Fast Sunday

Well, I guess I'm one of those few people who happen to love fast Sunday. However, I haven't been able to fast for like a year and a half counting the time I was pregnant and now am still nursing. This results in me missing fasting quite a bit. I miss getting to forgo food and spend that time on more spiritual things. I can't remember missing a fast Sunday since I was like eight, but maybe my memory's just faulty. I only remember having a snack before dinner the first time I was fasting, but then I felt bad for eating when everyone else was waiting so I didn't do that again. I even was fasting when I was in France and that was the day we were scheduled to visit Le Mont Saint Michel so I couldn't go to church because we were going to an abbey instead.
I guess maybe fasting is harder for some people than others, because for years of primary and young women's and in the singles ward, and now in my own family, I couldn't figure out why everyone was so crabby and complaining so much. I guess it mostly bothers me this much to hear everyone's complaints about something they "have to do" that I would love to do but can't do until Edmund is completely weened or maybe once he's down to only nursing once a day. I guess a lot of people just spend the day in bed because they feel they have no energy since they didn't have any food, but I wish I could do more of the hour long scripture studying or the journaling I used to do instead of eating. Now I have to fit it in when I can, usually when Edmund's napping. 

In trying to make sure I had spelled forgo right I discovered that forego and forgo are two different words.

Talk in church Sept 2013

A lot of people told me it was a good talk even though it doesn't sound very spectacular to me. It's just regular old stuff. The talk by Elder Nelson is "Catch the Wave," Ensign, May 2013 here:

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/05/catch-the-wave?lang=eng

    In conference in April, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a talk about the Restoration of the gospel, eternal families, and missionary work. I'm going to start with what he said in conclusion: “I thank God and His Son, Jesus Christ, for the Restoration and its power to propel a magnificent wave of truth and righteousness across the earth. May we catch this wave and fulfill the Lord’s command to take the gospel 'to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,' I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” In his talk he gives ways that people in their various circumstances can catch this wave of missionary work. He encourages young men and women to be worthy of mission calls and encourages teenagers to “embrace [their] new curriculum and teach one another the doctrine of Jesus Christ” saying “Now is your time to prepare to teach others about the goodness of God.” He stresses the importance of preparing for your advanced education before your mission. If you apply to your college or university of choice before going on your mission, you can often get a deferral so you won't have to worry about where you'll go to school when you get back. He also encourages adults and senior couples to help the “spiritual, physical, and financial preparation of future missionaries.” We can save money and plan for a future time when we can go on missions. We could also send our money to the General Missionary Fund.

    Elder Nelson advises us, especially those on the ward council and the ward mission leaders, to “help [the missionaries] to fill their daily planners with focused and meaningful teaching opportunities.” We can work on finding those who are ready to talk to the missionaries. He encourages parents and teachers to “prepare our rising generation to be worthy of missionary service” and to lead exemplary lives. If we can be an example and draw the interest of friends or neighbors, we need to be ready to answer why we live as we do. Elder Nelson instructs, “Be ready to give a reason for the hope and joy that they see in you. When such questions come, you might respond by saying, 'Let’s ask the missionaries! They can help us! And if you desire, I will be at your side as the missionaries respond and teach you.'” If we live our religion, those around us will see it. Be ready to talk about things if they ask. The prophet Joseph Smith said of missionary work, “We don't ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more. What if all the world should embrace this gospel? They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon the people, which is the desire of my whole soul” (History of the Church, 5:259). We want to share the truths of the restored gospel with everyone in the world to bring them the joy that the gospel brings us.

    This wave of missionary work started with the Restoration which started with the First Vision where the prophet Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Elder Nelson explains, “our living God is a loving God! He wants His children to know Him and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent! And He wants His children to gain immortality and eternal life!” In the Bible, the apostle Peter spoke of this time of restoration, saying, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:19-21). I know Christ and the Father did appear to Joseph Smith and usher in the Restoration of His gospel. To live His gospel is to follow His example, to have faith, to repent, to be baptized, and to receive the Holy Ghost (A of F 1:4, D&C 39:6, 3 Ne 27:13-14,21).

   Due to the Restoration we now have The Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ and gives an account of the former inhabitants of this continent and contains the fulness of the everlasting Gospel, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants (JSH 1:34). Included in the Restoration was the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, “knowledge and essential ordinances for salvation and exaltation”, and teachings about tithing. I add my testimony to Elder Nelson's that you will be blessed for obedience to the law of tithing.

    Also restored were teachings about baptism for the dead and the plan of happiness, and priesthood keys for the gathering of Israel and the sealing authority. Temple work was restored. The prophet Joseph Smith had a brother who had died before the church was restored; In the Doctrine and Covenants he said, “Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;” Elder Nelson joys that “Ordinances for our deceased ancestors are now performed vicariously in 141 temples throughout the world! There is no other way to offer salvation to our ancestors who died without a knowledge of the gospel!” In the Doctrine and Covenants Joseph Smith taught about needing to link the fathers and the children and how these ordinances were “prepared before the foundation of the world, for the salvation of the dead who should die without a knowledge of the gospel” (D&C 128:5).

    Through the restoration we know that families can be together forever. The family relationships we nurture on earth can last eternally. Couples can be sealed in the temples of God and have their children sealed to them. We can provide this same opportunity to generations past through temple work and family history. The words of a primary song can help me express my joy in the knowledge of eternal families:

I have a fam'ly here on earth.

They are so good to me.

I want to share my life with them through all eternity.

Fam'lies can be together forever
Through Heav'nly Father's plan.

I always want to be with my own family,

And the Lord has shown me how I can.

(Children's Song Book, Families Can Be Together Forever, 188)

I am exceedingly glad about this part of Heavenly Father's plan: that those we know and love in this life, especially those who are closest to us, will not be lost after death.

    I'll wrap up with a couple of my favorite quotes from Elder Nelson. “Our inquiring friends and neighbors not of our faith can also catch the wave. We encourage them to keep all that is good and true in their lives. And we invite them to receive more, especially the glorious truth that through God’s eternal plan, families can be together forever.” “Together, members and missionaries invite all to learn of God, of Jesus Christ, and of His gospel. Each inquiring individual should seek earnestly and pray fervently for the assurance that these things are true. The truth will be manifest by the power of the Holy Ghost.” I need to add my testimony that I know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there for us. I know that through God's plan of redemption we can be saved from our sinful fallen state. As Alma taught his son Corianton in Alma ch.42, through the Atonement and repentance we can be reclaimed from the spiritual death brought by the fall. We can be with our loved ones again after our mortal lives have ended. I know this is the true church and want others to know what I know. I hope I can live in such a manner that I will draw others to Christ and His Restored Church. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Asher's work coins

We've been struggling to get Asher to want to get his work done. We're tired of the crabbing about how much he hates chores and homework, and him having to get up early in the morning because he didn't finish his homework, etc. So here's the plan for the fake coins I made.
 

Conversion:

4 silver KJ's = 1 gold KJ

Earnings:

Chore = 1 gold KJ

Piano practicing = 1 gold KJ

Scripture reading = 1 gold KJ

Homework = 1 gold KJ

Reading = 1 gold KJ

Laundry = 1 silver KJ

Shower = 1 silver KJ

Pajamas = 1 silver KJ

Bathroom = 1 silver KJ

Brush teeth = 1 silver KJ

Costs:

Dinner = 4 gold KJs                 6:00-7:00

Peanut butter = 2 gold KJs       7:00-7:30

Dessert = 2 gold KJs

Candy = 2 gold KJs

After bedtime = 1 silver KJs

Note:

Sunday's Dinner and Dessert are free.

write a story 1 Bob

One app that I have on my phone is a kids math app, and after like every five problems it pops up a random prize picture. By taking the first four things that pop up, you get random ideas for a story writing exercise.

Write a story about...

a pail and shovel

a cruise ship

strawberry ice cream

fireworks

  Once there was a man named Bob. For his 25^th birthday his parents bought him a ticket for a cruise in hopes that he would find a girlfriend. Bob didn't think a cruise ship would be the best place to meet the woman of his dreams, since he thought most of the people would be of the married variety celebrating an anniversary or on their honeymoons. But who would turn down a free cruise? So he went.

  And he couldn't complain; the ship had a giant swimming pool and all you could eat free food. Therefore he spent a lot of time by the pool with a dish of strawberry ice cream in hand. Well, that is when he wasn't swimming, because ice cream in the pool could have been messy.

  Often the ship would stop so people could spend the day on shore at various sea side towns. One of their stops had a particularly nice beach which was hosting sand castle contests. Bob decided to buy a pail and shovel and participate. He made lots of towers and wings on a very large sprawling castle. He only came in 5^th, but he did enjoy the competition quite a bit.

  The last night of the cruise was celebrated with fireworks, and the next morning everyone got off at their final destination.

Story Niva 4

  At her tiny house, Niva got little pieces of wood and bark to fill in the little holes in the roof. Then she finished making her bed by putting fresh leaves and grass in a bag like a mattress. When she was done she was hungry.

  She flew out to the small orchard to get an apple. She wanted to get the apple back to her house, but wasn't sure how. The apple was as big as her, it would be a very, very long flight if she tried. She didn't want to have to call upon her extra fairy strength for such an every day thing as brunch. Fairy strength took time to replenish, and who knew when she would actually need it.

  She called to Tabby and asked if he would give her a ride with the apple. She got the apple and dropped down onto Tabby's back. As they walked across the backyard to her oak tree home, she saw the next door neighbor Mrs. Fielder heading up the road towards her human family's house. She took her apple home, ate a bit of it, and flew close to the house.

  Mrs. Fielder was talking about her baby girl to Josaphine. Her baby was sick and Josaphine decided to go help care for her. When she left, Niva hoped she might leave something open for Niva to read. Niva waited till Josaphine had talked to Bob who was still out working before heading inside the house. In the family room she found an open cook book that Josaphine must have been reading. Niva would have to build a kitchen onto her house before she could try any recipes, but it was still an interesting way to spend the day.

  At lunch time Bob came in to fix a sandwich, so Niva took up her observation from the window ledge till he took a bathroom break. Then she fixed up a tiny sandwich before he got back, since he had left the makings out. She still had a couple hours before the boys would be back, but she figured Josaphine would be back before that so Niva would have to keep her ears open for her while she read.

Poem Asher

Asher

A kid who hates homework

and math.

A child who hates moving

and having to make new friends.

A kid who loves reading

and art.

A child who loves his family

and little brother.

A kid who hates being wrong

and loves being right.

A child who bores easily

but loves imaginative play.

A kid who hates brushing his teeth

but loves to eat candy.

An immature kid

but my child.

story Niva 3

  As she followed Bob out to the fields, she saw the big, orange tabby cat the farmer owned to keep the mice at bay. When Niva and the cat had first met the tabby had tried to eat her, but over the first week since Niva had come to the farm, they had become friends. She had snuck the cat tidbits and morsels of the fishes or meats the family had eaten for dinner hoping the cat would see her as closer to a human than a bird or a bug to be pounced on. The tabby let her hop on his back and take a ride as they followed Bob.

  Out at the field Bob was using his tractor. Niva thought this tractor was cool; she also recognized the danger the large machine could present to a fairy who was only three inches tall. She had snuck in a window once when Josaphine had left some sewing stuff out and had taken the opportunity to measure herself. She knew she was a bit tall for a fairy but tiny compared to the big tractor. To keep out of harms way she flew up into a tree next to Tabby. He didn't seem to mind her using him as a pillow as they lounged on the tree branch.

  Soon she began to bore of watching Bob. She decided to go home and finish repairs to her house. Some rain storms were none to kind to it. As she flew to her house she passed the stable. She decided to say hi to Lucy, the chestnut quarter horse Bob sometimes used for farm work.

  Niva often gave Lucy a scratch behind the ears like she saw Bob do, but she thought it probably felt like only a mere tickle to the mare. However, since it was the best she could do it would have to suffice, and she could fly around the horse to keep the flies off. The curry comb was too large for Niva to try to use it on a regular basis. She tried that once, but it took her whole strength to move it along Lucy's fur so she figured she'd leave grooming to the humans. Maybe if Lucy was really in need of a cleaning, Niva could try again, but Lucy looked okay today. After chasing some flies around for a bit, Niva headed on out.

Edmund rant

Dear people,
I would just like to say that being sick is stinky. I do not like having my nose wiped. Who cares if it's leaking down my face? I especially hate having my nose sucked with that bulb syringe. I scream every time they do this, and still they want me to be able to breathe through my nose. Gunk must be draining down my throat because I keep coughing. Also, Mommy and Daddy still expect me to sleep when I don't feel good; in fact, they expect me to sleep even more because I don't feel good. The one upside to being sick is sitting in front of the humidifier and trying to grab that air coming at my face.
Sincerely,
Edmund
p.s. I might have accidentally leaned a bit too far and landed on Daddy's electric train today while it was going past. I would tell you not to tell him, but I guess I already did with the crying I did. Oops, but I guess he would have noticed anyways that his train wasn't on the track anymore.

Scripture Mastery fill in the blank

Test your scripture mastery skills. Or use as a family home evening or Sunday activity.

1 Nephi 3:7

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will ________ and ________ the things which the Lord hath _________________________, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall __________________ a way for them that they may _____________________ the thing which he commandeth them.

1 Nephi 19:23

And I did ______________ many things unto them which were written in the books of ________________; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their ____________________ I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet _______________; for I did ______________ all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and ____________________.

2 Nephi 2:25

_____________ fell that men might be; and ___________ are, that they might have ___________.

2 Nephi 2:27

Wherefore, men are ______________ according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to _______________ liberty and eternal _____________, through the great Mediator of all men, or to _______________

captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be _______________________ like unto himself.

2 Nephi 9:28-29

28 O that __________________ plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are ___________________ they think they are wise, and they ___________________ not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore their _____________________ is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall __________________.

29 But to be _________________ is good if they hearken unto the _________________ of God.

2 Nephi 28:7-9

7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: _______, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.

8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, ___________, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God--he will _________________ in committing a little sin; yea _________ a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a _________ for they neighbor; there is no _______________ in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are ___________________, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be ________________ in the kingdom of God.

9 Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, _________________ and vain and ____________________ doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to _________________ their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the _______________.

2 Nephi 32:3

_________________ speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of _________________. Wherefore, I said unto you, ________________ upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you _____________ things what ye should do.

Story Niva 2

      Every morning Niva usually sat in the flower pots outside the kitchen window to listen to them talking at breakfast. She liked to start the day off with some human observation. As Niva settled in under a pale purple petunia plant she heard Josaphine say to her husband who was already eating, “Bob, would you go wake the boys, please,” as she was setting their places at the breakfast table. Just then however it became apparent that they wouldn't need waking up as they came running down the stairs arguing.

      “You stole my sock,” claimed Joe rather loudly.

      “It's my sock. It has a D on the bottom; you know, for Devin,” his brother Devin retorted.

      “Yah, only because you wrote it there after you stole it,” came Joe's reply.

      “Boys, it is just a sock. Chill out,” their mom interrupted. “Now sit down and eat, or you'll be late for school.”

      Niva thought that Josaphine was nice and sensible. The boys usually always found something to argue about, and Niva hoped some day they would learn to get along. She'd never had a sibling, but thought it would be nicer to have one for a friend than a foe.

      “Well, I have to get to work. You boys behave at school,” Bob said as he kissed his wife, waved to his sons, and walked out to his fields. Niva decided to follow him today instead of staying at the house with Josaphine or following the boys to school. She had already seen Josaphine do plenty of cooking, laundry, mending, and cleaning. Niva liked to stay at the house if Josaphine was planning to have any visitors or her reading club, but she hadn't heard her mention any appointments for today. The boys did learn pretty interesting stuff at school, but today she was more curious about what Bob would do in the fields beyond the backyard.

Edmund hack

Dear Mommy,

Here's a list of the things I don't like:

1. I don't want to sleep. There is too much to be done to waste time sleeping. Just because I'm tired doesn't mean I want you to leave me in my bed. I would have thought you would catch on by now with the noise I make when you do so. Isn't it like your job to hold me whenever I want you to?

2. Sometimes I don't want to be stuck on my stomach. Just because I can roll back over doesn't mean I always want to. I will just cry until you come do it for me.

3. Sometimes I don't like it when you leave me alone. If I cry come back where I can see you.

Well, that wasn't very long so on to the list of things I do like:

1. I like it when you tickle me. This is why I laugh when you do so.

2. I like to do word flashcards. I try to show you my excitement with my giant smile and bounciness.

3. I like to wrinkle papers. Any paper will do whether it was junk mail, something important, or pages of a book; I'm not picky.

4. I like to splash in the tub. Sorry, but you will get wet. I do appreciate the ducks you have put in for me to smack at while I splash. Maybe you should find me a baby pool.

5. I like to play with your phone. Be on your guard if you do not want it in my mouth.

6. I like to drop stuff. Every time I do the thing I drop goes down. Who knew?

7. I like my hands and feet. Sometimes I catch myself just sitting there staring at them because they are fascinating.

8. I like to bang on the piano. What fun noises it makes.

9. I also like to sing. I like Wheels on the Bus, Popcorn Popping, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, If You're Happy and You Know it.

10. I like to grab the cats. They are so fluffy. Unfortunately they like to stay out of range.

11. I like mirrors. Maybe it's because I'm such a cutey.

So overall it looks like I'm a pretty happy guy.

Love,

Baby Edmund

Story Niva 1

I started the first draft of this story in high school because our English teacher gave us journal time in class. Here's starting the second draft.


     Once upon a time in a land called Stev, a province of Kedavin, there was a fairy named Niva. Oh there were plenty of humans in Stev just as in the land you probably live in, but unlike your land, this land also had fairies.
     The fairies lived in trees in the tiny houses they built high in the treetops. Usually fairies preferred to stay in the forests; but, Niva's parents had died when she was ten years old, and she hadn't felt exactly welcome with the fairies that had taken her in. She was also very curious about the humans she had heard about in her parents' bedtime stories, so when she was 12 she figured she was old enough to take care of herself and moved into an old oak in a farmer's backyard away from any other fairies.
     Niva liked to watch the humans, but she didn't know how they would react if they saw her, so she usually stayed out of sight. From her observations she had learned that in this human family the dad was named Bob, the mom was named Josaphine, and they had two sons named Joe and Devin.

Poem Braille

Here's the poem I wrote last night, probably while bugging my husband because I kept turning the lamp on when we were in bed.

Braille

Blank dots
On a blank page,
Though the story's plain to see,
If you know the code.

Blank bumps
On a blank page.
Some say,
"Not a word in sight."

White dots
On a white page.
Do you feel it?
Can you find the bugs?

Six dots
In a rectangle.
One two three four five and six.
The story's in the dots.

Introduction

     Well, I like writing, but I need a reason to do so; maybe if I think someone might actually be reading this blog I'll keep writing stuff. It will probably vary between fiction stories (either individual or serial), essay type stuff on various topics, and actual happenings in my life. So, we'll see if I can figure out how this Blogger works. If you have any comments on my content or grammar feel free to share, especially if you have literary experience. 
     I'll start out with something about me. I married the love of my life about a year and a half ago. I'm a mother to two boys born on the same day but nine years apart. However, one was not born by me but by my husband's deceased first wife. I'm still trying to figure out how to have a better relationship with him, meaning my son, not my husband, though I guess a strong marriage is also always a work in progress. Currently we also have two cats. They were strays that I befriended and adopted. Although there are many more strays out there, my husband says we should try not to have more than two at a time. He's slightly afraid that I might turn into a crazy cat lady because of how much I love animals. We just bought a new house and are therefore living in a jungle of boxes. My husband and I both come from large families, so we have a lot of relatives living close by. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and love our religion.