This Made Me Laugh

Picture of the Month

My nephew in the Philippines.

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way Home

This morning, Steve and I went to Perry OH. One of the girls that I love and adore, that I once worked with in Young Women, got married and had an open house there. It is 3 hours away. We decided to take Tanner with us. About half way up there - Tanner yelled, "Are we going to Grandma and Grandpa's?" (Last week we drove to Alabama.) He did well the rest of the way and had a great time with all the kids who were there. 

On the way home, Tanner informed us - that he needed a bathroom break. Steve stopped, filled the car with gas and then took Tanner into the bathroom. We got back on the road and drove for about 10 minutes. Tanner then, piped up in a panic and said,"I have to go to the bathroom again!" 

We were not close to a convenient exit - so Tanner waited and we found one. As we drove off the exit - Steve turned to me and asked, "So do you want to take him this time?" I burst into laughter. Let's see. 3 girls =10 years of me taking the children to the public restrooms EVERY TIME.

 I was still laughing when they got out of the car. I had to call my friend Jenny to share my funny story. I am still laughing. 

Easter Sunday

We had a wonderful Easter Day. After a dinner of "Easter Enchiladas" we got in the car and drove to the temple. A while ago, in a conversation with Tanner, we realized that he had never seen our temple. It is on the other side of town - and the only time we see it - is when we are going there. So Grace and Tanner do not ever see it. Our Stake President has challenged us all to have a temple experience with our families this month because the 10th anniversary of the Columbus temple is coming up. It was great to just walk around the grounds with them and talk a little bit about the temple and why it is so important to us. 

I am so thankful for the atonement and that our Father in Heaven is so loving that he has provided a way for everyone to have the blessings of the temple (joy, happiness and eternal families). I am often baffled by Christians who believe that if a person misses out on the gospel here in this life - there is no other chance for that person to attain eternal life. God is so incredibly merciful - his plan provides every possible opportunity to turn our hearts to Him. He want us to return to Him. I was reminded in Relief Society that He is not just sitting by the door waiting for us to open it. He is constantly knocking. Constantly beckoning. Ever searching. Wanting us home. Gathering us into His fold. But we must choose. He loves us enough to allow us to choose. 

I have a hard time allowing my children to choose. I am thankful my Father in Heaven has infinite wisdom and love for me and my family. I hope my children will all choose to be worthy to go inside the temple and enjoy all the blessing promised there. I hope that they will follow the Shepherd. 

Why Tanner is My Favorite Son

This morning Tanner said, "Mom you look like a teenager." I know - this is the boy who thinks "forever" is the length of time it takes us to walk through the grocery store and he is the same boy who more than once questioned if there was a baby in my tummy. 

But for five minutes I imagined that his perceptions are true and that I have the youthful appearance of the 18 year old that I sometimes feel like. And then I remembered that I am grateful that I am not a teenager. Between my own teenagers and my seminary kids, I am often reminded that I would never go back. Even if it meant I could have my 18 year old body back.