A story to learn from...

Why am I continually amazed when the Lord extends his hand in my life? Or am I just noticing it more?

What a discouraging last two weeks I have had. After years of teaching, prodding, helping and staying up late with this child, I watch as his grades suffer. (For the first time, really) I am distraught as I hound and plead, threaten and beg and finally pray like crazy.

A trip is planned. He will end up missing 3 days of school. He is told he will not go if his grades are not up. He manages to get his grades up for the first term, and money is paid for him to go on this trip. Now 3 weeks into 2nd term his grades tank. He has been told over and over that he won't go on the trip if the grades don't improve.

The father becomes involved as he realizes the good possibility that the mother will not let the child go on this fun hunting trip. He starts to get on the child's case. The mom realizes that there is no way the grades are going to get better by the time the day comes to leave for the trip.

Unfortunately, not enough communication between the parents has taken place and the mom informs the child, infront of the dad, that he will not be going on the trip. The child seems shocked and the dad is furious at the mom. The mom is hurt, angry and frustrated that the dad is siding with the child. A loud discussion is held and everyone goes to bed angry.

The next day, the child wakes up happy (maybe because he realizes his parents are not together on this and he will eventually win) and heads to school. The mom is even more discouraged, hurt and angry as time goes by, feeling very alone and as if all her efforts with this child have been brushed to the side for a hunting trip. Not to mention the fact that she feels undermined by the father and as if she hasn't a leg to stand on in disciplining this child in the future.

Lunch time arrives, the house is absolutely spotless, (because this is how the mother copes with her tension and anger) and the father walks in the door. Surely he has to cut through the tension (and cleaning product fumes) with a knife. He attempts to explain why he thinks the child should go on the hunting trip and another "loud" discussion ensues. Pride takes over on both sides and neither spouse is willing to relent. The father leaves again.

At this point I believe the Lord was seriously sought by this father. About 5 hours later, the father came back home with a completely different approach. He was helpful and kind to the mother, by asking what he could do to help with dinner and then assisting her in her church calling meeting that night, then reading to the youngest child, helping them get ready for bed, reading scriptures and saying prayer with the family, putting the younger kids to bed and talking with the child concerning grades. A plan was decided. The child would definitely need to step it up, with the help of this father. And he would get to go on the hunting trip with some new rules if the grades at the end of the term were not up. He then apologized to the mom, praising her for her long time efforts with all the kids.

This is exactly the right thing to say to this mom and to this day the father continues in the same manner.

I am truly grateful for these kind of trials to make me see where I can also change. I am so blessed to have a husband who truly seeks guidance from the Lord and has enough humility to be willing to make changes for me.

Thankgoodness for sweet neighbors...

Payton and Jantsen started a little lawn mowing business this summer. Jantsen needed money to go to Cooperstown and Payton...well, he just needs money! As they started out in April, they were mowing our lawn, Grandma Faux's lawn and Grandma Thorpe's. Roseann Croshaw, one of Grandma Faux's neighbors, has been going through some hard times and had her lawn mower break. She lives alone and does not have much money. Grandma (mom) was concerned about her and asked if we'd mow her lawn one or two times. I talked to Payton about it and he instantly said, "Sure, we'll just mow hers for free."

After mowing a few times, she told mom that her son had bought her a lawn mower for Mother's Day. She ended up bringing cupcakes to our house with this little note.

"Dear Laura,

Andrew and Vanessa gave me a new lawn mower for Mother's Day! I intend to be independent here, but there may be times I need help. For some reason this yard feels bigger this year. I just must say that I feel a very special Spirit in your boys, Payton and Jantsen...when they came to my home and when I delivered the cupcakes. There was a genuine feeling of caring for me. They have been taught well. You and Greg are being guided in your most important role.

Now--I love your mother and your Dad. I count it as a tender blessing to live in their neighborhood and feel of their non-judging love.

I will keep your phone number. Your family is one more way Heavenly Father is blessing me!

Love you--- Roseann C.

How powerful service can be...to those that serve and those that receive.

A year of "big" birthdays...

This has been the fastest summer we have ever had! Brooks turned 6 and finally gets to start kindergarten! He still remains the live-wire of the family.

Nick turned 8 in November and had a great experience with his baptism. He has such a quiet, gentle strength about him.

Jantsen turned 12 and was ordained a deacon. He was pretty excited to start passing the sacrament and doing fast offerings. He has never complained, but seems honored to serve the Lord in this capacity.

Payton just turned 16. Today he was ordained a priest. Greg ordained him and gave him an awesome blessing. He gets his driver's license tomorrow. He has truly grown into an amazing young man. It will be fun to see Payton bless the sacrament and Jantsen pass the sacrament.

I am again amazed at what good boys we have. I truly feel that they were sent to me, to teach me. They have all the qualities in them that I would love to have! I am humbled to be their mother.

Tender Mercies...

What a week this has been. Tuesday morning at about 11:15 I received a call from Payton asking me to come and pick him up from football. I had just taken Brooks to Mindy's to play and headed down to the high school. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a couple police cars and a bunch of football players out in the middle of the parking lot. It took me a second to notice the banged up jeep. I glanced around for Payton and my eyes fell on Hummer just a few yards from me. He was crouched down holding his head in his hands obviously distraught. My initial fear was that Payton and maybe someone I knew was in this jeep accident. Then Payton came walking slowly over to me with tears streaming down his face.

I think he was somewhat in shock as he could hardly tell me what was going on. He kept repeating one of the boy's names. I looked closer and could see two boys lying on the ground. I left the car and ran over to the accident. There were two paramedics working on one boy and I told them who I was and if I could help. They told me to check the other boy lying face down on the ground. By the time I got to him, he was talking. The ambulances arrived and we got him turned over, onto the back board and into the ambulance. He was okay.

At about this time, I looked around and really noticed all of the football players mulling around. All were in tears and some sobbing. Payton told me later that as soon as these players realized what had happened, they grabbed each others hands and fell to their knees in prayer.

The jeep had rolled. One boy (Brandon Curtis) had been pinned under the jeep, two were ejected and the driver was okay (physically--he was emotionally distraught to say the least).

Brandon was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He never gained consciousness and on Wednesday afternoon his family made the decision to pull off the life support. The community has been in mourning ever since. This boy was an amazing spiritual giant. Our prayers are with the Curtis family and also for the Cook family (Kaleb Cook was the driver).

Also on Wednesday, we had planned to head to Lake Powell for our annual trip with the Ollertons and Murdocks. They left the day before. We decided to keep the trip and also invited Hummer and Karson.

We were just about to Panguitch (about 5 miles away) when the truck (we borrowed Jeff's diesel) stopped on us. We were out of gas. We pulled off the road onto a little parking area. Greg was very frustrated with himself and was trying to decide what to do. I know we were all saying a little prayer in our hearts. After about 10 minutes and Greg deciding to hitch hike, a large truck pulling a trailer pulled in bedside us. We looked over and believe it or not, in the back of this truck was a diesel fuel pump. Greg walked over to the guy and asked him if he could buy some gas from him. The guy looked astonished. He said,"Did you run out of gas? And you need diesel fuel?" "How lucky can you get?" He had a 30 foot hose and filled our tank 3/4 full. He also had some starter fluid and after several attempts to start, the truck roared to life. We drove into Panguitch and filled the rest of the tank. We had no trouble the rest of the trip.

I believe this man was an angel sent from the Lord! The boys think Brandon had something to do with it. Either way, we experienced one of the Lord's tender mercies in our behalf.

Greg's new calling...

What a week! The Bishopric of the 9th ward ( our new home ward) was released today. Bruno Frampton is the new bishop and we couldn't be happier!! He will do such a great job. Jason White is the 1st counselor. We don't know him as well, but he has such a fun personality and we can't wait to get to know him better. Greg is the 2nd counselor. I am delighted. I know this means more Sundays without his help, but at least we are in the same ward and get to look at his handsome face each week up on the stand.

He feels a bit inadequate and says he needs to "step it up". He does not give himself enough credit. These three men are just what the 9th ward needs! But we all could "step it up" some!

This is just the calling that Greg needs and where he can serve the Lord the best. I know this was an inspired calling, but Bruno reiterated that when he told us he tried to let Greg off the hook, but while he was at the temple Greg's name just kept coming to his mind. This is truly where he should be.

Speaking in the new ward...

Greg and I had the opportunity to speak in church two weeks ago. This was the first time speaking in the 9th ward. Our topic was "Priesthood Power". We had 2 weeks to prepare. I don't know if that is good or bad. I stress about it for the whole 2 weeks! Greg didn't worry about it until the night before.

It was a great topic for me as I have never felt comfortable talking about the Priesthood. I prayed quite frequently that I would find and say the right things. I really felt the Spirit as I prepared this talk. I found some great talks to quote from and felt I should share the stories of Brooks birth and Payton's wrist. I think it went well.

Greg, of course, was amazing. Always saying the right thing and inviting the Spirit. As hard as it is to stand and speak in public, it always seems to give me the boost I need at the time.

Payton and EFY

This is a goofy picture of Payton, but then he is kind of goofy!

Payton went to EFY again this year. He went to BYU with Hummer Frampton, Karson Kester and Jace Hartman. We hardly heard from him during this week which was a little different from last year. In fact, one of the texts I sent him said, "Are you settled, How's it going?" He texted back, "I'm busy, I'll call you later, luv you". He never called later. We soon discovered that this was a good thing. He had an amazing week!

The following Sunday was fast Sunday and he stood and bore his testimony about the experiences he had and his love for the Gospel. Again the best money I have spent!

Saying Good-bye to the Singles Ward...

After 5 years, the Singles Ward Bishopric was released a week ago Sunday. I didn't realize how hard it would be. Greg went to the last bishopric meeting that morning and came home about 2 hours later. He could barely talk. He said they had had a testimony meeting, just the five of them and Brother Park (high council). They each took a moment to bear their testimony and tell how they felt about the Singles Ward and the last 5 years. Greg says it was amazing. The Spirit they all felt and the bond they have for each other is unique and unforgettable.

This Bishopric and wives (Lerron & Kellie Little, Shauna & Bruno Frampton, Grant & Judy Sumsion, Greg & I, Chad & Sherry Wright and Daryl & Chris Sisk) were truly inspired to come together to start this Stake Singles Ward. The personalities meshed so well together that the Singles Ward has been a huge success.

I know that our family has been blessed abundantly during these last 5 years and I fear what will happen without all of these great blessings. Our boys have had experiences they never would have and I have seen them grow so much. Especially Payton and Jantsen. I just pray and hope that Greg and I can continue to provide opportunities where these boys can feel the Spirit so they can continue to recognize the Lord's hand in all they do.

Most of all I love the person Greg has become. He has always been a great dad, but he sees the big picture better now. He is such a great husband to me. I know it is because he is filled with the Spirit. I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to serve and grow closer to our Savior and Father in Heaven.

Nick's sweet desire to do what's right...

Greg's Single's Ward had Fast Sunday today because of General Conference. Greg mentioned last night that it was their Fast Sunday and this morning Nick came down to get in the shower for church and said," I am going to fast today." We all got ready and Jantsen came up to get some breakfast. Nick said, "I am fasting today." So Jantsen decided to follow.

At church as they were passing the Sacrament Nick asked if it would ruin his fast if he ate the sacrament. I told him no. Then after church he told me his teacher gave them cookies after her lesson. He told her he didn't want one because he was fasting. She brought over a plate of cookies later with a sweet card that said,"Nick, thank you for being such a great example for me today and for the rest of our Primary Class. I can tell you have a lot of faith and I know Heavenly Father will bless you. Love Sister Harris. (these are for you to eat after your fast)

Nick is such an example to me also. I know how hard that must have been for him to pass up those chocolate chip cookies!
Nick also reads his scriptures for one hour every Sunday. I really didn't think he knew what he was reading until he asked me a question about Lot and the Pillar of Salt. I couldn't answer the question without reading and told him I'd get back to him. He read for a bit more then proceeded to tell me all about Sodom & Gomorrah and Lot's wife and the pillar of salt.

I was stunned.

Payton & Nick give talks in church...

Payton was asked to speak in sacrament meeting today. His topic was Joshua 24: 15 "Choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." He prepared this talk, with a little bit of help, yesterday. He told about his experience at Bishop Box's house and even got a little emotional. I know he was a bit nervous, but he stood up with confidence and had the audience laughing and then teary-eyed as he spoke from his heart. He did great! I am so grateful that he has had several spiritual experiences and that he truly knows what he is feeling.

Nick also was asked to give a talk in Primary. His topic was "Jesus was Resurrected and I can be Resurrected too". He talked about going to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights and the Visitor's Center. He talked about the huge statue of Christ and he brought our little statue from home to show. I am so proud of him. He was excited to give the talk and did a great job.

Nick chooses his profession...

Our most serious child has already decided (at age 8) what he wants to be when he grows up. After school one day last week Nick came home and said, "Well, I know what I'm going to be. I am going to be President of the United States." I stopped what I was doing and said, "Really?" He proceeded to tell me how he wants to do good things for our country and make new laws. He then said, "I will probably need you and Dad to help me, if you are still alive." We looked at a big puzzle we have of the country and after he realized how big the country really is he decided he would be Governor of the state of Utah instead.

Since then, we have given him the nickname "Gov".

Thankgoodness for good friends!

I am grateful every day for the great friends that Payton and Jantsen have. Payton has grown so much spiritually in the last year. A lot of that is because of the good friends he has in Hummer and Karson. I'm so grateful for the influence of the Framptons and especially Luke. Payton has watched him prepare for his mission and felt the power of the Spirit, last Sunday, as he bore his testimony. He has also watched Karson's older brother, Kameron, as he prepared for his mission and he hears about his experiences in Chile.

It is amazing to me to see the change in Payton as we have moved to the 9th ward. He goes to Young Men's without me even saying a word. He gave the priesthood lesson two Sundays ago. Greg helped him prepare. He stood up and taught with no hesitation. He was engaging and knew what he was doing. He and Hummer volunteered to go to Bishop Box's house tonight and teach him a lesson in "Preach My Gospel". I can see the confidence he is gaining that just wasn't there in the 7th ward. I believe this is mostly due to Hummer. I worried about moving to the 9th ward for several reasons. But I know that this is definitely where we are supposed to be.

This has been a hard year for Payton. He has learned a lot about himself and about other people. He and his two friends have really been through the "refiner's fire" and I can tell they are definitely better for it.

I am so proud of Payton. He has such a good heart. One example of this was when he broke up with a girl. He was pretty emotional and said, "I told myself I'd never make a girl cry." He told me that in one of President Monson's priesthood talks he had told the men they should never make a woman cry. He took that to heart and it was upsetting to him to think he had done that.

I am honored to be his mother and consider him one of my closest friends. I love him dearly. I love Hummer and Karson and consider them my own.

I feel much the same about Jantsen and his friends. We have been so lucky to have such good boys as friends to our boys. Jantsen has always been one to do what is right. He is such a thinker, especially when reading scriptures and talking about the Gospel. His closest friends are Seth Mortensen, Josh Elison and Scott Averett. Great boys and great families! He is so mature and talented in anything he tries. His favorite teacher, Miss Roach, told me that Jantsen is a "silent leader". She brags about her class, saying they all get along so well, they all listen well and ask deep questions. She said, "The class is this way mostly because of Jantsen". That really touched me and says so much about him.

The move to the 9th ward has probably been the hardest on him. He left lots of friends in the 7th ward. However, he has not complained once. He goes every week without a word and is excited to become a deacon. He is positive and makes the best out of hard situations. He is quick witted and has a great sense of humor. He has lots of self confidence in a humble way. He makes me look good as a mother. I love him dearly.