Happy Momma moment...

I love it when my boy texts me that he loves me!  Payton sent me a little text today at 1pm.  "I love you momma!"
How many senior boys do that?  He warms my heart! :)

Martin's Cove Stake Pioneer Trek 2011

Our stake just returned from the Martin's Cove Trek yesterday. Greg and I begged to go and eventually they made a spot for us as the medical staff for the 9th ward (our ward). We went 8 years ago as a Ma & Pa in the 7th ward. We had such an amazing experience that we really wanted to go again, especially because Payton would be going. He was placed in the Korry and Teresa Jordan family. They were awesome parents and made it a great experience for him. All of the 9th ward leaders were fantastic.

They took 8 buses for the stake and left at 6 am. Greg and I drove and pulled a big trailer with all of the sleeping bags, etc. Matt and Wendy Ollerton went with us. We arrived at the Visitors Center of Martin's Cove around 1pm. We had to trek 7 miles the first day to camp. About half way into the trek, the weather took a turn for the worse. The sky turned black, the temperature dropped and the wind picked up. A good part of the trail was about 3 inches of sand and we pushed the carts against the wind the whole way. I never heard anyone complain even though it was extremely difficult and miserable. We got to camp and put up the tents in the wind. The women made dinner (we did eat great) by warming up pulled pork and making salad. For dessert we had apple cobbler in the dutch oven. It was very hard trying to keep the burners lit and sand out of our food due to wind.

That night Greg gave an amazing fireside with the 4oz flour bags that he and I made beforehand. He talked about coming 8 years ago and praying to know if he really would've made the trek in those days. He had a very spiritual experience and came to know that even though times are different, he does have the strength and faith and would've made the trek back then.

It was a cold night making it difficult to get good sleep that night. The next morning we had to wake at 5am to make breakfast and start out for the 7 miles to Martin's Cove. We would hike with handcarts a total of 16 miles this day.

I prayed hard, wanting to feel the spirit in the Cove, or to have some kind of spiritual experience. It was breathtaking to watch 500 people single file walk up the 2 miles into the Cove, especially because there was silence the whole way. I continued praying even in the Cove to feel something. It was peaceful but I wanted to really feel something. I didn't. Coming out of the Cove I had a sweet conversation with Greg about the rescuers and the boys that crossed the Sweetwater river carrying the people across. I felt a warmth spread through my body as I thought about what the mothers of those boys must have felt when they sent them out to rescue the saints. They must have been proud, but also terrified that they would not see their sons again. I thought about sending my own sons out to rescue others and I was overcome with emotion. That is what I will be doing when I send them out on their missions. And I will not see them for 2 years and I will have the fear that I may never see them again.

We walked the 2 miles back to our handcarts and ate lunch. We then filed out again with handcarts to start back to camp. On the way, we came to a very steep hill where they stopped us as a whole stake to do the "Women's Pull". They took all the men to the top of the hill and left all the women with the handcarts at the bottom. The men were told to stand on each side of the road and watch as the women pulled the handcarts up. They were told to remove their hats as we came. I did not expect the emotion I would feel as I looked up the hill and saw these young and older men as they removed their hats and watched us pull. Tears streamed down their faces as I looked at many of them in the eyes. Then I searched the men for Greg and Payton as I was pulling and amidst all these other men, there they stood. It seemed as if they were lit up and they were the only two I could see. Again I was completely overcome with emotion and I sobbed as I realized that this was the answer I was praying for. MY FAMILY IS ETERNAL! Power that I had never felt before about my little family and how blessed we are to be sealed in the temple. I felt so grateful to the Lord for this confirmation. And what love I felt from Greg and Payton, especially as they came to me after and hugged me as if they would never let go.

The rest of the trek was amazing, the testimony meeting was incredible. Payton stood and told about his love for the story of the Stripling Warriors and the reason was because of their mothers. He paid me a great tribute and I am so blessed to have him for a son.

Payton also was asked to bear his testimony today (Sunday) about the trek and he did a great job again.

The stake is signing up to go again in 4 years. Jantsen will be able to go then and I will beg again to go. However difficult it seems to be, it is all worth it!

Learning from those life lessons...

A while back, sometime last year, I wrote about watching one of my children going through a rough time. I hoped with all my heart that "some of life's greatest lessons are learned the hard way". That is what I kept telling myself during this trying time. Well, this child did learn some great lessons.

Last year, I watched him sit the bench during basketball season (sometimes with tears in his eyes and ALWAYS with tears in mine), then he tried out for the baseball team. He made the team, but one of his best friends ended up taking his "usual" position. He was put in several different positions during the season and I think he felt a little frustrated. However, he never said a word to either me or Greg.

As the season went on and into summer ball, I watched him work extra hard in the batting cage and frequently asking Greg to work with him in fielding the ball.

This year he made the team again, but ended up starting in right field on the Varsity team as a Sophomore. He has continued to work hard and ended up getting moved to First Base. He is consistently hitting balls after games in the batting cage with Greg and just this last Varsity game against Spanish Fork (Porter pitching), Springville had only 4 hits of the game and 2 of them were Payton's. One being a double.

I am so proud of him and his ability to learn from a trial and come out better for it. I know that this not only helps him on the field, but in his personal life also.

Jantsen is another great example to me of someone who takes a negative situation and turns it into a positive. His baseball team of several years broke up this year. So Greg started one with kids Jantsen's age (he played with a team a year older) and some of them never having played baseball before. Jantsen was very sad to leave the first team. He had had such a great experience and good friends on that team, but he continued to be positive about this new team.

After their first practice game, I thought, "This is going to be a LONG season".

So far, this team has won 2 out of 4 games. That is awesome! And Jantsen has been amazing! He plays with such fire and determination! I have never seen him play so well. The other teammates see this and have caught on. He is a great leader for them and he loves it. Most all of them are his good friends. It is inspiring to watch.

(Several of these boys are on his basketball team and they are amazing! Great boys who know how to compete.) This will be a fun season no matter what happens!

TIME-OUT!!

It is amazing how just 2 days/2 nights away from the everyday can rejuvenate the soul! Greg and I went to St. George last weekend for his birthday. (January 28-30) It was 65 degrees and felt like 80. We slept a lot, shopped, ate, and went to a movie. Wow! A much needed break!!

The boys stayed with Rich & Chris. Even Ellie stayed with them. Grandma Crandall was there for the weekend also. I know what a burden that was and I am so grateful to have such wonderful in-laws! They are always willing to help whenever they can. I love them both dearly.

It is also nice to spend some undivided time with Greg. Life is too busy, fast and furious, I need to remember to take these time outs!

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.

Life Lessons

Sometimes learning those great life lessons can be excruciating...especially when the one to learn the lesson is your child. And trying to sit back and let them learn it is just as painful!! I really hope great things come of it!

Nick's baptism day. December 5th, 2009

Nick finally did it!

It was a very special day for Nick and the whole family. He was baptized at the Hobble Creek Stake Center at 9:00 am. He was baptized and confirmed by his dad. He has been so prepared and ready for this very important ordinance of the Gospel. We love you, Nick!!

Nick's baptism invitation picture...

Nick received his very own scriptures for his birthday and has been reading them every night. He is so excited for his baptism on December 5, 09.

Nick getting ready for baptism...

Nick had his Bishop's interview last Sunday for his baptism. Bishop Box gave him a Book of Mormon and a journal. He told Nick to highlight every time he reads the words Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Redeemer, or any word that describes the Lord. To show him how much the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ.

Nick has truly taken this task to heart. He cherishes that Book of Mormon and reads it every night, highlighting as he goes. He is so excited to be baptized. Every time we talk about baptism, he gets emotional. I have learned so much from him. He is truly a very spiritual boy.