My Dad's 60th Birthday

My daddy in the early 1950s.

Yesterday was my daddy's 60th birthday. Brad, the kids, and I called him up on the phone last night to sing Happy Birthday to him. It was nice hearing the happiness in his voice after we sang to him. I miss him and the rest of my family in California.

I have always loved and admired my father. He has always been a fine example of faith, high morals, values, and unworldliness, which were all qualities I wanted to develop growing up. Whenever I thought about the man I wanted to marry I would always immediately think of my father.

My dad was an active part of my life growing up. He never failed to spend quality time with my sisters and I, and I have lots of fond memories of him playing with us and teaching us music and chess. He rarely ever raised his voice at anyone in our family, and he rarely became impatient with us. I admired the way he would remain calm when he disciplined us, which often calmed us down during the process. I appreciate the time he took to teach us gospel principles and to share his testimony with us.

Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you!

My daddy on his wedding day in 1978.

My daddy in 1980, right after I was born.

My daddy in 1999 when Susie graduated from Young Womens.

My daddy at Rachel's wedding
October 2008.

My Testimony

My ward is currently putting together a collection of testimonies from the Relief Society sisters this month. After writing out my testimony and emailing it to the enrichment sisters, I felt the desire to record my testimony in my blog as well. I want my family to know that I indeed have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is very important to me.

I was raised in a gospel-enriched environment. My parents were both adult converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had developed very strong testimonies before I was born. My sisters and I constantly felt the love of the gospel in our home, mainly because my parents never took the church for granted.

The gospel seemed to be the theme of my home-life all throughout my childhood years. We had family prayer every day, we read scriptures together, we had Family Home Evening every Monday night, we visited the temple often, we never skipped church, and we always kept the Sabbath day holy. Unlike my parents, I basically learned to take the gospel for granted while I was growing up, mainly because it was always there for me whether I wanted it to be there or not.

I relied on my parents’ testimonies for much of my early years and did not feel too strongly about the church. Things began to change for me, however, once I hit my teenage years. When I was about 14 years old, my stake made a goal to read the entire Book of Mormon within a year. I did not think much of it at first, so I did not decide to read it until the very last moment. My motivation was not purely inspired or wholesome: I had a crush on a guy who had already read the B of M a few times, and I wanted to impress him, so I began reading immediately without stopping.

Despite my true motivation behind achieving the goal, reading the Book of Mormon for the first time was a real eye-opener for me. I felt in my heart that it was true, and I decided right then and there that I would continue to make the gospel a central part of my life. I made the choice to go to seminary all four years, to earn my Young Women recognition, to have high standards, to read the Book of Mormon regularly, and to always stay active in the church whether I was “feeling it” or not. My testimony continued to grow in little small leaps and bounds the more I committed to make myself better.

I carried my determination to live a clean, pure life when I entered young adulthood. Although I had good, strong intentions to choose the right, Satan knew my weaknesses and how to influence me to let my standards fall. I began down the sliding slopes of temptation, and during those times of sin and transgression I felt the Spirit withdraw from my life. At one point I felt I had hit rock bottom. My self-esteem was shot, and I felt lost and confused. It was extremely hard for me to believe in the power of the Atonement and that Heavenly Father could still love me despite all of the horrible things I had done. Luckily, I had been attending Institute regularly at that difficult time, and in my heart I knew I had to repent and put my trust in the Lord.

Repentance was the key to strengthening my testimony. During that difficult time of change, the Spirit bore witness to me that my Heavenly Father did indeed know me and had forgiven me for my mistakes. I felt the Spirit return to my life, and in consequence I received many remarkable blessings that I know Heavenly Father had been waiting to bestow upon me for a long time.

I know without any doubt that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I know that the Atonement is real, and that Jesus Christ suffered for our sins so that we have the opportunity to repent and become a little better each day. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that he is the only Begotten Son of God. I believe in the restored gospel. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and that our current prophet, Thomas S. Monson, is also a true prophet. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know these things because I have felt the Spirit witness the truth to my heart. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me.

We Love Our Doggy

The other day I downloaded a bunch of pictures off our digital camera and realized that more than half of the photos had our dog, Rosie in them. As I was glancing through the pictures I immediately began thinking how much our family loves our dog. Sure, Rosie can be a huge handful at times, but overall we love having our clutsy, goofy, over-sized poodle in our home. She brings energy, laughter, and love into our lives, and we love spending time with her.

Here are a few photos of Rosie with her family in January:

The Battle of the Bacon

My number one nemesis during the first few months of my pregnancy was Bacon. The smell of Bacon, the sight of Bacon, even the very thought of Bacon made me want to hurl every single time I encountered it.

It puzzled me that no one in my house seemed to share my passionate dislike for this evil food. Nearly every day the awful, lingering smell of Bacon would slither its way through the house, mocking me and daring me to exterminate it, and no one besides me seemed to mind. On the contrary, my mother-in-law as well as my step-daughter formed an alliance with this sworn enemy of mine, and in consequence I was forced to retreat to my bedroom every time a BLT sandwich was made. Sitting in my room only worked half the time, because unlike some other revolting smells, Bacon knew how to sneak its way through the cracks in my door, finding me alone and helpless inside.

The worst part about my battle with the Bacon was the way the smell would linger and stay in the house for hours and hours. If I needed to use the restroom an hour or two later, the smell of Bacon would still be hovering in my hallway, waiting to torment me and ambush my room. It truly was an evil food.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The good news is that my first trimester is over and I'm halfway through my second trimester. Bacon and I are finally beginning the slow process of healing and acceptance. Today when my mother-in-law made a BLT sandwich I surprisingly did not rush to close my door. I even found myself walking into the kitchen afterwards, looking for a snack to eat. Perhaps Bacon was not nearly as bad as I thought it once was. Maybe I will learn to like it again.

Chili Pepper is a...

GIRL!

Our little Chili Pepper is currently 21 weeks along and she's doing fine. I'm so thrilled that she's a girl! I can't wait to start buying cute little pink dresses and other girly things. I am very excited!

The Highlight of my Day: January 2009

My favorite photo of the month.

Something good happens each day. Here's what happened in January:

January 1, 2009: We had a marvelous time at the bowling alley today-- a family tradition for New Years Day. After bowling we went to the Harman's house for food and games. In the evening we went to Bruce and Loralee's house to visit with them, too. It was a very fun-packed day!

January 2, 2009: Today was Brandon's birthday, so we drove over to the Bruce-Clan house and the kids got to spend time with their cousins.

January 3, 2009: Today Brad and I did some shopping together. We bought Scott and Emma new books and Susie a late Christmas present.

January 4, 2009: I loved toasting in front of the fireplace with Bradley and the kids tonight. Fires on cold, frosty days seem to make everything cozier and brighter. It was a very cold day today.

January 5, 2009: Brad and I taught Scott and Emma how to play "Herd Your Horses" for FHE tonight. It was a long game! Scott ended up winning.

January 6, 2009: I picked up Scott and Emma from school early today to take Scott to his orthodontist appointment. Scott and Emma were so happy to see me they covered my face with kisses and told me how much they loved me. Made me feel great.

January 7, 2009: It was nice having Wednesday lunches with my inlaws again. Today was the first time in two weeks.

January 8, 2009: Brad and I went to my third prenatal appointment today. It was nice hearing Chili Pepper's heartbeat again, and knowing that he or she is growing fine. I am relieved every time I go.

January 9, 2009: Brad's team won their basketball game! Hooray! Oh, and I'm reading a wonderful book called "The Magicians and Mrs. Quent." It's a really, really good book!

January 10, 2009: I love our Saturday drives to Eagle Mountain. Truthfully, at first I thought I would hate them, but now I actually love the scenic drive and spending more time with my Bradley. Plus, the kids always provide lots of entertainment on the way home.

January 11, 2009: I felt very spiritually fed coming home from church today! I've missed not going to church for the full three hours. It was nice going back.

January 12, 2009: For FHE tonight we learned about being spiritually prepared. I found a great lesson online, and it turned out wonderfully! Everyone appreciated it and learned from it.

January 13, 2009: Tonight was library night! I am anxious to start reading the third book in The Inheritance series.

January 14, 2009: Lunch at Red Lobster. Mmmmm! My appetite is returning.

January 15, 2009: I can feel Chili Pepper moving now! Just barely. Feels like little fluttering butterfly wings.

January 16, 2009: Brad and I went on our date to a "Build a Celestial Marriage" institute class. It was fabulous! We're going to keep on going!

January 17, 2009: Today Brad and I went to the YW basketball practice at our church building. Brad got to help teach the girls new skills. It was fun watching!

January 18, 2009: I liked the lesson in Young Womens today. It was on being a daughter of god. The topic was a good reminder of who I am and my individual worth.

January 19, 2009: I love waking up in the morning with Bradley snuggling next to me. He makes me feel so beautiful, even when I know I look crappy. I LOVE HIM!

January 20, 2009: Obama became the 44th President of the United States today! He is such an amazing speaker. I hope and pray that he will make good and wise choices during his time in office.

January 21, 2009: I got in contact with my old dear friend, Anissa! I loved hearing from her again.

January 22, 2009: Emma and I went on a date to an Achievement Day activity tonight at the church. Emma passed off three projects and got her first charm on her bracelet. She was extremely enthusiastic about that.

January 23, 2009: Brad got off of work early today and brought home $100 in cash from Del Sol! He took Margaret and I out to lunch to celebrate. I love having him home early!

January 24, 2009: Brad took me shopping today for some more maturnity clothes. I got a really cute top, a couple of pairs of nice new jeans, and some lotion. 'Twas really nice.

January 25, 2009: Brad and I watched "The Sound of Music" with Emma this evening. Scott didn't think he would like it, so he hid in his room until the second half. Then he seemed to like it, so he stayed and watched the ending. Emma loved it!

January 26, 2009: I think it's cute the way Scott and Emma argue who I get to sing to at bedtime. Tonight was Emma's turn, and she picked two new songs that she learned from me: "The Five Little Pumpkins" and "5 Little Ducks." She loves those songs!

January 27, 2009: Marcie and I went out tonight to pick up Young Women baby pictures and letters from their parents. I thought the baby photos were ADORABLE! I've got babies on the brain right now.

January 28, 2009: My baby's kicks keep getting stronger and stronger! I love lying on my bed and feeling Chili Pepper's acrobatic moves. So sweet!

January 29, 2009: Rachel called me up on the phone and asked me for some marriage advice. I loved talking to her and sharing input on one of my favorite topics. :) I love being a big sister-- and a wife.

January 30, 2009: Brad and I went on a double date with Bruce and Loralee to our marriage class tonight. It was FUN! The topic was on communication.

January 31, 2009: Brad figured out what was wrong with our car!!! The best part was he only spent a dollar to fix it. So awesome!!!