Utah Highlights/Happy Families

Samantha's little cousins would seek her out wherever she would go.  They loved to hang around her and she was always making them feel special.  She is really good about including everyone.  

We drove by the Provo City Center Temple. So beautiful.  I hope we get a chance to go inside next year.

Michael had a hard time going to class.  But then they pulled out a rope and had everyone grab hold and become a train.  He jumped aboard and never looked back.

Dedication Day

Thomas S. Monson, October 2000 General Conference

"Nothing that is required will be performed until we go to work and do something ourselves. We have no other people to lean upon, and therefore it remains for us to go to work and perform well our part.”"

• It is up to me to teach my children. If I want change I have to foster change. If I put it off it won't happen. I am deciding now how to form this new school year. I am listening to a book on enabling your children though teaching them to work. I also see the need for more love and kindness in our family. Can I do both or just focus on one?

Dedication Day

Thomas S. Monson, October 2000 General Conference

"That circle of love is everything, and is a great measure of a past life. It is the gift of greatest worth.”

It has been interesting as I have observed society around me. I have a very large family for this day and time. As I look around and see people role their eyes at me in disbelief I also see the envy of the older generation. Those who have already passed the age of having children and are now into the grandchildren and even the great grandchildren. Those who chose to only have a few children because of ease now lack being surrounded by their families. They look with envy at my children and seem to wish they had grandchildren surrounding them.

It has been and will continue to be difficult to have and raise my family. But I truly feel that when I get to the end of my life I will not regret my decision. I feel that I will bask in my family and pray that they will surround me as I grow old. That our bonds will be strong and the Love of family will shine forth.

As I observe my grandparents I see the importance of involving the family, of keeping them together even after they are grown. I see the value in family vacations, reunions, time together and hope that we will be able to put family first now and in the future.