Friday, October 29, 2010

Something to think about.....


If you want something to think about today, click here, to read this blog post. If not, no problem.

I think it is definitely worth the read. I didn't get to all of the comments left, but while the blog post itself is powerful, the comments might even be more important.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Giveaway for a good cause

Check out this link for a giveaway for a great cause!

Joshua was at Primary Children's Hospital as a small baby, so this is especially close to my heart.



You can go to this link to donate, and they will send you a copy of the song.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Catching up on the week


Last Sunday was a busy day for our family. The kids had Primary Programs in both wards, we had a good skype call with Maddy, Joshua had his scout master conference, and we dedicated mom's and Mark's home. At the end of the day we were all a little tired, but happy.

So, if you missed the Primary Program, I will just tell you that the songs this year are great, and that the kids did a great job being patient through two programs on the same day. Kat had her part memorized, Sarah and Josh did a great job reading their parts, and all of them knew all of the songs, including the sign language for one of them. It was really moving to see all of the kids singing and signing to "I'll Walk With You." To see the words to the song, click here.

Joshua has been working hard on finishing up the last few things he needed to do to earn his Arrow of Light. By Sunday, the only thing he had left was his scoutmaster conference. Brother Davis came over right after dinner and did that, so Josh will receive his Arrow of Light on the 28th, at Pack Meeting. (If you don't already have an invitation and want to come, email me or leave a comment and I will get you the info.)

It is hard to believe it is almost the end of October. My younger brother David has his birthday Sunday, and his birthday always seems to be when I start thinking that it is really fall. Happy Birthday David! Hello cold weather!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Discoverying Mary Oliver


The Journey
By Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Maddy giving a tour


Maddy helped Daddy take the pictures for a tour of the house......

She loves to go up and down the stairs, and even with her short legs, she is good at getting where she wants to go.









It is fun to see her getting around so well!







She loves to find places to hide. She also loves opening and closing doors, so the closet is a double attraction!


It is definitely fall in New Jersey, and Maddy is enjoying all the leaves to play in. With almost 3 acres of trees to lose their leaves, there are always plenty of them blowing up on the back deck.

Friday, October 15, 2010

My Jersey Girl

Enjoy this taste of Maddy!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Happy Birthday Grandad!


Happy Birthday Grandad!

I am keeping you in my prayers while you are celebrating this birthday!

I know that doctors will do all the "body maintenance" that you need, and that you will have many more birthdays to come!

I love you!!

Julia

Saturday, October 2, 2010

A Mother's Faith.....

On this conference weekend, I wanted to share my faith with you:


I have faith that the Lord loves me, and that He has not forgotten me during this trial.

I have faith that the Lord loves my children, and that He is constantly watching over them, blessing them in ways that I cannot right now, and that He will continue to do that, as long as my faith does not waiver.

I have faith in the atonement, and that as I ask for forgiveness from the Lord, and extend forgiveness to those who hurt me, that mighty miracles can be worked in the hearts of all involved.

I have faith that the Lord is blessing me daily, giving me physical and emotional strength.


I have faith that my family will be reunited when this process is over, and that we will be even stronger than we were when it started.

I have faith that conducting my life with integrity is what the Lord requires of me, and that as I act with integrity, I will be blessed.

I have faith that the Lord is allowing other people to use their free agency, and that they will bear the consequences of uses of that agency that are immoral or destructive.

I have faith that the Lord wants my family to be sealed for time and all eternity, and that He will make a way possible for that to happen.

I have faith that the Lord answers prayers.

I have faith that fasting brings blessings and strength to those who fast, and to those who are fasted for by others.

I have faith that the Lord chose me to be the mother to the Joshua, Sarah, Kathleen and Madeline; it is not an accident or mistake that I am their mother.

I have faith in the power of priesthood blessings, both to heal and to comfort in times of trial.

I have faith that no matter what happens, that the Lord will always be beside me, and that I can lean on Him, even when it feels that the rest of the world has forsaken me.

I believe in Christ, and I know
He believes in me.