Mimicking the Mama

 We had already finished family scriptures and prayer in our room and sent the kids to hop in bed. During the summertime dad stuck needs to get to be early for work. It's hard to get the kids to hang out in their own rooms quietly when they want to stay up and play. 

When Spence & I went into our bathroom to brush teeth, we could hear them sneak back in our room when we shut the bathroom door. They were giggling and "whispering" (our kids don't know how to truly whisper, since it’s still loud enough to hear).  Dad & I were slightly annoyed at being ignored and he opened the door to tell them such and shoo them off to bed. But when he looked out he was confused and started laughing. I was still near my bathroom sink when he told me to come look at what they’d done. I was ready to lay down the law for whatever it was. But I was stopped in my tracks and my words cut short at what I saw: Josie dressed like me at bedtime, mimicking me working on the computer! It was too funny and too spot on for us to be annoyed! They recorded it too and the video is even funnier.

Gma Lee's Funeral and Sacred Family Time

 

Grandma Lee 💕

Obituary of Lee Hargrave Jones of South Jordan, Utah, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on May 13, 2026, at the age of 70.

She was born on March 7, 1956, to Stanley and Genevieve (Debe) Hargrave in Santa Rosa, California. Lee met her sweetheart, Brian Jones, while he was serving the Lord as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern California. After Lee joined the Church, she tracked down her missionary, and the two quickly fell in love. They were married in 1978 in the Salt Lake Temple and shared 48 beautiful years together, on their way to eternity.

Lee loved her Savior with all her heart. She loved camping at Pole Creek with Brian and her kids, gardening and seeing her yard full of beautiful flowers, traveling, worshipping in the temple, and spending time with her 18 beloved grandchildren, who were among the

 great treasures of her life. She loved her family fiercely and would travel to visit them any chance she could.

Lee loved to cook, and her famous Swedish Twists were well known.

Her memory will live on every Christmas morning in many of her sons' homes as they carry that tradition forward with their own families.

Early on, she spent countless hours driving her boys to practices, games, school events, and every place they needed to be, happy to serve from behind the wheel as a true "soccer mom." In later years, her activity was limited by debilitating disease, yet she continued to love and serve in every way she could.

Lee had a tender heart, the most beautiful smile, and the best laugh.

Her husband, Brian, always knew how to make her laugh. She loved and was loved by her many dear friends, wonderful neighbors, and all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Brian; her sons, Daniel (Kira), Brad Keeli), Spencer (Nancy), and Matthew (JayDee); her twin sister, Lyn; her brother, Neil; and her 18 grandchildren, who will miss their Grandma Lee.

You're never ready to say goodbye to a loved one. Especially a parent. While it wasn't a surprise that a new physical trial had occurred for Grandma Lee, we were shocked that it resulted in her passing. 

Grandma Lee's health had been suffering for many years and Papa had dedicated his life to caring for her.  Her balance had been bad for decades and she developed uncontrollable hand tremors. Papa took every precaution he could think of to help her. Even installing a bedside switch with a red nightlight for when she needed to use the restroom at night. The red light was so they both could see without eyes harshly adjusting to bright lights. One night the week before her passing, she didn't wake him to help her to the restroom. She ended up falling and broke her back. In the hospital they did all the imaging and deliberated on best treatment course. They were going to fit her for a back brace to heal and avoid surgery. But while she was there, she was having trouble eating and they discovered a blockage in her abdomen and fluid gathering. They attempted to remove the fluid via an NG tube, but she aspirated and her heart stopped. They did CPR for a while and got her heart beating again. But there wasn't much brain function. Papa sent me a text that said: 

"... The surgeon on duty came in and said the blood numbers weren’t headed in the right direction and they would check next for more intestine loss. If that’s the case we have a decision to make. He ordered a steroid shot, which for some can help the patient become more cognizant of their surroundings and even communicate. Personally, I think she’s already gone. Yesterday I was in shock and plead with her not to go, that I couldn’t live without her. Today, before her surgery after she looked at me and I told her I loved her, I kissed her and told her she could go, she nodded and squeezed my hand. We have an eternal marriage, and through serving her with her increasing disability, injuries and pain I have learned to love her and cherish her more deeply than ever. 

I think the machines are keeping her body going, and that it will fail when they are turned down. I know I will be with her again, and that for the first time in a very long time she will be without pain. I just need to live worthy in the intervening time until it’s my turn."

After we'd gone to bed and Spence fell asleep, I stayed awake to wait for updates on Grandma. Papa texted me that the family was all gathering at the hospital at 10pm UT time to say goodbye before they turn off the machines breathing for her.  I told Papa I'm sorry we aren’t there to be with him and we are praying for them.

It was midnight for us, but I felt like I should wake up Spence and let him know.  When I told him, reality hit and he broke down weeping.  I held him while he cried like I’ve never seen him cry before. After a long while, his breathing calmed down and I remained holding him until he fell asleep. 

She passed away at 10:33 that night. 

We enjoyed spending Christmases and Thanksgivings together for many years. Before her body became too weak, Lee was a hands on Grandma. She made Christmas cookies with our boys when they were little, and got down on the floor to play with the kids. She'd snuggle and kiss them and make them squeal and giggle. She read them books, sang to them when they were babies, and doted on them with gifts. She was the one who bought Kaden his special "Singing Sunshine" that he had since he was a baby and kept in his bed until he was a teenager. That toy was the reason "You are My Sunshine" became our special song for Kaden, and I sang it to him every night.

As the kids got older, Papa & Grandma would take them to the movie theater and buy them treats on their visits. She enjoyed asking the kids for updates on what they were involved in and always had lots of follow up questions. She often related family stories and experiences to note similarities to what the kids were involved in. Saying "Did you know your dad used to..." or "When I was little my grandma would...". I don't know that they were absorbing it all, but I always appreciated her efforts to make connections.

Lee was a great listener. She intently listened and tried to offer advice when something was challenging, or solicited Papa to tell a relevant story to offer counsel. She cared deeply and wanted to help. 

She was generous withe money and would often slip us some large dollar bills when Spence was in school at BYU and again when we lived in New Jersey in grad school. Dad would come to the grocery store with me and would buy our purchases. We were always so grateful and plan to follow their example with our own college kids, which we've had the chance to for Kaden already. 

All people are imperfect, so Grandma Lee is no exception. She could be stubborn, opinionated, and as her twin sister Lyn said, "she was bossy", ha ha. Yet Lee loved deeply, was loyal, forgiving, and tender hearted. She suffered with a lot of things in life, so it is right that we give her some grace. 

I had the honor of doing her hair for burial.

Charlie’s 12th birthday in Utah!

Mothers Day 2026

 

May 7th “Why?”

 

Can you guess who did both of these?

Tender & Miraculous Sunday

It's been a heavy few weeks...months... year or so. We have been tried, and stretched, and exhausted in unexpected ways. We have done our best to lean on the Father and utilize the strength of the Savior. 

We are observing that this generation our kids are growing up in, find it deeply uncomfortable to do many required, normal life skills. For example: talking eye to eye, starting conversations, going out of their comfort zone. etc.

We have been working so hard to motivate and empower our teenagers. It's been a concerning challenge.

Dad is a good example of doing hard things that are way outside his comfort zone. He went from enjoying many years of working in a lab, to being given a position that requires him now to have daily meetings. He has to talk  one on one with people all day long, something that has always been a pain staking task. It drains him so much. However... he steps up to do whatever he needs to do, every time.

Another way he goes out of his comfort zone, is taking me dancing.  Dancing outside of our home, the idea of anyone watching him dance, is nearly intolerable. But not only does he take me dancing when the opportunity comes up, he even learned to dance for me! He bought us an online dancing course to learn at home.  He's even good at it! But he still doesn't like it. He does it for me. Because I do love it so much.  

Today during fast Sunday, your dad --my sweet introverted husband--  did the one thing you and I have never seen him do: he got up in Sacrament meeting and shared his testimony!!

The moment occurred like this:

Dad likes to poke me to get up every Fast Sunday. I don't like it, cuz sometimes in coincides with the Spirit poking me to get up. :) Today he joke poked me but I said, "I don't have it in me today. It's been a hard month, babe." He knew and assured me he was just being playful. Then he put his around me and let me sink into him.

Jeremy Dodge got up and shared a sweet testimony about God's work & glory being to bring His children immortality and eternal life. Then Jeremy shared what he felt was his own work & glory, raising his boys to come to Christ and be good men, etc. It was sweet and my eyes watered a little as my heart stirred with the love I have for the Dodge boys and their parents. I pointed to JC Raney who was sitting in front of us, and teased dad, "If JC gets up, then its a sign you should follow after both your friends & go up there..." He smiled and said, "If JC gets up after Jeremy, I'll get up." I was shocked he said that, even as a joke.  I said, "Well, it would be good for the kids to hear you share your testimony up there. No pressure though, honey. I know how uncomfortable that is for you."

He had a look on his face. He was smiling softly and his eyes were searching the ground the way they do when he is contemplating something. I thought, "Is he actually considering going up there?" So I started praying, "Father, please inspire JC Raney to go up to the pulpit! Please, please, please..." and started pouring out my heart for all the ways it would be good for Spence and the kids and me, etc.

But JC didn't get up to share his testimony. A new member who just moved here named Bro. Hurst got up. His testimony was very nice, but I was bummed bc now there was no chance Spencer would get up. So I sat a little deflated. Then Spencer whispered to me, "You dare me to go up?" Me, staring straight ahead: "I dare you." To my shock, he was suddenly standing! I don't remember saying it, but Spencer heard me blurt "Oh MY GOSH!" And he walked to the pulpit!! I leaned over and made all the kids look up and pay attention. Perry had his head down in his arms like he was sleeping. I reached across Jo & Charlie and said, "Perry, look up this is something you've never seen in your entire life, sit up!!" 

Dad stood there smiling and looking to me like an angel. He stated that it was probably a shock to see him up there because in our whole marriage he has only done it maybe once. (But that "once" was in Princeton. And I wasn't there. I was home with baby Kaden. I only learned about it from a sister who told me later that she enjoyed my husband's testimony the previous week. I was shocked and deeply sad I missed it. But this afternoon as we discussed that, Spencer admitted he has no memory of it. He is convinced that the last time he bore his testimony on fast Sunday was right after his mission. That Princeton sister must have mistaken him for someone else. So today truly was the first time in over 2 decades that he voluntarily braved the pulpit.)

He talked about the challenges & desires we have to raise our children to follow the Savior and to be strong good people, functioning adults, etc. He mentioned that we've been focusing on encouraring our children step up & out of their comfort zone and do the necessary hard things. So what better way to be an example then to get up here and do something that is so uncomfortable for him. Then he shared a sweet, simple, and spiritual testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and families. I wept the whole time. When he sat back down next to me, I held him and cried into his shoulder. I was overwhelmingly proud of him and kept whispering that to him, "I'm so so proud of you!" 

I'm so grateful for my husband. He has always been such an incredible example to our kids. Today was a very big deal to me. And for Spence. I hope you kids recognize what dad did for you today. Follow his lead, step up and step out of your cozy ways. Doing the hard things are scary sometimes, but the growth and confidence are so much bigger than the momentary discomfort & nerves. The gain is worth everything!

After Spencer came down, we sang the closing hymn. Then to our surprise, JC Raney did go up to the pulpit... to say the closing prayer! Dad whispered, "We both went up, just in the wrong order." :) ha ha

-----

Another sweet part of our Sabbath happened after church. Encouraging Perry & Charlie to get their patriarchal blessings has been on our hearts a lot. Dad thought we should have a family devotional about it today. So he gathered the 3 kids on our bed and we watched a talk on the computer. It was called When to Receive Your Patriarchal Blessing by Kazuhiko Yamashita in the April 2023 General Conference. 

Dad asked if they had questions, and Charlie asked a few. We invited Josie to share how it's been helpful for her to have one. Dad shared some special parts from mine and he talked about why it's important for us all to have one. We encouraged them to pray specifically and ask "Heavenly Father, do you think I am ready to get my patriarchal blessing?" If you don't feel calm, peaceful, or get that warm loving feeling... maybe try asking, "What do I need to do or stop doing to be ready?" Then wait on your knees and see what comes to your mind. Maybe you'll think 'I should be more patient with my sibling, or I need to give more time to scriptures, clean up the music I listen to, language I use, etc. And when you are done praying, look at the calendar and pick a day to work for. 

We encouraged the boys to go find a quiet space to be alone. Charlie went off into craft room and took a white noise device. After a while he came out, smiling sweetly and looked pleased. He asked to speak to me privately. Then he shared his special moment with Heavenly Father in prayer. Saying that he asked Him, then when telling me this next part, he teared up. He said "I felt so peaceful and full of joy & love and I know He thinks I'm ready." I held him and cried with him. He said they were happy tears. Then he confided some other important and special things with me and we had a really wonderful talk. Charlie is very good at verbalizing his thoughts and feelings, and it makes it so easy to communicate and know how to support him. It's such a blessing! He said he's ready to get an interview with bishop and get his Patriarchal blessing soon.  I am so so excited for him!

Perry is also praying about when he should receive his. He is about to get his license, has been job hunting, putting out power washing fliers, etc. We know he wants to get his patriarchal blessing and we look forward to him having that sacred & personal "love letter from God" too.

Connecting with Kaden

 Kaden flew home tonight from Utah.  We parked and waited for him in the main airport court. I cried when I saw him come out of the concourse. I held him so tight and couldn’t talk I was crying so much. 

The kids were happy to see him. They hugged, did some show & tell of things that changed since he was gone. They rapid fire caught up on life with everyone talking at once. 

Josie showed him all her crafts and drawings and they bonded over a show they both like called  “digital circus”. He was very sweet praising her art and craft projects. Josie was eager to show them all to him.

Charlie wanted to show him piano songs he’s worked on. Perry wanted to Bro down over memories and songs and jokes. 

It was so lovely to have him home enjoying a meal and laughing around the table.I can’t fully explain what a blessing this is. 

Having us all home together again brings a relief and wholeness like nothing else can. 

We love you Kaden!

Today’s “Why?!”

 Perry stuck all the little bears in the hall light fixture. Why?!

Spring Break 2026

 

Great Girls think alike…

 Lindsay Barbosa & Josie dressed so similar today. Such cute girls! 

New Jeans, Classic Comedy

Once upon a time, I bought a new pair of jeans. Actually “new” as in, I did not get them from a thrift store (…but they were on deep clearance). I didn’t try them on since they were my usual size. I wore them for the first time and I admit, they were a little tighter than I thought they would be. But the husband loved them and the teenage fashionista daughter approved! So I was feeling good. 

That is until I bent over in my front yard, rear end facing the street. I heard a loud “rriiiipp”. I reached back and felt a giant tear, straight down my bum and and completely wide open!! 

The End, of my dignity.

🫣😩😑

Willingness

“The submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar. The many other things we "give," ... are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God's will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is

'truly ours to give!”  --Elder Neal A. Maxwell

I read this quote today and felt the need to record my thoughts on it.

Too often I forget that God never asked me to be successful in my efforts or my obedience. He only asks for my willingness. He asks that I give my heart to Him. It’s not just the only real thing I can give, but it’s the only thing He wants.

And if I give Him my heart, and remember that everything I do is for Him, then I won’t have such burn out or disappointment in my efforts. 

He doesn’t expect us to do it all, fix it all, or achieve it all. That is His job. He is in charge of His work; we are His hands. God just wants our hearts to love Him, and be willing to help within our ability. 

This comforts me. I will need this reminder to have that comfort again the next time I forget. And you kids will need it in your discouraging moments as well. God wants our willingness in this life, not our perfection. ❤️

Josie Band concert

Visit to see Kowboy

 I went on a short trip to see Kaden in Provo. It was so good to see him, feed him, and love on him. 

I love you so much Kaden!

While there I had the chance spend time with Grandma Raya. And even got to run into some of my favorite faces. 

Lunch date to Chik-Fil-A

Dad took the boys on a young men campout. Josie and I had a great time. While eating our chik filA in the parking lot, Jo spilled a little sauce on her shirt. She said “oof I’m a messy eater… but that’s ok, I’m perfect in the sight of the Lord!”

I smiled and excitedly said “Yeah you are, Amen!!”

Jo: “I’m a re-newed Christian… I just went to Chick-fil-A.”

Spoiler Alert

I have never understood the people who read the last chapter of a book before they begin the story. I’ve always enjoyed the adventure of reading along in the characters’ journey. Occasionally I’ve picked up a book whose story seemed it would have a guaranteed happy ending. A couple of times I’ve read to the last page of a story and found such a disappointing end, that I’ve regretted reading it all together. Even saying “Had I known it would be like that, I never would have started the book to begin with…”

But that’s just a story. Often only fiction.

Growing up we have a story planned in our heads for what we want or expect our life to be like “when we grow up”. Fact is: Life rarely goes as we plan. We heard two sisters speak in stake conference this weekend saying that same thing. Others spoke on their journey to Christ and the many difficulties it took to get them there. None of it was as they had planned. And yet…is that not exactly THE plan?

Something else I heard recently that touched my heart: “There is no Plan B.” To add to that I heard Brad Wilcox say on a podcast this week, “Everything that brings us closer to Jesus Christ is a blessing!…” he went on to say that hardships and tragedies and even sins, can be a blessing if we let them turn our hearts to Jesus Christ for help, healing, and forgiveness.

I’ve been struggling so much with the anxieties of raising my children in this ever changing difficult world. Daily the what-ifs creep into my head, they deep fears of failing them, of not doing or being enough, of worrying that I've lost the fight against the adversary. This idea has been consuming me.

I had a therapy session with Marcia French today. I told her last time how much this worry and anxiety over it has affected me. So today she did a guided calming exercise with me. It was awkward at first, and then I was too relaxed that I worried I'd fall asleep. But it was shockingly effective. One of the things that stayed in my mind was a truth I've already known, but gets brushed aside when fear settles in...

I know how our story ends: it is Happily Ever After! Ours is a love story that goes on & on. I know our children will be with us forever. I know they will be ok.

The journey in between right now & the “happily ever after”, too often leads me to forget that truth. All of it is the plan: the highs & lows, the tragedies, the comedies, the blood, the battles, the tears and the joys… and when we close the book on our mortality, I know we end up together, forever.

That has always been and always will be, Plan A. And it's so simple and perfect: Come to earth, learn, grow, and follow Jesus Home together. So there really is no need for a Plan B, is there. :)

Piano Champ Charlie

 Charlie did a brave new thing today: he participated in a piano competition. He performed one memorized Piano Solo, for a judge in a private room. Then he took a written theory test It was a challenge and pushed him out of his comfort zone. He did so well and were proud of him for trying something new and being brave. He was nervous going in, but he was really glad he did it. 

We love you Charlie! 

Josie's Sacrament Talk

 Josie worked hard in writing this talk. She was nervous to stand up and share it. She did so great today! She spoke, slowly & clearly and delivered it so well. We’re so happy for you Angel Face! We love you so. 

Josie’s Talk- (Topic- how scripture study helps us recognize truth and avoid deception-)

Good afternoon, brothers and sisters. My name is Josie Jones. I am in 8^th grade at Fall Creek Jr. High. I have 3 brothers and 2 parents. 😊 I have lived in this ward my whole life. If you’re new here, welcome!

Today I was asked to speak about recognizing truth.

Nowadays, it’s getting harder to distinguish truth from lies, reality from fiction. I’m sure we’ve all seen something that has made us stop and ask ourselves, “Is this AI?” How are we supposed to know what is right and what is a lie disguised as truth?

The easiest and fastest way to find a trusted source of truth is to open the SCRIPTURES! The 8^th Article of Faith states that “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than any other book.”

My family has read the scriptures together my whole life. I have learned the stories and can tell you about them in moderate detail. I have learned from them the result of being wicked and what the blessings of obedience are. I trust that the scriptures are true, but I am still working on gaining my own testimony of them. 😊

In October 2023, Elder John C. Pingree Jr. gave a talk titled Eternal Truth.  He said: “So, what is our understanding of truth in today’s world? We are constantly bombarded with strong opinions, biased reporting, and incomplete data. At the same time, the volume and sources of this information are proliferating. Our need to recognize truth has never been more important!”.

In his talk, he goes on to say: “As we seek eternal truth, the following two questions can help us recognize whether a concept comes from God or from another source: First- Is the concept taught consistently in the scriptures and by living prophets? And second- Is the concept confirmed by the witness of the Holy Ghost?” (Close quote) 😊

Having proof or evidence, is not always necessary to know if something is accurate. What we need is the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is vital in recognizing truth. His job is to guide us to make the right decisions and to discern between TRUTH & ERROR. But how do you know if the promptings you get are from the Spirit or just your own thoughts?

In Galatians 5:22 and 23, we read: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” That means if it’s feels wrong, evil, sickening, or confusing, it is not from God. If it gives a calming, warm, loving feeling or if it “enlightens our minds”, it is from God.

Lies in the world: There are many lies constantly told in today’s world. Being firm in your beliefs and growing your testimony can help you to know what is right and true.

As followers of Christ, it is not enough to recognize and know what is good & true. We also need to defend what is good & true.  😊 We should not have long debates or angry arguments. A simple declaration of what we feel is true, is enough. For example:

When I was in elementary school, I would often read on the bus. Occasionally, I would listen to the conversations around me while I looked down at my book. On one of these such occasions, the two girls in the seat in front of me were having a conversation about ‘Mormons’. One of the girls said to the other: “Yeah, they have, like, multiple wives or something,”. I looked up and said loud enough for them to hear, “What? That’s not true,” and went back to reading my book. The girls turned around and stared at me, confused, but didn’t talk about it again. I knew what they said was not true and I needed to speak up.

So what truths are crucial for us to defend? Here is the list I came up with:

1)      We are all children of Heavenly Parents and They love us

2)      Jesus Christ is our Savior and He loves us as well.

3)      Joseph Smith was a prophet ordained by God. And we have a prophet today!

4)      The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true restored church.

5)      The Scriptures are real records that teach us to follow Jesus.

6)      Families can be together forever!

In speaking of families, another truth that we need to defend is God’s plan for our families.

Family Proclamation: The Family- A Proclamation to the World outlines some of the most important truths we need to stay on the covenant path, especially now, 31 years after the Proclamation was shared. Some of these truths include: Marriage is between a man and a woman, the family is ordained of God, and families can, and will, live together forever, as it says in the classic Primary song.

Conclusion: John 8:32 reads: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Knowing truth gives us the power to confidently make the right decisions and gives us peace of mind in our lives.

God wants us to be happy and be free from the weight of the world.

Satan wants us to be trapped and miserable. But by discerning truth, we can avoid his deception & lies.

Matthew 11:30 – “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

No matter the amount of confusion around us, the Lord will love & guide us through it.

TESTIMONY-

I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet.

I believe I will be with my family forever.

I believe these blessings all come from our Heavenly Father.

 CLOSE- I share this with you in the name…. of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Finish what you start…”

 Abraham- be perfect (whole, complete… finish!)

Sunny Sabbath

 It was a lovely sabbath and the weather was nice. We went for a family walk to the Hamilton Proper trail near the nature preserve. The pond was frozen and quite pretty. Perry couldn’t help but walk on the ice, in spite of my concern/fear for him.

It always feels good to be outside, moving our bodies, and making memories and laughing together. 

We ended the night playing games and staying up later, thanks to Presidents’ Day and no school. ;)

Nate Bargatze

 

We love good clean stand up comedy. And Nate Bargatze has become our favorite the last couple years. So when I randomly saw an ad that he was doing a show Valentine’s Day for his “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour”, I told Spence right away, then I bought tickets for the 5 of us! We waited to tell the kids to surprise them the day of. 

All the opening comedians were family friendly, clean, and Christian. Nic Novicki hosted, and Dusty Slay, Mike E Winfield, & Julian McCullogh did stand up as well.. It was such a great night!!

Charlie didn’t understand all the jokes, but he was a good sport. He didn’t complain. He just rested his head in my lap and 3/4 of the way into Nate’s set, Charlie asked “ When will he be done talking?” Ha ha ha

Un Phased

 I was vacuuming my room when dad came in and asked me to stop for a minute. Then he turned on one of my favorite love songs (“Somebody” by Depeche Mode), and danced with me, alone in our room. It was a romantic and tender moment.

Our door was shut but it didn’t stop our kids from busting in our room and asking for stuff, banging on laundry baskets and going about not registering that their parents wanted some privacy. 

I said to my husband, “They are un-phased.” Then Charlie came over, wrapping his arms around his parents and countered by stating “I’m phased!”

We couldn’t help laughing. 

The Why of Boys

Throughout the entire history of raising boys, one is often compelled to ask the same question over & over…“Why?!” 

Their answer is not usually a well thought explanation, but a simple reply of “Why not?”, “Because I can.” or “I had to try it.”

A thought enters their mind and they must see it though, regardless of reason, logic, or (too often) safety. 

Today it was Perry that lead me to ask “Why?!” He gathered all the laundry baskets in the house and created this safety hazard. His answer was “Why not.” Every time I passed by he added more baskets. 

Experience has taught me there is no way to avoid the “why?!” moments.  In recent years I’ve opted to let them see through these impulsive undertakings. Then use the moments as opportunities to teach them life lessons. And what is today’s lesson? = We have too many laundry baskets. 

(*update: 15 mins after posting this, Perry added even more baskets!)

Josie & Daddy’s Valentines Date

 

Josie’s Super Power

 I drafted this post in an email last year and forgot to post it. This is even more true a year later. This last Sunday in a combined youth meeting, the adults told me after that Josie was quick to raise her hand with the answers. It also helped that they were handing out candy for participation ha ha! Our girl has quite the sweet tooth. But more importantly, she has an incredible mind that absorbs facts and information and stories.

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The other day i was thinking about Josie and had this realization that one great super power she has, is knowledge! She knows so many things and often will share them at the perfect time. When asked how she knew that, she says, "I read it." She reads everything and anything: books of all kinds, magazines that come in the mail, catalogs, ads, recipe books... she loves to read! And reading gives her knowledge. 

She is especially knowledgeable with scripture stories. It's amazing what she remembers and retains from our family scripture study, and hopefully her personal study as well. I told her all of this yesterday while we were in the car during Charlie's piano lesson. I told her how amazing a gift it is and encouraged her to always continue learning and to use her knowledge to do much good in her life.

This morning I was just reading in the Annotated Book of Mormon by Grant Hardy that dad gave me for Christmas. I'm reading in 1 Nephi ch 11. Here Nephi had prayed to have a witness for himself of his father Lehi's vision of the "Tree of Life". And Nephi receives a vision, where the Spirit of the Lord speaks with him. He shows Nephi things and asks him questions about what he sees and understands. Nephi desires knowledge; wanting to know the interpretation (v. 11). The footnote of this annotated copy says "Nephi instead asks for knowledge, which in the end will cause him considerable grief (ch. 15.5; 2Ne 26.7). As with the tree of knowledge of good and evil in Genesis, knowledge can be exceedingly valuable, but it comes at a price." 

I understand it’s important for her to learn everything she can about how the world works. I just want to preserve & protect her ignorant bliss as long as possible. Sometimes Josie shares topics she’s learned that are hard. Things I wish I could protect her from. Things I wish didn’t even exist.

Nephi saw the future destruction of his people and the tragedies of the world. Often times knowing things can be heavy. But it can absolutely help us prepare for what’s ahead. Which is one way knowledge can be powerful!

Knowing what’s ahead can bring relief and calm, even when we know the outcome isn’t pleasant. Many times the “not-knowing” is far more stressful and painful. 

Knowing another person well gives us strength to trust, to build a relationship, to have real connection. There is power in connection and loving relationships.

Knowing the scriptures gives us power of understanding right and wrong. 

Knowing God and Jesus Christ allows us to lean on their love, strength, and power.