Wednesday, March 25, 2009

I'm going there someday...


We were in Salt Lake a few weeks ago and got to go over to Temple Square for a little while. JD had a meeting at the Church Office Building, so he was unfortunately not with us. It was a Friday, so there were a lot of weddings going on and it was so fun to watch Gracie watching all the brides walking around, she was awed.

The gates to go into the inner lawns were open because of all the wedding parties, so we were able to walk right up to the temple. Hanna was so worried that we were doing something wrong, but then a security man walked up and I asked him if he would take our picture. He was happy to.

So we walked up those majestic steps toward that majestic building, and I was awed. How thankful I am to not only stand on those steps, but to bring my children. I felt the Spirit there and I know my children did, too.

Tasha

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Gavin Turns 7

Gavin had his 7th birthday last week. We have been watching Madagascar 2 a ton lately and so he wanted an 'Alex the Lion' cake. Tasha took that as a personal challenge and made a huge cake. She made two separate cakes and then had cupcakes for ears and tons and tons of frosting. We sugared the birthday kids all up and then took them to play laser tag. Gavin said it was the best birthday everrrr.



Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Mom (Grandma Chris's) Birthday

Just 4 days after Gracie's birthday is my mom's birthday, in fact when Grace was born, she wanted me to wait a few more days - but these things cannot be helped. Especially, since I ordered Grace to be born in February. She was just being obedient.

We had a fun party for mom at Troy and Monica's house. They are always such great hosts, and never complain at the mess their house is left in when we all leave (or maybe I just leave to fast to hear it...)

We love you mom, you are always there for us and are a shining example of love toward all your children, our spouses, your grandchildren, the list goes on and on. Thank you for showing us how we want to be when we grow up...whenever that may be.


Tasha

Gracie is 4!!!

I can't believe my little Gracie is already 4 years old. She is such a sweet little girl who wins anyone over almost instantly. She loves to smile and to perform whatever to whomever. Grace wants to grow up to be a ballerina and a mommy. To that I would add a singer, as she is constantly walking around singing songs - real or made up, it really doesn't matter. Gracie we all love you so much, thanks for making us smile!

Gracie's Princess Castle birthday cake


Gracie loves to get Lily out of bed after naps. Lily is giving Gracie kisses after her afternoon nap.


Tasha

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Newsletter

I've been taking a bit of slack from family and friends for my recent airport post. Some (and I won't mention names for Kathy's sake) actually called me a smart-alick, although that is the PG version. Anyway, to redeem myself I thought I would post our Ward Newsletter. I was in charge of writing the letter for March and our theme was Provident Living. Anyway, if you need a good sleeper enjoy...

Reportedly, Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “if you want to know what people value, check their checkbooks.” If Eleanor Roosevelt were still living today, she might say “if you want to know what people value, check their monthly credit card statement.”

Monthly debit and credit card statements tell and interesting story. They truly tell where one is placing their value and spending hard earned resources. What might Mrs. Roosevelt demise from a quick glance at our monthly financial statements? Would she see wise, sound, spending habits? Perhaps. She may also wonder about transactions referring to cable, satellite, internet, cell phones, DVD’s, electronics, multiple car payments, frivolous beauty supplies, excessive clothing, and various fast food and restaurant bills. During this time of economic struggles, determining value and what exactly is of value is essential for many families to stay afloat.

Determining family essentials is truly one of the more challenging and eye-opening tasks of our day. The advertising industry is very effective in changing our wants into needs. The temptations are often overwhelming to acquire more than we can afford. Monthly financial statements can be filled with wants compared to actual needs. Unlike our forbearers who found challenge in affording their needs, we often find challenge in affording our wants.

Since the early days of the restored Church, Latter-day Saints have been counseled to live within their means, to avoid debt, and to get out of debt. Nonetheless, we may be struggling or we may know of family and friends that are struggling. Rest assured that rough economic times affect all of Heavenly Father’s children and faithful members are just as vulnerable to losing jobs or experiencing a reduced income. Therefore, the blessings to faithful members come from following the counsel of our Prophets and Apostles as we continually seek to live within our means.

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reiterated this counsel “live within your means. Get out of debt. Keep out of debt. Lay by for a rainy day which has always come and will come again. Practice and increase your habits of thrift, industry, economy, and frugality” (“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 36).

We are living in an economic cycle right now that many of us have never experienced before. During these financial struggles, families are encouraged to communicate, counsel together, and determine what is truly of value and then go to the Lord with a financial plan in place. Regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, if we first pay our obligation to the Lord and then use wisdom and good judgment in determining true needs, the Lord will help us manage the resources He has given us.

J.D. Griffith, Second Counselor