.

With Grandma Cater too.

I also was able to see my friend, Carrie, at the sealing.

She is also from Idaho Falls and was in my parents ward, but after I was married.  It was a great experience! Thanks for inviting me to be there to your special day!  Sadly Jon was working long that day, but I was able to find someone to watch my boys.  Thanks Yanceys!

Another Successful FHE

We are loving using the Friend for FHE ideas.  James even stays interested in the lesson and activity (after screaming for us to stop singing and saying the prayer).  Here is two pictures of a recent FHE where Jon and James are looking for hidden images in the picture. 

Then they colored them.  James loved this! 

Last week, We did a matching game of what people should do to choose the right.  James still has the cards in his room and wants them at quite/nap time and bed time.

FHE

We have had some fun Family Home Evenings recently.  At least, Jon and I have thought they were fun.  We have been using the Friend a lot of the lessons.  Last night, we had a lesson on telling the truth and choosing what was right.  Then, we made pretzels, which the Friend has a recipe. 

Before they were baked

We decided not make them in the shape of CTR (choose the right) as it said to do. 

After being baked and butter brushed on them

They were really good and it was fun. 

Cooling.

Jacob even joined in the fun.

We could not get James to help with the pretzels though.  Maybe next time.  A few weeks ago we had a lesson about staying on the "strait and narrow path."  Then, we did a scavenger/treasure hunt with pictures of things around the house for clues. Here is one of the picture clues.

James loved following the clues more than the treat at the end.  I hid the clues again and he searched for the clues again.  Then he also took the clues to bed with him.

Christmas Stuff

We did quite a few things this month related to Christmas.  Somethings we did that I do not have any pictures for:

• Brought homemade goodies to our neighbors
• Ward Christmas Party
• Raclette Party on Christmas Eve with 2 other families
• Sang in the choir every Sunday during Sacrament Meeting (I actually skipped out one week since I was by myself and because of a disinagrated diaper and wet bed which had to be followed by a bath, and poppy diapers, I was late to church.  Jacob was screaming when we walked into church, because he was hungry, so we stayed in the foyer.)
• Looked at Christmas lights anytime we drove some where after dark

We also did some fun things this month that are not really related to Christmas.

• Ward Temple Trip and babysitting at the church next door
• Panda Express from a food court in East Lansing
• Baby shower for one of Jon's fellow residents (We did not stay for the Christmas Party afterwards, because Jon had to work that night.)
• Played at the church one morning with other families in the ward (It was lots of fun! James brought his bike.  There was also an obstacle coarse and a parachute.)
• Went to dinner twice with candidates for the Pediatric Residency Program (The food was awesome!)

Harvest Festival and Halloween

Our ward had their Harvest (or Fall) Festival on October 28th.  Jon went as Charlie Brown, I was a Soil Scientist (people were actually able to guess it this year instead of just thinking I was a doctor), James was a doctor, and Jacob was a candy corn.

There was a Chili and Soup Cook Off.  My chili actually won first place!  I was really shocked.  I have been making the same chili for about 5 years.  Sometimes doing something different.  This year I did not do anything special.  Maybe it was the new ward and unbiased judges.  Jon thinks it was the home canned beans that my mom and I (mostly my mom) canned at the beginning of October.  So we won a ladle!  Jon also won 3 of 5 squashes.  You had to tell the name of the squash and the weight.  I told Jon what the names were (I had recently looked at different squashes at the grocery store to try), and he guessed the weight.  James loved the Cookie/Cupcake walk,

the bean bag toss, and pin the nose on the pumpkin.  He had really wanted to go on the hay ride, but got too into monopolizing the bean bags that we missed it.  James also had a lot of fun with his friend Sheridan.

It was a fun night!  James did not want to leave, but it was well passed his bed time.

Monday night, I took James Trick-or-Treating in our neighborhood, while Jon and Jacob stayed home to hand out candy.  James was good about saying "Trick-or-treat," "Thank you," "I'm Dr. James," "Bye-bye," and "See you next time."  Everyone seemed to get a kick out of how cute he was.  Once he saw that he would get candy at the houses we went to, he wanted to go to every house.  He kept saying, "Another house," the minute we left a door.  It seems our neighborhood is a popular place for people to come.  We bought a lot of candy for the night hoping for leftover, but we were out of candy by 7:50 p.m.  That was even after raiding James' candy and the candy my mom had sent us.  We turned off our lights and went downstairs to Skype with Grandma Felt.  Next year we will have to get more candy to start with.  I look forward to more years of taking my boys trick-or-treating.  After we finally got James to bed, Jon and I watched Signs.

Jacob Ivan Felt

On October 16th, Jon gave Jacob a name and a blessing.  Both Grandmas were here, and it was so nice to have some family here to share this event!  Maria and Weston also came up form Toledo. 

We are really glad they could make it!  It was great to see them again!  We had Stake Conference that day, so we met in the Bishop's Office for the blessing.  It was a small group.  Thanks to the Richmonds for joining us too!  Jacob was able to wear the same outfit that James had worn, and it fit Jacob a little better. 

Of coarse Jacob was a month younger when he wore this than James had been.  It was a great day!

Thomas S Monson Writes For the Washington Post

9/11 destruction allowed us to spiritually rebuild

By Thomas S. Monson

 

The calamity of September 11th, 2001 has cast a long shadow. Ten years later, many of us are still haunted by its terrible tragedy of lost lives and broken hearts. It is an episode of anguish that has become a defining moment in the history of the American nation and the world. This week, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, along with Tom Brokaw, will pay its own homage to the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001.
There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy. People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.

Sadly, it seems that much of that renewal of faith has waned in the years that have followed. Healing has come with time, but so has indifference. We forget how vulnerable and sorrowful we felt. Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives. The darkness of our despair brought us a moment of enlightenment. But we are forgetful. When the depth of grief has passed, its lessons often pass from our minds and hearts as well.

Our Father’s commitment to us, His children, is unwavering. Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens our summers. Whether it is the best of times or the worst, He is with us. He has promised us that this will never change.

But we are less faithful than He is. By nature we are vain, frail, and foolish. We sometimes neglect God. Sometimes we fail to keep the commandments that He gives us to make us happy. Sometimes we fail to commune with Him in prayer. Sometimes we forget to succor the poor and the downtrodden who are also His children. And our forgetfulness is very much to our detriment.

If there is a spiritual lesson to be learned from our experience of that fateful day, it may be that we owe to God the same faithfulness that He gives to us. We should strive for steadiness, and for a commitment to God that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives. It should not require tragedy for us to remember Him, and we should not be compelled to humility before giving Him our faith and trust. We too should be with Him in every season.

The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day. We truly “need Him every hour,” not just in hours of devastation. We must speak to Him, listen to Him, and serve Him. If we wish to serve Him, we should serve our fellow men. We will mourn the lives we lose, but we should also fix the lives that can be mended and heal the hearts that may yet be healed.
It is constancy that God would have from us. Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm.
Thomas S. Monson is president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Plan For Me

James brought home a mobile from nursery.  He had not colored much of it while in nursery, but wanted to color it more at home.  Here is a video from him coloring and "reading" what it said.

Now, he runs around the house dragging this project and calls it his kite.  He is quite the character!

Our Weekend

We had a fairly busy weekend.  Friday night, we went to a pizza party with some of Jon's fellow residents.  I did not take any pictures, even though I brought the camera.  James had lots of fun in Chris and Lauren's backyard.  There was a small fish pond, which he loved.  Sadly there were not any other kids there, but James made friends with most of Jon's classmates.  He loved trowing the helicopters (maple tree seeds) and sticks in the air.  He even picked some tomatoes, but we stopped him before he picked all of their tomatoes.  He laughed hard enough to throw up a little.  He was exhausted when we got home and went right to bed.

Saturday was our ward's Pioneer Day celebration.  We made it in time for lunch.  We were actually able to sleep in which was really nice!  There was good food

and a big toy for James.

James played the whole time we were there.

He loved the slides.

Even when he fell of the end of one and landed on his face in the mud and bark he got back up, spit out what got in his mouth and went back for more.

There was also a water balloon toss.

Is started to rain on us, so we left, and then James wanted to eat lunch.  All the food was put away at that time and everyone was headed to their cars.  It was fun to hang out with some of the people in our ward.  James had lots of fun too.

When we got home, James had to had a bath because he was filthy and wet.  Then we gave him some lunch.  He crashed for a nap pretty quick after that.  For dinner, we got take out from the Twisted Rooster.  With a name like that we had to try it.  They have an interesting menu.  Check it out.  Their fried pickles were really good, and so was the mac and cheese.  There are a few other things I would like to try, so we will likely go again.  After dinner, I cut James's hair(s), so he got another bath.  I am glad he is liking baths again!

On Sunday, James had a hard time in nursery.  I think he was tired, and maybe he realizes a change is coming.  I had to go in there for a little while with him, but was able to go back to Relief Society eventually.  I hope he will do better this next Sunday, because Jon will be working.

A Laser On Faith

A fun video.  You can be a scientist and have faith at the same time.

Seven Months Later

The beginning of October, I met with my bishop after finishing my Personal Progress Leader Requirements. At the time, I was serving as the Stake Young Women's Secretary. I was beginning to wonder if I would receive my medallion before I moved. Yesterday, when the bishop said he had some business that was long overdue, I knew what he was talking about. I went up on the stand. Since Jon was helping pass the sacrament, James had no parent there to keep him in the bench, and he bolted after me. Thankfully, a friend grabbed him before he made it all the way, but he really wanted to go play on the stand. I am grateful to finally have received something that I work so hard to accomplish even if it has been seven months.

I did complete my Personal Progress as a young woman. It was about 15 years ago, and the program has changed a great deal since then. To the left is what the medallion looks like now, and you can choose gold or silver. To the right is what it looked like when I received it before. Then it only can in gold. Thanks to everyone who helped me complete this program then and now. Looking back I can see how much it has helped me through the trials of life. I hope in doing this I can be an example to all those Young Women out there, those who I served recently and any others who need to know that this is truly an inspired program.

Start of Easter Celebration

Yesterday, we had our Ward's Easter Breakfast Potluck. James enjoyed running around the gym, and was very excited when the Toller family got there. When they walked away to find a table, James kept saying, "Steve." So I told him he could go say hi to Steve. It was funny! James will really miss Robby, Jenni, and Steve when we move.

After eating breakfast, there was an Egg Hunt. James found his dozen eggs really quickly. We went into a classroom by ourselves and there were just enough eggs.Then James helped everyone else find eggs. Side note, if you look closely at James, you will notice powdered sugar around his mouth and a doughnut in his hand. He loved the doughnuts for breakfast!Mmmm, chocolate!James LOVES chocolate! When we were checking out the contents of his eggs, he wanted to hold all the chocolate and was mad when I would put it in his bag, but his hands were full very quickly.

A fun thing with James's love of chocolate is that his calls it, "milka." Don't know why. He understands when I say chocolate.

A Bittersweet Day

Jon and I were released from our stake callings today.  We knew it would be coming soon since we will be moving in June. I have to say, like with most callings I've had, it is a bittersweet moment. I'll miss the youth terribly, but after 3 years (the longest I've had a calling so far), it was time. Now I feel a weight has been lifted, but I'm sad at the same time. Good luck to all the Young Women in the Toledo Ohio Stake. I will miss getting to be a small part of your lives!

Merry Eve of Christmas Eve

Christmas is in Two days!  We have been really busy here.  Sorry no pictures today.

Sunday was our ward's Christmas Program.  I love to sing Christmas Hymns and was actually looking forward to this day of church.  Sadly, for many reasons, James came down with a cold/croup, so I stayed home with him.  Later that evening, our home teachers came by and it was fun to get to know them better.  they are new to our ward this year and were put in the nursery right when they moved in.  They knew James, and James seemed comfortable around them.  While they were here, James decided to try and electrocute himself by pulling the glass part of his nightlight off, leaving the metal part of the bulb in the nightlight.  He did all this while it was plugged in!  He was fine, but the nightlight has seen better days.

Monday morning, I was beginning to feel a cold coming on, but with a busy day a head of me, I just had to keep going.  I had an appointment with my family doctor just to check and see if the medicine is still helping the heart problems I have been having.  Everything going great there.  No pain for a month!  Then, I had lunch with a few friends, and their rambunctious kids, who were enjoying their first day off of school for Christmas Break.  When I got home, I tried to get James down for a nap, which he did not want because he had not seen Mom all day.  He did take a good nap as usual then we went grocery shopping.   After dinner, we SKYPEd with Grammy Felt.  James loves to talk to his Grandma on the computer, and I wish it would work better with my mom.

Tuesday, Jon, James, and I watched Robby while Jenni helped out a friend.  James loved having Robby here!  I was even able to take a nap while both boys were down for a nap at the same time.  Robby's dad Steve came by at about 3:00, and Steve and Jon played War Craft with Robby and James "helping" where they could.  I made dinner while everyone else was being entertained.  Jon and I started our Star Trek marathon by watching the first movie.

Yesterday, some friends came by to visit, and James had a ball with their kids!  He loves it when other kids come to his house and play!  It was nice to visit with Joy and Julie.  Jon and I watched the next 3 Star Trek movies through out the day.  At 7:00, we went to the church to help clean.  James even helped me polish the piano and organ in the chapel.  Afterwards, the Carters came over and played Phase 10 Dice while we watched the Las Vegas Bowl, Boise St vs. Utah.  Boise St. won!  Not a shock.  Jon and I were up most of the early morning with James who decided he didn't want to be asleep.

Today, Jon is off to Steve's for a War Craft tournament (or something).  James is currently sleeping, and I would still be sleeping if the phone had not started ringing.  They were looking for Jon I am guessing, who was already on his way.  I am hoping to relax a little today, maybe do some laundry.  Tonight, we are going to sing Christmas songs and drink apple cider at the Carters with others from our ward.  Should be fun.  I am looking forward to singing Christmas songs.  I just hope my voice is not gone. 

That is what we have been up to this week so far.  Hopefully Santa will stop at our place tomorrow night.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Sad Story

Jon's Dad sent us an email yesterday with the new of a fire at the Provo Tabernacle.  You can find the story here.  I have so many good memories of walking to Stake Conference in this building.  I think every stake conference I had while at BYU was in this building.  Sad to see such damage to such a beautiful building with so many memories for me. 

Perrysburg, Ohio

Sunday, we went to the Perrysburg Ward Conference.  James struggled through sacrament meeting, but loved going to nursery.  It was nice to have my friend from high school, Lacey, join us for church.  Everything seemed to go well with the youth.

This was our last unit conference for the year.  It will be nice to be able to go to our own ward (unless we need to visit a unit).  We start back up in January with three conferences!  I wonder what next year holds in store for the Toledo Ohio Stake.

Barbecue and Carnival Games

Saturday, we went to a Stake Youth Barbecue with some carnival games.  The youth seemed to enjoy themselves even though some of the leaders were upset about the lack of organization, and we ran out of food.  Even those how fell in the pond still seemed to have a good time while their teeth chattered.  A map on how to get there might have been helpful for some too.  There were a few who got lost on the drive there.  Oh well, good times for all.

Bobbing for apples. 

James found the easier way, though most of the apples had bites taken out of them by the end of the night.  I do not think it was just James.  There were a few other boys taking bites out and throwing them back.

Hatchet/Ax throwing. 

Yes, we let the youth through sharp objects, but under the supervision of an adult.  Brother and Sister Felt even gave it a try.

James also found this ball and slide which entertained him for a while.

Findlay, Ohio

Yesterday, James and I went to the Findlay Ward Conference.  Jon was on call, so I got to wrestle James through an hour and a half of sacrament meeting in another ward.  Luckily, James went to nursery and seemed to really enjoy it.  Everything else seemed to go smoothly.  James even slept all the way home and for a few hours after we got home.

Bowling Green, OH

Sunday, we were in Bowling Green Ward.  Jon and President Davis, the Stake YM President, visited the YM there.  I tried to visit the YW, but James would not go to nursery until the last 20 minutes.  Then after church, the Stake YM Presidency had a Presidency Meeting and training of the new counselor.

James enjoyed running around in the Mother's Lounge.  I was trying to feed him lunch, but he was too busy.  I ended up eating most of it, because I was really hungry.  Then James and I moved into the RS room which was right across the hall from where Jon's meeting was.  There was more room to move there and a piano to play.

The members in the BG Ward were really nice and more than one invited us to come back next week.  We had to explain that we were visiting from the stake and we were members of the Toledo 1st Ward (hopefully we will be able to attend our own ward on the 24th after about 2 and a half months of not being able to do so).

Provo

We spent a day in the Provo area to visit some of our friends there.  We started with an early breakfast at our bishop's house (the bishop of our married student ward).  He is a food scientist who travels all over the world helping people make their products better.  Needless to say, breakfast was amazing!  We were able to visit for a little while before they had to go to work (his wife works in the Travel Department at the MTC).

Next stop was the Provo Temple.  We went to the back door to visit some of my friends that I worked with there.  It was great to see them all again!  We drove by our old house and it still looks mostly the same on the outside except for a tree missing that was mostly dead when we were there.

Our last stop was BYU campus.  James loved the freedom we let him have of walking around. 

He even decided this looked like a good place to sit. 

How many can say they sat in a bush on the BYU campus?  We visited a few of our professors.  James loved Brother Freeman's office. 

Jon worked with Brother Freeman.  We had lunch at the Cougar Eat, and stopped in to look at the bookstore.  We got James his first football.  He seems to like it.

Lastly, we decided to stop at the Alumni Building.  It was a last minute thing but we felt like we needed to go in there.  Jon had a question from a Doctor in Toledo who had gone to BYU.  The doctor had been a diver at BYU and wanted to donate his Letterman jacket, but whenever he had tried to talk to someone about it, he never got a clear answer.  He asked Jon to see if he could find out what he could do about this.  Jon tried contacting the coach at BYU, but did not have any better luck.  So when we walked into the Alumni Building, we walked up to the Information desk and asked about it.  The director of something (I cannot remember what exactly) just happened to be there, and they just happened to be putting together a display of memorabilia from Alumni.  She was really excited at the prospects of adding this to the display.  She gave us her card and told us to have him contact her.  I guess we were guided there on purpose!