Splish SPLASH... I was taking a bath....

Henry has so much fun the bath!

Parenting

My mind has been consumed with so many thoughts about how to raise, love and PROTECT my boys.

Over the past month or so Steve and I have sure been tested on this scripture (D&C 93:40). It isn't anything we are doing wrong per say it is how we handle the influences and situations of the world that our sons are presented with. We know we can't be at our sons side each and every day... so we have to do our best to try to figure it out, and pray.

President Spencer W. Kimball taught that the home is the most important place to counter Satan’s influence:

“In 1833 the Lord warned through his prophet, ‘And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.’ (D&C 93:39.)

“And then he offered the solution,

‘But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.’ (D&C 93:40.)

“The spirit of the times is worldliness. Hoodlumism is common. Supposedly good youth from recognized good families express their revolt in destructive acts. Many defy and resist the law-enforcing officers. Respect for authority, secular, religious, and political, seems to be at a low ebb. Immorality, drug addiction, and general moral and spiritual deterioration seem to be increasing, and the world is in turmoil. But in our time the Lord has offered his ageless program in new dress and it gives promise to return the world to sane living, to true family life, family interdependence. It is to return the father to his rightful place at the head of the family, to bring mother home from social life and employment, the children away from unlimited fun and frolic. The home teaching program with its crowning activity, the family home evening, will neutralize the ill effects only if people will apply the remedy.” (“Home: The Place to Save Society,” Ensign, Jan. 1975, pp. 3–4.)

We have to realize that we really DO have a great responsible to teach our children AT HOME.. and pray that what we are teaching them will help them resist temptation.. help them to know who they are... Help them to be leaders and good examples for there friends. There is so many outside influences that could lead us other ways. We sure have prayed for knowledge and I have felt the lords love for me, love for Steve and I see our sons growth.

This quote could not have come at a better time for our family.

"If we are to put civility back into civilization, the process must begin in the home with parents, while children are very young. It will not happen otherwise. - Gordon B. Hinckley

To realize the promise of peace in the heart and happiness int he home we must do all we can to live the gospel, to be people of honest and integrity, "to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" (Micah 6:8). Those who are untruthful, who steal, cheat, and lie, are living a duplicitous life well below their celestial potential and eternal purposes. For some, mendacity is a habit that must be broken, an addition that must be stopped with sincere repentance and humility . Honesty, integrity, and civility change families and nations - but it all begins at home, with parents who love their children enough to do the hard work of righteous parenting. Parents are charged with the divine commission to bring up their children in light and truth (D&C 93:40); they are held accountable for how they live and teach truth.

That last part (They are help accountable) wow! That scares me to death, but then I also totally take on the challenge. I KNOW that without my Heavenly Father as a partner in raising my boys we won't succeed. Steve and I as parents have to team up against the adversary and walk strong. I have felt like our family has been under attack almost and we are seeing the "world's temptations at our door step". I'm grateful for quotes, scriptures and church leaders that always have the "right" things to say that guide our family.

Joseph B. WIthlin put it perfectly....

"The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him"

Easter Eggstravaganza

I was able to go help out with the surprise Easter party that the teacher wanted to do for the kids. As you can see Hunter was all over eating CUPCAKES... the kids had fun finding eggs, checking out there goodie bags and eating lots of treats.


Ou Hunter boy really wanted to have a Easter Egg Hunt and BBQ... So mommy and Hunter planned what we were going to do and it turned out great!! We spent the evening enjoying each other's company. The kids enjoyed loving on the puppies, jumping on the trampoline and playing. We had a good spread of yummy food that filled everyones tummy... and lastly we finished the fun night off with an Easter Egg Hunt and some (left over fireworks) "Hunter's party" was a hit....Happy Easter!

Family Fun... we headed down south to visit Steve's side of the family. We had a delicious feast of homemade food, a fun egg hunt and the kids colored eggs with there granny.

We had a blessed Easter surrounded by friends and family.....













Easter Morning with the kiddos.... Hunter was so excited to get the Tangled movie and book. Of course we can't forget the huge pen and rooster that lays gum balls. Awww to be a kid and the fun things they get. Henry loved the bubbles, balloons and GOLDFISH.. this boy loves goldfish!

My first Edible Flower Arrangement

SO I got a wild hair and tried to make my first "Edible Flower Arrangement". I dipped some in chocolate to go with the chocolate Easter bunny. I think it turned out pretty good, the only thing I need to make better for next time is that the apples and some of the other fruit stated to turn brown. I cut everything in the morning and then traveled 2 hours. Maybe next time I should cover it, it would be great for a event happening "close" to home. :)

Overall I was pretty proud of myself, lots of work...but a total success!