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.