I want to be a missionary now!

There's a primary song that says, "I want to be a missionary now, I don't want to wait until I've grown."

I just overheard Acadia talking on the phone with her grandparents. Grandpa must have mentioned the Patriots or football or something because all of a sudden I hear Cadi saying that it's Sunday and that means no football, not even the Patriots. Then she said, "Try to keep the Sabbath day holy, Mister!"

LOL You gotta' love kids.

(P.S. Grandpa, if you're reading this... I hope you don't mind getting preached to by a 7 year old. We love you! And you should know that while we do try to keep the Sabbath day holy, I did make sure to check the score as soon as we got home from church. ;) Go Patriots!!! lol)

I love my Sleeping Beauty!!!

10.5 HOURS!!! That's how long Rori slept last night!

We were visiting at my friend's house, had a yummy dinner and great dessert. *licks lips* I fed Rori just a little earlier than normal and she only took 3 ounces, normally she eats up to 6 ounces at night. I thought for sure she would need another feeding before she went to sleep for the night. She fell asleep on Beckie and I thought it would last for an hour or two but nope, she stayed asleep. She didn't wake up when I put her in her carseat, she didn't wake up on the drive home, she didn't wake up when I wrapped her in her blanket and laid her in her bassinet, she didn't even stir at all during the night. She slept until 7:30 this morning and woke up happy. :)

I think I'm going to take her to Beckie's every night! ;)

And it all went downhill from there...

Today started off great! Rori had slept over 8 hours and woke up pleasant. She ate and then stayed up for an hour, happily talking and smiling. She took a nice nap, allowing me to get ready for our day.

I attended a VIP luncheon (Very Informal Potluck for Very Important People) with some ladies from church. I decided to bring my mom's meatballs as my contribution this time. *yummy* I had a headache so I took some Ibuprophen before I left.

The luncheon was fun, we had a great little group and had lots of fun watching the dogs play. Don't believe me? Ask Thoroughly Mormon Millie or No Cool Story. NCS actually took some pics of the pups, maybe they'll make it to her blog at some point. I also saw a sight I thought would be darn near impossible... Millie blushing! Great fun. And the food was great too! :)

Unfortunately, about half way through the luncheon, my headache started to get worse and I started feeling dizzy. I just kept thinking how glad I was that I didn't have to drive home. (The luncheon was two houses away from mine.) I suppose I should have gone home as soon as it got worse, but I haven't been able to sit with a group of ladies and just have fun in awhile - and I didn't want to give that up yet! So I waited until everyone else was leaving before I did too.

We got home, I fed Rori, and then she and I slept on the couch until Cadi got home. I felt so... ugh... just not good. My head was pounding, I was dizzy, and I started to feel nauseous. After being completely lazy all afternoon, I'm starting to feel better. My head still hurts and I'm a little light-headed, but that's about it.

I guess it's good that it happened today - tomorrow is going to be busier. And since I'm feeling a little better, I'm hopeful that by tomorrow morning I'll be just fine. :)

Two month check-up.

Today was Rori's two month check up.  Here are her stats:  24 inches long, 10 lb 11.8 oz.  She is in the 90% for height and 25-50% for weight.  That is very similar to how Cadi was.  Doctor says she's a healthy girl (and cute, too!).  :)

We lucked out of shots today because she is getting them from the research department and they were out of the office this week.  She is scheduled to have them on Monday instead. 

I can't believe how big she is getting.  I mean, sure I can... but I can't.  Ya know? lol  Rori is so much fun and she is spoiling me.  Though, I admit that I wouldn't mind being even more spoiled.  Like, maybe we can go to 10 hour nights now?  lol  Some people are just never satisfied!

***I forgot to post these!  So, I'm just adding them now. :)  I took them this morning, she was so cute!  And the shoes are DARLING!  (Thank you Arizona Beauty!)

Family Portraits Take Two

If you recall, we took our family portraits two weeks ago - our first portraits since Rori was born. :)  Today I picked up the portraits from the studio and scanned them into my computer.  Most of the ones I posted last time, are pretty much the same.  But these were a little different (I just couldn't get my computer to do the same types of bordering/tinting)...







And this collage... I LOVE IT!!!

Celebrating 10 Years

Today is our 10th wedding anniversary! 

Wow.  It's been a great ten years.  I won't lie and say that I've loved every moment.  There have been some really hard times.  But I am grateful for them.  It is because of the hard times and the way we got through them that makes us as close as we are.  Besides, there have been mostly good times. :)   Ryan is my very best friend.  I trust him and love him with all of my heart.  I am not perfect, he is not perfect, but I do think we are perfect together. (Awwww...)

Last year I started making plans for a romantic weekend getaway for this year's anniversary.  And then I found out we were going to have a baby and I just didn't think it would end up being quite the same experience with a two month old. ;)  So the plan is to do something a little later, maybe around Valentine's day or something.  But no big plans for right now.  Infact, Ryan is working today.  (Happy Anniversary to us, lol.)  I  was able to meet him for lunch and we had a nice time.  He took me to a restaurant/delicatessen called Rose's.  Everyone raves about their desserts... and yes they were yummy!  I had a cream twist (or something like that, I can't remember the real name) and Ryan had a "Death by Chocolate" torte.  I am a little bummed we couldn't spend more time together, it would have been nice to do something a little more romantic, but there's a time for everything.  I think our time will come. :)

I am really frustrated about this though... I have spent several hours today making a slide show and trying to get it to post on here, but Blog-City won't let me post it for some reason. :S  It's got a bunch of our wedding photos so, if you want to see it, click here.

Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Twice a year, our church holds a world wide conference. At this two day conference, we hear many talks given by men and women who I believe have been called of God to help guide us and give us counsel that the Lord would have us receive. I feel so blessed to know that there is a living prophet on the earth today, and his talk is always a highlight of conference for me. :)

I like taking notes during conference. It helps me to really pay attention to the speakers and it also helps me to remember their messages. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take all of the notes I would have liked. I had to tend to Rori a few times and that limited my abilities. ;) But I did manage to take some so here are my notes from this weekend's sessions of General Conference.

Saturday Morning Session

President Hinckley opened the conference proclaiming that in General Conference, we bear testimony to the world of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

*Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest." (Matt 11:28)
Many are "heavy laden". Christ heals us physically PLUS emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Sometimes when we are healed, our trial is taken away. But sometimes we are just given the strength and means to withstand and overcome the trial.
The healing power of God is for every affliction.


Elder Richard H. Winkle

He talked about the Sacramento Temple.
The temple is about families. As you attend, your love for your family will increase.
We can continue and improve family relationships after this life.
In the temple, we can receive personal revelation and experience divine presence.
Everything in the temple testifies of Christ

Elder Paul B. Pieper

Speaking to 1st generation members (the first in the family to accept the gospel).
It's not always easy, at times it will be challenging and discouraging. But it is worth it.
More than half the church membership is 1st generation members.
1st generation members are pioneers in their family.

*Elder David S. Baxter

Faith in Christ is like spiritual oxygen: It breaths life into our souls, our minds are enlightened, our vision is clearer, and despair is given away to joy.
Faith is the product of righteous desire and belief.
As we serve, we grow. It isn't what we receive that enriches us, it's how we serve.
Service helps us rise above our burdens.
Discipleship doesn't guarantee freedom from trials. Stand steady, stay constant and true, hold fast to what is good.
The parable of the wise man and the foolish man - both had the same trial. What was the difference? the wise man built on a sure foundation. (Christ is the sure foundation.)

*Elder Robert C. Oakes

Charity suffereth long, is not easily provoked, beareth all things, endureth all things.
PATIENCE - it's crucial.
James 1:19 and Mosiah 23:21
"Patience is heavenly." - Joseph Smith
Patience is tied to faith in God.
Impatience implies that we know more than God, that we think our timetable is better than His.

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Jacob 6:12 "O be wise, what can I say more?"
How do we serve wisely and well?
1. Focus on people and principles, not programs.
2. Be innovative. Seek inspiration of spirit, be creative, use talents. Not necessarily to expand, but to simplify.
3. Divide work/Delegate. Allow others to grow and improve.
4. Eliminate Guilt. (Guilt is not motivating.) Prepare, don't procrastinate. Catch others doing something right.
5. Thoroughly allocate sources of time, income, and energy. There is no such thing as "done"; there will always be more to do. But be wise and just do the best you can. Pace yourself. Prioritize time, attention, and resources.
6. Extend responsibilities to other members - especially new members. Don't overwhelm, but give assignments that will help anchor their testimony.

President James E. Faust

Discipleship - forsaking all to follow Christ. This is a price that we cannot afford NOT to pay!
Luke 9:23 and 14:27
His ways have to become our ways.
It will bring purpose to our life, comfort, and peace of conscience.

Saturday Afternoon Session

*Elder Robert D. Hales

The Holy scriptures are the word of God and lead us to the Savior.
Don't nibble - FEAST upon the scriptures!
If the Savior were here today, he would use the scriptures to teach us.
When we want to speak to God, we pray. When we want God to speak to us, we read our scriptures.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Death is just the beginning of a new life.
In referencing the crucifixion and resurrection - We will all have our Fridays, but Sunday will come.
"O death, where is thy sting? O victory, where is thy grave?" (1 Cor. 15:55)

Sister Elaine S. Dalton

Always live in a way that when you need the Lord's blessing, you will receive it because you are worthy.
"When we are worthy, we can not only enter the temple, but the temple can enter us."
'They shall walk with e in white, for they are worthy.'

Elder Shayne M. Bowen

A landfill buries garbage and reclaims the land. You wouldn't go dig up the land to look for old garbage.
Alma 7:11-13 and 2 Nephi 9:7
The Atonement cleans and reclaims our lives.

Elder Daniel L. Johnson

There are many reasons not to pay tithing. But it is a law. And it comes with blessings.
Why does the Lord tithe us? Because He loves us and He wants to bless us.
Paying tithing takes faith.
The Lord will provide a way.
Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes ... and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the window of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

*Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Motives and thoughts influence actions.
A testimony is sacred and spiritual.
The harder you work to gain it, the stronger it will be.
Share it - it will grow.
Every Latter-Day Saint has the responsibility to know for themself that Jesus is the Son of God.
How do we gain a testimony?
Desire to believe. Exercise faith, experiment on the words
Search the scriptures. Have questions and study them out.
Keep the commandments. "Get in on the action." Learn and then DO God's will
Ponder, Fast, Pray.
A testimony provides: proper perspective, a source of confidence, reason for hope and gladness, rejoicing in the beauty of nature, motivation to choose what is right, motivation to draw nearer to God, and guidance safely through the darkness and confusion. (Iron rod)

Elder Richard G. Scott

Heavenly Father wants us to enjoy peace and happiness in this life.
Do not "solo" in life. (Reference to rock climbers with out safety gear or climbing partners.)
Use safety harness, ropes, anchors, companion, etc.
Anchors - Laws of God
Rope - Obedience to the commandments
Companion/guide - Savior
Sadness and heartache are events in life, not the substance of life.
Life can and should be wonderously rewarding.
Conquer difficulties of life.
Progress is accelerated when we allow the Lord to lead us.

Sunday Morning Session

*President Thomas S. Monson

We need a strong and deep foundation to endure adversity.
How do we build a foundation strong and deep enough?
Prayer - There is no finer hour to begin than now.
"Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint on their knees."
The family that prays together, stays together.
Read and Study the Scriptures - Apply what we learn to our daily lives.
Service - It's the service that counts.
Mosiah 2:16-17
Establish a firm foundation and here's the promise:
"Fear not, I am with thee; Oh be not dismayed. For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand."

Elder L. Tom Perry

We need to decide where we stand and where and how we'll live.
If we make the right choices, we will get our reward. If we don't, we won't.
The Savior is the centerpiece to God's plan.
Everyone has equal opportunity to fulfill their destiny.

Bishop Richard C. Edgley

Honesty and Integrity are missing values in today's world because of greed, arrogance, and disrespect.
Proverbs 12:22
There will never be honesty in business, school, home, etc. until there is honesty in the heart!
"Honesty is the basis for a true Christian life."
Honesty is embedded in the covenants in the temple.
Latter-Day Saints have a sacred obligation to teach and live honesty.
It should govern our everyday living.
When we're honest, we are true to our faith and true to ourself.

Sister Margaret S. Lifferth

Become like a child - submissive, meak, humble, full of faith.
Nothing can replace a righteous family in a child's life.
The scriptures and prophets are clear about what needs to be taught to our children: "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophecy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Ne 25:26)
FHE/Scripture study/Prayer
Be a personal example - you cannot teach what you do not know and live.
Your love can help bring a child to the love of the Savior.
As we teach our children these things, we too will be come child-like.

Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Satan tries to lead us astray with bad thoughts - that we are inadequate, not worthy of God's love, that we can't repent.
How do we change our heart?
-See yourself as a precious child of Father in Heaven. God has infinite love for you and He is merciful. refrain from thinking and saying negative things about yourself.
-Place your burdens on Jesus Christ. Doubt not, fear not. Pray. "I can do all things Christ asks of me."
-Forgive yourself. Heavenly Father doe not expect you to become completely perfect. Trust in the Atonement, don't limit it's power.
-Sustain hope of eternal life.
-Find joy each day. Service; while helping others, there is less time to agonize over your own trials. Count your many blessings.

Elder Russell M. Nelson

We are responsible to be what the Lord wants us to be and to do what he wants us to do.
Gathering of Israel - Missionary and temple work.
"Come unto Christ"

*President Gordon B. Hinckley

First of all he "set the record straight" about his health. He feels well. He underwent surgeries earlier in the year and the doctors called it miraculous.
Faith is a moving power. Move forward with faith, even if you have little or no knowledge of what your getting into.
The faith of the pioneers is our inheritance.
Faith is the root of hope and trust, a wellspring of activity.
Increased faith is what we need most!

Sunday Afternoon

Elder Boyd K. Packer

"Arise and shine forth that thy light may be a standard for the nations" D&C 115:5
We are bound to the standards by covenants.
We are not free to alter or ignore the standards.
Opposition never ends. It may change, but it will never end.
High standards are a magnet. We are children of God - we are drawn to truth.
Zion is where we are, not a specific place.
Don't be afraid, Fear is the opposite of faith.
Maintain and BE a standard - let your light shine!

*Elder David A. Bednar

The time to stop being offended is NOW.
To be offended is a choice we make. It is not something someone can inflict on us. We have our agency - to act, not just to be acted upon. We choose how we respond.
We cannot control other people, but we do determine how we'll act. We can choose not to be offended.
Pahoran and Moroni
One of the greatest indicators of our spiritual maturity is how we respond to offenses.
Learn about and apply the Savior's teachings about how to react. Matt 5:44, 46-48
Refuse to take offense, then communicate with that individual.
We are encouraged to prayfully identify someone to share this message with. Lovingly, not self-righteously.

President A. Roger Merrill

Alma 29:1-3
"My job is to do my part."
It's our choice to receive Christ.
D&C 88:33
How many gifts and blessings do we receive not?
Why do some receive more than others?
-Seek
-Feel
-Intent to act
Rejoice in the gift and the giver of the gift.

Elder Craig A. Cardon

The Priesthood is restored
Ordinances - bind things eternally
Changes our nature - helps us put off the natural man.

Elder Don R. Clarke

Only safety and security comes from keeping the commandments.
We can ALL be instuments of God.
-Have love for God's children. Charity and love is the greatest motivation force. It's an essential part of our religion.
-Must be willing to "journey". Step out of comfort zone. Go where he wants us to go.
-Fast and pray to have Heavenly Father's spirit with us.
-Be receptive to the Holy Ghost, follow promptings.
As we act on promptings of the spirit, God's confidence in us will increase.

Elder Keith R. Edwards

Suffering is a part of life.
We can learn from it - it gives us the opportunity to know the Savior better.
It's the attitude that we approach our hardships/trials with that helps us grow closer to the Savior.

*Elder Larry W. Gibbons

Commandments are to keep us out of trouble, give us guidance.
They do not diminish me, rather they enhance me.
Living the commandments will bring us joy.
Qualifies us for celestial blessings.
No man can serve two masters.
Matt 5:13 - don't lose your savor!
We are different from the world - we cannot follow the crowd.
Don't be 80/20 members of the church. Sell the summer cottage in Babylon. Be 100% LDS - Yield completely to God.
You can never be happy in unrighteousness.
Your spirit knows what it is like to live in a celestial realm.
Stay in the middle of the straight and narrow - do not drift!

*Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Come listen to a prophet's voice and hear the word of God!
General Conference:
-There is a living prophet speaking in the name of the Lord. We need this! It's a true light, shining in a dark world.
-Calls us into action.
-Declares to all the world that Jesus is the Christ.

President Gordon B. Hinckley closed the conference claiming that this conference has been inspiring.

* Indicates my favorites.