May 2025 Final Recap (ER and Aubree back)

May ended up being a much busier month than anticipated. On Monday, May 12th, Will got his braces off, which he was happy about.  We let him choose where to have dinner and he chose Texas Roadhouse. That was the beginning of craziness for the month and we had no idea.  The next day, Tuesday Jake woke up sick and I called into work for him. He had been sick through the night.  That afternoon, he felt prompted to go to urgent care and had the thought "gallbladder".  He want and the physician told him it sounded like gallbladder issues or kidney stones and ordered an ultrasound for the following day.  On Wednesday, he felt well enough to go back to work and after school he went for his ultrasound. His stomach was not 100% bet he felt it was probably just filling back up and nothing more. Thursday was a typical day but Friday after lunch, he received a call while at school from the urgent care telling him the ultrasound results show gall bladder issues and he needed to go to the Emergency room and not go through the weekend with it.  Reluctantly, he left work and picked up the ultrasound results to take to our primary care doctor, who also saw the results and said to go the ER to request a CT Scan and will most likely go into surgery for the gall bladder to be removed.  He called me and I took the remainder of the day off work to take him.  Our Friday evening (over 7 hours) was spent in the ER, with about 5.5 of those in the waiting room. But I was able to chat with several people and let people borrow my phone charger since we had anticipated to spend the night, I had a couple.  We were finally called back to a room and a CT Scan ordered. The results came back good and no issues.  

Now, I shared that to lead to this point- God is a God of miracles!  I feel that Jake has extra protection as he serves diligently as bishop. Our family receives blessings. Now when he is released, we may have thyroid and gall-bladder issues, but for now, the Lord sees fit to have him serve and keep him healthy.  We have no explanation as to why the ultrasound showed something entirely different than the CT Scan and why two medical doctors, said go to the ER, except for but GOD. He watches over us and is a God of tender mercies and miracles. 

The month of May began with 5 of us at home and is ending with 6 of us at home. On Saturday, 5/24, I flew out to get Aubree. We left her apartment in Logan about 8:00am Sunday for our 1600 mile trek and arrived in Memphis about 6:15pm on Monday 5/27.  It was a very hard decision for her and she still hopes to get into the Utah State nursing program (she is currently an alternate).  The first weekend of May, she had told us she had decided to stay in Utah and attend Weber State. This decision would require student loans, and attending UTHSC would not, but we let her choose. On Tuesday (4/29) before we boarded the plane for Florida, we went over cost by cost for her between Weber State's nursing program and UTHSC's nursing program.  UTHSC should be debt free but Weber State would be over $10,000 debt was our best guess.  However, on Friday night when she had called to tell us she was staying in Weber and get her ADN, we said okay. However later that night, I looked up and discovered that Weber was an Associates degree, something she had failed to mention.  So Jake called and had a stern conversation with her.  Yes, it is dumb to go into debt for a lesser degree but we were most upset she withheld that information from us.  We were under the impression this entire time, it was a BSN like Utah State and UTHSC. Long story short, the next week she withdrew and on Sunday 5/18, she said we could come get her on 5/25 to come home for the summer (in hopes of the alternate position opening at USU) or to plan to attend school here as she has been accepted. It worked out because my parents were driving back from ID this same week and were able to grab a couple totes as well.  I know it is not ideally what she wants and I hope she does not have hard feelings for us but I almost feel it was a catch 22...she would be upset if we pushed for her to come back home and attend school or in the future upset because we did not push for it if debt was acquired.  Regardless, I am glad she is here for now and hope she finds joy in whatever course her path becomes. 

I like when he sends me photos too.....I'm a blessed lady!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Mother's Day song

 Christopher wrote me a song for Mother's day and had his dad play, while he sang it.  He sang it to the tune of "Forever" by Nathan Pacheco.

Mom’s song

Through all my trails and fears. 

You remained with me for years. 

Through every tear, you helped me grow 

You always loved me

You stayed and cared for me

You eased all my trials every time

 

You’re the best mom ever

You never looked away

From all the pain you took from us

I’ll always be so glad

You brightened up my days

Your hope for me kept me going

 

You are my hero

Full of kindness and hope

Your perfect love cannot be broken 

With you I’ll never bend

With you I’ll never break

You’ve always been my, my strength

 

I will always love you

I will share my joy with you

I will never leave you

I will cherish you, I will cherish you

 

You are my hero

Full of kindness and hope

Your perfect love cannot be broken 

With you I’ll never bend

With you I’ll never break

You’ve always been my strength

 

I will always love you

I will share my joy with you

I will never leave you

I’ll cherish you, I’ll cherish you

  

I’ll remember you

I’ll remember you

I’ll remember you

You gave up so much

 

I’ll remember you

I’ll remember you

I’ll remember you

You gave up so much

 

I’ll remember you

I’ll remember you

I’ll remember you

You gave up so much

 

I’ll remember you

I’ll remember you

I’ll remember you

You gave up so much

 

I will always love you

I will share my joy with you

I will never leave you

I’ll cherish you, I’ll cherish you

 

You are the best

You are the best

You are the best

You are the best

May 2025 begins

The month started with my work trip to Ft. Lauderdale, and this time Jake was able to join me.  Everything seems to be better for me when he is around. We ate each evening together, walked along the beach, sat by the pool, sat on the beach and watched the Blue Angels practice, and enjoyed one another's company.  We arrived back home a couple of days before our 24th anniversary. The past few years we have eaten at Happy Mexican for our anniversary but changed it up a touch this year because there was a large party happening in the parking lot and we did not want go through the crowd or have a long wait. So, in the spirit of aging together, we went to Lowes and then to Olive Garden for dinner.  I am very blessed to be married to Jake, he is patient with my weaknesses and exemplifies what an eternal companion and father should be.  He, not only blesses my life, but the lives of others daily.  He is my person!

At the airport waiting to leave

Aubree sent a picture of a concert she went to.  I always enjoy getting pictures of my babies. 

Easter 2025

Yes, I am behind on my entries but I do joy down in my planner the things I need to update and record, although I am certain I miss much.  Easter (4/20/2025) service was beautiful at church. I loved hearing "He is Risen" so many times. Jake and the boys all three sang in the choir and Ginny joined me at church. Naturally I missed Aubree and I am thankful that she is welcomed by people in Utah and invited to join others but I would prefer her with me. We had my parents and Rebekah's family over for lunch after church, along with a less active member, widowed male, 2 of Ginny's friends, and the sister missionaries. It was a diverse group and maybe even a little chaotic at times but is that not what the Savior would do....welcome people from all walks of life at His table.  I find joy in being kind to others and trying to help them, even though I often fall short.  I am glad to know that I hope for and believe in a God of 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th chances.  There are times when I feel feeble but no reason to doubt God as there would be no good in that. He lives and has provided a way for my family to be together forever!  

On a different note, I bought the boys each new suits.  Originally Christopher did not want one but changed his mind when I made a return.  I am not sure if changed because he liked that it was in the men's section but either way, he got one.  Both my boys looked so very handsome! 

 

Christophe and his friend, Jonah Donald convinced Ginny to buy them a little pool to hang out in. 

  

 

Jake's Ward Conference Talk

Behold the Field is White

I shared one of my favorite Book of Mormon stories at Cece’s baptism the other day.  It is the story of Ammon and King Lamoni.  See Ammon went on a mission to share the gospel with King Lamoni and his people.  Just like what happens on missions, Ammon grew to love King Lamoni even though he had only served for a short time.   The king grew to trust Ammon, and Ammon was able to share the gospel with him, which the king was overjoyed to receive.  Then, acting on a prompting from the spirit, Ammon asked to travel to another part of the land to help out some other missionaries that came out with him.  King Lamoni joined him, and on their journey they happened to come across King Lamoni’s father, the king over all the land.  The King was angered to see Lamoni traveling with Ammon as he was from a people whom they considered enemies.  In what seemed like a pretty quick escalation, swords were drawn.  In short order, Ammon had made the king yield.  This is what is recorded of that moment, “Now the king, fearing for his life, said: If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom.”  Ammon did not want his kingdom, but simply sought for freedom for his fellow missionaries and freedom for King Lamoni to worship God and lead his people.  King Lamoni’s father was touched by this act of love and asked to be taught by Ammon after he freed his missionary companions.  Ammon would not see the king again but sent his missionary companion, Aaron, to teach the king.  Aaron shared the wonderful truths of the atonement of Jesus Christ.  This is what is recorded of the king’s reaction, “And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may not be cast off at the last day?  Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.”  For his life, the king offered half of his kingdom.  For the joy of the gospel, he offered to give everything.

These stories are recorded not as a history of a people from millennia ago, but as testaments to the joy that is available to each one of us.  There is great joy in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Story after story in the scriptures testify of the joy that come from accepting Jesus into our life and covenanting with God to live the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

What do you love most about the gospel?  Is it the friends you see each week?  Is it the strength you receive as you read the Book of Mormon?  Is it the love you feel from our Savior as you partake of the sacrament?  Is it the peace you have found in the temple?  Is it the joy you feel knowing that you can be with your family forever?   Is it the comfort of having the holy ghost as a constant companion to help you through life?  What is it that keeps you coming back each and every week?

I am reminded of the scripture in Alma 5.  

Alma 5:14, 26

And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God?  Have you received his image in your countenances?  Have ye experienced this mighty change of hearts?

And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can you feel so now?

I want to share an experience of redeeming love I recently had.  The stake invited everyone to take part in a 40 day fast.  Families could sign up to fast one of the 40 days of lent specifically to help increase the love in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities.  The bishopric decided to add an additional invitation for the youth of our ward to participate in a lent fast in which we would give up something for the 40 days with the intent to be deliberate about drawing closer to God.  Being young myself, I joined the youth in this fast.  I decided to give up TV for the 40 days.  In place of TV I decided to read the Book of Mormon in Spanish.  I will be the first to tell you that I did not believe that simply giving up TV would have a significant impact on my soul.  Now I knew the Book of Mormon is a book of miracles, but I felt that my study was sufficient already.  In short, I thought my little sacrifice would have little impact.  I could not have been more wrong.  My life was changed.  My whole soul seemed to fill with the words of God’s love as I read the Book of Mormon in Spanish.    I was overwhelmed by His Spirit.  I had evil rooted out of my breast.  I felt my Savior’s redeeming love.   And I am not the only one.  

Now what do I do with the love I have felt?  There is only one answer and that is to share it.  I cannot keep the love I have felt from the Savior to myself no more than the healed lepers could keep to themselves that they had been cleansed by the Savior.  

When I was in high school, I ran cross country for one year.  My first meet was in Seminole, Texas.  I grew up in perhaps the flattest place on the entire Earth.  There is not a single hill within 40 miles of my hometown, not even an incline.  Except in Seminole.  As the team was warming up the coach walked up to me and pointed to the hill.  He said something along the lines of, “Jake you are tall and have long legs.  You see that hill?  I want you to lengthen your stride when you get to that hill.”  As I surveyed the course there were plenty of places I thought I could lengthen my stride, and none of them included the hill.  The race started and I was quickly out of breath.  As I reached the hill, my heart was racing, and my legs were burning.  But I lengthened my stride.  Man, I started passing other runners left and right.  I started running so fast that hair was just flying off my head.  My first race was a success in large part because on the most difficult part I lengthened my stride.

What can we do if we lengthen our stride?  As I have pondered on the message I should share with you today, this is the scripture that keeps coming to my mind over and over again.  

D&C 4:4  For behold, the field is white already to harvest: and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul.

I want to extend an invitation to each of you, my friends.  You are the most amazing congregation, and I have been blessed to be your bishop.  I love you dearly.  My invitation is for you to find what brings you the most joy in this beautiful gospel, and to share that joy with someone else.  Invite people to do what has brought you joy.  Invite your friend to the temple, invite them to read the scriptures, invite them to pray, invite them to come to church.  Jump in with both feet in being part of this great work.  The field is ready to harvest.

I leave with you a promise and a blessing as your bishop.  My promise is that your joy will increase and your love will grow as you invite others to walk the covenant path with you.  Your soul will expand and your life will be changed.  I bless you as your bishop that as you invite others to walk with you that you will have an added measure of the Spirit in your life to help you through your challenges, to bring peace into your homes, and to bind you closer to our Savior.

D&C 18: 15-16

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

I love you.  As poor as I may be at showing that love, I do love you.  God loves you.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Church is hard

 Going to church is hard for me. Some Sundays I come home and do not want to go back. There are days when I do not think before I speak and after I leave, I feel immediate regret for saying it or expressing an opinion/feeling. At times I leave feeling less and that I do not make positive contributions. I would never want to make anyone feel uncomfortable at church nor they don’t belong. 

Yet, I know I must keep going. I must go because church is where I need to be and I can do hard things. 

Today, I mentioned to a couple of the homeschool moms I was offended or hurt by the recent play because my boy wasn’t invited to participate. Additionally, the handbook says the church is to not be used for any homeschool activities and it was clearly homeschool, not a community event as they stated. A couple hours after church, it dawned on me that I shouldn’t bring up homeschool and church because I don’t want to be a factor or contributing factor for someone to quit coming to church. And if I was hurt about my child, then they be hurt about their child because homeschool is their life. 

After church, the boys and I went to the singles branch to hear Ginny’s talk. She did a great job on how Mary Magdeline and Barabbus must have felt but that the Savior met them and loved them where they were. She also said the same Savior that walked the Earth during their time is the same one that is here for us today and He loves us. 

It was ward conference for our ward today and Jake likewise gave a great talk. I felt edified then after church made stupid comments. 

A good boy

So often I speak of how challenging my boy can be, and he is, but there is so much goodness about him too and I can tell he is really trying right now.  Yesterday we had a family over for dinner and their daughter (about 10-11 years old, I am guessing) had a melt down and would not come in the house.  Her parents allowed her to sit in the car, Will, my sweet Will, made her a plate of food and took it out to the car to her and sat with her a minute to check on her. In that moment, I knew at the end of the day and the struggles we have now, everything will be okay because his heart is in the right place and that is what matters. 

This past weekend was stake conference and the prior was general conference. I very much enjoyed general conference, there were several really good messages, a phrase form one in particular I have used a few times these past couple weeks when I feel misunderstood or down. I simply say "Not today, Satan" and it feels a touch better. The question I had on my hear this general conference was about parenting, specifically the best course of action for Jake and I with Will.  There were talks that reminded me of the worth of him and not to give up, but now that I think about it, I think yesterday's act of love from him towards another was an answer as well.  

I have been a little more fiesty than usual this past week and fear I make things more difficult for my Jake.  I do not want to hold him back nor make his life (and calling) more challenging.  I want to do better as well, so maybe I will talk to Will and we can work together to do better. 

On a different note, Aubree was able to see Charity over the weekend unexpectedly. I was happy to get pictures of that.  Aubree also visited Idaho and saw my brothers over General Conference weekend.  I always enjoy getting pictures from those and of my Aubree.