The best day ever, so-far, yet

I can honestly say that I never thought the day would come so fast when my twins would turn 8 and be baptized. 

In the last few months I have been the observer and, sometimes, participant of these two inquiring minds who've asked questions about baptism and earnestly listened to Primary teachers and their parents as they've discussed the possiblility and reality of baptism.  We made a goal with the kids to read the children's illustrated Book of Mormon together before they turned 8.  These kids are just trying to eat up knowledge.  Eliza especially would remind us on days we forgot to read that we had not done so.  We read the account of Jesus Christ's baptism by John the baptist.  Grandma Tricia wrote a simple and beautiful song about baptism we learned together. Finally, the twins were ready to meet with the bishop (all alone) and get an interview for baptism.  I think I was more nervous than they were.  But each child emerged from the office with a smile on their face.  They were ready.  They were willing.  They were excited.  We spent the week before the baptism getting the yard ready for visitors after the baptism.

The day finally came.  D had a leadership meeting early in the morning he had to speak at, so I was in charge of getting the family ready, the house ready, and the food ready.  I was a bit stressed, especially when D stayed late to chat (curse you social creature).  He arrived home and had just a few minutes before he took the twins over to the church to get ready. I fantically tried to do last minute chores like cutting up fruit and wiping down the bathroom one last time.  I was saved by my mom 15 minutes before the baptism who came over and said, "Camilly, we can help you with this stuff afterwards.  Relax.  Enjoy the day.  Come over to the church with me."

I obliged.  Thank you for the perspective, Mom.

Our ward had 5 kids being baptised, so the Stake set apart time just for them.  We watched a beautiful movie about baptism.  The kids were recognized.  There was a short talk from the Stake Primary President, and we were dismissed to the baptismal font. First Davis was baptised, then Eliza-- Davis sat on the stairs and watched.  I was overcome with a flood of emotion and gratitude as I looked at all the friends and family who had come to support them on this special day.  I was so grateful for my husband, a priesthood holder, who could perform this ordinance.  I reflected on my own memories--though limited-- of my baptism.  I was reminded of how my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has defined my life.  The things I have been taught about the Savior have helped me through the rough times and strengthened me as I have tried to be a better person.  I was excited that my children would have that same opportunity to learn for themselves about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Then we hurried and got the children dressed.  They were confirmed by their Dad as members of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were given the gift of the Holy Ghost through the Priesthood power.  I felt the warm comforting of that same spirit reminding me that I, too, had the companionship of the Holy Ghost when I was living worthy of it.  My testimony was strengthened as I watched two of the people I love most receive that gift through the same priesthood authority Jesus Christ possessed when he was on the earth.  I have a testimony of that power and I know that all people on the earth can be blessed by that same power and gospel when they earnestly seek it.  I hope I can be a vessel of good that helps to spread that gospel truth to anyone who wants it.

Seriously, one of the best days ever--so-far--yet.  I feel privileged to have this gospel truth in my life and hope I can be a good enough mom and person to help those I am surrounded with benefit and learn from it!! 

If you have any questions about baptism, HERE is a link to a lesson from our Gospel Principles manual.

Some things just make you smile

Some things just make you smile.

Like when I woke up Davis this morning by whispering in his ear, "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty."  He opened one eye and retorted, "Don't call me that."  And then rolled over.

Ouch.

Or when your husband is making the kids lunch for school and he puts the Pringles into a tupperware so they don't break apart before lunch.

Ahhhhhh.

Or when your four-year-old asks, "Can we have dinner for breakfast tonight?"  You correct him, "You mean breakfast for dinner?" 

Too cute.

Small miracles

A few nights ago, D and I witnessed a tiny miracle.  I'll call it a miracle of the heart really.  In our church, each individual and/or family is assigned two men  and two women to be their 'Home Teachers' and 'Visiting Teachers.'  These people are asked to visit the home once a month and keep in touch with the family so they can be aware of their needs.  If need arises they can contact the leaders of our congregation, called a Ward, to provide further assistance to the family, if needed.  In a perfect world, this system works to make sure that no 'sheep' are lost.  Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world and sometimes months go by without contact from home teachers.  Life gets busy for everyone.

Late Sunday night, D got a call from Brother F. saying he was really worried about the elderly women he home teaches.  He noticed she wasn't at church that day and called to check on her.  She was experiencing significant pain in her chest and difficulty breathing.  It was beginning to hurt so badly she couldn't even lay down without pain.  She said she didn't want to 'go in' to the hospital and was planning to take an Ambien so she could sleep.  Brother F. hung up the phone and worried.  He knew something was wrong.  He called the woman and asked her if D came over and looked at her, would she be willing to go to the E.R. if it was deemed medically necessary.  She said, "Yes."

D made his way over and checked her breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and lungs.  It was clear to him something was wrong.  He told this woman she should definitely go to the E.R. because there were many things he could think of that would require further attention and care. By now it was almost 11:00, but her good home teacher, Brother F. volunteered to take her in.  In the morning, he called D and let him know this lady had experienced two pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in her lung).  If she had indeed taken an Ambien and tried to sleep that night, she would have likely died.

I am calling this a miracle because I learned a lesson about loving those around you from Brother F.  Most of us might not have even noticed the absence of an elderly woman at church.  But Brother F. did.  And not only did he notice her absence, he followed through.  I learned a greally great lesson here that miracles are often worked through the kindness and love of others.  Through his actions and persistence, Brother F. probably saved this woman's life.

It makes me want to be a better Visiting Teacher, to be more attentive and aware of the needs of those arounds me.  What an amazing lesson I learned!!

Eliza's first marriage proposal

Last night when I picked up Davis and his buddy from the gym, his friend told me, "Guess what?  I've finally decided what I'm going to be when I grow up."

"What's that, Jaydyn?"  I replied.

"Davis's brother-in-law," he said.

"Oh.  Well the only way you can be Davis's brother-in-law is if you marry Eliza," I tried to clarify.

"Yeah, I know.  She is a pretty cute little girl.  And you are a nice mom.  So it is a good idea."

"Alright, then.  Who's going to tell Eliza?  Me or you?"

I think this i marriage is more about being linked to Davis than marrying Eliza.  I'll let you know when I figure it out. In the meantime, I'll be fending off potential suitors for at least 15 more years.

How a four-year-old thinks

Mom, "Roger, your shirt is backwards, you need to turn it around."

Roger, "No, I don't."

Mom, "Yes, you do.  You should wear your shirt the right way."

Roger, "I don't want to turn it around."

Mom, "But you need to.  It looks silly like that."

Roger, "Hey. . . . . . You should stop making fun of others."

Mom, "I'm not making fun of you.  I am being a mom.  Mom's tell their boys when their shirts are backward."

Roger, "I want to wear it like this."

End of discussion.