My Brother on a Mission....

My little brother Landon is on a mission for our church (the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).  He is in a remote town in Mexico.  He did not speak spanish before heading there and now he does.  He was the pickiest eater on the planet and now he eats all kinds of crazy stuff.  He works with a companion-  these two little 18 year old boys, riding their bikes around town, telling people about the love God has for them.  He has looked forward to serving his mission for YEARS!  And now he's finally there, working hard everyday, having the time of his life, teaching people about Christ and helping them to change their lives for the better, and just spreading the joy of the gospel.

His letters inspire me.  They are funny and don't always make sense but I can see a little picture in my mind's eye of these young missionaries out there.  They have left their family and life behind.  They have chosen to give up two years to share the good news of the gospel.  They suffer through a lot of circumstances that are not ideal and they do it cheerfully.  They have bad days, get homesick, have doors slammed in their face and maybe sometimes they even want to quit.  But they keep serving because there's a little fire burning inside of them and they want to tell others what they know.  They want to help people.  They are filled with love for their 'neighbor'!

Landon's letters inspire me to forget my little cares and concerns and think about other people... to think outside of myself.  They remind me that life is so good and that all of us have been blessed with so much from our loving Heavenly Father.  

His letters remind me why I choose to be a member of this church.  I choose to be a Mormon because it makes me a better person!  The gospel of Jesus Christ gives me a purpose!  It gives me something to work toward!  It brings happiness into my life!  It gives me direction for my life from God through his living prophet.  It helps me know how to raise my kids.  It gives me hope in a sometimes hopeless world, it fills my heart with love for other people, it makes me want to make a difference and spread the light of Christ where I can.  

The gospel of Jesus Christ reminds me that God lives and loves me.  He is there for me no matter what.  In fact, He loves me (and all of us) so much that He sent his son to earth to show us how to live, and to take our sins upon Himself so that we can be forgiven and start over again.  Christ died and was resurrected so that we too can live again.  This means the world to me.   I have had moments of anguish and pain in my life.  Burdens to bear that I couldn't have borne alone... and I didn't have to because He was there for me, lifted my burden, and filled my heart with peace and a determination to move forward in hope.  

In light of some of the press my church is getting right now I wanted to write this down.  I choose to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints because it is the gospel of Jesus Christ and it brings me happiness.  Humans can get so caught up in the little things and forget the big beautiful picture.  Humans always think things should make total and complete sense- we forget how little we are in the universe.  Go outside and look up at the stars for awhile and you'll get it... we are little... and yet known and loved by God (Matthew 10:28-31).  Why should we, being so little, understand how it all works?  Of course we don't have all of the answers... who does except God?  I have faith in God and that He has all the answers and someday we will have them as well... someday everything will make sense.  For now, I know that Christ stands at the head of His church and for me, that's enough.  Well, that and all the other great things I listed above.  Plus even more.  Man, I really could keep going.

Now for Landon's letter from this week.  (Don't judge him for his imperfect writing- he's just an excited missionary with only a few minutes on the computer)!

Another week! The time just flies!

This week was kinda just normal....

It started to rain here. Like a ton. Its crazy. One night it started when we were in the town center area and when it rains it rains hecka hecka hard. The streets were super flooded and like rivers. Sometimes my foot was under water when I pedaled. The rain kinda slowed the work down a little but we still had tons of stuff this week. I secretly loved it, though haha! Everyone is standing under something and we just keep pedaling hard! It was funny cause there are tons of people under stuff on the sides of the street and they all cheer when they see us, so i totally felt like a rockstar. haha! It was awesome!

We had some really powerful lessons this week. and some cool experiences. As a missionary I think people feel more secure around you or something, because people always kinda open up to us and tell us things that I don't think they would tell other people. Its humbling and mind boggling to me sometimes when it catches up to me. I have sooooooo many names in my daily planner. And I know so many people and each one of them have their own little life and their own things. Their own families, worries, problems, sad things, happy things, its just crazy. Pretty much the only thing that is the same is their identity. They are all children of God. 

Sometimes as a missionary its hard to see these people reject help when its right in front of them. I dont know why I just thought of this haha but its like Annikan in star wars. (how do you spell that?!) When obi-wan chops off his legs and arm and he's laying in the dirt and catches on fire and obi-wan tries to help him and he doesn't want him to. He's just so pathetic rolling around without limbs on fire. I mean obviously, he needs a lot of help right now but he won't accept it.

Sometimes in life we get our arms and legs chopped off. Sometimes after this we even catch on fire haha, but the point is that there is help. Right in front of us. We just have to accept that help. We have to reach out our only arm left and take the hand haha! Maybe that was a bad example but this week i have seen a lot of Annakins. It's hard to watch. I just want to help them. I almost want to just make them accept it, but i know it would just be worse and I would just make them into a darth vader haha! ok I'll stop now.

But I have seen a lot of that this week. I thought a lot about agency. What an incredible gift that is. I love the scriptures in Moses when Heavenly Father is weeping. Enoch asks how its possible He can weep and He says,
 " behold these thy brethren, they are the workmanship of my own hands and I gave them their knowledge. and in the garden of Eden gave I unto man his agency. and to thy brethren have I said and also given commandment that they love one another and that they choose me, their father, but behold it is without affect and they shed their own blood." (rough Spanish translation).

He has given us our agency. The power to choose. He has asked us to choose him, the one who made us and gave and gives us everything, and yet there are so many who deny him and reject him and prefer his enemy. The craziest part of it all is that he is still there. He stays waiting with arms outstretched. it doesn't matter what we've done or how many times we do it He is still waiting for us.

There is someone who has already paid the price so that we don't have to. He paid it in full. He understands us perfectly. He is the only constant in this life. People change, styles, culture, language (haha) but He is the same. He is the only one who can help us through it. I know that we are children of a loving god. a father who has given us everything, gives us everything and will continue to bless us. He has asked that we follow His loving advice. That we live a better life and He will bless us even more. Some people think we are giving up things to live this life but that's not true. Pleasure last for a few moments maybe a few hours. He is offering us something eternal. We have to look beyond the things right in front us. We have to broaden our perspective to understand what He is offering. I can testify that what He is offering is so much better. I have seen and am seeing what the world offers and I have felt and know what He offers. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have had all my life. I am so grateful for the help I have had to see past the weekend.

I'm loving my mission! even though its crazy and sometimes hard and just weird and tons of stuff I love it so much. Alma 32:42: "by and by ye shall pluck the fruit". Its the little things that make everything about this gospel so worth it. I will wake up exhausted every day, sweat constantly, walk in 100 plus degree weather, battle psychopath dogs, kill millions of grasshoppers and cockroaches, eat pigs feet until my mouth is full of hair, be denied over and over, be covered in mosquito bites, go to bed exhausted and do it all over again for this gospel and I'll love every minute of it!

I love ya al! hope all is well! sigan adelante!

elder Blodgett

ps be nice to mormon missionaries

pss if I have time I will continue to post his letters

psss i was 17 when Landon was born and sometimes he feels like my own child

pssss love you Lands

Roadshow 2013!

Lexi got to participate in her youth group's roadshow this year and it was FUN!  She had such a great time - now that it is over she is bummed.  I can't tell you how amazing her leaders are especially the woman who pulled this whole thing together (the blonde one above in the black)!  She is awesome- and as a parent am so thankful for wonderful leaders who give so much time working with the youth.

Their theme this year was "movie mashup."  Our ward mashed up Harry Potter, Willy Wonka and Mission Impossible.  They had lots of singing and dancing, and great costumes and acting- it really was an amazing production.  My brother Landon was "Elder Potter" and he did a really good job.  Lexi was an oompa loompa, and a student at hogwarts, and some other dancer in some dances.  Every week she couldn't wait for roadshow practice where they served yummy dinners, desserts and treats galore.  Plus they got to hang out with friends and BOYS so of course that made it all even better.

Lexi has made such nice friends here- and aren't they adorable too?

Here's a video of it if you have 15 minutes and like to watch videos of people you don't know.

Some Links for you!

I'm in love with the new Mormon.org! My favorite part is the videos and profiles of different Mormons that you can find here:

http://mormon.org/people/

As I was scrolling through the videos I came across two videos of women whose blogs I read

Shawni's:

http://mormon.org/me/2XRX-eng

and Rochelle's:

http://mormon.org/me/141P-eng

It was really exciting to see them- they are both so cute and great moms.

Yesterday the kids and I sat on the couch and watched a bunch of the videos.

Then we tried to make our own "I am a Mormon" video. If I can convince the kids to let me put it online I will show it to you. But they are a little bit shy.

Two more things:

I am going on a sisters trip to St. George. I've never been there. What should we do? Where should we eat? Please do tell.

I posted a recent session on the photoblog- cute baby Jack- check him our here.

I love Mondays. I used to hate them but lately they have been a day for me to get going, pick up from the weekend, and start over with my goals etc. Today is going to be a good one.

Bye for now!

The Primary Program

(picture of Lexi to come... she was MIA when I took these)

On Sunday our church had our primary program (a whole hour that the kids put on to tell us what they've learned this year).

I was so proud of my kids for working hard to memorize their speaking parts.

Nothing warms a mom's heart like seeing your child up on stage doing a good job. Both Macey and Logan were asked to sing a little solo. I had already had an emotional morning (I was literally crying over a cheesy 80's church movie, "Saturday's Warriors" that my kids were watching at one point).

Sitting in the audience watching my little kids sing songs about Jesus and hearing their precious little voices conjured up extreme emotions for me and I had to work hard to hold the tears in. I will be forever sad that I couldn't video tape it and don't have that memory on film to re-live.

Macey's solo was a full verse but after her solo she stood at the mic and sang all three verses of the song while the kids in the background sang along. She remembered every word and her little voice was so sweet, and she was so confident but nervous too, I think. It was so darling. Logan can carry a tune very well but is usually so quiet. Brother F was motioning for him to be louder and he really gave it his all and we could actually hear him. I was proud of him for pushing himself. He was nervous but I'm so glad he decided to do it.

You know as a mom you love your kids always but lots of times you're just going through life kinda like "meh- kids are just kids" and you forget how you worshipped them when they were tiny? And then you have a moment where that worship comes back and you're overwhelmed with their sweetness and goodness and you feel so blessed that they're yours and you love them so much more for a few weeks? That's what I'm going through. This week I've thought everything they've done is cute and I know it's because the memory of them singing their little hearts out is still fresh in my mind.

One thing I love about my kids is their enthusiasm for doing things. I told them that we were going to memorize their speaking parts and they totally worked on it at night and in their beds and they didn't complain or whine. They just memorized them and did their best when they were up at the mic. I know it doesn't really matter if they're memorized but I just figure if they are capable of it (which I know they are) why not encourage them to do their best and strengthen their memorizing and speech skills. They were so proud of themselves too.

My parents and Dave's mom and one of our little cousins came up for the day to watch- thanks guys!

I love my church. This year the kids have learned about eternal families and how we can make good choices here on earth and be together forever after this life. They learn songs about Jesus and sing them for us. It really is so great. I'm thankful for their teaachers too! They don't get paid and they work hard to keep these kids learning and happy and having a good time at church. I've worked in primary before but not for a long time. I'm glad my kids have had such good teachers every Sunday.

And those are my thoughts on the primary program.

p.s. go to my photoblog if you like to see pictures of very cute pregnant ladies.

I Hope I Can Sleep Tonight

My little brother Dustin comes home from his two year mission for our church, TOMORROW! It feels like Christmas. I'm so excited to see him!


(this photo was taken about 2 years ago when he left. Things have changed!)

Mormon Women

A good friend of mine is involved in a new website called "Mormon Women." It's purpose is to help in getting good positive message about Mormon Women out on the web! It will answer questions people have about us and give them a glimpse of who we are as Mormon women.


The site needs contributors, commenters, and ideas. It is a GOOD thing that you should go and support.

Click here to see the site, then add it to your reader, and put a link on your sidebar. You can do it! It can be your contribution to missionary work!

“If the women of the Church will be united and speak with one voice, their strength will be incalculable. It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord.” Julie Beck.

For her entire talk, click here.

Change

Today I was released as 2nd counselor in the Relief Society of my church. I've decided I don't like change. I've had this calling for almost 3 years, and a couple of months ago I was thinking I was ready for change. But now that change has come I feel torn! There are, of course, some things I wish I had done but never quite got to them. Also, I was finally getting it all figured out and had discovered what works, what doesn't etc. And now that I kind of knew what I was doing it really wasn't that hard. What if I get a hard calling now?

I know the new presidency is going to do a great job- I really am looking forward to some new things happening with Relief Society. I am a little nervous about what my new calling might be though. I don't have one yet so for now I will enjoy the break.

I learned a lot of things in this calling and I'm thankful for that.

And that's all I have to say.

Church Woes

Yesterday I was extremely sick.  I woke up, had a fever, and felt awful.  Normally, under those conditions I would stay home from church.  However, yesterday was ward conference and because our Bishop has been the bishop for 6 years now, we all just knew that it was the day we would get a new one!!  I just couldn't miss such excitement!  So I got my sick self out of bed and I went to church. 

We arrived at church and Dave and I immediately sat down and assessed the room.  There were two male members of our ward wearing suit coats... men that don't normally wear suit coats.  They looked nice and churchy and they were early- it had to be them!!!  One of them was even walking around shaking hands with people!  He looked extra friendly with a big smile on his face!  We just knew he was the one!  Then another man walked in with a suit coat!  It was the man that Dave and I had both predicted it would be!  And he was in a suit!  It was so exciting!

The meeting began.  First a welcome, then some announcements, then the stake presidency member stood up (this was it!), and then ... he just gave the ward stats and sat down.  Hmmm, strange that it didn't happen right then.  Of course, they're just waiting until after the sacrament!

But then we had the sacrament, the speakers were announced, the first speaker stood up and began speaking, and at that point, we knew it wasn't going to happen.  Oh the feeling of disappointment that filled our souls!  It's not that we need a new bishop- ours is great.  It's just that -can't something exciting happen at church for once?  Please?  I just need some excitement in my Sunday-life!  Our church isn't the kind where we get "speaking in tongues" coming from the congregation, or being "overcome by the spirit" in the aisle followed by fainting.  Sometimes I wish we had some of that.  Just a little excitement, is that too much to ask?

I really should have stayed in bed.

When I got home I layed in my bed for the rest of the night.  The kids wrote me "get well soon" cards and brought me food.

I'm feeling a little better today in case you're wondering.  

And I took some cute pictures of Macey (again):

I am not kidding around about these last two photos.  I was using a black background and she was wanting to put it on her head.  I told her if she let me take 10 more pictures then I would take some pictures of her however she wanted.  She agreed and when it was her turn, this is what she did.  I was trying not to laugh because she was so dead serious about it.  

Lexi's Baptism Day

Lexi was baptized yesterday.  It was such a nice day.  It actually started off in the temple where my sister's baby was sealed to their family.  That was a good way to start the day.  Then all of the family came to our house where we took pictures and headed off to the baptism.

We were so lucky to have a lot of family able to come to the event:  my parents, both of Dave's parents, 5 uncles, 4 aunts, and 11 cousins.  They made a big effort to come.  We also had some family friends and a couple of Lexi's friends from school.  It really meant a lot to us that they could all be there.

Lexi was so excited.  I was surprised that she wasn't nervous at all.  She just had a big smile most of the day.    She got a lot of gifts, we had cake and lots of playing with friends and cousins, so at the end of the day I was so glad to hear that her favorite part of the day was "going down in the water and coming out clean."    I was glad the most important part didn't get overshadowed by the fun. 

My favorite part of the day was standing to the side of the baptismal font after she was baptized and holding out my hand for her to come to me.  She grabbed it and I helped her out.  She had such a big smile on her face and I was overwhelmed with love and thankfulness for her.  We then had a few minutes together while we got her changed into her dress.  It was a sweet moment and I felt so grateful to be her mother and for the opportunity I have to raise this little spirit. 

 One of my favorite church songs is called "What Heaven Sees in You."  I always think about my kids during that song and the potential that they have to become all that their Heavenly Father wants them to be.  I know I have an important part in helping them reaching their potential and I hope that I can do my best everyday to create in them the desire to be their best.  To become what their Heavenly Father sees them as.  If I could have Lexi always remember one thing as she goes through life it would be that she is a daughter of God and that He loves her.  I think with that knowledge she can make it through whatever comes her way and find happiness in life.  I am thankful for the gospel that shows us the way.

I still can't believe I have a child that is eight and is now baptized.  Can I really be old enough?

  

Sent to this earth, you were saved through the ages for this day and time.

Child of great worth, child of promise, daughter of the divine.

Pure and holy, in a little white dress, you were held in a circle and you were blessed.

And the Father looked down, and the angels surrounded that place.  

They knew the truth- all that you could do, and you will too, if you have eyes to see,

what heaven sees in you.

Dressed in white once more, making promises to follow in God's way.

So much lies in store for the little girl who enters at the gate.

Pure and holy, in a little white dress.

You were led into the water, and you were blessed.

And the Father looked down, and the angels surrounded that place.

They knew the truth.  All that you can do, and you will too, if you have eyes to see,

what heaven sees in you.

Do you understand who you are?

Part of the Father lives in you.

And if you continue on this path

Every promise God has given will come true.

Heaven on earth, in the house of God so much fills your heart and mind.

Woman of great worth, woman of promise, daughter of the divine;

Pure and holy, in a long white dress,

you promise forever and you are blessed.

And the Father looks down and the angels surround that place.

They know the truth- all that you can do

And you do too, 'cause you have eyes to see

What heaven sees in you.

Will you have eyes to see what heaven sees in you?

The Reason For the Season

Today was our ward Christmas program.  It was so good.  Music just speaks to me!  The hymns we sang as a congregation accompanied by the violin, piano and organ were so powerful and pretty.  Then there was a group of women who sang- lots of my friends- and they sounded awesome.  Then there were some beautiful words spoken.  Then a solo by Dave.  So by the end of the meeting I was emotional.  It was such a reminder of what Christmas is all about.  "The reason for the season" as Dave likes to say. 

This season has been a busy one for me.  Probably the busiest yet in my life.  It's been hard because there are so many things we have to do, and so many things other people and family want us to do, that I have felt like we haven't had time to do things as a family that I want to do to get into the spirit of Christmas and teach my kids the good stuff.  I definitely have plans for next Christmas season to go a little bit smoother.  In fact, I even took notes of things to do better and things to plan ahead for.  Next year is going to be awesome.

I have had a moment or two to read some Christmas stories and talks by leaders of my church. I love doing that and try to make time for it every year.  This year I have been thinking a lot about Mary and trying to imagine myself in her shoes.  It is so humbling to think of this young girl being chosen to be the mother of the Son of God.  And how she must have felt when the baby was coming and she was in a stable!  But how how strong she was.  And how much faith she had.  And how worthy of her role she was.  It is a powerful story and one that we can learn so much from.  I am thankful for Jesus Christ.  I wanted to write some of my feelings about Him, but I'll let President Hinckley say it instead- he says it so much better. 

It is proper during this season when we commemorate His birth that we remember the 

Lord Jesus Christ in reverence and with love. He has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has brought meaning to our mortal existence. He has given us the gift of eternal life

When all is said and done, when all the legions of the ages have passed in review, when man’s terrible inhumanity to man has been chronicled, when God’s great love for His children has been measured, then above all stands the lone figure of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world, the

 Savior of mankind, the living Son of the living God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One.

I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal, Living God. None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable

 blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. I worship Him as I worship His Father, in spirit and in truth. I thank Him and kneel

 before His Beloved Son who reached out long ago and said to each of us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”

For each of you may this be a merry Christmas. But more importantly, I wish for each of you a time, perhaps only an hour, spent in silent meditation and quiet reflection on the wonder and the majesty of this, the Son of God. Our joy at this season is because He came into the world

. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost to Himself—these are of the true essence of Christmas

If you haven't noticed the pictures have nothing to do with my post.  But how can I resist posting more pictures of my kids?

I love General Conference so much. I love sitting on my little couch, in my little town knowing that so many others around the world are hearing the same thing and feeling the same thing as me. I love sitting there listening and deciding to change my life. I love feeling so motivated and making plans of where to start. I love that my kids think it's a special weekend and want to sit there with us. I love feeling uplifted and renewed and excited for the future. I love feeling like I can do better- I can start over and be a better person.

My favorite talk from Saturday? Hmmm I loved them all. If I had to pick one I think it was Elder Uchtdorf. He is just speaking to me these days.

Now, I must head back over to my couch for more!

Tuesday Nights Are Not My Fav.

Dave has been gone every Tuesday night for 3 years. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying.

But when he comes home looking like this I'm ok with it. Who can resist a man in uniform?

For more about Eagle Scouting read a post from my past here.

I Believe- FHE

I believe in Family Home Evening (FHE).

Family Home Evening is a night when your family stays home together and has a little meeting. We do it on Sundays or Mondays.

It is very important to have a chart that tells each member of the family what their job of FHE is. The chart does not need to be fancy. See ours below.

One person conducts. Tonight it was Macey. She says, "welcome to family home evening" and then tells us what everyone will be doing for their FHE job.

Logan was in charge of leading the song.

Dave was in charge of the lesson.

The children were in charge of listening to the lesson.

When you have little kids, the lessons should be short and sweet. Just a little bible story or something like that. It is hard for them to sit still for too long. See pictures below.

There are always lots of interruptions and random comments from the kids. That's the best part. Tonight we were talking about Daniel in the Lion's Den and Macey raised her hand. Dave called on her. She said, "if you need some money, but you don't really have any of your own money, then you should probably just ask your parents if you can have some of theirs." Hmmm. Interesting point that had absolutely nothing to do with the lesson. Looking back, I do think someone had said the word "tithing" at some point... maybe that got her on the money subject.

One more comment from Macey that I must share. We were talking about prayer (how Daniel prayed in the Lion's Den). Dave asked the kids why we should pray. Macey said, "if you don't pray then Heavenly Father will make you die and you'll never see your family again." Logan burst out laughing and Dave and I couldn't hold it in very well either. A bit disturbing wouldn't you say? Apparently, she's extremely confused. We explained that that was totally not right and hopefully she gets it now.


Anyway, the random comments and questions from the kids are my favorite part and often lead to gospel discussions and teaching moments. So, don't go too crazy on preparing a lesson... something good comes from whatever you do.

After the lesson, we move on to the kids favorite part.

The games!

Our FHE game portion of the night usually includes one of the following games:
Duck Duck Goose
Mother May I
Red Light, Green light,
Hide and Go Seek
London Bridges
Ring Around the Rosie
OR, my favorite :Dead man, Dead man.

Tonight we played Duck Duck Goose.

Dave knee'd me in the back when he was running around our very small circle. He was probably dizzy. It hurt.

When the kids are the "ducker" they go around the circle, like, 30 times. It gets old. But I figure, it's once a week- I can handle it!

Usually, the games turn into a sort of wrestling match while I prepare the treat.

Tonight Lexi helped with the treat and put sprinkles on everyone's ice cream.

Then we ate it.

And that's the end of our FHE!

It really isn't that special but I know it makes a difference in our family so I love doing it (most of the time). I think it makes us more unified as a family, and gives us an opportunity to talk about important "life" topics. Don't get me wrong... it isn't always all fun and games. Sometimes there are fights and time-outs and even some parental yelling. But, when it's good, it's good and that's why we keep trying.

Now, please share what you do for FHE with your family.