my religion

Showing posts with label my religion. Show all posts

Back to Church... with Masks

7.26.2020

Baby's first time to church! And our first time to church in five months. Yay! Wearing masks, hand sanitizer, and closed off hallways and pews made church feel anything but normal... and hot. But we bought three new pairs of boys' shoes for the occasion, so I guess we're committed! These kids are growing like weeds!

Over the last few months I've really missed seeing my friends and ward family! I've missed that weekly reminder to keep doing my best and plugging along in the gospel. And I've really missed the music. I feel the Spirit through music and its absence in my life has really been felt. In fact, maybe it's the pregnancy hormones, but I find myself occasionally getting teary eyed at times while singing!

There are a few particular things about church that I have NOT missed, however. For instance, the hustle to get everyone dressed and ready and out the door (relatively) on time! Lol. The break from church attendance also highlighted just how overscheduled we were with church meetings and activities. I hope we can learn from that relief as a church in general and take a step back from it all to concentrate on what's most important in the future.

4.12.2020

^^My three boys, soon to be four!^^

The Easter also known as the month with uninterrupted family time.

I'm not sure if it's the mental load of this pandemic or the end of this pregnancy, but I really feel at a loss to put together any meaningful words. But I'll try anyway because I love Easter. It is one of my favorite holidays. It bears a message of hope, joy, and eternal life!

There has never been a better time to reflect on Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice than now -- when the world feels a little dark and upside-down. Yesterday, Saturday, Christ's followers mourned in darkness. They were sad and probably confused. They had no idea what miracle was about to transpire! Isn't this current period in the world's history a little bit like that?

As I've studied the scriptures and Joseph Smith history this month, I've been able to pull so many parallels to our current world situation. Some circumstances really stunk for a lot of people. Some people died. Some faced hardships that lasted years. But everything always turned out all right in the end of the story because a loving Heavenly Father had a wonderful plan in place. I believe there is a light at the end of this crazy Coronavirus Groundhog's Day we've been living in. I'm just super curious to see how it all plays out.

One of my favorite quotes from Jeffrey R. Holland keeps coming to mind: “Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

We listened to the Tabernacle Choir sing Handel's Messiah this morning as we made and ate a big breakfast of biscuits, eggs, and sausage. I found myself tearing up during the Hallelujah chorus. And again, I broke into tears later as I heard these familiar hymn lyrics during another presentation.

1. He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory.

3. He is risen! He is risen!
He hath opened heaven’s gate.
We are free from sin’s dark prison,
Risen to a holier state.
And a brighter Easter beam
On our longing eyes shall stream.

I'm just one big emotional pregnant blob these days. But it doesn't matter; music always has a way of speaking to my heart.

I hope that whatever comes my way in this life, I will be able to trust in my Heavenly Father's love and plan for me and place joy and hope in the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Anyway, we enjoyed a slow and peaceful Easter here at home. It began with a big hot breakfast followed by a short but sweet Sacrament meeting. The day also included a funny -- but stressful for Jed and Levi -- egg hunt and ended with pulled barbeque sandwiches and chocolate cupcakes with caramel frosting. Oh, and sprinkles! LOTS of sprinkles for Conrad. My heart is overflowing with love for this family of mine today.

5.07.2019

Yes, it's as crazy as you might suspect. I spent three days at home recovering from jet lag (Poor Jessie. She went to Hawaii. Haha.) and then turned around to drive to Utah for a special girls' weekend with some of the ladies in my life whom I hold most close and dear to my heart. It was completely worth it. In fact, I kept thanking Bron over the phone for putting up with the boys tired and solo to let me do this. I felt spiritually uplifted, deeply connected to these women, and ready to start fresh with some new goals in mind.

We all gathered at Grandma's house to attend BYU Women's Conference. It was two full days of food (Rachel's first priority! I love that she loves food so much.), fun, shopping, laughter, learning, and late nights. I gleaned a number of great insights from Women's Conference, but my favorite part of the weekend was when Grandma gathered us (+ my cousin Devin) around the kitchen table Saturday morning to discuss with us some things she'd recently learned. The gathering turned in to a testimony meeting of sorts. Personal stories and heartaches were shared alongside some really tender spiritual experiences.

I learned three important things on Saturday morning:

1. Learning never ends. If my 80 something year old grandma whom I look up to so much is still learning and growing, then I definitely will be doing the same if/when I am her age.

2. I need to periodically gather my family to openly talk about Christ and things I have learned. It not only invites the Spirit in to teach my children, but I also become an open book sharing my mistakes and knowledge. I don't want to be a mystery to my children. I want them to know of the things their family has been through and ultimately conquered. I want them to feel loved unconditionally.

3. Heavenly Father is acutely aware of each and every one of us. He loves us and has a plan for each of our lives. Through Christ's atonement, he makes our mistakes and weaknesses okay. He makes up for what we cannot do in very real ways. Sometimes we can count those blessings and other times we can only feel His love and the love of our guardian angels. Everything will work out one way or another; in this life or the next. We simply need to move forward with faith, trust, and Christlike love. Christlike love somehow solves all problems. Oh, if only I could learn to be as wise as Jesus Christ was while he was on earth!

4.16.2017

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. I look forward to playing my violin in the Cantata and studying Jesus Christ's atonement and what it means to me personally and for my family. And each year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my Savior and His sacrifice and resurrection that allows me to feel JOY amidst the crummy and the heartache... and to claim these crazies as mine forever. There is no greater gift.

Not long ago, I sat quietly in the back of Bron's truck nursing Conrad and waiting for both Bron and our friends to come meet me. I was contemplating the Plan of Salvation--how we came from heaven, our purpose here on earth, and our goal to return to live with our Heavenly Father again--when I was suddenly overwhelmed with an impression: I wanted this life so bad! I wanted to experience every heartache. But more importantly, I wanted to experience joy! I wanted to live a long life so that I could experience everything possible and not feel any regrets about this fleeting time in the span of eternity. It was quite a feeling, almost indescribable, knowing that the joy ultimately outweighs the pain and that everything will be okay no matter what. I just hope I can remember this small inkling of revelation when hard times come.

Happy Easter!!!

1.25.2017

Sunday was a special day! It was the day Conrad was blessed in church by his daddy. For the record, Bron had been teasing me that he was going to change our baby's name to Festus at the blessing since before he was even born! There was a very small chance, but I was a tad nervous he'd actually do it! He didn't. Whew. It was such a sweet blessing though. I have no doubt Conrad is here for a purpose. He has already brought me so much comfort and joy. I can't wait to see who he is and how his life unfolds.

Two sets of grandparents, three of Bron's brothers, and countless friends turned out for the occasion. I was surprised how much it meant to me! Conrad and our family of five were completely surrounded by love, lots of love.

After church, everyone was invited out to our house for pizza, salad, and dessert. I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly everything went! There was more than enough food for the mob of people that invaded our home (12 adults, 3 teens, and 16 children) and nothing wound up broken. I guess I was stressing out over nothing. It was a memorable day, one that Conrad certainly won't remember, but I hope he could feel that he is loved and supported by an army of good people.

Happy Blessing Day, Conrad!

1.03.2017

The new worldwide church youth theme for the year comes from James 1:5-6. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." As the teacher presented the new theme to all the young women at church on Sunday, I became lost in thought and was taken back to exactly this time last year.

I was aching and I was desperate. Two years, one miscarriage, and countless tears later, we just could not conceive a baby. I know I sound like a broken record when I mention our struggle, but it was one of the harder challenges I've ever had to navigate through, not knowing why or if I'd ever become pregnant again. And I wanted another baby so badly! I had hit my low point, the time when I had absolutely no where else to turn but to God. No one in the world could possibly provide an answer; not a doctor, not family, not a friend. Only my Heavenly Father had an answer for me. It was truly humbling.

And so I fasted and I prayed. I asked Heavenly Father to bless us with another baby and if it was not His will, I asked Him to bless me with peace; peace to know that raising the two amazing boys I already had was exactly His plan for me and that it was enough.

As I prayed, I felt a distinct impression: 2016 was going to be our year! We would have a baby! I also felt that I just needed to hang on a little bit longer, it would happen soon, February or March to be exact.

And so I pressed on with faith and hope. But oh how easy it is to forget and become discouraged. By the time March arrived, I'd given up hope that I would ever be pregnant again. But that's when it did. That's when I saw two precious lines on a pregnancy test!

Sunday, I looked down at the baby peacefully sleeping in my arms. Tears filled my eyes because here he was: Conrad, that perfect baby whom fills my heart with so much joy and is more than I could ever dream. Conrad is a living reminder that my Heavenly Father does answer prayers, that He has gentle lessons to teach me, and that He loves me.

^^A little experiment with in-camera double exposures and little Christmas lights.^^

6.20.2016

^^All six handsome Nelson brothers. They share a close, unique and special bond and actually enjoy getting together. I feel so fortunate to have married into this good looking, fun, hard-working, family.^^

These last two weekends have been spent in good 'ol Ririe, Idaho getting Bron's youngest brother, Call, ready to leave on a two year LDS mission to the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. We're really going to miss Call! He's everyone's favorite uncle, has an unpretentious sense of humor, and is all around just a good kid. Ahem, I mean adult now. He is 18 after all.

Last weekend we rounded up the entire Nelson crew to attend Call's first experience through the Rexburg Temple. I really cannot describe how special it was to have the entire family there gathered together: parents, brothers, and all their wives. It was almost like we got a little sneak peek at what heaven might feel like.

3.30.2016

^^Friends and neighbors. All ready for the giant Easter Egg hunt!^^

I wouldn't say we enjoyed our week long Spring break. The weather was cold and blustery. And we all wound up coming down with a nasty case of stuffy noses and coughs. At least it knocked me out of commission for a full day! Also, the afternoon I did take the boys out to see a movie at the planetarium, Levi pulled a number of terrible-three stunts. I drove home thinking, "That was supposed to be fun. It totally wasn't." But Jed and Levi did appreciate the slower days, just being able to hang out at home together and play. And fortunately, Easter weekend arrived as a pleasant bookend to our week.

The fun started Friday afternoon when we, along with a host of other friends and neighbors, were invited to the Taylor's home for a giant Easter egg hunt! It was probably the highlight of my boys' week. Not kidding, there were at least three hundred eggs dropped and hidden throughout the property. I thought the eggs were all going to blow away on the wind, but the kids were fast and quickly grabbed them up! Then Jed and Levi sat excitedly opening every plastic egg to discover their spoils and surprises. Afterwards, we adults enjoyed a warm potluck meal and conversation while the kids played on a sugar high. Good memories.

7.01.2015

My heart has felt troubled since the ruling last Friday making homosexual marriages legal. I've been torn on how to respond--if even to respond at all. I am happy that people everywhere are feeling less discriminated against; we should all have equal access to jobs, taxes, health insurance, etc. Even so, the Supreme Court's decision still doesn't sit right with me. There is so much I could say and want to say on complicated social and political matters, but as I tucked my little boys into bed last night and listened to Levi sing along to a children's hymn with me, my heart was comforted. And so I'll leave you with this:

Life is hard. Life is messy. We all mistakes. And we all don't fit into a proverbial box. But we are ALL children of our Heavenly Father with a divine purpose and mission. The gospel of Jesus Christ transcends every hurt, every injustice, every sickness, and every sin. We need Him. And we need each other--to teach, to serve, to lift one another up--so that each and every one of us can return to live with our Heavenly Father again. There is hope. There is peace. There is happiness.

I believe that families are eternal. I believe that families are the fundamental unit of society and that children need both a mother and a father. I think this ruling affects the way society defines marriage and family and involves a movement towards centralized federal power and the gradual end of my first amendment rights of speech and religion as a conservative Christian. Just because my opinion is rooted in religion does not make it a second class opinion.

I can only imagine how confusing and overwhelming growing up in this tumultuous instant-informational world will be for my children. It is my fervent hope and prayer that I can rise to the responsibility God entrusted to me as their mother to help them. I want to leave this world having added some good to it and I believe my children will be a huge part of that. No matter what the world is saying outside, within the hallowed walls of our home I will do my best to teach my children the unwavering doctrine of Jesus Christ. I hope as Jed and Levi grow, they develop a healthy moral compass and boldly stand for truth.

And rest assured, gay or straight, I will love those two little boys whom belong to me unconditionally.

*****

To understand exactly what I believe, please read

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father: Happy Father's Day!

6.16.2014

To recognize Father's Day this year, I want to share this short video. It sums up so well much of what my own dad did for me as a kid, what Bron does for our family now, and is a reminder of the very real presence my Heavenly Father has in my life. It really is thought-provoking! Enjoy.

Happy Father's Day!

*****
If you're having trouble, you can view it HERE.

3.13.2014

Whenever Bron leaves on a long road trip for work, he kisses me goodbye and I tell him, "Drive safe" as he exits out the door. For as many miles as Bron spends on the road, I always keep a little prayer in my heart for his safe return. The boys hear my desires at each meal time and in the evenings as we kneel together as a family. "Please bring Dad back home to us safe and sound." "Please bless that no harm or accident will befall him." I kind of sound like a broken record. One of my biggest fears is receiving a phone call that he was in a terrible accident.

So when Bron called me yesterday to tell me he had an eventful morning, I was quite surprised by his story! I couldn't help laughing a little.

Bron was barreling down the freeway (The freeway! Not some country road) when he hit TWO deer. Actually, it's better described that those two deer hit him! Bron never had a chance to even see them. They jumped right into the driver's side door and proceeded to crash along the rest of his truck. What?! The airbags deployed. Bron felt a little shocked and except for a little ringing in his ear, he didn't receive as much as a scratch. Thank goodness Bron was okay! The deer on the other hand... poor deer. Darwinism at its finest, I guess. And the truck! Wow, who knew deer could do so much damage.

^^Bron's poor brand new truck! These pictures don't really do the damage justice. It's been taken to the shop and he'll have it back in two or three weeks. Until then, he's driving a rental.^^

A kind police officer helped write up a quick report and tie up loose ends. Luckily, this happened to the company truck so the company will be dealing with the hassle of insurance and all the extra costs, not us. As many miles as these guys put on their vehicles every year, it's a miracle there aren't more accidents!

So last night as I knelt to pray, I remembered to thank my Heavenly Father for one more answered prayer. Bron is home safe with us. All is well here.

Stupid deer.

1.08.2014

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, To shine for Him each day;

In every way try to please Him, At home, at school, at play.

A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam

A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I'll be a sunbeam for Him.

^^I snuck a peek through the Sunday school window and this is the look Jed gave me. Classic.^^

A new year means that Jed has officially graduated from nursery. Hip, hip, hooray! At age three--going on four this year--he is considered old enough to sit on the very front row in primary. He also gets to go to his very own classroom with the other kids his age for a {brief} lesson. (Bless his teacher!) In short, this means no more toys during church.

I was a little nervous on Sunday about how Jed would react to this big change. We're talking about my child who has carried a toy in each hand (or pocket) since he could grasp! And just like all little kids, he's a creature of habit and change feels scary.

But... he seemed to adapt quite well. I mean, look at him. He's beaming already!

I'm sure proud of my handsome little Sunbeam.

10.07.2013

^^A new classic favorite: Levi fell asleep at the kitchen table.^^

Some folks have mentioned that I've been curiously MIA from this little blog lately. Honestly, nothing out of the ordinary has been going on; just the normal ups and downs of this sweet lucky life I live alongside three handsome {and crazy} boys. But if you were to come over for lunch, I might mention a few of the following things:

:: We spent all of Saturday afternoon cleaning and organizing the garage. Who knew giving the rakes and shovels a home along the wall would feel so good?

:: We enjoyed listening to General Conference, or what I heard of it anyway. It sure is hard to hear when all my little boys want to do is wrestle! But the parts I did hear were uplifting and seemed to be meant just for me. I can't wait to read them over the next few months.

:: I bought the boys a handful of new winter clothes. (Three pairs of pants and two shirts for $26. Not bad, huh?) Who said boys' clothes aren't cute? The styles now are really fun! Unfortunately, it took Jed less than 24 hours to put a hole in the knee of his brand new pants! Whaa?!? Crazy boy. I suppose I'll just sew on a patch or else Jed has an extra pair of shorts for summer.

:: On a more serious note, last week I read multiple articles pertaining to a feminist movement within the LDS church. Frankly, the articles frustrated me and thoughts about them kept me awake at night! Was I not being forward thinking enough? I absolutely think it's okay to question. It's exactly the catalyst for many of the rights and liberties I enjoy today. But their arguments just didn't sit right with me; they smacked of bitterness and anger to say the least. I felt like the very things I feel so passionately about were being attacked. Finally, I came to the same conclusion that I have come to many times before: it's silly to let little things get in the way of the big picture. The church itself may be imperfect, but the gospel is perfect. I am grateful my elder brother Jesus Christ atoned for my sins and made a way that my family can be together forever. Never before in my life have I felt as content as I do now. I am happy and confident in my beliefs and I think that's all that really matters.

:: With the change of seasons comes nasty colds. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's not being able to breathe through my nose. Ugh.

:: Spudnuts! We had friends over Sunday evening for a donut party. I'm not exaggerating a pinch when I say that Bron's spudnuts (donuts made with mashed potatoes) can rival any professional bakery's donuts. I ate five, I think. They were sooo delicious! And delicious food tastes even better when eaten with good friends, don't you think?

:: I am feeling stoked and very spoiled. I've been saving my money, but Bron broke down and bought me a brand new computer! It's shiny and fast and has a 23" screen. (Oh, the better to see that blemish, my dear!) It's going to be a photographer's dream... well, as soon as I wrap my head around Lightroom. My entire photo editing process is in upheaval right now. However, in a few weeks I think I'll be glad I upgraded.

Happy Fall!

What have you been up to?

^^Jed put a hole in the knee of his new pants when he fell on the road. He loves pushing this dump truck around the neighborhood. And I think I'll continue to let him. It makes him happy.^^

3.25.2013

I am so happy we celebrate Easter. I love everything about it: the first buds of spring, the colored eggs and candy, the adorably cute chicks and bunnies, and excited little children all dressed up in their Sunday best. It’s simply fun! It represents life in all its best forms.

But I’m also grateful. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to reflect on our Savior’s life: His birth, His ministry, and most importantly, the atonement and His resurrection.

This year I’m participating in our Stake’s Easter Cantata: an hour long medley of songs sung by a choir and accompanied by an orchestra (that’s where my violin skills come in) to honor our Savior Jesus Christ. Last night at practice (when I wasn’t playing, of course) I sat with my eyes glued to the rotating pictures of Christ that had been prepared to go along with the music. The pictures combined with what I was hearing had a surprisingly powerful effect. I felt my eyes well up with tears more than once.

As I sat contemplating the atonement, I remembered a trip I once took as a teenager to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. I learned some horrifying facts that still haunt me to this day. For instance, Hitler experimented on pregnant women. He tied their knees together during labor. The pain for these women became so intense that they bled through the pores at their temples before dying.

It lends some perspective on the atonement, doesn’t it.

Fortunately, Easter is about celebrating the miracle of Christ’s resurrection! It’s about rejoicing in the fact that our elder brother overcame the world so that I—and you too—can live with our Heavenly Father again, to have all that He has, to be reunited with our loved ones forever.

I can only imagine the peace and joy we will feel.
The very thought makes me want to be a better person, a better wife, a better mother.
It makes me look forward to that day when everything will be made right.
And that right there is the very essence of the gospel. I believe it with all my heart and soul.

Happy Easter!

9.05.2012

Last Sunday was Levi's big day! It was the day he was blessed by his dad in church. Levi looked so sweet and handsome in his white outfit. Bron gave him a wonderful blessing. I cried like a crazy lady. I'm blaming postpartum hormones. I just felt overwhelmed with love for my family. I feel so lucky to have such an incredible husband and to have two little boys of my very own! Knowing that they are mine forever just makes the thought that much sweeter.

After church we had a house full of friends and family over for a teriyaki chicken and pork lunch barbequed by our very own Chef Bron. It was delicious! (Bron has a true talent for cooking.) We rounded everything out with lots of dessert and good conversation. And Levi, of course, was the star of the afternoon; he got lots of love and attention.

Happy Blessing Day, Baby Boy! We sure are glad to have you as part of our family.

Note: I really wanted to get a family picture, finally! But we were running late for church and when we arrived home, Jed was ready for a nap and Bron had changed into shorts and a t-shirt before I could blink. So I opted for some mother-son pictures. Moms can never have enough pictures of themselves with their babies.

6.11.2012

This weekend my New York life collided with my Idaho life. When we moved from upstate New York a little less than a year ago, I never expected to see anyone or anything associated with our temporary home there ever again. I was wrong, but so pleasantly surprised!

On Friday, I ventured up to Rexburg (BYU-Idaho is my Alma Mater) to meet Corinne. It was a bit strange to see Corinne out West here, but so much fun! We went out to lunch, went shopping, and got caught up on just about everything.

Corinne is a beautiful girl inside and out. She's marrying this cute young man next week.

First, however, she needed an escort for her first time through the temple. She asked me to be that person. I felt honored and overwhelmed. Why in the world, of all the people in her life, would she ask me?

"Because you're here," Corinne said. She also went on to tell me how Bron and I had been an example to her and how we young women leaders pounded into her head the importance of the temple. I didn't think anyone was really listening to those Sunday School lessons! But Corinne listened. And I am so proud of her. She is making smart and good decisions that will affect the rest of her life. I couldn't be more happy.

However, these good decisions haven't come without a price. Listening to her stories, considering her broken family background and what she's had to overcome to get this far, is astounding. Corinne is independent and strong. She's blissfully in love and ready to take on life's next challenges while still loving everyone around her. I may have been her youth leader, but she's an example to ME!

Our morning in the temple was a special one. I think I'll always remember it. Corinne glowed.

And then, of course, I begged for ten minutes of the love birds' time to take a few pictures outside. I am overjoyed for them. Congratulations Corinne! I love you, girl.

To see more pictures, click HERE.

11.23.2011

Thanksgiving is here! I am glad this day rolls around every year to remind me to count my blessings. I am a lucky girl who leads a life rich and abundant in good things. Bron likes to remind me of just how spoiled I am. However, there is a part of me that is scared to count my blessings because those things can change so fast! Even so, when things get tiresome, problematic, and even a little dicey, I know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me (and you too) very much.

Some things {BIG and small} I am thankful for:

An attractive, hard-working husband who loves me unconditionally. I am grateful for little moments of affection and tenderness between us. I love it when he wraps his arms around me or whispers sweet little things in my ear. I never doubt he loves me.

A busy and happy little boy.

Warm meals, warm socks, warm coats and warm blankets.

Colorful leaves and pumpkins.

Pie for dessert.
(Okay, food in general.)

My health and the health of my family.

True friends.

{these gals and these guys and many more}

Family.

{these folks and these folks and these folks}

Bron's job.

Snowflakes.

Joy and peace in my life.

Late night talks with my hubby.

The temple.

Running and exercising.

{Cute} shoes and dresses to go with them.

A camera, computer, and the internet.

The way Jed smiles and laughs.

To be at home and witness my baby grow.

Cuddling.

Sunshine.

Swimming at the beach on a hot summer day.

Strawberries.

Beautiful pictures.

Talents.

Hot showers.

Marrying a man who is my best friend and makes me laugh.

Travel and vacation adventures.

Eating out.
(Is there a food theme going on?)

A beautiful home to live in complete with everything a woman, wife, and mother could possibly need. That gas stove rocks. So does our new den.

Cell phones and texting and keeping in touch.

Always having milk in Jed's sippy and the way he guzzles it.

Living closer to family.

Bubble baths.

Music.

Playing my violin.

A good book.

Always having enough + some.

I have plenty of reasons to be happy! And I am. very. happy. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

6.07.2011

Saturday I got to attend the MOST AWESOME YOUTH ACTIVITY EVER!!! Youth from all over the LDS Potsdam District sacrificed some sleep to to come to a Super Saturday held at Camp Overlook that lasted all day long. It was totally worth it! It was so much fun! At times, I even forgot I was a leader and felt like a kid again. (P.S. This is why I love being a youth leader: I get all the privileges of being an adult but still get to hang out with the cool people.)

The morning began by meeting our three camp instructors and doing some team building games, including this classic trust game seen below.

Learning to "spot". Oooh, please catch me!

Next, the youth got to take on the low-ropes course. They had to work together to get everyone through it without any falls. Well, they had a few falls, but they stayed positive and did it! I enjoyed just watching them.

Some snapshots from the low-ropes course

Yup. My little man got to come along and hang out outside all day long too.

I love how when Jed squats his little tush is only an inch from the ground!

Jed also has a thing for potato chips.

My Seniors: BFFs Karin and Samme

After lunch, our camp instructors busted out the harnesses and then came the REAL FUN! One by one, we each took turns embarking on the high-ropes courses waaay up in the trees!

Karin and Carissa showing us how to wear those cute red helmets.

I didn't know Karin was so hard core. She says she "lives on the edge". Haha

The adrenaline junkie, Samme

On one course (seen above), we had to scale a tree and cross a wire from one tree to another using another wire--or harder--ropes hanging from above, for balance. I, personally, conquered the ropes!

Photographic proof that I was there and did it too!

Do I look nervous? I was a little. But the jump was exhilarating!

The other challenge was to climb this wobbly pole (or tree) to a platform and jump off. Totally against all laws of nature. Awesome!

Flyers!!! We rock!

Last, but not least, we all had the opportunity to rocket down a zip line from 65 feet up in the air. What a rush!

The Youth

It was an awesome day! The youth are still talking about it. Some of them even want to become camp counselors themselves one day. But better yet, Saturday's activity helped accomplish exactly what we wanted: to build a little more unity among the district's youth. We all learned a new name or two and we all cheered each other on during each challenge. There was a spirit of encouragement and comradery.

And it doesn't hurt to feel on top of the world after you have stepped outside your comfort zone and accomplished something hard. What an adrenaline rush!

1.10.2011

The Youth of the Potsdam, New York District

Don't they look enthusiastic about a group picture? ha!

January is meant for warm meals and playing in the snow. And that’s exactly what we did this past weekend.

The Youth in our District had a Super Saturday in Lake Placid, about an hour from our home. Lake Placid is where the winter Olympics were held twice and it is in beautiful country! Despite lots of fresh snow and a dead car battery, we made it to the itsy bitsy chapel there and met all the other LDS teenagers that came out for the activity. There was an awesome turnout of twenty kids or so. It was a fun day!

First, we played games in the snow. That was followed by a lesson and lunch and cookies. Last, but not least, were sleigh rides out at Paul Smith’s College. There were snowballs, and flirting, and all sorts of crazy fun teenage stuff happening. I really enjoy working with the youth. They remind me of how good my own middle and high school years were—and how challenging too. I am so glad to be through with that stage of my life because though my responsibilities have grown, life just keeps getting better.

Bobbie helped feed Jed some lunch.

She is so good with him!

I love this crazy, cute girl!

The Sleigh and Horses

There was some cuddling to keep warm. Don't they make a good looking couple?

Jed was wrapped up tight and cuddled with me!

Some faces I see every week

Staying warm by the fire

We were gone all day. Upon arriving at home Saturday evening, Jed was elated to see his toys! In fact, Jed was so wound up, he played happily until 9:00PM. I texted one of my girls to make sure she hadn’t given Jed some of her Red Bull or something. (Just kidding.)

Sunday afternoon we had some friends over for a Corn Chowder Cook Off. Back in August, we girls picked, shucked, boiled, and bagged a bunch of corn. It was finally time to make something special and enjoy it! Bron made our chowder which included crab and a diced pepper. My man is an excellent cook. And he loves to do it too! There were four chowders to sample. All the chowders were delicious and all so different. We were stuffed!

It was a busy, but wonderfully fun weekend!

The Brilliant Cooks: Bron, Jessie, Anna, and Natasha

The Ice Cream Dessert Anna made. Yummy!

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