So, I have to say that this has been one of the most tender days for me. It started with Sacrament meeting this morning when the newest baby Boyd was blessed. Add to that one of the sweetest Fast and Testimony meetings I have been in. And then some sweet baby time with a Wilson twin baby. (Todd, we are starting to tell them apart) And Relief Society was a great reminder of what to hold onto in times of trial. I had the chance to visit with a sweet friend who has been on my mind. It turns out that I was not wrong to be concerned and I was glad to catch up with her.
And then tonight! We had what turned out to be a Stake Adult Fireside. I thought it was just a ward thing where the bishop might talk to us about our young men and the trials they are facing, but when I pulled in there were far too many cars for that. It was very sweet. President Dalquist, the Young Men's General President, was here from Salt Lake and gave a very important talk. There were so many things shared but I wanted to just touch on a few points that he made that I hope to incorporate into my family.
First he started with a quote: "Stand close together and lift where you are." Now, that was a quote referring to moving a piano that no one could get to move but the implications run much deeper and I appreciate its reference, particularly when I think of my family. He spoke of three main things: Strengthening the home, strengthening the Kingdom, and Saving the Boy. He mentioned a book that I want to pick up that just came out by Elder Holland called "Broken Things to Mend". He pointed out that we, as parents, are often guilty of being the patsy in our homes because we are too afraid of offending our children or interfering with their right to be themselves. That we are too often relenting to things in the grey area because we don't want to upset them. I know that I am guilty of that, with many people in fact. Another important thing that I was moved by was the idea that our children must never question our faith. A reference was made that the cost is too high and may not reveal itself for a generation or two, but that there must be absolutely no question of how we feel about our Father in Heaven and what we are here to do, of what we believe. These children must know beyond doubt who we are. I am also guilty of walking a line of belief that has been questioned before as some of you know. I know that my children must have had their questions about my own faith from time to time and that is something that I must work on.
He gave us a challenge that I extend to you as well. He asked us to spend some time this week and sit down with a pad of paper and a pen and ask ourselves what we can do to strengthen our families. He said that there would be usual suspects...all of those things that we know we are already not doing...but he did say that one of the most important things is Family Home Evening. Every Monday night.
He said a lot of things that are helpful and sweet and he wants us to be mindful of three main things. 1. To make sure that these youth know that they are loved. 2. That they know that they are sons and daughters of God. and 3. That we KNOW. That we know the truth of the gospel and who we are in it.
I have been so touched today, and all week since Conference I suppose. I have learned so many sweet lessons and thought of how blessed we are. I am reminded at these times that I wish so much that they were feelings and beliefs that Larry and I share, though he is incredibly supportive. I think I mostly just wish that he could have this same comfort. I wish that for everyone that I love.
That's all for now from my "Gospel Minute", this is Heather Ganson saying Good night and Be of Good Cheer. :) (just me laughing at myself at this hour)
I know this picture is fuzzy, but I love it!
So, as you know, Halloween is always quite the event in our house. Larry has done his part in decorating the house with all the requisite spider webs and strobe lights. The kids chose their costumes early enough to have them all here on time. There are parties and trick or treating many days this week. And last night was the first. Our good friends and neighbors threw their annual Halloween Pumpkin carving/ petting zoo/ chili/ hang out in the culdesac until dark party and it was great fun. 
Had to get the hair done today and I told my sweet Sabrina that she could do whatever she wanted. (as long as I like it, of course) And this is what she did! What do you think?! I have to get used to it, but I think I love it! It's dark and shorter but fiesty! Teehee!!! It's fun to have big changes sometimes. Wahoo!
I am sifting through more pictures to post a little slide show later, or tomorrow, depending on how tired I am. I love those little faces, whose faces are not so little anymore. I can't begin to detail all of the amazing things that are happening on a daily basis around here. Larry is home and I can't tell you how happy that makes all of us. We had an incredible night at my parent's last night. You will have to check out Amber's blog for some really great pictures and thoughts. (I couldn't have said it better myself, sister) Conference was inspiring in simple ways. We had a delicious thunderstorm tonight and rain that lasted all day, forcing us to just hang out at home and enjoy. We made a fabulous "Larry" dinner and played board games. The kids were in bed by 8:30 and now I am reminiscing over these little creatures. And then there's Kimball who has just walked down the stairs and asked me to tuck him and talk for a bit. I guess they aren't too big just yet. :)
