Because I Have Been Given Much

I look at a picture like this and wonder why at times I am still overwhelmed by the task of making sure five children are fed and dressed and out the door on time for 9:00 am church. I always say I'm going to prepare more the night before, but never do. Really need to work on that. Once we're all out the door, it's not so bad and lately church has been the healing balm for my aching soul.

A few months back, I was out in the foyer holding Natalie during the passing of the sacrament. There were two dads out there also holding their babies. Natalie was “talking” with them, observing them. I was wondering how much they still know, wondering how thin the veil was for them. I thought about how pure and perfect this child was that I was holding. And then the deacon brought out the sacrament. After repeating my weekly ritual of partaking of the sacrament, another thought came to mind. I realized, for that moment, my spirit was just as perfect as Natalie’s. In quiet gratitude for my Savior’s sacrifice, I savored the pureness and perfection of my soul for that moment.

Most everyone who bore their testimony that day expressed gratitude for all the blessings the gospel has brought to them in their life. We often speak of the “blessings of the gospel” in general terms. I began to think of the blessings in more specific terms, like knowing I have a loving Father in Heaven who watches over me and my family. This knowledge brings peace because I know that no matter how challenging the trials get, I have the power to overcome them, and that when all is said and done, I will be with my Father in Heaven again. The knowledge of my Savior and his atoning sacrifice brings another peace. I am assured that as long as I keep giving it my best, I am forgiven. And even when I feel like I’m failing, I am still forgiven. The knowledge of eternal principles helps give direction to my life. Choosing the most valuable use of my time is not guess work. The knowledge I gain, my husband, and my children are what I get to keep when I cross back over. These are what are most important in my life.

I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am not at a loss when my children come to me with questions. I have the knowledge to teach them of things both temporal and spiritual, and know where to find the answers when it's a new challenge. I am often filled with the warmth and comfort of the Spirit which makes me feel that heaven is not so far away.

I reap blessings from service, sacrifice and the paying of tithing. I am blessed with the power of the priesthood in my home, the same power that created the heavens and the earth. I am blessed to know we have a living prophet on the earth today. I am most blessed that I am given the opportunity to serve the Lord's Annointed in their homes. I am blessed with the scriptures, most especially the Book of Mormon. The words of those who have gone before me give me strength when the mists of darkness feel all encompassing. I am grateful for all the sacrifices of Joseph Smith, and the early pioneers who even made it possible for me to enjoy the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I am indeed grateful for the blessings the gospel brings to my life.

Drew Dixon

It wasn't a good day...one of those "will laugh about it later" kind of a days. Andrew is following in the footsteps of his older brothers, getting into all kinds of mischief. It all started this morning at breakfast with a meltdown when I didn't make his bagel sandwich "just right." In retaliation, he fingerpainted with the cream cheese while I was upstairs getting dressed. Then when I was otherwise distracted, he snuck out to the refrigerator in the garage and ate the "special" snacks designated for field trips. Hungry again, he dumped a brand new bag of marshmallows all over the kitchen floor. The "desperately in need of mopping" floor, I might add. He and Natalie were happily snacking when I found them.
Should have known that it was not a good day for me to absorbed in the computer. While I was interfacing on the internet, he flushed a ton of Jeremy's Legos down the toilet, soaked his pajamas and stuffed snake in the toilet water, and then "hid" them in the cabinet of the bookshelf. I discovered it several hours later. And the grand finale was knocking the bookcase completely over. He's still alive, unharmed...barely. He's asleep now. We survived the day.
Here he is a few days ago after sneaking out into the garage to go "play" with the kitty. That's his snot all mixed in with the fur, and his cute little "wasn't me" grin.

Hogle Zoo

Well, we've been in Utah long enough to carry a tradition on down to the third kid. Megan, Matthew, and Jeremy have all now had the fun of going to Hogle Zoo for their kindergarten field trip. My friend Tanya and I braved the expedition with our 2 kindergartners, and 3 preschoolers. Lost and recovered Andrew three times, lost count of how many times we heard "I'm tired" and "Can we eat lunch now?", and lost only one foreign object to an animal exhibit (sorry about your water bottle Tanya, and sorry Mr. Giraffe)

Still there was fun to be had.

We all left with smiling faces, a little worn out, but happy nonetheless.