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!!