Grandma Lee 💕

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.

——-

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.

The Itsy-frosty spider…

 

We’ve had below freezing temperatures for over a week. This morning while the dryer vent released warm moist air, it passed this old spider web. The moisture clung to the strands and froze. We’d never noticed the web before,  but it looks creepy cool!

We just need to ask!

 So here’s a story about how I feel dumb…

I have had a swollen ligament in my right foot for a couple weeks. Due to dance exercise in bare feet and improper shoes while walking on a track. 

It had been about 2 weeks and I was frustrated at how long my foot was taking to heal; I was stir crazy resting it. 

It hurt so bad all Sunday. I went to say my prayer before bed complaining and realized, I hadn’t asked God to help my foot heal. Spencer has been praying for it, but I had no memory of asking that for myself. So feeling like “oh duh!” I asked Him. And guess what…

I woke up Monday: no pain! Walked on it all day, no crutches, no wrap, no pain! And still no pain today!! God is so loving!

He may not always grant the things we want in the time we want it. But I know He has, He does, and He will answer the righteous desires of our hearts!

Matthew7:7 “Ask⁠, and it shall be given you; seek⁠, and ye shall find; knock⁠, and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

New kitchen table

 

Spenc and I have always liked raw edge tables. He thought it would be cool to have one, but I didn’t think it was feasible: financially or space wise. But he researched it and found a cool place called Urban Indy Wood. The owner uses wood from local Indiana trees; he rescues discarded trees that would just get mulched, and makes them into furniture!

We learned the process was more reasonable than expected, AND when we picked it up, it was even less than the quote price! 

The process is so cool. I asked him for a tour and it was awesome. We loved getting to have our table custom made: We hand picked the maple tree wood slab, we decided the dimensions, the stain color, the fill color, the legs… it was exciting!

Next up, we need to buy chairs…

Birth… what?

 While I was re-organizing the craft room, Charlie said “I’ve never looked inside the file cabinet… can I?”

 I opened it for him and he saw the folders with our names on them. Inside are our legal documents. Pointing to his birth certificate, Charlie asked  “Are these our birthrights?” 

Ha ha!! He’s clearly been raised a scripture reading Christian! 

Snowed-in Sunday & Carpet Monster

We got hit with a big snow storm and it was just what our family needed this weekend. Snow began last night and didn’t let up until a couple hours ago. According to weather.com, it snowed 20.5”! It’s so pretty and it kept us cozy at home with all plans canceled. Sadly with church canceled we didn’t get to take the sacrament. But dad gave a great Come Follow Me lesson. It was supposed to be for his first lesson as deacons adviser, but it made for a wonderful at home church discussion. The spirit was sweet and we all learned something new. 

Josie asked if we could play “Carpet Monster” after dinner. It’s been a long time since we played this game dad invented in the old house. Probably 2 years since it made an appearance. When Jo suggested it, everyone was in! We played hard and ran around laughing! I won as carpet monster… twice, ha ha! But it was an amazing effort by all. I was in awe at how much the kids have grown physically and in their reflex & agility skills. They’re all taller, stronger and faster. Perry was leaping clean over the monsters! Charlie had a wicked two arm spin sweep approach to tag us, and Josie has fast long legs… but her usual sneak-up-on-you ninja skills weren’t working tonight, she couldn’t stop laughing! When Jo & Perry were in the jail corner, Perr held Josie out at an angle so dad could reach to tag/rescue them. Each time the three kids were able to rescue their siblings from jail, it was cute to see how they held arms or hands until they were in the safety zone. 

Refresher on How to play: one person is "it" as the monster. Everyone else is trying to run kiddie-corner in and out of the library doors. They have to pass through untouched to get a point. The carpet monster has to remain on knees or sitting; can't stand or chase on foot. If youre tagged by the monster, you sit in jail in the opposite corner of the room. Another player can run and tag the jailed players and bring them back in the game. If everyone gets in jail, the monster wins. We usually state a number of points to reach to beat the carpet monster. Typically it's 10 points. Win or lose, everyone has a great time!

A good Sabbath day

 It was so special to see our baby Charlie pass the Sacrament for the first time. He was smiling and we were all watching him feeling so much love. He told me afterwards how good it felt to pass the sacrament. Charlie your heart is so pure and full of goodness. 

He also went to his first BYD(bishop youth devotional) at Bishop Gerstner’s house. Since daddy serves as a deacons adviser now, he attends the youth events with our kids. I asked Perr and Jo to look out for him there. When the arrived home, I knew Charlie had a good time because he was chanting “BYD, BYD!” as if it was his favorite sports team! He ran up to me and hugged me. He told me all about how fun it was and what he learned and playing hide and seek with Josie and the other younger youth. It made my heart so happy. 

Perry has been trying to step up and be a good example. Tonight when Jo and chuck were fighting at dinner, he pulled Josie aside and gave her tips on how to resolve it. It was beyond heartwarming. I felt so much gratitude for Perry and his efforts.

These three fight and laugh and play together and fight, on repeat. But we know they truly do love each other.

Into the Vortex

 Years ago Josie started a book idea called “Into the Vortex”. She created a cover and wrote a gripping back cover intro, about a girl named Maya Yousefi. But that’s as far as she got. Dad has been encouraging her to write the whole story. But pretty sure she lost interest before junior high.

Tonight she and I were looking at Pinterest haircuts, when we were shocked to see this ad for a book called (can you guess??) “Into the  Vortex”!! I said “ Oh no!” And Josie gruffly growled “They took it from meee!!” But it wasn’t her usual spunky voice; she said “meee” in an octave lower and beast-like! It startled me and we both couldn’t stop laughing!

Well Jo, I think you should still give us your book of the same title. We’re still so curious to know what came of Maya Yousefi!

My Heavenly Hunk

My go-to snack is a bag of Heavenly Hunks. It’s dairy free and delicious. 

Spence and I were heading out to go pick up Josie from her friend’s party. I grabbed the bag with me and offered one to Spence, saying “Do you want a Heavenly Hunk?” He replied, “It’s kind of hard to be one and eat one!” 

I laughed and agreed that must be true. Cuz look at that face. 

Scrabble mommy vs Josie

 Josie asked to play me in scrabble. I let her start us off and go first. She put down the word ‘zoo’. Z was on a double letter score in the last O was on a double letter score too. So a three little letters she earned 23 points! We were both pretty confident that she was going to win this game. But then I busted out the word ‘monotone’ on the edge of the board. I played it over 2 triple Word, score tiles, and one double letter score tile. Earning me 99 points for one word!! She didn’t want to play with me anymore, ha ha!

Dad often says “if we play a word game, mom is gonna ways win.” :) The day the kids beat me at boggle, scrabble, etc will be a wonderful core memory for both of us! 

On another note, she borrowed her daddy’s favorite sweatshirt to wear to school today. She looked cozy, cute, and felt close to daddy all day. 

Star jeans by Charlie

 

Josie is loving the jeans Charlie made her for Christmas! She looks so so cute in them!

Deacon Charlie!

 Today was very special. Charlie received the Aaronic priesthood from his dad and joined the deacons quorum. He was so excited! He kept smiling and saying “I have butterflies!” I get to be his Sunday school teacher this year and we are both looking forward to it. He did great in class. He was so sweet and eager to be ordained. He told us afterward “This feels just like my baptism day!” He could feel the spirit testifying of this special and sacred step in his life, and I’m so grateful he is in tuned to His influence.

We always had our kids start fasting at 8years old, but just one meal. But when they join the youth, they do full fasts with us. Last night he said “I get to do a full fast tomorrow!” and was actually looking forward to it! Such a pure soul. 

We love you so much Charlie! We are so happy for you and so proud of you. 

Family Fun! Hoosier Heights

 

I love being on break from school and work as a family. Getting to do fun and challenging things is awesome! Everyone enjoyed climbing at Hoosier Heights. Somehow it was dad’s first time here. We usually go with him to Climb Time. With my shoulder still hurting I opted to be photographer instead of climber today. Still fun for me to cheer on my family!

I love you guys!!

Anniversary Get Away

To celebrate our 20 years of marriage, we rented a place near Turkey Run/Shades parks. We stayed at a beautiful barn-dominion “barndo” (play on condo). It was so peaceful and quiet and exactly what we needed. They had a private hot tub outdoor behind the barn. We sat in it while the snow gently fell and it was so very nice. So calming and peaceful. 

It was far removed from all towns and cities, among farms and Amish country. We brought our own food and didn’t leave the rental except for one short outing. We were going to check out an Amish bakery but it ended up being closed. So we went to Fishers Bulk Goods (had nothing to do with the city we live in). The store had mixed reviews on Google Maps. We went in and knew immediately that the reviews of it being weird 

Our 20th Anniversary

 Twenty years of...

Laughing harder than anyone else has ever made me laugh.

Crying harder than anyone else has ever let me cry.

Knowing our hearts, our opinions, our fears, our deep dark secrets, and our whole souls are safe with the other.

The sweetest, softest lips to kiss. 

Feeling complete in your arms.

Accidentally hurting each other's feelings, and talking it out ‘til its better.

Working on home improvements together.

Working on marriage improvements together.

Communicating, sharing, apologizing.

Always putting the other first.

Burying my face in your chest when I'm embarrassed.

Soaking your shirt with my tears when I’m sorrowful. 

Warming my cold feet on your furnace legs.

Falling asleep in my spot on your chest, with your arm around me.

Waking up to your voice, and seeing your handsome face awakening me for scriptures & praying over me.

Missing each other with an ache that is only satisfied when we're together again.

Holding the strongest, hardest working, yet most gentle & smooth, hands.

Growing and stretching through challenging trials together. 

Putting in the work to increase faith in our God, and inspiring each other to be even better.

Fighting with each other and for each other.

Trusting, lifting, supporting, and falling deeper in love everyday.

Knowing I am home wherever you are.

Twenty years of us. 

I love you forever and for all eternity, Spence!