Happy Birthday, Nicky!

(Chelsie, Todd, and Nicky)

Another October birthday has arrived...My baby-girl is growing up, still.(Thank goodness). Nicky has always been considered our deer-hunting baby because she was born in the middle of the annual deer-hunt. In fact, I had to wait for her dad to come home from a hunting outing before I could go to the hospital. It wasn't a rush, though, because she didn't come until the next day, but he was gone hunting. Nicky is a wonderful daughter and a great aunt to her nieces and nephews. She loves them so much and can't get enough of them. I thought it was really cute when Maxwell called her his "kissie-lips aunt." Her name was one of the first names Tyler learned to say. Lexi, Kayden, and Koy will follow her anywhere, and she simply adores Morgan. We all love you, Nicky. Happy birthday!

Sometimes it seems that a testimony is just something that is recited each month by the same people in fast and testimony meeting. It might be something that other people can have but that seems to be lacking in ourselves. Or we just become so complacent with our believes that we don't notice our own testimony. A testimony can fade if we don't put forth some effort to keep it, which can happen without us even realizing it. When I get "lazy" and "slothful", when I don't take the time to read the scriptures or pray, that strong feeling of testimony fades, so slowly that I don't even realize it. Because I have had hands placed upon my head and given the gift of the Holy Ghost to be my constant companion, I might still feel a prompting that I need to do something to work on my testimony. The Holy Ghost may still be able to prompt me to read or pray just a little bit, to get that testimony come to life again. Just like the tiny spark in a fire that has been allowed to burn out, that when air is blown on it the fire flickers slowly back to life, a testimony can return a small flicker at a time. My responsibility is to feed it the correct fuel to return my testimony to what it once was.

As we grow and learn in the homes of our parents, most of us just mindlessly attend church, read the scriptures because the family does, pray together because the family does, and do all those "right" things because the family does. Hopefully our parents have taught us the essential things that we can base a testimony upon. One of those essential things is that we need a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ for ourselves. There comes a point in every one's life when we must decide for themselves if ourselves if we believe in Jesus Christ or not. In order to know for ourselves we must put in the time, effort, and energy to receive our own testimony. Because we have been blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, we are entitled to receive an answer to our prayers on one condition, that we remain worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. That means that we live our lives, make the decisions that we should, so that a member of the Godhood can give us the witness we need to keep that fire burning. Several times the past few weeks I have heard speakers reinforce that true happiness can only come into our lives when we are living worthy to have the Holy Ghost with us to answer our questions and prompt us to do that which is right.

For some reason I have had this burned into my soul the past few weeks. Here is what the church says about having our own testimonies: (This is taken from lds.org)

"A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was called to restore the gospel; that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior's true Church on the earth; and that the Church is led by a living prophet today. With this foundation, a testimony grows to include all principles of the gospel.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the sacred opportunity and responsibility to obtain their own testimonies. Having obtained a testimony, each member has a duty to nurture it throughout life. Happiness in this life and throughout eternity depends largely on whether individuals are "valiant in the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:79; see also D&C 76:51, 74, 101). Testimony grows through the application of the following principles:

The quest for a testimony begins with a righteous, sincere desire. Speaking to a group of people who did not yet have testimonies of the gospel, Alma taught: "If ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words" (Alma 32:27).

Testimony comes through the quiet influence of the Holy Ghost. The results of a testimony can be miraculous and life changing, but the gift of testimony usually comes as a quiet assurance, without spectacular displays of God's power. Even Alma, who had been visited by an angel and had seen God sitting on His throne, needed to fast and pray so he could receive a testimony through the power of the Holy Ghost (see Alma 5:45–46; 36:8, 22).

Testimony grows gradually through experiences. No one receives a complete testimony all at once. It grows as individuals show willingness to serve in the Church and to study, pray, and learn. It increases as individuals obey God's commandments."

End of quote

As parents, Garth and I tried to teach our children the things that we know to be true. We might not have done a great job of it, and we realize that each of our children need to gain their own testimony. But it is our desire that they life their lives so that they can have the Holy Ghost as their companion to help them find that testimony of their own. We love all of our children and want them with us for eternity. It is our prayer that they all gain their own testimony by reading the scriptures (more than a day or two, or even a week, or month), pray for answers and help in their lives, and make the decisions to live their life so the Holy Ghost can testify to them. Yesterday in Sunday School it was again said that the Holy Ghost cannot testify of things that are NOT true. He cannot testify to un-truths, only to things that are true. So we each need to ask the correct questions to receive answers to things that are true.

I know that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us to have eternal life, and that we each have a responsibility to live so that His gift of the atonement can work for us. I know that there is a way for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father again, which is what He desire most for us. It is His plan. We just have to take the right steps to get there.

Just Thoughts

We have had a few fun-filled weeks. We spent UEA weekend in Salt Lake. We went to the opening assembly and heard Kurt Bester sing a song and talk about his experiences in school. We heard Robert Kirby talk about how he was a class clown. I'm still not sure why these two were the opening inspirational speakers for a bunch of teachers. They are fine, talented people, but it didn't really encourage me to go out there and be a better teacher. But, oh well, it was nice. I then went to a session called "Teaching Multiplication in a Week and Division in a Day". I have been to other presentations by this presenter and always come away with things that are helpful. I will be trying some of her suggestions, but I know they won't have "mastered" the facts in a week. We stayed around and listened to the two men running for governor in the Great State of Utah. They certainly have different approaches and I am still not sure which person I am voting for, although at the time I am leaning more to one than the other. The vendors at UEA were just more of the same. I'm getting tired of walking past row after row of people trying to sell me candles, jewelry, inserts for my shoes, etc. I guess there just isn't much new in education out there that I don't already use, know about, or have passed on because it really doesn't work. After 26 years I'm not sure if UEA meetings are affective for me. I love the time off and need the break it gives me after a stressful school beginning, so I do put it to good use.

We then spent time with the family. We all met up together and went to Chucky Cheese's (which is is a possessive noun?) Even Tyler came with us this year, which I know was hard, but he loved it. The kids played until they dropped, then we ate that pizza. The pizza is ok as long as it is hot, but once it is cold it is terrible. I must say, the Chucky Cheese in Missouri is larger and has more games than the one in Sandy. I used there was a horse for Lexi to ride on. Morgan loved that horse so much. So I guess we are the official Chucky Cheese Grandparents.

We then went back to our hotel for swimming. The kids love the large swimming park and spent a long time there. It was pretty cold, so they kept going to the hot tub to warm up. It was a fun time together.

On Friday we spent the day at Wheeler Farm. We walked around the pond and fed the ducks. We walked through barns, pretended to drive tractors, looked at goats, horses, cows, and all kinds of farm animals. We toured the old Wheeler house, which I thought was a great experience. I love to think of a large family living in all those rooms. Even though the house is large, the rooms are small so in today's world they would have been very crowded. Maybe it was better without so much space to move. It was really interesting to me.

The kids all rode on the horses. By this time my leg was killing me and I was having trouble with walking, so I sat while they road. They then went to the corn maze and picked out a pumpkin at the end. In all, it was a very fun day. We ended with more swimming with Tyler while his parents took in a temple session. He cuddled with me after we changed his clothes, then I put him down to sleep on the bed. In all, it was a very good day.

Garth and I got up early to return to Orangeville for the funeral of my youngest Ware cousin, Thomas. Sadly, funerals are the only things that bring families together, it seems. All the Ware cousins were there except Kerry, Susan, and Wayne. Most of us haven't seen Thomas around the past years because he has lived in Chicago, but we recognize him as a member of our family and wanted to show our love to the rest of the family. Uncle Keith and Aunt Diane are special people who show their love for us every time we see them. You can always count on a special hug and kiss on the cheek from each of them. I am sure it was a very difficult time for both of them.

On Monday we drove back over the mountain to go to a doctor's appointment for Garth. More shots in his back. We got back home in time for me to take back my class after lunch, so it was a quick trip. We drive up again on Tuesday for another round, this time in the afternoon because afternoon lesson plans are easier to prepare and then I don't have to worry about getting back by noon. We will see how it works.

Yesterday we again drove up to Salt Lake for the Ware girl's lunch. We missed the Leeflang girls but had fun with the rest of us. It was good food and good company. Sorry Tammy had to leave to get to work, but it was good talking with her. Then we took Nicky out to IKEA to pick out a small table and chairs for her apartment. She was left to put it together herself, and it sounds like she wasn't very successful yet. Apparently the box has the wrong parts, so she will need to exchange it to get the correct ones. Hopefully she can do that.

In all, it has been some good weekends and I needed that time with my kids.

Happy Birthday to Kayden

Another birthday already! Happy birthday to dear Kayden. We all know Kayden's story, how sick he was and what he has gone through. But he is sure growing up big and strong. I can't believe that he is in kindergarten already. He is a fun-loving active boy who loves anything with a movie character. He has always been content to play with little boys like his "action men" and cars. Because he was tethered to his pump for so much of his early life, he learned to sit and play in a small area right around himself. He would spend so much time playing with his car and lining them all up. He lined up crayons, toys, everything he could reach. He had a most unique crawl or scoot. I remember we were so excited when he finally walked! A great accomplishment after being in that torture-chamber seat-stander-upper for so many hours to strengthen his legs. He has a special love for Grandpa Labrum and will always run to sit on Grandpa lap. If Grandpa is around you will find Kayden. A good habit he developed when he was little. That seemed to be the only place where he found comfort for so long. Really, it just gave Grandpa an excuse to sit down instead of working all the time. We love Kayden and are so proud of him.

Happy birthday to Koy!

Today is Koy's big birthday. He is so excited to be four on this big date 10-10-10. I wonder if he will think that is always the date of his birthday. We love so many things about Koy, but one thing that I love specially is his voice. He has a husky voice that sounds like it has already changed into manhood. It will be interesting to hear what he sounds like in about 15 years. He is certainly all boy. He just plows though everything! He follows everything his big brother does. He is sweet and mellow when he is alone, but full of mischief when with Kayden. Koy is kind, helpful, and loving. He really tries to be good and lets you know he wants to be with you. He is a cutie and we love him. Love you Koy!

I'm Tired

When I get home from school I am so worn out that I just want to rest. Not sleep, just rest. My legs ache, my ankle doesn't bend, I'm just worn out.

The beginning of the school year is so difficult, trying to help students learn that they really can do some work on their own. Third graders still think they should be spoon-fed all the answers, given all the time to play that they wish, and just talk through every lesson. This year is a very, shall I say, active group. They are quite needy and have a difficult time getting along. It all just wears me out. So far this year two boys have brought guns with them to school. OKay, so they were just play plastic guns, but against the rules anyway. Especially when the owner of the gun threatens to shot a mother of a fellow student, or threatened to kill a student at recess. One of the funniest things was one of the "criminals" told me he didn't have a gun. The other boys yelled that he did to. He replied that it was just a toy car. I had him get his bookbag and open it up for me. I went with him out to the hallway where he unzipped the bag. It was very empty, no old school papers (which made me wonder where he work goes because he never brings anything back to school!), but there at the bottom, all alone in that sad, empty bookbag, was a toy gun. Not a car, but a gun. Now, why would you lie to a teacher like that? Needless to say, more trouble for lying than for a toy gun......But really, what will it be in that bookbag in 6 more years? It is scary to think about.

For now, I am tired and just want to rest. But I need to write out the monthly bills, make a sandwich or something to eat while Garth is gone to the local football game. Maybe I will watch the BYU/USU game.....

Oh....By-the-way.....I got a new book in the mail the other day...another free book from Jason Wright. His latest book, "The Seventeen Second Miracle." Won it by estimating how many elastic bracelets were in his pint jar. My answer was 54....right on the nose! I think he is my favorite authors. That makes two free books from him in about 6 months. Now I have a total of 5 books on my bedside table waiting for me to read them. One Tammy gave me by Blaine Yorgensen which I have already started, a Judi Piccoult that I started but was interrupted, the one about the beginning of the church in Russia, the last of the Seekers series I am reading for my third grade class (must read the last book, right?) and something else. I was hoping to read most of them during the summer......Where did summer go anyway? Even with this last long wonderful September, I didn't get much reading done....

I'm tired. I just want to rest.