Matthew Takes the Kids Fishing and Serves Me in the Process

 Dude got a fishing pole for Christmas and has been itching to use it. Matthew took him last week but was game for going again this morning. I was going to be gone all afternoon and evening and was having a major pity party for myself in being called away for so much of my Saturday I traditionally spend with my family. 

After throwing a huge temper tantrum about all the hours my calling requires of me, I finally came to the idea that I have been relying too much on myself with this calling and that I needed to turn to my Savior and let Him and His Atonement make me enough for this calling. Suddenly, my mantra became, "I can with Jesus." I put a scripture as my lock screen, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" - Philippians 4:13. It was the mantra and scripture I needed to get me through the day and I ended up having a lovely time with the youth.

But back to the fishing trip. Matthew was getting ready to go and asked if I wanted to join them. I kind of think his invitation was inspired because it was just what I sorely needed to help me enjoy the rest of the day. 

Look at that cute man. Oh how I love his goodness.

P.S. We caught nothing, but managed to have fun casting, reeling, getting stuck on branches, and eating snacks.

2021-2022 Last Day of School

 Last day of school. I think we are all ready for a break from routine. Everyone is excited, Dude most of all. Hopefully it ends up as a good summer. I feel like I've given the kids tons of bribes.

1. If they deep clean their rooms while I'm away at girl's camp we will have a special day after I get back. (update to add: this ended up being our Port Orford trip)

2. If they complete their summer workbooks I bought them, they get $50 and for every 3-4 pages they complete they get extra screen time. (update to add: this ended up getting nullified as Matthew altered the arrangement and they earned an X-Box instead)

3. For every page they read from the Book of Mormon with a principle they gained or something they liked, they get 10 minutes of screen time. If they read the whole Book of Mormon by the end of the year, they get a day off of school.

4. If Dude can go a whole week of not walking on his toes he gets $50. (update to add: since Dude didn't faithfully work on his workbook, this got caught up with the X-Box. I've never seen a boy pray so earnestly of his own accord for something before. And amazingly enough, through the grace of God, Dude did it).

Temple Power

This morning I went to the temple with some friends. He had a good conversation in the Celestial room about the temple ceremony.

I also felt strongly that there is power in being in the temple, close to our Heavenly Parents so the Holy Ghost can reveal things of great worth to us; but that the real power of the temple is in keeping the covenants we make there and having God's power transform us and the service we render. I am grateful for the atoning power of Jesus Christ and His priesthood power that are made manifest in the ordinances of the temple.